
As one of smart/tasking’s trusted client partners, Kate thrives on creating meaningful connections that drive engagement, encourage collaboration, and deliver lasting impact. With her wealth of experience and a sharp eye for aligning communication strategies with business goals, Kate has become a go-to advisor for businesses navigating change. In this spotlight, we ask about her approach, insights, and the projects that fuel her enthusiasm for making a difference.
What’s the most rewarding project you’ve worked on with smart/tasking so far?
The work I’ve done with smart/tasking on various Government Departments has been some of the most rewarding of my career, giving me a real sense of purpose and pride.
From driving large-scale transformations to delivering focused smart/comms communications strategies, every project has shared one common thread - purpose.
I’ve helped teams navigate change, simplified complex messages, and ensured alignment with critical goals. What they all have in common is that they have provided a real tangible impact to the public and that’s just so satisfying.
Purpose has always been a big motivator for me - it’s what gets me up in the morning - and being able to combine that with meaningful work that supports Government missions has been incredibly fulfilling.
What do you think makes internal comms such a powerful tool during times of change?
Internal communications is a lifeline during change, keeping people informed, aligned, and engaged. Clear, consistent, and timely messaging helps employees understand not just what’s happening, but why it’s happening and what the expected outcomes are.
It’s also about building trust. Transparency reduces uncertainty, while encouraging two-way communication makes people feel heard and valued. Internal comms can break down resistance, boost morale, and rally teams around shared goals - turning change into an opportunity for growth rather than fear.
Ultimately, internal comms brings employees along for the journey, showing them how they fit into the bigger picture and how they can make an impact.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to organisations trying to engage employees through a challenging transition?
How can I stick to just one?!!!
Engaging employees during a tough transition starts with clarity and consistency. Regular updates - even small ones - maintain trust and prevent anxiety. Transparency about what’s known, what’s still evolving, and what’s next makes people feel included rather than left in the dark.
It’s equally important to create spaces for two-way communication - whether through Q&A sessions, surveys, or town halls. Listening and responding to concerns helps employees feel supported and builds confidence in leadership.
Finally, give people a sense of purpose and progress. Explain the bigger picture and celebrate small wins along the way. Offering practical resources like wellbeing support and manager toolkits shows that their experience matters. When employees feel valued, they’re far more likely to embrace change.
What’s a typical day like for you when you’re managing a change or communications project?
No two days are ever the same, but a few themes keep things running smoothly.
Mornings usually start with a priority review - checking timelines, deadlines, and any updates that might affect the plan. A quick stand-up meeting with the team or stakeholders helps align efforts and address any blockers early.
The day then shifts to content creation - drafting key messages, FAQs, email updates, and presentations. Collaboration is key, so I spend time working with HR, leadership, and other teams to refine materials and test ideas.
I also focus on engagement tactics - planning webinars, drop-in Q&A sessions, and surveys to keep communication open. Tracking data and feedback helps me adjust tactics as the project evolves.
Afternoons often involve forward planning - preparing leadership briefings and identifying ways to highlight progress. It’s about balancing strategy with the personal touches that make communication feel human and impactful.
If you could sum up your approach to internal comms in three words, what would they be and why?
Purposeful, Inclusive, Human
Why? Every piece of communication should have a clear purpose, make people feel part of the journey, and connect on a human level to build relationships and understanding.
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