In this case study, Cisco Sr. Director of Purpose Communications and Strategic Engagements Paul Wendel and Purpose Writing and Content Lead Amanda Wolkin share how Cisco revamped its siloed, disconnected purpose blog to give it a cohesive narrative, develop a robust intake process, amplify content internally and externally, and continue to improve its performance. For its efforts, Cisco won the “Best Blog” honor at Ragan’s 2025 Employee Communications Awards.
Getting leadership buy-in for culture initiatives, including social impact programs, can be difficult. The key is to tie it to your company’s purpose, which will drive measurable results, align with business goals, and withstand leadership turnover. In this session, you’ll hear from a communications leader who has scaled impact efforts from local outreach to influencing over a billion lives — all by embedding purpose into their organization’s culture, not a side initiative. You’ll learn:
This single, intermediate-level module from Ragan’s Justin Joffe will teach you a structured approach to building purpose-driven narratives that resonate with decision makers. You’ll learn how to frame the rationale, apply a narrative arc that connects emotional cues to rational goals, and present your narrative to executives effectively.
Much like a baby tiger in the wild, AI is almost irresistibly alluring. But, just as those tiger cubs inevitably grow up into formidable and fierce adults, the dangers and risks of AI make it a force unto itself. Useful and profitable, yes, but also inherently powerful and risky. Join celebrated speaker, AI strategist and tech visionary Noelle Russell for a surprising and practical take on how to implement AI responsibly, ethically and profitably at your organization. Responsible AI promises immense opportunity, but unguided enthusiasm can unleash serious risks. You’ll learn insights to help you:
It’s no secret that DE&I initiatives, CSR policies, and ESG principles have rapidly evolved with changes in terminology and focus. Despite a politicized environment, effectively communicating the business benefits of a more inclusive and adaptable workplace remains crucial and must be demonstrated through tangible results. Join this session to learn how leaders are successfully navigating these evolving concepts. You’ll learn:
The world is changing, and it is not slowing down any time soon. As the sure-to-be contentious 2024 election looms amid a divided nation and the world navigates escalating global conflicts, it’s crucial that your organization consider and fold in employees from the outset. In this opening keynote, you’ll learn how we can make the important internal shifts needed to catapult us forward, so we can be better leaders, managers, and communicators to our fellow employees during a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. Through the story of Caleb's own inward personal journey, he shares techniques he’s learned to become a resilient, more complete person, and how he’s had to work through rapid change and stress. Learn how to connect, empower, and communicate with leadership and employees—and reclaim your own job satisfaction and joy in the process.
At a time when every message counts, Courtney Williams exemplifies how to craft narratives that resonate beyond the noise. As the head of communications for the Obama Foundation, her expertise in blending mission with media is more crucial than ever. She’ll share how to captivate press and public alike with authentic storytelling that inspires action in these charged times. Join us to amplify your reach—and media results—when it matters most. We’ll touch on:
Empathy, inclusivity and a strong sense of purpose are instrumental in building cohesive teams that are deeply connected to the brand’s mission. These foundational principles guide Kate Barton, Chief Growth Officer at The Honest Company, as she helps build a team dynamic that reinforces a positive, inclusive culture. In this fireside, Barton will share her strategies for strengthening internal communications and fostering a culture that champions team building. With a career spanning high-impact roles at Magnolia, Estee Lauder’s Aveda, Johnson & Johnson, and General Mills, Barton has consistently leveraged her expertise to nurture environments where creativity and collaboration flourish. This conversation will explore Barton's perspective on the role of communications in unlocking the full potential of teams, driving brand growth, and navigating change and uncertainty. Attendees will learn about the communication strategies Barton employs to ensure alignment across diverse teams, her approach to problem-solving within a rapidly growing organization, and how she cultivates a workplace where every team member is empowered to contribute to the company's success.
In today's complex and divided world, striking the right balance between providing purposeful, meaningful work and ensuring a safe space for employees requires careful consideration. When external messaging or corporate decisions will affect employee safety, including positions of support or opposition to social justice movements, international conflicts, LGBTQ+ rights, public health stances or COVID-19 policies and more, communicators must leap into action. In this session, we’ll explore how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can be thoughtfully integrated into organizational culture, fostering an environment where employees feel both fulfilled by their work and secure in their workplace.
Nearly 90% of execs say thought leadership significantly shapes opinions of an organization — and that’s a huge opportunity for communicators in times of change. Learn how to craft clear, straightforward and transparent thought leadership content and strategies that rings as a voice of reason in the most challenging moments, including periods of restructuring, return-to-office implementation and even acquisitions. You’ll learn:
