Under Embargo Podcast

Pushing Past Bureaucracy: Fast-Tracking Comms Strategy and AI in Public Affairs

Struggling with adapting fast-paced communications strategies to public sector realities? Ian Bain, executive director of strategy and communications, reveals the mindset shifts and tactical approaches that helped bridge his transition from corporate comms to education governance with real community impact.In this episode, we explore:• Building effective communications in government environments and navigating bureaucratic hurdles• Leveraging AI tools in public education and communications while managing ethics and workforce changes• Strengthening agency-media relationships and crisis preparedness for public trustIan Bain is a leader, storyteller, and communications expert, drawing on decades in corporate, political, and public education roles to inform strategy and mentor teams on ethical, impactful messaging.Listen now to discover how to balance innovation with accountability in your public sector communications work.

Integrating AI Into PESO: Shattering Silos and Building the Future of Comms Talent w/ Gini Dietrich, Founder and CEO at Spin Sucks

Struggling with integrating AI into your communications strategy? Gini Dietrich, creator of the PESO Model and communications leader, reveals actionable ways to align paid, earned, shared, and owned media workflows with modern AI tools for better results.In this episode, we explore:• How the PESO Model evolved to bridge traditional silos and deliver message consistency [00:00]• Real-world examples of embedding AI for media monitoring and crisis readiness [15:30] • Organizational shifts needed for continuous AI learning and cross-team collaboration [28:45]Gini Dietrich is a globally recognized communications and PR expert, founder of Spin Sucks, and architect of the PESO Model, specializing in integrated strategy and professional development.Listen now to discover how to break down silos and leverage AI for communications that drive measurable impact.

A Comms Recruiter Perspective: Shifting Skill Sets and the New Comms Career Playbook w/ Brooke Kruger, Communications Recruiter and Founder at KC Partners

Struggling with how to stand out in an evolving communications job market? Brooke Kruger, communications recruiter and founder of KC Partners, reveals critical skill shifts and career positioning strategies that helped comms professionals land roles as hiring trends rebound.In this episode, we explore:• Why AI proficiency and adaptability are now baseline requirements for PR and comms careers [00:00]• How the fragmentation of media and new channels like podcasts and Substack are reshaping storytelling and candidate value [15:30] • Practical LinkedIn tactics, personal branding, and the real impact of reporting structures on comms influence and compensation [28:45]Brooke Kruger is a leading executive recruiter with over 25 years’ experience building communications teams for tech, startup, and VC-backed companies. She brings deep market insight into what skills, roles, and approaches stand out as the industry transforms.Listen now to discover how to future-proof your communications career and navigate the shifting landscape.

AI Isn’t Autopilot: Real Tactics for Upskilling Comms and Winning Earned Attention w/ Chris Gee

Struggling with how to translate AI buzz into meaningful, practical impact for your communications strategy? Chris Gee, CEO and AI strategist, reveals specific workflows and skill shifts that enable PR teams to boost productivity, shape reputation, and position brands for visibility in AI-driven search. In this episode, we explore:• How AI accelerates slide and content creation for PR pros [00:04:00]• Approaches to optimizing your brand’s presence and discoverability in LLM platforms • Why multi-generational and continuous upskilling is key to navigating AI-driven workforce changesChris Gee is a digital communications executive, AI consultant, and founder of Chris Gee Consulting, with two decades advising agencies and brands on ethical AI adoption and digital innovation. Listen now to discover how to level up your PR team’s strategy, efficiency, and competitive edge in the AI communications era.

Rewriting Corporate Culture: How Chili Piper Scales with Humans, AI Agents, and Radical Decision-Making w/ Alina Vandenberghe, Co-Founder at Chili Piper

Send us a textWhat happens when an engineer-turned-entrepreneur brings B2C energy to B2B enterprise software and a borderline obsession with fixing broken meetings? You get Alina Vandenberghe—co-founder and Co-CEO of Chili Piper, the woman who turned scheduling software into a billion-dollar empire while managing teams across 38 countries (and somehow still finds time to make her employees build AI agents).From starting work at 8 years old to building stealth iPad apps that caught Steve Jobs' attention, Alina's journey is equal parts inspiring and remarkable. In this episode, Becca sits down solo with one of enterprise software's most magnetic leaders to discuss how she turned corporate culture on its head.You'll discover:— Her early career wins (including a New York Times interview before she could barely speak English)— Chili Piper's radical approach to decision-making and culture design— Why every employee is required to build AI agents— How LinkedIn became her unexpected writing school— Why parenting, product-building, and personal growth are all connected by the same thread: curiosityThis episode is packed with tactical ideas and vulnerable reflections—from the power of documentation to the messiness of leadership to what it means to find joy while you're building something hard. Stick around for walkout songs, emoji debates, and a rapid-fire round featuring your favorite unhinged “hiccups or pinkies” question.