Each month we’re going to showcase our valued members in the Company of Communicators.
This month, we’re speaking to Uzma Lodhi – who has recently joined the company. Currently Director, Head of Global Internal Communications at APCO, she has enjoyed a career across Europe, advising senior leadership on communication best practices, crisis communication, and change management.
How long have you been in Communications?
“Since leaving university, nearly 20 years ago!”
How did you come to Communications?
“As with all good things in life, communications was a happy accident. I began my career in Public Affairs, and in 2010 I moved to Belgium to work for the British Chamber of Commerce in events. As I was promoted, my role focused more and more in communications. After 8 years it was time to move back home to London, which is when I moved to APCO.”
What has been a highlight of working in Communications?
“It’s a tough question but I really enjoyed has been launching a baking competition as part of the British Chamber of Commerce in Brussels, from the beginning when I pitched the idea to my boss, to managing the creative campaign to our members which included all of the baking puns you could think of, to securing celebrity judges and prizes for the teams. It was an example at the time of a communicators dream for all of our stakeholders actively engaged and wanted to plan future events.”
Quick fire questions!
What is your favourite podcast and why? “There are too many to pick just one, but those on regular rotation at the moment include This is Entertainment, Wonderbox, and Pod Saves the UK.”
Which media outlet is your favourite and why?
“As you can tell, I’m a big fan of podcasts picking the first question! It has quickly become my preferred media type, longer form interviews and discussions mean you can get to the meat of the issue, explain rationale and talk through topics more holistically. And from a listeners perspective, you can compare views quicker and form a truer opinion – I suppose it was what TV was in the 80s/90s.”
Should you put funnies in speeches?
“It really all depends on the context and length of the speech. If you’ve got time, if it’s the right audience and subject, absolutely you should. Humour is a great way to win people round, humanise you as the speaker and – in most part - it is what leaves an impression.”
To connect with Uzma, here is her LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzmalodhi/
If you would like to learn more about how to join the Company of Communicators, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the clerk, Ian Wingfield, who can be reached on email - clerk@companyofcommunicators.org
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