Episode 2

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Published on:

1st Aug 2024

S5 E2: Change Management and Leadership Communication with Marjaana Toiminen

In the world of change management, having a well-crafted narrative is essential for guiding leaders and employees through times of transition.

Marjaana Toiminen, Head of Change Management at Ellun Kanat, emphasizes the importance of a change narrative that is aligned with the leadership team and resonates with all staff members. This narrative serves as a roadmap for understanding why change is necessary, what the current situation entails, and what the vision for the future looks like. It is a tool that helps leaders communicate effectively and provide a sense of empathy and hope during turbulent times.

Change cannot be dictated from the top down; it must involve input and participation from all levels of the organization. Managers play a crucial role in facilitating this process by engaging in dialogue, answering questions, and involving staff in the planning and implementation of change initiatives. Marjaana discusses the importance of creating opportunities for staff to have a say in their work environment and influence the changes that affect them.

Key Takeaways

  • Leaders must prioritize communication skills and develop a cohesive change narrative to guide their teams through change initiatives.
  • Effective change management involves proactive preparation, alignment among leadership, and authentic communication that resonates with employees.
  • Involving managers in the change process, fostering dialogue, and showing empathy are key elements of successful change management efforts.
  • Change management requires a strong, aligned narrative that is communicated effectively across all levels of an organization.
  • A good change narrative should include background information, news about current happenings, authentic empathy, and a vision for the future.

About the Guest

Marjaana Toiminen is a partner and Head of Change Management at Ellun Kanat, a full service communications agency in Helsinki, Finland. Previously she worked as a managing director in a media company for 8 years. Prior to that she was an editor-in-chief for 10 years. Marjaana's main focus is facilitating strategies and change programs for companies and the public sector. She is interested in future foresight practices, companies' ability to change and adapt towards future as well as the possibility of individuals to find their potential in the disruption of work.

About the Host

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

PRGN Presents is brought to you by Public Relations Global Network, the world’s local public relations agency. Our executive producer is Adrian McIntyre.

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About the Podcast

PRGN Presents: News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network
Leading a business effectively in today's fast-paced and interconnected world requires expert guidance and a strong communications strategy. The Public Relations Global Network is here to help.
PRGN Presents is the essential podcast for international business leaders, non-profit executives, and those who hire public relations, marketing, and communications firms. It provides an exclusive look into the ever-evolving world of PR and communications, featuring experts from the Public Relations Global Network, “the world’s local public relations agency.”

Is your message winning hearts and minds? No matter where you do business, there is a PRGN member agency in your region with the deep industry expertise, international experience, and local market knowledge you need to connect with your target audience and achieve your goals.

Whether you're an executive looking to improve your organization's communication strategy or an in-house marketing professional looking to bring in an outside firm to support a specific campaign, this podcast will provide valuable insights on how to communicate effectively and build lasting relationships with customers, staff, and communities around the world.

In each episode, you’ll hear PR professionals and industry experts share valuable insights and perspectives on the latest trends in public relations, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), media relations, crisis management, investor relations, stakeholder engagement, executive thought leadership, and strategic communications.

About your hosts

Abbie S. Fink

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Abbie S. Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of the Public Relations Global Network. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations. Abbie is often invited to present to a wide variety of business and civic organizations on such topics as media relations, social media and digital communications strategies, crisis communications, and special events management.

Adrian McIntyre, PhD

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Dr. Adrian McIntyre is a social scientist, storytelling strategist, and internationally recognized authority on effective communication. His on-air experience began in 1978 at the age of five as a co-host of "The Happy Day Express," the longest-running children's radio program in California history. Adrian earned his PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a Fulbright scholar and National Science Foundation research fellow. He spent nearly a decade in the Middle East and Africa as a researcher, journalist, and media spokesperson for two of the largest humanitarian relief agencies in the world. Today he advises and trains entrepreneurs, executives, and corporate teams on high-performance communication, the power of storytelling, and how to leverage digital media to build a personal leadership brand.