With Kristin Hancock & Chuck Gose

“Nothing plain about these top internal communications voices talking real problems in PR”

You’ve probably done it without realizing it. 

You may have even done it at your place of employment or in front of your boss. 

It’s called “commsplaining” and it’s an epidemic plaguing communicators around the world. This traces its roots to the decidedly eyeroll-worthy workplace practice known as mansplaining  … (simply put, it’s the know-it-all who projects themselves as the experts about issues that, very likely, you know more about.)

But fear not! Hope is around the corner and help is on its way – provided by a pair of locals who are frequent problem-solving contributors to national PRSA conferences. Chuck and Kristin have crafted a humorous session for all you public relations specialists that will be beneficial to those of you on both the internal or external audiences. Engaging with them is key your success, so here’s an opportunity to learn from this dynamic duo and take ownership and overcome the denial we all have about explaining away our challenges. 

In this 45-minute session at Latvian Center, they offer up an uncomfortable (and illuminating) conversation about the real problems communicators are up against. We’ll determine if they’re really as complex as they seem. They’ll provide brutally honest examples of working through “commsplains” such as survey fatigue, budget cuts, short attention spans and leaders (and PR clients) who just aren’t on board.

As most of you know from your PR studies, trusted counsel and internal communications comprise one-sixth of the profession’s 12 core competencies. If communicators want to be taken seriously, we need to own our roles. After all, you can’t “commsplain” your way to a seat with the C-suite.

PRSA Hoosier Chapter’s second lunch-and-learn of 2024 is affordably priced – just $15 for the knowledge and $15 (optional) for the meal, provided by Midtown sandwich shop Hoagies and Hops. Type your name in the comment field and choose the cold sub of your choice here. 

We convene at the Latvian Community Center, conveniently located on the Northside for communicators residing in Marion and Hamilton counties. Free parking on site: 1008 West 64th Street.

More on our guests:

Kristin is just a small-town girl living in a fabulous world, Kristin is always looking for magic moments in the employee experience. Her 15+ years in corporate communications have given her a unique perspective on work, life, and how human connection improves both. She is a sought-after expert – even LinkedIn lists her as a “Top Internal Communications Voice.”

This passion has drawn her to meaningful roles with organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities. With a strong background in health care, government, and non-profit communications, Kristin’s approach is always “employees-first.” It should come as no surprise that impossibly big projects excite Kristin the most. She believes strongly in the necessity of compassion and the power of community.

In 2020 Kristin revitalized the ICology brand, alongside its founder Chuck Gose, her partner in life and work. ICology began as a resource dedicated to the internal communications profession and boldy starting the conversation about how communicators can do more, can be more and usually are more than they realize. ICology is now a thriving community of internal communicators who are leading the change in our industry and transforming the future of work, one office at a time.

Kristin is a Canadian immigrant living in Indianapolis and learning how to America. When she’s not connecting communicators, she is probably handing out dog biscuits at her local animal shelter and giving belly rubs to the pups who need it most.

Twitter/X: @KristinAnneH
LinkedIn: @kristinannehancock

Chuck is a self-proclaimed Skyline Chili connoisseur and Duran Duran fan with nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, corporate communications, and internal communications. His unrivaled passion and enthusiasm for the communications profession began early in his career at General Motors and Rolls-Royce, where he became fascinated by the positive impact internal communications can have on a company’s success.

At Firstup, he is the Head of Community & Industry Insights. In this role, he creates content and opportunities for the internal communications community and the Firstup customer community. He also hosts the Culture, Comms & Cocktails podcast that features the best and brightest the internal comms profession offers … plus cocktail recommendations, naturally.

Besides his connections as the founder of ICology, Chuck is the co-creator of the Periodic Table of Internal Communications and the co-author of “The Very Hungry Communicator.” He lives in Indianapolis but stays true to his Buckeye roots. He attended Butler University and am a diehard Butler basketball fan. Even though he is very, very tall, Chuck has to travel in airplanes like everyone else – in some cases, that includes once flying in a blimp.

Twitter/X: @chuckgose
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chuckgose