Cafe2Go #81: Barbara Fagan-Smith on 2012 World Conference

May 4th, 2012 by Shel Holtz, ABC
Barbara Fagan-Smith

IABC International Executive Board member Barbara Fagan-Smith talks about sponsoring the IABC World Conference — and how she marries her company’s sponsorship with her love of juggling — in this episode of Cafe2Go. In addition, Fagan-Smith — who is founder and CEO of ROI Communications — shares some insights into her conference presentation, which explores the heightened need for highly engaged employees in the age of transparency.

CW Radio #26: Use research to make your case to senior leaders, an interview with Alison Davis

May 2nd, 2012 by Jessica Burnette-Lemon

CEOs and other executives might understand that communication is important, but they may not see what impact it is has on the business, or the value of their own communciation efforts. In this interview, author Alison Davis talks about her article in the May-June CW about how to use five kinds of research to make the case to executives about the value of communication, and how their own role in communicating with employees can make a difference.

Cafe2Go #80: The Executive Accreditation Seminar with Jennifer Wah, ABC, MC, and Ryan Williams, ABC

April 29th, 2012 by Neville Hobson, ABC

The Executive Accreditation Seminar (EAS) is an intensive learning program designed for senior-level communicators seeking IABC’s Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation, offered in partnership with Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, Canada.

In a collaborative and interactive learning environment, participants can expect personal coaching that provides critical insight into the requirements of accreditation.  The EAS program combines the elements of the traditional IABC accreditation process with a Leadership Development Challenge that leverages the experience, responsibilities and strategic planning skills of advanced practitioners.

Jennifer Wah, ABC, MC,  Chair of IABC’s Accreditation Committee, and Ryan Williams, ABC, Chair of IABC’s Research Committee and successful EAS participant, discuss the EAS program including their assessment of the benefits for participants. Ryan also shares his thoughts as a participant including highlights from his experience and his overall rating of the program.

  • The next EAS at Royal Roads University will be from 30 September to 5 October, 2012. The deadline for applications is 18 May, 2012. A second program will take place in November 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. For detailed information, visit the EAS website.

Jennifer Wah, ABC, MC, is a professional storyteller. For the past 24 years, she has consulted to, found the stories within, and won numerous awards for, clients including the University of British Columbia, Vancity and TransCanada. Her company, Forwords Communication Inc., is based in Vancouver, Canada.

In 2009 she was recognized with IABC Canada’s highest honour, the Master Communicator designation.

Jennifer has been involved with IABC for 24 years, in chapter, regional and international leadership roles, including previously serving on the International Executive Board from 2001-2003. Jennifer became accredited in 1997, founded the Accreditation Completion Program model used in chapters around the world, and is currently serving as chair of the IABC Accreditation Committee.

Ryan Williams, ABC, specializes in internal communications, research and leadership development. He has a passion for servant leadership and shares the positive impact it can have on the lives of employees and organizational performance. His experience has involved strategy development, service improvements, communication audits, change management, and employee engagement. He facilitates planning, designs research, constructs effective questions, communicates results, and produces action.

Ryan was recognized by the International Public Relations Institute with the Golden Ruler Award of Excellence for Measurement in 2004 for his work with the Alberta Medical Association. He has won three IABC Gold Quill Awards. He is a member of the IABC international executive board and chairs the research committee. Ryan is a three-time Blue Ribbon Panel Judge for the Gold Quill Awards.

Ryan earned his Masters of Arts in Leadership from Trinity Western University in 2007, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration with a major in Community Development from The University of Alberta.