In this episode of The EX Conversation, we explore what it really takes to make internal communication work at scale — especially in complex, frontline-heavy organizations. The conversation focuses on a challenge many EX leaders are grappling with right now: how to cut through noise, deliver relevant information, and ensure messages actually land where it matters most.
Kaz is joined by Laura Kennedy, Director of Team Member Communications at Life Time, who brings a practical, experience-led perspective shaped by her background in journalism and years in internal comms. Together, they unpack why traditional approaches fall short — and what needs to change, particularly when it comes to empowering managers as the primary communication channel.
If you're navigating message overload, struggling to engage frontline employees, or trying to make manager communication more effective, this episode will feel very familiar. It offers grounded ideas you can take back into your own organization — without adding more complexity to your day.
🎧 Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening.
Episode timeline
00:00 – 03:20 | From journalism to internal comms
Laura shares her background in broadcast journalism and how it shaped her communication style.
03:20 – 06:15 | Finding alignment with purpose-led organizations
Why personal values and company mission matter — and how that influences communication.
06:15 – 09:00 | Communicating in a complex business
An inside look at Life Time’s diverse operations and what that means for internal comms.
09:00 – 11:30 | Reaching frontline, non-desk employees
How to communicate effectively with time-poor, dispersed teams without relying on email.
11:30 – 13:30 | Lessons from journalism: clarity and brevity
Why “bottom line first” messaging is critical — and how to avoid burying the lead.
13:30 – 16:50 | Managers as the most important channel
The case for prioritizing mid-level leaders as communicators — and why it matters now.
16:50 – 20:30 | Building a communication cascade strategy
How Laura’s team is structuring change communication with tiered messaging and leader toolkits.
20:30 – 23:50 | The role of the digital workplace in EX
Why friction in systems undermines communication — and the push toward a more integrated experience.
23:50 – 26:00 | Driving cross-functional alignment
How shared goals across HR, IT, and comms can unlock better employee experiences.
26:00 – 28:50 | Underrated skills in internal communication
Why business acumen is essential for credibility and influence.
28:50 – 32:30 | Books and influences
Laura shares the ideas and reading that have shaped her thinking.
32:30 – 34:50 | Career advice: ask better questions
Why curiosity is more powerful than having all the answers.
34:50 – 37:00 | What needs to go: corporate jargon
A clear stance on why plain language matters — and how jargon gets in the way.
37:00 – End | Final reflections and next guest question
Closing thoughts and a question for the next EX leader.
About The EX Conversation
The EX Conversation is a podcast series from Unily that brings together employee experience, internal communications, and digital workplace leaders from across industries.
Each episode features an open, practical conversation with people on the frontlines of EX: sharing what’s working, what’s hard, and how they’re navigating complexity in real time. No hype. No scripts. Just honest perspectives and hard-won insight to help EX leaders learn from each other and move the workplace forward.