In this episode of The EX Conversation, Kaz sits down with Funmi Williams, Head of Internal Communications for AND-E, to explore her career journey from aspiring lawyer to communications leader, and the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership.
The conversation goes beyond career progression to examine what it means to navigate corporate environments when you don't see yourself reflected in leadership. Funmi shares candid insights on resilience, confidence, representation, and why creating inclusive workplace cultures remains a critical challenge for organizations today.
If you're an internal communications, employee experience, HR, or workplace leader grappling with questions around inclusion, belonging, leadership development, or authentic communication, you'll find plenty of practical reflection points in this discussion. For anyone trying to create environments where people can thrive without compromising who they are, this episode offers a thoughtful and honest perspective.
🎧 Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening.
Episode timeline
00:25 – 08:29 | From Law to Internal Communications
Funmi shares her career journey, from studying law and discovering marketing to building a career across organizations including Kantar, JLL, CBRE, HSBC, Amazon, and AND-E.
08:29 – 14:58 | Progressing Through Corporate Organizations
A discussion on navigating large corporate environments, overcoming barriers, building confidence, and developing a leadership style rooted in authenticity.
14:58 – 20:10 | The Importance of Defining Your Own Leadership Style
Kaz and Funmi reflect on role models, challenging outdated leadership norms, and the value of intentionally shaping the kind of leader you want to be.
20:10 – 23:10 | Diverse Perspectives and Better Communication
The conversation explores how different lived experiences can strengthen communication, empathy, and understanding in the workplace.
23:10 – 31:25 | Identity, Belonging, and Workplace Realities
Funmi shares personal experiences of moving between cultures, feeling different in various environments, and navigating bias, code-switching, and workplace challenges throughout her career.
31:25 – 32:17 | Building Support Networks and Allies
A discussion on the role of mentors, allies, and professional networks in helping individuals navigate corporate environments and grow their careers.
32:17 – 35:30 | What Internal Communicators Can Do to Drive Inclusion
Funmi outlines practical actions for communicators, including hiring diverse talent, listening to employees, consulting widely, and supporting the next generation of communications professionals.
35:30 – 36:34 | Designing Communications for Different Audiences
Examples of audience segmentation and tailoring communications to better reflect the diverse needs and experiences of employees.
36:34 – 37:32 | Looking Ahead to Part Two
Kaz reflects on the conversation and suggests a follow-up episode to explore more of Funmi's communications expertise.
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.