During my tenure as Executive Officer of the Digital Buildings Council (DBC), a significant part of my “Market Engagement” approach involved developing communication strategies that addressed unique organisational challenges. One such initiative was the creation of a podcast series, designed not only for external promotion but also to serve a vital internal communications role. The very first episode, titled “Meet the Executives,” launched on 16 August 2024:

This series was conceived to overcome a specific challenge: with time-poor executives scattered across the UK, Ireland, and often overseas due to their international roles, coordinating regular in-person meetings was exceptionally difficult. The podcast offered an efficient way to introduce the Executive Team to the broader membership, fostering a sense of community and understanding without the logistical hurdles.

As host, I introduced my fellow executives Jess Costanzo, Mike Hook, and Kevin Brownell, facilitating a discussion that delved into their roles within the DBC and outlined the council’s formation, purpose, and vision. The conversation explored key challenges for market growth in the smart building sector, emphasising the importance of collaboration, diversity, and the nuanced debate over terms like ‘smart’ versus ‘digital’ buildings. The executives also outlined critical work streams, focusing on Return on Investment (ROI), mitigating value engineering, the significance of early engagement in projects, and bridging the gap between construction and operational phases.

This podcast served a dual purpose, exemplifying my strategic communication approach:

• Internal Engagement: It functioned as a crucial internal communication tool, helping members get to know the Executive Team and the council’s strategic direction. This complemented the “Profiles & Case Studies” section I set up on the DBC site, alongside the “News & Views” section, further aiding member-to-member introduction and understanding.
• External Promotion & Network Amplification: The content generated was used to promote members, their representative executives, and activities via the DBC’s LinkedIn page. Crucially, I would then amplify these posts to my extensive social media following. This latter aspect highlights how the DBC leveraged my personal social media network and influence as a key part of their external promotional strategy – a point of particular relevance given my later correspondence regarding the value I brought to the organisation.

Through initiatives like this podcast, my activities extended beyond traditional roles to include essential internal communications and strategic external amplification. It showcases how I leveraged diverse engagement approaches to enhance the DBC’s visibility, foster community, and drive its mission forward during my time as Executive Officer.