Cultivating change: Why internal communities are the quiet revolution we need
By Chared Verschuur, IABC EMENA Board DirectorWhen I sat down with Tony Stewart for our latest IABC EMENA podcast, I expected insights. What I didn’t expect was a garden metaphor that would reshape how I view internal communication.
Tony’s take on internal community management is clear: it’s time to stop broadcasting and start gardening. We need to be intentional about what we grow, why we grow it, and who we’re growing it for. Internal communities, when nurtured with care, can help organizations move from information overload to meaningful dialogue. They bridge silos, spark innovation, and build trust—especially in a hybrid world where connection often feels transactional.
But this isn’t just about digital platforms. It’s about purpose. Whether it’s an employee resource group or a network formed around Super Mario or cooking, these communities are often where real connection (and quiet revolutions) begin. Tony shared stories that prove the point—from a Japanese office translating corporate comms to local language to executive leaders showing up in comment threads. Real transformation doesn’t always start at the top—it often starts in the comments section.
The key takeaway? Internal communication is evolving. And if we want to stay relevant, we need to embrace the tools, the tone, and the trust that internal communities offer. So here’s my question to you: what kind of garden are you growing?
Listen to the full episode and let me know what seeds it plants for you.
Listen to the full episode here: https://on.soundcloud.com/X9Q8zebtNroGfw8o6
