Sarah Lazenby has an in-depth knowledge of communication and employee engagement, having worked across multiple industries including healthcare, retail, financial services, IT, manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, rail, telecoms and UK Government. She is a Fellow of the UK's Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC); an award-winning writer and editor; winner for Team of the Year in the Communique Awards 2021, and is a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) - which runs community based projects aimed at addressing the needs of local people. In this fascinating and funny interview she talks about her love of journalism, how her career began and some of the hilarious stories and experiences she's had along the way. Sarah's depth of knowledge in communications at complex organisations; crisis and issues management; leadership coaching; commercial instincts; and social / digital media skills, have stood her in good stead throughout a colourful life and career. She's also passionate about integrating internal and external communications, to bring campaigns, brands and business strategies to life for everyone.
Sam Bleazard in conversation with Sarah Lazenby pt 1.
1min30s - '...my heart is in healthcare...'
2mins30s - Investigative journalist at heart? "I was nosey as a child...and always loved writing..."
3mins30s - "Is there anything else you think I should know...?"
5mins - Working on the Eastbourne Advertiser and getting a letter from Levi Jeans in the US - threatening legal action.
6mins43s - "Saving Sarah on the South Coast!" Getting a shot on the News features desk in the '80s...
7mins30s - Queuing outside Kelvin Mackenzie's office...
8mins30s - Editing the Dear Deirdre letter column at The Sun
11mins - Writing in a disciplined way, and being a great Editor
12mins30s - Sarah's funniest stories at The Sun newpaper, "...there were 4m readers at the time..."
13mins30s - Corporate storytelling, and fantastic tales...
16mins - Is there mischief in it at some level?
17mins - Holding up a mirror sometimes...the importance of authenticity and being resilient
18mins - Memories of first corporate roles
19mins - Moving into consultancy and managin crisis comms in the Rail industry
22mins - How has Internal Communications changed over the years as a profession? Behavioural change and the role of leaders...
24mins - Working closely with External Comms teams
26mins - Favourite bosses or line managers over the years?
28mins - A love of mud-wrestling!
29mins - "I love a leader where you feel that anything is possible..."