Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

#174 The evolution of communications and the addition of AI (Part 1) (ft. Adrian Cropley)

Jun 10, 2026 · 25 min · 10 segments

What does the future hold for communication professionals as AI continues to reshape the workplace? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we chat with global communication leader Adrian Cropley AM…

What does the future hold for communication professionals as AI continues to reshape the workplace? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we chat with global communication leader Adrian Cropley AM to explore one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing communicators today. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Adrian reflects on the major technological shifts that have transformed the profession, from the rise of email and the internet to social media and now artificial intelligence. Together, we go even further into the nitty gritty on AI this week to discuss why it's different, what lessons communicators can learn from previous waves of disruption, and why trust, ethics and governance are becoming increasingly important. The conversation explores the growing challenge of AI-generated content, misinformation and declining trust, as well as the role communicators can play in helping organisations adopt AI responsibly. Adrian also shares his thoughts on whether AI will replace communication jobs, the risks facing entry-level roles, and how communicators can reposition themselves as trusted advisors rather than simply content creators. You'll also hear practical insights on the skills professionals need to develop, including AI literacy, governance, ethical decision-making, strategic counsel, storytelling and change communication. This episode offers valuable perspective and practical guidance for navigating what's next... and so does next week's, so stay tuned for Part 2 of this conversation with Adrian Cropley. Links mentioned in this episode: - AI-use survey - Adrian's Lin ke dIn - Cropley C omm s - 90 minute S tra tegy Power Se ssion - Publ ic workshops and training - Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book - Template packs - Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book - Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! **Say hi!** Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

What does the future hold for communication professionals as AI continues to reshape the workplace? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we chat with global communication leader Adrian Cropley AM…

Setting the Stage & Guest Intro0:00 – 2:16

0:00

If you're working in any sector right now, you might be wondering where the future of your profession lies.

0:06

With global trust levels plummeting, AI use and development skyrocketing, and the world order as we know it being flipped on its head, nobody is immune to change.

0:16

So we all need to think carefully and deeply about how we can future-proof our careers, including what skills we'll need to build and what skills we might need to let go of.

0:27

And for communication professionals, we should already be well and truly on that path, but if you're not yet, or you're still feeling a little lost, or maybe you just want to validate that you're on the right track, then the next two episodes are for you.

0:42

Because I interviewed a person who is at the very forefront of what's happening in the communication profession, and he spilled the beans.

0:50

Introducing Adrian Cropley.

0:52

Apart from being just a jolly good human, Adrian is a global leader in strategic communication, co-founder of the Center for Strategic Communication Excellence, and a director on the board of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.

1:07

The Alliance brings together representatives from all different comms and PR associations from around the world.

1:13

With more than 35 years experience, Adrian has advised organizations worldwide on change, leadership communication, reputation, and culture.

1:22

He is also a past global chair of the International Association of Business Communicators and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia.

1:31

He is also a recognized advocate for responsible AI, helping organizations to harness emerging technologies while building trust, engagement, and measurable business outcomes.

1:42

We had such a long and juicy chat that we've decided to split it across two episodes.

1:48

So today is part one of this two-part series with Adrian.

1:53

In the first half of our conversation, we covered things like the ethics of AI-powered bots, the big waves of technology change we've already experienced in the comms profession, the AI slop problem, and treating AI as a stakeholder.

2:08

It's a conversation filled with loads of gold nuggets from Adrian's incredible brain and experiences.

2:14

So let's get into it.

2:15

Here's Adrian.

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Setting the Stage & Guest Intro0:00 – 2:16

0:00

If you're working in any sector right now, you might be wondering where the future of your profession lies.

0:06

With global trust levels plummeting, AI use and development skyrocketing, and the world order as we know it being flipped on its head, nobody is immune to change.

0:16

So we all need to think carefully and deeply about how we can future-proof our careers, including what skills we'll need to build and what skills we might need to let go of.

0:27

And for communication professionals, we should already be well and truly on that path, but if you're not yet, or you're still feeling a little lost, or maybe you just want to validate that you're on the right track, then the next two episodes are for you.

0:42

Because I interviewed a person who is at the very forefront of what's happening in the communication profession, and he spilled the beans.

0:50

Introducing Adrian Cropley.

0:52

Apart from being just a jolly good human, Adrian is a global leader in strategic communication, co-founder of the Center for Strategic Communication Excellence, and a director on the board of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.

1:07

The Alliance brings together representatives from all different comms and PR associations from around the world.

1:13

With more than 35 years experience, Adrian has advised organizations worldwide on change, leadership communication, reputation, and culture.

1:22

He is also a past global chair of the International Association of Business Communicators and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia.

1:31

He is also a recognized advocate for responsible AI, helping organizations to harness emerging technologies while building trust, engagement, and measurable business outcomes.

1:42

We had such a long and juicy chat that we've decided to split it across two episodes.

1:48

So today is part one of this two-part series with Adrian.

1:53

In the first half of our conversation, we covered things like the ethics of AI-powered bots, the big waves of technology change we've already experienced in the comms profession, the AI slop problem, and treating AI as a stakeholder.

2:08

It's a conversation filled with loads of gold nuggets from Adrian's incredible brain and experiences.

2:14

So let's get into it.

2:15

Here's Adrian.