EP#184: Communicators in the driver’s seat: Leading with AI and trust
GovComms: The Future of Government CommunicationShow Notes
What does it take to thrive as a communicator in a rapidly changing world?
In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Ross Monaghan, award-winning educator and communications leader from Deakin University. From his early days as a teenage journalist in Warrnambool to senior roles at Optus and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Ross has seen the profession evolve from every angle.
Ross shares why persistence and curiosity matter, how communicators can show leadership at any stage of their career, and why “dreaming big” is vital. He also unpacks the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, urging communicators to take the lead on its ethical use.
Discussed in this episode: Lessons from Ross’s early career in journalism and industry. Building confidence to chase opportunities others might not. Why leadership is about action, not job titles. Creating stronger workplace culture through human connection. Open, honest communication as a tool for solving conflict. The communicator’s role in guiding ethical AI adoption.
Show notes: International Association of Business Communicators | IABC Panuara South community benefits from new Optus mobile tower | OPTUS AI Workshops | Ross Monaghan HypeCloudAI podcast | Ross Monaghan Ross Monaghan | LinkedIn Blog | GovComms Podcast LinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from GovComms: The Future of Government Communication
In a world of constant urgency, better work can start with doing less – more deliberately.
Modern leadership is being redefined in real time.
Creating a strong future STEM workforce starts with helping young people see what is possible. Host David Pembroke is joined by Dr Melanie Bagg, CEO of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), to talk about how NYSF connects students with real STEM people, workplaces and pathways they cannot always access at school. They discuss what changed through Covid, how a small team works with a large volunteer network, and how NYSF tailors communications across channels while keeping the “human” experience at the centre. Melanie also shares what their long-term evaluation reveals about confidence, belonging and career direction, plus practical lessons for government communicators on testing, listening and staying audience-led.
Measurement should make our work clearer, not harder. Host David Pembroke is joined by Stacey Barr, a specialist in organisational performance, measurement and evidence-based leadership, to unpack why evaluation still feels elusive in government, even when toolkits and frameworks are readily available. They discuss the hidden “missing pieces” that undermine many measurement approaches, how to strip out vague “weasel words” from strategy, and how Stacey’s PuMP methodology helps teams define results, identify credible evidence, and report performance in a way that supports better decisions. The conversation also explores the role of leadership, the reality of public accountability pressures, and where AI can (and cannot) help.
When technology speeds up, trust and truth are put under pressure. Host David Pembroke is joined by Sree Srinivasan, who reflects on what he learnt broadcasting daily from New York during the early days of Covid, and how those lessons apply to today’s AI-driven information environment. They discuss what consistent, two-way communication can achieve in a crisis, why misinformation spreads so easily, and the risks of leaving AI decisions to a handful of powerful companies. Sree also shares practical guidance on building AI strategy and policy inside organisations, with an emphasis on transparency, staff input and regular review.