#21 How to Navigate Change with Purpose & Clarity
With Janna Schneidewindt, Head Internal Communications at RWE
In this episode of FutureReady, we sit down with Janna Schneidewindt, Head of Internal Communications at RWE, to explore how strategic internal comms can drive business transformation and employee engagement. Janna shares valuable insights on activating employees, empowering leaders to navigate ambiguity, and simplifying communication for impact.
Key discussion points include:
How to turn corporate milestones into pride moments that foster a sense of belonging.
The evolving role of internal communications—moving from content creation to strategic advisory.
Why “less is more” in today’s information-saturated workplace.
How AI is transforming internal communications and why it’s a mindset shift, not just a tool.
Whether you’re an internal comms professional or a business leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you inspire, engage, and lead with purpose.
Shownotes
01:13 What it means to be a leader in internal communications
02:24 The importance of employee activation
03:51 Janna's favorite 'Happy' moment at RWE
05:36 Why it is so critical to intentionally design pride moments for employees
07:02 Catalysing change through internal communications
08:40 The role of leaders in leading change
10:07 The purpose of purpose in navigating RWE's deep transformation
12:34 The challenges of communicating on sustainability transformations
16:12 Empowering leaders to hold ambiguity
18:59 Working with local leaders to strategically engage employees
21:09 The 'less is more' principle in internal comms
25:53 Communicating cohesively within RWE's decentral structure
29:12 The role of RWE's CEO, Dr. Markus Krebber, in internal communications
32:47 On getting your CEO to be active on LinkedIn
36:22 How's RWE employees perceive the AI transformation
38:26 The Inform, Engage and Collaborate Approach to AI
41:41 Why AI is a mindset transformation
42:53 Is internal communications ready for the future?
44:05 Internal comms must become an advisory function
46:37 How should we measure success in internal communications?
48:37 Where Janna draws her inspiration from
50:31 Tools and software Janna can't live without