Introductions
Why I've started this publication
Hello 👋👋🏽👋🏾
I’ve started this publication to showcase Internal Communications leaders, the field’s best practices and articles to inspire our mission.
It’s a side project — which I believe in pursuing — to make an impact in my community, learn new skills and experiment with ideas. You can learn more about my story here.
Why The Switchboard?
The Past
Once upon a time, before email, Zoom and Slack, the telephone served as one of our primary modes of business communications. Calls were connected by switchboard operators who required “concentration, good interpersonal skills and quick hands” according to London’s Science Museum. The operators required the utmost confidentiality as they often heard private conversations.
To experience the Hollywood version of a typical switchboard room, the opening scene of Mrs. Maisel (Season 2) offers a classic portrayal — a chaotic, boisterous room filled with calm and focused operators. The operators exuded energy, thrill and purpose — it was their role to connect people with the information they needed or find the right channel to get them there.
The Present
With the passage of time, invention of technologies and evolution of job responsibilities, I observe parallels between this past work and the current role of internal communications professionals. We connect people, distribute information and empower employees to learn about each other, their work and the company’s mission.
Today, when we send a company email newsletter, host a virtual meeting or distribute major announcements, the digital, automated processes make connecting and sharing quick, impactful and efficient. Behind the scenes, much like the telephone exchange operators, we are drafting, planning and strategizing.
Along the way, we also cultivate experiences that make work meaningful with a vibrant culture of employee events, diversity initiatives and learning opportunities.
The Future
In this publication, I showcase Internal Communications leaders to recognize their accomplishments, share best practices in the field and articles of interest to inspire future paths — it’s for those who are seeking new initiatives to bring back to their teams, experts to advise them or a career inspiration.
Thank you for joining! I welcome your ideas, suggestions and comments.