Anne-Marie Lacey is a multi-award-winning Chartered PR practitioner, strategic adviser and Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University.

She combines real-world experience with evidence-based thinking to develop strategic communicators and strengthen the profession.

Her career spans agency, consultancy, in-house advisory and higher education, having worked with organisations in the lifestyle, leisure and entertainment sectors, including some of the world's best-known brands.

A CIPR Fellow and recipient of the Sir Stephen Tallents Medal, Anne-Marie has lived the membership journey, spending almost 15 years volunteering across the Institute, from Student Representative to Board Director. Those experiences have given her a unique perspective on the strengths of the Institute and the opportunities to do even more for members.

The news was announced this week that she's currently standing for CIPR President-Elect 2027.

I've known her for nearly a decade and wanted to give my listeners a chance to find out more about the news and her reasons for putting her hat in the ring.

Listen to discover:

• why she's decided to put herself forward now
• the role of belonging and relevancy within membership associations
• her strong views on lobbying and why share of voice and representation matters

Thank you for tuning in.

Rachel

Show notes can be found at allthingsic.com/podcast

Stephen Waddington is a professional advisor at Wadds Inc. and PhD researcher at Leeds Business School who supports agencies and in-house teams across a range of management, corporate communications and public relations issues.

In this episode of the Candid Comms podcast, Rachel interviews Stephen about his latest book, AI for PR, which has just been published by Kogan Page. He co-edited the book with Ben Verinder and it is out now.

Use the code CANDIDCOMMS on the koganpage.com website to save 25% off your order.

Thank you for tuning in.

Rachel

Show notes can be found at allthingsic.com/podcast

In this special episode of the Candid Comms podcast, you'll hear the speech Rachel Miller gave at her book launch.

She hosted an event on 30 April 2026, to mark the publication of Successful Change Communication: how to inform, involve and inspire employees.

Tune in to discover her speech from the night, the story behind the book, the process and her thoughts on communicating change successfully.

Signed copies can be purchased via allthingsic.com.

Or use the code CANDIDCOMMS on the koganpage.com website to save 25% off your order.

Thank you for tuning in.