Series 8 Wrap-Up, Plastic-Free Living & Public Speaking Highlights
Like many of you, I’ve been juggling life, business and a very full calendar these past few weeks—between life, events, podcast episodes and silly season (aka summer holidays), it’s been a busy one!
So in this blog, I’m bringing together a round-up of recent highlights—from the final episode and review of Cut Through The Noise Season 8, to the launch of Tullamore’s Decarbonising Zone, to our upcoming PSA Ireland gathering, and more.
🎧 Cut Through The Noise – Wrapping Up Season 8: Internal Comms Matters
The final episode of Series 8 of Cut Through The Noise is now live — and with it, a look back at what has been a season packed with insights on internal communication.
If there’s one thing that stood out across every conversation, it’s this: internal communication is not a “nice to have” — it’s a business-critical function. When we communicate well within our organisations, we build stronger cultures, avoid unnecessary conflict, and enable better customer experiences.
Here’s a look at what we covered over the six episodes:
🎙️ Episode 1 – How to Master Your Internal Communications (Solo)
Kicking off the series, I shared practical ways to clarify your internal messaging, improve team alignment, and avoid the common pitfalls that undermine day-to-day business communication.
🗣️ Episode 2 – A Deep Dive into Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Seyi Agbede
Seyi and I explored how GDEI (Gender, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) strategies need more than good intentions—they require clear, consistent communication, and the courage to call out the gap between policy and practice.
🧠 Episode 3 – Wellbeing as a Leadership Skill with Andrea O’Grady
Andrea and I reflected on the link between leadership, productivity and wellbeing—and how internal comms plays a vital role in setting the tone, managing burnout, and encouraging healthy workplace norms.
👥 Episode 4 – Bridging the Generational Gap with Alec Drew
In this episode, we discussed multi-generational teams, the assumptions that often get in the way of connection, and how leaders can use communication to build understanding, rather than fuel stereotypes.
☎️ Episode 5 – The Power of The Frontline Effect (Solo)
I shared stories and insights on why your frontline team is your brand—and why investing in internal comms isn’t just about team cohesion, it’s about protecting your reputation and delivering better service.
✍️ Episode 6 – Internal Communications: Key Learnings from Series 8 (Solo)
To wrap up the series, I pulled together the most powerful takeaways from each conversation and offered a practical checklist for evaluating your own internal comms approach as a leader.
🎧 Catch up on the full series here
If you’ve been enjoying the show, I’d love if you left a rating or review—it helps the podcast grow and ensures these important conversations reach the people who need them.
And if Cut Through the Noise has sparked something for you in your own organisation or team, feel free to get in touch — I’d be happy to chat about how I can support your internal comms strategy.
🌱 Let’s Go Green – From Plastic-Free July to Peat Enforcement
Over the last few weeks, Let’s Go Green has explored everything from waste-free celebrations and native vegetable seeds to climate reporting and illegal environmental activity.
Some highlights and standout conversations included:
Aoife McHugh on how to reduce plastic in celebrations, without compromising on style
Tomás Murray and Dr Tom Ryan from the EPA, on Ireland’s emissions reports and the hidden issue of illegal peat harvesting
Tommy Hayes on protecting Irish food heritage
Aisling Lambe on Tullamore as a decarbonising zone
Inspector Ralph Holmes and Martin O’Neill on transport, safety, and EV incentives
📻 Let’s Go Green airs every Monday at 7pm on Midlands 103 or is available anytime on your preferred podcast platform.
🌱 Hosting the Launch of Tullamore’s Decarbonising Zone — A Personal Highlight
What a day in Tullamore!
I had the honour of acting as MC for the official launch of Tullamore Decarbonising Zone, and it was truly one of the most meaningful professional experiences I've had in quite some time.
As someone who grew up in Offaly, it was incredibly special to be back in my hometown — this time to support such an ambitious and inspiring climate action initiative led by Offaly County Council.
From the moment I stepped on stage, I felt the energy in the room: policymakers, local leaders, business owners, sustainability experts, and community change-makers — all gathered with a shared purpose: to drive local climate action that’s measurable, collaborative, and rooted in community resilience.
In my opening remarks I said:
"All too often, there is a sense of overwhelm and hopelessness when it comes to climate action. But today, here in Tullamore, I feel genuine hope. Hope in the leadership, in the innovation, and in the willingness of this community to take bold, practical steps."
That hope was reinforced throughout the day by the calibre of our speakers. From Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, to Professor Peter Thorne, Director of ICARUS at Maynooth University, each voice brought a layer of expertise and urgency.
We heard about the importance of local government leadership, renewable energy innovation, circular economy solutions, and biodiversity protection. But perhaps what struck me most was the practical, hopeful tone of the whole event — this wasn’t about lofty ideas. It was about action.
One standout moment was when Alan Wyley of EnergyCloud shared how 42 local authority homes in Tullamore are already benefiting from real-time renewable energy, thanks to excess wind power being redirected for free water heating. Talk about climate action in motion!
And of course, I couldn’t help but be moved when Jack Keyes, Climate Action Advisor at Tullamore RFC, said:
“We need to focus on progress, not perfection. Sometimes it’s one small, steady step that shifts the culture of a whole community.”
Throughout the day, I reminded attendees to “plant your name badge — not bin it” (yes, they were embedded with wildflower seeds!). It was a lovely symbol of the day’s message: what we sow today, we’ll see bloom tomorrow.
A huge thank you to Aisling Lambe and John McNally from the Climate Action Team for pulling together such a smooth and insightful event — and to everyone at Tullamore Court Hotel, Sound to Light, and Jeff Harvey Photography for the seamless production and stunning visuals.
To every speaker who shared the stage, thank you for your clarity, commitment, and action-oriented approach.
And to everyone who joined us on the day: your participation matters. Let’s keep the momentum going and make sure that what started in Tullamore becomes a blueprint for other communities across Ireland.
“The power of place-based action lies in our ability to look around, connect locally, and say — what can we do today, right here, to shape tomorrow?”
If you haven’t already, head over to TullamoreDZ.ie to learn more about what’s next — and don’t forget to tag @OffalyClimate and @Offaly County Council if you post your badge blooms 🌼.
📺 On the Couch – Talking Presidential Races on Ireland AM
It was great fun to be back on the Ireland AM sofa recently, chatting about the headlines and the early days of the Irish Presidential race.
Plenty of serious points were made—alongside a healthy dose of summer lightness. Thanks to the team for having me back!
If you missed it, watch the episode on catch-up here and my segment is from 4 minutes in!
🗣️ PSA Ireland – Raise the Standard with “Refine” - This Weekend
After growth comes refinement.
This month, PSA Ireland is focusing on how we can fine-tune our delivery, sharpen our messaging, and raise the bar for speaking with purpose.
📍 Saturday, 19 July | Maldron Hotel, Dublin | 09:00–13:00
We’ll be joined by:
Olga Geidane MPSA – 7 Mistakes to Avoid for Speakers
Phillip Khan-Panni FPSA – How to Make Your Speech Worth Hearing
I’ll be there, and I highly recommend it for anyone using speaking as a business tool—whether you're presenting to clients or delivering keynotes.
💬 The Clarity Collective
Finally, if you’ve been thinking about leveling up your communication strategy—internally or externally—The Clarity Collective is here to support you.
Monthly sessions, focused guidance, and a small group of purpose-led peers.
📘 Learn more here
Thanks for sticking with me through this “bumper edition”. I’ll be taking a little time to rest and reset before ramping up again for a new season of Cut Through The Noise.
Until next time,
Warm regards,
Aisling O’Rourke
The Communications Coach
