We can navigate a crisis, position a CEO, and craft messaging for millions of people. So why do so many brilliant communications professionals struggle when it comes to talking about themselves?
In this episode of The Trending Communicator, Dan sits down with Natalie Moran, founder of Comms Futurist, who's built her practice around this exact challenge. After managing crisis communications for millions and working at the highest levels of government, Natalie noticed a paradox: the same people who excel at strategic positioning for others often can't articulate their own evolving value.
It's the classic cobbler's children scenario . We've been trained not to be the story, especially those of us with journalism backgrounds. Natalie calls it what it is - we're simply unpracticed at talking about ourselves.
But when two AI-obsessed communicators get together to mull this problem, we (shockingly) discover that even cobblers can benefit from AI.
What We Talk About
Why AI might actually help us do more of the work we love instead of replacing us entirely
The personal branding problem that's plagued our profession forever - and how AI changes the equation
Those uncomfortable moments when people ask if we're "AI experts" (spoiler: we're not, we're just curious)
The shift from traditional media relations to working with micro-influencers and content creators
How Natalie went from avoiding LinkedIn entirely to building a following by learning out loud
Practical ways to start experimenting with AI tools without feeling like you're cheating or losing your authentic voice
Notable Quotes
On the Evolution of Personal Brand: "I quickly realized that there is a real market for coaching comms professionals on how to talk about themselves and how to promote themselves. Because by the time people realize they need to do it, it's too late." - Natalie Moran [41:32 → 41:50]
On the Challenges of Self-Promotion: "These are smart people, they're totally capable, but they just are not practiced at exploring kind of what makes them unique and what differentiates them until like the night before a big interview for a job or something." - Natalie Moran [47:04 → 47:26]
On the Importance of Online Presence: "I think being visible online and having an online presence is the new first impression times 100. You have to have an online presence and it's career insurance." - Natalie Moran [1:06:31 → 1:06:45]
On the Role of Micro-Influencers: "B2B companies especially are looking to people like us who have, you know, moderately sized followings but very hyper specific audiences to promote products and services, period." - Natalie Moran [1:07:30 → 1:07:45]
On the Value of Storytelling: "I think the premium on being a good storyteller is higher now than it's ever been. That is a very, very valuable skill, I think, in the world of AI." - Natalie Moran [53:32 → 53:45]
Resources and Links
Dan Nestle
Inquisitive Communications | Website
The Trending Communicator | Website
Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack
Dan Nestle | LinkedIn
Natalie Moran
Comms Futurist | Website
Natalie’s Prompt Pack for Comms Leaders | Notion
Natalie Moran | LinkedIn
Timestamps
0:00 Intro: Trust recession and evolving communications
5:23 AI's impact on personal branding in comms
11:44 Ethical considerations in AI-assisted communication
17:25 Overcoming resistance to personal branding
23:15 AI as a tool for human-centric communication
29:09 Redefining personal branding for communications professionals
34:03 Leveraging AI for strategic communications planning
39:21 The importance of online presence for communicators
46:24 Balancing personal brand with professional obligations
54:44 AI's role in unlocking personal content potential
1:06:31 The future of communications and micro-influencers
1:12:43 Upcoming "Reimagine" virtual event series
(Notes co-created by Human Dan, Claude, and Flowsend.ai )
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