Hi,

Y’all, I am bursting with excitement this month because I’ve been hoarding this topic like a squirrel stashing acorns — waiting for the perfect moment. And this is it. The air is crisp. Pumpkin-flavored everything is everywhere here in the U.S. And that quiet sense of gratitude has started to settle in as the holidays near.

You won’t be shocked to hear I’m unabashedly a words-of-affirmation girlie. Give me a beautifully designed card from a local boutique, add a heartfelt note, and I’ll swoon, stash it away, and keep it forever and ever.

But even more than receiving a “Hey, thanks for being you” note, I love to give them — whether it’s a get-well bag filled with goodies or a shout-out on Backyard (our own Simpplr intranet) for a colleague who’s been crushing it. My heart swells knowing I might’ve made someone smile.

So how do we capture and sustain that same magic at work? I’m not talking about a canned “Happy four-year anniversary, {NAME}!” auto-generated email. I mean those real moments that make people feel seen and appreciated.

Enter: Season of Gratitude.

Usually, I’d tell you to start small — but when it comes to recognition, I say go big. You want to make a splash, attract attention, and build momentum early. And trust me, friends — this one will move the needle.

This is our fourth year running Simpplr’s Season of Gratitude, and it just keeps getting bigger, better, and more engaging each time. I’ve got ideas for making your kickoff feel big and for keeping the good vibes rolling all year long. Buckle up, buttercup.

Not another AI hype-fest — real talk from one of the best

AI chatter is everywhere, but impact is what matters. That’s what Beyond the Hype: Turning AI Lessons Into Comms Impact is all about.

On Tuesday, November 11, from 12–1 p.m. ET, join this free Ragan webinar featuring Simpplr’s very own Carolyn Clark — one of the brightest minds in employee experience and internal comms.

She’ll break down how to make AI work for your comms, not against it, with practical takeaways to start weaving into your workflow right away. You’ll learn where AI adds value, where it doesn’t, and how to keep your human touch at the heart of it all.

Grab your spot — it’s free and guaranteed to be packed with aha moments.

Because great comms and great HR share the same heartbeat

I usually focus on IC folks, but there’s sooo much overlap between HR and internal comms. Whether you report to a CHRO or work in employee experience trying to make work work better — I see you!

My own leader and Simpplr’s CHRO, Miriam Connaughton, recently shared her witty “day in the life” story. A great reminder of the humans behind HR: the blend of strategy, empathy, and real-world hustle every communicator understands. Her take will inspire you to send a heartfelt thank-you to your team or partners.

We’re all just doing our best. Stepping into someone else’s shoes is one of the easiest ways to build empathy and gratitude. This one’s definitely worth the read.

Real talk about…well, real talk

Authenticity might be the most overused word in comms right now — but when it’s done right, it works.

Join yours truly on Thursday, November 13 at 12 p.m. ET for Keeping It Real: 5 Ways to Make Communication More Authentic, a free Ragan webinar all about helping your messages sound more human, your leaders more relatable, and your culture more connected.

We’ll explore how to bring more heart, humor, and honesty into your messages. Because let’s be real — employees can always tell when something’s genuine and when it’s been overly polished.

P.S. I’ll also be attending Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference in Austin that day. Swing by the Simpplr booth and say hi if you’re going to be there!

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Newsletter wrap-up

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got the warm fuzzies after all this gratitude talk! I’ve been known to send my work bestie the occasional Leslie Knope GIF because, honestly, she’s the ultimate hype girl and also my TV spirit animal.

So today, think of me as your own personal Leslie Knope. If you feel intimidated by pulling off a flawless Season of Gratitude — stop that right now! You can do this. Going big might feel scary, but trust in the power of human nature.

People want to give thanks and want to feel appreciated. Give them the space to do that, and you’ll create real, authentic workplace magic.

And once you do it? You’ll look forward to the Season of Gratitude every year — just like I do.

Before I go, thank YOU for being here. Genuinely. I love hearing from you in my LinkedIn inbox and at conferences, so don’t be a stranger. Your energy and kindness fuels this little community we’re building together.

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