Glassdoor’s Nponano Maikori on the universal power of transparent communication

And the one tool she uses to bring stories to life.

As Glassdoor’s inaugural director of internal communications, Nponano Maikori is architecting the company’s employee communications strategy. This role draws on Maikori’s two decades of experience as a strategic communicator who transforms complex ideas into actionable messages. Her knack for blending hard data with human insight has transformed how organizations connect with both employees and customers.

What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned in your career that you’d love to share with others in the internal comms space?

People remember how you made them feel, not just what you said. I’ve learned that no matter how polished your messaging is if it doesn’t resonate emotionally, it won’t have a lasting impact. Whether navigating a tough restructuring or rolling out an exciting new initiative, it’s not just about sharing information — it’s about creating an experience. How you communicate can foster trust, spark inspiration or provide comfort during uncertainty. Always think about the feelings you want to leave behind because that’s what shapes the narrative people carry forward.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice about communications, what would it be?

Learn to listen more than you speak. Early on, I thought being a great communicator meant having all the right words, but I’ve realized it’s just as much about what you hear. Listening — really listening — gives you the insight to craft messages that truly resonate. It also builds trust and credibility because people feel seen and heard. I’d tell my younger self to pause, ask questions, and give yourself the space to understand the why behind the what. The best solutions are always rooted in empathy.

Given your global perspective, what’s one communication strategy that works in both the U.S. and internationally?

Be clear, be transparent and leave no room for confusion. No matter where you are in the world, people value communication that is honest and easy to follow. But it’s not just about clarity — it’s about meeting people where they are. That means acknowledging cultural nuances, respecting time zones and choosing inclusive language. When you communicate with openness and an awareness of your audience’s unique context, you create connections that go beyond borders and foster trust on a global scale.

What’s one communication tool or tactic you can’t live without, and why?

Video! It’s such a powerful way to bring stories to life and create a sense of connection, even in a distributed workforce. Whether it’s a leader sharing their vision or an employee spotlight, video adds personality and emotion that text or slides just can’t replicate. I love how it can take something as formal as a company update or as casual as a quick check-in and make it feel more human. Plus, it’s versatile, whether it’s polished or a little scrappy, it always finds a way to engage. We have a self-serve video editing tool called PlayPlay and I live by it! It is easily the best use of budget for me in this evolving communications landscape.

If you could have any superpower to make your job easier, what would it be?

I’d love to have a sixth sense of knowing exactly how a message will land before it’s even sent. Imagine being able to predict how employees across different teams, roles and even cultures will feel after reading or hearing your message. It would make tailoring communications so much easier and ensure that every word is aligned with the audience’s expectations and needs. It’s all about getting it right the first time and delivering clarity, trust and inspiration with every message.

Nponano Maikori is a speaker at Ragan’s upcoming Employee Communications 101 Virtual Conference on Thursday, Jan. 30th. Attend from wherever you are for more insights into manager communications and communications strategy.

Isis Simpson-Mersha is a conference producer/ reporter for Ragan. Follow her on LinkedIn.

COMMENT

Ragan.com Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive the latest articles from Ragan.com directly in your inbox.