Misalignment, complex info, and diverse views… public sector communication could use some fresh clues.
Welcome to « Talk to Me Better! », an engaging and dynamic webinar series brought to you by Cronos Europa.
Our webinar series is designed to rethink how European institutions (EUIs) and International Organizations (IOs) communicate in today’s fast-paced digital environment. By bringing together top experts, insightful discussions, and practical solutions, we’re building a community of like-minded professionals who are passionate about elevating public sector communication across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, practical tips, or just a bit of inspiration, join our experts panels in « Talk to Me Better! ».
Sometimes, it’s not just about how you speak, but how you listen too.
In a world where our left brain's logic and right brain's creativity converge, AI emerges as our third brain, seamlessly fusing precision and imagination. How can we blend analytical minds, creative talents and AI (artificial intelligence) to tackle client communication challenges? Can AI serve as a bridge between data-driven insights and creative solutions?
Highlighting the issues are expert panelists Alberto Levi (Head of Growth Communication Services, Cronos Europa), Evi Zamba (Owner and Creative Strategist, Okay When) and Fiona Passantino (AI Trainer, Podcast Host and Author). First, the webinar looks at the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking – that is, on the frequently made but often-challenged assumption that the left-hand side of the brain is logical and analytical while the right-hand side is more intuitive and creative. How do these attributes affect team dynamics and productivity, as well as business decision-making?
The debate then moves on to the challenges of co-creation with the two different profiles. How can effective communication and co-creation be ensured between left-brain and right-brain thinkers? What role does project management play in facilitating co-creation between the two profiles? Finally, the webinar examines how AI can help bridge the gap between analytical and creative thinking. Can AI tools be made accessible and useful for both left-brain and right-brain team members? What future AI developments could further enhance co-creation?
Fiona Passantino
Fiona helps empower professionals. She guides Humans with AI integration and strategy, maximizing our communication and connection, engagement and creativity with the goal of bringing joy into the workplace.
Fiona works with leaders and teams as a speaker, trainer and facilitator. She is a passionate content producer, and the UK Business Book Award-winning author of Comic Books for Executives. She is the host of the podcast “Working Humans”.
After a long career in corporate communications and HR, working for Danone, Philips, NN-Group, PostNL and Achmea, Fiona has her own consultancy: Executive Storylines. Her interest in the promise of AI was sparked during her business masters which featured an AI concentration. Her upcoming book is called “AI-Powered Professional”.
Evi Zamba
Evi is the owner, Creative Strategist and nanny of Okay When, a worldwide remote ad agency with a conscience. Since 2020, Evi has been creating a quirky family of digital artists and advertising experts from all over the world that work together to create impactful creative assets for causes that matter to them. Their clientele is made up of changemakers, NGOs, EU Institutions, EU funded programmes and sustainable businesses.
Over 12 years of work experience in online communications – nine of which focused on EU politics working at the European Commission and the European Parliament – and multiple large scale pan-European campaigns in her portfolio (like, #EUandME and EU Elections), have equipped Evi with the knowledge and expertise to crack any communication challenge.
She specialises in purposes like in the circular economy and sustainability with clients, like the Greens/EFA Group at the European Parliament, Zero Waste Europe, 50by40 and more. She has a soft sport for culture and the arts, manifesting through her work for Creative Europe funded projects Liveurope and Contested Desires.
Her experience in babysitting international teams of both creative and technical profiles, in a wide range of industries and company types, in four different countries and remotely, is what triggered the discussion on this episode of Talk to be Better. Her experimental working style and her agency’s ability to punch over its weight is what makes us wonder, how we can use AI on a daily basis to facilitate co-creation.
Alberto Levi
Alberto has gained over 15 years of international experience across advertising agencies, marketing departments, and communication agencies, with a focus on both public and private sectors.
Currently serving as the Head of Growth for Communication services at Cronos Europa (www.cronoseuropa.com), Alberto’s primary focus lies in fostering partnerships and collaborations with leading European communication entities. His goal is to enhance the range of communication solutions offered to clients, including the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and various EU agencies.
Moreover, Alberto holds the position of Visiting Professor at Sciences Po Paris, where he teaches an MA course titled « Exploring European Union Communication: A practical examination of public communication campaigns. » Through this role, he shares his knowledge and industry insights with the next generation of communication professionals, while also staying abreast of emerging trends and advancements in the field.
Fluent in five languages and enriched by experiences in diverse cultural settings, Alberto possesses a unique multicultural and multilingual advantage. His easy-going and collaborative attitude further enriches his professional endeavors.
Alberto has gained over 15 years of international experience across advertising agencies, marketing departments, and communication agencies, with a focus on both public and private sectors.
Currently serving as the Head of Growth for Communication services at Cronos Europa (www.cronoseuropa.com), Alberto’s primary focus lies in fostering partnerships and collaborations with leading European communication entities. His goal is to enhance the range of communication solutions offered to clients, including the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and various EU agencies.
Moreover, Alberto holds the position of Visiting Professor at Sciences Po Paris, where he teaches an MA course titled « Exploring European Union Communication: A practical examination of public communication campaigns. » Through this role, he shares his knowledge and industry insights with the next generation of communication professionals, while also staying abreast of emerging trends and advancements in the field.
Fluent in five languages and enriched by experiences in diverse cultural settings, Alberto possesses a unique multicultural and multilingual advantage. His easy-going and collaborative attitude further enriches his professional endeavors.
Communication
AI, AR, VR… Community engagement makers or breakers?
What is the real role of communities in EU institutions’ communication?
How should we be managing our communities in the digital era?
Can new technologies help strengthen a sense of belonging?
Social media, artificial intelligence, augmented or virtual reality, bots, language model learning algorithms and more: we're witnessing a shift towards more immersive interactions, requiring a multi-platform community presence.
To kick off our Talk to Me Better! series, join expert panelists Marco di Gregorio (Consultant, DG Connect, European Commission), Manon Dupont (Community Manager at BeInfluence Europe and Content creator), and Alexis Safarikas (Founder, Campfire AI) to uncover how digital tools are reshaping the way we engage.
Marco di Gregorio
Marco Di Gregorio is a Communications Consultant with over 10 years of experience working at the European Commission through Cronos Europa. He supports the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), focusing on stakeholder management and communication strategies for internal digital tools. His role involves conducting training sessions for internal teams and external partners, while enhancing user experiences across key platforms like newsletters.
Marco plays a pivotal role in ensuring clear communication and collaboration across teams, working to build strong relationships within the Commission and beyond. His expertise lies in facilitating effective messaging and promoting transparency in stakeholder interactions.
Before this, Marco held communication roles at the European Parliament and Euro NCAP, where he specialized in corporate communications, media relations, and digital strategy. These experiences sharpened his skills in managing complex communication channels and public outreach.
Marco holds a Master’s in European Studies and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Turin. His approach is defined by teamwork, user-centered solutions, and fostering trust in communication.
Manon Dupont
Manon Dupont is a dynamic and creative professional with a vibrant blend of passions and skills, ranging from photography to personal development. Currently serving as the Communication, Press & Social Media Manager at BeInfluence, she has cultivated expertise in social media marketing, storytelling, and community management.
Manon’s love for food shines through her work as a food stylist and lifestyle photographer, where she brings culinary delights to life with her camera. This passion is further reflected on her Instagram profile, @zesty_manou, where she shares homemade recipes, positive energy, and an infusion of color, demonstrating her enthusiasm for delicious food.
Her journey is deeply rooted in the power of communication and storytelling, using her platforms to inspire others and promote creativity.
Alexis Safarikas
Alexis co-founded Campfire AI with Ivan Westerhof & Tomas Staelens in 2020. Prior to this, he founded and sold his first company and built a chatbot team at a digital agency. Alexis believes that Conversational AI is the most natural way for humans to interact with technology. Since 2020, Campfire AI has developed more than 100 chatbot and voice assistants in more than 15 countries around the world.
Alexis co-founded Campfire AI with Ivan Westerhof & Tomas Staelens in 2020. Prior to this, he founded and sold his first company and built a chatbot team at a digital agency. Alexis believes that Conversational AI is the most natural way for humans to interact with technology. Since 2020, Campfire AI has developed more than 100 chatbot and voice assistants in more than 15 countries around the world.
Communication
Engage, Promote, Empower: The keys to talk to EU youth?
How can the EU communicate to Gen Z and Alpha to further engage Gen Beta?
Engage, Promote, Empower: The keys to talk to EU youth? This is the theme tackled by expert panelists Victoria Henderson (Head of Communication Studio, Cronos Europa), Sam Brand (Managing Partner, Brand Response) and Carsten Meijer (Founder, Glass Studio and VICE). Digital technologies are at the heart of the discussion: Virtual reality, artificial intelligence, gamification, social media, chatbots and more: are they just channels for communication, or do they herald a major shift in youth’s engagement with the EU? How do young people themselves see their role in shaping Europe’s future? And how far have they adopted new technologies? Does the uptake vary across different demographics and regions? Which technologies should EU communication experts focus on? Are there examples of technology-driven initiatives that have successfully empowered EU youth to address social or political issues? And what are the potential risks of relying on new technology for this - such as privacy concerns or digital divide issues?
Victoria Henderson
Victoria Henderson is a seasoned communications expert with over 10 years of experience. As the Head of Cronos Europa’s Communication Studio, she leads the team to manage small to large scale communication projects for the European Institutions, develop strategic business plans and identify market opportunities.
Prior to joining Cronos Europa, Victoria served as Strategic Director / Director of Marketing & Communications at Forum Europe | OFCORES, Victoria was responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies to drive growth and brand awareness.
As an Associate Director at Ecorys, she was responsible for setting up and delivering European and international communications contracts. Her expertise in developing communication strategies and materials, including audiovisual and graphic design, has also been honed through her previous experience working at the European Commission – Directorate General for Health & Food Safety (DG SANTE).
A native English speaker holding a Master’s degree in German Language and Literature, she has honed her skills in language proficiency, with expertise in French and German. As Head of Cronos Europa’s Communication Studio, Victoria continues to leverage her expertise to drive client and market recognition for excellence in project management and delivery of communication projects and campaigns.
Sam Brand
Sam Lockwood is an executive director and entrepreneur with a strong track record in founding and growing businesses centred on social outcomes. Specialising in community organising, marketing, advocacy campaigns, data strategy, and fundraising, Sam is known for innovative approaches.
As the Founding Director of Brand Response, Sam built a successful technology studio, partnering with over 75 clients across 29 countries. Sam’s digital advocacy expertise has driven EU-wide projects for the European Parliament, particularly increasing voter engagement in the 2019 and 2024 elections.
In addition, Sam co-founded SmartRaise, where over €14 million was raised for causes such as healthcare, climate action, and social justice. Through his direction, SmartRaise saw significant increases in donor engagement and retention for campaigns like Good Law Project and Acorn the Union.
Previously, as Head of Digital Strategy for the Liberal Democrats in the UK, Sam led digital through a General Election. Sam also advised the British Council’s think tank on global interdependence.
Carsten Meijer
Carsten Meijer, founder of Glass Creative Studio in Amsterdam, stands at the forefront of innovation and creativity in marketing. With a career spanning over two decades, Carsten’s journey began at Hyves, the leading social network in the Netherlands, and includes notable tenures at Boomerang and VICE Media. His extensive experience has honed his skills and cultivated a vast global network of industry-leading creatives, strategists, and production specialists. Glass Creative Studio, under Carsten’s leadership, delivers unparalleled service to global brands like IKEA, NIKE, Heineken, Unilever, New Balance, Tommy Hilfiger, Tabasco, and Diageo, showcasing their expertise in brand enhancement and market engagement across diverse sectors.
Carsten Meijer, founder of Glass Creative Studio in Amsterdam, stands at the forefront of innovation and creativity in marketing. With a career spanning over two decades, Carsten’s journey began at Hyves, the leading social network in the Netherlands, and includes notable tenures at Boomerang and VICE Media. His extensive experience has honed his skills and cultivated a vast global network of industry-leading creatives, strategists, and production specialists. Glass Creative Studio, under Carsten’s leadership, delivers unparalleled service to global brands like IKEA, NIKE, Heineken, Unilever, New Balance, Tommy Hilfiger, Tabasco, and Diageo, showcasing their expertise in brand enhancement and market engagement across diverse sectors.
Explore the fascinating world of Generative AI and the ethical considerations essential for businesses in this insightful webinar.
The conversation features three AI experts: Noelle Cicilia from Brush AI, Jorge de Corte from Rebatch, and Stefano Moi from the Value Hub. They discuss AI's history, dispel myths, and explore crucial ethical challenges such as bias and transparency. Highlighting real-world applications, the experts demonstrate how AI can solve problems and enhance projects.
The session also examines the European Commission’s AI Act, discussing its implications for businesses. Participants gain practical insights for integrating AI ethically and effectively, including access to the AI Canvas tool, an innovative resource to help businesses navigate AI opportunities and ensure ethical use.
Noelle Cicilia
Noëlle Cicillia is an enthusiastic data scientist and co-founder of Brush AI. She is passionate about how we can make AI technology more responsible, so it works for everyone. As part of her Engineering Doctorate in data science, she has researched algorithmic fairness methods and how we can visualize these in an intuitive way. In 2024, she won the Responsible AI leader award from Women in AI.
Jorge de Corte
Jorge De Corte is the founder and driving force behind ReBatch, a company specializing in providing customized AI solutions for enterprises. With over 10 years of experience in AI and software development, Jorge is an expert in Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing, including the training and developing of Large Language Models.
Stefano Moi
Stefano Moi works at The Value Hub as a Digital Coach and Sales Manager. His expertise lies in guiding companies through their digital transformation. He works on innovation strategies, helps shape a digital vision, and is always engaged with the latest developments in the field of AI. If you want to know how digital innovation and AI can transform your business, Stefano is happy to show you the way.
Stefano Moi works at The Value Hub as a Digital Coach and Sales Manager. His expertise lies in guiding companies through their digital transformation. He works on innovation strategies, helps shape a digital vision, and is always engaged with the latest developments in the field of AI. If you want to know how digital innovation and AI can transform your business, Stefano is happy to show you the way.