Networking Doesn’t Have to Be Cringe - Here’s What to Do Instead with Carrie Johnston of The Comms Connector

Carrie Johnston has spent two decades helping communications professionals land roles they never thought they could get - and now she’s bringing that same “look beyond the resume” lens to her consultancy, The Comms Connector. In this episode, Carrie and Emily unpack what actually moves the needle in comms careers right now: storytelling, writing, networking, and a LinkedIn presence that doesn’t hide behind “people already know me.”They also get real about AI - why it’s a powerful tool and a fast track to reputation damage if you don’t fact-check - plus what supportive workplaces should look like when life hits hard.Why the “obvious candidate” isn’t always the best candidateThe two most memorable hires Carrie’s ever made - and why they workedHow comms skills translate into leadership, advocacy, and even CEO pathsThe resume truth: facts, measurable wins, and no fluffWhy LinkedIn matters more than your resume (yes, even for CEOs)The dangerous mindset of “people already know who I am”AI in comms: where it helps, where it hurts, and why writing tests are coming backA simple networking habit that compounds fast (and most people still avoid)Supporting women at work - beyond policies that just “tick a box”Rapid fire: most underrated career skill, worst interview question, and the LinkedIn trend Carrie lovesCarrie’s message is simple: your career doesn’t move forward because you “deserve it” - it moves when you show your story clearly, sharpen your writing, and stay in motion. ⸻⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If you loved today’s conversation, please rate, review, and subscribe to Founders in Jeans - the podcast celebrating women claiming their worth in business, leadership, and life.⸻💌 Build the life you deserve - on your own terms. Subscribe to the Founders in Jeans newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your most confident, successful self, written by Emily Jean. Join 50,000+ women redefining wealth, community, and growth: https://foundersinjeans.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻This episode wouldn’t happen without Rita Williams, our producer, coordinator, and virtual assistant. If you want someone sharp and reliable in your corner, connect with Rita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-williams-smma/⸻Follow Emily:https://www.instagram.com/emily.jeans/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-jeans/⸻Follow Founders in Jeans:https://www.instagram.com/foundersinjeans/⸻Follow Carrie Johnston of The Comms Connector:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieannjohnston/⸻women in business, female founder podcast, communications careers, corporate communications, corporate affairs, PR careers, media relations, crisis communications, issues management, reputation management, LinkedIn personal brand, LinkedIn profile tips, LinkedIn for job seekers, networking advice, career pivot, transferable skills, storytelling in business, writing skills, writing in communications, writing assessment, AI in communications, AI fact checking, misinformation risk, executive communications, communications coaching, resume tips, measurable achievements, career mentor, comms graduate advice, job search strategy, career growth tips, recruitment insights, hiring manager perspective, connecting with people, relationship building, stakeholder management, stakeholder mapping, advocacy roles, journalist to in-house comms, government to corporate, FMCG communications, Taronga Zoo communications, burnout prevention, workplace flexibility, women and leadership, grief support at work, bereavement policy, human-first management, career confidence, professional visibility, comment strategy on LinkedIn, community building, thought leadership, personal narrative, career intuition, building credibility online, comms industry Australia, Sydney careers, women in corporate, job hunting in 2026, career resilience, leadership communication