In this special episode of Behind the Workflow, host Kuren Rai sits down with Elizabeth Ames, CEO of Atalanta, a strategic communications agency uniquely focused on the intersection of social impact, business, and global policy.

From her early days in the Australian diplomatic service, working on international trade and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, to leading high-impact communications for foundations, NGOs, and mission-driven businesses, Elizabeth brings a career’s worth of global insight to the table. With a team drawn from diplomacy, policy, and media, Atalanta is known for helping changemakers sharpen their narratives and influence audiences that matter, from the UN to policymakers, and beyond.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Elizabeth shares her journey navigating diplomacy, becoming a CEO, and how her team blends values, strategy, and authenticity to shape conversations and drive systemic change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What diplomacy has in common with modern communications, and why the art of dialogue still matters

• How Atalanta combines data and deep stakeholder insight to drive policy change

• Why comms teams must move beyond “megaphone messaging” and engage in true conversation

• The real reason some narratives fall flat, and how to meet audiences where they actually live

• Why Atalanta only works with mission-driven clients, and how they say “no” to greenwashing

• The mindset shift Elizabeth made when stepping into the CEO role

• Why pay transparency and strong parental policies are key to closing the gender gap in leadership

• How generative AI is (and isn't) being used in high-trust, high-impact communications work

From managing global crisis comms to advancing social change through better messaging, Elizabeth's journey is a case study in values-based leadership, systems thinking, and authentic storytelling. Whether you’re in comms, diplomacy, nonprofit, or business, this episode is essential listening for changemakers navigating a complex, noisy world.

📌 Learn more about Atalanta: https://www.atalanta.co/
👤 Connect with Elizabeth Ames on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-ames-026336100/