Internal communication may be a global profession, but it is shaped by deeply local cultures, contexts and expectations, making the balance between global consistency and local authenticity more important than ever. Drawing on perspectives from communicators around the world, our latest Voice series explores how trust, listening and human connection remain the constants that drive meaningful engagement, wherever people work. First, Keith Berman, director of internal communications at US-based software company Vertafore, discusses AI’s impact, navigating political sensitivities and why internal comms must be seen as essential, not optional.