Member profile: Meet Jane
Jane Hamilton
While our member profiles often introduce people who are new to the IABC NSW community, Jane’s story reflects something equally worth celebrating: sustained commitment.
Since joining IABC in 2002, she has remained an active and passionate member of the communication profession. Across a career spanning journalism, corporate communication, multiple sectors and significant organisational change, Jane has continued to learn, contribute and support others. Her long-standing membership, service on the IABC NSW Board and commitment to professional certification demonstrate a passion for communication that has endured throughout her career. We thank Jane for her service to our profession!
When did you become an IABC NSW member and what compelled you to join?
At a friend’s suggestion, I joined IABC in 2002, not long after transitioning from journalism to corporate communication. Although the two careers share some skills, there was also a lot to learn.
More than 20 years later, I still value the community and the opportunities IABC provides to learn from communicators working across different sectors and countries.
Tell us about your journey in communications – how did this path come about?
I had worked in public relations, journalism, event management and publications, and those experiences were all useful in my first corporate role in internal communication. Since then, I’ve worked across the public and private sectors in financial services, electricity, transport, health and now, retirement living.
The connecting thread has always been change. These roles have allowed me to help organisations navigate some of their most significant moments, including large-scale organisational change, growth and transformation.
Along the way, I’ve continued to build my skills and served on the IABC NSW Board. I’m proud to be among the first communication professionals in Australia to achieve Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification.
Supporting and mentoring other communicators has also been a rewarding part of my career. I was thrilled that the group I established for NSW communicators preparing for certification was adopted by the IABC Asia Pacific region.
What do you love about working in comms?
Communication is a rewarding career that gives me a ringside seat at the heart of an organisation and an opportunity to influence beyond the position description. I especially enjoy supporting leaders and helping employees make sense of change and connect their work to a bigger purpose.
What's some of the best career advice you've received?
A mentor once told me that the core capabilities needed in business were persistence and resilience – so true!
I’ve also embraced advice about the importance of lifelong learning, whether that’s exploring AI, strengthening change management and leadership skills, or better understanding diversity and inclusion.
If you could add a superpower to your team, what would it be, and why?
I’ve always thought collaboration was an underrated superpower. The best ideas rarely come from one person. When people with different experiences and perspectives work together, they solve problems faster and create better outcomes.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the comms profession today?
AI is changing how we work and will undoubtedly improve efficiency. However, effective communication still relies on understanding people, building trust, navigating ambiguity and influencing behaviour. Technology can support those outcomes, but it can’t replace them.
What's your best AI hack?
A colleague told me you can photograph handwritten notes and use Copilot to extract and summarise the text. It does a great job, even with terrible handwriting!
I also use AI to challenge my thinking by asking it to identify risks and offer alternative perspectives.
How does an IABC NSW membership benefit your career?
IABC gives me access to emerging trends, best practice and a talented network of communication professionals worldwide.