About Sharon O’Dea

I’m Sharon O’Dea — a digital strategy consultant, writer, and speaker specialising in digital workplace design, intranet strategy, employee experience, and the future of work. For over 15 years, I’ve helped complex organisations across the public and private sectors transform how they communicate, collaborate, and deliver through digital.

My career began in publishing, with stints at The Guardian and even a newspaper in Bolivia, before moving into communications. At the UK Parliament I pioneered one of the first mobile intranets, earning an Intranet Innovation Award. In 2010, I became an advisor to the fledgling Iraqi parliament—dodging roadside bombs in the name of better digital services.

In 2012 I joined Standard Chartered Bank, where I rose to Head of Digital Communications. Leading teams in London and Singapore, I delivered global content strategy, websites, social media, and a new social intranet and collaboration platform for 90,000 employees.

Since 2016 I’ve worked as an independent consultant and co-founder of Lithos Partners, advising global organisations—particularly in regulated industries—on digital communication and workplace experience. I also lead development of DWXS, a digital employee experience benchmarking tool.

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Writing & Speaking

I write widely on digital workplace strategy, communication governance, and the future of work. I’m a columnist for Reworked and Strategic, a regular conference speaker, and an occasional podcaster and media commentator.

I’m also the co-author of Digital Communications at Work (Kogan Page, 2026), a practical guide to designing communication channels for employee engagement and experience. My work has been published in The Independent Guide to Facebook (Dennis, 2007) and Share This Too (Wiley, 2013).

Recognition & Awards

Professional & Industry Roles

I’m a Certified Member of the Institute of Internal Communications, a member of the CIPR AI panel, and an advisor to the UK Cabinet Office.

In 2013 I co-founded 300 Seconds, a not-for-profit that helps women and underrepresented groups build public speaking confidence. We’ve run 16+ events with partners including the BBC, Guardian, Facebook, Mozilla, and the Open Data Institute. In recent years I’ve partnered with conferences to bring a 300 Seconds session to the agenda, to build a pipeline of future leaders.

Interests & Background

Passionate about the role of digital in shaping better organisations and communities, I combine user research, content strategy, and analytics with a sharp business focus—helping leaders make sense of complex digital change. I’ve studied futures forecasting at Stanford University and hosted Fujitsu Global’s podcast on the future of work.

Highly international, I’ve lived and worked across three continents, led global teams, and delivered projects in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. I now live in Amsterdam with my husband and two Sony Aibo robot dogs.