Who are you?

I’m Rich Baker. I’m an internal communications consultant, strategist and writer. I help organisations and leaders communicate clearly, calmly and credibly. HiYu is where I do that work, and share what I’m learning along the way.

What is Hiyu?

Hiyu started as a consultancy for internal comms. These days it’s also a thinking space; a place to explore leadership, language, GenAI, and the invisible work of helping people make sense of change.

What do you actually do?

I help organisations:

• Shape internal communication strategies that actually get used

• Write better leadership messaging

• Explain complex change in human language

• Build trust through clarity and tone

• Use GenAI as a partner in comms, not a shortcut

Sometimes I coach, sometimes I ghostwrite, sometimes I help reframe what’s really going on.

Can you help with our internal comms strategy?

Yes. Whether you need a strategy from scratch or a sharper version of what you already have, I can help. I’ve worked on strategies for GenAI transformation, operating model shifts, culture change, and more. It’s rarely just about the words.

Do you only work in internal comms?

Mostly - but internal comms touches everything. I’ve worked on leadership programmes, behaviour change campaigns, employee experience design, and purpose development. If it affects how people think or feel at work, I’m interested.

Where are you based?

I live just outside Birmingham in the UK. Most of my work is remote, but I travel across the UK and Europe for workshops, leadership sessions and the occasional decent coffee. I can work globally remotely.

Can you work with our leadership team?

Yes. I often work directly with senior leaders - helping them shape narratives, prepare for big moments, or work through how to show up with credibility and care. I speak fluent exec, and I’ve been the person behind the curtain many times.

What’s your background?

I’ve led internal comms in global tech, FTSE 100s and regulated industries. I’ve worked in logistics, rail, automotive and retail. I’ve built high-performing teams, coached emerging leaders, and written for CEOs. I have an MBA and a slight midlands accent. I also have two sons who keep me laughing.

How do you approach AI?

I use it thoughtfully. I write and speak about the role of GenAI in internal comms, and how to use it without losing the human bit. If you’re trying to work out how to introduce AI tools into your team, or want to improve the way you use them, I can help.

What does Hiyu mean?

It’s a play on “Hi You” — a simple hello, a spark of connection. That moment when someone turns to you and starts a conversation. It’s also something my son used to shout when he ran into a room. Loud, curious, full of energy. It stuck.

Hiyu is about communication, presence and a bit of human warmth. Exactly what internal comms should feel like.

Can I see some of your writing?

Yes — the Articles page is where I share essays on internal comms, leadership, AI, and the real stuff people deal with at work. They’re written to make you think. And to feel seen.

Are you available right now?

Sometimes. I only take on a few projects at a time, so I can do the work properly. If you’re interested, get in touch and let me know what you’re working through.