by Katrina Hook - As the world changes, communicating effectively requires empathy and understanding. Communications strategist Arlene Amitirigala is a film believer that mindfulness, self-awareness, and listening are the keys to compassion.

Amitirigala is the principal and chief communications strategist at TrulyArlene Communications and director of internal communications at Enercare Inc., based in Toronto, Canada. She specializes in internal communications, behavioral change, employee engagement, and building a culture of inclusive leadership. 

A Compassion Toolkit

Compassion is an asset both personally and professionally. “We’re all human beings,” Amitirigala says.  “From what I’ve learned on my journey through life, I believe that compassion is the greatest mobilizing force in achieving the transformation we seek in ourselves and others.”

Other essentials to build compassion include mindfulness, self-awareness, and listening skills. 
“We are always communicating,” she notes. She emphasizes that only seven percent of communication is verbal; context lies in nonverbals and tone. “Staying present and mindful is the root of compassion and the foundation of communication as a whole.”

Bridging Connections, One Conversation at a Time 

With a high school journey spanning three countries, Amitirigala grew up experiencing expectations differently than her peers. “I grew up in Jamaica with my grandparents. It was a different upbringing.”

She attributes the start of her cultural awareness and appreciation for the power of listening to her time at an international high school in Chile. “I was surrounded by people of so many backgrounds, all asking me where I was from. My mind was blown by all of these different cultures, nationalities, languages and religions. Over time I realized that there is more that unites us than separates us.”

The collision of identities cemented her burgeoning interest in journalism. “I wanted to tell  stories that would bridge connections and bring people together, one piece at a time.”

The Gift of Communication

Amitirigala describes organizations as a network of conversation. “Conversation is the most powerful gift we can give ourselves and others.” She lightly compares the urgency of communication to the medical field, noting that even doctors rely on communication and conversation to do their jobs and carry out life-saving interventions.

She moved to Canada amidst the pandemic and immediately faced the challenge of remotely building a network in a new country remotely. Fortunately, she followed the advice of her peers who recommended joining the communication body. “IABC became the wind beneath my wings during that time,” she said. She is proud to have “shifted the needle” for others as a former board member of IABC Toronto.

Reflecting on the relationships, friendships, and professional development she has gained from the organization, Amitirigala states that “the experience has been inspiring.” She believes that IABC is an essential meeting place for communication professionals.  

Listening, Deeply

“Be mindful, stay present, and listen.”

Listening provides a space for others to share their journey. “If you can think of a conversation where you felt truly listened to, it really feels like an act of love. When I don’t listen and I reflect on the conversation, I feel that gap. A piece of the puzzle is missing.” Amitirigala says the best way to grow as a communicator is to enter every conversation with an open mind, ready to listen and learn.

Katrina Hook is a communications intern and an advertising and public relations student with a passion for storytelling. She finds joy in uplifting others through her writing and creating spaces for shared adventures. Katrina loves appreciating the little things in life and enjoys traveling, running, reading, and painting.