We Need to Talk About HR

In this episode, we’re joined by Renuka Iyer, the EVP and Chief People & Culture Officer at Pharma, to discuss how organizations can foster civil conversations, create impactful cultures, and drive innovation. Renuka shares actionable advice on building clarity, cultivating curiosity, and navigating a noisy information age with respect and understanding.

In this episode, we welcome Sarah Touzani, CEO and co-founder of Waggle AI, an innovative platform transforming leadership coaching. We dive into the evolving workplace and the critical shift towards "human skills" in an AI-enabled world. Discover Sarah's vision of how leadership and team dynamics are changing—and why understanding your unique strengths is more important than ever.

Kerri O'Neill, Chief People Officer at Ipsos UK, joins us to discuss HR’s evolving role in the boardroom and beyond. From the increasing influence of the Chief People Officer to the unique perspectives HR brings to executive decision-making, Kerri unpacks how HR leaders can shape culture, strategy and future growth.

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of building trust within teams, examining the role of ego, unconscious behaviours, and the power of intentional listening. Our guest, Fergal McDonnell, shares real-life examples and techniques from years of team coaching, offering a fresh perspective on how trust and openness drive effective collaboration in executive environments. Tune in to explore the keys to creating authentic connections, managing biases, and creating space for meaningful change.

In today’s competitive recruitment landscape, traditional hiring approaches often fall short in securing top talent. Join us as Ellie Dinter, Head of Sourcing at Instant Impact, shares the cutting-edge strategies her team employs to attract niche talent across industries. From leveraging data-driven insights to building multi-channel pipelines, Ellie reveals how companies can shift from relying on conventional methods to crafting customized sourcing strategies. Tune in to explore the latest trends and techniques in recruitment that help businesses stand out and connect with high-caliber candidates.

In this episode of We Need to Talk about HR, we dive into the often overlooked yet critical leadership skill of listening. Join us and Rachel Peck, founder of Metronome, as we explore how listening can transform leadership, feedback, and workplace dynamics. From executive coaching to unstructured conversations, discover how deep listening is at the heart of effective communication and leadership success.

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical conversation about neurodiversity in the workplace. Host Felix is joined by Louise Brown, Non-Executive Director at City HR Association, to discuss the personal and professional impacts of neurodivergence. They explore how companies, especially SMEs, can build more inclusive workplaces, capitalize on diverse talent, and rethink people strategies to unlock competitive advantage. Louise shares her journey as part of a neurodivergent household and highlights the importance of leadership, awareness, and tailored tools to nurture inclusivity. Tune in to hear insights on neurodiverse talent and evolving workplace structures!

In this episode, we delve into the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on the workforce with special guest Susan Youngblood, Chief People Officer and seasoned HR leader. Together, we discuss how AI is reshaping organizational roles and the critical need for HR leaders to assert their influence in workforce strategy discussions. Susan shares insights on the challenges of securing resources for training and development, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead in a fast-changing landscape. We also explore the necessity of understanding AI's potential impact on various tasks and the importance of fostering a flexible mindset within teams. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of AI implementation and prepare your organization for future challenges!

In this episode, we chat with Morgane Hamilton, Head of HR at Africa Specialty Risks, about the critical role HR plays in fast-growth companies. From being employee number eight to shaping the organisation's HR framework, Morgane shares insights on early HR involvement, building structures that support rapid growth, and the importance of partnering with stakeholders. Tune in to learn how HR can be a driving force in scaling businesses.

In this episode, we chat with Mike, VP of People at Steno, who shares his unique journey from defense attorney to HR leader. We explore the often unplanned paths into HR, the mindset shifts required for major career transitions, and the challenges of breaking free from the conventional upward career trajectory. Whether you’re considering a career change or just curious about navigating new industries, this episode offers valuable insights on embracing setbacks for future growth.

Felix chats with Ted Blosser, CEO of WorkRamp, about the evolving landscape of learning and development (L&D). They explore the future of AI in L&D, the rise of consolidated learning ecosystems, and how companies can optimize training through both proprietary and universal learning content. Key Talking Points: The Rise of the Learning Center of Excellence: Ted discusses how companies are consolidating L&D initiatives into unified centers that streamline learning across various departments, enhancing organizational impact and driving upskilling efforts.AI's Role in L&D: AI is transforming the L&D landscape, particularly in content creation and real-time coaching. Ted shares examples of AI-driven coaching tools that simulate real-world scenarios, helping employees improve their skills.Balancing Proprietary and Off-the-Shelf Learning Content: Ted explains the 80-20 rule in L&D, where 80% of training is homegrown, focused on proprietary company knowledge, while the remaining 20% involves general skill-building using external resources like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning.

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) in driving organizational transformation, particularly in the context of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tushar Pandit, an experienced CPO, shares insights on how HR has become a crucial player in leading change and preparing businesses for the future.

In this episode, Felix welcomes Adam Horne, Co-founder of Open Org, to discuss the critical role of transparency in workplace culture and its broader implications. Adam shares insights on why transparency is key to building trust, engagement, and high-performing teams within organisations. We explore the complexities of workplace culture, the potential pitfalls of transparency, and the growing societal mistrust exacerbated by technological advancements like deepfakes.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of merging company cultures after an acquisition. Our guest, Tanya Lightbody, shares her expertise on aligning leadership and managing the integration process to create a unified and successful organization. We explore the importance of cultural alignment and a shared purpose, the role of honest conversations and coaching in leadership integration, and how a gradual approach, including an "incubation phase," can pave the way for a seamless merger. Tune in to learn strategies for making your M&A a success.

In this episode, we dive into the urgent and evolving role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in business, with a focus on sustainability. I'm joined by Paul Lewis, CEO and founder of Seismic, a rapidly growing sustainability consultancy. Paul shares his insights on how businesses can become true forces for good, highlighting the importance of integrating social and environmental sustainability. We also explore the significance of B Corp certification and its impact on employer and business brands. Tune in to learn practical steps for leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in today's business landscape.

Sheila discusses her transition from large corporations to a smaller organization, where she found the opportunity to make a more personal and significant impact on the company's culture and talent. She emphasizes the importance of connectedness in leadership and contrasts how change management and communication differ between large and small companies, highlighting the need for agility in smaller, fast-paced environments. The episode provides insights into leading cultural transformation in different organizational settings.

"Organizational happiness is where high performance lives, where retention lives, and where customer satisfaction thrives." - Lars Kure Juul on the importance of happiness in the workplace. Felix is joined by Lars Kure Juul, who is the best selling author of organisational happiness and also HR fitness, an international consultant with businesses all over the world, a Partner at People Driven Business, and a faculty member at the centre of executive Education and CVO at motivational landscape.

In the first episode of this unique three-part series on Pick Everard's DEI journey, Felix and Group People & Culture Director, Elizabeth Hardwick-Smith, explore the company's initial steps in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organisation.

In this week's episode, Felix speaks with Alex Stephany, CEO of Beam, about Beam's mission to humanise welfare services using AI, improve frontline worker efficiency, and promote community engagement through their CSR programme.

In this unique episode, host Felix Mitchell speaks with Global Diversity and Inclusion Consultant Dean Delpeache, who answers the toughest DEI questions posed by our listeners.