HR Coffee Time

Many organisations want a positive workplace culture, but creating one is easier said than done.How do you know what your culture is really like? What role do leaders play? And why do some organisations create environments where people thrive, while others struggle with engagement, retention, and performance?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay is joined by workplace culture and leadership expert Aoife O'Brien, founder of Happier at Work and author of the bestselling book Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention.Aoife shares her Thriving Talent framework and practical advice to help organisations create cultures where people can thrive. Together, Fay and Aoife explore psychological safety, leadership, values, strengths, employee needs, and practical ways to improve the experience of work for everyone.In This Episode, You'll Learn:The framework Aoife uses to help organisations create cultures where people thriveWhy psychological safety is the foundation of a thriving workplaceWhy culture is not HR's responsibility aloneThe role leaders play in shaping workplace cultureHow to identify what your workplace culture is really like todayPractical ways to involve employees in shaping cultureWhy many organisations have "accidental leaders" - and the impact this can have on engagement and retentionHow HR can build the business case for investing in leadership developmentWhy values, strengths, and employee needs play such an important role in helping people thrive at workPractical ways to identify your strengths and understand what helps you do your best workChapters[00:00] - Why workplace culture matters[01:34] - Introducing Aoife O'Brien[04:14] - Why Aoife wrote Thriving Talent[07:09] - The Thriving Talent framework explained[10:00] - The research behind the framework[13:55] - Why psychological safety matters[14:27] - Is workplace culture really HR's responsibility?[17:28] - How to define the culture you want[19:15] - The challenge of accidental leaders[25:27] - Making the business case for leadership development[30:03] - What helps people thrive at work?[35:22] - Values, needs and strengths[39:27 ]- Book recommendations[40:44] - How to connect with Aoife[41:49] - Closing and book giveaway reminderSpecial Offer for HR Coffee Time ListenersAoife has kindly arranged a 10% discount on her book, Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention. Use this link to access the discount.Useful LinksConnect with Aoife O'Brien on LinkedInVisit Aoife's Happier at Work websiteLearn more about the Thriving Talent bookConnect with Fay on LinkedInLearn about Fay’s Essential HR PlannerLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBooks Recommended In This EpisodeThriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention - Aoife O'BrienInsight: How to succeed by seeing yourself clearly - Dr Tasha EurichDare to Lead - Brené BrownYour Best Meeting Ever - Rebecca HindsHelpful Episodes to Listen to NextEp 47: Discovering your values to help your HR Career, with Zoe HawkinsEp 107: The Impact of Imposter Syndrome at Work and How to Tackle It Head-On, with Aoife O'BrienEp 136: How to shape a winning workplace culture when you work in HR, with Annabelle Lawson and Paula BrockwellEp 114: What Workplace Culture Is, How to Measure It, and a Surprising Way to Improve It, with Arend BoersemaEp 76: HR Insider tips on how to create an amazing remote working culture, with Claire CathcartEnjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Sign up for the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released - and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

You can design the best HR strategy, introduce brilliant benefits, or roll out an important change - but if people do not understand it, engage with it, or take action, none of it matters.That is why employee communication sits right at the heart of your impact in HR.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay is joined by Nik Nawaaz, Head of Employee Communications at Barnett Waddingham (now part of Howden) to unpack exactly how HR professionals can communicate in a way that builds trust, gets buy-in, and encourages people to take action - whether that is using their benefits, completing an engagement survey, preparing for a performance review, or navigating organisational change.With over 20 years of experience in employee communications, Nik shares practical, immediately actionable advice — no jargon, no fluff.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why employee communication is the “connective tissue” of an organisationWhy HR can sometimes feel like a faceless department - and how to change thatThe common mistake HR professionals make when writing employee communicationsWhy your message needs to answer “So what?” within the first few secondsHow to shift from explaining features to showing benefitsWhy phrases like “HR is pleased to announce” or “Please be advised” can stop people engagingHow to make your communication feel more human, conversational and directWhy reading your message aloud can help you spot corporate languageHow to use Microsoft Word’s read-aloud feature to improve scripts and written communicationWhy a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for benefits communicationHow to tailor messages for different groups and generations in your workforceWhy line managers are so important when you want messages to landHow a simple manager toolkit can make communication more effectiveWhy listening for the first five minutes of a meeting can help build trustHow to communicate during times of fear, uncertainty and changeWhy silence can lead people to create their own “horror story”How to be honest when you do not yet have all the answersWhy storytelling and real-world proof can be more persuasive than project updatesWhy employee communication needs support from across the organisation - not just HRChapters00:00 - When great HR work goes unnoticed03:24 - What employee comms really means04:20 - Why HR can feel "faceless" — and how to fix it06:19 - The #1 mistake: writing for yourself, not your audience08:49 - Quick win: delete your opening line09:49 - Drop the corporate speak — write like a human11:35 - The Word trick that makes your writing sound natural13:04 - How to get people to actually use their benefits17:30 - Tailoring messages for different generations20:58 - Line managers as your communication allies22:59 - The "First Five" technique24:01 - Communicating through change and uncertainty25:58 - Use storytelling, not project updates28:06 - Resource recommendation: Simon Sinek's Golden CircleUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInLearn about Fay’s Essential HR PlannerLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeTake Fay’s freeHR Leadership Impact Assessment.Connect with Nik (Nikolas) Nawaaz on LinkedInFind out more about Barnett Waddingham’s employee communications workWatch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk:How Great Leaders Inspire ActionHelpful Episode to Listen to NextIf you enjoyed this episode and would like more support with writing clear, effective communication at work, listen to:🎧 Ep 32: How to write work emails that get results, with Kim ArnoldKim shares brilliant advice that complements Nik’s tips in this episode, especially if you want to make your emails clearer, more persuasive and easier for people to act on.Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up for the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

Have you wondered what ‘being strategic’ actually looks like? In this episode, you’ll hear a real, step-by-step example of what being strategic can look like in your day-to-day work.Host, Fay Wallis, is joined by Harriet Mewis, Head of People and Development, who shares how she spotted a small pattern in employee behaviour – and used it to uncover a much bigger issue affecting the business.What makes this conversation so powerful is how practical it is. You’ll hear how being strategic doesn’t require a big budget, a senior job title, or complicated frameworks. It starts with curiosity, observation, and asking thoughtful questions.By the end of the episode, you’ll have a much clearer sense of how you can apply this way of thinking in your own role – in a way that feels realistic and achievable.Chapters[00:00] Introduction with guest host Sarah Archer[01:00] Why “being strategic” can feel vague and frustrating[01:24] Introducing Harriet and her approach to strategy[02:14] What being strategic actually means in practice[03:02] Beginning of the interview with Harriet & Fay[04:18] Defining what ‘being strategic’ means[05:48] Why you can be strategic in any role[07:22] Harriet’s example of being strategic in her role[21:30] Learning about other departments & building trust[23:39] Becoming an ‘apprentice’ for the day[27:35] Introducing Lean Six Sigma thinking[34:46] Harriet’s book recommendation[37:12] Final reflections & closeUseful Links from This EpisodeConnect with Fay on LinkedInConnect with Harriet Mewis on LinkedInConnect with Sarah Archer on LinkedInListen to Sarah’s Podcast – Unstuck & UnstoppableLearn about Fay’s Essential HR PlannerLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeTake Fay’s freeHR Leadership Impact Assessment.Helpful Episodes to Listen to NextEp 166:The Biggest HR Strategy Mistake – And How to Fix It, with Dean CorbettEp 164:Becoming More Strategic as an HR Team – 3 Ways OKRs Can HelpEp 163:3 Ways to Prove You’re Strategic in Your HR Leadership Job InterviewEp 108:HR Leadership – How to Create a Powerful One-Page Strategy, with Dr Max McKeownEp 98:HR Insider Insights – How to Create a Powerful People Strategy for an SME, with Kelly VincentEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up for the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

Is there something at work you know you’re capable of… but in the moment, your nerves take over?Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, handling a difficult conversation, or stepping into a high-pressure situation - that disconnect between what you can do and how you feel can be incredibly frustrating.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, I share a simple but slightly unusual technique that can help you feel calmer, more in control, and more confident when it matters most.It's called 'distanced self-talk', and it might feel a bit strange at first – but it’s backed by research and can make a real difference in those moments where your confidence wobbles.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy confidence can disappear in high-pressure momentsA simple technique that helps you step back from anxious thoughtsHow this approach can reduce nerves and help you think more clearlyPractical ways to use it before and during challenging situations at workReal examples of when to try it – including meetings, presentations, and interviewsRecommended Book in This EpisodeChatter: The Voice in Our Head (And How to Harness It) – by Ethan KrossUseful Links from This EpisodeConnect with Fay on LinkedInLearn about Fay’s Essential HR PlannerLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 1: How to feel more confident at workEp 16: How to become more confident about networkingEp 36: Four simple but powerful techniques to banish imposter syndromeEp 43: The one thing that will boost your resilience throughout your HR careerEp 49: 7 tips to help you feel more confident for your job interviewEp 73: 5 ways to feel more confident in your next interview, meeting, or presentationEp 74: How to get better at presenting & feel more confident about itEp 82: 5 tips to tackle a challenge at work when you aren’t feeling confidentEp 101: How to build confidence with networking for HR career successEp 122: Unlocking confidence for your HR career – 5 tips from expert guestsEp 137: How to recognise & break free from the lies we tell ourselves at workEp 162: How to Feel More Confident Speaking Up in Leadership MeetingsEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up for the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

Struggling to feel confident when Finance conversations come up at work? Been told you need to be "more commercial" but not sure what that actually means? In this practical episode, Commercial HR Coach Jo Bailey demystifies what it means to be commercial in HR and shares actionable advice to help you speak the language of business with confidence.You’ll LearnWhat "being commercial" actually means (and what it doesn't)Key financial terms explained: P&L, EBITDA, balance sheet, and cash flowHow to approach setting an HR budget with confidenceQuestions to ask when building a strong business caseHow to position budget requests so you're more likely to get what you needReal examples of how to demonstrate commercial thinking in your HR roleThe cost of attrition and how to build the business case for retention initiativesUseful Links From This Episode:Connect with Fay on LinkedInLearn about Fay’s Essential HR PlannerLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeConnect with Jo Bailey on LinkedInVisit Jo Bailey’s Website: Financial EmpowermentRecommended Book in This EpisodeExcellence in People Analytics: How to Use Workforce Data to Create Business Value, by Jonathan Ferrar & David GreenOther Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes:Ep 147: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights (with Kanika Mehra) - has a great explanation of storytelling with dataEp 115: Why Negotiation Skills Can Help Your Career & How to Develop Them (with Simon Duncan)Ep 158: 3 Simple Ways to Build Business Acumen in Your HR RoleEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

Have you ever been told you’re “not strategic enough” after an HR interview – even though you know you are?In this solo episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay Wallis tackles one of the most frustrating pieces of feedback HR professionals receive when applying for Head of HR, HR Director, Head of People or People Director roles.In this episode, Fay breaks down what 'being strategic' means in a practical, accessible way and shares three simple but powerful ways to prove you’re strategic in your next HR interview – without sounding corporate or forced.In this episode, you’ll learn:What “being strategic” actually means in practice – and why it often feels so vagueHow using one specific word can make interview panels see your thinking more clearlyA common mistake HR candidates make when answering interview questions – and how to fix itHow to turn everyday HR examples into clear, strategic stories with business impactThe types of interview questions that signal strategic thinking straight awayFay also shares practical examples you can adapt for your own interviews, helping you move beyond listing what you’ve done to explaining why it mattered.Whether you’re actively interviewing or simply want to feel more confident talking about your strategic contribution, this episode will help you articulate your value far more effectively.Useful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s Bright Sky HR websiteLearn aboutThe Essential HR PlannerLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeOther relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes'Operate Strategically' HR Coffee Time Podcast PlaylistEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

The start of a new year is the perfect moment to pause and think differently about goal setting, especially when you work in HR or a people role where expectations, pressure and emotional load can be high.In this episode, Fay Wallis shares her Triple Win Framework, a practical way to set goals that help HR and people professionals deliver real organisational impact, build career momentum and protect their wellbeing at the same time.If you want goals that feel motivating, aligned and supportive of your long-term success, this framework offers a clear place to start.You’ll Hear about:The Triple Win Framework explainedChoosing impactful HR goalsAligning goals to organisational strategyCareer-enhancing skills that matterWhy wellbeing must be a goalUseful LinksThe Build Your Professional Skills PlaylistConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInLearn About Fay'sInspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeLearn More AboutThe Essential HR PlannerEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

5 Brilliant HR Books That Deserve a Spot Under Your Christmas Tree!If you work in HR and you’re not sure what to ask for this Christmas – or you’d love to buy a thoughtful, genuinely useful gift for an HR colleague – this episode is for you.Fay Wallis shares five brilliant HR book recommendations she’s read this year. Each one supports HR professionals in a slightly different way – from building resilience and confidence, to shaping culture, developing better people practices, and setting yourself up for a successful year at work.All of the books recommended are practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real HR challenges.Book Recommendations from This EpisodeThe Little Book of HR Resilience: Practical Strategies for Busy People Professionals – Dr Felicity Baker & Dr Jo BurrellThe HR Confidence Playbook: The essential guide to being seen, heard, and respected in HR - by Kirsty Baggs-MorganWork Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead - by Laszlo BockLet’s Talk Culture: The conversations you need to create the team you want - by Shane Michael HattonThe Essential HR Planner – by Fay WallisUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeHR Coffee Time Episodes to Listen to NextEp 35: Helping Teams Thrive with Personal User ManualsEp 123: Avoid Burnout - How to Spot Signs Of Stress & Take Action (with Dr Jo Burrell)Ep 146: Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People Officer: (with John Scrooby)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

If the idea of improving your business acumen feels intimidating, this episode will help make it feel achievable and clear. Host, Fay Wallis, breaks down what business acumen really means for HR and why it has nothing to do with being “naturally commercial” and everything to do with curiosity, awareness and understanding how your organisation works.To make building business acumen feel even more practical, Fay brings in insights from three recent Chief People Officer guests: Kanika Mehra, Jane Beeston and Dotty Day. Although each appeared on the show to share their experiences of becoming a CPO, their advice applies to every stage of an HR career.By the end, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps you can start using straight away. And one of the three tips might surprise you.Ready to make business acumen feel less daunting? It’s simpler than you think.You’ll hear about:What business acumen really means Why curiosity beats expertiseUnderstanding customers and service users Getting involved outside HRLearning from Finance colleagues Questions to ask your finance teamWays to grow confidence with numbersUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeLearn more aboutThe Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Audio version)Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Video version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Audio version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Video version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Audio version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Video version) Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

Why do Chief People Officers need strong networks — and how can you build one that truly supports you?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Nebel Crowhurst, who’s featured on the HR Most Influential list several years running and has held senior roles with Virgin, River Island, Roche, and Reward Gateway.Nebel talks about the realities of being a CPO — the highs, the pressures, and how she protects her wellbeing — along with brilliant advice on building your own community of support (even if you find networking uncomfortable).In this episode, you’ll learn:The key differences between being an HR Director and a Chief People Officer.How to protect your boundaries and wellbeing in a demanding role.What it means to be a business leader, not just a functional one.How to reframe networking into “building your community.”Practical tips for creating and nurturing a supportive network.Nebel also explains her move into fractional CPO work, what it involves, and why this model is becoming increasingly popular in growing organisations.🎧 Listen next:Ep 11: Networking – the three most important networks for your careerEp 16: How to become more confident about networkingEp 90: How a Personal Board can help solve your challenges at workEp 153: Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – what it involves and how to succeed📚 Resources & Links:Connect with Fay on LinkedInConnect with Nebel on LinkedInFay's websiteNebel’s websiteNebel’s LinkedIn article:The Rise of The Fractional CPOEmotional Intelligence qualification mentioned: EQ-i 2.0 (via MHS Assessments)HR Leaders UnconferenceEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

What does it take to land your first Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) or Chief People Officer (CPO) role – and succeed once you’re in it?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Nicola Lyons, Group CHRO at Getlink Group. With more than 15 years of international experience leading transformation and culture change, Nicola shares a wide range of valuable insights from her career. One of the highlights of this conversation is her clear, step-by-step advice on how to secure a CHRO/CPO role and succeed once you’re in it.From career planning and building visibility, to working with headhunters and handling the step up, Nicola’s guidance is packed with practical tips you can put into action straight away.You’ll hear Nicola’s thoughts on:What makes her role as Group CHRO uniqueHow her network opened the door to her first CHRO opportunitySmart ways to build visibility with headhunters and recruitersThe value of career planning and feedback in preparing for the step upThe biggest shift when moving into a CHRO rolePractical habits that support success and wellbeingWhether you’re aiming for a CPO/CHRO position or want to strengthen your career in HR, you’ll come away with a wealth of actionable insights from Nicola’s experience.Useful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programmeBuy a copy of The Essential HR PlannerConnect with Nicola Lyons on LinkedInBooks Mentioned in This EpisodePlease note - book links are Amazon affiliate links. This means Fay may earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them. Your First 100 Days– Niamh O’KeeffeThe Strategy Book– Dr Max McKeownHead and Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership– Kirstin FergusonOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 31: Three Little-Known LinkedIn Features to Help You Get Your Next JobEpisode 106: Seven Types of Posts to Share on LinkedIn That Will Help Your HR CareerEpisode 78: 5 Tips to Get Useful Feedback at Work to Help Your HR/People CareerEpisode 37: The First 100 Days Plan to Succeed in Your New HR Leadership Role (With Niamh O’Keeffe)Episode 108: HR Leadership: How to Create a Simple but Powerful One-Page Strategy (With Dr Max McKeown)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified when new episodes are released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

How do you prove the true value of HR so the business takes you seriously – and appoints you as Chief People Officer?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Leah Carnegie, Chief People Officer at Lottoland. Leah shares her journey from VP of People to CPO, explaining how she made sure HR wasn’t just seen as a support function but as a vital business partner.As part of our special CPO/CHRO series – where each guest answers the same nine listener-chosen questions – Leah becomes the 7th CPO to share her story. Along the way, she offers candid insights into job titles, the mindset shift from “doing” to “thinking,” and the emotional weight of senior HR roles.You’ll hear Leah’s thoughts on:The moment she realised HR had to be at the top table – and how she secured her seatThe difference between VP/Director roles and the remit of a CPOWhy business acumen is non-negotiable for HR leadersHow coaching skills, feedback, and psychological safety underpin her leadership styleThe emotional challenges of the role – and the wellbeing practices that helpPractical advice for aspiring and first-time CPOsWhether you’re aiming for a CPO/CHRO role, or want to build confidence and influence in your current one, there’s plenty of inspiration to take from Leah’s experience.Useful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeConnect with Leah Carnegie on LinkedInDisruptive HR resources and HRBP workshopsIDEO podcastHyper IslandOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 78:5 Tips to Get Useful Feedback at Work to Help Your HR/People CareerEpisode 99:How Mediation Skills Can Help You Resolve Conflict at Work (With Pete Colby)Episode 53:Why Coaching Skills Can Help Your HR Career (& How to Develop Them), with Charlie WarshawskiEpisode 130:Build Managers’ Confidence and Skills With ‘The Coaching Two-Step’, with Jude SlaterBooks Mentioned in This Episode(Please note the links shared are affiliate links, so, Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you choose to purchase them)HR Disrupted: It’s time for something different – Lucy AdamsThe HR Change Toolkit: Your complete guide to making it happen – Lucy Adams Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources. Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect

What if there’s no Chief People Officer role in your organisation - but you know it needs one, and you think you’re the right person for it?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Victoria Pounder, Chief People Officer at Moore Kingston Smith - a multi-disciplinary firm providing audit, accountancy, advisory and tax services to a diverse range of clients. Victoria shares her inspiring journey of growing with the firm over 14 years - from being the first Head of HR to HR Director, and eventually making the case for a brand-new Chief People Officer role that she then stepped into.She talks openly about what the step up has been like so far, how she’s built influence and trust over time, and how she’s stayed focused on culture during rapid growth and change. There’s plenty to take away - especially if you’re aiming for a CPO role yourself, or want to lead with more impact and confidence in your current one.Chapters From This Episode[00:00] Welcome and introduction to Victoria Pounder[01:00] Creating a CPO role from scratch[03:20] Building the business case and going through the panel interview process[04:03] The differences between being an HRD and a CPO[06:40] The importance of influence in the CPO role[08:51] How trust helped her lead behind the scenes[12:32] Key skills and habits that have helped her succeed[14:45] How a non-HR project changed her perspective[18:17] Culture, growth and protecting values under pressure[23:06] Balancing career, family and mental wellbeing[25:19] The role of HR communities[27:08] Advice for aspiring CPOs[28:22] Final advice for new CPOs[37:16] Book recommendation and conclusion Useful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programmeConnect with Victoria Pounder on LinkedInEvolving HR – ‘Getting the Board on Board’ webinarThe HR Ninjas on LinkedInThe HR Ninjas Facebook Group Book Recommendation From This EpisodeHR Disrupted by Lucy Adams (Amazon affiliate link – Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you choose to purchase the book via this link)Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 18: Future-Proofing Your Career, with Karen MoranEpisode 136: How to Shape a Winning Workplace Culture When You Work in HR, with Annabelle Lawson & Paula BrockwellBuild Your Confidence Playlist: A collection of HR Coffee Time podcast episodes to help you overcome self-doubt and build your confidenceEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect