From HR to Strategic Leadership: Steve Widdoss on Earning a Seat at the Table

From HR to Strategic Leadership: Steve Widdoss on Earning a Seat at the Table

June 29, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 28

About this episode

Steve Widdoss discusses the evolution of HR into a strategic leadership role and the importance of commercial credibility.

In this episode, I speak with Steve Widdoss, Chief People Officer of One Physics, about what it takes for HR to become a truly strategic leadership function. Drawing on senior HR leadership roles across global organisations including JPMorgan Chase, Capital One and Barclays, Steve reflects on why commercial credibility is essential for today's Chief People Officer, how HR earns a genuine seat at the executive table, and why understanding the business is just as important as understanding people. We also explore leading through growth, organisational transformation and acquisition, the importance of helping leaders manage themselves through uncertainty, and how AI is reshaping the future of work without diminishing the importance of human leadership. Connect with Shirley at ShirleyKavanagh.com and on LinkedIn. To learn more about Steve’s work, connect with him at OnePhysics.com and on LinkedIn

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Shirley Kavanagh

Guest: Steve Widdoss

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: One Physics, JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, Barclays

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