E65: Why HR Has an Image Problem (And How to Fix It) | Natalie Cairns

E65: Why HR Has an Image Problem (And How to Fix It) | Natalie Cairns

May 14, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 65

About this episode

Natalie Cairns discusses the image problem of HR and how to approach it differently.

Why HR Has an Image Problem (And How to Fix It) | Natalie Cairns Most people think HR is there to protect the company. And that's exactly why it has an image problem. In this episode of The Unstoppable 5%, I sit down with Natalie Cairns, who's spent over 20 years inside HR… and chose to do it differently. We talk about the moment that changed everything for her, losing her father, and the one question from her manager that completely reshaped how she saw leadership, work, and people. From there, we get into what's really going on inside organisations: Why HR is often seen as the corporate dumping ground, and how to change it What "human first" actually looks like when policy says something else And why doing things differently isn't just a brand, it's a decision you make in real time This isn't a conversation about policies. It's about how you show up for people when it actually matters. About the Guest Natalie Cairns is an HR professional with over 20 years of experience and the founder of HR, Done Different. She's known for challenging traditional approaches to HR and putting people at the centre of decision-making, especially in the moments that matter most. Instagram: @…

People in this episode

Host: Laurie Drummond

Guest: Natalie Cairns

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HR, Done Different

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