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 & close

Useful Links from This Episode

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Connect with Harriet Mewis on LinkedIn
• Connect with Sarah Archer on LinkedIn
• Listen to Sarah’s Podcast – Unstuck & Unstoppable
• Learn about Fay’s Essential HR Planner
• Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
• Take Fay’s freeHR Leadership Impact Assessment.

Helpful Episodes to Listen to Next

• Ep 166:The Biggest HR Strategy Mistake – And How to Fix It, with Dean Corbett
• Ep 164:Becoming More Strategic as an HR Team – 3 Ways OKRs Can Help
• Ep 163:3 Ways to Prove You’re Strategic in Your HR Leadership Job Interview
• Ep 108:HR Leadership – How to Create a Powerful One-Page Strategy, with Dr Max McKeown
• Ep 98:HR Insider Insights – How to Create a Powerful People Strategy for an SME, with Kelly Vincent

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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 might have your CIPD qualification. You might have years of experience. You’re probably working incredibly hard. But those things alone don’t always lead to the impact, influence, or progression you’re aiming for.

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, I share the five key areas I’ve identified from working with more than one hundred aspiring and existing HR leaders that really make the difference.

And make sure you listen all the way to the end - because the fifth area is often the most overlooked, yet can have the biggest impact on your success.

Chapters From This Episode

[00:00] HR Director Roadmap

[00:31] Five Key Areas Preview

[01:00] Free HR Leadership Impact Assessment

[02:27] Key Area 1 Confidence

[02:51] Confidence in Practice

[03:51] More Confidence Resources

[04:15] Key Area 2 - Strategic Thinking

[04:44] What Strategic Really Means

[05:13] Strategy Benefits and Tools

[06:25] Key Area 3 - Influencing

[08:35 Key Area 4 - Empowering Others

[09:51] Key Area 5 - Be Distinctive

[11:09] How to Assess Where You Are Now & Next Steps

Useful Links from This Episode:

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Learn about Fay’s Essential HR Planner
3. Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
4. Take Fay’s freeHR Leadership Impact Assessment.

Helpful Episodes to Listen to Next

If you’d like to go deeper on some of the ideas from this episode, here are a few great next listens:

1. Ep 167: A surprising way to feel calm and more confident in stressful moments
2. Operate Strategically Playlist(multiple episodes)
3. Ep 34: Influencing: How to get buy-in for your ideas at work
4. Ep 44: Succeeding as an HR professional: How to influence at a senior level

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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

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 Episode

1. Why confidence can disappear in high-pressure moments
2. A simple technique that helps you step back from anxious thoughts
3. How this approach can reduce nerves and help you think more clearly
4. Practical ways to use it before and during challenging situations at work
5. Real examples of when to try it – including meetings, presentations, and interviews

Recommended Book in This Episode

1. Chatter: The Voice in Our Head (And How to Harness It) – by Ethan Kross

Useful Links from This Episode

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Learn about Fay’s Essential HR Planner
3. Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Ep 1: How to feel more confident at work
2. Ep 16: How to become more confident about networking
3. Ep 36: Four simple but powerful techniques to banish imposter syndrome
4. Ep 43: The one thing that will boost your resilience throughout your HR career
5. Ep 49: 7 tips to help you feel more confident for your job interview
6. Ep 73: 5 ways to feel more confident in your next interview, meeting, or presentation
7. Ep 74: How to get better at presenting & feel more confident about it
8. Ep 82: 5 tips to tackle a challenge at work when you aren’t feeling confident
9. Ep 101: How to build confidence with networking for HR career success
10. Ep 122: Unlocking confidence for your HR career – 5 tips from expert guests
11. Ep 137: How to recognise & break free from the lies we tell ourselves at work
12. Ep 162: How to Feel More Confident Speaking Up in Leadership Meetings

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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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Creating an HR or People strategy can feel overwhelming - especially when many HR professionals are expected to do it without ever being shown how.

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay Wallis is joined by Dean Corbett, Chief People Officer, psychologist, and coach, to explore one of the most common mistakes HR teams make when creating an HR strategy - and what to do instead.

Dean shares why traditional HR strategy documents can dilute impact, and explains how to connect HR priorities directly to the organisation’s business strategy.

You’ll also hear practical ideas for thinking more strategically about HR, identifying the people capabilities organisations really need, and using tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to bring strategy to life.

Useful Links From This Episode

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Learn about Fay’s Essential HR Planner
3. Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
4. Connect with Dean on LinkedIn
5. Visit Dean’s website: SOPEOPLE

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. The Leadership Code: Five Rules to Lead By– Dave Ulrich, Norm Smallwood, & Kate Sweetman
2. Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works– A G Lafley & Roger L Martin
3. Aligning Human Resources and Business Strategy– Linda Holbeche
4. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organisation– Peter M Senge
5. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know– Adam Grant
6. Perry Timms’ Sustack

Episodes to Listen to Next

1. Ep 164:Becoming More Strategic as an HR Team - 3 Ways OKRs Can Help
2. Ep 148:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity (with Jane Beeston)
3. Ep 147:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights (with Kanika Mehra)

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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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

You’ll Learn

1. What "being commercial" actually means (and what it doesn't)
2. Key financial terms explained: P&L, EBITDA, balance sheet, and cash flow
3. How to approach setting an HR budget with confidence
4. Questions to ask when building a strong business case
5. How to position budget requests so you're more likely to get what you need
6. Real examples of how to demonstrate commercial thinking in your HR role
7. The cost of attrition and how to build the business case for retention initiatives

Useful Links From This Episode:

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Learn about Fay’s Essential HR Planner
3. Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
4. Connect with Jo Bailey on LinkedIn
5. Visit Jo Bailey’s Website: Financial Empowerment

Recommended Book in This Episode

Excellence in People Analytics: How to Use Workforce Data to Create Business Value, by Jonathan Ferrar & David Green

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes:

1. Ep 147: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights (with Kanika Mehra) - has a great explanation of storytelling with data
2. Ep 115: Why Negotiation Skills Can Help Your Career & How to Develop Them (with Simon Duncan)
3. Ep 158: 3 Simple Ways to Build Business Acumen in Your HR Role

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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

In this solo episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay explores a practical and accessible way to strengthen your team’s strategic focus: using OKRs – Objectives and Key Results.

If you’ve ever felt pulled between operational demands and the bigger picture, this episode will help you think differently about how HR goals connect to organisational priorities – and how to make that link clearer for your whole team.

Drawing on real examples (including a memorable orange analogy 🍊), Fay breaks down how OKRs can:

1. Create clarity and accountability
2. Connect HR activity to business impact
3. Help team members see how their work contributes to the wider strategy

You’ll come away with three practical ways to use OKRs to strengthen your strategic focus as a team – without overcomplicating things.

Chapters From This Episode

[00:00] Why HR struggles to be strategic

[01:10] What being strategic really means

[02:45] Shaping the future in HR

[03:50] Solving the biggest organisational problem

[04:55] What OKRs are and where they started

[06:10] Understanding objectives using a simple example

[07:40] How HR objectives link to strategy

[08:55] What good key results look like

[10:10] Moving from activity to impact

[11:25] How OKRs support prioritisation

[12:35] Books and next steps for HR leaders

Books Mentioned in This Episode

1. "Measure What Matters. OKRS - The Simple Idea That Drives 10x Growth" by John Doerr
2. "Radical Focus: Achieving Your Most Important Goals With Objectives and Key Results" by Christina Wodtke
3. “Good Strategy/Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters” by Richard Rumelt
4. “The Strategy Book: How to Think and Act Strategically to Deliver Outstanding Results” by Max Mckeown

Want to Build Your Strategic Confidence?

If this episode has made you reflect on your own strategic impact, you might enjoy learning more about Fay’s:

1. Inspiring HR Leadership Programme– designed to help existing and aspiring HR leaders build confidence, credibility and influence
2. HR Leadership Impact Assessment– a free self-assessment to help you reflect on your strengths and development areas
3. The Essential HR Planner– created to help HR professionals stay focused on what really matters

Other relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes:

'Operate Strategically' HR Coffee Time Podcast Playlist

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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

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:

1. What “being strategic” actually means in practice – and why it often feels so vague
2. How using one specific word can make interview panels see your thinking more clearly
3. A common mistake HR candidates make when answering interview questions – and how to fix it
4. How to turn everyday HR examples into clear, strategic stories with business impact
5. The types of interview questions that signal strategic thinking straight away

Fay 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 Links

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s Bright Sky HR website
3. Learn aboutThe Essential HR Planner
4. Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme

Other relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

'Operate Strategically' HR Coffee Time Podcast Playlist

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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

In this solo episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay explores why speaking up in leadership meetings can feel so daunting (even when you know you have something valuable to contribute). She shares practical, realistic ways to build confidence in those moments.

This episode is especially for HR and People professionals who find themselves second-guessing their ideas, worrying about being challenged, or holding back because the meeting feels high-stakes or fast-paced. Drawing on her coaching experience, Fay unpacks strategies to help.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. Why imposter feelings often show up more strongly in leadership meetings – and why that doesnotmean you do not belong there
2. How your nervous system plays a big role in confidence, and simple ways to feel calmer and more grounded in the moment
3. Breathing, grounding, and physical techniques you can use before and during meetings
4. The different kinds of value you bring to leadership conversations – beyond having the “perfect” answer
5. Why you do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact
6. Practical strategies to make speaking up feel more manageable, including:
7. Setting a small, realistic goal for your contribution
8. Shaping meetings in advance so you are not waiting for the “right moment”
9. Using professional phrases that buy you thinking time
10. How to zoom out and remember that one meeting does not define your credibility
11. Why confidence grows through familiarity and practice – not by forcing yourself to be someone you are not

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s website
3. The Essential HR Planner website
4. Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR Leadership Programme

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Ep 86: How to stop other people taking credit for your ideas in meetings
2. Build Your Professional Skills - HR Coffee Time Podcast Playlist

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Mentioned in this episode:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

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:

1. The Triple Win Framework explained
2. Choosing impactful HR goals
3. Aligning goals to organisational strategy
4. Career-enhancing skills that matter
5. Why wellbeing must be a goal

Useful Links

1. The Build Your Professional Skills Playlist
2. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
3. Learn About Fay'sInspiring HR Leadership Programme
4. Learn More AboutThe Essential HR Planner

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

This episode includes reflections on expanding the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, navigating the realities of running a business, experimenting with video, taking a long break from the podcast, and working through some unexpected moments of vulnerability along the way. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you'll feel encouraged to complete the exercise yourself and head into 2026 with more clarity and intention.

Helpful Links

• The Essential HR Planner
• The free HR Leadership Impact Assessment
• Read the full blog version of my reflections
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Learn more about theInspiring HR Leadership Programme

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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 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 Episode

1. The Little Book of HR Resilience: Practical Strategies for Busy People Professionals – Dr Felicity Baker & Dr Jo Burrell
2. The HR Confidence Playbook: The essential guide to being seen, heard, and respected in HR - by Kirsty Baggs-Morgan
3. Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead - by Laszlo Bock
4. Let’s Talk Culture: The conversations you need to create the team you want - by Shane Michael Hatton
5. The Essential HR Planner – by Fay Wallis

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s website
3. Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme

HR Coffee Time Episodes to Listen to Next

1. Ep 35: Helping Teams Thrive with Personal User Manuals
2. Ep 123: Avoid Burnout - How to Spot Signs Of Stress & Take Action (with Dr Jo Burrell)
3. Ep 146: Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People Officer: (with John Scrooby)

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Mentioned in this episode:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

In this episode, Fay Wallis breaks down the four most common routes that real CPOs have taken to step into the top people leadership job for the very first time. You’ll also hear short clips from several CPO guests who generously shared their stories and insights.

You’ll hear about:

1. Four routes into first CPO roles
2. Internal discussions leading to job title changes
3. Being headhunted by executive recruiters
4. Strengthening your LinkedIn profile
5. Applying directly for senior HR roles
6. Preparing for high-level interviews
7. Pitching for promotion with a business case

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s website
3. Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
4. Buy a copy of The Essential HR Planner

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Ep 31:3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next job
2. Ep 106:7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR career
3. Ep 149: The CPO Job Application That Worked, Strategic vs Operational HR, and Why Compassion Matters (with Funmi Onamusi):
4. Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/149/
5. YouTube link:https://youtu.be/n-zYslILExc?si=dIJFbWDgo2SWlcUz
6. Ep 154: Step-by-Step Career Advice to become a successful CHRO/CPO (with Nicola Lyons):
7. Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/154/
8. YouTube link:https://youtu.be/tdqjSSbKMmM?si=WpaKhorECI5-ieFk
9. Ep 147: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider insights (with Kanika Mehra):
10. Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/147/
11. YouTube link:https://youtu.be/R31JrBpT490?si=fikKsO8dJBahIRpx

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

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 expertise
• Understanding customers and service users
• Getting involved outside HR
• Learning from Finance colleagues
• Questions to ask your finance team
• Ways to grow confidence with numbers

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
• Learn more aboutThe Essential HR Planner

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Ep 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis shares the one big difference that defines the step up, a shift that’s far more about mindset and perspective than job title. You’ll hear clips from Chief People Officers including John Scrooby, Dotty Day, Lorna Bains, Dr Andy Stephenson, and Nebel Crowhurst as they describe what changed for them when they made the move.

Fay also shares a monster truck analogy that brings this transformation to life, from leading your HR function to steering the entire business. Whether you’re already operating at that level or preparing for the next step, this episode will help you see what it really means to become a business leader, not just a people leader.

Join us for reassurance and advice on making that leap.

You’ll Hear about:

1. The defining difference between HR Director and CPO roles
2. Why the CPO role is about leading the business
3. A monster truck analogy that brings the concept to life
4. Insights from five experienced Chief People Officers
5. How to start developing business acumen for your next step

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s website
3. Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Episode 146 with John Scrooby - Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People Officer
2. Episode 151 with Dotty Day – Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?
3. Episode 153 with Lorna Bains – Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – What It Involves & How to Succeed
4. Episode 155 with Dr Andrew Stephenson – The Mindset, Skills & Plan to Become a Successful Chief People Officer
5. Episode 156 with Nebel Crowhurst – Why Chief People Officers Need Strong Networks (And How to Build Yours)

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Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

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Inspiring HR

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 career
• Ep 16: How to become more confident about networking
• Ep 90: How a Personal Board can help solve your challenges at work
• Ep 153: Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – what it involves and how to succeed

📚 Resources & Links:

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Connect with Nebel on LinkedIn
• Fay's website
• Nebel’s website
• Nebel’s LinkedIn article:The Rise of The Fractional CPO
• Emotional Intelligence qualification mentioned: EQ-i 2.0 (via MHS Assessments)
• HR Leaders Unconference

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Mentioned in this episode:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away.

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Inspiring HR

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Dr Andrew Stephenson, Chief People Officer at Equiniti, who has held CPO roles in three major international businesses. Under his leadership, Equiniti has become a Top Employer in the UK, US and India, winning multiple CIPD and HR Excellence Awards, and Andy himself has been named one of the CIPD’s HR 30 under 30 leaders.

You’ll hear Andy’s thoughts on:

• How he created his first Chief People Officer role and convinced the board he was the right person for it
• Turning strategy into a simple, one-page plan (and why clarity matters more than volume)
• The difference between HR Director and CPO roles – and what it means to work on the business, not in it
• Habits and diary practices that help him (and his team) perform at their best
• Practical ways to protect mental health and prevent burnout in a senior role
• The importance of lifelong learning – and how his curiosity led to “accidentally” earning a doctorate
• His advice for aspiring CPOs on building commercial awareness, gaining breadth, and backing yourself

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
• Connect with Dr Andrew Stephenson on LinkedIn

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 1:How to Feel More Confident at Work
• Episode 43:The One Thing That Will Boost Your Resilience Throughout Your HR Career (With Tom Cleary)
• Episode 123:Avoid Burnout – How to Spot Signs of Stress and Take Action (With Dr Jo Burrell)
• Episode 108:HR Leadership – How to Create a Simple but Powerful One-Page Strategy (With Dr Max McKeown)

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Mentioned in this episode:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away.

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Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

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 unique
• How her network opened the door to her first CHRO opportunity
• Smart ways to build visibility with headhunters and recruiters
• The value of career planning and feedback in preparing for the step up
• The biggest shift when moving into a CHRO role
• Practical habits that support success and wellbeing

Whether 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 Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme
• Buy a copy of The Essential HR Planner
• Connect with Nicola Lyons on LinkedIn

Books Mentioned in This Episode

Please 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’Keeffe
• The Strategy Book– Dr Max McKeown
• Head and Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership– Kirstin Ferguson

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 31: Three Little-Known LinkedIn Features to Help You Get Your Next Job
• Episode 106: Seven Types of Posts to Share on LinkedIn That Will Help Your HR Career
• Episode 78: 5 Tips to Get Useful Feedback at Work to Help Your HR/People Career
• Episode 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)

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

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Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Lorna Bains, a hugely experienced HR and business transformation leader who has thrived as a fractional CPO for the past seven years. Lorna lifts the lid on what the role involves, why more organisations are choosing fractional HR leadership, and the habits and practices that help her succeed.

As part of the special CPO/CHRO series – where each guest answers the same nine listener-chosen questions – Lorna becomes the 8th CPO to share her story. She also offers down-to-earth advice on handling imposter feelings, building your network, and remembering that you don’t need all the answers to succeed.

You’ll hear Lorna’s thoughts on:

• What makes the fractional CPO role different
• The team structures and “scaffolding” that allow fractional leadership to work
• Why building strong networks and communities is crucial
• The skills, habits, and practices that have most helped her succeed
• How to stay future-focused and “look around the corner” as a strategic HR leader
• Handling the biggest challenges of the role

Whether you’re curious about the growing trend of fractional HR leadership, considering the CPO/CHRO path, or simply looking to strengthen your own impact as an HR professional, you’ll find plenty of insights and encouragement in this conversation.

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
• Lorna’s website:Vilo Consulting
• The Personal Boardroom framework (by Zella King)

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Networking:

• Episode 11:Networking – The Three Most Important Networks for Your Career
• Episode 15:How Networking Can Help Your Career
• Episode 16:How to Become More Confident About Networking
• Episode 101:How to Build Confidence With Networking for HR Career Success (With Yvonne Walsh)

Personal Board:

• Episode 21:The 8 People Who Will Set You Up for Career Success (With Sharon Peake)
• Episode 90:How a Personal Board Can Help Solve Your Challenges at Work

Imposter Syndrome:

• Episode 36:Four Simple but Powerful Techniques to Banish Imposter Syndrome (With Joanna Lott)
• Episode 107:The Impact of Imposter Syndrome at Work & How to Tackle It Head-On (With Aoife O’Brien)

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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

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 seat
• The difference between VP/Director roles and the remit of a CPO
• Why business acumen is non-negotiable for HR leaders
• How coaching skills, feedback, and psychological safety underpin her leadership style
• The emotional challenges of the role – and the wellbeing practices that help
• Practical advice for aspiring and first-time CPOs

Whether 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 Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
• Connect with Leah Carnegie on LinkedIn
• Disruptive HR resources and HRBP workshops
• IDEO podcast
• Hyper Island

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 78:5 Tips to Get Useful Feedback at Work to Help Your HR/People Career
• Episode 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 Warshawski
• Episode 130:Build Managers’ Confidence and Skills With ‘The Coaching Two-Step’, with Jude Slater

Books 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 Adams
• The 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

HR Coffee Time Host, Fay Wallis, is joined by Dotty Day, an experienced interim CPO, strategy consultant, and founder of Nu Leaf (supporting ambitious businesses with fractional HR leadership and practical, people-first strategies). She’s also the founder of gighrly, a thriving business club for HR freelancers and consultants.

As part of our special CPO/CHRO series – where each guest answers the same nine listener-chosen questions – Dotty becomes the 6th CPO to share her insights. She talks about her unconventional path to the role, the realities of interim work, and valuable advice for all ambitious HR professionals.

You’ll hear Dotty’s thoughts on:

1. Why developing your commercial acumen should include learning from marketing as well as finance
2. How to say “no” without damaging relationships – and why it matters for avoiding burnout
3. A practical influencing strategy to get buy-in for your ideas before the meeting even starts
4. Avoiding HR jargon and using the language of the business
5. The mindset and adaptability needed to thrive in interim work

Whether you’re aiming for a CPO/CHRO role, considering interim work, or just want to strengthen your leadership skills, there’s plenty to take away from this conversation.

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s website
3. Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
4. Connect with Dotty Day on LinkedIn
5. Visit Nu Leaf– Dotty’s consultancy
6. Visit gighrly– Dotty’s business community for HR freelancers and consultants

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Episode 7:What To Do When There Aren’t Enough Hours in the Day
2. Episode 86:How to Stop Other People Taking Credit for Your Ideas in Meetings
3. Episode 103:Career Options in HR – Is Contracting the Perfect Fit for You? (With Eleanor Minshall)
4. Episode 123:Avoid Burnout – How to Spot Signs of Stress & Take Action (With Dr Jo Burrell)

Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

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 Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme
• Connect with Victoria Pounder on LinkedIn
• Evolving HR – ‘Getting the Board on Board’ webinar
• The HR Ninjas on LinkedIn
• The HR Ninjas Facebook Group

Book Recommendation From This Episode

HR 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 Episodes

• Episode 18: Future-Proofing Your Career, with Karen Moran
• Episode 136: How to Shape a Winning Workplace Culture When You Work in HR, with Annabelle Lawson & Paula Brockwell
• Build Your Confidence Playlist: A collection of HR Coffee Time podcast episodes to help you overcome self-doubt and build your confidence

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Funmi Onamusi, Chief People Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Funmi shares her inspiring and non-traditional journey to becoming a CPO - including the bold, values-led approach she took when applying for the role, and the importance of carving out strategic thinking time once she got there.

She also opens up about the pressure that can come with being a Black woman in senior leadership, and how she has channelled that pressure into role modelling compassionate leadership for others.

Whether you're aiming for a CPO role, want to be more strategic, or become a more impactful leader, you’ll come away with practical ideas, honest reflections, and real-life insight into what it takes to lead well in HR at the highest level.

Chapters From This Episode

[00:00] Welcome and introduction to Funmi Onamusi

[04:06] Funmi’s route to becoming a CPO

[06:50] Funmi’s job application approach

[09:03] How she prepared for the interview

[13:33] The difference between the HR Director & CPO roles

[18:45] Advice on how to move from operational to strategic

[23:33] How the role was different to what she had expected

[27:55] Maintaining mental wellbeing in such a demanding role

[34:12] The skills, habits and practices that have helped her succeed

[41:14] The biggest challenges Funmi has experienced as a CPO

[49:56] Funmi’s advice for aspiring CPOs

[56:52] Courses and qualifications that have been useful for Funmi

[01:00:00] Final thoughts

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme
• Connect with Funmi Onamusi on LinkedIn
• Visit Funmi’s website
• Funmi’s ’10 Power Moves’
• Learn about Funmi’s CIC: The Breaking Hundred Circle

Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, you'll meet the brilliant Jane Beeston, Chief People Officer at Colart. With nearly 40 years of experience in HR – spanning generalist roles, transformation, and international work – Jane has a huge amount of insight to share.

We learn from her about the shift from HR Director to CPO, what the role really involves, and how she’s built strong relationships with her CEO and board. Jane talks openly about the communication skills she’s had to develop, how coaching training changed the way she works, and why staying curious (and occasionally sticking her nose into things!) has helped her make a bigger impact.

Whether you’re working towards a CPO role or simply want to grow in confidence and influence, there’s plenty to take away from Jane’s story.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Welcome & introduction to Jane

[02:00] Jane’s path to becoming a CPO

[04:00] Why the CEO relationship really matters

[07:00] What changes when you move into a CPO role

[08:00] What a board does (and how to work with them)

[10:30] How Jane improved her communication skills

[12:00] Staying connected across a global team

[14:00] Getting your message to stick across the business

[15:00] Why coaching skills have made such a difference

[16:00] How curiosity helps you grow and influence

[18:00] Common challenges in the CPO role

[19:00] How Jane approaches communication in practice

[22:00] Looking after your wellbeing in a demanding role

[24:00] You don’t have to do it all alone

[25:00] Advice for anyone who wants to be a CPO one day

[27:30] Jane’s experience of cross-functional projects

[30:00] Prioritising what matters most

[32:00] If you’re stepping into a CPO role: own it!

[34:00] Courses and continuous learning that helped

[36:00] Learning to work across different countries

[37:30] Final thoughts and thank you

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Fay’s website
3. Fay’s HR leadership programme – Inspiring HR Leadership
4. Connect with Jane Beeston on LinkedIn

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Episode 53: Why Coaching Skills Can Help Your HR Career (and How to Develop Them) with Charlie Warshawski
2. Episode 130: Build Managers' Confidence and Skills with the Coaching Two-Step with Jude Slater
3. Episode 43: The One Thing That Will Boost Your Resilience Throughout Your HR Career with Tom Cleary
4. Episode 32: How to Write Work Emails That Get Results with Kim Arnold
5. Episode 95: How to Build Trust in a Hybrid World Through Email with Kim Arnold

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay Wallis is joined by Kanika Mehra, an inspiring CPO with over 20 years of global HR experience. Having worked in fast-paced environments ranging from global giants like Amazon to scaling organisations going through rapid transformation, Kanika shares what helped her make the move into a CPO role – and what it’s really like once you get there.

From building commercial acumen and using data to tell compelling stories, to managing pressure, leading through change and staying true to your values – this conversation is packed with practical insights to support you on your own HR leadership journey.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction

[02:12] Meet Kanika Mehra

[02:25] How she got her first CPO role

[03:23] The role LinkedIn played – and how to improve your profile

[07:00] The differences between being a Head of People or HR Director vs a CPO

[09:27] Making big decisions

[14:02] Learning to lead without having all the answers

[17:50] Developing confidence and decisiveness

[22:51] Why business acumen is essential – and how to build it

[27:45] Becoming confident with data and storytelling

[33:12] Her biggest challenge as a CPO

[34:03] Balancing employee experience with business priorities

[37:59] Maintaining mental wellbeing in a high-pressure role

[40:08] The importance of values alignment

[42:38] Advice for anyone who’d like to be a CPO

[45:41] Advice for first-time CPOs

[49:57] Courses and books that have helped Kanika succeed

[52:36] Wrap-up and other HR Coffee Time podcast episode recommendations

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website
• Connect with Kanika Mehra on LinkedIn

Book Recommendations from the Episode

(Book links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them.)

• My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future – Indra Nooyi
• Data-Driven HR: How to Use Analytics and Metrics to Drive Performance – Bernard Marr
• Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon – Colin Bryar and Bill Carr
• Excellence in People Analytics – Jonathan Ferrar and David Green

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 22: How to handle conflict at work
• Episode 31: 3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next job
• Episode 35: Helping teams thrive with personal user manuals
• Episode 47: Discovering your values to help your HR career
• Episode 106: 7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR career

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Host Fay Wallis is joined by John Scrooby, Chief People Officer at tech company Masabi. John shares honest and thought-provoking insights about what the role really involves, the challenges it brings, and how to navigate them. From taking ownership beyond your remit, to managing your wellbeing in a high-pressure role, and showing up as a values-driven, emotionally honest leader - this is a must-listen for anyone aiming to grow their HR leadership career.

John also reflects on his journey from his tech career to HR, explains what helped him make the transition, and gives advice for anyone looking to lead with impact.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction

[00:54] Why this series of episodes exists

[03:25] Meet John Scrooby

[03:55] How John got his first CPO role

[08:41] What he thought HR was - vs what he discovered

[10:39] The difference between being a Head of HR or HR Director and a CPO

[14:37] Advice for HR professionals nervous about stepping up

[17:20] Why peer support matters

[18:10] Vulnerability, leadership and mental health

[25:07] How John maintains his mental wellbeing

[29:43] Skills and habits that have helped him succeed

[32:15] John’s advice for anyone who would like to be a CPO one day

[36:21] His biggest challenge as a CPO

[41:24] How to get invited in as an HR leader

[44:51] His top piece of advice for new CPOs

[46:38] Courses or qualifications—are they essential?

[49:08] Conclusion

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with John Scrooby on LinkedIn
• People Before Strategy: A New Role for the CHRO (HBR article)
• University of Cambridge Judge Business School – CHRO Programme

Book Recommendations from the Episode

(Book links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them).

• HR Coffee Time’s top book recommendations to thrive in your HR/People career
• Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

In this special launch episode of the new series of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by David D’Souza, Director of Profession at the CIPD. Together, they demystify the CPO / CHRO role - exploring what it is, how it differs from other senior-level HR roles (like ‘Head of People’ and ‘HR Director’), and why it’s becoming more common across UK organisations.

David shares insight into:

Whether you’re already in a senior HR role or are simply curious about what it takes to reach the top, this episode is packed with practical insights and career guidance.

Key Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to the new series

[01:47] Meet David D’Souza, Director of Profession at the CIPD

[04:03] What is the Chief People Officer (CPO) role?

[05:54] Why CPO roles are becoming more common

[07:21] How the role of the CPO is evolving

[10:04] Challenges and responsibilities of CPOs

[13:13] Work-life balance and C-suite expectations

[18:15] Skills for success as a CPO

[20:56] Understanding governance

[24:00] How to build knowledge and confidence for the role

[23:56] CIPD resources and support

[33:38] Wrap-up and useful episode links

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with David D’Souza on LinkedIn
• CIPD Membership
• CIPD Experience Assessment
• CIPD Learning Hub
• CIPD Local Branches
• CIPD Online Community
• CIPD Aspiring HRD Programme
• CIPD Mentoring Scheme

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

HR Coffee Time - and I’d love your input to help shape it!

In This Episode, You'll Hear About:

[00:00] Why I'm taking a short break – Why now feels like the right time to pause and refresh.

[02:10] The two key challenges I keep seeing in HR careers – How a lack of confidence, clarity, and role models is holding HR professionals back.

[04:49] How conversations helped shape my next steps – The advice and insights that led to the idea of evolving the podcast.

[09:05] From book idea to podcast interviews – How an unexpected conversation with a fellow career coach changed my thinking.

[10:57] Why HR Coffee Time is evolving instead of stopping – A reassuring conversation that helped me realise I don’t need to start a whole new podcast.

[12:39] Batch recording & smarter time management – How I plan to make the podcast more time-efficient while improving the quality of content.

[15:02] I’d love your help! – How you can share your thoughts on the interview questions and suggest great Chief People Officers (CPOs) and Chief HR Officers (CHROs) to be guests on the show.

Podcasts Mentioned in This Episode

• HR Coffee Time episode 123: Avoid Burnout: How to Spot Signs of Stress and Take Action, with Dr Jo Burrell
• HR Coffee Time episode 32: Diversity & Inclusion at Work – 7 Mistakes to Avoid (& What to Do Instead), with Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey
• Nicola Semple's podcast: The Career Confidence Podcast
• Dr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey's podcast: The Element of Inclusion
• Verena Hefti's podcast: Big Careers, Small Children

Ways to Get Involved

• Take the HR Coffee Time Next Chapter Survey – Help shape the podcast by sharing your thoughts on the questions I should ask my future guests. You can find the survey here: bit.ly/HRCTNEXTCHAPTER
• Recommend a Guest – Do you know an inspiring Chief People Officer or Chief HR Officer? Or are you one yourself? I’d love to hear from you!
• Get in Touch –
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk

Subscribe to the HR Coffee Time Newsletter

If you’d like to be the first to hear when the new format of HR Coffee Time is live, sign up for the HR Coffee Time newsletter! You’ll also get career and leadership tips straight to your inbox, along with updates on new podcast episodes and helpful resources.

Thank You for Your Support!

The podcast will be back at the end of April 2025 with a fresh new format. In the meantime, I hope my journey of refining this idea encourages you to explore your own. Sometimes, the best way to gain clarity is to start talking about it.

I can’t wait to bring you new conversations, and I look forward to hearing what you think. See you soon!

Mentioned in this episode:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

You’ll hear extracts from earlier episodes featuring expert guests who explain each skill and its benefits. Fay has personally attended training with all the featured experts, so she can confidently recommend their insights and advice.

Whether you’re considering what to focus on for your professional development this year or just want to understand how these skills can help you, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration to guide your next steps.

Chapters From This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[03:38] Mediation skills with Pete Colby (Episode 99)

[08:07] Coaching skills with Charlie Warshawski (Episode 53)

[13:59] Negotiation skills with Simon Duncan (Episode 115)

[21:23] Facilitation skills with Kirsty Lewis (Episode 110)

[26:43] Closing thoughts

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• The Essential HR Planner
• Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Links & Resources Mentioned in The Episode

• Connect with Pete Colby on LinkedIn
• Connect with Charlie Warshawski on LinkedIn
• Connect with Simon Duncan on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kirsty Lewis on LinkedIn
• Mediation skills - Pete Colby’s website: Pragmatism
• Coaching skills - Charlie Warshawski’s website: Love Your Coaching
• Facilitation skills – Kirsty Lewis’ website: School of Facilitation
• Gartner’s Model of a World-Class CHRO
• The CIPD’s Profession Map

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• HR Coffee Time’s ‘Build Your Professional Skills’ Podcast Playlist
• Episode 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 Warshawski
• Episode 110: Why facilitation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Kirsty Lewis
• Episode 115: Why negotiation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Simon Duncan
• Episode 130: Build managers’ confidence with ‘The Coaching Two-Step’, with Jude Sclater

Book Recommendations Shared on HR Coffee Time

(Book links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them).

• HR Coffee Time’s top book recommendations to thrive in your HR/People career
• ‘Think Like a Coach: Empower your team through everyday conversations’ by Jude Sclater

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Dr Ben shares practical insights into how clarity, belief, motivation, and other essential elements influence success, helping you avoid common goal-setting pitfalls. Together, Fay and Ben discuss strategies for creating a clear vision, building motivation, and staying on track - even when the going gets tough.

Whether you're aiming to advance your career, tackle a challenging project, or introduce new initiatives in your organisation, this episode is packed with advice to help you achieve your goals with confidence and clarity.

Chapters From This Episode

[00:00] Introduction

[03:22] What is the ABCME® framework?

[07:03] The importance of clarity in goal-setting

[09:41] Practical tips for getting more clarity

[12:08] How to stay motivated with your goals

[20:13] Celebrating successes and why it matters

[28:43] Confidence-building tip: What would a role model do?

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
3. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn
4. Ben’s website: Make It Happen
5. Ben’s free quiz to help you achieve your career goals
6. Stickk.com website (mentioned in the episode to make a commitment to a goal)
7. The Essential HR Planner

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Episode 141: Look back to look forward – how to reflect on 2024 to set goals for 2025
2. Episode 39: Lost your direction & motivation at work? This one thing might help
3. Episode 89: How to reach your HR career goals by understanding your ‘tendency’

Book Recommendations From the Episode

(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

1. Tiny Habits: Why Starting Small Makes Lasting Change Easy, by BJ Fogg
2. Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Career You Want, by Dr Grace Lordan

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of focusing on what didn’t go to plan or overlooking achievements, thanks to the negativity bias we all experience. Add to that the recency bias—where only the most recent events stick in our minds—and it’s no wonder we often lose sight of the bigger picture.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through 10 powerful reflection questions from The Essential HR Planner to help you push past these biases, recognise all you’ve accomplished this year, and approach 2025 with confidence and clarity. And to show that I’m right there with you, I’ll share my own answers to the questions too.

Whether you’re using The Essential HR Planner or simply jotting down notes as you listen, this episode of HR Coffee Time is your chance to pause, reflect, and start shaping the year ahead with purpose and positivity.

Key Chapters

[00:00] Introduction

[03:10] Question 1: What did you achieve? - Small wins are just as noteworthy as big ones

[09:06] Question 2: What did you do to help others?

[11:35] Question 3: What are you proudest of from 2024?

[13:02] Question 4: What did you do for your wellbeing during the past year?

[15:50] Question 5: What did you learn during 2024?

[21:35] Question 6: Which relationships did you develop and build?

[23:22] Question 7: What are you grateful for?

[24:22] Question 8: What did you find challenging this year?

[27:10] Question 9: What insights do you have from reading through your answers to questions 1-8?

[29:32] Question 10: How can these insights influence your goals for 2025?

[32:51] Conclusion

Useful Links

• The Essential HR Planner website
• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Fay's blog post: Reflecting on 2024 - looking back to look forward
• Fay's YouTube channel

Book Recommendations

(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

• Neuroscience for Learning and Development: How to Apply Neuroscience and Psychology for Improved Learning and Training, by Stella Collins
• Think Like a Coach: Empower Your Team Through Everyday Conversations, by Jude Sclater
• Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and How to Harness It, by Ethan Kross

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

In this episode, host Fay Wallis reflects on her experience running the first in-person HR Planning Day and shares five brilliant resources that most inspired her when designing the event. You’ll discover practical insights and creative techniques to transform your workshops and training sessions, whether in-person or online.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and Overview

[03:27] Resource 1: Kirsty Lewis’ online masterclass on workshop design

[11:45] Resource 2: The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint book

[22:07] Resource 3: The Flipchart Facebook group

[23:37] Resource 4: Neuroscience for Learning and Development book

[28:01] Resource 5: The Ten-Minute Trainer book

[31:28] Conclusion

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Kirsty Lewis’ website: School of Facilitation
• The Flipchart Facebook group
• The Essential HR Planner (hardback & digital versions available)

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Episode 110: Why facilitation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Kirsty Lewis

Book Recommendations From the Episode

(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links, which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

• The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress, by Leanne Hughes
• Neuroscience for Learning and Development: How to Apply Neuroscience and Psychology for Improved Learning and Training, by Stella Collins
• The Ten-Minute Trainer: 150 Ways to Teach it Quick and Make it Stick, by Sharon L. Bowman

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Binna shares insights from his firm's comprehensive research into religion at work, including findings from their largest-ever survey response. He explains the various aspects of religious expression, discusses both challenges and positive developments in workplace inclusion, and offers practical guidance for HR professionals looking to create more inclusive environments.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and Overview

[02:02] Meet the Expert: Professor Binna Kandola

[04:19] Defining Religious Expression at Work

[10:03] Why Religious Expression Matters

[18:36] Benefits to Organizations

[21:01] Key Research Findings

[26:49] Examples of Good Practice

[31:23] Book Recommendation

[33:28] Conclusion and Resources

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
3. Connect with Binna Kandola on LinkedIn
4. Binna’s website: Pearn Kandola
5. Pearn Kandola’s, “Religion at Work Report”
6. Binna’s podcast, Making the World Fairer (on Apple Podcasts)
7. Binna’s podcast, Making the World Fairer (on Spotify)

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Create an Equitable, Diverse & Inclusive Workplace – Podcast Playlist (on the Bright Sky website)

Create an Equitable, Diverse & Inclusive Workplace – Podcast Playlist (on Spotify)

Book Recommendation From the Episode

(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

‘World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained’ by John Bowker

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis shares five practical tips to help you carve out time for strategic work, even when you're incredibly busy. These tips will help you overcome common barriers and create the space needed to focus on work that drives meaningful organisational change.

Key Points from This Episode

• Introduction and welcome
• Tip 1: Build your confidence about being strategic
• Tip 2: Schedule dedicated time for strategic work
• Tip 3: Make the most of AI to free up time
• Tip 4: Remember that less is more
• Tip 5: Communicate your strategic priorities clearly

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• The Essential HR Planner
• elementsuite
• Angela Moyle's eBook: AI for HR
• Angela' Moyle's eBook: HR's role in AI adoption

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Operate Strategically or Create a Powerful HR/People Strategy Playlist
• Episode 102: Boosting Your Strategic Knowledge to Step Up in Your HR Role
• Episode 108: How to Create a Simple but Powerful One Page Strategy with Dr. Max Mckeown
• Episode 134: Creating an HR Strategy - How to Get Started When You're Feeling Stuck
• Episode 7: What to Do When You Don't Have Enough Hours in the Day
• Episode 92: Time Management Tips to Stay on Top of Your Busy Day
• Episode 58: How to Feel More Confident Using Data & Analytics in Your HR Role

Book Recommendations from the Episode

• Good Strategy, Bad Strategy: The difference and why it matters, by Richard Rumelt
• The One Thing, by Gary Keller

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Djemil to help you identify and challenge these unhelpful beliefs that might be holding you back in your HR career.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and Overview

[03:30] Meet Emma Djemil

[05:46] Common Lies in HR: Availability Equals Value

[08:29] Proving Your Worth in HR

[12:43] Recognising and Challenging Self-Lies

[17:11] Understanding Deep-Rooted Fears

[17:46] Challenging the Fear of Unavailability

[19:21] Recognising and Addressing Mistruths

[21:20] Empowerment Through Self-Questioning

[25:25] The Power of Internal Validation

[29:26] Book Recommendation and Wrap Up

[32:09] Final Thoughts and Farewell

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Emma Djemil on LinkedIn
• Emma’s HR Club
• Emma’s annual event: The HR Big Meet

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

HR Coffee Time Podcast Playlist: Build Your Confidence

Book Recommendation From the Episode

• ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ – Susan Jeffers
• ‘The Fix: How to Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work’ – Michelle P. King
• All the book recommendations that have been given on HR Coffee Time

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

In this special episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by two guests: Annabelle Lawson, HR Manager at SPT Lab Tech, and Paula Brockwell, Founder and Chief Culture Shaper at the Employee Experience Project. Together, they explore practical strategies for defining, shaping, and embedding a winning workplace culture.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, from how to engage leadership in culture initiatives to how HR professionals can avoid becoming overwhelmed by the process. Whether you're just starting your culture journey or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is here to help.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and Overview

[01:33] Meet the Guests: Annabelle Lawson and Paula Brockwell

[03:59] Annabelle Explains Her Culture Project

[08:32] Culture is a Strategic Enabler of Business Growth

[09:26] Using the Business Culture Canvas for Culture Conversations

[12:46] Embedding New Culture and Measuring Progress

[15:20] Timeframes for Seeing Cultural Changes

[19:55] Avoiding Overwhelm When Working on Culture Initiatives

[23:25] Starting a Culture Journey from Scratch

[24:33] The Importance of CEO Engagement in Culture Initiatives

[25:03] Book Recommendations

[26:06] How to Connect with Annabelle and Paula

Useful Links

1. Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
2. Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
3. Connect with Annabelle Lawson on LinkedIn
4. Connect with Paula Brockwell on LinkedIn
5. Paula’s website: The Employee Experience Project

Research and Resources Mentioned

1. Download Paula’s free culture change resources
2. Access Paula’s Business Culture Canvas
3. Access Paula’s Culture Catalyst Scorecard

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

1. Episode 114: What workplace culture is, how to measure it, and a surprising way to improve it with Arend Boersema
2. Episode 120: Crafting culture: unearthing and shaping the heart of your business with Louise Kennedy

Book Recommendation From the Episode

1. ‘Herd: How to Change Mass Behaviour by Harnessing Our True Nature’ by
2. Mark Earls ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking’ by Susan Cain

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Emma shares valuable insights on perimenopause and menopause, common symptoms, the business case for supporting employees, legal considerations, and practical strategies for creating a supportive work environment. This episode is packed with data-driven information and actionable advice for HR professionals looking to update policies, improve employee wellbeing, or build a stronger business case for menopause support.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and Overview

[00:53] Meet Emma Thomas: Menopause Expert

[04:15] Defining Perimenopause and Menopause

[06:47] Common Symptoms of Perimenopause

[09:32] Impact of Menopause Symptoms at Work

[11:35] Research and Business Case for Menopause Support

[20:11] Practical Support for Menopause in the Workplace

[25:03] Book Recommendation: "Revolting Women" by Dr. Lucy Ryan

[26:06] How to Connect With Emma Thomas

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Emma Thomas on LinkedIn
• Emma’s website: Managing the Menopause
• Emma’s podcast: Middling Along

Research and Resources Mentioned

• CIPD 2023 Menopause at Work survey
• CIPD: Menopause at work – guide for people managers
• Deloitte Women at Work 2024 report
• BSI guide on menstruation and menopause in the workplace
• ACAS: Menopause at work
• Cycle of Change: Animation explaining the menopause

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Episode 42: Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Seven Mistakes to Avoid and what to do instead with Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey

Book Recommendation From the Episode

‘Revolting Women: Why Midlife Women Are Walking Out and What to Do About It’ by Dr. Lucy Ryan

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Key Points from This Episode

[00:00] Episode introduction

[00:32] There is a podcast playlist of strategy episodes for you

[02:46] You already are strategic (even if you think you aren’t)

[04:31] Insight from the book, ‘Good Strategy/Bad Strategy’

[05:29] The importance of aligning HR strategy with the overarching organisational strategy

[07:28] Resources from The Essential HR Planner to help

[13:41] Recap and final thoughts

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Operate Strategically or Create a Powerful HR/People Strategy Playlist

Book Recommendations from the Episode

• The Strategy Book: How to think and act strategically to deliver outstanding results, by Max Mckeown
• Good Strategy, Bad Strategy: The difference and why it matters, by Richard Rumelt

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Serlin, founder of London Speech Workshop, who shares her unique "Meal Plan" framework for creating impactful presentations. Whether you're aiming to boost your influence, establish credibility, or simply gain more confidence when presenting, this episode is packed with practical insights to elevate your presentation skills.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[01:11] Meet the expert: Emma Serlin

[04:26] The Meal Plan framework: Protein, Vegetables, and Spice

[05:38] Deep dive into the protein component

[09:07] Crafting impactful presentations: The importance of three key takeaways

[11:31] Exploring the ‘vegetables’ component

[16:57] Adding ‘spice’ to make your presentation memorable

[19:46] The Dinner Party Planner

[23:50] Book recommendation

[25:48] How to contact Emma and London Speech Workshop

[27:23] Conclusion

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Emma Serlin on LinkedIn
• Emma’s website: London Speech Workshop
• London Speech Workshop on Instagram
• London Speech Workshop on YouTube

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 36: Four simple but powerful techniques to banish imposter syndrome, with Joanna Lott
• Episode 73: 5 ways to feel more confident in your next interview, meeting, or presentation
• Episode 74: How to get better at presenting and feel more confident about it

Book Recommendations From the Episode

• The Connection Book: 50 Ways to Communicate More Effectively, by Emma Serlin
• The Communication Equation: A How to Guide for Outstanding Communication, by Emma Serlin
• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Jen Allen Jardine, a Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) expert, who explains what SWP is, why it’s important, how it fits into HR, the partnership between SWP and HR, and the misconceptions about it. She also provides valuable advice for anyone looking to specialise in SWP, including practical tips and book recommendations.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[02:17] Meet the expert: Jen Allen Jardine

[03:09] Defining Strategic Workforce Planning

[04:13] Strategic Workforce Planning in large vs small organisations

[04:55] The role of HR in Strategic Workforce Planning

[11:03] Developing skills for Strategic Workforce Planning

[17:18] Misconceptions about Strategic Workforce Planning

[23:02] Book recommendations

[34:29] How to contact Jen

[35:50] Conclusion

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Jen Allen Jardine on LinkedIn

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• HR Coffee Time podcast playlist: Clarify Your Career Goals & Explore HR Career Options
• Episode 58: How to feel more confident using data & analytics in your HR role
• Episode 119: How using Agile can drive positive change & prove HR’s value, with Kate Maddison-Geenwell

Book Recommendations From the Episode

• Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think, by Hans Rosling , Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling
• Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
• Radical Uncertainty: Decision-making for an unknowable future, by John Kay and Mervyn King

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Key Points From This Episode

[00:00] Episode introduction

[00:23] The value of coaching

[01:38] You’re in the driving seat when it comes to coaching

[02:21] Examples of common coaching topics

[04:29] Questions to help you choose a focus, area or topic for your session

[05:51] Coaching is usually about asking questions, rather than giving advice

[06:39] Advice is given for practical career topics e.g. CV, LinkedIn and interviews

[09:17] Practical tips to get the most out of your session

[09:13] Choose a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed

[10:09] Minimise distractions

[10:21] Have some buffer time before the start of your session

[10:40] Techniques to help you transition from your previous task into your session

[11:32] Buffer time at the end of your session is helpful

[12:12] Have a notebook and pen ready for your session

[14:06] Let your coach know if you’d like the session recorded

[14:26] Have a drink with you in case you get thirsty

[14:51] If you’ll be discussing an emotional topic, have some tissues to hand

[15:09] Be open-minded and provide feedback

[16:46] Jot down your reflections in between sessions

[17:21] Questions to help you reflect before starting your next session

[17:56] Always ask your coach questions if you have any

[18:19] Episode conclusion

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Headspace’s one-minute meditation YouTube video

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 130: Build managers’ confidence and skills with ‘The Coaching Two-Step’, with Jude Sclater
• Episode 53: Why coaching skills can help your career (& how to develop them), with Charlie Warshawski
• Episode 125: Create your perfect professional development plan in 8 simple steps

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Jude Sclater, an experienced coach and author of "Think Like a Coach - Empower Your Team Through Everyday Conversations."

Jude explains that coaching skills empower teams to think for themselves, foster independence, reduce reliance on the manager, and enhance overall team motivation and development. She shares her innovative Coaching Two Step model, which provides a practical and accessible way for managers to integrate coaching into their everyday interactions.

Key Points from This Episode

• The Coaching Two Step involves two main components: asking "Tell me more?" and summarizing what you've heard
• The model is designed to be simple and accessible for managers who may not have extensive coaching training
• Jude emphasizes the importance of giving full attention during conversations
• The episode includes a practical demonstration of the Coaching Two Step with Fay as the coaches

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Jude Sclater on LinkedIn
• Jude’s website: Think With Jude

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 129: 5 essential techniques to become a great manager, with James Rose
• Episode 127: What to do if your boss is a micromanager
• Episode 53: Why coaching skills can help your HR career (and how to develop them), with Charlie Warshawski

Buy The Book Recommendations

(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

• Think Like A Coach: Empower your team through everyday conversations, by Jude Sclater
• The Chimp Paradox: The Acclaimed Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness, by Professor Steve Peters
• Full list of all book recommendations given on HR Coffee Time

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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 signingup to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Host Fay Wallis is joined by James Rose, a management skills trainer, speaker and coach, who generously shares his Rose model, which consists of five essential techniques to become a great manager.

Key Points from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[02:10] Introducing James Rose

[03:41] How James developed his Rose model

[07:05] The difference between absent and present managers

[06:24] The first layer of the Rose model: regular check-ins

[13:48] The second layer of the Rose model: weekly team meetings

[20:44] The third layer of the Rose model: monthly catch ups

[30:25] The fourth & fifth layers of the Rose model: mid-year or quarterly reviews and end of year reviews

[33:29] James’s confidence-building tip: encourage team members to keep track of their achievements and development.

[36:25] How to contact James and learn more about his work

[37:32] Other relevant HR Coffee Time episodes to listen to next

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with James Rose on LinkedIn
• James’ website

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 127: What to do if your boss is a micromanager
• Episode 117: How to create a performance management process that drives success, with Lucina Carney
• Episode 119: How using Agile can drive positive change & prove HR’s value, with Kate Maddison-Geenwell

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Kirsty Heap, a neurodivergent specialist coach with a rich background in HR, who shares her personal journey with dyslexia and her transition to becoming a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Kirsty provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of dyslexia, its challenges, and most importantly, the remarkable advantages it offers to organizations.

Whether you're an HR professional seeking to create a more inclusive workplace, someone questioning if they might be dyslexic, or simply curious about neurodiversity, this episode provides practical strategies and eye-opening perspectives. Discover how understanding and supporting dyslexic colleagues can drive innovation, problem-solving, and creativity in your team, ultimately leading to a more successful organisation.

Key Points from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[01:48] Introducing Kirsty Heap

[03:47] What is dyslexia? A detailed explanation

[04:59] Dyslexia as a ‘magic potion’

[06:24] Kirsty shares her journey to diagnosis and early challenges

[10:57] Disclosing that she had dyslexia to her colleagues

[12:22] The strengths dyslexia brings including creativity, problem-solving and emotional intelligence

[18:05] Practical advice for anyone who thinks they might be dyslexic

[22:04] Tips for fostering an inclusive work environment for dyslexic individuals

[26:54] Kirsty’s confidence-building tip: borrow confidence from your future self

[28:46] How to contact Kirsty and learn more about her work

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Kirsty Heap on LinkedIn
• Kirsty’s website: Kirstyheap.com

Buy the Book Recommendation

(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

The Bigger Picture Book of Amazing Dyslexics and the Jobs They Do, by Kate Power & Kathy Iwanczak Forsyth

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• HR Coffee Time podcast playlist: Create an equitable, diverse & inclusive workplace
• Episode 70: Supporting yourself, or your colleagues at work with Tourette Syndrome, with Devon Lovell
• Episode 68: Real life insights into understanding and supporting autism in the workplace, with Cybill Watkins
• Episode 59: ADHD – a personal story of the strengths, struggles & strategies that help, with Julie White

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Key Points from This Episode

[00:00] Examples of micromanagement

[01:38] Welcome to HR Coffee Time

[03:00] Micromanagement defined

[03:16] Dealing with micromanagement can feel difficult

[04:24] Advice: start from a place of empathy rather than anger

[05:00] Seek first to understand, then to be understood

[05:14] An example of when Fay micromanaged

[05:51] Causes of micromanagement: lack of management training

[06:15] Causes of micromanagement: stress

[07:17] Causes of micromanagement: lack of trust

[07:45] Examples of calling out micromanaging behaviour

[09:08] Causes of micromanagement: lack of trust, clarity, or process

[09:31] Micromanagement negatively impacts both you and the manager

[10:02] Taking a coaching approach by asking questions can be powerful

[11:45] Pointing out the behaviour is negatively affecting the manager

[12:16] Brené Brown’s idea of ‘paint it done’ from her book, ‘Dare to Lead’

[14:16] Using the 5Ws and 1H questions to help your manager ‘paint it done’

[16:12] Examples of using ‘what’ questions

[17:56] Examples of using ‘where’ questions

[18:46] Examples of ‘how’ questions

[18:58] Examples of ‘why’ questions

[19:13] Examples of ‘who’ questions

[19:28] Examples of ‘when’ questions

[20:44] Other relevant HR Coffee Time episodes to listen to

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching

Buy the Book Recommendation

(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, by Brené Brown

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 03: Building relationships with difficult people at work
• Episode 35: Helping teams thrive with personal user manuals
• Episode 41: 3 tips to build a better relationship with a difficult person at work

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Victoria Williams, founder and CEO of terptree, an organisation dedicated to transforming the experiences of deaf employees and customers.

Key Points From This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[00:59] Introducing Victoria Williams

[02:50] The story behind terptree

[07:04] The power of 1% changes

[07:41] Make sure website content is written in plain English and is well laid out

[07:55] Ensure you provide an email address not just a phone number in your website’s contact details

[10:09] Deafness is a hidden disability

[10:36] Hearing loss can be acquired over time

[10:51] People don’t always realise they are experiencing hearing loss

[11:28] Misconceptions about hearing aids

[12:27] Deaf employees may miss out on incidental learning

[15:31] Practical tips for inclusivity – environment, communication, team integration

[16:18] Involving the deaf person in making adjustments

[16:53] Larger organisations can engage with internal employee focus groups

[17:02] The Access to Work scheme

[18:43] Health and safety – ensuring the fire alarm system is effective

[19:41] Disability disclose is a moving thing

[20:11] The importance of being open and building trust and empathy

[20:38] The social side of work is important

[21:09] Using an interpreter for British Sign Language users

[21:25] Deaf awareness training ‘is a must’

[22:35] Attracting Deaf Talent

[22:59] The Disability Confident Employer scheme

[28:11] How to contact Victoria and learn more about her work

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn
• Victoria’s website: terptree
• Access to Work Scheme
• Disability Confident employer scheme
• Deaf UK Jobs

Buy the Book Recommendation

(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

Don’t Silence Your Talent: Unleash the value of your deaf employees, by Victoria Williams

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Spotify playlist: HR Coffee Time – create an equitable, diverse & inclusive workplace

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host, Fay Wallis talks you through how to create your perfect professional development plan in 8 simple steps.

Key Points from This Episode

[04:14] Step one: Identify what you’re aiming for

[11:52] Step two: Record ideas you already have

[12:00] Step three: Look Back to Look Forward

[16:36] Step four: Capture your values

[20:13] Step five: Seek feedback

[21:26] Step six: Consider key HR areas of influence

[23:35] Step seven: Identify career-enhancing skills

[25:23] Step eight: Set your goals

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• The Essential HR Planner

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 5: How to progress your HR career (using the 3E model)
• Episode 17: How to set your career goals for 2022
• Episode 47: Discovering your values to help your HR career, with Zoe Hawkins
• Episode 66: Reflecting on 2022 – look back to look forward
• Episode 116: Look back to look forward – how reflecting on 2023 can help you set goals for 2024

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Whether it’s joining Inspiring HR or embarking on another professional learning journey, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help.

Guests Kathryn Bryan and Larissa Smith, alumni from previous Inspiring HR cohorts, generously detail their paths to gaining employer support for their professional growth. They also share practical advice to help you confidently secure funding for your own development.

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Learn more about Inspiring HR

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 97: Inspiring HR – the purpose behind it and what to expect if you join
• Episode 88: How to write a Compelling Business Case & get approval for your idea, with Jo Taylor

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Key Points From This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and Importance of Discussing Stress and Burnout

[02:09] Introducing Dr Jo Burrell

[07:05] Worrying Results from the HR Mental Wellbeing Survey

[08:52] Understanding and Combating Burnout

[11:42] Personal Reflections on Stress and Work Habits

[22:11] Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Manage Stress

[29:21] An Example Case Study

[39:07] Book Recommendation

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Jo on LinkedIn
• Jo’s website: Ultimate Resilience
• HSE (Health and Safety Executive) stress resources
• CIPD’s wellbeing helpline

Buy the Book Recommendation

(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

A Work In Progress: Unlocking Wellbeing to Create More Sustainable and Resilient Organisations, by Gethin Nadin

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes & Playlists

Build Resilience & Handle Stressful Situations Playlist

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

Enjoyed 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:

Help That’s There when It’s Needed Most

Menopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they don'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

Join the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Build your confidence, credibility & impact through the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. The next cohort is now open for booking.

Inspiring HR

Key Points From This Episode

• 00:00 Introduction and Thank Yous
• 03:14 Introduction to Confidence
• 08:52 Compilation of Confidence Building Tips
• 09:17 Confidence Tip from Pete Hykin
• 11:43 Confidence Tip from Antoinette Dale Henderson
• 13:30 Confidence Tip from Simon Duncan
• 15:31 Confidence Tip from Roisin Williams
• 18:42 Confidence Tip from Louise Kennedy
• 19:41 Conclusion

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Holly Christie on LinkedIn
• Holly’s website: This Demanding Life
• Connect with Pete Hykin on LinkedIn
• Pete’s website: Penfold
• Connect with Antoinette Dale Henderson on LinkedIn
• Antoinette’s website: Antoinette Dale Henderson
• Connect with Simon Duncan on LinkedIn
• Connect with Roisin Williams on LinkedIn
• Roisin’s website: Job Seeker Coaching
• Connect with Louise Kennedy on LinkedIn
• Louise’s website: Occulus HR