Find Grow Keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the importance of aligning your company's purpose with its strategic goals to drive growth and ensure sustainability.   Whether you're a small business owner or at the head of a larger enterprise, understanding and articulating your company's purpose is more than a task—it's a strategic advantage.  What you'll gain from this episode: ...

In this episode, Karen dives into the impact of artificial intelligence on small and medium-sized businesses though a discussion with AI expert Janey Treleaven . As AI technologies and digital tools become increasingly integral to business operations, understanding and integrating them without overwhelming your people and existing systems is crucial for businesses to grow and succeed.  In today’s...

Great leadership goes beyond managing people—it’s about fostering growth, empowering teams, and creating a culture that drives business success. In this episode, we explore the five key leadership skills every business owner and manager needs to develop for long-term impact.  Tune in to learn about:  Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness – How understanding yourself improves decision-making,...

In this episode, we focus on the pivotal role of managers in your business's growth and the complexities that arise with new managerial roles. Whether you're promoting from within or hiring externally, mastering people management is not just an HR task—it's a cornerstone of successful business leadership.  Here's what you'll discover today: ✅ Evaluating Potential Managers...

Karen dives into the critical need to adopt a candidate-centric approach to hiring. With the landscape of recruitment evolving rapidly, understanding and optimising every step of the hiring process not only enhances your ability to attract the best talent but also strengthens your company's reputation and efficiency.  What you'll discover in this episode:  -> The importance of refinin...

In this episode, Karen provides actionable insights on leveraging your employer brand to drive business growth through strategic recruitment.   As businesses expand, the challenge of hiring the right people becomes even greater. This episode provides a deep dive into how strengthening your employer brand can significantly enhance your recruitment process and overall business success.  In today’s e...

In this milestone episode, we delve deep into why managing 'people stuff' effectively is not just an HR function but a core aspect of running a successful business. If you're looking to unlock growth and drive performance, this episode is a must-listen!  In today’s episode, you will learn about:  -> The crucial role of employee engagement in financial success, illustrated by a ca...

Welcome to Episode 99: Navigating 2025 – Trends and Strategies for Employee Engagement! In this episode, our host Karen Kirton explores the vital trends shaping employee engagement for the coming year and offers a step-by-step guide to enhancing your workplace environment. This episode is crucial for any business leader seeking to improve profitability and create a thriving culture through effecti...

In this episode, Karen addresses the challenges of recruiting in a slow economy and the strategic shift towards hiring early career professionals or students. This approach not only cuts costs but also builds a pipeline of talent that grows with your business. Karen shares her insights and strategies on how to adapt the recruitment process to better suit early career candidates. In today’s episode...

In this insightful episode, Karen revisits the ever-relevant topic of workplace flexibility, particularly the hybrid work model, as businesses continue to adapt to the changing dynamics of office and remote work into 2025. This episode builds on past discussions and incorporates fresh research to guide companies on how to effectively manage their evolving workplace strategies. In today’s episode,...

As the year draws to a close, in this episode Karen delves into effective strategies to tackle the year-end rush and lay a strong foundation for employee retention. Essential listening for business owners and leaders, this episode offers practical advice and strategic insights to ensure you enter the new year with momentum. In this episode, you'll discover: End-of-Year Review Strategies : Lea...

In this episode, Karen sat down with Ed Greenwood from Eton HR to tackle a phrase we’ve all heard: “culture fit.” But what does it really mean? 🤔 Too often, it’s used as a vague reason to reject candidates, leaving them feeling dismissed and disrespected. Ed challenges us to define our company culture clearly and avoid hiding behind this term, which can even mask unconscious bias. This discussion...

In this critical episode, Karen dives into the challenges and strategic decisions required for businesses experiencing rapid growth. We explore the concept known as the "Valley of Death" and its implications for scaling businesses, a concept explored by Verne Harnish in his book, "Scaling Up." In this episode, you'll learn: Understanding the Valley of Death : We discuss th...

In this episode, Karen Kirton addresses the significant cultural shift in Australian workplaces with the introduction of the 'right to disconnect'—a new legal right under the Fair Work Act allowing employees to refuse work-related communications outside regular working hours. This episode delves into the implications for business owners and managers, blending compliance requirements with...

When it comes to building a strong workplace culture, some things work and some things definitely don’t. Hiring an HR manager is not going to fix your problem, and neither is conducting endless employee surveys.  In today’s discussion, we reflect on a crucial topic that many leaders encounter: the struggle to foster business growth amid a problematic organisational culture. Drawing from conversati...

n today’s dynamic economic environment, where living costs are soaring, employees seek more than just a salary from their jobs. This episode focuses on the critical role of personal and professional growth in employee retention and engagement. We delve into how fostering a culture of development can significantly impact your team's loyalty and satisfaction. What you'll discover in this e...

Today, Karen explores the pivotal role of a strong, adaptable culture in supporting sustainable business growth. As businesses aim to scale, the foundation of shared values, beliefs, and practices becomes essential. These elements should foster innovation, agility, and resilience, aligning closely with the organization’s growth objectives. What you'll discover in this episode: -> The signi...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how to lead your business—and more importantly, your people—through successful digital transformation. While tech tools may streamline operations and boost efficiency, it's your team who brings those systems to life. So how do you ensure they're ready, capable, and confident to embrace the changes? Karen breaks down what digital transformation reall...

In this episode, Karen Kirton answers a question many leaders face: What do you do when a team member just doesn’t seem like themselves anymore? They might be disengaged, irritable, or withdrawn—and as a manager, it’s not always clear whether to raise it, how to approach it, or what to do if they shut you down. Karen explores how to recognise behavioural changes, initiate the right kind of convers...

As the new financial year kicks off in Australia, Karen Kirton explores a crucial factor that can make or break your business goals: the effectiveness of your middle managers. Often caught between strategic direction and operational execution, middle managers can become the "frozen middle" — disconnected, overwhelmed, and under-supported. In this episode, Karen shares how to engage, empo...

We discuss the importance of performance reviews for enhancing employee performance. As businesses evolve, a consistent approach to performance management becomes crucial, focusing on ongoing development and aligning team goals with business objectives. Tune in for insights on effective performance management strategies. Send us Fan Mail Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attra...

As performance review season rolls around, Karen Kirton takes a deep dive into the psychology of motivation to uncover what truly drives employee performance. Drawing on research in organisational behaviour and human psychology, she shares eight key motivators and offers practical tips for how managers can tap into each one to inspire their teams. In today’s episode, you will learn: 1. Autonomy Em...

As the end of the financial year approaches in Australia, Karen Kirton breaks down the current research and forecasts for small to medium-sized businesses, with a strong focus on how these trends impact people, culture, and business strategy. She identifies seven major trends that business leaders should be aware of to successfully navigate the year ahead. In today’s episode, you will learn: 1. Ba...

In this episode, Karen Kirton breaks down one of the top three challenges leaders face—how to effectively manage and reward performance. While it seems simple in theory, many businesses struggle with it in practice. Karen shares seven key reasons why performance management can go wrong and offers practical solutions to overcome them. In today’s episode, you will learn: The right manager matters. M...

In this episode, Karen Kirton challenges the myth that only artists or musicians are creative—and explores how creativity is essential for every workplace, not just “creative” industries. Drawing on insights from innovation leaders and global research, she explains how cultivating creativity in your team can drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success. In today’s episode, you will learn: C...