The Louise Kennedy Podcast

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Natalie Henson, People Director at Sage, to explore what Gen Z really wants from the workplace - and how businesses can adapt to bring out their best. With 25 years of HR experience and two Gen Z sons at home, Natalie brings a practical, grounded perspective on breaking down generational stereotypes, rethinking recruitmen...

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap , host Louise Kennedy is joined in the studio by 22-year-old Courtney Palmer, a professional dancer and level 3 content creation apprentice. Courtney shares her unique perspective on navigating the modern workplace as a Gen Z professional balancing two distinct careers. She delves into: Ditching the "Muggle Job": Why she chose an apprenticeship over tradi...

How do you lead a traditional construction crew where employees stay for 20 years, alongside a fast-paced hospitality team made entirely of Gen Z? In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy sits down with Sarah Leathem - a chartered accountant, Finance Director for her family’s construction company, and the owner of the Three Stories Bar in Sunderland. Sarah shares her unique...

Is Gen Z truly "entitled" and "soft," or do they just have a clearer grasp of a healthy work-life balance than the generations before them? In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, sits down with Northumbria University final-year students Lauren Turner and Hope Howard to unpack what it’s actually like entering the workforce as a young adult today. Movi...

This episode of "Mind the Generation Gap" features a candid discussion between host Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, and Laura Middleton, a seasoned business owner and investor. Together, they explore the real-world challenges businesses face as Gen Z enters the workforce, moving past standard headlines to discuss topics many employers feel uncomfortable addressing publicly. Key Discussion Po...

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap , host Louise Kennedy sits down with Sam England, Director of People at Gentoo Group, to explore how a housing association with 1,200 employees is turning traditional HR on its head to engage a truly multi-generational workforce. From a colleague celebrating 60 years of service to an influx of Gen Z apprentices, Sam explains how Gentoo bridges the gap by...

Host Louise Kennedy is joined by Gen Z entrepreneur Lewis Hutchinson to dismantle the stereotypes surrounding the modern young professional. Rejecting the traditional university route, Lewis has carved a unique path through social strategy and software development by prioritising human connection and "failing fast". Key Discussion Points: Accidental Entrepreneurship : How Lewis built Cura by simpl...

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap , host Louise Kennedy sits down with Stephen Gallagher, Commercial Vice President at the British Esports Federation, to explore how the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming is solving one of today's most pressing challenges: youth unemployment. While many dismiss gaming as just "kids in bedrooms," the UK esports industry is now a powerhouse, genera...

This episode of Mind the Generation Gap, hosted by Louise Kennedy, features guest Issy Howell from Howell Studios. Filmed on location at Howell Studios, the discussion explores the unique dynamics of running a family-owned creative agency and navigating the evolving landscape of digital content. Episode Highlights: Bridging the Digital Gap: Issy, sitting on the cusp of the Millennial and Gen Z gen...

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap , host Louise Kennedy , founder of Oculus HR, sits down with Eloise Armstrong - the self-described "Gen Z Queen" and creative force behind a thriving social media agency. Starting her business, The Very Social Media Girl , during the lockdown, Eloise has transformed a side project into an agency that works with global brands and major events like the Prid...

Is there a "Digital Gap" in your office? In the premiere episode of our new series, Mind the Generation Gap , Louise Kennedy sits down with Steven Parker , Managing Director of Phonetic Digital. As a tech-native generation enters the workforce, traditional communication is being turned on its head. Steven explores why your youngest employees might be avoiding their inboxes and how businesses can l...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Claire Libby. Claire Libby is a certified health coach and the Director and Founder of 'i am me', the Community Interest Company that supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Via the free app, which supplies resources including tools, tips, and insights, 'i am me' enables teenagers and young adults to understand wh...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Nicki Clark. Nicki is the co-founder and CEO of UMi, who help businesses do more and go further by taking the hard work out of finding and using the best information, advice and finance. Nicki started out in banking, travelled the world selling soft drinks and has set up businesses and social enterprises, working closely with both...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Louise Brown. Louise Brown is Vice Principal Corporate Services at Wigan and Leigh College, a large General FE College in Greater Manchester, where she has been part of the senior leadership team for over 10 years, a portfolio that includes HR and the People Strategy, Estates, Capital Projects, Safeguarding, Additional Learning Sup...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Natalie Collins. Natalie is an international speaker and trainer on issues of violence against women and wider gender injustice. Having written numerous training programmes and resources for a wide range of audiences, she is regularly requested as an expert in the field of violence against women, focusing on consciousness and aware...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Emma Chandler. Emma Chandler is an award-winning leadership coach, inspirational speaker, and author. She is passionate about developing people, changing the face of leadership, and creating inclusive working communities, with a goal of improving wellness, wisdom and winning at work. Emma holds a CIPD accreditation in learning and...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Fay Wallis. Fay is a career coach and HR Coffee Time podcast host. From her background in HR, she knows what a rewarding, but challenging, career it can be. So, she founded Bright Sky Career Coaching to help ‘People people’ have a happier working life. After founding Bright Sky Career Coaching in 2016 and spending several years hel...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Kimberley Cattin. Kimberley is the co-founder of West Barn Co., the brand that penetrated the beauty industry with the groundbreaking SoapBrows. Kimberley has also recently founded SB1 Group. SB1 Group, under Kimberley's leadership, is dedicated to elevating brands in the dynamic retail space. Kimberley also owns WBCo Clinic, a lux...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Claire Dodds. Claire works alongside Louise at Oculus HR. She is an experienced HR professional and CIPD member and has been working in HR for over 25 years with specific industry experience in Retail, Software Technology and the Automotive industry. Claire enjoys building relationships and supports employers with a variety of proj...

What is testosterone replacement therapy? In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Dr Max Draper. Dr. Max is the lead clinician at Alphagenix. Alphagenix are passionate about improving the quality of life for men nationwide through education, investigation, diagnosis and the treatment of low testosterone levels. Dr. Max is a qualified doctor and passionate about Men’s Hea...

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Dr Jennifer Cottam. Jennifer is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Talk Works. She is serious about making services accessible, which is why, in 2014, Talk Works was set up to give rapid access to mental health support to many. Jennifer’s qualifications include the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a post-graduate Diploma...

What benefits can an employee survey bring to your company?     In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Victoria Bond.     Victoria is the CEO and Founder of Ten Space. The Ten Space survey platform provides a data-driven approach for HR professionals to easily design, gather and analyse high-quality feedback.    Following a succes...

Have you ever thought about starting your own HR consultancy?       In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD.     Sarah is a highly acclaimed HR Consultant and business owner with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is the UK's leading mentor for HR consultants and the founder of Leap into HR C...

Can the way we are treated at work influence our productivity?     In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by FCIPD and MBA Business Coach & Mentor, Dulcie Swanston.     Dulcie has over 20 years’ experience in the FTSE 100/250 with powerhouses like Bass and Mitchells & Butlers Plc, and she's not just a Master Executive Coach, but also a Busi...

The cost-of-living crisis affects us all, but how does it affect us in the workplace?   In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by committed social justice advocate; Alison Dunn.     Alison has been the Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2012 and has led the independent charity to support hundreds of thousands of people in the Nor...