Can We Have a Word?

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how open dialogue and smarter support can create healthier workplaces. Our guest today is Kate Fitzmaurice , Head of Internal Communication and Employee Engagement at Vodafone Ireland. With over 15 years’ experience in culture and communications, including roles at TikTok and HubSpot and leading mental health initiatives in Ireland, Kate...

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Francine Watson , executive coach, researcher, and expert in leadership and workplace wellbeing. With a decade of experience at Barclays shaping global wellbeing strategy, and senior roles at KPMG and Mercer, Francine brings deep insights on the interplay between leade...

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Angela Steel , organisational psychologist and founder of SuperWellness , a workplace wellbeing consultancy. Angela brings deep expertise in designing and implementing wellbeing strategies that move beyond superficial programmes, focusing instead on meaningful, sustain...

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Dr. Susie Bennett , research fellow at the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow. Susie’s work examines the complex social, cultural, and workplace forces that shape male suicide risk, and the practical steps organisations can take to support me...

Welcome to another episode of Can We Have A Word? Our guest today is Mary Finn , founder and managing director of Connect4Work . Mary brings nearly three decades of experience supporting tech leaders, HR professionals, and teams to build more inclusive, well workplaces. Her work focuses on supporting disability, diversity, and positive mental health to boost ability, attendance, and retention. In...

In this compilation episode of Can We Have a Word? from  Kara Connect , we bring together short guest clips that discuss the practical steps needed to secure leadership backing for wellbeing programs, the importance of data-backed business cases, and the real-world impacts on employee engagement and organizational performance. Our three guests (Sharon O’Connor, Martin Gillick, Vivienne Horkan) sha...

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Tom Curran , Senior Vice President of International Benefits and Wellbeing at Lockton , the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage. Tom brings a unique dual background in clinical healthcare and commercial strategy, shaped by years of advising organizations ac...

In this compilation episode of Can We Have a Word? from Kara Connect , we bring together short guest clips that all point to the same simple truth: when people feel genuinely listened to, workplace wellbeing becomes more meaningful, more trusted, and more effective. Across different organisations, sectors, and leadership roles, the message is remarkably consistent. Wellbeing strategies work best w...

Our guest today is Kristina Middleton , Group Head of Health and Wellbeing at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , and an organisational psychology researcher. Kristina joins us for a conversation with host Tobba Vigfusdottir , exploring what it really means to create workplaces where people feel valued and cared for, especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare. Wit...

Welcome back to Can We Have a Word?, the Kara Connect podcast. Our guest today is Nic Elliott , employment lawyer and partner at Actons Solicitors . Nic brings a unique perspective to workplace culture and well-being, combining his expertise in employment law with insights from his experiences as a youth international hockey player and host of the HRD Talks podcast. We’re joined by Tobba Vigfusdot...

Our guest today is Kirsty Baggs-Morgan , an international HR leader, executive coach, and author of The HR Confidence Playbook . With over 25 years of experience leading HR teams in financial services, technology, and private equity across the US, Europe, and Asia, Kirsty brings practical insights into the confidence challenges faced by HR professionals and business leaders alike. In this conversa...

Our guest today is Andrew Stephenson , Group HR Director at Equiniti and a leader with deep expertise in developing customer-centric, tech-enabled people strategies across multi-sector organizations. This conversation explores how Andrew and his team have transformed HR by leveraging digital tools and AI, while keeping workplace wellbeing front and centre. Andrew shares his unconventional journey...

In this conversation, Sharon O’Connor , management consultant and workplace wellbeing specialist at Warn , joins Tobba Vigfúsdóttir for a nuanced discussion about the evolving nature of organisational culture and employee wellbeing. Sharon shares her experience guiding organisations through change, emphasising curiosity, data-led approaches, and cultural authenticity as the foundation for lasting...

In this episode, host Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Martin Gillick , Employee Wellbeing Manager at Bus Éireann , Ireland’s national bus company. Martin shares insights from his extensive experience supporting wellbeing in the workplace, particularly in high-pressure, male-dominated, and diverse environments.  With a workforce of approximately 3,500 people (including 42 different nationalities) a...

In this episode, Tobba sits down with Fay Wallis, a career and executive coach with nearly a decade of experience helping HR professionals develop rewarding, sustainable careers. Fay is the founder of Bright Sky Career Coaching, the host of the HR Coffee Time podcast (ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally), and creator of the Essential HR Planner and the Inspiring HR Leadership Development Pro...

In this episode, Tobba sits down with Vivienne Horkan, an award-winning wellbeing leader and experienced HR professional, currently managing the Garda National Wellbeing Office. Vivienne shares insights from her extensive work in developing employee wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement strategies in the challenging environment of the Irish police force, An Garda Síochána. The conversation covers t...

In this episode, host Tobba Vigfúsdóttir is joined by Lorraine Hunt, an expert in AI automation for HR and the founder of the AI Automation Department. Lorraine brings over thirty years of hands-on experience in HR and learning & development, with a focus on practical, people-first strategies to support a sustainable work environment. In a field flooded with admin and compliance, Lorraine has...

In this episode of “Can We Have a Word?” podcast, Dr. Jo Burrell joins host Tobba Vigfúsdóttir for a thoughtful exploration of workplace wellbeing, centered on the mental health of HR professionals. Jo brings over two decades of clinical experience and is co-founder of Ultimate Resilience, a company focused on evidence-based resilience and burnout prevention at work. During the discussion, Jo shar...

In this episode, host Tobba Vigfúsdóttir is joined by Kristín Einarsdóttir Scobie, Chief Clinical Officer at Kara Connect. Together, they explore how individuals can be supported through their most challenging moments and why it’s essential for organisations to be prepared before a crisis unfolds. Kristín brings to the table broad expertise in occupational therapy, public health, sociology, and wo...

In today’s episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Fiona Mullan , Chief People Officer at Bloom and Wild and member of the Kara Connect board. With a career spanning HR leadership roles at Bloom and Wild, Facebook (Meta), and Accenture, Fiona shares her experience in shaping workplace culture and promoting employee wellbeing. The conversation explores today’s changing workplace landscape, discuss...

In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Rachel Murray , Director of People and Brand at ORS, an Irish multidisciplinary building consultancy recognised for its strong culture and commitment to employee wellbeing. Rachel has played a key part in maintaining the company’s people-first focus through significant growth and multiple acquisitions. Her unique role spans both marketing and emp...

In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by  Brian Samson , Head of Health Promotion at ESB , Ireland’s leading energy company. Host Tobba Vigfusdottir sits down with Brian to explore his unique journey from IT into the field of workplace health and wellbeing, and how he’s helping to create open, supportive environments across a complex and diverse organisation.  Brian shares his experienc...

Something a little different for you in today's episode... Tobba was recently a guest on the A Better HR Business podcast, and the host Ben Geoghegan has kindly allowed us to share their conversation with you here on the Kara Connect podcast . In this interview, Tobba and Ben discuss: The role leadership plays in creating a mentally healthy workplace culture. What Kara Connect does and how it help...

In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Brian Crooke , a dedicated wellbeing educator, consultant, and speaker who has been making a significant impact on workplace mental health and wellbeing in Ireland and beyond.   Brian is the Founder of The Work Well Institute , the Course Director and lecturer for the Postgraduate Certificate in Workplace Wellness at Portal, Trinity College Dubli...

In today's episode, Host Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Mary Cullen, the founder and managing director of Insight HR , a leading HR consultancy and outsourcing firm based in Ireland. With over two decades of experience across industries, Mary is known for helping organizations navigate complex people challenges while keeping employee wellbeing front and centre. Mary is also the host of The HR Roo...