How HR Leaders Change the World

Samantha cuts through the AI hype to discuss what businesses are really experiencing, including thoughts on why investment in AI is high, yet value remains elusive - highlighting challenges with legacy technology, data, governance and workforce readiness.   Emphasising the crucial role of HR in shaping the future of work, working alongside tech and data leaders and the importance of cross-function...

Kicking off the new year Nigel reflects on the human impact of HR, sharing his working principles: focus on what is within your control, particularly the 'how' of decision-making, and approach people with empathy and care.   Looking to the future, Nigel explores the opportunities and challenges HR faces in a world shaped by AI. He highlights the importance of human skills - relationships, empathy,...

Celebrating an incredible milestone – this network of HR Changemakers has now donated over $1 million to vulnerable children - we bring you a special, live-recorded episode: Sir Bob Geldof, on stage with Cecilia Crossley at How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! for a fireside chat on purpose, people and harnessing your profession to drive change.   Discussing how HR can deliver people strategy f...

Mark McLane shares how curiosity, courage, and starting with small, human-centred actions have driven transformational change, from community initiatives in Michigan to the global This Is Me campaign, which began at Barclays. Mark explains the principles that guide his work, emphasising listening, learning and evolving organisational practices to support a multigenerational workforce. Using exampl...

Elli shares how Vanquis combines purpose with people strategy, supporting customers historically underserved by mainstream banking, while building a culture that empowers colleagues to thrive.   Elli reflects on the organisation's focus on financial inclusion, wellbeing and future skills, highlighting opportunities ahead for AI and technology to free colleagues for meaningful work, rather than rep...

Alex discusses the progressive people practices that have shaped his leadership and powered Peak PEO's growth. He shares his unconventional journey from stand-up comedy to international employment, revealing how creativity and adaptability helped him build a business that enables companies to hire talent anywhere in the world and support distributed teams.   Alex describes how and why he introduce...

CHRO at ofi (olam food ingredients), a global food ingredients company, anchored in sustainability, that operates in over 50 countries and sources from  2.8 million farmers across cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices provides to service big food brands and manufacturers with food and beverage ingredients for a diverse range of products ranging from a plant-based latte mix to an almond based snack...

In this special episode ahead of COP30, Cecilia Crossley explores the transformative potential of collaboration between HR and Sustainability functions to drive competitive business alongside social and environmental impact. Cecilia is joined by Antoine Poincaré, CEO of AXA Climate School, with contributions from Jacky Griffiths, Director of ESG People & Culture at Grant Thornton UK; and Helen Red...

  Drawing on her 34-year career, Alisa explains how HR is uniquely positioned to nurture talent and inspire positive change, from supporting employees through promotions to creating spaces where people feel genuinely heard. Alisa reflects on her lifelong commitment to breaking cycles of disadvantage. From her early experiences in Chicago to supporting scholarships, tuition programs, and social ini...

James shares how he's helping lead workplace culture where talent, not background, defines success and provides examples of tools that create career growth pathways, such as 'Tiger Teams'.  Advocating that human-centric approaches make culture thrive, James reflects on the link between organisational culture and personal wellbeing. He shares a moving story about supporting his wife through postnat...

Sian shares her journey from growing up in Australia with Sri Lankan heritage to leading global people functions. Sian reflects on finding confidence in her identity, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent, alongside her volunteer work with the Fashion Minority Alliance. Sian explores the evolving role of HR in a world shaped by AI, emphasising inclusive learning...

Sian shares her journey from growing up in Australia with Sri Lankan heritage to leading global people functions. Sian reflects on finding confidence in her identity, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent, alongside her volunteer work with the Fashion Minority Alliance. Sian explores the evolving role of HR in a world shaped by AI, emphasising inclusive learning...

Jarina shares her approach to creating inclusive workplaces where people feel safe and supported, with transparency and courageous leadership at the heart of company culture. Jarina reflects on the future of work in a technology-driven world, emphasising the importance of human qualities including empathy, creativity, and connection alongside AI. Highlighting an example of how equity and wellbeing...

Episode 208: Why Being in HR is a Gift - Luke McClaran, Chief People Officer, Vitality Luke introduces how Vitality's shared-value insurance model provides a unique platform for HR innovation. Their business purpose, to make people healthier and enhance their lives, drives both customer and employee experience, shaping Vitality's ambition to create the healthiest, high-performing workforce.   Luke...

Nadia explores how aligning personal values with organisational purpose can transform engagement, drive impact, and create meaningful work. Nadia shares her experience supporting organisations through change, showing how connecting people to purpose shifts mindsets from 'I have to' to 'I want to'.     Nadia highlights the role of technology and AI in augmenting human capability, freeing people to...

Ariam delves into how HR can drive impact for colleagues, customers and society, integrating advocacy across both customer services and employee policies. She shares how her international career and background in change consulting have shaped her leadership at TSB, highlighting the bank's support for victims of domestic abuse and initiatives for colleagues with caring responsibilities. Ariam explo...

Tom shares insights from his CHRO Impact Framework and reflects on how HR leaders can step into true enterprise leadership - shifting from a function-first to a system-first mindset and shaping the wider conditions for business performance. Tom explores the tension HR leaders face between short-term pressures and long-term impact, and the courage and curiosity needed to navigate both. He explains...

With over 30 years of HR experience, Andy reflects on the impact work has on people's lives beyond the office - shaping families and communities. He shares how creating fulfilling environments and taking bold steps on talent, inclusion and opportunity can leave lasting legacies that extend far beyond any single organisation.  Looking ahead, Andy discusses the opportunities and challenges of AI, ur...

Geoff poses the bold question: what if (like going on a run or eating a healthy meal) work genuinely enhanced your life? Reflecting on the evolution of his thinking around workplace wellbeing, Geoff champions the idea that organisations must create cultures where people feel safe, energised, and able to thrive. He shares how the pandemic sparked wider recognition of HR's role in wellbeing and how...

Alix shares her experience leading people strategy at a global professional services company with 90,000 employees, discussing the challenge and excitement of integrating acquired businesses across Europe with a strong employee value proposition rooted in purpose and belonging. Describing how her passion for responsible business has shaped her career - from tackling food insecurity to championing...

Louisa reflects on shifts in gender imbalance in the construction industry, and shares how her career transition from engineering into HR has enabled her to drive culture transformation, providing practical examples on values-led leadership such as 'mood mountains'. Louisa explores the future of work, highlighting HR's role in leading digital change and creating inclusive, trust-based workplaces,...

In this landmark 200th episode we bring together five inspiring CHROs to share actionable insights on navigating the future of work. Each leader responds to listener questions with practical strategies that highlight HR's vital role in driving transformation with empathy, agility, and human-centred leadership: ·         Dannii Portsmouth of PepsiCo EMEA explores how HR can harness AI by fostering...

Lisa describes her career journey from corporate communications to leading an integrated, purpose-driven strategy and highlights the value of uniting people and communications to turn purpose from words into measurable change.   Sharing why Aldermore chooses to call its annual ESG report a "Report to Society," Lisa describes her personal passion for social mobility, shaped by her own journey from...

Severine describes herself as an HR professional "by passion and by design", sharing her impact in enabling consistent transformation - from accelerating talent planning for a workforce that's 80% Millennial and Gen Z, to evolving culture and embracing AI through innovative learning strategies.   Severine summarises Sportradar's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging programme, for 4,000 employe...

Cecilia reflects on the growth of  How HR Leaders Change the World – from seeing a gap in HR thought leadership to a sell-out conference. Sharing the origins of Uplifting People and her unique perspective shaped by a background outside of HR, Cecilia describes how pivotal global moments such as the pandemic revealed the clear social and environmental impact of HR, inspiring her to shine a spotligh...