How HR Leaders Change the World

Gemma inspires with bold insights on the future of work, challenging conventional thinking and championing a truly global perspective on equity. Drawing on her experience within a Japanese organisation, she reflects on one-size-fits-all approaches, revealing the power of cultural exchange to unlock innovation and drive progress.   Gemma highlights the urgent need to tackle ageism and build interge...

Becky discusses how pressures including polarisation, AI, climate change and geo-politics can push organisations into survival mode, explaining why thriving workplace cultures are vital for business success in today's complex environment. Becky urges HR leaders to build human-centred cultures that foster resilience, wellbeing, and sustainable impact, introducing Kin&Co's six-pillar framework for t...

Kate discusses driving change through inclusive people strategies rooted in strong commercial foundations. For example, Kate shares the story behind LifeWorks, the Clyde & Co's gender-neutral parental leave policy that provides six months of fully paid leave. Backed by a strong business case, the policy has driven real impact - boosting retention, engagement, and uptake among men - showing how HR...

We welcome back Rob to the podcast, who shares his journey from Chief People Officer at Nando's to a purpose-driven scale-up focused on transforming the global food system. He explains how a passion for environmental issues led him to a role that brings people and sustainability together.  Rob talks about building the people function from scratch and explains how autonomy, mastery and purpose driv...

Nathan introduces how his early experiences helped shape his people-first approach to HR strategy.  He shares moments where he's balanced commercial priorities with social responsibility, and how his work connects with wider environmentsl, social and governance ( ESG) goals.  Nathan explains how he's worked to bridge the gap between HR and the investor community, helping stakeholders see workforce...

Syreeta shares insights from her moving new book, Bigger than the Moon, exploring her personal journey as a working parent of a neurodivergent child and how that experience has deeply shaped her leadership approach. Syreeta reflects on the transformative impact of parenting on her understanding of patience, team dynamics and inclusive leadership.  She offers practical advice for HR professionals o...

Combining perspectives and reflecting from their market-wide viewpoint, Naomi and Kate discuss the role of HR leaders in sustainability, exploring the connections and the gaps between the two professions. Reflecting on how people and sustainability roles are evolving, they discuss how AI will influence in the future and how HR professionals can use their commercial understanding to drive positive...

Reflecting on his journey in healthcare, Magnus explains how GSK's Purpose shapes HR strategy, ensuring talent, leadership, and culture decisions are grounded in patient impact. Magnus explores the future of work, highlighting the growing importance of skills as the new currency of the workforce. He discusses HR's role in helping people build and apply future-ready capabilities, particularly in fa...

Laura explores the power of taking risks on talent, especially those early in their careers, sharing her thoughts on hiring for mindset and potential over experience, and how being brave enough to back someone others might overlook has led to some of her proudest moments. Sharing her passion for inclusion Laura calls out the need for courage in challenging poor behaviour, regardless of seniority,...

Ali reflects on her 30-year career driving inclusive people leadership, sharing how thoughtful succession planning uncovers hidden talent and future leaders. Discussing the power of "nudges", Ali provides timely insights to shift leadership thinking, and urges HR teams to act as product designers, crafting personalised, inclusive experiences. She highlights the need for flexibility in benefits and...

Hayley shares how Formula E is tackling gender barriers and driving inclusion in motorsport. With women holding just 3% of racing licenses, initiatives like the women's test programme aim to level the playing field and increase female representation at the highest levels.   Over the past 18 months, Formula E has strengthened its ED&I strategy by partnering with experts and collaborating with organ...

Louisa highlights Manolo Blahnik's core values, including kindness and respect, and how these are embedded into its culture. Stressing the importance of authenticity and a growth mindset in HR leadership, Louisa shares her approach that feedback and continuous learning are key to creating a positive workplace. Discussing her work leading HR practices that foster an inclusive and supportive workpla...

In this episode we explore one of the most frequently discussed themes in our conversations with CHROs - empathy.  As businesses navigate a rapidly changing world, empathy is rising up the people agenda, shaping leadership and workplace culture. We looked back through the library to bring you five perspectives on the benefits of empathy for your workplace culture: Yetunde Hofmann, Non-Exec & Remco...

Helen shares how ZSL fosters a culture of experimentation, inspired by the scientists and innovators within the organisation. This mindset has led to impactful initiatives, from diversifying visitor demographics to creating inclusive career pathways in conservation, transforming both workplace culture and the communities ZSL serves. Helen highlights the power of storytelling in shaping culture. Wi...

Nick shares his approach to creating an inclusive, multi-generational workforce. Discussing a recruitment example, Nick describes how Canada Life successfully reimagined traditional work practices to welcome retirees back into flexible roles. Nick also discusses Canada Life's approach to creating a collaborative environment at work and advocates for ensuring the office is a space people want to be...

Chris shares his expertise on how empathy transforms leadership and organisations. Describing five pillars of empathy, including judgement and active listening, Chris describes case studies and how colleagues created better results having received experience-based empathy training. Chris explains how empathy can break down organisational silos by shifting employees from functional to customer-cent...

Brian champions human-first, tech-enabled strategies to navigate complexity. By taking a commercial and forward-thinking approach, Brian demonstrates how HR has the power to drive meaningful change, including in times of rapid change and uncertainty. Brian shares how Teneo is harnessing GenAI, for example transforming a people survey, cutting analysis time from six weeks to six days. This rapid ap...

Khadija discusses HR's role in balancing human potential with technology and how at Merck, 'precision upskilling' ensures employees develop both technical and leadership skills to navigate hybrid teams with empathy. Khadija describes how Merck's AI-powered platform, My Growth at Merck , personalises learning and provides equitable access to career development, and beyond the workplace, how Merck's...

Kaylee explores how HR leaders are shaping the future of work through health, wellbeing, and cultural transformation, highlighting the need for agile benefits to support a multigenerational workforce. Kaylee shares the vision behind AXA XL's 'Authentic' You program, which fosters psychological safety through transparency, vulnerability, and personal accountability. Kaylee explains how the company'...

Guided by business purpose - 'renting homes and enriching lives' - Michelle describes how Grainger's values-driven people strategy, has enhanced outcomes for colleagues, customers and communities. Michelle highlights Grainger's commitment to DE&I, showcasing achievements such as attaining the National Equality Standard and, looking ahead, Michelle explores how AI and digital advancements can trans...

Join us as Phillippa shares her passion for weaving ESG principles into business strategies and discusses the need to rethink workplace models, championing a skills-based, agile approach that values diverse aspirations and psychological safety. Phillippa provides examples in PwC's commitment to measurable inclusion outcomes, such as VR-based unconscious bias training, and shares how tailored onboa...

In this thought-provoking episode Uxio shares his compelling vision for addressing inequality and rethinking the role of HR. Delving into the essence of inclusion, Uxio challenges the fragmentation of diversity initiatives. He highlights the need for shared purpose, reminding us that inclusion must serve everyone. Reflecting on inequality, Uxio speaks passionately about the disparities in access t...

Andrew shares his vision of HR as a transformative force, leaving outdated practices behind to embrace People Experience. By rebranding HR and launching Sony Music's Global People Promise, Andrew highlights how this innovative approach fosters an engaging workplace culture, rooted in clear values and behaviours that attract and retain diverse talent. Andrew's personal journey adds depth to his pro...

In transforming from a traditional manufacturer to a provider of smart solutions for cities and buildings, Andrea explains how HR has guided transformation by redefining leadership. Describing the creation of six Leadership Guidelines that were developed through collaboration across the company, Andrea discusses how the Guidelines are enabling Fagerhult Group to balance its heritage with a culture...

Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first CHRO and a renowned talent strategy expert, highlights the need to rethink outdated workplace systems that assume long-term employee tenure. Steve emphasises the importance of questioning old assumptions, experimenting with new ideas, and embracing HR's role as a catalyst for change. Steve explores how HR can lead with innovative solutions that benefit both business...