We Need to Talk About...

Chief People Officer Nicki Auret joins Felix to discuss how HR leaders can navigate unprecedented workplace transformation while keeping people at the centre. From the three C's of HR (clarity, conscience, and change agency) to building resilient teams through continuous change, Nicki shares insights on balancing digital revolution with fundamental human needs. A must-listen for anyone leading...

Felix Mitchell sits down with Marie Krebs, founder of People Stories and one of the UK's leading HR voices, to explore how People Functions can move beyond administration to genuinely drive product development and revenue growth. Marie shares hard-won lessons about setting boundaries, thinking like a product manager, and why the best HR professionals borrow methodologies from their colleagues...

Join Felix Mitchell as he speaks with Mehdi Kordi, the most successful track cycling coach in history, who's guided athletes to 9 Olympic medals and 15+ world championship titles. Discover why technical skills matter less than you think, how to focus on 'major gains' over marginal ones, and why treating everyone fairly doesn't mean treating them the same. From startup mentality to...

Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, joins Felix Mitchell to explore how AI is reshaping the workplace. From digital workers to human creativity, this episode dives deep into what it means to lead, adapt, and stay grounded in a world that’s shifting beneath our feet.

What makes a truly great leader, and what’s HR’s role in getting them there? Felix Mitchell chats with Lewis Morgan, SVP at Atrium Underwriting and shadow board member at City HR, about developing leadership talent, building a people-first culture, and why coaching is more than just a buzzword.

In today’s episode, Felix Mitchell chats with Richard Album, Director of Development and Culture at Watson Farley & Williams. They explore why culture is much more than ping-pong tables, how L&D and culture intersect, and why businesses that truly listen to their people will win the long game.

In this episode, Felix Mitchell chats with Pete Cooper – author of Better Human Blueprint and finalist at the Business Book Awards 2025 – about why traditional hiring is broken, how cognitive diversity beats cultural fit, and what truly fair recruitment looks like.

In this episode, we’re joined by Derrick Perkins, HR Manager at Harvest Sherwood and former leader at Amazon and Delta, to explore the bright side of working in HR. From the power of empathy to lessons in leadership and the importance of humanity in tough decisions, we dive into the real heart of the people profession.

Interviews are broken – and candidates are beating the system with AI. In this episode of We Need To Talk About HR , host Felix Mitchell is joined by Robert Newry, CEO of Arctic Shores, to explore how psychometrics and task-based assessments can help uncover true potential beyond the CV.

In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR , Felix Mitchell sits down with Carol Paddison, co-founder of Fractional Human Resources, to discuss why HR needs to move beyond one-size-fits-all policies. From the power of personalisation to the role of AI in creating bespoke employee experiences, Carol shares insights on how businesses can truly support their people – and why it matters.

Since 2020, we've seen companies pledge millions to DEI initiatives, only to now watch them backpedal at record speed. What's really going on? In this episode, Felix Mitchell sits down with DEI expert Rocki Howard to unpack the corporate retreat from diversity commitments, the role of political shifts, and why some organisations are quietly doubling down while others cut and run.

Is the secret to workplace inclusion less about policies and tech and more about genuine human connection? In this episode, Felix Mitchell speaks with belonging and engagement specialist Jackie Handy. They explore why inclusion efforts often miss the mark, the role of storytelling in building connections, and how leaders can create environments where people truly feel they belong

In this episode of We Need To Talk About HR , Felix Mitchell is joined by facilitator and advisor Steve Weiner to explore why conversations at work so often go wrong - and what we can do about it. From the neuroscience of conversations to practical ways to lead with intention, Steve shares thought-provoking insights and tools to help us navigate the everyday interactions that shape workplace cultu...

Burnout is a growing challenge, but how can organisations truly support their people? In this episode, Felix and Kelly discuss what burnout looks like, its impact on businesses, and the importance of proactive mental health support.

HR leaders today are transformation specialists, technologists, and change-makers. In this episode, Felix Mitchell speaks with David Landman, former Goldman Sachs HR leader turned startup advisor, about navigating transitions—whether in business, HR, or your career. Tune in for insights on adapting to uncertainty, prioritising impact, and embracing career pivots.

AI in HR is no longer just an experiment—it’s becoming reality. In this episode, Felix Mitchell speaks with Simon Mounsey, Chief People Officer at Agilisys, about how AI is transforming talent acquisition, HR processes, and the workforce at large. What does AI adoption in 2025 really look like? Tune in to find out.

What makes a great HR and Operations partnership? In this episode, Felix sits down with Roger Turvey, Operations Director at Paragon Customer Communications, to explore how HR can add real business value. From recruitment strategies to engagement initiatives, Roger shares insights on why HRBPs are his closest allies.

Change is constant, but great leadership makes all the difference. In this episode, Felix Mitchell is joined by Agata Bryszewska to explore what it takes to lead effectively through uncertainty. From fostering trust to managing expectations and maintaining consistency, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders at all levels.

Recruitment hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years, but should it? In this episode, Felix Mitchell is joined by Career Talent Acquisition Leader, Erica Perry Briody, to discuss why traditional hiring methods are failing and how businesses—especially SMEs—can improve candidate selection, communication, and long-term success.

In this episode of We Need to Talk about HR, host Felix Mitchell sits down with Brita Ohlin, Chief People Officer of Consafe Logistics Group, to explore how redefining company culture can lead to both business and employee success. Brita shares insights on implementing meaningful cultural change, aligning core behaviours with business goals, and using incremental strategies for long-lasting transf...

AI is transforming HR—but how do we navigate the change? In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR , Felix Mitchell is joined by AI and HR expert Albert Loyola to explore the democratisation of AI, the new roles HR needs to adopt, and how to build a data-driven people strategy that actually delivers results.

In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR, Felix Mitchell chats with Nick Bilotta, Learning Experience Manager at Discord, about his challenging 8-month job search during turbulent times. From strategies to stay motivated to leveraging AI tools for applications, Nick shares invaluable lessons and advice for navigating today’s job market.

In this episode of We Need to Talk about HR , Felix Mitchell is joined by talent development strategist Daron Moore to discuss the importance of prioritising human capabilities in a world dominated by AI. From redefining workplace relationships to embracing authenticity, this episode will inspire HR leaders to re-centre the "human" in Human Resources.

In this episode of  We Need to Talk About HR , Felix Mitchell chats with Tom, founder of Hex Talent and author of  People, People . They dive into the challenges and opportunities for Chief HR Officers, explore the importance of reward systems, and discuss Tom's innovative CHRO Impact Framework. Tune in for actionable advice and an engaging conversation.

Hiring and retaining top talent remains a key challenge for SMEs, especially those in high-growth phases. In this episode, Felix chats with Saqi Sheikh, Chief People Officer at EcoOnline, about building an impactful employer brand and EVP, and why they are critical for scaling businesses. From internal culture to candidate experience, Saqi shares invaluable insights for people and talent leaders.