Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast How HR Leaders Change the World
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 214: The Power of the Collective: HR's Role – Usha Kakaria-Cayaux, CHRO at Ofi | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:35:57 | |
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 bar – Usha highlights how meaningful change comes from small, everyday moments – using one-to-one conversations engaging to help employees identify and apply their superpowers, creating a ripple effect across the organisation. Usha also discusses ofi's approach to DEI IDE - it's direct correlation to business performance – and talent, emphasising diversity in thought, background, and experience. She shares her practical approach to strategies showing how HR can foster a culture where individuals thrive, driving innovation and systemic change. Usha ends with advice on tackling ambitious goals by breaking them into manageable steps and celebrating small wins. She urges HR professionals to practise self-kindness, recognising that personal well-being is essential for effective leadership and for amplifying impact across teams, organisations and society. Thank you to Staffbase for sponsoring this episode
Staffbase knows that HR leaders are driving transformation in the workplace and they're here to help.
Staffbase Communications Cloud empowers HR leaders to be transformation trailblazers, driving trust and business success in change through strategic communication. Their internal communications platform empowers companies to connect with their people, whether they're at their desks or on the front lines.
With tools that improve engagement, amplify employee voices and align everyone with your company's goals, Staffbase makes it easier for HR leaders to create and measure lasting change. Want to learn more? Head over to Staffbase.com to see how Staffbase can help your organisation thrive.
👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community
You'll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.
Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn
Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. Our November Book of the Month is Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman. Bregman gently challenges the belief that people are inherently selfish and divisive, showing instead that at our core we are kind, generous, and ready to help one another. For anyone looking for an antidote to today's unsettling headlines, this is a brilliant, feel-good read - full of optimism, hope, and truly soothing for the soul. Head to upliftingpeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book! | |||
| Episode 213: Future Ready: The Intersection of HR & Sustainability, COP30 Special with AXA Climate School | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:51:40 | |
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 Redfern, Chief People, Communications & Sustainability Officer at Dowlais Group plc. Antoine shares examples of how climate change is reshaping HR practices, from low-carbon commuting incentives and climate-related leave to new physical and psychological risks for employees. He highlights four key areas for HR focus: decarbonisation, risk management, employer branding, and green skills. Cecilia illustrates how HR policy and practice - from wellbeing objectives and flexible working to corporate pensions, connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating that people strategy can drive tangible environmental and social impact – to the benefit of people goals. Jacky and Helen offer practical guidance on embedding sustainability across organisations. Jacky emphasises storytelling and incremental progress, and Helen highlights giving HR, sustainability, and communications equal executive voice. Cecilia closes with her 'one wish' for HR leaders: if you've not yet already, take a first step to collaborate with Sustainability peers. Thank you to Staffbase for sponsoring this episode
Staffbase knows that HR leaders are driving transformation in the workplace and they're here to help.
Staffbase Communications Cloud empowers HR leaders to be transformation trailblazers, driving trust and business success in change through strategic communication. Their internal communications platform empowers companies to connect with their people, whether they're at their desks or on the front lines.
With tools that improve engagement, amplify employee voices and align everyone with your company's goals, Staffbase makes it easier for HR leaders to create and measure lasting change. Want to learn more? Head over to Staffbase.com to see how Staffbase can help your organisation thrive.
👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community
You'll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.
Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn
Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. Our November Book of the Month is Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman A wonderful celebration of the goodness in people and the extraordinary ways we come together when it really matters. Bregman gently challenges the belief that people are inherently selfish and divisive, showing instead that at our core we are kind, generous, and ready to help one another. Humankind shares inspiring stories from history, science, and everyday life, demonstrating how small acts of trust and solidarity can spark big change in society. For anyone looking for an antidote to today's unsettling headlines, this is a brilliant, feel-good read - full of optimism, hope, and truly soothing for the soul. It makes the perfect gift for friends, family, colleagues, or clients. You can also pair it with our Humankind Holiday Gift Bundle or our brand-new hampers, filled with seasonal delights like kind-hearted chocolates, supercharged teas, and thoughtfully curated stationery. These impact-led gifts show how much you care and are perfect for spreading inspiration and appreciation this holiday season. Why not also treat your team? Send a copy along with a gift bundle, and encourage them to pass the book on and share a discussion about what they learned - a simple, thoughtful way to spark meaningful conversations at work. Head to upliftingpeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book!
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| Episode 205: HR as Enterprise Leaders – The Bold Shift Every HR Leader Must Make: Tom Emery, Founder, HEX Talent & Development | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:33:06 | |
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 why the effectiveness of the executive team is central to culture and performance, and how HR leaders are uniquely placed to act as the strategic conscience of that team. He introduces his new framework, VETRA - vision, empathy, trust, resilience and agility - to help HR leaders elevate executive team effectiveness, strengthen relationships and foster psychological safety while keeping teams anchored in purpose. Tom shows how every conversation is a chance for HR leaders to step beyond their function and lead in ways that make organisations stronger, wiser and more human. Thank you to HEX Talent & Development for sponsoring this episode
HEX is a people performance consultancy dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and organisations reach their full potential.
Founded by Tom Emery, HEX isn't just another learning provider - they offer the complete package. Their services include deep individual and team coaching, leadership development, facilitation of team events, and broader HR consultancy.
With extensive C-suite experience and years of working with CEOs and senior leaders across multiple industries, HEX's experts bring insight, challenge, and thought leadership to every engagement.
Their CHRO Impact Framework for developing high-performing senior leaders is tried and tested, forming the foundation of Tom's Amazon best-selling book, People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a CHRO.
Above all, HEX brings passion, challenge, and joy to all their clients. Discover more by visiting hex-development.com
👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community
You'll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.
Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn
Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. Our September Book of the Month is People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a CHRO, by Tom Emery. It's a refreshingly honest companion for any CHRO who's ever wondered, "Am I truly making a difference?" Through the story of Joanna, a seasoned HR leader at a crossroads, it unpacks both the loneliness and potential of the role, guiding you through a CHRO Impact framework. It's not a dry leadership manual; it's full of real-world tools you can bring straight into your leadership. If you've ever questioned your path, this book reminds you there's a way forward - and it starts with purpose, courage and connection. Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book! | |||
| 25 Ways Your HR Work Delivers ESG Results, with host Cecilia Crossley | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:14:23 | |
Welcome to this special episode of How HR Leaders Change the World! Which is a different format to usual, as there's a big week coming up… the UN General Assembly, also known as UNGA Week and Global Goals Week. It's a brilliant opportunity for HR and certainly every HR Changemaker, and so we thought to create this episode to tell you about it! Plus, we've created a free cheat-sheet for you: 25 Ways Your HR Work Delivers ESG Results In this episode we'll cover:
Click here to get your free cheat-sheet: 25 Ways Your HR Work Delivers ESG Results Plus here's further information about UNGA Week and the link to our free digital tool mapping HR - UN SDGs The inspiring, impact-led HR conference is back... How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 15 November 2023 Join us to learn and discuss:
Learn from actionable examples shared by pioneering C-Suite HR Leaders, that you can implement at your company too. Alongside the CHRO speakers and the brilliant community of HR Changemakers you'll be part of, we're delighted to announce that Sir Lenny Henry CBE is this year's inspiring keynote. Find out more and don't miss out on your place! Join us In Person or via Live Stream, get your ticket here: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world-live-2023 Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| AI, HR and Ethics: Claire Ainscough, Chief People Officer, Ocado Group | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:33:33 | |
Claire describes Ocado Group's three key areas in using AI: customer relationships, efficiency and ESG, and how they apply to HR. Recognising challenges that AI presents, Claire discusses working with the Ocado's Head of AI Ethics and processes to support decision making. Following approaches commonly found in the tech sector, Claire summarises applying a product mindset to HR and shares the example of Ocado Group's 'Work from Anywhere' policy - the process to create it and business response. Claire shares Ocado's social mobility work and the opportunities created with reskilling programmes including 'Recode Your Career' and 'Bot School', and leaves us with an approach to delivering change that provides both personal and business credibility for you, and makes the greatest impact with whatever resources you have. Topics in Claire's episode:
The inspiring, impact-led HR conference is back... How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 15 November 2023 How your HR strategy is also driving ESG results Join us to learn and discuss:
Learn from actionable examples shared by pioneering C-Suite HR Leaders, that you can implement at your company too. Alongside the CHRO speakers and the brilliant community of HR Changemakers you'll be part of, we're delighted to announce that Sir Lenny Henry CBE is this year's inspiring keynote. Find out more and don't miss out on a limited time Earlybird ticket! (Offer ends 6pm BST 8Sep23) Join us In Person or via Live Stream; enter code HRChangemaker to get 30% off your place: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world-live-2023 Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| How HR Leaders Change the World – Summer Celebration Q&A, hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:52:55 | |
What are the 5 key HR trends shared by leading CHROs on How HR Leaders Change the World? What are the pioneering podcast alumni most excited for in the future of how HR will lead business success and at the same time deliver ESG results? What's the one action host Cecilia Crossley woud like to see every HR professional take to make a positive change in the world? Chaired by news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy, in this brilliant Q&A with podcast host Cecilia Crossley, you can hear a summary of the How HR Leaders Change the World – Summer Celebration, a wonderful evening with a room full of your fellow #HRChangemakers. If you missed out on the evening, where we networked, celebrated and pioneered at the cutting edge of HR leadership, don't miss out on our next brilliant event… The inspiring, impact-led HR conference is back... How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 15 November 2023 How your HR strategy is also driving ESG results Join us to learn and discuss: · How does connecting your HR work to ESG help you achieve your goals? · How can you measure HR's ESG impacts and what are investors and your CEO keen to hear from you on? · How can you position HR impact to best demonstrate your HR function's value to all your colleagues and in your EVP? Learn from actionable examples shared by pioneering C-Suite HR Leaders, that you can implement at your company too. Alongside the CHRO speakers and the brilliant community of HR Changemakers you'll be part of, we're delighted to announce that Sir Lenny Henry CBE is this year's inspiring keynote. Find out more and don't miss out on a limited time Earlybird ticket! (Offer ends 6pm BST 8Sep23) Join us In Person or via Live Stream; enter code HRChangemaker to get 30% off your place: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world-live-2023 Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| Why did you join HR? Kerri O'Neill, Chief People & Transformation Officer, Ofcom | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:31:42 | |
Sharing examples of her work at Ofcom, Aviva and House of Fraser, Kerri-Ann describes how starting with organisational purpose provided powerful learning that informed business and people strategy, underpinning the connections between commercial success and societal impact. With the example of child safety online, Kerri-Ann describes how a diverse and inclusive group enables pioneering work and provides a brilliant reference to Bletchley Park during WWII in describing the benefits. Kerri-Ann advocates that every HR professional must have an opinion, use their agency to influence business and change, and to help connect with this, your own purpose and power, recommends that you ask yourself: Why did I join this profession? Topics in Kerri Ann's episode:
Referenced resources: Nudge, by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R Sunstein Plus! The inspiring, impact-led HR conference is back! How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 15 November 2023 How your HR strategy is also driving ESG results Join us to learn and discuss:
Learn from actionable examples shared by pioneering C-Suite HR Leaders, that you can implement at your company too. Alongside the CHRO speakers and the brilliant community of HR Changemakers you'll be part of, we're delighted to announce that Sir Lenny Henry CBE is this year's inspiring keynote. Find out more and don't miss out on a limited time Earlybird ticket! (Offer ends 6pm BST 8Sep23) Join us In Person or via Live Stream; enter code HRChangemaker to get 30% off your place: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world-live-2023 Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| HR, Profit and Purpose: Stendert Krommendam, Chief People & Sustainability Officer, Ecotone | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:32:54 | |
Stendert introduces his role in leading people and sustainability across the group of Ecotone's food and drinks brands, sharing examples of work that take a holistic view of sustainability and how he measures success for people strategy. Advocating that HR has the exciting role to accelerate energy for change, and for being a bridge between sustainability measures and the people agenda, Stendert discusses positive impacts for people topics such as talent acquisition and leadership, as well as for you and your role, and for business success. Topics in Stendert's episode:
Referenced resources: · Paul Polman - Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| Rewarding Vulnerability: Andrew Neal, Chief People Officer, Communisis | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:32:48 | |
Andrew describes the business transformation he has helped lead Communisis through, sharing how this centred around clarity in business purpose, and how strategy, outcomes and impact, including mapping to the UN SDGs, cascaded out. Bringing business purpose to life across a diverse organisation with colleagues in 28 countries, Andrew describes building psychological safety and rewarding vulnerability, including with listening sessions, and shares the guidelines for how Communisis has made these successful, the role of exec sponsors and 'spikey questions', and what the results have been. Topics in Andrew's episode:
Referenced resources: · https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/mapping-hr-to-the-un-sdgs Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| Finding Your Why: Jane Hanson, former Chief People Officer, Nationwide Building Society | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:34:18 | |
Sharing her perspective on finding your why and organisational purpose, Jane discusses key changes taking place in HR and business leadership. On hybrid and flexible working, Jane provides the idea of 'putting up scaffolding' – how to create principles and a framework – for bringing together different expectations on this aspect of the Future of Work. Reflecting on AI, Jane offers thoughts on how to take all colleagues in to the future with optimism. Advocating for HR's role in bringing energy to DE&I leadership across the business, Jane picks out reverse mentoring as an example of impactful work. Topics in Jane's episode:
Referenced resources: Simon Sinek Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| HR Unlocking Business Potential: Scott Sullivan, HR Director, Bates Wells | 04 Jul 2023 | 00:33:53 | |
Scott introduces Bates Wells' decision to become the first B Corp certified law firm and shares how this connects with HR deliverables. Providing the example of Bates Wells' Climate Programme, Scott cites a green workplace pension as one of several HR opportunities. Discussing initiatives such as engaging colleagues with a climate focussed Employee Resource Group, Scott also shares his lived experience and thoughts on social mobility, opportunities for business to lead, and why he advocates that everyone in HR unlock the potential of their people for the future of both business success and a healthy planet. Topics in Scott's episode:
Referenced resources: Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| 100,000 hours - human-centric culture: Sophie Smith, CHRO, BW Group | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:27:18 | |
In leading a maritime business Sophie describes her work to build inclusive culture for colleagues across 62 countries, who are at sea and on land. Sophie advocates a systems approach and for collaborating over competing to overcome systemic challenges such as gender imbalance. Sharing the many ways that HR is helping drive decarbonisation, from skills design and recruiting to remuneration and performance management – Sophie discusses the significant role of HR in delivering the E in ESG. Topics in Sophie's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| The 3 Biggest Problems in Inclusion Work & Tools to Persuade and Progress: Dr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, Founder, Element of Inclusion | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:37:37 | |
Jonathan introduces the academic study behind the organisation he founded, Element of Inclusion and his research into the 3 biggest problems that companies experience in their Inclusion work. Providing tools to measure and communicate the impact of your inclusion strategy, Jonathan shares the 'PICOC' model as a persuasive way to present your business case to a decision maker, and recommends that you begin your very own in-house podcast! Topics in Jonathan's episode:
Referenced resources: Element of Inclusion of podcast Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| Episode 204: Why AI Fluency Will Transform HR – Andy Doyle, Chief People Officer at Kantar | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:30:59 | |
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, urging HR to embrace learning, experimentation and even failure, as essential tools to reimagine the world of work. He shares how Kantar has built an authentic community of AI influencers by empowering curiosity and encouraging self-nomination, adopting a social media–style approach that has driven real engagement. Alongside technology, Andy speaks about the personal experiences that fuel his passion for inclusion and social change, from becoming a trustee of the Alzheimer's Society to celebrating cultural difference through food across Kantar's global workforce. Andy advocates that HR can combine human connection and technological innovation to create positive impact for organisations, colleagues and society. He offers one wish for every HR leader: to become fluent in AI - in understanding its transformative power. References: None Thank you to How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2025 - brought to you by Uplifting People for sponsoring this episode This episode is brought to you by HR's boldest moment yet - How HR Leaders Change the World Live. Today's HR leaders are navigating extraordinary demands, balancing short-term business performance with shaping long-term, purpose-driven strategy. Yet despite holding the key to sustainable commercial success, HR is often undervalued, under-supported, and expected to play it safe. That's exactly why we created How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! - an extraordinary event bringing together pioneering HR leaders who believe our profession can be a transformative force for both business growth and social good. This year's event is the boldest yet, featuring candid, strategic conversations and powerful insights from global CHROs. You'll leave with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of the power of your role, with 100% of profits donated to support vulnerable children - meaning your impact starts before you even walk through the door. Tickets are now available. Take a look at the agenda and our first speaker announcements, including keynote Bob Geldof KBE. Don't miss out - secure your place today and join fellow HR change makers to enhance your influence and impact. We can't wait to see you there!
👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community
You'll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.
Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn
Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. Our September Book of the Month is People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a CHRO, by Tom Emery. It's a refreshingly honest companion for any CHRO who's ever wondered, "Am I truly making a difference?" Through the story of Joanna, a seasoned HR leader at a crossroads, it unpacks both the loneliness and potential of the role, guiding you through a CHRO Impact framework. It's not a dry leadership manual; it's full of real-world tools you can bring straight into your leadership. If you've ever questioned your path, this book reminds you there's a way forward - and it starts with purpose, courage and connection. Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book!
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| The Exciting Moment for HR - Connecting to ESG: Emma Higgins Chief People Officer International Division, QBE Insurance | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:28:26 | |
Emma shares her pioneering approach in connecting HR colleagues with the Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) framework, describing work that took place at a townhall meeting and, why this is important and inspiring for HR and the business.
Discussing her passions for supporting neurodiverse colleagues and working parents, including the process to gender equalise parental leave at QBE, Emma suggests a technique to help you achieve change and further support your colleagues - to look at whether your company's internal culture, policies and practices match its PR.
Topics in Emma's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen!
Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove
Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org
Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/
How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| Leading HR with your Personal Purpose: Janine Vos, CHRO, Rabobank | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:29:42 | |
Janine describes her CHRO role in the context of making work meaningful, sharing how tools such as health and productivity data can help change work culture, and why re-humanising HR and business through seemingly simple actions can be highly effective.
Janine considers how AI can create opportunities to reduce inequality, such as in recruitment processes, and how her business leadership and passion for reducing inequality contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Topics in Janine's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen!
Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove
Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org
Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/
How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results.
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| The Commercial Results of Inclusive People Strategy: Daniel Sharaiha, Chief People & Customer Experience Officer, Bank al Etihad | 30 May 2023 | 00:28:06 | |
Describing people experience at the heart of Bank al Etihad's customer proposition, Daniel connects the results from inclusion and social initiatives that lead to measurable commercial success.
Daniel describes the position of Jordan in respect of women in the workplace and the work taking place to build gender balance. Sharing his approach in how all of us helping one person is the way to change the world, Daniel considers the role of culture and values in achieving change, of continuous learning, scaling impact and partnering with others, and that not only is doing the right thing often free, it's also right for your business.
Topics in Daniel's episode:
Referenced resource: https://www.bankaletihad.com/en
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen!
Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove
Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org
Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/
How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| The business benefits of vulnerability: Donna Murray Vilhelmsen, CHRO, Trustpilot | 23 May 2023 | 00:32:01 | |
Discussing the Trustpilot value: 'being positively human', Donna, advocates that vulnerability is a key approach to creating a culture with humanity at its centre. Donna shares her own experience, how to encourage senior leaders to be vulnerable and what the business benefits of this approach are.
Sharing the work of Trustpilot, Donna considers the huge change in society in how we receive information and know whether to trust it and explains how being business led in your approach to HR drives your success.
Topics in Donna's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen!
Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove
Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org
Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/
How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| The unquenchable power of the human spirit: Josh Bersin, CEO & Founder, The Josh Bersin Company | 16 May 2023 | 00:31:49 | |
Explaining how HR leadership drives both business and societal success, Josh comments on the unquenchable power of the human spirit – and the positive impacts when all your stakeholders believe in it. Josh discusses the 'decomposition of work' – how companies are creating agile models of work, changing job architecture away from industrial hierarchiwa to fluid, project orientated businesses – and how this is impacting people and company performance. Noting a straight line between HR and environmental sustainability issues, Josh describes the concept of "People Sustainability" and how through this lens many areas of HR and Inclusion work can be elevated on a company's agenda. Josh's one wish? That you believe in and take care of yourself - that you understand how valuable, important and complex your role is - because there is so much opportunity for impact. Topics in Josh's episode:
Referenced resources: Irresistible by Josh Bersin Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into the community, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, efficient and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. | |||
| Your EVP, ESG and Mental Health: Elise Hauge Larsen, Chief People & Communications Officer, Lundbeck | 09 May 2023 | 00:27:13 | |
Elise describes the inclusion principles at Lundbeck, and, as a neuroscience pharmaceutical, shares the work to reduce stigma in society around mental health disease. Providing examples from colleague storytelling to having a migraine friendly space in an office, Elise shares initiatives to build an inclusive workplace across all elements of both brain health and neurodiversity. Advocating that HR has the opportunity to boldly drive company ESG strategy, Elise shares why the work is central to your Employer Value Proposition, and encourages you to be courageous in leading this work. Topics in Elise's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community and get our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and receive free bonus materials that help you showcase how your HR work is also driving positive change: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world We have a favour to ask! Would you tell an HR friend about the podcast? Or share the link with an HR team you think would find it helpful for their work? We're excited to bring more of your peers into this community of pioneering #HRChangemakers, and hugely appreciate your help to make it happen! Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org How HR Leaders Change the World is brought to you by social enterprise, From Babies with Love. Creating meaningful connection across Moments that Matter, we provide employee engagement gift services to global HR functions and donate 100% of our profit to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. We transform commonly existing gift spend in to strategic, inspiring and inclusive tools in your People Strategy, delivering Exceptional Employee Experience, and at the same time, ESG results. Get your Moments that Matter Lookbook at https://frombabieswithlove.org/
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| Your organisation as a catalyst for change: Narelle Burke, CHRO, Kantar Insights APAC | 02 May 2023 | 00:27:28 | |
Narelle thinks of her organisation as a catalyst for change, and advocates that having this lens creates opportunities for people and business leadership, that also have positive impacts for society. Providing an example of the gender pay gap and results achieved at Kantar, Narelle describes her implementation approach, discussing business alignment, data and critical moments in the employee journey. Noting that there are now five generations in the workforce, Narelle describes the opportunity to support careers and the business and societal benefits of inclusive households. Narelle calls on you to understand the business imperative of getting inclusion right, and to know the value of your role in making a difference at Moments that Matter for your people, that also has positive impacts for your community. Topics in Narelle's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| Your company as a Global Citizen: Katarina Berg, CHRO, Spotify | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:31:55 | |
With its aim to act as a global citizen, Katarina explains how Spotify combined change-making roles across HR and other functions, into an Equity & Impact team, and the benefits this created. Sharing how to approach connecting work to, for example the Global Goals (SDGs) Katarina advocates focussing on what your company is and its ambition. Katarina shares Spotify's experience of enhancing parental leave and its positive impact for colleagues' careers, families, the company, and so too for society. Providing learning from Spotify's data, Katarina explains her approach to making the change globally, and describes the many benefits, including that enhanced parental leave is "leadership development that you don't have to pay for". Topics in Katarina's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| Why leave anyone behind? Erik Schmidt, former CHRO, Pandora | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:35:25 | |
Discussing talent strategy, Erik asks, with a commercial mindset – why leave anyone behind? In creating a high performing and inclusive business, Erik shares change management tools that help shift perception, activities and results, with examples including asking why 3 times, and an approach thought to be used by Walt Disney. Erik shares his experience in building gender parity at Pandora, including techniques such as connecting goals to performance management and reward, and provides his thoughts on gender and the future of the HR profession. Advocating that HR must help ensure everyone enjoys going to work, have a chance to bring their all, and the chance to make their mark, Erik asks you to consider how you can go after this noble goal. Topics in Erik's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| Leadership in business and impact: Akhona Qengqe, General Manager, KFC Africa | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:27:59 | |
Akhona joins us with a recent promotion from Chief People Officer to General Manager at KFC Africa, showing the trend in people leaders moving to the top job continues its momentum. Sharing her strategies to empower women and achieve gender parity, Akhona describes the incredible results from programmes such as 'Women on the Move' and 'Shine', and speaks about her aspiration for representation of all colleagues. Framing business opportunities within the language of impact, Akhona connects commerce with livelihoods and advocates that true leadership shapes the future by considering both. Topics in Akhona's episode:
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| Episode 203: What if work genuinely enhanced your life? Reframing Wellbeing – Geoff McDonald, Former Global VP HR at Unilever, Wellbeing and Mental Health Advocate | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:38:18 | |
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 energy - fuelled by health and purpose - should sit at the heart of business strategy. Geoff challenges the current approach to wellbeing, questioning the impact of surface-level initiatives without addressing deeper cultural and structural issues. He calls for a shift from doing wellbeing to employees, to embedding it in an organisation - in leadership, systems and everyday practices. He highlights how short-term business pressures, outdated success measures and fear in the C-suite all contribute to wellbeing being undervalued. As a practical step, Geoff suggests integrating wellbeing into development conversations - asking how people are doing physically, mentally and emotionally. He encourages HR leaders to think beyond wellbeing and to consider colleagues' energy - and to recognise that the energy of an organisation's people is its most valuable asset. | |||
| Empathy, Inclusion & Commerciality: Mary FitzPatrick, Global Head of D&I, Rolls-Royce | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:32:07 | |
Mary describes her experiences in building inclusion across sectors, from television to technology. Discussing the links between inclusion, commerciality and ESG, Mary describes why the work, and measuring its outcomes, is important to investors and customers – alongside employees. Sharing her personal connection to neurodiversity, Mary provides thoughts on how to ensure a neurodiverse colleague that joins, also stays, and gives examples of inclusion strategies in gender representation and social mobility. Mary advocates that inclusion is embedded in every element of a business – that an inclusion lens is always applied – and calls on us to be courageous in ensuring this happens. Topics in Mary's episode:
Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, The Talent Keeper Specialists. Their brilliant podcast, COMEBACK COACH is the podcast for people coming back from maternity and other work breaks recommended by HR professionals. Referenced resources Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| People as a business design principle: Emma Hardaker-Jones, Group HR Director, Legal & General | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:27:55 | |
Emma shares her approach to people strategy as a business design principle, providing an example that brings together business objectives, employee focus, community impact and sustainability, with the example of creating a new office in Cardiff. From hybrid working to the impact for the city, Emma explains how a commercial approach is a key part of being an HR Leader. Emma describes her passions for gender equality and social mobility, naming Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a heroine, and shares her own experience in advocating that your set of experiences are an incredible tool to support others. Calling on you to use commercial levers and know that your place at the table is as important as any other, don't miss the inspiring words Emma shares at the end! Topics in Emma's episode:
Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, The Talent Keeper Specialists. Their brilliant podcast, COMEBACK COACH is the podcast for people coming back from maternity and other work breaks recommended by HR professionals. Referenced resources Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/
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| Being bold in the corporate world: Erin Brockovich – celebrating International Women's Day | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:58:18 | |
In this special episode to mark International Women's Day, hear Erin Brockovich's keynote at How HR Leaders Change the World- Live!, "Being bold in the corporate world – personal empowerment and persistence". Erin was so passionate and inspiring she moved the room to tears! Erin assumes you've seen the film, and goes behind the scenes to her upbringing, her family and her relationships to explain her approach to achieving justice, with approaches you can also use to overcome hurdles and achieve your goals. With incredible openness, honesty and vulnerability, Erin's speech will leave with energy and tools to question the status quo, address issues that you see, and drive positive change. Topics in Erin's episode:
Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, The Talent Keeper Specialists. Their brilliant podcast, COMEBACK COACH is the podcast for people coming back from maternity and other work breaks recommended by HR professionals. Referenced resources
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswith Love Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| Being an intrapreneur; bringing your passions to work: Vanessa Vallely OBE, Founder, WeAreTheCity | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:35:13 | |
Celebrating International Women's Day and the 2023 theme, #EmbraceEquity, Vanessa shares the steps in her career that led her to create WeAreTheCity – which helps progress female careers. Suggesting ways that can best advance gender balance and inclusion at work, Vanessa recommends considering an equity (rather than equality) model and a focus on sponsorship - describing what best practice sponsorship looks like. Vanessa shares ideas on how to be 'intrapreneurial', how to start and grow an area of work that you feel passionate about – turning it from 'a side of the desk' project to an embedded part of your role, highlighting collaboration and self-belief as two important ingredients. Topics in Vanessa's episode:
Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, The Talent Keeper Specialists. Their brilliant podcast, COMEBACK COACH is the podcast for people coming back from maternity and other work breaks recommended by HR professionals. Referenced resources 2023 Guide: Cutting Edge Parental & Family Leave policy and practice Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| Ep.90: Posture at work – what's yours? Stephane Charbonnier, CHRO, L'Oreal USA | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:29:28 | |
Stephane describes both small actions in creating opportunity for colleagues and his approach to leading change at scale. Sharing the example of the Listening Circle at L'Oreal, Stephane explains why a deep willingness to listen and understand is a fundamental starting point to creating a culture of belonging, and reflects on the emotions involved. Discussing the posture we choose at work, how this can help us as well as others, Stephane highlights the opportunity for HR to move forward by being brave. Topics in Stephane's episode:
Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, The Talent Keeper Specialists. Their brilliant podcast, COMEBACK COACH is the podcast for people coming back form maternity leave and other work breaks recommended by HR professionals. Referenced resources
Join the free How HR Leaders Change the World community to receive our weekly newsletter – be the first to learn about new episodes and free bonus materials: https://frombabieswithlove.org/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world Linkedin: @FromBabieswithLove Email: hrleaders@frombabieswithlove.org Website: https://frombabieswithlove.org/ | |||
| Ep89: 2023 Guide - Cutting Edge Parental & Family Leave policy and practice | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:23:20 | |
In this special episode Cecilia shares cutting edge initiatives that are enhancing family friendly culture in the workplace. Covering the 5 key trends in From Babies with Love's 2023 Guide, Cecilia summarises the latest policy and practice on gender inclusive leave, fertility, neonatal, pregnancy loss and baby loss leave, in recognising returning to work and in grandparents at work. With insightful behind the scenes features by Aon, Sony Music UK and William Hill, this episode and the Guide can give you new ideas for best practice actions you can take at your company to enhance family friendly and inclusive culture, and to attract, engage and retain talent. Your call to action this week comes from Cecilia, go grab your free copy of the guide - we hope it's a helpful resource for you! Here's a snapshot: [2:00] Introducing the 2023 Guide [5:00] Gender Inclusive Parental Leave and Behind the Scenes with Dads@Aon [8:45] Fertility and Neonatal Leave and Behind the Scenes with William Hill [12:40] Recognising Returning Work and Behind the Scenes with Sony Music UK [18:00] Grandparents at Work – the rising profile of age inclusivity Thank you to our sponsor for this week's episode, The Talent Keeper Specialists. Their brilliant podcast, COMEBACK COACH is the podcast for people coming back from maternity and other work breaks recommended by HR professionals. Referenced resources | |||
| Ep.88: Be conscious! Why inclusion is a vital building block: Mary Bilbrey, former CHRO, JLL | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:29:55 | |
Mary shares her experience in how to support business leaders to lead differently, and the changes she has seen in what's required of successful leaders today. Considering changes in working practices and culture, Mary advocates that HR must be intentional in designing the spaces in which we work, to ensure they contribute to talent strategy, and reflect company culture and values. Explaining why inclusion is a vital building block to other programmes, Mary calls on everyone to be conscious in owning their journey, discusses how HR can facilitate, and why HR must hold leaders accountable for their behaviours. Noting that HR is the voice in the room representing everyone, Mary calls on you to grab this opportunity, and responsibility. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [4:00] The changing requirements of business leaders [11:20] Spaces as part of talent strategy [18:00] Why demonstrating inclusion is a building block for change and success [22:30] Self-awareness: owning your journey and being conscious! [27:30] HR as the voice for people not in the room How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2022 edition How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! 2022 edition is now available on demand. Click here to watch HR Leaders share how your strategic, commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, plus you can watch Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote – Erin moved the room to tears! Don't miss all the goodness and inspiration on how you can harness the power of your HR role create positive social and environmental change. | |||
| Ep87: Inclusion, intersectionality & the UN SDGs: Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO & Founder DIAL Global | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:36:47 | |
Leila advocates for the importance of intersectionality in diversity and inclusion, describes the ten facets of diversity analysed in the DIAL Diversity Review, and shares examples of how they map to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussing the work of DIAL Global, Leila considers how DE&I is an incredible lever for businesses to grow profit and at the same time have positive impact in society. From measuring change to communicating value to the C-Suite, Leila explains why the work of DE&I will continue to rise up business' agendas. The DIAL Diversity Review is a free resource for you to use in your work – please do download it! And after reading, get in touch with the DIAL Global team to get involved in the 2023 Review – the survey is currently in progress, and you can be part of, and benefit, from this brilliant and important work. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [3:00] Intersectionality, Diversity & Inclusion, and the UN SDGs [8:00] DIAL Global and harnessing DE&I as a lever for profitable and impactful businesses [14:30] Measuring to drive change [21:00] Communicating the value of DE&I to business leaders [25:30] Which Sustainable Development Goals does DE&I map to? [34:00] Using the DIAL Diversity Review to move forward, faster! Referenced resources How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2022 edition How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! 2022 edition is now available on demand. Click here to watch HR Leaders share how your strategic, commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, plus you can watch Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote – Erin moved the room to tears! Don't miss all the goodness and inspiration on how you can harness the power of your HR role create positive social and environmental change. | |||
| Ep86: A Culture 'Rebelution': Stephen Childs, CHRO, Panasonic Automotive | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:36:51 | |
Stephen describes the role of culture in the transformation that has taken place at Panasonic Automotive over recent years. Summarising before and after metrics, Stephen openly shares successes and learnings along the way. Sharing the benefits of building transparency in an organisation, Stephen describes his approach, and examples of how a transparent culture has helped identify and address opportunities to improve business performance. Advocating that all HR professionals have the opportunity to step out of HR thinking into business leadership thinking, Stephen asks you to take your seat in leading a 'culture rebelution'! Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [4:10] Culture at the centre of transformation [7:00] Successes and learnings in the culture change process [10:15] The measurable results of culture change [13:20] Turning HR discussions into business discussions [18:00] Building transparency [22:00] Your seat at the leadership table [25:00] Volunteering, transformation, and leadership coaching [30:30] Pay equity – an example of transparency helping drive change [34:00] Take responsibility for the role you might not even have yet… How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2022 edition How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! 2022 edition is now available on demand. Click here to watch HR Leaders share how your strategic, commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, plus you can watch Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote – Erin moved the room to tears! Don't miss all the goodness and inspiration on how you can harness the power of your HR role create positive social and environmental change. | |||
| Ep85: Sustainability is a key ingredient of HR: Anabel Fall, Chief People Officer, Zühlke | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:25:21 | |
Noting the shift in the role of HR in business leadership, Anabel provides thoughts on how to reinforce the importance of HR's role, including the relationship with the CEO and adding value for all C-Suite leaders. Anabel shares her approach to sustainability as part of people and business strategies, and shares her passion for impact as a driver for career development, explaining how individual passions and capabilities are fundamental to career design. Anabel calls on us to invest in developing our leaders, and above all, to take your place, at the leadership table. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [03:10] Creating their own careers in an impact led way [06:10] Evolving the role of HR in business success [13:40] Sustainability and HR [18:50] Articulating what inclusion means [23:20] Developing leaders of tomorrow This week we're also delighted to announce that we've been selected for The Big Issue's 2023 accolade: 100 Changemakers! What a brilliant start to the 2023, and as always, thank you for being part of How HR Leaders Change the World and a pioneering #HRChangemaker! How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2022 edition How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! 2022 edition is now available on demand. Click here to watch HR Leaders share how your strategic, commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, plus you can watch Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote – Erin moved the room to tears! Don't miss all the goodness and inspiration on how you can harness the power of your HR role create positive social and environmental change. | |||
| Episode 202: Belonging, Boldness and the Secret to Transformational Leadership: Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer Europe at Smollan | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:32:07 | |
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 women's economic inclusion as Chair of the Women's Advisory Board in Northeast England, Alix shares her experience on a race equity commission, a powerful reminder that inclusive leadership requires courage and truth. Alix reflects on leading with compassion and the role of HR in shaping a more human world of work. Her parting message: compassion is the secret sauce in transformational leadership. References: RED report: Building inclusive places - Anti-racism in North East businesses – published July 2024 - North East Chamber of Commerce / Newcastle University Thank you to How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2025 - brought to you by Uplifting People for sponsoring this episode This episode is brought to you by HR's boldest moment yet - How HR Leaders Change the World Live. Today's HR leaders are navigating extraordinary demands, balancing short-term business performance with shaping long-term, purpose-driven strategy. Yet despite holding the key to sustainable commercial success, HR is often undervalued, under-supported, and expected to play it safe. That's exactly why we created How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! - an extraordinary event bringing together pioneering HR leaders who believe our profession can be a transformative force for both business growth and social good. This year's event is the boldest yet, featuring candid, strategic conversations and powerful insights from global CHROs. You'll leave with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of the power of your role, with 100% of profits donated to support vulnerable children - meaning your impact starts before you even walk through the door. Tickets are now available. Take a look at the agenda and our first speaker announcements, including keynote Bob Geldof KBE. Don't miss out - secure your place today and join fellow HR change makers to enhance your influence and impact. We can't wait to see you there!
👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community
You'll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.
Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn
Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. Our August Book of the Month is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. One of our favourite books, we think everyone should read it! Most certainly anyone interested in people leadership. It's a sweeping narrative of human history, exploring how shared beliefs, power structures, and systems have shaped societies – and how they continue to impact the world – and your work - today.
Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book! | |||
| Ep84: Transformation in business, and in HR: Kevin Green, Chief People Officer, First Bus | 10 Jan 2023 | 00:41:59 | |
Sharing his experience at First Bus and Royal Mail, Kevin introduces the modernisation strategies he has and is helping lead. Describing people strategy in the context of decarbonisation objectives, Kevin gives example initiatives such as considering colleagues' commutes to work to repurposing legacy assets in ways that benefit employees and communities. Kevin provides thoughts on diversity, high performing teams and innovation, discussing how to make your organisation a great place to work. Identifying the need to re-present HR and attract the best talent, Kevin calls on you to influence the future of the HR profession. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [4:00] Connecting and decarbonising [12:00] The future of work and carbon targets [18:00] Flexible working [21:30] Making your organisation a great place to work [26:10] 3 key questions for high performing teams [28:00] The start of creating diversity [36:00] Getting the best talent in to HR, leading and taking risks Referenced resources How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2022 edition How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! 2022 edition is now available on demand. Click here to watch HR Leaders share how your strategic, commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, plus you can watch Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote – Erin moved the room to tears! Don't miss all the goodness and inspiration on how you can harness the power of your HR role create positive social and environmental change. | |||
| Ep.83: Helping your colleagues to flourish at work: Steve Peralta, Chief Wellbeing Officer, Unmind | 20 Dec 2022 | 00:37:12 | |
Steve shares his approach to life and work, based on the concept of flourishing. Describing what this looks like, Steve summarises elements that contribute to a culture where everyone flourishes, and what the human and business benefits are. From preventing illness to promoting wellness, Steve provides steps and questions you can ask of your organisation to help create culture that supports mental health and wellbeing. Advocating that everyone works towards the goal of work having a net positive impact on colleagues' health, Steve also provides a suggestion for reflecting and prioritising as we head into the new year. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [2:00] A wellbeing focus – Steve's path to co-founding Unmind [7.40] Flourishing as a central theme [12:30] Organisational responsibility for colleague wellbeing [16:30] Steps you can take to create culture change [20:50] Measuring progress – the Workplace Index [23:00] Connecting health at work to the impact colleagues have [31:00] Does work have a net positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing? Referenced resources How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2022 edition How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! 2022 edition is now available on demand. Click here to watch HR Leaders share how your strategic, commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, plus you can watch Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote – Erin moved the room to tears! Don't miss all the goodness and inspiration on how you can harness the power of your HR role create positive social and environmental change. | |||
| Ep. 82: How to effect change by being open: Elaine Grell, Chief People Officer, Ogilvy | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:33:16 | |
Elaine advocates that to win a business case and create change, we need to win hearts and minds, and to do this, we must give a bit of ourselves. Starting with cataloguing your life and what you've learned along the way, Elaine describes how to adopt this approach and how it can help you achieve your goals. Discussing the momentum in creating representation in the workplace, using your sphere of influence and harnessing collaborative ways of working, Elaine shares her vision for how we work together in the years to come and encourages you to think about one thing that you, uniquely, can do. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [3:48] Being open to build connections and win a business case [7:14] Creating change: Step 1 - catalogue your life and what you learned [12:20] Representation in the workplace and your sphere of influence [16:50] A collaboration mindset [22:15] Social Mobility, examples in the hospitality and marketing industries [27:08] The evolution of Employee Network Groups [30:50] What's the one thing you can do? Referenced resources How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2022 edition How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! 2022 edition is now available On Demand. Click here to watch HR Leaders share how your strategic, commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, plus you can watch Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote – Erin moved the room to tears! Don't miss all the goodness and inspiration on how you can harness the power of your HR role to also create positive social and environmental change. | |||
| Ep.81: Vulnerability in the Workplace: Karen Bowes, former Chief People Officer, Capital One | 06 Dec 2022 | 00:36:16 | |
Karen discusses her experience in transforming culture to connect colleagues with business purpose and their wider societal impacts. Sharing her experience at Capital One, Karen describes the emotional impacts for customers and employees, and how by understanding emotion employees helped transform the lives of customers. Advocating both the colleague and commercial benefits of vulnerability in the workplace, Karen provides practical suggestions on how to start changing culture, and shares her experience of reflection and learning following the murder of George Floyd. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [5:25] Bringing culture to life – a case study in money and emotion at Capital One [13:00] Forgotten talent cohorts [18:10] Internal apprenticeships [21:57] Vulnerability in the workplace [28:00] Reflecting and learning following the murder of George Floyd [32:40] Clarifying a problem and using the data How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! If you missed out on HR Leaders Change the World – Live! and want to get your hands on exclusive access to recordings of the inspiring panel sessions, join the How HR Leaders Change the World community – you can learn more about best practice in the new world of work and how people leaders deliver ESG strategy here.
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| Ep.80: You are a #HRChangemaker! How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:23:58 | |
In this episode host Cecilia Crossley summarises the discussions from our recent conference, How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! From UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 Good Health & Wellbeing to SDG11 Sustainable Cities & Communities, plus all the environmental goals, Cecilia recaps the examples the CHRO panellists provided at the conference – showcasing how commercial, strategic, HR work is also creating positive social change and driving ESG results. Working on a collective exercise in mapping HR work to the UN SDGs, Cecilia invites you to join in and harness the power of your role as a #HRChangemaker… Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [1:30] How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! overview [4:00] SDG11 and an example of a new office [8:00] Talent, Social Mobility and the SDGs, examples from TFG Brands London [12:30] The macro perspective – people strategy, business purpose and transformation [16:00] DE&I, SDG5 Gender Equity and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities [17:00] Mapping your HR work to the SDGs and how this will help you Referenced resources
How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! If you missed out on HR Leaders Change the World – Live! and want to get your hands on exclusive access to recordings of the inspiring panel sessions, and Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote, join the How HR Leaders Change the World community – you can learn more about best practice in the new world of work and how people leaders deliver ESG strategy here. The recordings are only available for a limited time, so click on the link today! | |||
| Ep79: Open for Everyone: Natalia Wallenberg, CHRO, Ahold Delhaize | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:34:57 | |
Natalia discusses the impact HR creates by empowering people; how many small actions by HR support people to achieve their dreams. Natalia describes Ahold Delhaize's moto, "Open for Everyone" and the culture this drives for both customers and employees, and shares examples that are having significant impact in achieving inclusion goals, such as training in Inclusive Leadership and Business Resource Groups. Calling on everyone in HR to find ways to give to society, Natalia reminds us that we are making a difference in the world, and whilst doing so, that we must take care of ourselves too. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [5:00] Empowering people to follow their dreams [8:10] Recommendations for a wellbeing programme [13:00] Open for everyone – customers and employees [18:30] Training in Inclusive Leadership [22:15] Business Resource Groups – why BRG not ERG [26:40] Responding to the invasion of Ukraine Referenced resources How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! If you missed out on HR Leaders Change the World – Live! and want to get your hands on exclusive access to recordings of the inspiring panel sessions, and Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote, join the How HR Leaders Change the World community – you can learn more about best practice in the new world of work and how people leaders deliver ESG strategy here. The recordings are only available for a limited time, so click on the link today! | |||
| Ep78: A more human working world: Gian Power, Founder & CEO TLC Lions | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:29:26 | |
Gian shares the personal experiences that led him to create TLC Lions; with the goal to create a more human working world. Explaining why storytelling can be one of your greatest strengths, Gian describes the first steps you can take to create a culture where colleagues share and harness the power of their stories. Advocating for the power of listening, and the need to enhance training in listening skills, Gian also describes how being more self-aware makes you a stronger leader. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [3:00] Why Gian founded TLC Lions [6:00] Storytelling can be your greatest strength [9:50] First steps for HR to take to create a storytelling culture [13:00] Doubling down on human skills [16:00] Being a stronger leader by being more self-aware [21:00] The H in HR [27:20] Gian's call to action, please just listen Referenced resources
How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! If you missed out on HR Leaders Change the World – Live! and want to get your hands on exclusive access to recordings of the inspiring panel sessions, and Erin Brockovich's incredible closing keynote, join the How HR Leaders Change the World community – you can learn more about best practice in the new world of work and how people leaders deliver ESG strategy here. The recordings are only available for a limited time, so join today! | |||
| Ep77: Inclusion for customers and employees: Asma Shaikh, CHRO, National Bank of Pakistan | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:29:45 | |
Passionate about gender balance and inclusion, Asma shares initiatives that build opportunities for both customers and employees. Harnessing the power of commerce to create positive change, Asma describes her leadership role in a business growth strategy that also developed opportunities for women in rural areas, contributing to SDG5, gender equality, amongst others. Asma calls on everyone in HR to invest in wellbeing, basing this work on human empathy rather than business return calculations. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [4:30] Harnessing a business strategy to create opportunities for rural women [10:00] Re-skilling the workforce [16:20] Creating a culture of respect [20:20] Building both customer and employee inclusion [24:50] Employee wellbeing Referenced resources
How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! Don't miss out on HR Leaders Change the World - Live!, the inspiring event for designing best practice in the new world of work and pioneering how people leaders deliver ESG strategy. As well as learning from inspiring HR Leaders on how your strategic, commercial HR work is also creating change and delivering ESG goals, you'll be able to discuss ideas, challenges, co-create best practice with your peer and... there's more... We're utterly thrilled to announce that our special guest, presenting a galvanising keynote, is the amazing Erin Brockovich! Watch Erin introduce How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! here In her inspiring session you'll hear Erin share her experience and advice on how you too can harness the power of your role to create positive social change. It's on 16th November 2022, at Linklaters, London. Don't delay - we'll be in a big auditorium, but we know we won't be able to fit everyone that wants to come... so visit our website today to grab your seat before tickets sell out! It's set to be the most inspiring, changemaking, HR event ever, and we can't wait to see you there! | |||
| Episode 76: A non-negotiable for the CEO: Carolanne Minashi, Global Head of Inclusion, HSBC | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:34:08 | |
Carolanne describes examples of key shifts she helped create for inclusion at work, including enhancing parental leave, designing a return-to-work programme, and working with health insurance providers to support transgender colleagues. Providing a step-by-step calculation to help secure sign off for equalising parental leave, Carolanne shares how this worked, alongside sentiment analysis. Carolanne shares her experience with investors, the Chairman and CEO – all now wanting to speak to inclusion leaders, and how companies are stepping ahead of local legislation to pioneer change. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [5:00] Significant shifts: A principles-based approach to parental leave, returning to work and supporting transgender colleagues [9:30] A calculation to help get sign off for equalising parental leave [16:00] A new stage of maturity for inclusion strategy [19:00] Pay gap reporting and stepping ahead of local legislation [24:00] Social Mobility – widening workforce participation and culture that enables people to thrive [32:15] Carolanne's 3 wishes: Principles not policies, using data, and work with your C-Suite Referenced resources Uncovering Talent – a new model of inclusion How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! Don't miss out on HR Leaders Change the World - Live!, the inspiring event for designing best practice in the new world of work and pioneering how people leaders deliver ESG strategy. As well as learning from inspiring HR Leaders on how your strategic, commercial HR work is also creating change and delivering ESG goals, you'll be able to discuss ideas, challenges, co-create best practice with your peers and... there's more... We're utterly thrilled to announce that our special guest, presenting a galvanising keynote, is the amazing Erin Brockovich! Watch Erin introduce How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! here In her inspiring session you'll hear Erin share her experience and advice on how you too can harness the power of your role to create positive social change. It's on 16th November 2022, at Linklaters, London. Don't delay - we'll be in a big auditorium, but we know we won't be able to fit everyone that wants to come... so visit our website today to grab your seat before tickets sell out! It's set to be the most inspiring, changemaking, HR event ever, and we can't wait to see you there!
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| Episode 75: Leading with love: Yetunde Hofmann, NED and Remco Chair | 25 Oct 2022 | 00:35:31 | |
Yetunde shares what leadership means to her, focussing on the notion of love, and results. Reflecting on her long career and portfolio of experience, Yetunde describes her response to the murder of George Floyd and setting up Solaris, and how she views the opportunity for HR to create a human-centred workplace and bring justice through the world of work. Yetunde provides a step-by-step plan for how you can introduce the language of love, leading with love in your organisation, and remind you how critical you are, to your business and the communities your business serves. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [2:30] What leadership means to Yetunde [5:30] Responding to the murder of George – Solaris [9:00] The opportunity for HR to create a human centred workplace [14:00] The role of HR on the Remuneration Committee [17:44] Leading from a place of love – Beyond Engagement [30:00] How to introduce leading with love at your organisation [33:00] Your leadership role and how critical your work is! Referenced resources Solaris Global Executive Leadership Development - Yetunde Hofmann–Solaris Programme Enjoyable Life Series/ Conference - Yetunde Hofmann–Whats Your Story Yetunde's book - Beyond Engagement - Yetunde Hofmann–Book How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! Don't miss out on HR Leaders Change the World - Live!, the inspiring event for designing best practice in the new world of work and pioneering how people leaders deliver ESG strategy. As well as learning from inspiring HR Leaders on how your strategic, commercial HR work is also creating change and delivering ESG goals, you'll be able to discuss ideas, challenges, co-create best practice with your peers and... there's more... We're utterly thrilled to announce that our special guest, presenting a galvanising keynote, is the amazing Erin Brockovich! Watch Erin introduce How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! here In her inspiring session you'll hear Erin share her experience and advice on how you too can harness the power of your role to create positive social change. It's on 16th November 2022, at Linklaters, London. Don't delay - we'll be in a big auditorium, but we know we won't be able to fit everyone that wants to come... so visit our website today to grab your seat before tickets sell out! It's set to be the most inspiring, changemaking, HR event ever, and we can't wait to see you there! | |||
| Episode 201: Be the Challenge: HR Leadership in the Future of Work: Louisa Finlay, Chief People Officer at Kier Group plc | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:29:01 | |
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, advocating for offices as collaborative destinations. With a call to action for HR to 'be the challenge' in business, Louisa urges HR leaders to ask bold questions and embrace cognitive diversity to unlock progress. Cecilia echoes the message, encouraging listeners to step into their influence and lead change with purpose. References: None Thank you to How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2025 - brought to you by Uplifting People for sponsoring this episode This episode is brought to you by HR's boldest moment yet - How HR Leaders Change the World Live. Today's HR leaders are navigating extraordinary demands, balancing short-term business performance with shaping long-term, purpose-driven strategy. Yet despite holding the key to sustainable commercial success, HR is often undervalued, under-supported, and expected to play it safe. That's exactly why we created How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! - an extraordinary event bringing together pioneering HR leaders who believe our profession can be a transformative force for both business growth and social good. This year's event is the boldest yet, featuring candid, strategic conversations and powerful insights from global CHROs. You'll leave with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of the power of your role, with 100% of profits donated to support vulnerable children - meaning your impact starts before you even walk through the door. Early bird tickets are now available, saving you £100 if you book before 30th July. With only 50 discounted tickets on offer, once they're gone, they're gone. Take a look at the agenda and our first speaker announcements, including keynote Bob Geldof KBE. Don't miss out - secure your place today and join fellow HR change makers to enhance your influence and impact. We can't wait to see you there!
👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community
You'll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.
Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world
And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn
Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. Our July Book of the Month is Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston. A bold call to action that shows how business can be a force for good in the face of climate change and inequality. We chose this book because it challenges old ways of thinking and is a powerful reminder that courageous leadership isn't just possible - it's already happening. Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book!
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| Episode 74: Creating hope and stability through work: Orlagh Hunt, Chief People Officer, Yorkshire Building Society | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:32:08 | |
Orlagh describes her experience in responding to the financial crash in 2008, and how her learning, sharing in particular the importance of clear anchors, is helping her lead her organisation through current shocks society. Discussing the shift to hybrid working Orlagh advocates measuring performance on outcomes and describes the benefits of team charters, and using them for cross team collaboration too. Orlagh shares her passion for helping people to realise their talents, learn and grow, and encourages us to create a sense of hope and stability through our place of work. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [3:30] Responding to the 2008 financial crash – creating hope for the future [6:40] Clarity for leadership - anchors in times of significant change [9:00] Hybrid working, productivity and measuring on outcomes [17:00] Orlagh's passion for education, learning and growth [21:50] Creating active employee groups that foster inclusion [29:45] Strengthening connection and sense of hope through work How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! Don't miss out on HR Leaders Change the World - Live!, the inspiring event for designing best practice in the new world of work and pioneering how people leaders deliver ESG strategy. As well as learning from inspiring HR Leaders on how your strategic, commercial HR work is also creating change and delivering ESG goals, you'll be able to discuss ideas, challenges, co-create best practice with your peers and... there's more... We're utterly thrilled to announce that our special guest, presenting a galvanising keynote, is the amazing Erin Brockovich! Watch Erin introduce How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! here In her inspiring session you'll hear Erin share her experience and advice on how you too can harness the power of your role to create positive social change. It's on 16th November 2022, at Linklaters, London. Don't delay - we'll be in a big auditorium, but we know we won't be able to fit everyone that wants to come... so visit our website today to grab your seat before tickets sell out! It's set to be the most inspiring, changemaking, HR event ever, and we can't wait to see you there! | |||
| Episode 73: Towards DE&I roles becoming obsolete: Saskia Schmaus Global Head of DE&I, Henkel | 11 Oct 2022 | 00:27:53 | |
Saskia describes Henkel's drive for gender parity, discussing activities across the employee lifecycle that, working together with the whole business of over 50,000 colleagues, contribute to creating change. Providing the examples of role modelling and influencing, Saskia discusses laying aside competitive behaviours, the power of working together and tips for best practice. Saskia shares her long-term dream that so much positive change will see DE&I roles become obsolete, and her hope that constant dialogue progresses us towards this. Here's a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [4:40] Achieving gender parity [11:50] The impact of and best practice role modelling [20:40] Healthcare initiatives and topics at work [26:00] A dream that DE&I roles become obsolete; staying in dialogue to move towards that How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! Don't miss out on HR Leaders Change the World - Live!, the inspiring event for designing best practice in the new world of work and pioneering how people leaders deliver ESG strategy. As well as learning from inspiring HR Leaders on how your strategic, commercial HR work is also creating change and delivering ESG goals, you'll be able to discuss ideas, challenges, co-create best practice with your peer and... there's more... We're utterly thrilled to announce that our special guest, presenting a galvanising keynote, is the amazing Erin Brockovich! Watch Erin introduce How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! here In her inspiring session you'll hear Erin share her experience and advice on how you too can harness the power of your role to create positive social change. It's on 16th November 2022, at Linklaters, London. Don't delay - we'll be in a big auditorium, but we know we won't be able to fit everyone that wants to come... so visit our website today to grab your seat before tickets sell out! It's set to be the most inspiring, changemaking, HR event ever, and we can't wait to see you there! | |||
| Episode 72: How your HR work delivers the E, the S, the G in ESG | 04 Oct 2022 | 00:31:57 | |
In this special episode we take a look at examples of how HR delivers the E, the S and the G in ESG. It's brilliant to see the momentum in linking how your commercial HR work is also driving ESG results, and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. So, we selected a few examples from a handful of CHROs' episodes, and we connect the dots. We only scratch the surface of the topics and connections – but I hope the examples will be useful to you in seeing how naturally they come, how rewarding it is to see the work in the context of the change it creates, and how helpful that can be to winning the hearts and minds of any stakeholders you need to, to effect change at your company. Make sure you stay tuned to the end of the episode because I share an idea for a brilliant and easy exercise you can do… How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! Don't miss out on HR Leaders Change the World - Live!, the inspiring event for designing best practice in the new world of work and pioneering how people leaders deliver ESG strategy. As well as learning from inspiring HR Leaders on how your strategic, commercial HR work is also creating change and delivering ESG goals, you'll be able to discuss ideas, challenges, co-create best practice with your peer and... there's more... We're utterly thrilled to announce that our special guest, presenting a galvanising keynote, is the amazing Erin Brockovich! Watch Erin introduce How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! here In her inspiring session you'll hear Erin share her experience and advice on how you too can harness the power of your role to create positive social change. It's on 16th November 2022, at Linklaters, London. Don't delay - we'll be in a big auditorium, but we know we won't be able to fit everyone that wants to come... so visit our website today to grab your seat before tickets sell out! It's set to be the most inspiring, changemaking, HR event ever, and we can't wait to see you there! | |||