The HR Community Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Barbara Harvey takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of workplace learning, drawing from her unique career path that began teaching drama to at-risk youth in South Africa. Now as Head of Learning at Growth Faculty, she brings a refreshing perspective to how organizations can foster meaningful learning experiences in today's rapidly changing environment.

The conversation explores a critical shift happening across industries – 50% of organizations are abandoning traditional classroom-style workshops in favor of more agile, multi-modal approaches. Barbara makes a compelling distinction between changing delivery methods and the timeless principles of how humans learn, reminding us that while technology transforms how we access information, certain elements like storytelling remain essential to effective learning.

What stands out is Barbara's passionate advocacy for social learning. She brilliantly compares self-directed online courses to "the home exercise bike of learning" – purchased with good intentions but often abandoned in favor of more pressing priorities. By contrast, synchronous, time-bound social learning creates accountability and community that drives engagement and retention. This insight alone could transform how organizations approach their learning strategy.

The discussion tackles one of L&D's greatest challenges – measurement. Barbara acknowledges the industry must improve its ability to demonstrate ROI while offering practical suggestions for tracking learning impact through broader business metrics. Her balanced perspective on AI's role in learning is equally valuable – embracing its potential for personalization while cautioning against "microwaving our learning" by making everything too quick and easy.

Ready to transform your organization's learning culture? Start small with quarterly team sessions that make learning joyful, creative and collaborative. And don't miss CultureCon 2025, Australia's premier workplace culture conference featuring thought leaders like Heidi Gardner exploring the intersection of organizational health and performance. Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about creating learning experiences that truly change lives.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

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The future of HR is unfolding before our eyes, and it's being shaped by data, skills, and artificial intelligence. In this enlightening conversation, Melissa Bowden, Senior Director for People and Purpose at Workday APAC and Japan, takes us deep into the transformation happening at the intersection of human resources and technology.

Melissa shares Workday's pioneering journey toward becoming a skills-based organization, revealing how they've leveraged machine learning since 2018 to create tangible benefits for both employees and the business. The results speak for themselves: 42% higher internal mobility rates for employees participating in skills development "gigs" and an 11% increase in career growth sentiment across the organization.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the practical application of cutting-edge tools. Workday's employee listening platform delivers weekly pulse checks that provide granular, real-time insights—enabling HR leaders to make immediate adjustments rather than waiting for annual survey results. Meanwhile, their AI-powered recruitment tools are transforming how talent acquisition teams operate, with interview scheduling time reduced from three days to just seven hours.

But perhaps most fascinating is Melissa's perspective on the emerging reality of managing both human and digital workforces simultaneously. As AI agents take on increasingly complex role-based functions, HR leaders must develop new frameworks for oversight, governance, and integration. Despite these technological advances, Melissa emphasizes that AI's purpose isn't to replace humans but to "amplify the human experience" by freeing people to focus on higher-value work.

Whether you're a CHRO planning your organization's AI strategy, an HR professional wondering how your role might evolve, or a business leader seeking to understand the future of work, this episode provides a compelling glimpse into what's possible when human insight meets technological innovation. The revolution is here—are you ready to embrace it?

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

We are transforming HR with AI and Tech-Driven Workforce Initiatives! Are you part of the journey?

Join us as we explore this unique workforce solutions with Andrew Lafontaine, who brings a rich tapestry of experiences from his time with giants like AXA, Telstra, and NAB to his current role as Partner for Mercer Pacific.

Andrew's deep dive into the heart of HR reveals how blending in-house roles with consulting expertise offers a comprehensive view of the industry's challenges and innovations. He sheds light on the dynamic shift in Learning and Organisational Development, moving from mere process administration to strategic, tech-driven initiatives that redefine HR's value in modern businesses.

As HR embraces the digital age, Andrew shares his thoughts on the pivotal role of AI tools like Copilot and GPT in transforming HR functions. By automating routine tasks, these technologies allow HR professionals to redirect their focus to higher-value work. Reflecting on the marketing sector's successful tech transition, we consider HR's journey with platforms like Workday and the humorous prospects of using AI to monitor employee behaviors. This episode promises a thoughtful exploration of HR's evolving landscape, leaving listeners with insights on harnessing technology to advance their strategic goals.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

Curious about how employee experience can revolutionise HR management? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Krista Hunt, the General Manager for People and Culture at Carlisle Homes, as she takes us through her inspiring career in HR.

Krista reveals how data-driven decision-making and a deep understanding of financial mechanics are essential in shaping effective HR strategies. She underscores the delicate balance between entrepreneurial agility and leveraging data to drive decisions, emphasizing the importance of engagement metrics and timely reviews for proactive HR management.

We'll also dive into the intricacies of recruitment and onboarding in the construction industry post-COVID. Krista offers invaluable insights into the evolving motivations of job candidates and the critical need for investing in the right talent to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

We explore Carlisle Homes' commitment to stability and genuine employee care has helped them navigate economic pressures and rising material costs. Lastly, Krista discusses the importance of maintaining consistency, emotional stability, and positivity in HR leadership, sharing her personal journey and the inspiration she draws from her 10-year-old daughter. Don't miss this episode packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories!

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

Ready to reshape your HR strategies and gain insights from a seasoned professional? In this episode, we promise to equip you with advanced hiring techniques and innovative practices as we chat with Jamila Malkoun from HESTA. Jamila is currently, TA Lead with HESTA and operated in several HR positions within utilities, retail and financial services sectors.

Jamila takes us on a journey from her beginnings in HR and payroll, evolving into leading HESTA's talent acquisition team. Learn how she revolutionized the hiring process with the talent acquisition partner model, resulting in significant organizational growth. Her multifaceted HR background has allowed her to forge strategic hiring practices that align seamlessly with company goals.

We also tackle the hurdles and adaptations in HR brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, from transitioning to remote work to mastering Zoom interviews. Jamila shares her personal experiences and light-hearted anecdotes about the unexpected quirks of remote interviewing, shedding light on the humane aspects that remain crucial in the recruitment process. Additionally, we delve into the significance of personal branding for talent acquisition professionals, highlighting how engaging storytelling and sharing personal experiences on platforms like LinkedIn can transform your recruitment strategy. Tune in for actionable advice and forward-thinking perspectives that will redefine your approach to HR and talent acquisition.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

📽️In this new HR Community Podcast episode, as part of our value-add series, we hosted Dr Marnie Gibson, Global People Director for T2 Tea. T2 Tea is a chain of specialty tea shops with stores across APAC. The company was established in Melbourne in 1996.

Ever wondered how an aspiring actor becomes a global HR leader? Join us as Marnie Gibson, the Global People's Director for T2, takes us on her remarkable journey from the theater to the boardroom.

Marnie is a seasoned Global People Leader, having led HR for a several brands including PwC, Treasury Wine Estates and City of Port Phillip across a diverse range of industries. She is a Doctorate in HR and a true though leader in Organisations Development.

You'll learn how her diverse experiences across industries like financial services, retail, and mining have shaped her unique approach to HR. Marnie also shares her academic milestones, including earning a doctorate in Organizational Development and her role as a lecturer, shedding light on the importance of practical HR education. This episode is packed with career advice and insights that will inspire both budding HR professionals and seasoned veterans.

Facing the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution and the post-COVID workplace head-on, Marnie discusses how organizations are adapting to new realities like employee disengagement and leader burnout. Discover why traditional engagement measurement tools are becoming obsolete and what cutting-edge strategies are proving effective today. We also draw lessons from public figures like Kylie, emphasizing resilience and reinvention as keys to thriving in the modern workplace. Wrapping up with a nod to Mary Poppins, we explore how adding a dash of fun can transform the work environment into something truly special. Don't miss this engaging conversation that promises to leave you both informed and inspired.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

Unlock the secrets behind securing your company's future as Darragh Ahearn, an expert in background checks and compliance, joins me in an eye-opening discussion that delves into the indispensable nature of meticulous vetting practices in the workplace.

We've seen the corporate landscape shift, and with it, the heightened necessity for detailed scrutiny becomes clear—especially given recent high-profile blunders. Dara's insights illuminate the types of checks that are becoming crucial, from  social media check to 'create your own' style, and how these are not mere formalities but foundational elements for integrity within recruitment.

Our dialogue reveals the power of vetting.com, Darragh's brainchild, in transforming this complex task into a streamlined, accessible service for HR professionals worldwide.

As you settle in, prepare for a candid exploration of the balance between the rush to fill positions amid talent shortages and the perils of skimping on thoroughness in background checks.

The discussion touches on real-world consequences of inadequate vetting and the emerging trend of employers reevaluating their current workforce. You'll learn why a robust system is not just a luxury but a necessity, as we showcase how vetting.com is revolutionizing the hiring process with a comprehensive toolkit offering over 4,000 types of checks across 250 countries. This is an episode that could change the way you perceive the security and authenticity of your organisation's most valuable asset—its people.

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This episode is one of our most unique of the HR Community Podcats series.  Kris Clelland, Managing Director for Talint Partners, joins us for a riveting exploration of talent management's strategic facets in today's market. ...not just Australia, we are looking internationally too. His journey from tech recruitment to leading global teams magnifies the discussion with a focus on recruitment's evolution, highlighting the expanded roles HR professionals occupy in project management and workforce upskilling.

Kris's unique perspective, born from an impressive technical background, promises to unravel the intricacies of talent acquisition and retention, offering a playbook for HR mavens eager to adapt and thrive in a competitive and evolving market. 

As your host, Shane O'Neill, I'm sharing personal insights from Kris's stints at the likes of  Amazon and Wipro, examining organisational structures and the transformative power of data and analytics in the HR landscape.

We dissect the pros and cons of talent acquisition as a standalone function, stressing the need for robust collaboration between talent and HR to navigate the entire employee lifecycle. Moreover, this episode underscores an analytics-driven approach, emphasising how aligning metrics with business objectives can shape smarter, data-informed decisions that bolster organisational resilience.

Closing on a note of inclusivity, we tackle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), confronting the discomfort that accompanies DE&I audits and the revelations they bring. Emphasising DE&I's perpetual nature, akin to the relentless pursuit of sales excellence, we underscore the strategic importance of such initiatives for innovation and growth. Celebrating successes like those at Cognizant, we invite listeners to join us in celebrating and collaborating for a future where diversity isn't just a goal, but a celebrated reality.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

As Civitas partners, we’ve secured an exclusive discount — just go to thegrowthfaculty.co/CivitasCultureCon25

Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the fast-paced world of start-ups as a HR leader? Nicole Karagiannis, our esteemed guest for this episode, is here to share her enlightening journey. As Chief People Officer for the innovative Harrison AI, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge from her diverse career path, which has spanned industries such as banking, healthcare and more. Her unique blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes, and genuine dedication to positive employee experiences make this dialogue a must-listen for anyone looking to create a thriving workplace culture.

Harrison-ai is a clinician-led technology platform combining human intelligence with artificial intelligence (AI), building a range of ventures to change the face of healthcare and benefit millions of patients every day.

Nicole doesn't shy away from the pressing issues in HR today. She candidly discusses the challenges of bridging the gap between founders and those in cultural or operational roles. With her rich background and empathetic approach, she offers invaluable advice on balancing dreams with boundaries, fostering an environment that appeals to founders, and the crucial role of adaptability in the startup space. From sharing her mission to create a meaningful legacy in her roles to discussing the generational gap among founders, Nicole's take on HR in the startup world is as insightful as it is inspiring. Tune in and let Nicole's journey resonate with your own.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!

Welcome aboard on our fascinating journey with Bo Manampiri, a seasoned HR professional who currently leads the People & Culture function for Suez in Australia and New Zealand. Bo carries a remarkable experience spanning across recruitment to globally recognized HR roles, and interestingly, his journey began by accident. Travel with us as we reveal the opportunities, challenges, and the exhilarating experience of relocating globally, all while managing a young family. Bo also imparts some valuable advice for those eyeing a similar move.

In this conversation, Bo highlights the pivotal role of HR in driving industry success amid significant legislative changes. Can you imagine wastewater plants becoming energy providers to the grid? Well, Bo takes us through this progressive vision with deep insights. What makes a company like Suez attractive to prospective employees? How do you balance efficiency and employee wellbeing? Hear it all from Bo as he shares his innovative approach to managing HR, navigating new laws, and leveraging technology for efficient payroll systems.

In the final segment, we tap into Bo's perspectives on roles and industries, particularly his current stint at Suez. How does he see wastewater plants turning into energy providers? How did his journey from recruitment lead him to HR roles? Tune in to this intriguing exchange with Bo for an international perspective on the HR industry, the environmental services, and water technology sectors. Don't miss out on his valuable tips on self-career coaching and the fascinating allure of a company like Suez to prospective employees.

Get in touch with Civitas Talent!

Enjoying this episode of The HR Community Podcast? Stay tuned for quick insights and updates during this episode, including upcoming HR events, workshops, and resources for 2025, proudly brought to you by Civitas Talent. Your journey to building better teams and thriving in HR starts here. Visit www.civitastalent.com or connect with us on LinkedIn for more. Let’s get back to the conversation!