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You are listening to ERUPT, the home for how businesses can scale and transform. Throughout our podcasts, we aim to inspire and educate to help you and your business to thrive.
Across the course of our episodes, we cover an array of topics in cluding DEI, Learning and Leadership and Process and Technology.
Our discussions include interviews with industry leaders as we aim to uncover some of the challenges and gain an insight into some of the fastest-growing organisations across the HR and Technology industries.
Follow us on our journey to ERUPT and elevate your business!
Visit our Linkedin for more content:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/735906
Across the course of our episodes, we cover an array of topics in cluding DEI, Learning and Leadership and Process and Technology.
Our discussions include interviews with industry leaders as we aim to uncover some of the challenges and gain an insight into some of the fastest-growing organisations across the HR and Technology industries.
Follow us on our journey to ERUPT and elevate your business!
Visit our Linkedin for more content:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/735906
126 Episodes
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Ever wondered what your first 90 days as a CTO should look like?
Andrei Nita, Chief Technology Officer at McKenzie Intelligence Services, joins Sham Ahmed, Director of UK Technology at Annapurna, for a candid chat about just that in our latest #ERUPT podcast episode.
The episode covers key topics such as;
- Why you need to stop thinking like a developer
- How many steps should be involved in your hiring strategy/ what the steps should be.
- How to build trust amongst your new team and superiors.
- The importance of reviewing current systems before breaking anything.
And much, much more.
Whether you're a developer who's aspiring to become a CTO in the future or a current CTO who simply wants to make sure they're driving along the right path to success, this episode is full of actionable takeaways that will benefit you both personally and professionally.
Listen now to start learning.
Wondering what the future workplace looks like with the advancements of AI?
Becky Finnegan (Associate Director at Annapurna) continues her #HRHeroes podcast series, aimed at shining a spotlight on the incredible people behind the HR strategies shaping today's world of work with Tejal Shah (Outgoing Global Head - Talent, People Development, and Organisation Effectiveness at Kantar).
With AI becoming ever more prevalent in the world of work, questions arise around things such as who should be leading the transformation, what its impact will be, and how it will benefit the wider workforce going forward.
The conversations around this topic are never-ending, but with the time they had, Becky and Tejal covered critical topics surrounding people and AI, such as:
💡 How can senior leaders integrate AI into their departments?
💡 How important is the internal data set at a business before embarking on an AI journey?
💡Predictions for the next major disruptions to the workplace thanks to AI
💡Role of middle-layer managers adopting AI in team operations?
💡What is the impact of AI on workforce size, shape & composition?
Hear all that was spoke about by listening now!
Hope Milne, Executive Search Manager at Annapurna, recently sat down with Alexa Bailey, Executive Talent Leader, for a thought-provoking conversation around AI and its impact on how leadership roles are changing and modernising organisational structure.
Drawing on her experience both agency-side and in-house with global organisations, Alexa reflects on how the rise of AI is changing the expectations of today’s C-Suite.
From the creation of new roles like 'Chief AI Officer' to the growing need for leaders who are adaptable, curious, and data-literate, Alexa explains how the most successful leaders are leading with empathy and galvanising 'specialist generalist' teams around a vision.
Alexa also elaborates on how AI can unlock productivity gains, but only when organisations know how to reinvest those gains back into their people, learning, and culture.
The underpinning reality is that balancing technology with humanity isn’t just a leadership challenge anymore, it’s fast becoming a competitive advantage.
Whether you’re an HR professional, executive, or business leader navigating change, this episode offers valuable insights into how to prepare your workforce, and your leadership for the age of AI.
Continuing her latest podcast series, 'The Cost of Not', Hope Milne, Talent Practice Search Manager at Annapurna, sits down to talk to Roger Minton, Talent and Learning Leader, for an eye-opening conversation on the real business impact of Talent Leadership development programmes.
Roger reflects on his time at Anglo American, where he led the creation of a Group Leadership Development strategy. One of the most powerful tactics he shares is how he involved executive stakeholders in shaping the look, feel, and format of the programme.
This gave them a sense of ownership that ultimately protected the initiative from being deprioritised when budgets tightened and boosted its take-up amongst employees due to an unusual figure spearheading the initiative.
Throughout the episode, Roger explains why 'build-your-own' development cultures aren’t just a cost-saving measure, they're a long-term business strategy.
They help companies attract stronger talent at every level and, more importantly, retain it by making career progression within the organisation tangible and real.
Whether you're exploring how to launch your own leadership programme or simply want to hear from someone who's done it successfully, this episode offers actionable ideas and honest reflections that will challenge how you think about talent, growth, and retention.
Thinking about taking your business global? You're not alone.
Every ambitious organisation dreams of international expansion, but when it’s time to launch into new markets, the reality can be overwhelming.
In this episode of the ERUPT podcast, Tom Walsh, GTM Search Manager at Annapurna, is joined by Anders Wall, former Co-CEO of GreenMobility A/S.
Together, they dive into the real-world challenges and strategies behind scaling a business internationally.
Anders shares:
How to preserve and adapt company culture across different regions
The regulatory pitfalls leaders often overlook when entering foreign markets
Tips for launching in new geographies without burning through budget
Why aligning internal teams before expansion is key to sustainable growth
Whether you're a founder, C-level executive, or part of a go-to-market team, this episode is packed with practical insights for global business expansion.
Listen now! 🎧
Continuing our latest podcast series, ‘HR Heroes’, where we sit down with inspirational people leaders from across industries to discuss their career journeys and more, is Charlotte Forsyth - Vice President, People at LoopMe.
With a background in both a corporate and startup environment, Charlotte chats to Becky Finnegan, Associate Director at Annapurna, about her varied experience and what led her to where she is today.
Charlotte shares how she’s navigated the evolving demands of fast-growth tech environments, the role of psychological safety in building high-performing teams, and why empathy should be a core leadership skill - not a “nice-to-have.”
Whether you're an aspiring HR leader or simply curious about what it takes to create people-first cultures that scale, this episode is packed with honest insights you won’t want to miss.
Welcome to the first episode of our brand new podcast series, 'HR Heroes'.
This series is focused on shining a light on the inspiring people leaders driving real change in their organisation and beyond.
In this debut episode, Becky Finnegan, Associate Director at Annapurna, is joined by Peter Zielonka for a discussion on his career journey.
Peter opens up about his early days working in London to leading international change programmes, and the key moments that shaped his path.
He also emphasises the value of diverse teams, the impact of great mentors, and the importance of simplicity when it comes to effectively with people at all levels of a business.
If you're passionate about HR, leadership, or just love hearing how others have navigated the challenges in their careers, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Tom Walsh, Executive Search Manager at Annapurna, sits down with Glenn, SVP of Sales, EMEA at Kollective Technology, to uncover what it really takes to scale a high-performing sales team using the MEDDIC methodology.
Having spent nearly 13 years at Kollective Technology, Glenn has gone from being a member of the sales team to leading revenue functions across EMEA and uses his experience to share insights on:
✅ Avoiding the "Super IC" trap and making the shift to true leadership
✅ Building repeatable, scalable sales processes that drive long-term success
✅ Embedding MEDDIC to improve deal qualification and forecast accuracy
Glenn also explains why he believes MEDDIC is much more than just a framework, emphasising its crucial presence for creating a high-performing, results-driven sales culture.
Whether you’re a seasoned sales leader looking to fine-tune your strategy or an aspiring manager preparing for the next step, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to improve your approach.
🎧 Tune in now to learn all you need to know about sales strategies.
Welcome back to part two of our conversation with Ralf Hellebrand, Head of Division IT Transformation at Vodafone, hosted by Charley Lucas, Interim IT Manager at Annapurna.
In this episode, they dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities organisations face in 2025 and beyond, with a strong focus on how artificial intelligence is driving transformation.
Ralf explores how changing motivations and increasing complexity, both in business and everyday life, are pushing organisations to rethink their structures. He explains how AI can help solve many of these challenges by improving efficiency, engagement, and decision-making.
They also discuss the growing influence of IT in industries that weren’t traditionally tech-driven, the dangers of siloed working, and why integrating teams is key to successful transformation.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Ralf shares real-world examples of businesses that have successfully leveraged AI to reshape processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen collaboration between employees and leadership.
Tune in to discover how AI is shaping the future of work and what organisations must do to stay ahead.
Charley Lucas (Interim IT Manager at Annapurna) continues his latest podcast series with leaders in the IT space by sitting down with Ralf Hellebrand (Head of Division IT at Vodafone) for an insightful discussion on ‘Gliding Through Transformation’.
In this episode, Ralf delves into the growing pressures of today’s accelerated and unpredictable business climate and its impact on leading transformations.
Ralf highlights that business stability has diminished compared to decades ago and emphasised the need to master the skill of managing the “known unknowns” in order to execute successful transformations.
During the discussion, Ralf’s fascinating and unique hobby became apparent – gliding planes, which surprisingly has a lot more in common with transformation leadership than you’d initially think.
Drawing a unique analogy, Ralf explained that just as gliders rely on unpredictable natural forces, transformation leaders must navigate uncertain environments.
Whether you work in IT, are leading (or preparing to lead) your organisation through a complex transformation, or are simply intrigued by the art of gliding, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice.
In this week’s episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Estelle Hollingsworth, who was the Chief People Officer at Virgin Atlantic at the time of recording and is now the Chief People Officer at McArthurGlen Group.
Estelle is a firm believer in the idea that employees perform at their best when they feel happy, secure, and valued - a belief that challenges the traditional idea that high performance comes solely from pressure and resilience.
She shares her perspective on why prioritising employee happiness isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ but a strategic advantage that leads to stronger business results.
Estelle also uses her experience to elaborate on other key areas surrounding leadership and HR professionals such as, the role of leadership in shaping workplace culture, the power of emotional intelligence, and how organisations can create environments where people thrive.
Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about the future of work, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
In this episode, Cristina-Gabriela Nita (Senior Tech Director) talks to Charley Lucas (IT Contracts and Senior Appointments Manager at Annapurna) about a phrase that she has coined herself, BizDecSecAIOps.
The BizDevSecOps methodology has now been around for a number of years with the aim of optimising the software development lifecycle through the efficient collaboration between the business, development and ops teams.
The evolution of AI and the opportunity that it presents to businesses can be intertwined within this as a way of encouraging business leaders and employees to embrace AI's capabilities.
In this week's episode, we are delighted to be joined by Rui Casias (CEO at Funcom) to discuss the role of the CEO in one of the most exciting and fast-paced industries in which to work, the gaming industry.
Funcom are one of those organisations that you may not have heard of themselves but you'll definitely know the games they build and develop, which include the Conan series and the highly anticipated, Dune Awakening.
In this fascinating conversation, James Ballard (Co-Founder at Annapurna) speaks to Rui about what the role of leadership and how to navigate some of the continued challenges with an ever-growing remote workforce.
Rui began at Funcom as a programmer and has earned his stripes through working his way up to his current role as CEO. Rui talks about navigating his role as a CEO, what we should be looking for from our next generation of hires and what the future of the gaming industry looks like, amongst a plethora of other conversations.
In this episode, Charley Lucas, IT Contracts and Senior Appointments Manager at Annapurna, talks to Cristina-Gabriela Nita, Senior Tech Director, about AI and the opportunity that it presents to businesses when used correctly.
One of her key messages is that AI shouldn't be feared or seen as a job stealer. Instead, she encourages business leaders and employees to embrace AI's capabilities, seeing it as a tool to revolutionise the way we work.
Throughout the episode, Cristina-Gabriela, emphasises the need to remember that AI is not new, it's simply that the advancements of the existing technology are accelerating at unseen speeds. Despite this rapid evolution, AI will always be governed by human oversight with GDPR and other logistical barriers ensuring human control is still essential.
Beyond the scope of AI, Cristina-Gabriela also discusses her own journey as a woman in tech, sharing experiences that shaped her career and led to who she is today.
Listen to the full episode now to get invaluable insights into the world of AI through the eyes and know-how of a seasoned tech expert.
This week's episode is rather special as we look back to 2020 when the late Professor Peter Saville (Chairman and Founder at 10x Psychology) sat down virtually to chat with James Ballard, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Annapurna.
In this exclusive session, Professor Peter Saville introduces 'Workplace Psychology'.
James Ballard (Co-Founder at Annapurna) talks to Peter about his life, his experiences as a serial entrepreneur, an industry-changing academic, and some of his own personal interests and anecdotes from an amazing career.
Peter's impact on business is so enormous it's unquantifiable. The psychometric tests he's written and designed have likely helped millions around the world find the right fit, in the right job at the right company. His status as a legend within the HR industry has been well and truly earned.
Continuing the new series of ERUPT, and the first episode of the series in 2025, we open up the conversation on 'Start-up Stories: When To Bring in a CRO/ CCO?'
Tom Walsh (Executive Search Manager at Annapurna) is joined by Angeley Mullins (CMO & CCO) for a fascinating discussion on the key stages start-up organisations go through and where the focus should be to excel.
Falling back on her own experiences, Angeley describes the mistakes most founders make when it comes to progressing through the start-up stages, how essential getting your first hires right is, and the importance of building teams that work well together, not against one another.
Listen now to hear from an established CMO & CCO on the timeline of a successful start-up.
Have you ever felt that there is something greater you could be contributing to the world, either personally or professionally?
Alistair Palmar, an experienced Mindset & Performance Coach at 49 Consulting LLP, recently sat down with James Ballard, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Annapurna, to educate us on how to listen to that voice that’s telling us we want something more, and act on it, rather than pushing it to the back of our to-do list.
Alistair shares transformative insights on breaking free from societal expectations, rediscovering what truly brings you joy, and making bold choices to align your career and lifestyle with what matters most to you.
From practical strategies for reconnecting with passions you’ve left behind to actionable advice on making meaningful life changes, this conversation will leave you inspired to:
✅ Acknowledge who you are and where you want to go
✅ Say "yes" to the things that spark joy and "no" to what doesn’t
✅ Start building a life driven by your goals - not others’ expectations
If you're ready to trade burnout for purpose and rediscover the spark that once motivated you, this episode is your first step toward lasting change.
Listen now to take the first step to a new you.
Amanda Rajkumar, an inspiring HR leader with experience at global giants like BNP Paribas and Adidas, recently joined James Ballard, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Annapurna, for an open and honest chat about her incredible journey, both personal and professional.
From her early days growing up in Northampton, UK, to stepping into the world of tech headhunting, and later taking on exciting challenges abroad in New York and Germany, Amanda’s story is a testament to finding your passion and working hard to achieve success within it.
In this episode, Amanda shares how her upbringing shaped her drive to succeed, why she chose HR after studying Psychology at University, and what her years of experience have taught her, offering valuable advice for anyone looking to forge a similar path.
Whether you’re in HR or simply looking for inspiration to tackle your own challenges, Amanda’s story will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.
Listen now to hear Amanda's thoughts on the direction of HR and why she believes that the future success of organisations depends on their ability to develop exceptional leaders.
This week, we welcome Gergo Safar, Strategic Workforce Manager at BT Group for a conversation around 'The Cost of Not: Strategic Workforce Planning'.
During his discussion with Hope Milne, Gergo stressed that workforce planning is never as straightforward as setting a plan in January and sticking to it through to December. With unexpected challenges constantly reshaping the market, Gergo emphasised the need for adaptable workforce strategies that balance accuracy with flexibility. 🤸♂️
Drawing on his wealth of experience, Gergo provides actionable insights on how you can build a workforce plan that evolves with the ever-changing market conditions.
You won't want to miss this one! Follow the ERUPT podcast on your favourite streaming platform.
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