The Plumm Pod

She lost everything, but refused to lose herself.After surviving domestic abuse, Chloe Wallace rebuilt her life from scratch, turning pain into purpose. Today she’s a trauma informed HR consultant specialising in preventing workplace sexual misconduct and her framework is transforming how companies protect their people.In this episode, Chloe opens up about:The truth about escaping abuse and finding independence through workWhy most organisations still get harassment prevention wrongHow her CEASE Framework® helps leaders create truly safe culturesThe rise of AI-driven misogyny and what HR must do nextThis is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had on The Plumm Podcast.If it moved you, subscribe, share, and help us keep these stories seen and heard.Chapters00:00:00 — From Chemistry to HR: The Unexpected Start00:01:25 — Falling Into HR and Finding Purpose00:02:40 — A Secret Life of Survival00:04:50 — Escaping Abuse & Rebuilding Independence00:06:10 — Turning Trauma Into a Calling00:07:00 — Prevention vs Deterrence: The Big Misunderstanding00:08:40 — The Real Psychology of Misconduct00:10:00 — Why Bystander Training Matters00:11:30 — What Sexual Harassment Actually Looks Like00:13:55 — A Real Case That Bankrupted a Company00:15:40 — “It Doesn’t Happen Here” — The Dangerous Myth00:16:50 — Introducing the SEAS Framework00:18:30 — Call It Out. Educate. Assess. Strengthen.00:20:56 — What To Do When It’s a Third Party00:23:20 — How to Handle Disclosures with Care00:25:07 — Changing Mindsets Through Real Conversations00:26:50 — AI, Deepfakes & The New Age of Sexism00:28:15 — The Future of HR: Specialists Over Generalists00:30:00 — Why NDAs Are Ending—and Why It Matters00:31:50 — Choosing Purpose Over Fear00:33:50 — Education, Empathy & Real Change00:34:28 — Advice to My Younger Self

In this episode, Alice Stone shares her journey from HR apprentice and young mum to People Director and why a truly human-centred approach beats rigid rules. We unpack the real difference between legal flexible working and lived flexibility, how to kill presenteeism, and the systems that create safety, trust and performance.You’ll learn:Legal vs lived flexibility and what high-trust cultures actually doHow to measure impact (pulse checks, outcomes over hours, retention signals)The manager shift: from micromanaging time to coaching for resultsPractical playbook: job-sharing, hybrid done well, “Level 10” meetings, employee voiceIf this gave you something useful, subscribe and share it with a leader who needs to hear it.Chapters:00:00:00 — Plan or Chance? Alice’s Start00:00:20 — From Midwife Dreams to HR00:02:21 — Apprenticeships, Not One Path00:03:18 — Becoming a Mum Changed HR00:04:19 — Kind vs Nice at Work00:05:12 — Flexibility: Law vs Reality00:06:20 — Job-Sharing, Hybrid, Wellness Days00:07:58 — What Flexible Cultures Feel Like00:09:57 — Trust Adults, Measure Outcomes00:11:45 — Productivity Gains, Not Presenteeism00:13:52 — Winning Stakeholders: Speak Their Language00:15:54 — Presenteeism & Sick-While-Working Trap00:17:11 — Outcomes Over Hours, Anywhere Work00:18:52 — Safety First: “If You’re Ill, Rest”00:20:58 — Spot Burnout: Pulse & Training00:22:44 — Define Flex Here: What We Celebrate00:23:54 — Employer Brand: Compete on People00:25:34 — Retention Proof & Real Support00:27:28 — Building Safety: Ways-of-Working Labs00:30:11 — What Is a Level 10 Meeting?00:31:30 — From ‘How Do We…?’ to ‘We Will’00:33:42 — Advice to My Younger Self

Working parents aren’t the exception, they’re half your workforce.In this episode, Becki Nazareth (L&D leader, turned working parent & carer specialist) shares what really breaks and fixes the experience for parents at work, from policy basics to culture, flexibility and line manager reality.You’ll learn:Why policy is just the foundation and what proactive support really looks likeHow to educate “accidental managers” and build inclusive, flexible teams that performThe return to work gap: identity shifts, re-induction, and using the SCARF model for certaintyWhat data leaders need (and how to get it) to win the case for flexibilityIf this helped you, subscribe and share it with a leader who needs to hear it.Chapters (Timestamps)00:00:00 — People Work: Plan or Chance?00:00:36 — From Teaching to L&D to HR00:02:23 — Why Becki Backed Working Parents00:04:10 — Who Counts: Parents and Carers00:05:36 — Policy Shifts & Systemic Gaps00:07:20 — Start With Policy, Don’t Stop There00:09:03 — The Manager Mindset Shift00:11:12 — Beyond One-Off Workshops00:12:40 — Spaces That Actually Help (ERGs, Talks)00:14:05 — What “Doing It Well” Looks Like00:16:00 — The Identity Shock of Return00:17:35 — SCARF & Creating Certainty00:19:42 — Reactive vs Proactive HR00:21:10 — Re-Induction: Onboarding… Again00:23:22 — Hybrid, Mandates & Real Flexibility00:25:24 — Win Leaders With Data00:27:28 — Measure What Happens After Return00:29:28 — New Stages: School & Holidays00:30:51 — One Piece of Career Advice00:31:37 — Know Your Values, Decide Faster00:32:20 — Closing Thanks

A career in HR isn’t about formal training, it’s about skills you already have.In today’s episode, Rosalinda Buttice shares her remarkable journey from barista to Head of People Operations at Pension B. She talks about how the skills she developed in hospitality have shaped her approach to leadership and people management in the world of HR.Key Takeaways:The power of interpersonal skills in leadership, from hospitality to HRHow leadership is the most transferable skill for success, and why it’s key to building trust within teamsWhy adaptability is crucial in the fast-paced world of HR, and how you can start practicing it todayThe importance of prioritisation in both hospitality and HR to stay ahead in a constantly changing environmentIf you’re ready to take your career to the next level, subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Rosalinda’s inspiring journey!Chapters:00:00:00 From Barista to HR00:01:59 The Importance of Mentorship00:04:03 What are Transferable Skills?00:06:22 Top Skills from Hospitality to HR00:08:07 Building Human Connections in HR00:09:33 The Power of Leadership00:11:43 Creating a Circle of Safety00:13:33 Leadership Skills Beyond the Workplace00:16:59 Skills Needed for the Future of HR00:18:12 How to Be More Adaptable in HR00:19:12 The Art of Prioritization00:23:20 Building Bridges Between Teams00:25:01 How to Influence Senior Stakeholders00:26:33 The Importance of Being Yourself00:29:01 The One Skill to Focus On Today00:30:50 Advice to My Younger Self00:32:05 Closing ThoughtsSubscribe, share and stay tuned for more insights.

We say we’re “people first”, but candidates can tell when we’re not. This conversation is a reality check for how hiring actually feels in 2025.In this episode, Marie Chaproniere reveals how she fell into HR from performing arts and why great Talent Acquisition is far more than filling roles. We unpack what a real candidate experience looks like today, the mess, the honesty, and why transparency beats polish every time.You’ll learn:The difference between recruitment and true TA and why strategy wins over speedWhat “good” candidate experience looks like now (and the red flags to kill immediately)How to stay human with ATS and AI, you can’t automate empathyPractical inclusion: accommodations, the “cafeteria” model, and why truth-telling attracts the right peopleIf this helped you hire better or get hired better subscribe and share this with someone who needs it.Chapters00:00:00 — From Dance Studio to HR00:00:29 — Falling Into TA by Accident00:02:57 — TA vs Recruitment: The Real Difference00:04:11 — What “Good” Candidate Experience Means in 202500:05:39 — Tech’s Limits: You Can’t Automate Empathy00:07:16 — Public Call-Outs & Why Brand Behaviour Matters00:08:34 — Small Wins in Hypergrowth Hiring00:09:56 — Radical Transparency in Job Ads00:11:43 — Attracting for Fit, Not Volume00:13:28 — Truth-Telling Cultures Beat Perfect Stories00:14:43 — Inclusion by Default: Real Accommodations00:16:41 — The “Cafeteria” Model for Interviews00:19:30 — Where to Communicate Adjustments (Beyond JDs)00:21:33 — What Great Looks Like: Real Examples00:24:33 — Start With an Audit: Language, Process, Data00:26:38 — Map the Bad to Design the Good00:27:17 — Sharing Interview Questions Ahead of Time00:28:44 — Safe to Fail: Culture That Grows People00:30:36 — Using AI Well (Without Losing Yourself)00:31:15 — Metaview, Notes & Better Feedback Loops00:32:39 — Advice to My Younger Self00:33:58 — Choosing Authenticity (Even When Scary)

What if it all works out?In this episode, we chat with Abigail Cooper, People Partner, who shares invaluable insights on scaling teams and HR strategy. Abigail Cooper's journey from admin roles to shaping internal communication and succession planning provides a powerful blueprint for businesses navigating the future of work.You’ll learn:The core principles of internal comms that will keep your team engaged and aligned.Why managers are key to successful HR communication (and how to train them).How to create clarity and reduce overwhelm with a simple, scalable communication framework.The key to creating psychological safety and a resilient leadership culture.If you’re ready to rethink your internal comms and team strategies, subscribe for more impactful HR insights.Chapters:00:00:00 — From Admin to HR Strategy00:02:30 — Confidence in the Chaos00:04:02 — Internal Comms: A New Era00:06:56 — The HR Role Shift00:09:55 — Internal Comms Framework00:12:25 — Connecting with Managers00:14:18 — Overcoming the Overwhelm00:16:58 — Communication Cadence00:18:53 — The One Source of Truth00:21:40 — Understanding Your Team’s Needs00:23:10 — Planning for Success00:25:40 — Storytelling for HR00:27:39 — Scaling for the Future00:29:12 — What’s Missing in Your Strategy?00:31:10 — Overcoming Imposter Syndrome00:34:18 — What If It All Works Out?

In this episode, Claire shares her journey from HR to well-being strategist, revealing why setting boundaries is key to both personal and professional success. Claire talks about the challenges of overcommitting and how finding balance in the workplace is more crucial than ever, especially after the pandemic.You'll learn:Why well-being should be prioritised in the workplace to boost productivityHow to set and maintain boundaries without feeling guiltyWhy internal comms play a huge role in employee satisfaction and engagementThe importance of knowing your worth and advocating for your needsDon't miss this insightful conversation, subscribe for more episodes and share with a leader who needs a plan, not a panic!Chapters:00:00:00 — The Road to HR00:02:30 — Why HR Wasn’t What I Expected00:04:02 — Internal Comms: The Emotional Infrastructure00:06:56 — HR’s Evolving Role in Well-Being00:09:55 — Why Well-Being Comes First00:12:25 — The Shift from Hustle to Sustainable Work00:14:18 — Creating Micro Boundaries for Maximum Impact00:16:58 — How Stress Impacts Productivity00:18:53 — Fighting the People-Pleasing Cycle00:21:40 — Advocating for Yourself at Work00:23:10 — Leading with Vulnerability00:25:40 — Boundary Setting Without Guilt00:27:39 — Why Everyone Needs Boundaries00:29:12 — How to Build Healthy Work Relationships00:31:10 — What I Wish I Knew About Boundaries Earlier00:33:40 — The Power of Saying ‘No’

When 42% of leaders leave without warning, most companies panic. Amanda, finance turned HR strategist and chartered manager, explains how to future-proof your team before the vacancy hits.In this episode, we unpack practical, data-driven succession planning, why “accidental managers” are costing you growth, and how HR earns a real seat at the table by thinking like a business owner.You’ll learn:What succession planning really is (and isn’t) and how to start it in a weekThe data, dashboards and conversations HR must run to stop talent gapsHow to develop managers who can actually lead (not just do the job)Why cross-generational hiring (T-Levels, grads) keeps you relevant in an AI worldThe underrated skills: mediation, communication, reflection, resilienceIf this helped, subscribe for more episodes and share with a leader who needs a plan, not a panic.Chapters 00:00:00 — Chance, Not Plan: Amanda’s HR Origin00:02:18 — Thrown In: Studying While Doing the Job00:04:50 — Succession Defined: Your People Contingency Plan00:06:56 — Scaling Playbook: Building Talent “Our Way”00:07:58 — From Gut to Data: Decisions That Stick00:09:55 — HR at the Table: Think Like an Owner00:12:25 — Why Most Succession Fails (And Who’s Missing)00:14:18 — Planning in Uncertainty: Hire the Future In00:16:58 — Maintain vs. Hyper-Scale: Knowing Your Path00:18:53 — Career Moats: Learning, Credentials, Confidence00:19:50 — Reflection as Strategy: Walk, Think, Improve00:23:10 — Accidental Managers: The Hidden Cost00:27:00 — Next-Gen Leadership: Firm, Human, Resilient00:29:12 — Post-COVID Reality: Psychological Safety Pays00:31:10 — Hard Talks, Soft Skills: Mediate & Communicate00:34:18 — One Thing I’d Tell My Younger Self

We say we want “nice” cultures, then wonder why people burn out.Tiger de Souza, People leader at Samaritans, reveals how charities and mission-driven teams can balance purpose, limited resources, and real human support without losing clarity or standards.What you’ll learn:Why “nice” cultures exhaust people and why kind cultures performThe 4 leadership principles Samaritans use (accountability, empowerment, inclusion, connection)How to equip managers for monthly, meaningful performance conversationsHybrid/volunteer culture at scale: 20,000 volunteers, new norms, real psychological safetyWhere AI helps ops, but can’t replace human connection in crisisIf you lead people (in charities or beyond), this conversation will reset how you think about culture, performance, and wellbeing.👉 If this helped, subscribe and share with a leader who needs it.

What happens when you climb to the top of your career… but lose yourself along the way?In this powerful conversation, Matt shares how he accidentally fell into HR, rose through global roles at UBS, and then faced the devastating reality of burnout that cost him his health, career, and identity.We uncover:How recruitment turned into a global HR careerThe hidden drivers behind burnout and why so many ignore the signsWhy HR professionals are at the highest risk of emotional exhaustionThe three “buckets of burnout” and how to protect yourself from themPractical tools to set boundaries and recover before it’s too lateThis is not just an HR story, it’s a human story. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, detached, or on the edge of burnout, this episode might just change the way you approach your work and your life.Chapters00:00 – Falling into HR by accident01:00 – Recruitment, sales pressure & global moves02:40 – UBS opportunity & career breakthrough04:30 – Burnout disguised as success06:20 – The toxic drive of “not good enough”08:00 – What burnout really feels like09:45 – Therapy, coaching & rebuilding identity11:30 – Discovering the power of coaching13:10 – Why HR faces higher burnout risks15:20 – The breaking point moment16:40 – Catching stress before it becomes burnout18:20 – Signs of exhaustion & irritability20:00 – Detachment, cynicism & losing purpose23:20 – The tension at the heart of HR25:10 – The three buckets of burnout explained28:40 – Purpose, values & dangerous overcommitment32:00 – Overwhelm vs. burnout – the difference34:10 – Weekly check-ins to stay vigilant35:40 – Boundaries, respect & saying no37:20 – Peak performance through rest39:20 – Advice to my younger self: “Look at the evidence”

What if the key to retention, engagement, and authentic leadership isn’t perks or pay but community?In today’s episode, I sit down with David Hughes, Global Head of Talent at Costa Coffee, whose journey took him from competing for Great Britain in athletics to leading people, purpose, and community in one of the world’s most recognisable brands.We explore:How sport shaped his leadership philosophy and resilience.Why community is the most overlooked driver of engagement and retention.The rising influence of Gen Z and their demand for authenticity.How brands can avoid “whitewashing” and build trust through meaningful action.This is a masterclass in understanding why authenticity, purpose, and connection will decide the future of work.👉 If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe for more episodes and share this with someone who needs to hear it.Chapters00:00:29 – HR: Planned or by chance?00:01:27 – From GB athlete to HR leader00:02:19 – How sport shaped leadership00:04:04 – Leaving athletics & finding purpose00:05:51 – From recruitment to Boots & HR00:07:03 – What community really means00:09:55 – The data: community reduces turnover by 50%00:11:23 – Why Gen Z changed everything00:12:45 – Community, charity & the HR function00:14:42 – Building local impact: the SEN school project00:16:24 – Skills vs. qualifications: the future of work00:18:38 – The four pillars of talent at Costa00:20:11 – What EVP really means (and why most get it wrong)00:23:09 – Authenticity vs. whitewashing in employer branding00:24:59 – Gen Z: why they can’t be fooled00:27:03 – The real cost of ignoring community00:29:47 – A life-changing trip to Colombia00:31:54 – How to convince senior stakeholders00:33:02 – Advice to my younger self: mistakes & fourth gear00:34:55 – Why slowing down creates better work00:36:10 – Closing reflections on purpose and belonging

What if your financial health is the key to improving your work performance?In this powerful episode of The Plum Pod, Georgia is joined by Andrew Mulder, People Director at Nudge, as they explore the often-overlooked connection between financial well-being and employee productivity. From the impact of financial stress on mental health to why businesses should prioritise financial education, Andrew reveals why this topic is essential for a thriving workforce.Key Learnings:Financial Well-being Defined: What it truly means and why it's crucial for employees at all income levels.The Business Case for Financial Education: How it drives retention, reduces absenteeism, and boosts productivity.Practical Advice for Employers: How to implement financial education programmes on a budget and with global scalability.Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation ,subscribe to The Plum Pod for more episodes on HR and mental health!Chapters00:00:00 – The Surprising Link Between Money and Mental Health00:03:15 – How Andrew Ended Up in HR by Chance00:08:45 – Breaking Down Financial Well-being: What It Really Means00:12:30 – Financial Education: The Missing Piece in Corporate Wellness00:17:00 – The Problem with 'More Money' as a Solution00:22:15 – Nudge’s Approach to Financial Well-being Education00:26:40 – Making Financial Education Accessible Without the Jargon00:30:10 – Building Leadership Buy-In: The Key to Implementation00:34:05 – How to Start a Financial Well-being Programme on a Budget00:38:30 – A Powerful Lesson for Your Future Self

In this episode, Alan, a seasoned HR leader, shares his insights on the emotional journey of navigating change in the workplace. He highlights the difference between change and transition, the importance of acceptance, and why transparency is essential in leadership. Alan also explores how self-awareness and personal growth can transform your leadership style.If you're an HR professional or leader dealing with change, this episode offers practical advice and deep insights. Subscribe and share this episode with your network!Chapters:00:00:00 - Alan's Unexpected HR Journey00:04:12 - Change vs. Transition: What's the Difference?00:07:38 - The Power of Acceptance in Leadership00:13:24 - The Middle: Finding Clarity in Uncertainty00:16:58 - Trust, Transparency & the Leadership Dilemma00:21:42 - Personal Growth Through Struggles00:26:03 - Forgiveness: The Secret to Lasting Change00:31:08 - The Role of Breath and Self-Care in Leadership00:35:20 - Giving Yourself Permission to Be Human

HR isn’t protecting people. It’s protecting companies. But what if that’s the problem?In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Georgia from Access HR sits down with Shane Mays, startup veteran and ER (employee relations) specialist for a brutally honest deep-dive into the real purpose of HR, why it’s broken, and how we can rebuild it from the inside out.From his beginnings as a software engineer to leading people teams at fast-scaling startups, Shane brings a human-first perspective to the most misunderstood function in business today.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why HR still feels like the company’s bodyguard and how to change itThe hidden cost of treating ER as a legal processHow to scale employee relations without burning outThe power of playbooks, trust, and co-creation in leadershipIf you’ve ever felt stuck between doing what’s “compliant” and doing what’s right, this episode will shift your thinking, for good.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and share with someone who needs to hear this.Chapters 00:00:00 – HR Is Not Here to Protect You00:01:16 – Meet Shane: From Engineering to HR00:03:04 – Why He Stayed in People Ops00:04:36 – What Employee Relations Really Means00:07:13 – Social Media, Fear & Legal Influence00:09:17 – Why ER Needs a Human-First Lens00:11:39 – A Manager’s Mistake: Process Before People00:16:03 – Building a Legal Wall vs. Human Bridge00:19:12 – Why Leaders Need a Compass, Not a Policy00:22:18 – Make Playbooks Public. Remove the Ambush.00:23:35 – How ER Changes as You Scale00:25:06 – Teach People How to Eat00:27:09 – Co-Create Your ER Strategy00:28:59 – Flexing Your ER Muscle Without the Cases00:30:34 – You Don’t Need a Pocket Lawyer00:33:16 – You’ll Never Have All the Answers—And That’s Okay00:34:26 – The One Thing Shane Would Tell His Younger Self

What does it really take to lead a successful HR team in today’s fast-changing world?In this episode of The Plumm Pod, Georgia sits down with Lauren McDonagh, Head of People at Soho House, to reveal the realities of building high-performing HR teams. From creating psychological safety to managing burnout and leading with authenticity, Lauren shares practical insights and personal lessons every HR professional needs to hear.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why HR leaders must lead by example (and why most don’t)How to create a culture of trust and psychological safety within your teamThe power of diversity of thought in driving real innovationWhy personal development and getting uncomfortable are non-negotiable for growthIf you want to be a better leader or build a team that thrives, this conversation is a must-watch.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on HR, leadership, and mental health.Chapters00:00:00 – Welcome to The Plumm Pod00:02:26 – Was HR Always the Plan?00:04:55 – The Reality of HR Careers00:07:01 – How Hospitality Changed My Leadership Style00:08:45 – Inside Soho House’s People Team00:09:56 – Leading by Example as an HR Leader00:11:32 – How We Invest in Our HR Team00:14:37 – What I Look for When Hiring HR Talent00:17:53 – Why Discomfort Is the Key to Growth00:19:56 – Managing Change & Building Trust00:21:27 – The Biggest Shift in My Leadership Style00:23:06 – Creating Psychological Safety for Teams00:24:53 – Balancing Business Goals & People Needs00:28:30 – Protecting HR Teams from Burnout00:32:44 – The Truth About Being ‘Busy’ vs ‘Productive’00:36:18 – Managing Different Personalities Effectively00:38:55 – The Untold Emotional Load of HR00:41:14 – Advice to My Younger Self

Every failed strategy starts with one blind spot: the lack of curiosity.In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the power of curiosity as the foundation of successful people strategy. This isn’t just about business, it’s about the decisions that define us as leaders.Our guest Kenny Temowo shares a piercing insight: if you’re not asking why, you’re already behind. Through a candid conversation, we unravel why making hard choices in leadership starts with understanding what makes your organisation different and why most get it wrong.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why curiosity is the non-negotiable starting point of all great strategyHow leaders should approach hard decisions through contextual insightThe overlooked “Z” that makes or breaks your business directionWhy saying no is more important than saying yes in strategyIf you’ve ever questioned your strategic decisions or want to lead with greater intention, this is the episode to start with.Subscribe for more episodes that challenge the way you think.🔔 Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Chapters:00:00:00 – The Hidden Power of CuriosityWhy every strategy starts with asking the right questions00:01:02 – Strategy Is About Saying NoUnderstanding the difficult trade-offs behind every big decision00:02:10 – What’s Your ‘Z’?The one overlooked factor that defines your entire approach00:03:20 – Getting Strategy Right Starts HereHow self-awareness and context build winning strategies

She didn’t fit the mould, so she became the blueprint.Keeran Gunnoo is a powerhouse in personal and corporate employer branding, shaping narratives for some of the world’s most recognisable companies, including LinkedIn, Unilever and Flow. In this raw and empowering conversation, she shares how she built a career that broke every rule and why it worked.From being headhunted by LinkedIn before people knew what LinkedIn was, to being complimented by Barack Obama on her Louboutins, Keeran’s story is as inspiring as it is unconventional.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why squiggly careers aren’t chaotic, they’re strategicHow your reputation is your brand (especially when you're not in the room)The uncomfortable truths about diversity, employer branding and internal commsHow to build a career and life that align with your values, not societal norms✨ Subscribe to The Plumm Pod for more honest conversations about HR, wellbeing and careers that don’t follow the script.⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 – Intro: She Became the Blueprint00:01:04 – HR was never the plan00:02:10 – From cold calls to leadership: the Essex charisma advantage00:03:27 – Getting headhunted by LinkedIn before it was big00:04:58 – Meeting Obama & the power of great shoes00:06:04 – Unilever hired her without an interview00:07:19 – Becoming a Strategic Career Architect00:08:31 – Reporting to Chanel’s future CEO00:10:33 – The importance of working for brands you believe in00:11:51 – Flow, reproductive health, and brand affinity00:13:00 – What a squiggly career really means00:14:44 – Breaking ceilings: race, gender & neurodiversity00:17:20 – Ditching the fairytale career path00:20:20 – Culture add, not culture fit00:21:51 – Why Gen Z are changing career norms00:23:01 – Internal bias, ATSs, and being mistaken for a man00:24:58 – Writing job ads that actually speak to humans00:26:17 – Helping companies overcome DEI friction00:27:59 – The truth behind Glassdoor reviews00:29:49 – Who owns comms: HR vs. Marketing00:33:42 – Creating Unilever’s first editorial team00:35:11 – Data, communication, and internal trust00:37:47 – Taking Unilever from #24 to #7 on Glassdoor00:39:07 – EVP: What’s in it for me?00:40:35 – Stuck? Give yourself a performance review00:41:39 – Self-belief and your personal brand00:42:50 – Audit your energy—don’t stay where you can’t shine00:43:59 – Final message: If they’re not advocating for you, go

What if HR wasn’t just support... but your biggest brand asset?In today’s episode, we sit down with Jessie, People Director at one of the UK’s most innovative creative agencies, to uncover how HR can redefine brand strategy from the inside out.Jessie shares her journey from hairdressing to HR leadership, and how she’s tearing up the traditional rulebook to build a people-first workplace rooted in trust, creativity, and culture.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why onboarding is your most powerful brand momentHow to turn your team into your greatest advocatesThe secret to getting buy-in from senior leadershipWhy Gen Z are changing everything about workplace cultureThis isn’t compliance. This is creativity. This is culture.And it’s time HR took its seat at the table.👉 If this inspired you, share it with someone who needs to hear it and don’t forget to subscribe.Chapters 00:00:00 – The Hairdresser Who Became HR00:01:45 – Learning the Hard Way in the NHS00:04:10 – HR IS Brand Strategy00:05:00 – Bringing Company Values to Life00:07:35 – Listening: The Most Underrated Strategy00:09:05 – Building a Culture That Retains00:11:20 – Why Only 31% Align With Company Values00:13:00 – Recognition That Actually Works00:14:45 – From Team Members to Brand Ambassadors00:16:10 – Designing Culture for Gen Z00:18:40 – Human-First HR Strategy00:20:40 – How to Start Thinking Creatively00:22:00 – The Power of Diverse Teams00:24:00 – Why Candidates Choose You00:26:40 – What Gen Z Really Want at Work00:28:30 – Managers Are the Secret Weapon00:30:00 – Getting Senior Leadership Buy-In00:32:40 – What I’d Tell My Younger Self

They’re the most powerful people in your company… and the most overlooked. In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea, Head of People at Tomorrow, whose approach to middle management has transformed team performance and culture. From scaling challenges to personal breakthroughs, Chelsea reveals what most leaders get wrong about middle managers and what to do about it. Here’s what you’ll learn Why middle managers shape your company culture more than your CEO The real reason managers burn out (and how to stop it) How Tomorrow built one of the UK’s top workplaces by focusing on its “squeezed middle” The three powerful qualities Chelsea looks for when identifying future leaders This isn’t theory. It’s a masterclass in the people strategy most companies ignore, until it’s too late. 👉 Subscribe for more honest, unfiltered conversations with the people rewriting the rules of work. Chapters 00:00:00 – From Retail Floors to Head of People00:03:16 – Learning Business From the Inside Out00:05:13 – Why Middle Managers Hold the Power00:07:10 – The Hidden Cost of Neglecting Managers00:09:01 – Embedding Culture Through the Squeezed Middle00:10:32 – From High Turnover to Top 10 Workplace00:12:18 – The Mistakes We Made Scaling00:13:51 – The Power of Monthly Reflection00:15:36 – Fixing Feedback and Growth Conversations00:16:55 – Why Radical HR Experiments Sometimes Fail00:18:53 – Becoming a Manager is a Career Change00:20:41 – No Training for Micro-Moments00:22:33 – Avoiding Burnout Through Small Wins00:24:25 – Building Great Leaders from Within00:26:09 – The Three C’s of Great Management00:27:44 – Creating Paths Beyond Management00:29:35 – Essential Skills, Not Soft Skills00:31:00 – Growth Plans That Actually Grow People00:33:03 – Making Purpose Tangible00:34:43 – The Manager’s Impact on Retention00:36:33 – Advice to Her Younger Self

In this episode, we sit down with Christine, Head of Talent & People at a pioneering quantum computing start up, to explore her unexpected journey from studying psychology during a global recession to leading people strategy in one of tech's most innovative sectors. Christine shares what it means to bridge the gap between talent acquisition and HR, the challenges of scaling a team from 12 to 100, and why retention is just as strategic as hiring.We dive into:Why HR wasn’t the original plan and how Christine found her way back to itThe real differences between recruitment and talent acquisitionHow people teams can (and should) collaborate to improve onboarding and retentionConducting painful but powerful audits to build HR foundationsMental resilience, imposter syndrome, and defining your leadership philosophyThis episode is packed with candid insights for anyone navigating the intersection of recruitment, people ops, and start up growth. Whether you're an aspiring HR leader or just wondering how to grow your career in people roles, Christine’s story will inspire and ground you.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:12 Journey into HR and Talent Acquisition05:16 Understanding the Role of Head of Talent and People08:46 The Shift from Recruitment to Talent Development10:54 Collaboration Between Talent Acquisition and HR13:21 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in HR15:36 Continuous Learning in the People Space17:08 Challenges in Transitioning Roles20:03 Balancing Energy and Empathy in HR22:39 Team Dynamics and People Operations25:35 Conducting Audits for Operational Efficiency28:44 The Importance of Employee Feedback30:19 Advice for Transitioning Between Roles36:41 Final Reflections and Advice for the Future