In The Mixx: People and Talent

In this powerful bonus episode of In The Mixx, host Gemma Downing sits down for a one-to-one chat with Dr Jo Burrell, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Ultimate Resilience, to unpack the reality of burnout, mental health, and emotional load faced by HR professionals today.Drawing on groundbreaking research and real-world experience, Jo shares why HR has become one of the most emotionally demanding professions, why so many HR leaders are silently struggling, and what urgently needs to change.This is an honest, data-led, and deeply human conversation about the people who are expected to look after everyone else — while often receiving very little support themselves.🎧 What’s covered in this episode:Dr Jo’s journey from NHS clinical psychology to founding Ultimate ResilienceWhy workplace stress is often the root cause of mental health difficultiesThe first-of-its-kind HR Mental Wellbeing & Burnout researchShocking statistics around burnout, anxiety, depression, and attrition in HREarly warning signs of burnout and why they’re so often ignoredThe stigma HR professionals face when admitting they’re strugglingWhy “self-care” alone isn’t the answerThe emotional and secondary trauma HR professionals absorb every dayHow AI is removing admin but increasing emotional complexity in HR rolesWhy supervision and structured support should be embedded in HRPractical advice for HR professionals, leaders, and organisationsThe importance of community, connection, and normalising vulnerabilityJo’s book The Little Book of HR Resilience and who it’s for👥 Who this episode is for:HR professionals at any level feeling overwhelmed or close to burnoutLone HR practitioners carrying the emotional weight alonePeople leaders and CEOs responsible for HR teamsFounders and leaders in SMEs without in-house HR supportAnyone interested in workplace wellbeing, mental health, and resilienceHR professionals considering leaving the profession — and wondering why🔗 Connect with the guestDr Jo Burrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jo-burrell-04901a96/Ultimate Resilience: https://www.ultimateresilience.co.uk/Jo will be speaking at a live panel hosted by In The Mixx and ACO Group on 18th March. Contact Gemma on LinkedIn below for details.🔗 Connect with the hostGemma Downing-Mapp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixx #HRWellbeing #HRBurnout #MentalHealthAtWork #PeopleProfession #HRLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #Resilience #HRCommunity #LeadershipSupport #FutureOfWork

Welcome to the season finale of In The Mixx, hosted by Chris and Gemma of the MIXXOS Group. And we’re closing Season 1 with a bang — joined by none other than Jamie Burrows, founder of a recruitment training and coaching practice transforming how organisations develop their people and build high-performing teams.This episode dives deep into the realities of the modern recruitment and talent landscape, why human connection is becoming the biggest competitive advantage, and why many TA teams are unintentionally falling behind agency recruiters. Jamie brings a mix of raw honesty, hilarious storytelling, and practical frameworks you can actually use.🔥 In this episode, Jamie breaks down:How he went from retail, to being sacked, to becoming a top-billing recruiter and respected trainerWhy COVID reshaped recruitment by 15+ years overnightThe real differences between agency recruiters and internal TA — and why one is often more strategicWhy 2026 will reward recruiters who show up offline, not just behind a keyboardThe power of building “little black book” passive-talent poolsWhy most job adverts are atrocious and how to actually write one that worksHow internal teams can finally get buy-in from senior leadership for trainingWhy multichannel outreach (calls, voice notes, video, WhatsApp, direct mail) beats “spray and pray”Jamie’s biggest pet peeves in talent right now — including terrible advert writing and hidden salariesHis top career advice: Seek forgiveness, not permission.As the In The Mixx hosts share their own COVID survival stories, client realities, and experiences with talent branding, this becomes one of the most relatable episodes yet — packed with guidance for anyone in hiring, HR, TA, or leadership.👥 Who this episode is forTalent Acquisition professionalsInternal recruiters navigating capacity and stakeholder challengesAgency recruiters wanting to level up strategyHR managers and people leadersRecruitment foundersAnyone looking to improve how they attract, develop, or engage talentAnyone interested in the future skills recruiters need in a world dominated by AI🔗 Connect with the guestJamie Burrows: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-burrows-training/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixx #RecruitmentPodcast #TalentAcquisition #RecruitmentTraining #FutureOfWork #PeopleDevelopment #HRTalent #RecruiterLife #InternalRecruitment #AgencyRecruitment #HiringStrategy #CandidateExperience #2026Hiring #RecruitmentAdvice #MIXXOS

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with Anita Scales, HR Business Partner at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.Anita opens up about her extensive HR career across industries including Formula One, aerospace, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and EV technology. She reflects on the evolution of her people-first approach, the emotional weight of leading difficult restructures, the importance of clarity and communication, and the ongoing battle between “heart vs. head” in HR.The conversation dives into:Anita’s unconventional path into HR and what has kept her in the function for decadesThe human impact of restructures, redundancies, and organisational change — and how to manage them with empathyThe personal toll HR leaders carry during turbulent periodsHow to rebuild teams, morale, and culture after major organisational shiftsWhy clarity in communication is the #1 tool in moments of uncertaintyThe importance of grounding values, strong support systems, and knowing your “why”The problem with current recruitment processes, AI-driven screening, and outdated interviewing methodsWhat companies really miss when they prioritise “tick-box hiring” over mindset and cultural fitCareer resilience, self-belief, and the honest reality of job-seeking at senior levelsThe advice Anita gives her children — and the advice she gives every professional navigating their careerThis one is heartfelt, candid, and packed with wisdom for anyone who works in HR, leads teams, hires people, or has ever navigated change at work.✨ Who This Episode Is ForHR leaders, HRBPs, talent partners & organisational development professionalsRecruitment consultants, in-house recruiters & talent acquisition teamsSenior leaders managing people through uncertaintyCandidates navigating the job market and hiring processesAnyone interested in the human side of leadership, empathy, resilience & cultureFans of behind-the-scenes insight from the world of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1🔗 Connect with the guestAnita Scales: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-scales-527129a3/Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team: https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixx #MIXXOS #Podcast #HRLeadership #MercedesAMGF1 #HRBP #PeopleAndCulture #OrganisationalChange #CareerDevelopment #RecruitmentInsights #ResilienceAtWork #EmpathyInLeadership #TeamCulture #F1Business #WomenInHR

In this episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with the brilliant and brilliantly human Sara Longley, People Experience Country Lead for the UK at SKF Group. With nearly 30 years in HR, Fellowship status with the CIPD, and experience across fire services, ambulance trusts, manufacturing, and more, Sara brings a rare blend of candour, compassion, and straight-talk practicality.This episode dives into the real side of HR — far beyond policies and procedures. Sara opens up about:Her decades-long journey from receptionist to senior HR leadershipHow HR has shifted from “tea & sympathy” to people experienceWhy genuine conversations matter more than any competency frameworkChange management inside an ever-evolving global manufacturing giantThe ethical backbone of modern HR: doing the right thing, even when it’s hardHer take on AI in HR — from early scepticism to full-blown fanThe importance of dropping degree-fixation and hiring for behavioursWhy early-career HR pros still NEED those foundational skillsAnd the one neighbour who changed the entire trajectory of her lifeFrom the big cultural shifts in HR to the gritty realities on the shop floor, Sara shares stories that are equal parts inspiring, funny, and downright honest. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the HR curtain — this episode will be your new favourite.Who This Episode Is ForHR professionals at any stage of their careerPeople leaders navigating organisational changeFounders, hiring managers & business owners who want to understand HR beyond the buzzwordsAnyone curious about the future of HR, AI adoption, and the evolving people landscapeListeners who love real talk, real stories, and zero sugar-coating🔗 Connect with the guestSara Longley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-longley-fcipd-104b8565/SKF Group: https://www.skf.com/uk🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixx #MIXXOS #SKF #HRLeadership #PeopleExperience #CIPD #HumanResources #ChangeManagement #ManufacturingHR #FutureOfWork #AIinHR #Leadership #PeopleFirst

In this episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with Alys Martin of Terrapinn — an experienced People leader known for championing transparency, fairness, and truly human-centred HR.Alys brings a refreshingly honest, no-nonsense perspective on what’s really happening inside HR and recruitment today. From broken interview processes and outdated hiring mindsets, to the rise of AI and the need for businesses to properly value their people, this one is packed with insight.Together, they dig into:Alys’ unconventional career journey from publishing to TV, to startups, HR, leadership and TerrapinnThe critical importance of “human in the loop” when adopting AIWhy recruitment processes are failing candidates, and why bad hiring is disrespectful, lazy and expensiveThe degree debate: why outdated criteria restrict talent and create biasHow businesses can slow down, think intentionally, and design thoughtful hiring strategiesThe art of giving difficult news with clarity, compassion and couragePsychological safety, vulnerability in leadership, and why “having it all together” is a mythHow compensation structures can promote fairness, inclusion and transparencyWhy companies should ditch the “one-size-fits-all” reward modelBuilding progression frameworks for scaling teams (10 to 50+ employees)The power of saying yes to opportunities early in your careerThe biggest disruptor coming to HR (hint: it’s not just AI — it’s the changing nature of roles)Why human connection is becoming more valuable than ever in a digital-first worldAlys is sharp, candid, and deeply human — expect practical truths, relatable stories, and some serious reality checks for hiring managers everywhere.Who This Episode Is ForHR leaders who want to build people-first culturesFounders and hiring managers scaling teamsRecruiters frustrated with broken, outdated processesPeople & Talent professionals designing fairer pay and progression frameworksAnyone navigating redundancy, feedback conversations, or leadership challengesProfessionals exploring how AI will reshape HR and the workforce🔗 Connect with the guestAlys Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alys-martin/Terrapinn: https://www.terrapinn.com/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#HRLeadership #PeopleFirst #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #HRStrategy #FutureOfWork #AlysMartin #Terrapinn #InTheMixx #MIXXOS #HumanResources #ScalingBusinesses #EmployeeExperience #AIandHR

In this powerful episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma talk with Keely Herring, Talent Acquisition Lead at Personal Group, about her journey, her advocacy for neurodiversity, and how she’s helping reshape what inclusive hiring really looks like.Keely shares how her personal experiences with dyslexia and self-doubt became the driving force behind her passion for equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDI&B). She offers candid insight into the realities of neurodiversity in the workplace—and how understanding difference can transform culture, leadership, and hiring outcomes.This conversation explores:How personal challenges shaped Keely’s leadership style and empathyThe subtle ways bias still impacts recruitment—and how to address itWhy inclusive hiring starts with getting the basics rightThe growing role (and risk) of AI in talent acquisitionThe misconceptions around neurodiversity at workWhy authenticity and understanding create stronger teamsKeely’s perspective is both practical and deeply human—a reminder that inclusion isn’t about policy, it’s about people.Who this episode is for:For HR and talent leaders, hiring managers, and anyone passionate about creating workplaces where neurodiverse and underrepresented voices are empowered to succeed. It’s also an encouraging listen for anyone navigating their own differences at work.🔗 Connect with the guestKeely Herring: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keely-herring/Personal Group: https://www.personalgroup.com/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixx #KeelyHerring #Podcast #Recruitment #Neurodiversity #EDI #Inclusion #TalentAcquisition #Leadership #PersonalGroup #WorkplaceCulture #HR

In this episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with Nerida Rooney, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at RICS, for a powerful conversation about community, inclusion, and the future of talent acquisition.Nerida shares her journey from Australia to the UK and her rise through the recruitment world, revealing how communities have shaped her career and why authentic human connection remains at the heart of professional growth. She discusses her work driving global talent transformation, building diverse pipelines, and redefining what meaningful inclusion looks like in hiring.The discussion explores:The role of communities in professional development and overcoming imposter syndromePost-pandemic shifts in workplace learning and collaborationBalancing flexibility, family, and leadership as a working parentWhy inclusive hiring is about widening the gate, not ticking boxesThe evolving identity of talent leaders and the need for stronger boardroom voicesFuture disruptors in the talent space — and why the next generation of leaders must think differentlyListeners will also hear Nerida’s reflections on mentorship, personal growth, and the power of saying yes to opportunities — even before you feel ready.Who this episode is for:Talent acquisition and HR professionals seeking inspiration from a seasoned leaderBusiness and people leaders looking to build inclusive, value-driven organisationsRecruiters aiming to rethink hiring beyond metricsWorking parents balancing leadership and lifeAnyone passionate about the power of community in shaping careers🔗 Connect with the guestNerida Rooney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neridarooney/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixx #TalentAcquisition #Recruitment #HRCommunity #Leadership #Inclusion #Diversity #RICS #CareerGrowth #FutureOfWork #WomenInLeadership #EmployerBranding

In this episode of In The Mixx, Chris and Gemma sit down with Lucie McMillan, manager of Human Resources for EMEA at Rochester Electronics. Lucie shares her personal and professional journey from the Czech Republic to the UK, discussing how her cultural background, determination, and strong work ethic have shaped her global HR career.Lucie reflects on her early experiences as a nanny in England, her entry into HR through the food and beverage industry, and how stepping outside her comfort zone helped her grow into a leadership role. She offers thoughtful insights on adapting to cultural differences, leading multicultural teams, and maintaining authenticity in leadership.The conversation covers:Cultural contrasts between Czech and UK work ethicsHow adaptability and openness define effective HR leadershipThe impact of flexible and remote work on younger generationsBalancing family, travel, and professional ambitionThe importance of speaking up and standing firm in corporate environmentsWhy passion and self-awareness are essential for career longevityLucie also shares her views on modern hiring challenges, including assessing real motivation, job-hopping stigma, and the evolving expectations of today’s workforce.Who this episode is for:HR and talent acquisition professionals navigating cultural and generational shiftsBusiness leaders building diverse and distributed teamsProfessionals balancing ambition, family, and wellbeingAnyone seeking inspiration to take career risks and lead with authenticity🔗 Connect with the guestLucie McMillan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-mcmillan-assoc-cipd-6489a451/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixxPodcast #HumanResources #Leadership #CulturalIntelligence #CareerGrowth #Recruitment #WorkEthic #WomenInHR #HRLeadership #GlobalTeams

This episode of In The Mixx dives deep into the world of people, purpose, and transformation in education with Jules Quinn, Group Director of People Services at Milton Keynes College Group.Jules shares her non-linear career journey—from financial services to teaching to senior HR leadership—and the leaps of faith that shaped her path. The conversation explores how culture, kindness, and connection drive retention and engagement across education, why transferable skills matter more than perfect CVs, and how Milton Keynes College is rethinking talent attraction in a skills-short market.Chris and Gemma also unpack with Jules the growing importance of neurodiversity and accessibility, how to make hiring genuinely inclusive, and what the future holds for communication, leadership, and emerging generations entering the workforce. Expect insight on everything from ethical employment practices to the evolving digital landscape in education.A refreshingly honest and human look at the realities of leading people through change — and why bravery and self-belief can be career game-changers.Who this episode is for:HR and People Leaders in education and public sectorsTalent acquisition professionals exploring inclusive recruitmentLearning and development specialistsAnyone navigating career change or leading through transformation🔗 Connect with the guestJules Quinn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-quinn/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#CareerJourney #PeopleLeadership #EducationSector #CultureAndEngagement #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #TalentStrategy #EthicalWorkplaces #AIAndEducation #FutureOfWork #InTheMixxPodcast

In this inspiring episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with Natalie Gibbings, Head of Talent Acquisition at Aiimi, to unpack her incredible and unconventional career journey — from makeup artistry to leading talent strategy in one of the UK’s most forward-thinking data and AI consultancies.Natalie opens up about:✨ How she fell into recruitment and learned to blend empathy with strategy.🏗️ Building Aiimi’s first internal TA team from scratch — transforming reactive hiring into a proactive, culture-driven powerhouse.🏢 Turning Aiimi’s Milton Keynes HQ into a community hub with 140+ local events, elevating the employer brand and helping the business double in size.💡 Why recruitment should always be quality over quantity, and how personalisation still beats automation.🤝 The importance of representation, psychological safety, and leadership transparency in scaling culture.💬 Her deeply personal journey with endometriosis — and how Aiimi’s incredible support empowered her recovery, proving what truly people-first companies look like.🧠 Her thoughts on the future of AI in talent acquisition — where technology should assist, not replace, the human touch.🌍 Plus, why she’s championing more collaboration between internal TA teams regionally and within Milton Keynes’ growing tech scene.Packed with practical takeaways and heartfelt insights, this conversation reminds us that recruitment is about people, purpose, and progress — not just placements.👥 Who This Episode Is ForTalent Acquisition and HR professionals looking to humanise hiring while scaling fast.Business leaders wanting to strengthen culture through authentic inclusion and empathy.Recruiters navigating the balance between tech, automation, and personal connection.Anyone passionate about women’s health, wellbeing, and leadership in the workplace.🔗 Connect with the guestNatalie Gibbings: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-gibbings-3b732170/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast#InTheMixx #RecruitmentPodcast #TalentAcquisition #EmployerBranding #WomenInLeadership #EndometriosisAwareness #CultureFirst #HRCommunity #Aiimi #MIXXOS #RecruitmentTransformation #InclusionAtWork #FutureOfWork #AIFuture #PeopleStrategy

In this first raw and honest episode of In The Mixx, co-hosts Chris and Gemma kick off with Rectools.io founder and RecTalk host Nitin Sharma to unpack his remarkable journey through the highs and lows of recruitment, entrepreneurship, and mental resilience.From walking into a job interview and leaving with a job at Michael Page, to co-founding and scaling a recruitment agency that ultimately collapsed under pressure, Nitin shares what really happened behind the scenes—including how personal tragedy, broken partnerships, and financial burdens nearly pushed him over the edge.But this isn’t a story of defeat—it’s a powerful comeback. Learn how Nitin pivoted to build Rectools.io—a first-of-its-kind platform and community directory for recruitment tech—and how his podcast, RecTalk, unexpectedly became his lifeline and biggest asset.This episode covers:The real reason his first business failed (and the red flags he ignored)Mental health, identity, and growing up with bias in the workplaceHow RecTalk went from a side project to a 70k-subscriber media platformWhy community-first networking (like The Recruitment Curry Club) is changing the industryThe role of AI in recruitment and how Nitin used ChatGPT to escape a £500k liabilityWhy the future of recruitment is human-first—despite the techWho this episode is for:Recruitment founders juggling burnout, growth, and strategyTech-enabled recruiters curious about AI and GPT use casesHR and TA professionals seeking community beyond KPIsAnyone craving a brutally honest look at what it really takes to rebuild from the ground up🔗 Connect with the guestNitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/Rectools.io: https://www.rectools.io/RecTalk: https://rectalk.co.uk/🔗 Connect with the hostsGemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/#RecruitmentTech #RecTalk #Rectools #InTheMixx #AIinRecruitment #MentalHealthInWork #RecruitmentLeadership #FounderStory #HRCommunity #PodcastGrowth #RecruitmentEvents #CurryClub #RecCircle #NitinSharma #GPTforBusiness