For decades, careers have been framed as a linear path, one that builds, peaks, and then winds down. But what if that model no longer reflects how we live and work today? In this episode of The Next Chapter, Pauline James, CEO of Anchor HR, speaks with Dr. Suzanne Cook, a Canadian social gerontologist and adult educator whose research is reshaping how we understand later-life careers. At the heart of the conversation is her concept of “redirection”, a stage where individuals transition into n...
Headcount is one of the most familiar metrics in HR. But does knowing how many people work for an organisation really tell us whether the business has the capacity to deliver? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Qadoos Rashid, a board-level Chief People Officer and transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience across PE-backed, listed and privately owned healthcare and services organisations. Most recently, Qadoos served as Group CPO of European Denta...
What if the candidate whose resume looks “wrong” is actually the person your organisation needs most? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by István Szabó to discuss unconventional career paths, hiring for potential, leadership, workplace culture, career reinvention and the growing influence of AI on recruitment. István’s own career has rarely followed the expected path. He has served in the French Foreign Legion, worked in security and hands-on technical roles, studie...
What does great HR leadership look like after more than 25 years of change in the profession? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Siobhan Reid, Head of People and Culture at Circle Voluntary Housing Association, to explore the evolution of HR from the traditional personnel department to a modern People and Culture function built around human connection, psychological safety and better use of data. Siobhan has more than 25 years of HR experience across commercial, p...
Having a seat at the table doesn't automatically mean your voice shapes the conversation. So how do HR professionals become trusted advisors whose insights genuinely influence business decisions? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Jennifer McClure, longtime HR executive, keynote speaker, founder of DisruptHR, and self-described "student of the future of work." Jennifer shares practical lessons from decades of leadership, explaining why influence—not title or atten...