We're Human

Inspirational keynote, mountain climber, athlete, business community creator, Head of EDI for Champions UK Plc and all round good egg. And did I mention he woke up paralysed about 10 years ago and then battled cancer, and won. Irrepressible is a word I would use to describe my friend. Oh and so flipping honest. Refreshingly open and candid.A leader in the truest sense, Jamie talks openly about his physical disabilities and how he manages dyslexia, dyscalculia and ADHD with the help of AI. Find Jamie on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-mcansh/

If you're old enough to remember the introduction of the internet - you will remember the division during the early days. Are human reactions to AI following the same patterns? Chris Williams has form for disruption, in a good way, and since he's focused his attention and business on AI has brought a refreshing level of common sense thinking and practicality to this divisive subject. Join us to consider what AI is really, the opportunities and potential for this evolution of technology - likely the most impactful since the creation of the internet. Find more about Chris' work via https://lenai.co.uk/about-us/ or follow Len AI on Linkedin via this link https://www.linkedin.com/company/len-ai/

Well we started talking about AI and, in fairness did circle back to it throughout but not before a thought-provoking odyssey into education, leadership, writing, singing and speaking from your power. A human whirlwind and force of nature, not against AI, super-pragmatic. Singer, actor, host, facilitator, and a load of other talents that Cindy generously shares with me in this episode. Grab a drink and take it all in - more fodder to help you make your mind up about AI. Find Cindy at www.cindyashton.com and me at www.rachelwoodscoaching.com

What have the Arctic Circle and loose knicker elastic have in common? Hit play and find out. Phil and I talk all things grit, resilience and comfort zones for adventure and leadership. Does resilience have a dark side and what does this mean for the phenomena that is learned helplessness? Have a listen and then share your thoughts.

Do you pay attention to your gut?What about the guts of others?As a leader, is it your place to think about your team's squishy inner bits?Dana Chapman and I discuss where the line might be, the freedom to choose, the opportunity to educate using well evidenced information and what leaders can do for their own guts to be well. Because guts play a critical role in mental health.🍰 The great office cake debate🧠 The gut-brain connection for mental health🚽 What stress does to digestion⛽ A mindset for fuelling well for work🎓 What leaders can do📚 Trustworthy sources of informationWhat's your approach to this? We'd love to hear your thoughts. To chat with me https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-woods-coaching-specialist/ and to chat with Dana https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-chapman-85b73316/

Echoes of the Sopranos? Maybe not that bad but could you imagine performance managing your own mother.. or your father in law? How clear are you on your corporate morals? Are they the same as your values and how much MORE value does the workforce of tomorrow place on ethics? Ever heard of a board of advisors? Kirsty and I had a hoot chatting about this - ethics are not as dry as they sound, and are certainly key to having credibility and your brand (personal or professional) being trusted. My first interview with a leader that's on a mission to improve the reputation of an entire industry.. Kirsty is the Founder and Owner of The Ethical Coaching Company. Removing the smoke and mirrors associated with the Business Coaching industry and creating safe, impactful coaching experiences. Kirsty truly believes in the power of coaching and knows first-hand the difference it can make to the success of a business.    Kirsty has nearly two decades of experience leading and coaching teams within global organisations, she also trains the next generation of coaches through her work as a senior tutor delivering ILM (Institute of Leadership for Management) Business Coaching & Mentoring qualifications.   Making powerful coaching accessible from trusted, accredited, and qualified coaches is the driving force behind The Ethical Coaching Company - Changing the reputation of the coaching industry one conversation at a time. Connect and follow Kirsty and I via Linked in at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstywaite/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-woods-coaching-specialist/

Psychology plays such a massive role in leadership but how much do you really recognise? What impacts and influence does this have on your decisions, strategy and the way you engage and inspire your teams, collaborators and clients? Phil Coley is an entrepreneur dividing his time between his home in France and business interests in the UK, starting his business journey at just 12 years old selling ad space in a village flyer, Phil has worked with and run successful businesses and now focuses on supporting business owners to scale up and succeed. Now.. we're talking psychology so it's only fair to confirm some credentials. For me it's an MSc in behavioural change and for Phil, it's a major in sports psychology that enabled him to work with Olympians, travelling to the 1992 Olympics. As a business owner, he's a breath of fresh air. To find out more about Phil and access the amazing library of resources (that he puts out for free and with out spammy click bait and sales funnels!!) visit https://www.iplus-group.co.uk or connect with Phil on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/posts/phil-coley-business-plus-group_celebrating-our-amazing-team-both-at-iplus-activity-7039199201540337664-eBMk/

Should all leaders be entrepreneurs? Should all entrepreneurs be leaders? Is that even something you could outsource? James Horne and I discuss the challenge of entrepreneurship and leadership, the good, the bad and the deeply challenging. Join us while we answer these questions and many others in an episode that seeks to help business owners and organisational leaders consider where their strengths really lie - and then plan in the best way for business success. I'm your host, Rachel Woods, Coach and ex corporate HR leader now supporting those shifting between management and true leadership. I'm delighted to introduce my guest for this first episode of the second season of 'We're Human', James Horne. With over 35 years of senior leadership experience, James has a track record of driving major growth via comprehensive strategic and operational insight. This includes establishing and growing companies to market leading status. Starting his career in Shell UK Oil, James learnt much about corporate life and was brand manager for Unleaded petrol when this was first launched. James left Shell and found himself consulting for Shell in the Benelux countries whilst also starting his own food business CCL Foods plc. The creation of PizzaExpress salad dressing that became the UK’s #1 selling dressing along with many other products such as Mary Berry’s sauces and dressings established a highly successful business that was eventually sold to Baxters Food Group. Experienced across sectors with companies of all sizes from start-up to large international corporates, James has proven skill turning around struggling organisations, generating funding, developing brands, creating effective market strategy and establishing strong corporate governance frameworks. James thrives on coaching and mentoring, empowering individuals and entrepreneurial organisations to exceed their expectations and recently became a Professional Implementor of EOS, the renowned Entrepreneurial Operating System created by Gino Wickman. EOSworldwide.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-n-horne-ceo-non-executive-director/ Find Rachel at www.rachelwoodscoaching.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-woods-coaching-specialist/ or instagram @HR-Rach

As rich as a well soaked festive fruit cake. So many goodies, so many tips and ideas and theories and giggles. I even name drop my friend Rory Berry... You'll have to listen to find out why. How is pressure likened to the perils of needing a wee? Who or what are Grumpy Freds (other Freds are available) How might HR peeps use morning pages (and what are they?) Also - stress, lego, knitting, painting and making bread. What does all this have to do with accepting the fact that we will balls things up from time to time... and that's ok. Listen and find out, :Sue Ingram and I discuss some interesting answers. Connect with or Contact Sue at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueingram1/

No not Zombies but Generation Zed, or Zee depending on which side of the Atlantic you're from. Anthony Onesto and I are on different sides when it comes to pronunciation but I loved our discussion about the potential and challenge that comes from managing multi-generational workplaces AND the key to engaging, motivating and getting the best from Gen Z. Anthony has literally written the book on this topic so who better to hear from? A touch of nostalgia from a pair of Gen X-ers chatting about the actions HR professionals and business leaders can take to get and provide the most from this generation AND possibly the one to follow. Find out more about Anthony at www.anthonyonesto.com and connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyonesto/ And me at www.rachelwoodscoaching.com connecting via https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-woods-coaching-specialist/

Rich Roberts doesn't much like the 'HR' title. But that's not the crux of the matter. What's HR's role in supporting performance? How best can HR teams monitor and drive their own performance? And WTF does hybrid vigour mean in terms of team performance? Rich is excitable and hugely enthusiastic about his work and shares one of the best worst Dad jokes I've heard in a long time. So do up your seat belt and come along for the ride. I'd love to hear your thoughts Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-woods-coaching-specialist/ or at www.rachelwoodscoaching.com And Rich at ww.linkedin.com/in/richardrobertsengagement or www.enrich-hr.co.uk

Does HR need a revolution? Maybe... Kelly Tucker and I have a shared past, you'll have to listen to find out what that is... I had a ball with Kelly picking HR apart, and exploring where the future of the function is going, what it needs to do and be to face into the future - impactful, effective AND... Appreciated. Kelly's a straight talker and I really like that. We are violently agreeing on so many points and she also makes me think - what could be better for folk in HR. What do new entrants to the work most need to flourish in an emotive role? Have a listen and share your views - where is HR going and is it heading in the right direction? Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-woods-coaching-specialist/ or at www.rachelwoodscoaching.com Kelly at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-tucker-hr/ or visit www.HR-Star.co.uk

Is TUPE the bogeyman of HR processes? The mention of TUPE would often send shudders down my spine.  Being charged with leading on outsourcing or insourcing and managing the TUPE process and subsequent integration of new faces or transfer out of valued colleagues.  A labyrinth of legislation, complications and uncertainty for the poor folk this was being done to. BUT.. it can be done well, it can be positive and it does, ultimately seek to protect employment - so why did I so often get the collywobbles at the mention of it? Neil McKenzie can explain.  And demystify.  I revisit in this episode with some trepidation and Neil explains how this can work well, how positives can be found and what HR teams, those in leadership and line managers can do.  Find and apply best practice and ensure a human touch. Find more about Neil and connect with him here: Neil McKenzie | LinkedIn 

Is HR pink and fluffy?  Not in my book but this term has come from somewhere...  the proportion of men v women in HR?  The caring side of people at work?  Who knows.  Andrew Beaumont and I explore this in a bit more depth... Andrew has  a strong belief that his clients should receive the highest quality service and advice, ergo he's an advocate for regarding staff as a company’s biggest asset and (maybe contoversially) markets himself as a HR Consultant who doesn’t do ‘pink and fluffy’. Following a successful career as a people manager in banking, Andrew then transferred to corporate HR within the same industry and found his calling. He went on to head up HR departments both in the UK and overseas, until his decision to depart from corporate HR and set up his own private consultancy, which has included bespoke HR solutions for businesses in the Martial Arts industry. What do you think - could HR benefit from embracing the fluff as part of a well-balanced tool kit? Find Andrew at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjbeaumont/  and ajbhrcs.co.uk  To find out more about joining Rachel as a future guest on We're Human, visit www.rachelwoodscoaching.com and click the contact me link.

Bloomin' in the flourishing, blossoming sense of course.  Kaizen is a philosophy, a process, an attitude of continuous improvement and when applied to HR Practice, a powerful strategic method. Joe Templin, human swiss army knife and all round good egg, explains how this can enhance HR practice.  How to look at new methods and shiny things in a healthy and practical way.  Methods that echo beyond one profession to enhance leadership practice. Joe and I discuss many things, one of the most eclectic episodes, we look at micro nudges, habit making and shaking, the big five and looking for pearls.  You'll have to listen to find out just how much sense all this makes. Find me at rachelwoodscoaching.com Meet Joe at https://everyday-excellence.com/meetjoe/ or follow him on Linkedin at Joe Templin, MEC, CEC, CAP, ChFC, CLU | LinkedIn  Find Joe's Book at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Day-Excellence-Daily-Growing/dp/1257773356/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32ETLDVPU2UNN&keywords=joe+templin&qid=1672680260&s=digital-text&sprefix=joe+templin%2Cdigital-text%2C177&sr=1-2-catcorr 

What is HR's role in growth, in nurturing culture and influencing the quality of management and leadership? Alex Roberts shares her thoughts on how HR is evolving, growing beyond the role of policy and process. We discuss the merits of the self-awarded dumb-ass cup as an aid to fostering humility in teams.  How leaders can demonstrate their humanity, credibly and with appropriate candour. You can connect and follow Alex here https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-roberts-61b08b142/

HR at the party...  the grown ups, the fun police, or the life and soul of celebrations?  Christmas shenanigans and clangers abound and it's time we raised the veil and talked about this.  Purely in the interest of educational entertainment.   My wonderful co-host today is Sarah Archer.  Sarah is a former HRD and now is on a mission to show business leaders, coaches, experts, and aspiring change makers how to create talks with passion, personality and purpose that also get results.  She teaches you how to combine storytelling, humour, performance and marketing principles so that you don’t just engage, entertain and inspire your audience but also move them to action, whether that’s buying into your idea, change, product or service, or booking you for another gig.  Sarah is a speaking and marketing coach, playwright, stand up comic, actor, ex-HR Director, and host of The Speaking Club Podcast, (which is in the top 1% of podcasts and in over 190 countries). This mix means she is uniquely qualified to teach you how to create content that makes your audience stop, engage and fall in love with your message.    Oh and her latest play, CRUNCH! is also set in an HR department!    Find Sarah at   Https://www.saraharcher.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraharcher15/ Nail Your Signature Talk Programme Take the Snackable Story Challenge The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership www.lemon-squeeze.co.uk/crunch    For specialist coaching specifically for HR leaders and aspiring leaders visit www.rachelwoodscoaching.com

Are HR responsible for Culture?  What role should they play and why?  What on earth is a 'Stay Interview'? Award winning HR Guru Sam Lee talks about all of this and more in this episode.  I've loved chatting with Sam, she is not just accomplished and super savvy when it comes to the subject of humans at work but really easy and loads of fun to chat with. So grab a cuppa, settle down and join us. Find Sam at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaleeprofileandcontent/ or mcgin-leehr.co.uk 

How do you feel about chat bots?  Do they have a place in modern HR practice.  Is AI the future of HR? Will Skynet take the job and, eventually the world? OR - will Bab's from Wigan have an easier time when her chatbot answers the simple enquiries, leaving her free to add the true human value that HR brings to the party. Alastair Swindlehurst knows a thing or two about this,  moreover he's held a few HR roles and has done his time at the coal face through restructures, TUPEs, Union activity and more.  Now we talk tech! For more information find Alastair at https://www.ezhr.uk/  or connect on Linkedin via https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-swindlehurst-b3797a15/?originalSubdomain=uk 

Difficult, wonderful, awkward, conflicting, funny, sad, joyful....Anyone in HR will tell you that the art of great conversation is a critical skill.  They'll also tell you about times when they've been asked to have an awkward or challenging discussion with someone, for themselves but also, on behalf of a line manager....  Cue mass eye roll. Denise and I have a conversation that was anything but challenging about how she has navigated this during her lengthy career in both in-house HR and, latterly as a consultant with The HR Dept. Find more about Denise and connect with her here https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-murphy-thehroracle/