In this episode Neil Morrison Group HR Director at Severn Trent shares his career journey, from the NHS to Argos, through to Penguin Random House Publishing and then Severn Trent.  Neil shares his thoughts on good work, the importance of creating jobs, and organisations looking after their workforce. Neil talks about how Severn Trent have sought to take 100,000 people out of poverty by providing employment or the skills to find jobs elsewhere.  Nic asks Neil about the future of work and Neil predicts that Nic will be replaced by AI! Neil also highlights that the future of work looks ..read more

In this episode Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health shares her career journey, including 20+ years at Tesco and working her way up to her current role at Westfield. Vicky shares her thoughts on the profession, ranging from “toilet rolls to disciplinaries” and explains her more strategic role as Director of People.  Nic asks Vicky about their success winning best employer awards and the journey towards platinum Investors in People. Vicky and Nic also discuss the “coaching culture” at Westfield and the focus on wellbeing, keeping in mind the mantra of practicing what ..read more

In this episode Karen Jewell, Director, HR and Organisational Development at Equip UK Technologies Ltd shares her career journey from HR roles in the energy sector, to HR Director at Derby City Council, to leading the people strategy for the Rab and Lowe Alpine outdoor apparel and equipment performance brands. Karen talks about her experience at Equip during COVID, taking brave decisions to continue buying and fulfilling orders where others couldn’t, and creating opportunities from the challenges faced at that time. Nic asks Karen about the extraordinary growth of the Rab and Lowe Alpine brand ..read more

In this episode, Pat Woodfield, Executive Group Director, Business Strategy, People & Culture at YMCA Robin Hood Group shares her career journey from executive personal assistant, to HR Manager, to COO and CEO roles, to Executive HR positions. Pat talks about the great work the YMCA is doing, including their new site in Newark, the Malt Cross music hall, and the famous caves of Nottingham! Nic talks to Pat about the changing nature of the people function and what People & Culture actually means at YMCA.  Pat also talks about the challenges of recruitment and retention in the cha ..read more

In this episode, recorded back in March 2023 on International Women’s Day, Charlotte Coore, Head of People & Culture at 200 Degrees Coffee and Zoë Ogden, People Director at Impression share their career journey in HR and experience working in rapidly growing SME businesses.   Zoë and Charlotte talk about the differences between working in larger corporates and smaller SMEs and the challenges of working in a standalone HR role.  They also share the challenges of being female and operating at a senior level within an organisation. Zoë talks about the generational differences in h ..read more

In this episode Adam Dilks, Group People Director at Nightcap Plc shares his career journey in HR from a training scheme at Tesco, to his current role helping Nightcap achieve its goal of becoming the leading late night bar group.  He claims it’s not just about the cocktails! Adam tells Nic about the entrepreneurial approach at Nightcap, led by Sarah Willingham (ex-dragon’s den,) and how they are focusing on delivering their belief that “everyone deserves a great night out”.  Adam contrasts the “oil tanker” nature of large corporates and how he’s enjoying being at a “jet ski” busine ..read more

In this episode Ben Horner HR Director, Boots UK & ROI and No7 shares his experience from nearly 20 years at the company. Nic talks to Ben about his transition from the Boots legal team to the role of HR Director and the challenges he faced taking on that role during a global pandemic! Ben shares a variety of initiatives Boots have introduced relating to menopause and disability, designed to support their team members and customers alike.  Ben shares his advice for HR professionals starting their career, as well as those looking to advance it, and gives his ‘supplier shout out’ to ..read more

In this episode Ben Horner HR Director, Boots UK & ROI and No7 shares his experience from nearly 20 years at the company. Nic talks to Ben about his transition from the Boots legal team to the role of HR Director and the challenges he faced taking on that role during a global pandemic! Ben shares a variety of initiatives Boots have introduced relating to menopause and disability, designed to support their team members and customers alike.  Ben shares his advice for HR professionals starting their career, as well as those looking to advance it, and gives his ‘supplier shout out’ to ..read more

In this episode Maria Hawley, Director of People at Fisher German LLP, shares her journey from selling underwear on a market stall, to a career in nursing, through to building a successful career in human resources, working at law firm Nabarros, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, and eventually her current role as Director of People. Nic and Maria also discuss Maria’s recent success winning “HR Leader of the Year 2023” at the British HR Awards, and the importance of Maria’s team in supporting that success.  Maria talks about the diverse nature of the work Fisher German carries out and ..read more

In this episode Andy talks to Nic about his journey from selling TVs in Currys into the People Director roles at some of the UK’s most recognisable brands. Andy shares his views on how the world of work has changed post COVID and how employers must adapt to new ways of attracting, developing and retaining talent. Nic talks to Andy about building successful teams and the importance of transparency in the area of reward and career progression. Andy discusses his work in the area of customer experience while at the retailer DFS and his resulting academic research into the impact of net promoter ..read more