HR Strategy in the Hot Seat | Podcast in RSS.com

HR Strategy in the Hot Seat

HR Strategy in the Hot Seat

di Anwen Bottois (Purple Sky Consulting)

Employee Listening Strategy with Maureen Brown

This episode is a conversation between Anwen Bottoi, host and founder of Purple Sky Consulting, and Maureen Brown, focusing on HR strategies and the importance of intentional listening within organisations. Mo, as she is known, is the CEO of Mi-Say and Managing Director of Sullivan Brown (HR Recruitment). Mo shares her journey from HR recruitment to developing a business centred on amplifying employee voices. The discussion highlights the evolution of engagement surveys and the need for a holistic listening strategy. The discussion includes the importance of aligning HR strategies with business objectives and the role of storytelling in HR reporting. The podcast delves into several key points: Intentional Listening Strategy - Mo emphasises the need for a comprehensive listening strategy that goes beyond traditional engagement surveys. Evolution of HR Practices - The conversation explores how HR practices have evolved, particularly in response to changing employee expectations and the modern work environment. Building Trust and Independence - Anwen and Mo discuss the importance of using independent partners for feedback collection to ensure confidentiality and build trust among employees. Aligning HR with Business Goals - By understanding what the leadership aims to achieve, HR can develop strategies that support these goals and drive organisational success. Challenges and Solutions - Common challenges in HR are discussed, such as the feedback action gap and the limitations of current engagement measures like Employee Net Promoter Scores (ENPS). To find out more about Mi-Say you can visit the website here: https://mi-say.com/ Find out more about Maureen Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-brown-6844a94/ Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach/ https://www.purpleskyconsulting.co.uk/

Transforming the Experience of HR Functions with Emma Djemil

In this episode, Anwen Bottois (your host and founder of Purple Sky Consulting) is joined by Emma Djemil, founder of Be Unstoppable, Speaker, Facilitator and Coach. Emma works with women in HR to build the clarity, courage and confidence to have real impact in their careers and beyond. Emma explains how too many HR professionals are going home from work worse than when they arrived and that it's time the function that champions everyone else's experience finally turns that lens on itself. With a background working across HR at every level, Emma brings a refreshingly honest perspective on why the function is stuck and what it's going to take to shift it. If you've ever felt the gap between the HR professional you want to be and the one the business seems to want, this episode gives you somewhere to start. The main topics include: Why HR professionals are operating from a place of proving worth rather than demonstrating value The difference between being a strategic influencer and a safety net Why contracting with the business about what HR is really there for is the missing conversation most functions never have How dropping the HR badge and showing up as a human first unlocks the relationships that drive real impact Why role modelling is HR's most underused and most urgently needed tool The victim and martyr mentality that creeps into HR teams and what to do about it Why trying to do it all alone is the single biggest barrier to effective HR strategy delivery Resources & Links: Be Unstoppable: https://site.beunstoppable.uk/e The HR Big Meet: https://thehrbigmeet.com/ Connect with Emma Djemil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/be-unstoppable/ HR is the function that exists to help people have better experiences of work and now is the time we start with ourselves. Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach Purple Sky Consulting Website: https://www.purpleskyconsulting.co.uk/

Coaching Skills for Human Leaders with Donna Ward-Higgs

In this episode, Anwen Bottois (your host and founder of Purple Sky Consulting) is joined by Donna Ward-Higgs, founder of Learning Partner Solutions, where the belief is simple: people drive performance. Donna brings a refreshingly human perspective to coaching skills in the workplace and makes a compelling case for why coaching shouldn't be a bolt-on certification programme, but a built-in way of leading every single day. With a background forged on the operational front line rather than in traditional L&D roles, Donna has a rare ability to connect the theory of coaching with the realities of what managers and leaders actually face. This is a conversation packed with practical honesty about what's working, what isn't and what HR leaders need to think about before investing in a coaching culture. The main topics include: Why human skills, not processes, are the real driver of workplace performance The difference between coaching and mentoring, and why the confusion matters The hidden costs of internal coaching programmes done as a bolt-on How the major coaching accreditation bodies differ Why a coaching culture won't stick if the system isn't ready for it The role of self-awareness in developing genuinely human leaders Why clear expectations set upfront are the most underused leadership tool This episode is a timely reminder that coaching culture isn't something you can buy off the shelf. It starts with being honest about your system, clear about your outcomes and willing to role model the behaviours all the way from the top. Resources & Links: Learning Partner Solutions: https://learningpartnersolutions.com/ Connect with Donna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ward-higgs-8194a969/ EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council): emccglobal.org ICF (International Coaching Federation): coachingfederation.org Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach Purple Sky Consulting Website: https://www.purpleskyconsulting.co.uk/

Multi-Generational Workforces with Liz Atkin

In this episode, Anwen Bottois (your host and founder of Purple Sky Consulting) is joined by Liz Atkin, consultant, facilitator and founder of Refreshing Comms. Liz brings a wealth of experience in workplace communication and intergenerational strategy, and in this conversation she makes the case for why HR leaders need to treat generational differences not as a problem to fix, but as a strategic opportunity to leverage. From her time as a CEO navigating a toxic culture, to years on the road working with manufacturing and engineering businesses, Liz has seen first-hand how the people side of organisations is almost always the real issue and how communication sits at the heart of it. If you're navigating friction between experienced and early-career employees, struggling to retain younger talent, or simply not sure where to start, this episode gives you a practical and honest framework for moving forward. The main topics include: Why the intergenerational workforce is now a strategic priority for HR The risks of leading with stereotypes rather than strategy How to build a shared leadership narrative around generational difference The latent potential of the midlife workforce and why it gets overlooked What Gen Z actually need from their managers — and why mentorship matters Why lateral career growth is replacing the traditional corporate ladder Designing intergenerational workshops that link to real business goals The role of co-creation in building policies and practices that stick How communication underpins every generational challenge in the workplace Where HR leaders should start if this feels like unfamiliar territory Resources & Links: Refreshing Comms: https://refreshingcomms.co.uk/ Refreshing Comms — the book: available on Amazon and Waterstones Find Liz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-atkin-4400a9250/ This episode is a timely reminder that the organisations attracting and retaining the best talent are the ones doing certain things intentionally. Start with strategy, not stereotypes and get people talking. Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach Purple Sky Consulting Website: https://www.purpleskyconsulting.co.uk/

Performance Enhancement Systems with Roxy Allen

In this episode, Anwen Bottois (your host and founder of Purple Sky Consulting) is joined by Roxy Allen, a workforce transformation specialist working in the gas industry, with a background spanning Agile HR, design thinking, systems thinking and socio-technical systems. Roxy shares how she has applied systems thinking to reshape how managers approach performance conversations and why starting with conditions, not targets, is the key to unlocking real organisational performance. Whether you're an HR leader trying to make sense of performance frameworks or someone looking to bring more strategic thinking into your people function, this conversation is packed with practical insights and some genuinely fresh thinking. The main topics include: Why HR functions struggle to see performance as a system The difference between managing the system and leading the people How Roxy developed and adapted the Performance Chain framework for her organisation Practical approaches to embedding systems thinking in performance conversations Where HR leaders should start if they're new to this way of working High performance isn't necessarily built through more activity but through better conditions. Resources & Links: Six Boxes Performance Thinking: https://www.sixboxes.com/ Agile Culture Development Matrix: https://toolkit.agilebusiness.org/agile-culture-development-matrix Find Roxy on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missroxanneallen/ Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach Purple Sky Consulting Website: https://www.purpleskyconsulting.co.uk/

Successful Engagement of External Experts with Jessica Lorimer

In this episode, Anwen Bottois (your host) is joined by Jessica Lorimer. Jess is an expert sales training consultant with her business Selling to Corporates and is the founder of the Expert Services Directory and during this episode Jess shares advice for HR leaders on sourcing and managing external suppliers, making strategic decisions, and fostering productive partnerships that drive organisational success. Whether navigating the complexities of hiring external experts or building internal capabilities, this conversation offers practical insights to elevate HR practices and business outcomes. The main topics include: How HR can effectively source external consultants and suppliers Differentiating between interim support and specialist expertise The importance of clear briefs and honest internal discussions Building sustainable relationships with external vendors Upskilling internal teams alongside external support The role of credible directories in supplier selection Cost-effectiveness of external expertise versus internal hiring Managing junior HR staff in sourcing decisions Strategic decision-making processes in outsourcing Developing business cases to justify external investments Resources & Links: Expert Services Directory: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/ Selling to Corporates: selltocorporates.com Connect with Jessica Lorimer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesslorimer This episode underscores the value of honest communication, strategic decision-making, and leveraging credible resources to optimise external supplier engagements. Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach Purple Sky Consulting Website: https://www.purpleskyconsulting.co.uk/

Team Climate with Sean Spurgin

In this brilliant interview, Sean Spurgin, Learning Director at Elev-8 Performance joins Anwen Bottois, to share his journey into leadership development, the importance of team climate, and practical strategies for HR leaders to enhance organisational culture and performance. The conversation highlights the distinction between culture (the personality of an organisation) and team climate (the day-to-day mood), emphasising that while culture is challenging to change, team climate can be more easily influenced by leaders. The discussion also covers the significance of mindset, capability, and reducing friction in leadership roles, as well as the need for continuous performance conversations and psychological safety. The episode underscores the value of investing in leadership development to drive engagement and performance improvements. Key Topics The role of team climate in organisational culture Practical leadership behaviours for immediate impact The importance of diagnosing capability gaps before training Find Sean on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/seanspurgin The Book: Dropping the C-Bomb: Why Team Climate Crushes Culture: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dropping-C-Bomb-Climate-Crushes-Culture-ebook/dp/B0FN4JV2MZ Find Elev-8 Performance here: https://elev-8.co.uk/ Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/

Hope is a Strategy with Ian B Pettigrew

Most leaders underestimate how a simple shift in mindset can transform teams and organisations. Ian B Pettigrew’s powerful concept: hope isn’t wishful thinking, it’s a strategy that drives real change. If you’re tired of feeling stuck amid uncertainty, this episode reveals how leaders and HR professionals can harness hope to inspire resilience, foster trust, and create thriving cultures. Ian B Pettigrew, author of Hope is a Strategy, joins Anwen Bottois (your host and founder of Purple Sky Consulting) to share why hope is an active, learnable skill, not just a feel-good sentiment. He breaks down how hope influences everything from leadership to community building, backed by over 40 years of research. Discover how top organisations and community leaders are deliberately using hope to motivate action, even in the toughest times. We explore surprising insights from Gallup’s research, Templeton’s work on resilience, and why hope is contagious a force that can transform your workplace and beyond. You’ll discover: - The active psychology of hope, how it’s about pathways, belief, and taking action - Why many leadership strategies fail because they ignore hope or rely on toxic positivity - Practical tools and how HR can embed hope into culture, trust, and communication - How to avoid performative solutions and genuinely create an environment where hope flourishes - The lessons from global community projects in Ethiopia and Uganda, resourcefulness and hope in action In a world where organisations struggle with burnout, distrust, and change fatigue, the real opportunity lies in fostering hope. Without it, teams become disengaged; with it, they thrive. This episode is essential listening for HR leaders, managers, and anyone serious about creating positive, resilient workplaces. If you’re ready to see hope as a strategic asset not just a wish, tune in now. Ian B Pettigrew is a seasoned coach, leadership development expert, and author of Hope is a Strategy. His innovative approach draws on decades of research and real-world community projects, showing how hope can be deliberately cultivated to inspire growth, trust, and impact. Get ready to unlock the true power of hope because when it’s intentional, it can transform your organisational culture and your life. Find Ian B Pettigrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianpettigrew Find the Hope Tips here: https://hope.tips/ Find out about the HR Strategy in the Hot Seat Podcast here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hr-strategy-in-the-hot-seat/ Find out more about Anwen here: The website: purpleskyconsulting.co.uk LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach

Low-Level Conflict in Organisations with Fiona Kearns

Most organisational conflicts are invisible, and costly. Fiona Kearns joins Anwen Bottois (your host) to reveal how small, overlooked 'politeness' issues can escalate into toxic environments, affecting productivity and morale in ways leaders often miss. All impacting individual and organisational performance, critical for the HR Strategy. If you've ever wondered how minor disagreements snowball or why high-performing teams struggle with communication, this episode is for you. Fiona, a business psychologist with a tech and telecoms background, shows you how to spot the warning signs of low-level conflict and turn them into opportunities for stronger, healthier workplaces. You’ll discover: Why 'politeness' can be a form of avoidance and how to confront it effectively The hidden power dynamics behind small frustrations and microaggressions Practical action based on having more honest, low-stakes conversations that prevent bigger issues How to build a culture where feedback and conflict are seen as opportunities, not threats Actionable steps for HR and leaders to model open dialogue and strengthen team trust In an era where organisational health directly impacts profitability, ignoring small conflicts is a risk you can’t afford. Fiona explains why addressing the 'small stuff' can prevent costly disruptions, reduce turnover, and foster a more engaged, resilient workforce. Perfect for HR leaders, managers, and executives eager to create workplaces built on trust and transparency, because clear, honest conversations are the foundation of high performance. When you master the art of meaningful communication, you unlock extraordinary growth, innovation, and team cohesion. Tune in to learn how to turn polite avoidance into powerful leadership, because stronger conversations make stronger organisations. Fiona Kearns is a business psychologist specialising in leadership, organisational culture, and high-performance teams. She’s passionate about unpicking hierarchical barriers to create more open, human-centered workplaces. Find Fiona here: The website: kearnsconsultancy.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fionakearns Find out more about Anwen here: The website: purpleskyconsulting.co.uk LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach

What is HR Strategy? Part 2: Operating Strategically in HR

What does it really mean to operate strategically as an HR leader? If you’ve ever felt stuck refining your impact, this episode unlocks six core behaviours and approaches that transform your role from tactical to strategic. Anwen Bottois, from Purple Sky Consulting, dives deep into the essential mindsets, relationships, and communication strategies that elevate HR from a support function to a key strategic partner. Discover how understanding the true problem, beyond surface issues, can make or break the success of your initiatives. She shares approaches, like analysing the system each solution operates within, and emphasises the critical role of stakeholder relationships in unlocking organisational change. Operating strategically isn’t about a single skill; it’s about cultivating a growth-oriented mindset across six key areas. Anwen’s insights help HR professionals assess where they stand, identify gaps, and develop a deliberate plan to elevate their strategic influence, plus she offers a self-assessment tool you can use immediately. This episode is perfect for HR leaders aiming to accelerate their development, solidify credibility, and become indispensable to their organisations’ success. If you’re ready to stop managing in chaos and start leading with vision and impact, tune in now and start transforming your HR approach today. Anwen Bottois is an HR strategist and leadership consultant known for helping HR professionals unlock their strategic potential through practical frameworks and leadership development. Get ready to reframe your mindset, build stronger relationships, and demonstrate impact like never before. Find Anwen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach/ Find all episodes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hr-strategy-in-the-hot-seat/id1870588503

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