HR Leader Podcast Network: Recent Episodes
Momentum Media
The HR Leader Podcast Network connects you to the brightest and best in HR and people leadership, exploring new ideas so you can deliver more value for your business.
These conversations will influence, shape and lead change, overcoming HR’s top concerns and roadblocks.
Tune in for the thinking that will shape tomorrow’s workplaces, inspiring and enabling you to engage with your people in new and innovative ways.
For more, visit hrleader.com.au
Here, an award-winning HR practitioner reflects on the headline trends that will impact the vocational direction of the human resources function in FY2026–27 and why it is so important to put one's self forward as a leader in the workplace. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Heritage Real Estate director of people and culture Hayley Adcock, who won the Innovator of the Year (HR Manager in a Large Business) category at the inaugural HR Innovation Awards, about her transition from being a registered psychologist to working in HR, the need for HR to step into leadership roles and why, the impact of new technologies in the market, honing soft skills, prioritising psychological safety, bringing the C-suite along for the ride, best practice in FY26–27, and why staff are the first clients.
According to this award-winning HR professional, the next frontier in workplace wellbeing is shaping up to be how well workplaces manage the breakdown of relationships. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with The Separation Guide chief executive and co-founder Angela Harbinson, whose business won the Innovator of the Year – Best ESG Program at the inaugural HR Innovation Awards, about the hidden wellbeing gap that employers haven't solved, why relationship stress is becoming an HR issue, the financial and social impact, what the data is telling us, the future of workplace wellbeing, lessons for HR leaders, and why this conversation matters.
Traditional designs for a business's HR function often lose sight of the problems they are trying to solve and fail to tie programs to commercial outcomes. Here, we explore the need to move towards more modern, holistic thinking about the role of HR and how best to succeed in FY2026–27 and beyond. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with We Are Charlotte founder and chief executive Jessica Trumble about what she likes about outsourced HR work as opposed to being in-house, unpacking the differences between older HR approaches and newer ones, the imperative of having a commercial mindset, taking advantage of environmental opportunities in the post-pandemic market, rethinking the function of HR, what constitutes being commercially minded, and getting business buy-in for a new approach.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, the all-in-one payroll and HR platform for global teams, we unpack the imperative for Australian businesses to build global workforces and not be constrained by the domestic market. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel's Asia-Pacific mid-market director, Joji Kurosaki, about why businesses must be positioned for global expansion in the post-pandemic environment, structural challenges facing Australian businesses, tax, labour, and regulatory considerations, risk and compliance costs, managing idiosyncratic jurisdictional matters, what HR needs to do moving forward, working collaboratively with the C-suite, and the opportunities available for businesses that look beyond domestic borders.
To learn more about Deel, click here.
In the post-pandemic workplace, when leaders appear more reactive and less inclined to challenge toxic employees, the costs to the business can be significant. To this end, culture must be a shared leadership responsibility.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Rise and Thrive Global founder Dr Catherine Plano about lessons from listening circles, key takeaways from recent research she's conducted, the dangers of being fearful of losing certain employees, the cost of toxic employees, broader workforce challenges post-pandemic, how HR can get leadership to better own culture questions, and the role of HR moving forward.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with ELMO, we reflect on the workplace shifts that must occur if business use of new technologies can meaningfully transition from experimental to foundational. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Inventium founder and organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber about how Australian workplaces are falling behind global counterparts on AI implementation and therefore failing to have a bigger impact, key findings from ELMO's HR Industry Benchmark Report and what it says about the state of affairs, why adoption isn't translating into impact, why HR needs clear metrics for AI transformations, prioritising outcomes over activity, and how ELMO's AI Maturity Assessment tool can assist workplaces in moving forward.
To learn more about ELMO, click here.
In transforming a workplace's behaviours around technology and ultimately productivity and innovation, human resources teams have a real opportunity to partner with business leaders to help staff move out of the experimentation phase and make meaningful impacts. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Publicis Groupe ANZ and APAC chief talent officer Pauly Grant to discuss why such transformation is so essential in the new financial year, the need to explore how best to utilise new technologies and effectively roll them out, how she and Publicis Groupe approached the problem through its PL.AI Ground initiative, the need for community-led, collegiate dialogue around AI usage and implementation, the business's headline lessons and takeaways from its program, the role of HR in such initiatives, overcoming challenges, and what constitutes real confidence and adoption of AI in Australian workplaces.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Danny King Legal, we explore the increasing prevalence of employment disputes and how businesses must put culture, care, and communication at the centre of the employee experience. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Danny King Legal principal Danny King about her passion for employment law, the most common disputes being lodged at the moment, what gives rise to such disputes, avoiding black-and-white approaches to managing staff, building the right kind of culture, employer mistakes when terminating employment, the place for employee benefits, putting in place proper documentation, policies, and processes, and how best to optimise the employee benefits approach as part of broader considerations around workplace experience.
To learn more about Danny King Legal, click here.
Ensuring workers can meaningfully engage with colleagues and understand how best to communicate under pressure is a critical but oft-overlooked skill that HR must be on top of. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with communications and leadership specialist Leah Mether about what constitutes high school-like behaviour or communication at work, how and why it occurs, whether the frequency of such conduct is increasing, the steps that HR must take to ensure professional, mature conduct across the workplace, and how best HR can manage such a priority amid myriad competing priorities in a tech-driven professional landscape.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with DLPA, we explore the fundamentals of building workplaces that are psychologically safe, cater to employees' holistic wellness needs, and understand that "if people don't want to be your employee, then the benefits [offered] are pretty meaningless". Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA) chief executive Karlie Cremin about the work of DLPA across Australian businesses, the difference between proactivity and reactivity in embedding psychosocial risk prevention into everyday work practices, the role of leaders in better managing psychosocial risks, going beyond baseline initiatives, what workers expect from their employers right now, why it "starts with strategy", and how DLPA supports businesses in navigating such matters.
To learn more about DLPA, click here.
With advocates pushing for reproductive health to have its own leave entitlements, businesses and their HR functions must consider both the benefits and trade-offs inherent with the potential introduction of such allowances for workers. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Probiotec Limited chief people officer Annalinde Nickisch about the push from unions and other stakeholders for the National Employment Standards to include leave entitlements for reproductive health, why this push is happening, the existing concerns and unintended consequences of such entitlements, the possibility for unconscious bias, the broader place for gender-based entitlements, how HR can interpret the current state of affairs and advise their workplaces accordingly, and broader best practice for HR on this issue.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA), we explore the new and emerging risks and hazards for workplaces to contend with in times of technological change and what the HR function can do about them. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with DLPA chief executive Karlie Cremin about AI adoption-inspired psychosocial risks and what HR needs to observe, the extent to which businesses are on top of such issues right now and the need to be proactive, what regulators will be looking for, the nexus between these issues and burnout and overwork, best practice steps for HR and leadership to take, and opportunities for leaders and HR to step up in challenging times.
To learn more about DLPA, click here.
Redesigning traditional workplace structures to better accommodate idiosyncratic worker needs is nuanced, with no one-size-fits-all solution available. However, in an evolving professional and technological landscape, HR has a real opportunity to make a difference and ensure workers can focus on what truly matters. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with GumGum director of people and culture, Emma Mani,about:
- Why she loves working with humans.
- What practical work design means.
- How certain trends have accelerated in recent years.
- Lingering issues to be addressed by resigned work practices, and cultural and economic hurdles to overcome.
- Implementing mindset shifts alongside structural changes.
- The place for microshifting.
- How HR can get started in redesigning work practices.
- Practical steps to take in enacting new measures, and bringing the business along for the ride.
Longer negotiations, harder lines, and a new arbitration pathway offering relief from prolonged industrial deadlock – but not without cost. Once a rarely used mechanism, intractable bargaining workplace determinations are now arising more frequently where enterprise bargaining stalls and agreement proves elusive, bringing protected industrial action to a halt while transferring control over the remaining contested issues to the Fair Work Commission. In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with Kingston Reid, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner Lucy Shanahan about how intractable bargaining workplace determinations are reshaping enterprise bargaining strategy, and what organisations need to be thinking about to manage their exposure, right from the beginning.
In an industrial relations landscape that is becoming more complex and contested, organisations that recognise the implications of these shifts and proactively manage bargaining risk before positions become entrenched will be better positioned to retain control over outcomes. Those that do not may find that the endgame is decided for them.
To learn more about Kingston Reid, click here.
With nearly one in two workplace leaders experiencing severe stress week to week, there is an urgent need to build leaders' sense of self and have them embrace self-care, so they are better placed to identify and support workers who are struggling themselves. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with R U OK? founding director and author Graeme Cowan about what his career has taught him about leadership and wellness, the urgent need to improve leaders' health in the workplace, the prevalence of severe workplace stress, how difficult it is to be a manager right now, what leaders must be asking of themselves moving forward, what it means to care in the workplace, the three arms of care, and how HR teams can better support leaders' holistic wellbeing.
Ensuring the workforce is engaged does not simply bolster team culture; it also strengthens the collective focus on the business's objectives. Here, we unpack how to strike the right balance.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ensign Laboratories head of human resources Grant Wyatt about his journey in the HR space, concerns around workforce engagement, whether engagement is harder to come by than ever before, what constitutes a strong workplace culture, navigating generational differences, what works and doesn't work in bolstering culture and a focus on objectives, meaningfully prioritising optimal culture in a time of voluminous change.
At a time when demands for productivity are greater than at any point in recent memory, human leadership is more important than ever.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Human Leadership Lab founder and chief executive May Samali about the evolving nature of leadership, leaders' cognisance of the need for human-centred approaches, whether workers retain the same reverence for leaders as in years gone by, the headline challenges facing leaders right now, the need to be more holistic in managing staff, balancing short-term issues against taking a longer-term approach to the business, and what HR's role is in all of this.
More claims. More complexity. Higher stakes. How AI and rising civil penalties are reshaping workplace litigation and what employers need to do to keep pace. In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with national law firm Kingston Reid, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner James Parkinson about two emerging trends currently reshaping the conduct of workplace litigation in Australia.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being deployed in legal proceedings, and this trend shows no sign of abating. The rise of the "AI advocate" is driving a surge in rights-aware self-represented litigants, with generative AI capable of producing legally framed claims. While this presents a perceived expansion of access to justice, it also places significant pressure on courts, tribunals, and employers who are required to navigate AI-generated materials in order to respond to claims. The presenters explore how Australian jurisdictions are responding, through evolving guidance notes and procedural guardrails, and why a recalibration towards more traditional, oral advocacy may be on the horizon.
Against this backdrop, our presenters also explore the growing prominence of collective employee claims. With significantly higher civil penalties and intensified regulatory scrutiny, the economics of enforcement have shifted. Resolution is no longer confined to employee remediation, and may increasingly involve consideration of payments to prosecuting parties, including unions.
For employers, the implications of these developments are clear: compliance must be proactive, remediation swift, and litigation strategies rigorously stress-tested.
In a system being rapidly reshaped in the wake of new technology, organisations that recognise these shifts and act early to address issues will be best placed to navigate a more complex and costly disputes landscape, whereas employers who fail to adapt risk being outpaced: procedurally, financially, and strategically.
To learn more about Kingston Reid, click here.
Work is a social determinant of health – given how much time we spend in the workplace, it is one of the most consistent and powerful influences on our holistic wellbeing. To this end, how we view responsibility for our health and work can and should be reconsidered.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with organisational psychologist, researcher, and leadership adviser Dr Kat Page about her passion for supporting individual workers on the ground, how and why consideration of work goes beyond discussions of mental health and psychological safety, and why the volume of work undertaken means it must be considered a public health issue.
Page also delves into the fact that we have less separation from work than ever before, the blurred lines between home and work that impact one's ability to disconnect, how old the idea of work being a public health issue and its resonance with key decision-makers, what the role of the HR function looks like when work is considered a public health issue, rethinking what HR looks like, and how it can bring the business along for the ride.
With more generations in the workforce than ever before and against the backdrop of myriad technological and sociocultural changes, hiring the right staff is more difficult than ever. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Blue Connections IT chief people and operations officer Cassandra Eastham about having pivoted her career from biochemistry to using people skills, the people challenges facing HR practitioners, adapting one's approach to working with staff, and striking the right balance between generations.
Eastham also delves into the importance of having an open mind, onboarding tech while not ignoring the human aspect of work, ensuring staff feel comfortable, what best practice looks like in attracting and retaining talent right now, employing newer and more creative strategies, maintaining a competitive edge, what's worked and not worked in her experience, and looming opportunities to reinforce the importance of the HR function.
In the age of AI, "it can be very hard to ascertain the person behind the CV". Here, one CEO outlines her four-step process to recruitment to help leaders and HR pivot in a shifting landscape.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Virtual Headquarters chief executive Emma Davison about her background as a physio, what she learnt from that vocation in becoming a C-suite executive, the recruitment challenges facing businesses right now, why it's harder to recruit now than ever before, and the lessons she's learnt over the years when hiring.
Davison also delves into her four-step process for hiring new staff, why such a comprehensive approach is so beneficial, the differences she's noticed since starting the new system, the inherent challenges to be overcome, and what motivates her moving forward about recruitment into the future.
Oftentimes, HR doesn't understand what the change management function does. Better appreciating its purpose and working more collaboratively with that function will ultimately benefit the entire workplace.
In this week's episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with 437 Consulting director and founder Sudesh Dahiya about her background as a programmer and what it taught her about empathy in the workplace, the differences between the HR and change management functions and why they're separate, the challenges that exist in the relationship between HR and change, and how pressing such differences are for HR to help address.
Dahiya also delves into how HR and change are approaching transformation differently, the consequences of HR and change not working in sync, the questions HR needs to ask itself in order to bridge the divide and practical steps to implement, overcoming inherent challenges, and why such an improvement in the relationship will benefit all.
Here, Richie Poulton reflects on the need for better top-down approaches when it comes to managing workplace wellness, the importance of leading by example, and how HR departments and C-suite executives can show greater care and empathy for their staff, particularly in the current climate. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Instantia CEO Richie Poulton about his background as a nightclub owner in Europe and the other directions his vocational journey as taken, why he's so adamant about running a business that prioritises transparency, his experiences with burnout and what it has taught him, and how he benefited from working on himself.
Poulton also delves into how he manages his role as a CEO, what he's learnt about good leadership, how workforces respond to his approach, the need for a new leadership approach from the C-suite, what HR must do moving forward, and what excites him about such top-down leadership.
Workplaces across the board can, at times, trigger fear responses from workers. Here, we reflect on how incorporating play into not only the processes but also the mindset of the workforce can both bolster and maintain optimal levels of psychological safety for staff.
In today's episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Culture Hero founder Dara Simkin about how and why play in the workplace means something entirely different from having a ping-pong table on the floor, why the incorporation of play is so essential in the current climate, how high-stakes workplaces can trigger fear responses, and the consequences of this.
Simkin also delves into the compounding effects of stress both inside and outside work, the impact of constantly feeling exhausted, how play can help, the problems to be overcome, how HR can better push for the incorporation of play, how HR can support team leaders in driving change, and the need to remain human in a shifting landscape.
This week on The HR Leader Podcast, in a special episode produced in partnership with LinkedIn, we explore how professionals and leaders can make sense of how working life is evolving and better support their staff in building skills, confidence, and agency in the age of AI.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LinkedIn Chief Economic Opportunity Officer Aneesh Raman about his varied and storied career, what LinkedIn is observing in the market right now that the HR function must be on top of, the need for HR to feel empowered about ongoing change rather than overwhelmed, and what it looks like for HR to strike the right balance between maintaining the human aspect of work while rolling with the punches in an AI-driven landscape.
Raman also delves into HR's agency in driving change, the volume of skills that are shifting or becoming redundant and what that means for workers, taking a more skills-based approach to work, what businesses are getting right in AI adoption and utilisation, undervalued human skills, and how HR can better manage any sense of overwhelm.
To learn more about LinkedIn, click here. To learn about LinkedIn's new book, Open to Work, click here.
In this week's The Legal Brief, a special episode produced in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, we explore how psychosocial safety is now central to how Australian regulators assess organisational competence and leadership, and what this means specifically for those within the HR function.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner Liam Fraser about how psychosocial safety has evolved into a core governance risk, with organisational restructures, change programs and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence now all considered high-risk psychosocial events. This evolution now brings to light the need for organisations, particularly HR, to be proactive about ongoing risk management in 2026 and beyond.
Fraser also delves into what work health and safety (WHS) regulators are most heavily scrutinising, the key questions that HR professionals need to be asking in 2026 to keep up with best practice, and why businesses that properly embed psychosocial safety into governance frameworks will ultimately prove to be more resilient, trusted, and high performing in the long term.
To learn more about Kingston Reid, click here.
People are the most important part of any business, and to that end, the HR function can and must play a role in driving value, in its myriad forms, for businesses.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with consultant Jane Edgar (who has served in senior HR roles in numerous major Australian businesses) about the importance of HR's role as an enterprise value driver, what has held HR back from fulfilling certain functions over the years, why the current climate provides a window for HR to showcase its worth, and the questions HR needs to ask of itself in being an enterprise value driver.
Edgar also delves into the practical steps HR needs to implement to drive value, hurdles standing in the way of HR's success, navigating time constraints, lessons she's learnt from running a P&L, taking a holistic approach to creating value for the business, and what excites her about the prospect of HR being more of a value driver.
The Payday Super reforms are coming, but, troublingly, nearly half of Australian organisations are not properly aware of, or do not fully appreciate, how the new frameworks will impact them. Here, we unpack how HR can not only prepare their businesses for the looming changes but also implement practical strategies to ensure smooth processes moving forward.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Remote go-to-market lead in APAC Nick Martin about his background in the human resources and recruitment spaces, what the Payday Super changes are and why they are significant, the prospective impacts on businesses from those changes, and the extent to which Australian organisations are not yet across what's coming.
Martin also delves into the potential penalties for non-compliance, the questions that businesses and HR teams must be asking right now, practical steps to be taken, the role of HR in implementing those steps, and how HR can better design new workflows, and his message to those organisations that still have their heads in the sand.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, we explore the shifting hiring landscape in the age of AI, and how employers and HR professionals alike can find and implement efficiencies.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel head of talent acquisition Alan Price about how the recruitment landscape has evolved in the last year or so, the significance of such changes and how workplace processes for hiring have shifted, improvements to the candidate experience and aiming to eliminate biases in the hiring process.
Price also delves into how recruiters can be empowered in the age of AI rather than being replaced, turning AI into a strategic and competitive advantage, ethical considerations around such platforms, what the future holds for recruitment and HR's role, and how best HR can grasp looming opportunities.
To learn more about Deel, click here.
In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with Kingston Reid, we unpack the recent changes to the bargaining landscape, lessons learnt for employers, and what will constitute best practice in the ever-changing industrial relations environment in 2026.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner Brad Popple about his background as a trade union official and why he loves the "problem-solving" aspect of industrial relations. With that lens, Brad talks through the extent of changes in enterprise bargaining over the last few years and their implications.
Against this background, HR professionals must now look differently at the bargaining equation, taking into account recent case studies from the courts as well as broader environmental factors driving change. Brad also anticipates trends in bargaining on the horizon, offering best practice guidance for employers and HR functions in 2026 and beyond.
To learn more about Kingston Reid, click here.
With entry-level roles and role redesign flooding the AI transformation discourse, one expert reflects on what the next few years could hold. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Carlos Tse speaks with Gartner advisory director Jonathan Tabah (pictured), who reflects on how the AI transformation is unrivalled among technological revolutions, why AI is losing on "human touch" but winning in creativity, and how the changing rates of entry-level hiring are reshaping organisational structures across the workforce.
Tabah also delves into three potential horizons for the AI transformation, why many organisations will be picking the "low-hanging fruit" of AI in the next few years, why ignoring the "workforce within the machine" can lead to disaster, the implications of attitude in AI adoption, why there is no one size fits all for AI adoption, best practice for AI adoption, and why having a "zero-sum mentality" on AI will stop organisations from getting ahead.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with MoleMap, we unpack the prevalence of skin cancers among workers across the country and the duties incumbent upon employers to take a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with MoleMap chief business officer Jaime Schell about the work of the specialist provider, why it is so essential for Australians, the lack of dermatologists across the country, why employers have a duty to look after workers' skin health, how aware businesses are about such duties, and the barristers standing in the way of employers and HR teams offering better support.
Schell also delves into the findings of MoleMap's recent report into skin cancer risks and corporate responsibility in the wake of its findings, the ROI of better looking after staff, the impact of a box-ticking approach rather than genuine duty of care, the necessary practical steps to be taken, the relevance of ESG in such conversations, and transitioning beyond mere compliance.
To learn more about MoleMap, click here.
Often, team members will provide feedback to managers that the latter doesn't agree with, or vice versa. For the HR function, such disconnection provides an opportunity to turn conflict into connection.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with EMA Consulting principal consultant Ming-Lyn Hii about her work in implementing lawful and reasonable management action plans, the importance of ensuring more constructive interactions between managers and their teams, the drivers of such negative interactions, and what constitutes reasonable conduct.
Hii also delves into the need to go beyond legal compliance and implement cultural transformation, and how HR teams and professionals can put their best foot forward in supporting individual staff members as well as business objectives.
In workplaces where staff are exposed to higher levels of emotional distress from clients, the pressures upon HR are amplified. Here, we unpack how to manage those pressures and better support the workforce.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Resolve Divorce human resources manager Rebecca Kennedy about what it's like to manage the HR function of a family law firm, her perception of the challenges facing HR in 2026, how the role will shift in these 12 months, what constitutes a high-emotion workplace, and how such environments can amplify the pressure on HR.
Kennedy also delves into the issues that HR must grapple with in high-emotion workplaces, managing those issues alongside upskilling in new technologies and AI, taking a deliberate approach to such emotional workplaces, the need for proactivity, why proper management is so essential right now, practical steps that HR can and should take, and the need for a "bottom-up" approach, and what she's learnt about herself – personally and professionally – from managing a high-emotion workplace.
While employers absolutely have the right to manage the performance of staff members, more tailored approaches to the development of individuals that take into account idiosyncratic needs and skill sets are perhaps more fit for purpose in 2026 and beyond.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Electro Consulting chief executive and principal Shevonne Joyce about how paralysis and a neurological disorder have shaped her passion for inclusion and championing leaders with disabilities, how her personal experiences have informed her views on the workplace and worker experience, and why the concept of performance management is flawed.
Joyce also delves into some of the broader issues with performance management, how employers are realising that performance management is no longer fit for purpose, the importance of leaning into workers' personal growth, how to practically pivot, and how HR can strike the right balance in accommodating staff needs while living up to the business's expectations.
Reshoring – the process of bringing manufacturing, production, or services back home – may well be critical in ensuring that Australia and its workforce are more resilient, skilled, and sustainable.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Steve Kuper, lead of Momentum Media's defence and aerospace brands, about his background as a government staffer and his career pivot to media, what reshoring is and the context driving the need for such a national pivot, and Australia's level of economic complexity relative to other nations.
Kuper also discusses the broader economic and geopolitical arguments in favour of reshoring in particular industries and sectors, how and why younger workers have lost critical life and workplace skills as a result of the current technological landscape, what governments need to do to reshore the economy and workforce, and how businesses can respond to the current climate.
For many HR teams, the real challenges of the year emerge in January.
In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, we examine the workplace risks and legal pressures HR professionals are facing as they return from the summer break – and what this means for compliance, culture and decision making in 2026.
Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Kingston Reid partner Michael Mead, who reflects on the past 12 months in workplace relations and explains how issues often brought into sharp focus at the start of the year, from conduct and psychosocial hazards to grievances and workplace investigations, are reshaping best practice for HR. The conversation also explores how rising claims, shifting employee sentiment, and regulatory change are increasing scrutiny on employers, with predictions about the year ahead and what HR teams and professionals should prioritise to start 2026 on the front foot. A timely and practical discussion for all HR professionals navigating an increasingly complex workplace relations landscape in 2026.
To learn more about Kingston Reid, click here.
Leadership transitions can be challenging, but also an opportunity for the C-suite and HR team to prioritise the maintenance of workplace culture, company values, and worker engagement.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraismy speaks with BDO Melbourne managing partner Jason de Boer to discuss his background in professional services, the workforce changes and leadership and cultural challenges that stood out to him in 2025, taking a more flexible approach to flexibility, and the lessons he's learnt about good leadership and maintaining the right kind of culture.
De Boer also delves into the looming trends that big corporates like BDO will have to stay on top of when it comes to implementing good leadership and maintaining culture, what a good leadership transition looks like, what he's learnt about leadership from that transition, undertaking best practice, the role of HR in effective real change, how HR can meet the C-suite halfway, and what excites him about 2026 and beyond.
The year 2026 could well bring "an absolute schism" between old ways of working and new approaches for human resources, one professional says, while arguing that HR needs to find new and better ways to have a real impact moving forward.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back author and middle management expert Rebecca Houghton to discuss what a car accident taught her about the place and importance (or otherwise) of middle management, her key takeaways for HR from the past 12 months, how HR teams are feeling about the rapid pace of change in the market, and what it means to have a real impact in HR.
Houghton also delves into the questions that HR needs to ask of itself to take the right steps in the new year, the key skills and traits that HR professionals need to demonstrate in 2026 and beyond, rethinking your role in human resources, hurdles to overcome, the recipe for success, and her level of optimism that HR can have a true impact in their businesses moving forward.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, we explore the extent to which artificial intelligence has revolutionised the global workforce and what that means moving forward.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel head of policy Nick Catino about the company's recent research into how AI has upended workforces globally, how Australian businesses are leading the way, how AI is already replacing jobs, how technology makes people's lives better, and how businesses are increasingly taking a proactive approach to the use of AI and other emerging technologies.
Catino also delves into the rapid pace of change in just the last two years, how the labour force is specifically being reshaped and will continue to evolve, how competitive dynamics across borders will continue to change, flow-on consequences for hiring and broader HR practices, why data is a need-to-have (not a nice-to-have), and how best HR teams can lean in.
To learn more about Deel, click here.
Feelings of fun and happiness play a significant role in offsetting the stressors and rigours of working life. Here, an Auckland-based academic dives into the need for businesses to get creative in ensuring staff engagement and the critical role that HR must play in doing so.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with University of Auckland Business School Associate Professor Barbara Plester about her research into humour and fun in the workplace and why it's of such interest to her, the extent to which the pandemic shifted workers' levels of happiness, workers' level of connection post-COVID-19, and how critical creativity has become in keeping workers engaged.
Plester also delves into how the pandemic has correlated with an uptick in worker happiness, whether it had led to greater productivity, movement away from standardised approaches to wellbeing, the place for worker autonomy, employer limitations on flexibility, practical steps that employers should be taking to ensure optimal levels of employee happiness and striking the right balance with business objectives, and the role of HR managers in doing so.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, we explore how cross-border recruitment has changed workforces across the board and why businesses Down Under are thriving amid talent shortages.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel country lead in ANZ Shannon Karaka about the company's work and why it's so motivating, why global workforces are increasingly critical as we head into 2026, the benefits businesses can glean from having a cross-border talent pool, how cognisant Australian business leaders are of the opportunities that can come from a global workforce, and the various challenges to grapple with in creating such a pool of workers.
Karaka also delves into the questions that businesses need to ask in broadening the talent pool, ensuring the workforce remains engaged amid such changes, the practical steps that HR must take in implementing such a strategy, creating a competitive advantage, and why the borderless workforce is such an exciting prospect for Australian businesses moving forward.
To learn more about Deel, click here.
Workplace flexibility is increasingly under the spotlight in 2025, with a recent Fair Work Commission decision raising the stakes for employers. In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced by HR Leader in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, we unpack the commission's recent decision to grant an employee a permanent work-from-home arrangement.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid Managing Partner Alice DeBoos about why the commission found Westpac's refusal lacked "reasonable business grounds" and ruled in favour of the worker, as well as the headline implications and lessons for employers as a result of the decision. The conversation also explores what can go wrong for employers when dealing with requests for flexible working arrangements and outlines practical steps that businesses need to take right now.
To learn more about Kingston Reid, click here.
Today (19 November) is International Men's Day. Here, we unpack the myriad challenges faced by men across the board and what employers need to do to better cater to those specific needs.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with former banker and self-described "manbassador" Tim Hewson, who is now the founder of mental health charity Mongrels Men and Betterment Consulting, about his career to date, experiences with daily panic attacks and broader struggles with mental health issues, what motivates him about his current work, and the specific challenges being faced by men regarding mental health across Australia.
Hewson also delves into the professional and workplace challenges that exacerbate the struggles faced by men nationwide, the impact of evolving social and cultural expectations and norms, his observations from speaking with men on the ground, what's working and not working from an employer standpoint in addressing such issues, the role of HR in improving the situation, the work he is doing to combat men's health struggles, and his advice for men to take the steps they need to help themselves and those around them.
In the face of worker uncertainty about not just how to embed and utilise new and emerging technologies, but also why such changes are necessary, it is incumbent upon businesses to create comfort for employees to learn and thrive.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Qualtrics global chief people officer Julia Anas about the work she undertakes, the increasing need to focus on the "people experience" in the current climate, why it's so necessary to address employee's trust gap with AI, why workers are uncertain or fearful, and whether such feelings should be viewed in isolation or in a broader context.
Anas also delves into the challenges being presented for HR professionals in the wake of this trust gap, the approaches needed to address these challenges, the overwhelming scope of the task before HR, whether workers are even willing to offer trust on this front, and what excites her about overcoming such challenges and the work more broadly of the HR function in the future.
Businesses that can bring their workforce on the journey of change and can recognise what the constants are versus points in time are the ones that will remain resilient. HR has a huge role to play in navigating such processes and in shaping leadership approaches.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with NetApp executive vice president, chief administrative officer and corporate secretary Beth O'Callahan about how she manages both the human resources and legal functions, her background as a lawyer, the market's cognisance of the need to evolve leadership approaches, what constitutes good leadership in the current climate, and how her approach has evolved in recent years.
O'Callahan also delves into whether shifts in leadership approaches are led by managers or workers, getting comfortable with AI, leading a workforce's adoption of AI while learning it as an HR professional, the need to unlearn certain processes and traits, shaping workforce readiness, lessons she's learnt about building the right kind of culture, and what excites her about the changing nature of leadership in business, and how HR can best support that change.
In the inaugural episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, host Jerome Dorasaimy speaks with Kingston Reid Partner Christa Lenard to unpack this recent landmark decision from the Federal Court, which has reshaped a practice many employers across Australia have relied upon for decades – using contractual remuneration set-off clauses to balance out overpayments in one pay period against shortfalls in another.
Lenard also delves into the regulatory complexities and scrutiny post-judgment, what employers need to be on top of and the extent to which employers are looking to respond to the judgment's findings..
Whether you're responsible for payroll, compliance, or broader workforce strategy, this episode delivers essential insights for HR professionals on how remuneration set-off clauses have been narrowed in the wake of this major decision, as well as practical steps organisations must take to ensure their remuneration, record-keeping, and payroll practices remain compliant, and the role of HR moving forward.
To learn more about Kingston Reid, click here.
If HR professionals are to meaningfully enable and drive innovation and strategic growth, they cannot sit around and wait for the opportunity. HR must demonstrate that it offers more than just processes and performance improvement plans and that it can drive commercial outcomes.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with bolttech group chief people officer Scott Austin about having worked in HR across jurisdictions and in different sectors, why he finds the work so interesting, the headline challenges HR teams are facing amid voluminous market change, setting HR up to leverage its strengths, shifting how HR is perceived, and why HR professionals cannot wait for permission to drive needed business changes.
Austin also delves into how he has been proactive, rather than reactive, about driving innovation and growth, why the onus is on HR to take the initiative, the nuances of fintech and insurtech that he's had to adapt to, overcoming roadblocks to HR's driving of change, being data-driven, why HR is transferable across any sector, and his predictions for the market moving forward.
In the age of AI, concerns remain that artificial intelligence is coming at the cost of genuine human interaction. Against this backdrop, it is incumbent upon HR teams and professionals to ensure that AI is both an enabler of business success and helps prevent the acceleration of disconnection or disenchantment in the workplace.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership ethicist and program director Dr Matt Beard to discuss the myriad ethical dilemmas and considerations in the workplace in the current climate, whether AI is accelerating concerns that human relationships are being sidelined in the post-pandemic world, whether businesses are cognisant of such concerns, and what he sees as the biggest challenges for ethics and culture in the workplace right now.
Beard also delves into the extent to which "scut work" needs to be done versus pivoting one's service offering for clients, how HR can view its responsibilities to ensure that workplace culture is at an optimal level and human relationships aren't suffering, how technology can be an enabler of workplace connection, and how optimistic he is that HR teams can drive forward their workplaces in the right ways.
Financial stress continues to put downward pressure on workplace productivity. As a result – and in the face of broader market challenges – ensuring financial wellbeing must be a key priority for the HR function at this critical juncture.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with MoneyGPS co-founder and chief executive George Haramis and Howden head of employee benefits Chris Sinclair and their respective businesses and partnership, the urgency of addressing financial wellbeing in the current climate, the issues employees are facing on the ground, and how workers across generations are facing unique financial challenges.
Haramis and Sinclair also delve into the need for employers to take a holistic approach to financial wellbeing, what HR teams need to be asking, the solutions that can and should be implemented to drive measurable impacts, practical strategies their businesses are implementing and offer to clients, and what they're both looking forward to when it comes to improving financial wellbeing for the market.
According to this chief people officer, it is "such an exciting time" to be in HR, given the opportunities to collaborate and consult, and be authentic and approachable, when driving business reform that is fit for purpose in the current climate.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Hoyts Group chief people officer Jodi Paton about her background in sports psychology, having witnessed the highs and lows over the last decade for staff, whether it's even been more difficult to oversee the HR function, the need for new approaches to driving business reform, and reframing her own perceptions about successful implementation of reform.
Paton also delves into the need for proactivity in driving reform, having a bottom-up approach whereby collaboration and communication are embedded, assuming responsibility for managing a younger workforce, how she measures success in implementing reform, her guidance to other HR leaders about successful reform projects, and what excites her about HR work moving forward.
In the current climate, catering to the idiosyncratic needs and perceptions of all staff across generations – and ensuring they feel safe and included – is an ever-present challenge for HR.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Konica Minolta Australia head of people and culture Gabrielle Stevens about her personal and professional investment in helping people, whether it’s getting easier or harder for businesses to help workers feel safe and included, what constitutes a safe and inclusive workplace, and creating a foundation of trust in the post-pandemic world.
Stevens also discusses her team’s journey, what they have implemented, the importance of getting onboarding right, catering to individual needs and across generational differences, what has worked and not worked within her workplace, the investment of time required from HR, and how this journey has shaped her ongoing view of the importance of the role of HR.
In an age where employees are increasingly demanding a sense of purpose and belonging in the workplace, it is incumbent upon businesses and their HR teams to ensure that all staff feel seen and heard.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Insight people and culture director in APAC, Elyse Philippi, about how she always wanted to be in a job where she could help people, whether it’s getting easier or harder for HR to make meaningful workplace change, why personalising the employee journey is so essential, why employees currently want more from the workplace, and catering to a workforce with more generations than ever before.
Philippi also discusses the questions that HR needs to ask in getting started on personalising the employee journey at scale, challenges to be overcome, what she and her team have successfully implemented at Insight, and the role of AI and other emerging technologies, how such a journey has reinforced her perception of the role of HR, highlighting the human element of such work, and what lessons she’s learnt in personalisation at scale of the employee experience.
Amid myriad professional, technological, economic, and sociocultural changes, it is essential that HR professionals face such shifting sands with an open mind, which will allow, one chief people and culture officer says, for greater creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation chief people and culture officer Mariam Hares about her journey in the profession, what her day-to-day in the not-for-profit looks like, the challenges and opportunities she’s seeing on the horizon for HR professionals and teams, and how well HR is doing, as a business unit, in adapting to change.
Hares also delves into bringing all business units along for the ride in adapting to change, the questions that HR needs to answer in the talent space, leaning into automation, getting incentives right, creating a strategy to address the many workforce challenges, and her best practice guidance to other HR professionals in the face of voluminous market change.
Moral injury is a term that came about in the 1990s, but in years to come, such workplace hazards could well be among the more prominent concerns for employers to address. Here, a leading researcher explains why.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraismy speaks with Associate Professor Wendy Bonython, the associate dean of learning and teaching in the faculty of law at Bond University, to discuss her research work, what is meant by the term “moral injury”, and how and why it’s becoming a more prominent concern in workplaces across the country.
Associate Professor Bonython also delves into whether moral injuries will be among the most prominent workplace concerns in years to come, recent research she has conducted in this space and the headline findings, how moral injuries provide answers to questions we couldn’t previously categorise, the impact of moral injuries on productivity, and the steps that employers need to take to prevent such injuries from impacting workers.
The unlawful termination of journalist Antoinette Lattouf by the national broadcaster, which resulted in high-profile proceedings in the Federal Court, has shone a spotlight on workplace policies for social media use by employees, and the need for such frameworks to be fit for purpose.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with McCabes principal Melini Pillay about her journey from being a prosecutor to representing defendants in employment and safety matters, how her background in criminal law offers perspective for her current work, the difficulties of managing five generations in the workforce for businesses, and what happened in the Lattouf v ABC proceedings.
Pillay also discusses:
- What the court found and the employment law implications moving forward from these proceedings.
- The difficulties inherent with striking the right balance with a social media policy.
- What might constitute bringing one’s employer into disrepute and the questions that employers should be asking as a starting point.
- Why policies need to appreciate the prevalence of and place for social media in the modern landscape.
- Practical steps to take in ensuring the right balance is struck when revamping workplace policies.
While workplace jealousy has always existed in various forms, the trend of “downward envy” – that is, leaders feeling envious of their employees, for myriad reasons – is a relatively new phenomenon, and one that can have deleterious impacts upon staff.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Monash Business School PhD candidate Sabreen Kaur about her research into the phenomenon of downward envy, what it is and how it has come about, how the introduction of more generations into the workforce has exacerbated this trend, and how such envy can manifest.
Kaur also delves into the reasons why leaders may be envious of their staff members, the potential for short-sightedness from managers, why businesses and organisations suffer as a result of managers feeling envious, what employers need to do about it, and how optimistic she is that Australian workplaces can overcome this growing trend.
Late last year, the chief people officer for Gilchrist Connell was announced as the national law firm’s new chief executive – a role she assumed in July. Here, she reflects on her vocational experience and details how coming from an HR background and wearing “many, many hats” lends well to leading a large legal practice.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Gilchrist Connell chief executive Belinda Cohen about her career prior to joining the law firm five years ago, the work she did as CPO, balancing the proactive and reactive as an HR professional, and how she came to be the firm’s CEO.
Cohen also discusses the firm’s vision as set out by her predecessor, Richard Wood, and how her HR background will assist in furthering that vision, how and why HR professionals are well placed to step into such senior leadership roles, how HR professionals can create such vocational pipelines for themselves, and what excites her moving forward.
A recent Fair Work decision noted that a primary carer doesn’t have to be the sole carer in order to receive primary carer parental leave. Here, a senior lawyer unpacks the decision and what it means for employers and lawyers moving forward.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Meredith Kennedy, a special counsel at national law firm Maddocks, about her work in the firm’s employment, safety, and people practice, the case of Metro Tasmania Pty Ltd v Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (including what happened at first instance and then in front of the full bench of the Fair Work Commission), how “primary carer” was defined in the proceedings and relevant enterprise agreement, and how and why the FWC full bench reached its conclusions.
Kennedy also delves into why this matter is so significant, the takeaways for employers nationwide, the need to ensure that workplace policies and frameworks account for all circumstances, overcoming collective biases, riding the wave of sociocultural shifts, best practice for lawyers in this space, and what else such lawyers need to be looking out for.
Here, we explore the need for business leaders and workplaces to “earn the commute” of their staff members returning to the office, including by way of imbibing a common purpose of the broader approach. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Canon Oceania director of people and finance David Field about his remit at Canon, how he has found the transition from technical legal specialist to having a bigger picture focus on business, whether businesses are getting it right in bringing staff back to the office, and navigating the disconnect that may exist between generations in the workforce. Field also discusses the questions that businesses need to be asking of themselves when wanting to bring staff back into the office, how he and Canon have looked to answer those questions, the place for trial and error, fostering team collegiality, strengthening common purpose through team building and community involvement, working for the greater good, and the steps that must be taken.
Here, a senior HR adviser reveals the non-negotiables driving Australian candidates, why outdated recruitment tactics backfire, and how to fix hiring in a market where flexibility and respect reign supreme.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Kace O’Neill speaks with Gartner’s senior HR principal, Jasleen Kaur, about why Australian talent prioritises work/life balance over pay, how outdated recruitment tactics drive candidate “ghosting”, and why transparency is key to fixing broken hiring processes.
Kaur also delves into whether employers misunderstand flexibility as a trust issue, how HR can shift from “selling roles” to coaching candidates, what data-driven strategies recruiters must use to challenge unrealistic hiring managers, and why job descriptions sabotage talent attraction.
She further explores whether DEI’s future lies in process-led inclusion (not performative training), how businesses can pre-empt HR/hiring manager breakdowns, what policy shifts prevent “buyer’s regret”, and whether personal growth and micro-cultures will redefine Australia’s talent landscape.
Almost all Australians know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or will have been diagnosed themselves. However, our workforce has a long way to go when it comes to having open, supportive conversations about workers who fall ill.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Publicis Groupe chief talent officer in APAC and ANZ, Pauly Grant, about her journey to an executive role, her vision for optimal workplace culture, how and why cancer remains stigmatised in the workplace, what it looks like, whether cancer is getting lost in the shuffle given discussions about other ailments, and what it all means for the employee experience.
Grant also delves into whether self-stigma is a factor, whether Australian businesses are doing well at having conversations about cancer, how HR teams can act, the practical steps that business leaders must take, the workplace policy shifts that can be made, and whether she is optimistic that our workforces can move towards destigmatisation.
For many businesses, employing fractional professionals – who are highly committed and engaged – to lead can be the way for those entities to deal with the myriad market challenges they face.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy sits down with The CFO Centre group chief executive Sara Daw to discuss her professional journey and embrace of greater flexibility and variety for professionals, why businesses might see engaging fractional professionals for leadership roles as a good thing, and why fractional leadership is a growing trend.
Daw also delves into how businesses are responding to changing leadership models and structures, navigating the challenges that might come from such organisational changes, how the role of HR needs to evolve in conjunction with the rise of fractional leadership, the need to adapt to a changing world, and what HR needs to do to ensure the workplace environment is fit for purpose.
In an age of information overload, bringing things back to basics and ensuring workforces are getting the fundamentals right is essential to ensuring healthy, happy and productive staff.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Rodney Cottam and Chris Paterson from Run Rocket Run about their journeys in the corporate, armed services, and professional sporting worlds, what resilience means to them, why resilience is more essential than ever in workplaces right now, and what workers are most crying out for from their employers.
Cottam and Paterson also delve into the importance of being able to bring one’s best self to work, being able to separate one’s self from the office, whether Australian workplaces are headed in the right direction, Run Rocket Run’s unique coaching approaches, bringing things back to basics, and applying basic principles to learning and development.
What did this HR partner do when she walked into her first defence event in her early 20s, wearing a bright pink suit, and realised she was the only woman in the room? In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced by our sister brand, Defence Connect, we explore this question and much more.
In the premiere episode of The Progress Report, produced by HR Leader’s sister brand, Defence Connect, host Natasha Taylor sits down with Olivia Agate – president of Women’s Defence Connection and HR partner at Navantia – to unpack what it really takes to show up, speak up, and stand tall in a still male-dominated industry.
From rainbow dresses at 6am breakfasts to the quiet power of allyship, Agate and Taylor trade stories of impostor syndrome, backing yourself (and each other), and how simply saying yes can change the entire trajectory of your career.
Former CEO of an AFL side turned ethical leadership expert Matt Finnis unpacks the habits of inclusive workplaces, strategies for navigating polarising debates, and why transparency is non-negotiable in 2025.
Formerly CEO of St Kilda Football Club and corporate lawyer and now CEO at Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, Matt Finnis spoke to HR Leader journalist Kace O’Neill to discuss key themes around ethical leadership, transparency, and disagreement. Finnis argues that modern inclusion isn’t about erasing discomfort but embracing pluralism. As workplaces become “melting pots of humanity”, leaders must move beyond correcting historical wrongs to actively welcoming conflicting values – transforming tension into growth.
From the Israel Folau controversy to modern-day conflict debates, Finnis reveals how organisations can rehearse for inclusion crises. His antidote? Proactive scenario training, purpose-driven dialogue, and empowering employees to shape culture – before headlines force reactive decisions.
With whistleblowing fears lingering, Finnis stresses that ethical followership hinges on leaders modelling vulnerability. He shares hard-won lessons from the AFL trenches: closing feedback loops, rewarding uncomfortable truths, and why owning mistakes builds more trust than flawless execution ever could.
The fierce debate over flexible work arrangements shows no signs of slowing down, thrust into the spotlight by the recent Australian federal election and high-profile corporate mandates.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, Host Kace O’Neill sits down with Neal Woolrich, director in Gartner’s HR Advisory team, to navigate the complex terrain of post-pandemic work. Woolrich, drawing on his unique background spanning journalism, tax advisory, and nearly a decade at Gartner, issues a stark warning: the push for rigid five-day office returns is fraught with significant talent and business risks, potentially crippling engagement and productivity.
Woolrich cautions that enforcing strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates can backfire spectacularly. Employees, he argues, quickly see through hollow justifications linking office presence directly to productivity or culture. The real key, he emphasises, isn’t location but fostering a collaborative team environment.
Beyond the RTO tug of war, Woolrich identifies critical missed opportunities, particularly the persistent reluctance to embrace proven flexible models like the four-day work week – despite compelling productivity data and employee demand. He attributes this stagnation partly to an “old-school mindset” prevalent among senior leaders, even as C-suite turnover rises potentially due to inflexibility. Looking ahead, Woolrich predicts hybrid work patterns in Australia will stabilise around 50 per cent, urging HR to champion human-centric design, ensure consistent policy application (especially as one in three organisations lack RTO compliance mechanisms), and build coalitions of progressive leaders to drive meaningful change.
The NSW government’s proposed overhaul of the workers’ compensation scheme has ignited fierce debate.
In this recent episode of the HR Leader Podcast, host Kace O’Neill sits down with Chantille Khoury, partner and practice group leader for workers’ compensation at Law Partners, to dissect the draft reforms and their potentially seismic impact.
Khoury details how the reforms would devastate support for psychological injuries, revealing a statistic about the proposed 31 per cent whole-person impairment (WPI). Khoury addresses the narrow injury definitions excluding burnout/work pressure, claiming that these changes abandon vulnerable workers while ignoring root causes.
Beyond statistics, Khoury warns of reforms exacerbating mental health crises: drawn-out processes, surveillance paranoia, and inaccessible legal hurdles could deepen trauma. While acknowledging system sustainability concerns, she proposes alternatives.
The episode closes with a stark question: Will NSW fix the scheme or sacrifice worker welfare in the rush?
At the time of this episode’s recording, a key policy proposal put forward by the NSW government, which included workers having to obtain court verification from the IRC when seeking compensation for bullying, racial abuse, or sexual harassment, has since been removed.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, working life has changed significantly. Now, research is starting to identify certain professional and environmental trends that businesses need to be on top of.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by the founding board director of R U OK?, Graeme Cowan, to discuss why uncertainty is so prevalent in workplaces in the current climate, why the proliferation of remote and flexible working is a worrying development, the varying levels of trust in the workforce and why it is damaging, a decline in employee engagement and the consequences of not paying attention to that lack of engagement, and the ongoing wellbeing and mental health crisis.
Cowan also delves into the broader business considerations inherent with addressing wellbeing concerns, why the wellbeing focus isn’t working, how and why more managers want out of their workplaces, how business leaders can better support managers, why change leadership needs to improve, and the decline of respect in the workplace.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, we showcase one of the headline speakers for the upcoming Bold Ideas in HR event, Taylor Dee Hawkins, about the moral and commercial imperatives to best practice with management of a workforce that is more diverse than ever before and the benefits that come with it.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Taylor Dee Hawkins, the Foundations for Tomorrow managing director, about the work that she does, the extent to which business leaders are ready and able to lead so many different generations in the workforce, leaders’ cognisance of the need to do so, the dangers in not properly managing workers of all ages, the questions that businesses need to ask of themselves, and the practical steps to be taken.
To learn more about Bold Ideas in HR, click here.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, we showcase one of the headline speakers for the upcoming Bold Ideas in HR event, Kylie Fuller, about whether diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remains good business or rightly under the microscope.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kylie Fuller, the managing director of Fuller Potential, about her work, why it is important to take stock of where we’re at with DEI practices in the workplace, why it is necessary to ensure that DEI remains fit for purpose, whether Australia is an inflection point for DEI (like in the US), and whether she is optimistic that we can have productive conversations about the way forward. To learn more about Bold Ideas in HR, click here.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, we showcase one of the headline speakers for the upcoming Bold Ideas in HR event, Steve Glaveski, about whether Elon Musk was right to fire four in five Twitter (now X) employees.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Glaveski, the CEO and co-founder of Collective Campus, about his corporate innovation consultancy and start-up accelerator and why he does this work, why it’s important to explore whether or not Elon Musk should have fired so many Twitter employees, why HR managers and C-suite professionals need to be examining whether such an approach is necessary for their businesses, why inaction is not an option in the current climate, and whether he is optimistic that Australian business leaders can draw the right lessons from Musk’s Twitter experience.
To learn more about Bold Ideas in HR, click here.
In the current climate, businesses are seeing less need for middle managers – this is not only concerning for those professionals but also detrimental to long-term business health.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with BoldHR founder Rebecca Houghton about the work she does and why it’s meaningful, the emergence of the Great Flattening, its implications for the workforce, the outsized impact that middle managers have, why businesses misunderstand the impact that middle managers have, and moving past inaccurate perceptions.
Houghton also delves into how Australian businesses are reacting to this trend, being perceived as fiscal bloat, how lower-level employees are exacerbating this trend, what we’ve learnt from previous instances of this workplace trend, the consequences of the current iteration of the trend, and the questions and practical steps that businesses need to ask and implement respectively.
In the face of voluminous market and cultural change, the ways in which recruiters and hiring managers operate need to evolve, one professional argues.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with TRC chief executive Geoff Millar about his background in recruitment, why it’s been a meaningful career path, the peaks and troughs he’s seen in the recruitment space, what the current careers landscape looks like, why recruiters need to re-evaluate the ways they do things, and whether approaches with businesses are becoming outdated.
Millar also discusses the dangers of falling behind on new-age thinking, questions to ask of a business in order to improve approaches to recruitment, practical steps to be taken, and what is exciting about such change for hiring managers and recruiters.
Here, a leading employment and labour lawyer reflects on what we’ve learnt in the last year and a half from the Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislative changes and what it all means for the market moving forward. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Norton Rose Fulbright partner Alexandra Shields about her work in employment and labour law, the “human element” of such legal practice, what the recent Secure Jobs, Better Pay amendments are and why they were introduced, the key takeaways from the last 12 to 18 months following the passage of the amendments, and the issues and challenges that have arisen. Shields also delves into how best to respond to those issues and challenges, the more encouraging developments from the last 12 to 18 months, whether developments in the market can be attributed to the amended legislation, why changing the employment and labour market is a longer-term project, going by the “vibes”, how employers should respond to the current climate, considering their reputations, and what is best practice for lawyers in this space moving forward.
With political polarisation on the rise worldwide and with Australia’s federal election less than a fortnight away, it is fundamental that business leaders find ways to ensure greater connectivity and collegiality for their workforces.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Adelaide-based Moira Were, the mayor of the City of Onkaparinga, co-founder of Collab4good and co-founder of Chooks SA, about her varied work, whether political polarisation at work has gotten worse, the issues and consequences that arise from such workplace tension, and how difficult it might be for HR teams to navigate such matters.
Were also delves into the practical steps that business leaders and HR teams must take to mitigate political polarisation, the need to avoid toxic discourse among staff, striking the right balance with healthy debate and allowing individuals to be themselves, and how teams can ensure civil conversations ahead of next week’s federal election.
Here, we discuss SuperFriend’s recently released Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Key Insights report, what it says about the state of affairs in the Australian workforce, and what constitutes best practice moving forward.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with SuperFriend chief mental health adviser Dr Natalie Flatt about the recently released Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Key Insights report, the key takeaways and findings from that report, how much work is still required to ensure that workplaces of all stripes can thrive, and the confusion that business leaders may feel in determining the best path forward.
Flatt also discusses the cause of such confusion, tailoring a business’s strategic approach, rethinking leadership and management tactics, other practical steps that must be taken, and leaning into the framework detailed by SuperFriend.
In Labor’s pre-election budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced a ban on non-compete clauses for workers earning less than $175,000. Here, we unpack implications for businesses, workers, and the political climate, as well as the consequences not only for employment law but also for M&As and litigation.
In this episode of The HR Leader Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks to employment law partner Fay Calderone, from national law firm Hall & Wilcox, to discuss the announced ban on non-compete clauses for non-high-income workers in the 2025 budget, the response from businesses and employment lawyers, and the likely consequences for the M&A market and litigious climate.
Calderone also delves into the divide between political impressions of this announcement versus the business reality, striking the right balance between employee freedom and business protections, who employment lawyers will have to collaborate with moving forward, what constitutes best practice for lawyers looking ahead, and her broad guidance to businesses in the wake of the announced ban.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Avature, we unpack the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on the daily operations of human resources teams and how such professionals can and should take advantage.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Avature founder and chief executive officer Dimitri Boylan about the volume of change he has witnessed in the market in recent decades, how disruptive and transformative AI will be relative to past technological shifts such as the “dot-com boom” and the lessons to be gleaned, how HR teams can leverage it to address their unique challenges and tips for navigating setbacks when integrating AI.
Boylan also delves into “being on the leading edge versus the bleeding edge”, keeping pace with rapid advancements, ticking the right boxes when triaging urgent priorities, what’s working and not working out in the market, the regulatory state of affairs, and the questions HR needs to ask of itself at this critical juncture. To learn more about Avature, click here.
When it comes to creating thriving workplaces, a more idiosyncratic approach to gendered needs may well be what businesses have long been missing.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Dr Michelle McQuaid, an honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science, about the importance of speaking about gender in the workplace in non-traditional ways, why it is so difficult to have such conversations in the current climate, her two components to best practice when it comes to gender equality at work, and ensuring that such conversations are prioritised by the business and C-suite.
McQuaid also delves into the practical ways that HR teams can implement new frameworks, the commercial incentive for doing so, the first steps that HR must take, empowering the workforce to make such changes (against the backdrop of the rising tech oligarchs and sociocultural shifts), and why mental health is front and centre of this broader discussion.
In this episode of the HR Leader podcast, host Kace O’Neill sits down with Rachel Voysey, founding director and principal psychologist of the Relationship Room, to unpack the complexities of workplace relationships – from platonic bonds to office romances. With over a decade of expertise in relationship dynamics, Voysey unpacks HR’s delicate role: addressing these dynamics without moral judgment, spotting subtle red flags like dips in team trust or favouritism, and navigating power imbalances that erode cohesion. From discreetly managing fallout to understanding how secrecy breeds “intuitive distrust”, Voysey emphasises policies that balance empathy with accountability.
While workplace relationships are inevitable, Voysey stresses that education on professional versus personal connections – and compassionate, transparent leadership – can mitigate risks without stifling the human connections that drive engagement.
Remuneration and incentives have always been a Pandora’s box for business leaders. In the post-pandemic climate, however, in which employee values have shifted, the equation has become trickier. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with TalentCode HR founder and managing director Trudy MacDonald about the difficulties business leaders have long had with implementing successful remuneration and incentive strategies, how COVID-19 spawned a shift in employee thinking around work/life balance, the Great Exhaustion and its implications, the impact of resenteeism, and how difficult it is for employers to cater to idiosyncratic needs of all staff.
MacDonald also reflects on whether employees are staying put right now (following the Great Resignation), employee disgruntlement amid high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, how the latest WGEA data might impact employee thinking, the steps that HR professionals and C-suite executives need to take, measuring success, and the folly of viewing remuneration as an isolated issue.
“Nothing sharpens the mind,” a leading barrister says, like the threat of serious financial penalties or imprisonment. Under the newly legislated wage theft laws, businesses need to ensure their payroll and other administrative processes meet the requisite standard. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Sydney-based barrister Ian Neil SC to discuss why employment and industrial relations law is such a meaningful vocational path for him, what the new wage theft laws are and how they came about, the most common reasons why employers will fail to comply with existing law, and why old excuses will no longer fly. Neil also delves into the consequences of non-compliance with the new legislative landscape, community perceptions about the new laws, the questions businesses must ask of themselves in getting their systems up to scratch, the role of HR in ensuring compliance, how HR can balance such duties against other priorities, and he also fleshes out other key aspects of the new Closing Loopholes legislation.
Donald Trump’s presidency has already begun reshaping the corporate and political landscape in the US, with executive orders rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and clean energy efforts. What impact does this have on organisational culture globally? In this episode of the Relative Return Unplugged Podcast – produced by the wealth portfolio at HR Leader’s parent company, Momentum Media – Associate Professor Nathan Eva from Monash Business School discusses the global implications of Trump’s “me-first agenda” on business and workplace culture, including within Australia.
He explores the risks of deprioritising diversity, how Australian leaders can resist these trends, what organisations can do to stay committed to fairness, equity, and sustainability amid political and social upheaval, and the leadership qualities needed to navigate this challenging new era.
The year 2024 was eventful for industrial relations (IR) disputes, with major Australian organisations facing off against disgruntled workers and unions in standoffs that caused a media frenzy. Here, one IR expert breaks down these major disputes and offers an outlook on why employers can’t afford to ignore the 2025 IR wave.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Kace O’Neill speaks with Workvergent founder and managing industrial relations consultant Troy Gread to unpack the most polarising disputes – from the Woolworths’ Christmas showdown to Sydney’s train strike chaos – and what they reveal about the battles ahead.
On the eve of a federal election, with IR battles and multi-employer bargaining on the rise, Gread reveals why 2025 could be a tipping point for employers and HR teams. Whether it’s navigating union tactics, Gen Z worker activism, or the hidden costs of lost productivity – the rapidly changing industrial landscape continues to evolve.
While “hustle culture” has been celebrated in the mainstream in recent years, one business leader is advocating for the more targeted, deliberated approach of “focus culture” – through which, she says, workers can be passionate about their work without having it become their identity. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with INFIX founder and chief executive Niamh Sullivan about her journey as a Forbes 30 Under 30 semi-finalist and a TEDx speaker, the key differences between “focus culture” and “hustle culture”, the impact of the pandemic on workplace cultural issues, the perpetuating impact of social media, and the consequences of buying into “hustle culture”.
Sullivan also delves into the negative cultural impacts that come from constant hustling by workers, what “focus culture” looks like in practice, the role of HR in working with employees to bring about the right cultural change, the role of business leaders, and how optimistic she is that Australian workplaces can move towards healthier modes of working and productivity.
Here, a senior corporate lawyer reflects on the three-year career break she took to be a full-time carer and what businesses need to do to ensure that the idiosyncratic family needs of workers are accounted for. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with ANZ senior procurement lawyer Porscia Lam about her legal career and decision to take a three-year break to care for her son, balancing work against family needs, what the response was like to her move, and how her perceptions of Australian workplaces have evolved in recent years.
Lam also delves into the need for businesses to better accommodating parenting needs, identifying the business case for increased support, what works and doesn’t work when supporting parents with neurodiverse children, ingraining such support in the workplace’s culture, the role of HR departments in driving such change, and making sure such support remains, even against the pushback against DEI measures.
In the face of myriad market changes, not only do HR professionals need to work differently – they also need to be perceived differently in the workplace. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ignite Purpose founder and chief executive Christina Foxwell about the key takeaways and lessons for HR professionals from 2024 and what the implications are for such professionals, increasing concerns around exhaustion, and why self-care needs to be front and centre for HR in the new year.
Foxwell also discusses the questions HR teams need to ask of themselves in 2025, the trends she is most excited about for this year, how difficult it will be for HR to navigate such trends, and her guidance to HR in order to thrive.
With more and more employees wanting access to mentoring, it is essential that businesses get it right, says one investment banker turned executive coach and consultant. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with MentorKey and Serendis founder Maud Lindley about her career journey, the increased demand for mentoring in the workplace, how and why businesses are not hitting the mark with mentoring programs, and the circumstances leading to shortcomings in such initiatives.
Lindley also reflects on the consequences that flow when mentoring programs are not satisfactory, whether addressing such issues is a priority for businesses right now, the practical steps to take to improve mentoring offerings and solutions to implement, and the role of HR in driving mentoring programs forward into the future.
In December, the High Court of Australia overturned a 115-year-old precedent and determined that “sham” terminations can cause psychiatric injury. Here, we unpack the implications of this decision for businesses nationwide.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Pinsent Masons partner and head of employment law and reward (APAC) Aaron Goonrey about the expansiveness of legal work in this space, what the decision in Elisha v Vision Australia Ltd held, what was ordered and what it means moving forward.
Goonrey also delves into the extent to which employment law is entering a grey area as a result of the decision, how it changes the landscape for employment lawyers across the country, and what will constitute best practice for professionals in this space in 2025 and beyond.
Across the board, Australian businesses can and must be better at utilising the unique perspectives and experiences of their more senior employees – particularly in a market defined by rapid workplace and technological change.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Taking it Forward founder and chief executive and human resources executive Lana Johnston about the importance of reflecting on the need to better utilise older workers, why businesses may be failing to get the most out of such a cohort, perceptions that hold such workers back, and the challenges they face on the ground.
Johnston also delves into the perspectives that older workers can bring to the table for their younger counterparts, the practical steps to better utilising them and their abilities, what businesses need to be asking of themselves, what works and doesn’t work, and bringing the whole workforce along for the journey.
The year 2024 provided numerous examples of underpayment and wage theft violations, with a number of employers facing repercussions. Yet in 2025, the consequences for these indiscretions will be much harsher – with jail time not off the table.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Smart WFM founder and chief executive Jarrod McGrath about what the new wage theft criminalisation laws – which are set to come into place next year – mean for Australian HR leaders and senior organisational executives.
McGrath describes the vital function that correct payroll systems have when it comes to underpayments, with the vast majority of these contraventions being a by-product of flawed payroll systems that permeate errors. McGrath also expounds on the widespread trust issue that can arise as a result of underpayment of even a single employee, as workers often lose faith in their employer when incidents like this take place. Finally, McGrath dives into the intricate details of the new laws that will, without a doubt, have a huge effect on the job role of HR teams in 2025.
A “tsunami” of wellness workplace issues could be coming for Australian businesses, highlighting the importance of redesigning environmental structures to better ensure optimal outcomes for staff and team objectives. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Elemental Coaching and Psychology chief mental health adviser Kate Connors about how well Australian workplaces are faring on the wellness front post-pandemic, the headline consequences for teams that are not functioning at optimal levels, market factors exacerbating poor wellness at present, and the urgent need to redesign workplace structures.
Connors also delves into the questions that businesses and leaders need to ask in redesigning such structures, what works and doesn’t work in undertaking a redesign, practical implementation, the need for evaluation, avoiding looking for quick wins, and the role of HR in ensuring a return on investment.
While human resources professionals have always had to navigate workplace issues that are inherently ethical, the tension and discomfort that arise from the navigation of such issues is an element that – particularly in the current climate – demands greater attention.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership program director Dr Matt Beard about his work in the ethics space, what we mean by ethical dilemmas, what we’re seeing in the market that may be making it more difficult for HR to navigate such dilemmas, and why there is a “heightened sense” of such challenges.
Beard also reflects on the compounding problems inherent with communication hurdles in the post-pandemic working environment, how better management of ethical dilemmas can and will aid HR teams in dealing with other urgent priorities, the underlying risk of “ethical fading”, practical steps that HR teams can be taking right now, and how HR can get buy-in from other business functions to bolster their capacity to better deal with workplace issues.
Australia’s workers’ compensation landscape, given the almost dozen separate schemes nationwide, is “a bit of a fractured mess”. Having a national scheme, one workplace risk director argues, will go a long way in addressing pervasive issues. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Aon workplace risk director Gary McMullen about the current state of affairs with workers’ compensation schemes across the country, why the disparity is causing problems, the “postcode privilege” that exists for some workers, and how schemes are both declining in performance and simultaneously more expensive.
McMullen also delves into self-insurance that businesses will take out, the current state of mental health claims nationwide, the potential for lingering issues to get worse, his case for a national scheme, the likelihood that a national scheme can come about, and how HR professionals can help their businesses navigate the current landscape in the interim.
Bronwen Bock and Lucy Bradlow are blazing a trail as Australia’s first job-share political candidates, seeking a Senate seat in Victoria. Parliament, they say, “should be like any other workplace” and not be limited to those who can be available 24/7 for the job, as this diminishes who can represent their communities. Our political climate, the pair argues, is poorer for it. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Bronwen Bock and Lucy Bradlow from the Better Together Party about their respective careers and subsequent interest in running for Parliament as job-sharing candidates, how the community has responded to their job-sharing candidacy, and how our Constitution lends weight to their fight to become Australia’s first job-sharing politicians.
Bock and Bradlow also delve into their party and policy positions, why their candidacy has shifted from seeking a House of Representatives seat to a Senate seat, the broader message Australians should take from their candidacy, driving forward flexible working arrangements in our national workforce, achieving gender equality, why more men need to explore job-sharing arrangements, and how others can start to explore working arrangements that better suit their needs.
Recent allegations of workplace bullying in parliamentary offices are a stark reminder that, in high-pressure professional environments, “bullying cannot be normalised or excused, and the wellbeing of staff must remain a priority”, says one senior human rights and discrimination lawyer. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Elevate Consulting Partners founder Prabha Nandagopal, who was the senior legal adviser to the Respect@Work inquiry, about the extent to which new positive duties to stamp out workplace misconduct such as bullying and sexual harassment have been adopted by Australian workplaces, the lack of education that businesses may have about those duties, and how new workplace norms such as scattered workforces and communication via new technologies have seen a proliferation in misconduct via new mediums.
Nandagopal also reflects on the fact that a lack of reporting doesn’t mean that misconduct isn’t occurring, the questions that businesses must ask of themselves in ensuring their frameworks are up to scratch, the need for top-down approaches from leadership, the thematic issues with power in the workplace, having good response plans, and why businesses cannot be complacent about their positive duties.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Safeguard Global country manager for ANZ, Jonathan Perumal, about how best HR teams can manage their international workforces and stay on top of pertinent operational matters.
Perumal reflects on the “huge amount of risk” inherent in companies not effectively managing the hiring of workers inside and outside of Australia at a time when international recruitment is becoming more commonplace post-pandemic, the various challenges being experienced regarding compliance and payroll, and the practical ways that HR can be staying on top of these.
He also delves into what he sees as the evolving role of the HR function, the fundamental importance of cultural alignment for prospective candidates as opposed to skill sets, the questions that HR teams must be asking in order to source the best cross-border workforce, what works and doesn’t work when staying on top of so many urgent priorities, and having the right frameworks in place.
To learn more about Safeguard Global, click here.
The type of leader one has been in 2024 may not necessarily be suitable for 2025 market conditions. Here, we unpack how leaders and HR teams can adapt to a changing environment to better support their workplaces.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with DifferenThinking founder and chief executive Dr Zivit Inbar about the market conditions dictating a need to re-evaluate how one approaches leadership, the extent to which leaders are cognisant of the need to evolve their strategies, and anticipated trends that support the need for changing leadership approaches.
Inbar also delves into the practical steps that leaders can and must take to ensure their approaches to leadership are fit for purpose in the new year, the questions they must ask of themselves and their workplaces, the role of HR professionals in supporting the growth of leaders, and the importance for HR to take responsibility for these matters.
HR professionals, Dr Tiffany Slater says, are more cognisant of the fact that traditional human resources duties have evolved and that box-ticking no longer applies. Service to the team and the broader business, she notes, is the surest way to mitigate issues. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Missouri-based Dr Tiffany Slater, the founder and chief executive of HR TailorMade, to discuss the headline mistakes that HR professionals make that can cost the business, why misstepping on accommodation requests can be so problematic, the consequences of being stubborn or inconsiderate of staff needs, and HR’s role in overcoming these matters.
Slater also delves into the disconnect between an employee’s job title and their remuneration and benefits and the issues this causes, the practical steps that can be taken in response, how HR teams can better strike the right balance, their role in ensuring the business avoids costly mistakes and ensures compliance, whether such challenges are overwhelming for HR teams at present, and her advice to such professionals to make sure they are equipped to handle such challenges.
A few months ago, Joseph Catanzariti AM turned 65 and thus had to retire from his position as vice president of the Fair Work Commission (FWC). His search for work in the months since, he says, has been more fraught than anticipated. Here, he reflects on the biases against professionals who are willing and able to undertake full-time work, the wellness impacts of such ageism, and how he has looked to adapt following his tenure at the nation’s workplace tribunal. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Joseph Catanzariti AM about his career in law spanning over four decades, the statutorily imposed retirements for judges around the country, why it has been so important to him to give back, the sense of purpose he finds as a lawyer, his reflections on being a judge, and the sense of making a difference in society.
Catanzariti also discusses how he felt about his imposed retirement from FWC, his realisation that employers were not seeking a full-time 65-year-old professional, the biases dictating hiring decisions and societal impressions, how he has pivoted and responded vocationally, what professional member bodies can do to address the concerns of older practitioners, the wellness issues inherent with undervaluing those practitioners, and how both employers and individuals can navigate such issues.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Cornerstone and Pinpoint HRM, we dive deep into the pressing concerns surrounding workforce readiness. Join us as we explore practical strategies that businesses can adopt to remain agile and adaptable in today’s rapidly changing environment. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Paul Broughton, Cornerstone’s APJ Group Vice President and Managing Director, and Katie Mangraviti, Cornerstone Practice Head at Pinpoint HRM. They discuss recent research on the workforce readiness gap, how the rapid pace of change over the last few years has impacted organisations and the critical questions businesses must ask to move forward effectively. The importance of gaining visibility over key areas of concern, leveraging technology to enhance operations, and optimising one’s tech stack. The extent to which businesses are ready or not for looming changes and trends (and the consequences of a lack of readiness), implementing the right practical and transformational steps and the role of HR in better supporting your business to succeed in the future. To learn more about the workforce readiness gap, click here. To learn more about Pinpoint HRM, click here.
New research suggests that Australians value autonomy and agency and have an egalitarian ethos in the workplace. With that in mind, how do we feel about new workplace arrangements, support for wellness, and other initiatives?
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Unispace senior principal for strategy Emma Davenport about the recently released From Restrictions to Resilience report and what it found about Australians’ workplace sentiments relative to those overseas, the headline lessons and takeaways for Australian workplaces from that report, and how recent return-to-office mandates correlate (if at all) with how our employees feel about their physical location for work.
Davenport also delves into the preference that Australians have for four-day working weeks and why, what the report’s findings say about Australian workers from a holistic perspective, how employers and team leaders can and should interpret Australians’ sentiments about the workplace, what HR teams and professionals can do in response, and why those professionals should see these sentiments as opportunities to redefine the worker experience.
Research shows that, in recent years, there has been a huge uptick in the number of women professionals leaving their roles in the face of myriad employer shortcomings, both to address idiosyncratic needs and in light of certain unconscious biases. Employers must address such concerns better if they are to retain top female talent.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with freelance general counsel Anna Lozynski about how and why she’s always valued flexible working arrangements for herself, observations of broader take-up of such arrangements by other female professionals, what the Great Break-up is and why it is significant for working women, and the ways in which businesses may be failing their female employees.
Lozynski also delves into the sociocultural and vocational structures that make it difficult for women (and men) to break free of traditional expectations and norms, what female professionals are choosing to do if they leave their employers and why, the influence of family planning, the practical steps that employers must take moving forward to better address staff needs, and why employees need to know their worth.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, a sleep wellness manager unpacks the pros and cons that working from home (WFH) can have on our sleeping routines and the role that employers have when it comes to ensuring that their employees are getting adequate sleep. First-time host Kace O’Neill speaks with Rachel Beard, a sleep wellness manager at AH Beard Sleep Wellness Centre, about her work and insight into how Australian workers can ensure they get the adequate sleep they need. Beard shares her knowledge of how the WFH landscape has changed the way we interact with our sleeping patterns and the potential pitfalls that can arise when workers fail to set routines and boundaries while working from home.
Beard also delves into the role that employers, organisational leaders, and HR teams can best ensure their workers get enough sleep before showing up to the workplace. Beard stresses the importance of sleep and how it can oftentimes be disregarded when we speak about mental health and wellbeing topics – proclaiming that a lack of sleep can be a catalyst for negative mental health conditions. Finally, Beard offers some effective advice and strategies that can assist workers out there who may be struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
Here, the head of people and culture at a Sydney-based law firm unpacks the headline hurdles facing human resources departments in professional services businesses, and how HR can and should manage those issues. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Swaab head of people and culture Angela Sharpe about her work at the mid-sized Sydney-based firm, what motivates her about working in the HR space, navigating talent shortages and increased competition for top candidates, the need to think more creatively about identifying ideal talent, the ever-present mental health challenges in such firms, and the role of HR teams in improving workplace wellness.
Sharpe also delves into the myriad legislative changes that HR teams have to grapple with, including the recently-introduced Right to Disconnect, the corresponding duties that HR teams must undertake, the emergence of new technologies and how HR teams can best adapt, and striking a balance between streamlining processes and ensuring the human touch doesn’t get lost. She also reflects on whether it has ever been more difficult to be in HR in a professional services environment.
There exists, Ilona Charles says, an “ongoing issue” with how human resources is perceived as a business function. Understanding why this is the case and taking the requisite practical steps to address it is the best way for such professionals to meaningfully contribute to the business. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Shilo chief executive and co-founder Ilona Charles about the credibility deficit that human resources teams and professionals currently face and why, the circumstances contributing to such a deficit, how the age of COVID-19 impacted HR’s credibility positively, and how urgent a priority it is to address the existing deficit. Charles also reflects on the starting points to change hearts and minds in the workforce, the need for a more holistic approach and not simply reacting to the world around you, the all-important need for in-person conversations and meaningful communication, further practical steps to take in addressing the credibility deficit, opportunities for HR to redefine itself, and how optimistic she is that HR can turn things around.
The holistic health dangers of being overly attached to one’s tech devices, including smartphones, are well established. Here, we unpack how and why managers will be better placed to not only manage their stress and anxiety by turning off those devices but also be more productive and successful workplace leaders.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with clinical psychologist Leila Gray about her work in the Brisbane hinterland and why it is so rewarding, how and why people – including workplace leaders – become anxious when their mobile phones are not nearby, the flow-on consequences from not being able to disconnect from one’s phone, and the health issues that can and do arise.
Gray also delves into the elevated dangers for Type A personalities, whether workplace leaders becoming too addicted to their devices is a growing problem and why, the need for cultural and mindset shifts from such managers, the practical steps that must be taken to reduce one’s reliance on devices and thus better manage anxiety, the need for incremental changes, and whether she is optimistic that Australia’s workplace leaders can make the necessary adjustments.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with YOUtax, we explore the provision of company shares and related employee incentives, the tax implications for employees, and who bears responsibility for education and upskilling on such taxation matters. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with YOUtax founder and director Emma Baxter about the tax and financial wellbeing services that YOUtax offers, the provision of restricted share units in a company to employees, how and why employees are finding themselves with unexpectedly high tax bills, the need to improve financial literacy for employees, and the extent to which such issues are increasingly becoming problematic. Baxter also delves into the responsibility of employers to ensure that their staff are properly equipped to navigate such employee incentive schemes, the practical steps that businesses and HR managers can and should take to ensure that workers know how to approach their financial wellness, the educational webinars that could be utilised, and the role of the executive suite in ensuring such support. To learn more about YOUtax, click here.
The tone of certain disputes between employers and employees is shifting, one lawyer argues, with issues at the executive level being fought harder and businesses looking to be more aggressive about enforcing restraints. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Hamilton Locke partner Timothy Zahara about how and why he became an employment lawyer and why he finds it so interesting, how executive disputes are becoming harder to settle, how the mainstreaming of psychological risks and a broad sense of burnout is contributing to such disputes, the perfect storm of executives feeling burnt out and no oversight of their output, and the broader implications for businesses and firms in navigating such executive-level disputes.
Zahara also delves into the evolving nature of post-employment restraints and how and why there is increased aggression in this space right now, the potential “chilling effect” of such restraints, whether businesses are watching the non-compete debate in the United States and acting accordingly, whether the newfound aggression is a result of post-pandemic environmental trends, what businesses can be doing moving forward to better protect their interests while not constraining employees, what constitutes good leadership moving forward, and what trends might be on the horizon.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with global law firm Dentons, we explore the allegations of corruption, bullying and lawlessness at the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), the fallout from recent revelations, and what businesses can and must learn from such workplace relations matters. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Dentons partner Persephone Stuckey-Clarke to discuss her employment and safety practice within the global law firm, why such work is so meaningful for her, the recent allegations levelled against the CFMEU and why they are so significant, the professional and political fallout from such revelations, and why all Australians should care about it. Persephone also delves into the professional and political backstory to the recent allegations and revelations, whether the appointment of an independent administrator is a sufficient response, the need for more effective and stringent legislative and regulatory frameworks, the lessons for businesses across the board, the ever-increasing importance of having the right practices and policies in place within the business, why HR professionals need to be paying close attention to this evolving story. To learn more about Dentons and its work in this space, click here.
Having worked in the hospitality sector for decades, Michelle Pascoe understands what it’s like to lead a workforce with up to half a dozen different generations and the myriad idiosyncrasies of those various workers. Here, she unpacks the importance of identifying optimal approaches to leading such a diverse group of people. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with OOPS founder and chief executive Michelle Pascoe about her background in the hospitality sector, why leadership of different generations is an important conversation at this juncture in the market, whether leaders are cognisant of the need to consider how to best manage different generations, and the ever-increasing need to be proactive in one’s leadership. Pascoe also delves into the questions that leaders should be asking of themselves when managing individuals with different needs and ambitions, navigating conflicting views between workers, how leaders can meaningfully make time to work on their management capabilities, lessons she’s learnt over the course of her career, and thinking more creatively about your approaches.
In the face of global skills shortages, it is essential that businesses of all stripes have a clear understanding of where their workforce currently stands and where it needs to be so as to keep pace with the rapid pace of market change. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with WithYouWithMe chief customer officer Cia Kouparitsas about skills shortages across the market and how this trend is making hiring decisions more pertinent in the current climate, the “harder skills” that might be more urgently needed at present, whether businesses are sufficiently cognisant of the need to upskill on new technologies, and whether addressing the skills lag is a high priority right now.
Kouparitsas also delves into the questions that businesses need to be asking at present in identifying requisite skills to develop and still stay true to the business’s mission and purpose, the state of affairs for soft skills, how HR professionals can adopt a “skills-first mindset”, leaning more heavily into a candidate’s skills rather than their experience, and what excites her about skills-based hiring in the future.
Research shows that the number of workers who can be described as “fence-sitters” (i.e. those who are quiet quitting) has increased in recent years. It is incumbent on businesses to figure out not just how to retain staff, but to ensure that those who are not as engaged as they could be can rediscover their passion, motivation and, ultimately, productivity. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with operational excellence strategist, author and mentor Ishan Galapathy about the state of affairs with workplace engagement, why employers and HR professionals need to be so concerned about “fence-sitters” and winning them back, navigating that which is “volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous”, and the questions that businesses and team leaders need to be asking of themselves when it comes to shoring up workplace engagement.
Galapathy also delves into whether those employees who are already engaged need to take greater responsibility for bringing the disengaged and “fence-sitting” colleagues along for the ride, recounts some case studies about successful engagement of a workforce, how technology can help better engage those sitting on the fence, and how culture will improve from a more strategic focus on workplace engagement.
Ensuring that workers across the business are up to speed on new software, cyber risks, and AI opportunities is not just about ROI – it’s also about fostering effective and meaningful collaboration between teams so as to better achieve business objectives. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jack Campbell speaks with Domain general manager of product Danielle Harmer about making sure a tech stack is up to scratch, prioritising accordingly, making the right investment in cyber security frameworks, the risk of setting and forgetting, and overcoming budgetary constraints.
Harmer also delves into how to make sure teams are across the myriad technological changes being onboarded, the risks inherent with insufficient training, mitigating cyber risks, making sure that employees are on top of cyber concerns, and privacy and compliance considerations.
Until such time as the Fair Work Commission sets precedents from test cases, employers may need to err on the side of caution when it comes to the implementation of the new Right to Disconnect. This does not, however, mean leaders in law should be trepidatious – instead, the new laws are an opportunity for optimal leadership. In this episode of The HR Leader podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with law lecturer Dr Gabrielle Golding from the University of Adelaide to discuss her research into the need for a workplace right to disconnect (which has now become law), what the new laws will look like in practice, the definition of reasonableness, and how employers are broadly feeling about their new obligations.
Dr Golding also delves into how leaders can approach their new duties on top of all other competing obligations, the volume of unpaid labour being undertaken in Australia’s workforce, how businesses can react accordingly, the potential for exacerbation of generational differences, the various scenarios in which an employee can or should be contacted, the need to err on the side of caution, and waiting for test cases.
According to Roxanne Calder, the age of COVID-19 blurred the lines between workplace wellness and individual wellbeing, with new expectations for workplace policies creating undue burdens for businesses and their leaders. In this episode of The HR Leader podcast, host Jack Campbell speaks with EST10 founder Roxanne Calder about revamped policies potentially putting too much pressure on workplaces, the potential flow-on effects for employers, the sweeping impacts of burnout on workers across the board right now, and including more workers in decision making about policy decisions. Calder also delves into the pressure being exerted to solve an individual’s wellbeing versus broader wellness responsibilities, striking the right balance and remaining competitive as an employer, the duty of candidates to align themselves with ideal employers, the utility of options like a four-day working week, and ensuring better understanding of working conditions and expectations.
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with O.C. Tanner, the global leader in strengthening organisational culture through meaningful employee recognition, Russell Flint and Paul Stratford discuss the challenges of managing change and uncertainty in the workplace during Newmont’s acquisition of Newcrest Mining. Russell, the Director of Business Development APAC at O.C. Tanner, and Paul, the former Global Head of Talent and Mobility and Acting Chief People and Culture Officer at Newcrest Mining, explore the need for effective communication and leadership, prioritising employee engagement, safety and wellbeing, the importance of empathy, practical support and symbolic gestures in creating a positive legacy during organisational change, including acknowledging the organisation’s history and recognising employees’ contributions.
The pair also emphasise the need for senior leaders’ mindset and conviction in managing change, the importance of creating a unified leadership team and fostering a positive workplace culture, as well as share insights into Newcrest Mining’s acquisition by Newmont Corporation and how adoption of a people-centred approach was essential in better managing change and uncertainty.
In the wake of voluminous change in the industrial relations space, it is critical to reflect on how such legislative updates will impact workplaces of all stripes and how both employers and employees can navigate such evolutions to working life. In this episode of The HR Leader podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with barrister Ian Neil SC about the “tumultuous” past year in industrial relations reform, the myriad changes that were legislated and are coming into effect, what the response from businesses and employers has been to such change, and whether the net effect of such changes will be to drive up the cost of labour.
Neil also delves into how businesses can and should respond to the “tidal wave” of changes, why good governance has never been more essential, what the Closing Loopholes and Right to Disconnect legislation means and what its impacts might be, what might be the headline industrial relations issues to contend with in the future in light of such changes, why prudent employers will see the changes as an opportunity, what will constitute best practice moving forward, and the likely volume of work headed in the direction of legal practitioners and HR professionals.
Learning and development (L&D) is an area that is increasingly seeing more investment from companies across the board. However, in challenging economic times, it can be easy for business decision-makers to push L&D to the side – despite trying times, this will be a mistake. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jack Campbell speaks with Women Rising founder and chief executive Megan Dalla-Camina about the increases being seen in learning and development initiatives, why it is so dangerous for companies to put L&D on the backburner, whether there are fiscally prudent options for L&D, the broader benefits that come from making proper investments, and how critical such training is for the next generation of professionals.
Dalla-Camina also delves into the imperative for proper and effective training policies, the place for mentorship in L&D, the “dip” in mentorship opportunities for women in the workplace, how workers can seek out mentors in the current climate, developing women into next-generation leaders, how individuals can take matters into their own hands, and why much more work is needed to better support staff by way of L&D.
With board and C-suite executives increasingly demanding action on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, businesses and their HR teams have no choice but to ensure better integration across the board.
In this episode of The HR Leader podcast, host Jack Campbell speaks with Gartner HR Advisory senior principal Jasleen Kaur about how businesses and organisations are increasingly focused on getting DEI right, embedding it into recruitment, workforce planning, and overall talent management, what better integration of DEI looks like across the business, and why it is so beneficial to integrate DEI into workforce planning.
Kaur also delves into the nexus between DEI and addressing talent shortages, addressing the shortfalls on DEI in certain businesses, why DEI needs to be at the forefront of decision making, overcoming various challenges, and whether data analytics will be crucial in promoting DEI moving forward.
Nothing pisses off employees more than issues with their pay cheques. Getting this right is absolutely essential for businesses – thankfully, there are practical ways to get on top of it. In this episode of The HR Leader podcast, host Jack Campbell is joined by Rippling vice president and head of Asia Matt Loop to discuss why businesses are getting payroll wrong on multiple fronts, the need to consolidate tech, the need for better workplace training, the Closing Loopholes legislation, and avoiding accidental payroll errors. Loop also delves into the consequences of making mistakes with payroll, being proactive rather than reactive in preventing issues, keeping up with prescribed changes, getting payroll right against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, managing payroll in a global business, practical steps to take, and improving the wellbeing of your business.
When workers look back on their careers, they remember roles they held both for the good and bad managers they served under. If businesses take the time to properly develop those with managerial responsibilities, not only will those managers become better leaders, but the business will also see more substantive returns on investment.
In this episode of The HR Leader, host Jack Campbell is joined by Florida-based “HR Lady”, Wendy Sellers, to discuss the importance of developing management internally rather than seeking external talent, how PD gets overlooked by businesses, the differences between a manager and a leader, the flow-on effects for businesses that invest in leadership, and the need for more holistic approaches to developing managers.
Sellers also delves into how smaller businesses can meaningfully dedicate time and resources to such matters, how leaders can be HR-minded, managing the juggle of leadership training, staying up to date with relevant legislation, the ever-increasing need for good communication, and motivating employees suffering from burnout.
People living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often prone to restlessness, get easily distracted, and can be impulsive. For leaders who want to remain supportive and get the most out of employees, building a safe and inclusive environment for all should be top of mind. Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, joins The HR Leader to share her experiences living with ADHD and discuss how workplaces must be proactive in policies if they’re to remain inclusive.
ADHD is a neurological disorder affecting 6 to 10 per cent of Australian children and adolescents and 2 to 6 per cent of adults, driving home just how common it can be.
Waterson outlines just how beneficial flexible working arrangements can be for employees with ADHD. The pandemic paved the way for these practices, which she says has been extremely helpful in promoting engagement and productivity.
Creating a neurodiverse-friendly environment isn’t just beneficial for the individual. It can help workplaces to unlock their true potential by allowing people to do their best.
However, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, and care must be taken to consider what that means to each neurodiverse worker. Waterson explains a variety of implementations that can be used to support workers with differences, but providing true comfort requires ears to the ground.
Driving growth should be on every leader’s mind, however, with the uneasiness of the modern workforce and the challenges that come with that, leveraging growth can be difficult. Helping to break down these barriers is Damien Andreasen, HiBob’s vice president APJ. In this episode of The HR Leader, he reflects on his experiences in building high-performing work teams, both during his time at HiBob and in previous roles. Continuous development and upskilling have only become more important as tech advancements require teams to be educated and up to date on digitally evolving processes. However, there is a clear opportunity, says Andreasen, as this tech can facilitate effective growth. Purpose, culture, and engagement are crucial aspects of business that are becoming increasingly important considerations for candidates, with Andreasen noting that these components can be utilised to drive performance. Also under discussion is the importance of communication, and how processes can break down when lines of communication aren’t upheld. Andreasen touches on his experiences at both start-ups and large organisations, and how many themes overlap, no matter the size of the company.
For leaders looking to drive growth, he says that a vision needs to be established, and that vision needs to be clearly communicated as early as the hiring process. One major challenge in the modern workforce is the multigenerational cohort of employees. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, it should be seen as an opportunity, as these differences can create diversity of thought, which can drive creativity and innovation.
There are plenty of variables that all play a part in influencing the job market. With so many outside influences, the state of recruitment is, unsurprisingly, very unpredictable.
In this episode of The HR Leader, Jas Singh, managing director of SKL, dives into the current trends in the recruitment market, outlining the shifting dynamics in employer-employee relationships and strategies for jobseekers and employers alike.
According to Singh, the market is transitioning from the 2023 trend where there was a high demand for employees. It is neither entirely an employer’s market nor an employee’s market but rather a balanced scenario. Companies are now more cautious, aiming for sustainable long-term productivity instead of panic hiring, which was common post-COVID-19.
With this in mind, Singh urges candidates to showcase flexibility. Upskilling and staying updated with the latest technology trends are crucial in the modern workforce but should be balanced with personality, as these considerations make for an attractive candidate.
The episode also touches on bias in recruitment. Bias is inherent in all humans, often unconscious, and can impact hiring decisions. Companies need to be aware of and address these biases, whether an SME or a large multinational company.
The modern workforce, in the offset of the pandemic, has caused an immense rise in remote and hybrid working. While processes have certainly changed, employee wellbeing shouldn’t take a hit as a consequence. In this episode of The HR Leader, oVice’s chief human resource officer, Megan Reed, delves into the crucial yet often disregarded world of employee wellbeing in remote working models. Reed outlines just how imperative communication and connection are in upholding healthy work environments, especially in remote and hybrid work settings. The conversation also touches on the duty of care that employers have and how this doesn’t end just because you can’t see your employees. Isolation and loneliness can occur as a result of these working models, which can be mitigated through effective communication and connection. The challenges and opportunities presented by remote and hybrid work models are ever-present. However, companies like oVice are innovating to meet these demands. As the workforce continues to evolve, the lessons shared in this discussion can assist leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of managing wellbeing and fostering a positive company culture in a remote-first world.
The evolving role of human resources in the modern workplace should not be understated. Technology can help to propel this change.
Dimitri Boylan, founder and chief executive of Avature, joins The HR Leader to share invaluable insights into the future of HR strategy and the pivotal role technology plays in shaping it.
The discussion touches on the increasing integration of HR into strategic planning, a trend that has gained momentum, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boylan points out that the pandemic served as a catalyst, propelling HR professionals to the forefront of executive decision making, largely due to the human-centric crises it triggered. This shift underscores the growing recognition of HR’s strategic value beyond its traditional administrative functions.
The conversation then delves into the implications of remote work policies, which remain a topic of ongoing debate among companies. Boylan argues that the uncertainty surrounding work policies continues to keep HR in crucial conversations at the C-suite level, highlighting the need for HR to adapt to its newfound strategic role.
HR has a critical relationship with technology, especially as the workforce undergoes digital transformation. Boylan emphasises the importance of a robust partnership between HR and IT departments to navigate these challenges effectively. Similarly, artificial intelligence (AI) is of key concern as the workforce approaches this tech with cautious optimism. While acknowledging the potential of AI to transform various HR functions, such as recruiting and talent management, he also highlights the ethical considerations and potential biases that come with AI deployment.
The passage of legislation allowing for a right to disconnect for Australian workers provides business owners across the country an opportunity to challenge the paradigms they hold around flexible working and design a workplace that works for their employees and fosters productivity, argues one director.
In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, from HR Leader’s sister brand, Lawyers Weekly, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes in house nous director Natasha Hannah to discuss what is meant by the term “right to disconnect”, whether and how organisations are responding to the passage of its legislation, the concerns that employers have, and hurdles to be overcome in the new environment.
Hannah also details the contractual and policy changes that small-business owners will have to undertake, the various conversations that should be had both with one’s staff members and a company’s clients, how to navigate those conversations and textual changes, designing a workplace accordingly, striking the right balance with generational attitudes and business needs, undertaking such changes against the backdrop of other firm concerns, and seeing the new legislation as a business opportunity.
The vital yet often under-discussed realm of work health and safety is a must-know for employers and employees. Education and clarity in this area help protect people in the workplace and avoid legal issues.
In this episode of The HR Leader, Kerry Kingham, chief executive of the Chooze Shop, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of workplace safety, its integration into organisational culture, and the evolving challenges in the era of remote and hybrid work.
Kingham emphasises the foundational role of work health and safety (WHS) in establishing a company’s culture and standards. Unfortunately, WHS often goes unnoticed until a crisis unfolds. The alignment of WHS policies with an organisation’s vision, mission, and values not only reinforces safety standards but also fosters a culture of care and responsibility.
She also points out the necessity of regular reskilling and upskilling to keep pace with evolving safety standards and risks. Moreover, the legal and compliance landscapes have become increasingly stringent, with negligence in WHS potentially leading to severe consequences.
The remote and hybrid work models can sow confusion with WHS, as it’s unclear where responsibility lies. Kingham stresses the extension of WHS responsibilities into the home office, challenging traditional boundaries of workplace safety.
Emotional fitness is the key to navigating tricky situations at work. With the landscape of work constantly evolving, understanding and adapting to change has never been more crucial. Emotional fitness expert Joe Pane delves into these themes in this episode of The HR Leader. Emotional fitness, as Pane describes, is fundamentally about our relationship with uncertainty. It’s this relationship that dictates not only our personal growth but also our professional development. The workplace, a hub of constant change, serves as a prime arena for exercising emotional fitness. From promotions and team changes to new leadership dynamics, employees face uncertainty at every turn. Pane emphasises that growth, a perpetual need of the human condition, is inherently tied to our ability to navigate these uncertainties effectively. Uncertainty, according to Pane, is a fabric of life and a precursor to growth. This concept challenges the traditional view of uncertainty as an obstacle. Instead, Pane suggests that embracing uncertainty is essential for development, both personally and professionally. The idea that uncertainty never truly goes away but can be managed more effectively through emotional fitness offers a fresh perspective on career progression and personal development.
The recruitment market has seen a chaotic and tense couple of years. Various factors have caused a skills shortage and trends like quiet quitting and the Great Resignation, to name a few. To discuss the future of the recruitment market, Jesse Shah, nrol’s director, joins The HR Leader. The conversation touches on the current state of recruitment and what can be expected in the coming years. As we conclude the first quarter of 2024, Shah reflects on the noticeable uptick in recruitment activities compared to the previous year. This surge in hiring activities is good news for candidates; however, it creates harsh competition for employers. Salaries, undoubtedly, remain a significant factor influencing job changes. However, Shah underscores the growing importance of workplace culture and mental health considerations. The stress of being under-resourced and overworked has led candidates to value organisations that offer a better work/life balance alongside competitive pay. Addressing the gender disparity in the workplace, Shah acknowledges the impact of recent reporting by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. While the full effects of these reports are yet to be seen in recruitment practices, there’s an awareness and questioning of pay disparities among candidates. This awareness could potentially drive businesses to reassess their compensation structures to retain and attract top female talent.
Businesses have the sway to enact real change. More and more organisations are leveraging this and entering the activism space.
Lucy Piper, director at Work for Climate, joined The HR Leader to delve into the increasingly pertinent topic of business activism and why it’s crucial in the modern workforce. The episode discusses the evolving role of companies in fostering a culture where employee activism, particularly around climate issues, is not just welcomed but encouraged.
Creating a space for employee-led initiatives and discussions on shared values is crucial. This approach not only nurtures a culture of engagement and ownership among employees but also aligns with the broader expectation for businesses to play a proactive role in societal issues.
Gone are the days when employees were expected to leave their personal values and concerns at the door. This change has led to a more values-driven workforce. Piper points out that this shift is about more than just individual or collective activism within the workforce. It’s about companies re-evaluating their core values and the legacy they wish to leave. It’s a call to action for businesses to align their operations and strategies with a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient vision of the future.
Building a thriving workplace takes time and effort. Data analytics and psychometric testing can make this process easier, particularly at scale. Integrating these processes into everyday practices can foster and propel healthy workforce development and productivity. In this episode of The HR Leader, Alex Bond, Director at PBC Hogan, delves into the multifaceted world of building effective workplaces through building effective leaders. The conversation sheds light on the ever-evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, emphasising the pivotal role of trust, leadership, and data analytics. At the heart of the discussion is the transformative potential of objective behavioural insights and data analytics in leadership development and organisational performance. We discuss in detail how PBC Hogan leverages psychometric testing and data analytics to create a holistic understanding of leadership capabilities and aligning development interventions with organisational strategy. By establishing baselines and measuring progress, organisations can make informed decisions and foster leadership that propels the organisation forward. Finally, we consider the concept of trust, deemed a cornerstone in successful workplace relationships and highlight how trust underpins team performance, and fosters an environment conducive to vulnerability, learning, and positive behaviours, ultimately supporting performance.
Nurturing the next generation of leaders is critical if businesses want to remain competitive in the future of work.
In this episode of The HR Leader, Sonia McDonald, chief executive and founder of Leadership HQ, shares her invaluable insights on the importance of promoting future leaders and how current leaders play a role in preparing for a sustainable future through developing the leadership skills of younger employees.
According to McDonald, the emerging generations are showing an unprecedented eagerness to learn and grow, making it a good time for organisations to focus on developing their leadership potential. This generation is not just looking to climb the corporate ladder – they are driven by a desire to make meaningful changes in the world. McDonald believes that by equipping them with essential human and leadership skills today, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our communities, organisations, and the planet.
However, McDonald points out a significant challenge: the pressure of leadership. She argues that while this pressure is substantial, it is both an honour and a responsibility, and she is confident that the younger generations are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
There are so many amazingly successful women in the finance industry, but only a small number have a strong brand and online presence in this traditionally male-dominated industry. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to help more women raise their profile and showcase the incredible professionals in this space. In this episode, partnered by Mortgage Choice (part of the REA Group), we’re picking the brain of its executive manager, corporate communications, events & franchise marketing, Sally Chadwick, to find out:
- How to build a brand presence.
- The benefits of having a strong brand presence.
- Top tips to help you get started today.
And much more!
International Women’s Day is here (8 March), and employers should use the opportunity to recognise the power they have to incite change.
In this episode, Angela Coble, the client group technology officer and gender ERG executive sponsor at Accenture Australia, joins The HR Leader. The dialogue is timely, as it aligns with the approach of International Women’s Day.
Coble delves into the crucial themes of the year, focusing on investing in women to accelerate progress and inspire inclusion. Her insights shed light on the necessity of a holistic approach to creating an inclusive environment for women across the workplace and society. The discussion underscores the importance of economic empowerment for women, a topic Coble is passionate about.
The conversation also touches upon the recent gender pay gap reporting launch, a move Coble views as a positive step towards transparency and equality in the workplace.
As the discussion continues, Coble highlights how employers have the power to enact real change in regard to gender equality. Society is often a mirror of the workplace, and vice versa, driving home just how important empowerment in the workplace is.
Psychosocial risks have been circulating in workplace discussions over the past year quite heavily, and for good reason. They refer to hazards that can harm mental wellbeing, so clearly, it is a critical area that requires attention. In this episode of The HR Leader, Vanessa Fudge, founder and chief executive of Leading Well, sheds light on psychosocial risks. The conversation not only unpacks the essence and implications of these risks but also ventures into the evolving responsibilities of leaders in creating healthier work environments. These hazards, while sometimes physical, predominantly affect the mental wellbeing and overall health of employees. The discussion underscores the legal and moral duty of care leaders have towards mitigating these risks, highlighting the necessity of fostering a conducive and healthy workplace. Vanessa points out that while training and awareness are crucial, they alone are insufficient to address the complexities of psychosocial risks. The real challenge lies in integrating these learnings into the structural and strategic fabric of organisations. The conversation also touches upon the new legislation being rolled out across Australia, emphasising the urgent need for leaders to familiarise themselves with these guidelines.
Using humour at work isn’t about showing off your “tight five”; it’s about making the effort.
David Crisante, founder of Sydney Comedy School, sits down on the latest episode of The HR Leader to share what he has learnt about workplace communication from a career spanning diplomacy, journalism, and, of course, comedy.
David stresses the importance of so-called “water cooler talk”. He explains what an employer is really saying when they engage in small talk, why it matters, and how it can contribute to a happier, more productive workplace. The topics might be “small”, but their ramifications are anything but.
The podcast also covers the “vital” importance of public speaking as a boss. Often, it is the things we overlook that really make a great speech. “When we’re good at public speaking … what we’re saying verbally and what we’re saying physically is in alignment,” David said.
Throughout, the case was made for humour in workplace communication. Increasingly, it is seen as a risk to be avoided, but this kind of thinking overlooks the fact workplace relationships are relationships nonetheless. “You can’t make somebody laugh if you’re not a clear communicator,” he said.
There are a variety of trends shaping the business landscape in 2024. Not all of them are positive, however, and keeping your ear to the ground can help in avoiding unfair situations. Sue Parker, a career strategist, communication expert, and the owner of DARE Group Australia, discusses some of these themes in this episode of The HR Leader. Sue uncovers the often-murky waters of salaries, the phenomenon of ghosting, and the contentious issue of being “overqualified”.
She challenges the longstanding practice of salary determination based on experience and criticises the lack of clarity and integrity in such an approach. Sue’s stance is clear: a role should have a fair salary band that aligns with its purpose and the problems it aims to solve, irrespective of the candidate’s experience.
The discussion also touches upon ghosting, a term that refers to the lack of communication between recruiters and candidates during the hiring process. Sue describes it as putting your head in a bucket and refusing to communicate, highlighting the frustration it causes.
Sue takes issue with the term overqualified, which she sees as a smokescreen for ageism, fear, and insecurity. It is often used as an excuse to dismiss candidates, particularly older ones, without addressing the real reasons for their non-selection. According to Sue, this term masks a deeper issue of emotional intelligence and the ability to engage in honest, quality-driven communication.
As businesses resume travel activities in the post-pandemic world, the landscape of corporate travel has significantly evolved. In this episode of The HR Leader, Rodger Cook, general manager of global security services at World Travel Protection, delves into the intricacies of business travel. With costs soaring and risks constantly evolving, leaders must put their best foot forward to ensure their workforce remains safe and secure in business travel. Rodger’s extensive travel experience has been pivotal in understanding the needs of businesses when they send employees abroad. He emphasises the importance of duty of care, ensuring companies are well informed about the risks associated with travel and how to mitigate them effectively. He also discusses the benefit of transferable skills, as his experience boasts diversity in professions. Such transferable skills are becoming increasingly crucial as companies face talent shortages.
Communication is a vital aspect of effective leadership and must be maintained if productivity is to prosper. This was the topic of this episode of The HR Leader, joined by Larry Robertson, adviser, speaker, and author of WHY listen to, work with and follow YOU? Larry specialises in leadership communication and suggests that a staggering 80 per cent of a leader’s role revolves around effective communication. Larry argues that if no one is listening, then no one is following, and consequently, no leadership is taking place. This observation underscores the critical need for leaders to not only manage processes and content but also deeply engage with and motivate their teams. Meanwhile, Larry discusses the benefits of diversity and transferable skills. He recalls his transition from a structured military career to the dynamic and diverse world of advertising, where he was exposed to a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and perspectives. He vividly describes the creative energy that diversity can unleash within an organisation, leading to innovation and success.
Strong IT infrastructure and cyber security systems are crucial in the current workforce, where risks are constant. In a recent discussion of The HR Leader, Simon Cohen, founder and managing director at Cohesis, highlights the pressing need for organisations to properly maintain IT and cyber security measures. Being proactive about potential threats is key, as issues can arise unexpectedly. Simon underscores the importance of technology as a fundamental driver for organisational success. He points out that effective IT systems are not merely a cost but an enabler that can drive efficiency and integration across all operational processes. One of the key points of discussion was the misconception among smaller businesses that cyber threats primarily concern larger corporations. Simon clarifies that this line of thinking often leads to inadequate cyber security measures, leaving smaller enterprises particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks. He emphasises the necessity of data protection and the implementation of robust cyber security measures to safeguard sensitive information and intellectual property.
The recruitment industry has seen its fair share of volatility in recent years, with the pandemic serving as a catalyst for a significant shift in candidate priorities and employer strategies.
Greg Powell, a national sales manager with considerable expertise in recruitment, shares valuable insights on the industry’s transformation, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greg highlights that the market has cooled in the last six to eight months, leading to candidates becoming more cautious about job changes. There has been a noticeable shift in what motivates candidates, with work/life balance and hybrid working models now taking precedence over traditional drivers like career progression and salary increases.
The discussion underscores that the pandemic introduced a new set of criteria for jobseekers, with many growing accustomed to the flexibility of working from home. As companies are increasingly looking to bring employees back to the office, albeit not necessarily five days a week, there is resistance from the candidate pool to relinquish the benefits of full flexibility.
In the competitive landscape of talent acquisition and retention, Australian businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of an effective onboarding process. HR Leader’s Jack Campbell sits down with Lauren Karan, director at Karan and Co, to discuss just how crucial it is to get this step right. Lauren emphasises that onboarding should commence the moment a candidate signs their contract. This period is delicate, as new hires are often counter-offered by their current employers and have yet to establish a relationship with their new manager. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models due to the pandemic, onboarding has faced new challenges. Maintaining communication is key. Whether through team chats or scheduled video calls, it’s vital to ensure new hires feel integrated and supported, even when working from a distance. However, the responsibility of onboarding should not be shouldered by HR alone. Managers play a pivotal role in the process. Lauren argues that managers should take the initiative to connect with new hires, scheduling regular check-ins and being readily available to answer questions. This not only helps the new employee settle in but also demonstrates the manager’s commitment to their success.
Christmas is an expensive and time-consuming part of the year as people juggle a variety of responsibilities. Some would argue that this is the most important time of year for employee benefits. Matt Holme, founder and chief executive of YouPay, discusses the exciting and stressful end-of-year rush with The HR Leader and how effective benefits policy can go a long way for employees. The discussion also touches on the types of benefits employees are seeking. Matt emphasises that beyond festive events, there’s a growing expectation for benefits that support work/life balance and personal growth. He shares the importance of offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional development. A personalised approach is crucial, as a one-size-fits-all strategy is becoming increasingly outdated. Matt encourages leaders to engage in direct conversations with their teams to understand individual priorities and aspirations. This approach is particularly effective in smaller businesses, where leaders can more easily tailor benefits to each employee’s unique circumstances.
Payroll is essential for any business. As explained by the Australian Payroll Association’s chief executive, Tracy Angwin: “No one thanks you for getting payroll right. But crikey, do you know when it’s wrong.”
This episode of The HR Leader unpacks the potential issues and the need to get payroll right. Here, Tracy shines a light on the complexities and critical nature of payroll management within organisations. The conversation delves into the risks associated with payroll, compliance issues, and the impact these have on company culture and employee morale.
Payroll is often perceived as a thankless task within the HR portfolio, where errors can lead to significant financial, regulatory, and cultural risks.
To manage payroll effectively, Tracy highlights three key areas: people, processes, and platforms. Ensuring a competent, well-trained payroll team with appropriate governance structures is vital.
The technology platform used for payroll must be fit for purpose, with proper integrations and functionality to meet the business’s needs. Those who do not realise this run the risk of falling behind in the modern workforce.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the alignment of people, skills, and strategy emerges as a pivotal factor for organisational growth.
This was the focal point of a recent episode of The HR Leader, joined by Mercer’s leadership talent succession practice leader, Gareth Jones.
The intricate connection between the workforce, the skills necessary for effective operation, and the strategic path of an organisation was discussed in depth. The importance of this alignment cannot be overstated, as disconnection in these areas can significantly stifle business efficiency.
The conversation was timely, as Mercer’s Global Talent Trends Report highlighted that more than a third of HR leaders are concerned about the lack of workforce capability and future skills within their organisations. Another study by Mercer revealed that 50 per cent of executives fear their current talent models may not meet future demands.
According to Gareth, technology, artificial intelligence, and environment, social and governance (ESG) are at the forefront of corporate skill requirements. These emerging needs are creating new roles and demanding a fresh set of skills.
Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space.
In this episode, we chat to Rebecca Warren, executive general manager of small-business banking at CommBank, about how she navigated a historically male-dominated industry over her 20-year career and why she believes inclusion and diversity are not just morally imperative, but key to achieving superior business results.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she loves commercial finance.
- The secret power of ‘quiet achievers’.
- How CommBank is creating a more inclusive and supportive work culture.
And much more!
In a recent episode of The HR Leader, co-founder and chief operations officer at Sidekicker, Jacqui Bull, delves into the pressing issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.
The conversation shines light on the multifaceted benefits of DEI training and why it’s crucial for employers to not only understand but also actively promote these values within their teams.
Jacqui emphasises the significant financial and productivity gains that can be achieved through fostering a diverse workforce. She points out that diversity of thought and people often leads to better business outcomes.
Moreover, the current job market shows that employees place high value on DEI, with many prospective employees considering a company’s commitment to these principles when choosing their next employer.
Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space.
In this episode, we chat to Suzanne Wood, state general manager residential broker Victoria/Tasmania at Westpac Group (and state chair of the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group), about how she climbed the career ladder in banking and the power of having strong female role models.
Tune in to find out:
- How she learnt the art of having difficult conversations.
- The perils of unconscious bias and how to tackle them.
- How Westpac is supporting women through the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group.
And much more!
In the current economic climate, financial stress plays a key influence on workplace wellbeing. Interest rates, inflation, and a rising cost of living have taken their toll on the population, prompting the need for intervention. The latest episode of The HR Leader discusses these issues. Marc Bineham, a money and wellness coach, joins the podcast to give his expertise in the often-overlooked area of wellness: financial wellbeing. This stress doesn’t just negatively affect the individual; it can translate into a staggering loss of productivity for organisations and the wider economy. Businesses can assist their employees by implementing financial wellness policies. Marc touches on the stigma surrounding money discussions and how people are more comfortable sharing personal life details than their financial status, a cultural trait that hinders open conversations about financial health. He advocates for a cultural shift, similar to campaigns encouraging open discussions about mental health, to normalise financial wellbeing discussions.
In this episode of The HR Leader, Jack Campbell sits down with Jatin Vengurlekar, founder of Montagio Custom Tailoring, to discuss the significant shifts in workplace uniforms during the pandemic and the broader impacts on the retail industry. As companies navigate the gradual return-to-office life, many are re-evaluating dress codes, leaning towards a more relaxed approach to professional attire. The pandemic has undeniably influenced workplace fashion, with many employees trading in suits and ties for more casual wear. Jatin notes that the transition to working from home led to a more relaxed fashion, a trend that persists even as employees return to the office. The evolution of attire reflects a broader change in corporate culture.
The conversation then turns to the retail sector, which faced its own set of challenges during the pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions led to a significant downturn in business for retailers, with many relying on face-to-face interactions. The impact on staffing was profound, with many retail workers left without work. The industry at large saw an exodus of talent as workers sought more pandemic-resistant careers.
To combat these challenges, some retailers are focusing on company culture and benefits as a means of attracting and retaining staff. While these perks can be enticing, Jatin argues that wages remain the primary concern for most candidates. In an environment where living expenses continue to climb, potential employees seek roles that offer financial stability and growth.
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Anjali Crossette, manager of motor operations at non-bank lender Liberty, about breaking barriers and misconceptions about car finance and why she believes the industry needs to showcase gender diversity across every rung of the career ladder. Tune in to find out:
- Why the finance industry is an attractive industry to work in for women.
- The progress being made in gender diversity in car finance.
- How Liberty is leading the way by example.
And much more!
A lack of understanding surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is polarising workplaces. Ongoing and comprehensive training and education are crucial in the modern workplace.
These themes were explored in a recent episode of The HR Leader with Cultural Infusion chief executive Peter Mousaferiadis, highlighting just how important it is for organisations to create equitable and inclusive workplaces.
The significance of intersectionality was explored, and how understanding this term can assist in developing a healthy and happy workplace.
Peter also delved into the role of technology and data in recognising issues and helping to eliminate them. Representation is a crucial aspect of DEI, and it’s important for workplaces to reflect the community they serve.
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Olympian and financial adviser at HLB Mann Judd, Sarah Carli, to discuss how she made her way from the track to financial advice.
Ms Carli, who competed in the 400-metre hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, reveals the valuable skills she has learned as an adviser that have positively impacted her athletic career, as well as how she balances being a professional athlete with working full time.
Tune in to find out:
- The importance of a supportive work environment.
- How she balances her professional and athletic commitments.
- How there are more transferable skills between athletics and advice than many might expect.
And much more!
In this episode of The HR Leader, Margot Faraci, a senior leader, leadership expert, and author, discusses the concept of “love leadership” and how harnessing this can help better leadership. Trust is a crucial aspect of this, and those who incorporate it into practice can help to build better relationships with employees. Margot also discusses the power shift in the job market, with employees having more say in their working arrangements. She advocates for a more consultative leadership style that balances consultation with decisive decision making and empathy with results-driven performance. Another area delved into was psychological safety and its impact on performance. Margot suggests that leaders should focus on building a culture of psychological safety. By choosing capable team members and fostering trust within the team, leaders can drive sustainable performance.
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space.
Deslie Taylor, principal at Mortgage Choice Ormeau in Queensland, is one of the top brokers in the country, having settled over $1 billion in loans in her 16-year career and taken home numerous awards including Mortgage Broker of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards multiple years in a row. In this episode, we chat to Ms Taylor about how she runs her award-winning brokerage and find out from Aaron Slater, general manager of distribution at Mortgage Choice (principal partner of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023), how we can help support and create more inclusive workplaces. Tune in to find out:
- The power of being an empathetic leader.
- The art of practising continuous improvement.
- How Mortgage Choice’s Aspire program is supporting women in finance.
And much more!
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. Joanna James is an advocate for constant reinvention and resilience, having adapted to change over her career in the finance space herself. Having worked in the lending space for more than 20 years – including as the general manager of non-bank lender Mortgage Ezy – she now helps support women in building successful businesses through Artemis Space, a women’s community group delivered by the Finance Brokers Association of Australia. In this episode, Annie Kane sits down with Ms James to find out:
- Why success is subjective.
- The power of visualisation, emotionalisation and manifestation.
- Why she believes the finance industry is a great industry for women.
And much more!
In this episode of The HR Leader, Sue Parker, a career strategist and communications expert, discusses the prevalent issue of ageism in the workplace.
Ageism, which affects both the younger and older generations, is a form of discrimination that can have detrimental effects on individuals and businesses.
Sue emphasises the need for awareness, introspection, and change to combat ageism effectively, as it is often overlooked compared to other forms of discrimination like racism and sexism.
Ageism has significant consequences for both individuals and businesses. It can lead to decreased productivity, disengagement, and a loss of self-esteem.
To combat ageism, it is crucial for individuals to examine their own biases and challenge assumptions based on age. To effectively address ageism, it must be given a seat at the table in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. Tanya Sale co-founded mortgage aggregation group outsource Financial with Andrea Tassis 13 years ago, with Tanya now one of the very few female chief executives in the mortgage industry.
In this episode, Annie Kane sits down with Tanya to find out:
- How a piggy bank triggered her love of finance.
- Why she started her own aggregation business.
- Why she believes support is critical to succeed as a female business leader.
And much more!
Leadership burnout is on the rise as the workforce continues to navigate the challenges created by the pandemic. In this episode of The HR Leader, Aaron McEwan, vice-president of research and advisory at Gartner, explains that the burnout experienced by leaders is not surprising given the significant disruption and change, and leaders are at the forefront of navigating their organisations through this uncertainty. Aaron points out that economic instability and volatility also contribute to the high levels of stress experienced by leaders. While organisations have made efforts to provide mental health support to their employees, leaders often put their workforces before themselves. They are dealing with not only the stresses of the workplace but also the changes in the way work is done. The widespread adoption of hybrid and remote work has required leaders to learn new ways of leading their teams. Micromanagement has also become a significant issue during the pandemic. Aaron emphasises the importance of trust in leadership. Leaders who trust their teams and provide autonomy tend to have more engaged and productive workers. Employees with control over where, when, and how they work tend to perform better and have stronger connections to the organisation.
As companies and nations rush to be the first to advance artificial intelligence (AI) and become the next powerhouse, we have to wonder whether everything is moving too quickly. Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist at ESET, joins the HR Leader to discuss the sudden boom in the general public’s use of AI and how this “AI race” may have got these systems into people’s hands prematurely. Tony addresses the issue of misinformation surrounding AI. He explains that AI, or more specifically, machine learning, has been in use for a long time. However, recent advancements have made it more accessible and understandable to the general public. This accessibility has led to both excitement and fear as people are more aware of its capabilities and potential risks. Meanwhile, Tony touches on regulation and how this is a tricky path to go down, as it could stifle innovation. He believes caution should be taken when operating these systems, as the technology isn’t the danger; it’s who uses it. What the future has in store for AI was also discussed, and Mr Tony believes AI will become integrated into everyday life to the point where people won’t even realise they are using it.
Despite many HR professionals and business leaders understanding that they need tech to survive and thrive, too many are still witnessing high failure rates. So, what’s stopping them from a successful technology journey? In this episode of the HR Leader podcast, host Emma Musgrave is joined by Pinpoint HRM Founder and Managing Director Craig Aunger to discuss where many go wrong in the pre- and post-implementation phases. Backed by over 25 years of experience, Craig takes listeners through his three secrets to HR tech success, sharing how you can effectively evaluate cloud HR solutions, what key points you need to consider prior to rolling them out in your business, and how you can ensure ongoing success beyond go-live. Craig started Pinpoint HRM in the early 2000s, and since then, he and his team of 75 consultants have delivered over 650 HR tech projects, working on over 100 client engagements at any point in time, across the full cloud HR project life cycle. The insights and learnings from these many and varied projects over the years are what Craig brings to this discussion today. We hope you enjoy the episode.
In this episode of the HR Leader podcast, Luli Adeyemo, the executive director at the Tech Diversity Foundation, shines a light on the importance of diversity in the workplace.
Luli highlights the need for organisations to go beyond awareness and take meaningful action to create a more diverse and inclusive environment.
She discusses the concept of intersectionality, which refers to how different aspects of an individual’s identity, such as gender, race, disability, and culture, intersect and influence their experiences and opportunities. She highlights the importance of considering intersectionality when addressing diversity and inclusion.
Luli also emphasises the need to go beyond one data point and understand the intersection of various characteristics within a diverse workforce.
In this episode of the HR Leader podcast, Springfox chief executive and co-founder Peta Sigley shares insights into the importance of addressing resilience and wellbeing at work.
The conversation highlights the importance of building resilience, the different levels of listening, and the role of positive psychology in promoting positive mental wellbeing. With a focus on education and practical implementation, Peta emphasises the need for ongoing support and continuous improvement in the workplace.
Peta also touched on loneliness and how identifying and addressing this issue is crucial, especially as R U OK? Day approaches. To deal with these heavy themes, she highlighted the need for robust courses, engagements, and programs that provide education.
HR leaders play a crucial role in championing resilience and mental health, ensuring its integration into the organisation’s culture. Peta emphasises that building resilience is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
In this week’s podcast episode, we share a conversation with HR Leader’s sister brand Accountants Daily on the economic pressures businesses are facing at the moment.
Mr Fingland walks listeners through the latest figures highlighting the GDP and how our score currently shows that many industries are already in a recession.
He also shares how to spot telltale signs of trouble that are important for all leaders to be across.
Megan Dalla-Camina, founder and chief executive of Women Rising, joined the HR Leader to discuss the progress being made towards gender equity in the workplace.
With the latest report from Women Rising revealing that just 8 per cent of women are thriving at work, there is a long way to go to empower employees.
Megan touches on the role of the male ally and how it’s crucial for men to voice up and help turn stigmas around. She also discusses the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how connections can be strengthened through this approach.
In this episode of The HR Leader, host Jack Campbell is joined by the country manager for Perkbox Australia, Ross McDonald, to discuss the importance of rewards, benefits, and recognition in the modern workplace, especially in the context of remote and hybrid working models.
The duo discuss the significance of offering rewards, benefits, and recognition in today’s job market, where attracting and retaining talent is crucial. They explore how organisations need to adapt their strategies to cater to distributed work models, where remote and hybrid work arrangements have become more common.
Ross explains that recognition is a vital component of engagement and cites surveys that reveal employees value recognition as much as clear performance expectations. He emphasises that recognition contributes to building a positive organisational culture.
Today’s International Co-working Day serves as a timely reminder of the importance of flexibility and the value it has on the employee value proposition.
In this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave is joined by International Workplace Group’s Damien Sheehan to discuss the pros and cons of mandating employees to return to the office.
Damien discusses the generational divide on such policies and how HR leaders can address disgruntlement coming through the ranks.
Damien also shares some telling research that pinpoints the true value of continuing a hybrid approach, including the impacts it’s been shown to make on staff retention and attraction, as well as some of the lesser-discussed benefits related to the world’s carbon footprint.
In this episode of HR Leader’s podcast, the director of Karan & Co, Lauren Karan, shares valuable insights on coaching, transferable skills, and the significance of continuous learning in today’s ever-changing job market.
Lauren emphasises the importance of ongoing training and learning agility. She highlights how successful professionals consistently level up their skills, demonstrating a growth mindset that propels their careers forward. Whether you’re just starting or well into your career, continuous learning is a key factor in personal and professional growth.
Lauren discusses the significance of having a clear plan for career progression. She encourages individuals to identify transferable skills and develop a strategy to upskill for future opportunities.
As people make their way through life, various skills are picked up along the way. While you may be in a role that is completely different in function from your last, transferable skills can help you to excel.
In this episode of The HR Leader, business strategist Angela Vithoulkas discussed her experience in both hospitality and politics.
Angela has used her professional experience to help her shine in new ventures.
Also touched on were the challenges faced by small businesses. With the pandemic hitting hard and many CBD businesses affected by remote working, supporting these struggling businesses is more important than ever.
With employees the heartbeat of any organisation, it’s important to have the right talent acquisition team in place to attract and retain vital staff.
In this episode of The HR Leader, partnered by SEEK, host Emma Musgrave is joined by Mike Virgo, talent acquisition national manager at Coles Group.
Mike and Coles Group recently scooped up two awards at the 2022 SEEK Talent Acquisition Recognition (STAR) Awards, recognising his and his team’s efforts in the TA space.
Mike highlights the importance of creating an inclusive recruitment process and discusses the challenges and future trends in talent acquisition, such as leveraging technology and maintaining employee engagement in a competitive market.
Submissions for the 2023 STAR Awards are now open. To learn more about the awards, or to enter, click on this link: https://www.seek.com/starawards
It’s no secret that employers are struggling to actively engage staff. Is it time to give up on the notion of a traditional nine-to-five?
In this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave is joined by Carly Koemptgen to discuss why and how Aussie bosses can take advantage of talent out there that might not necessarily exist in their immediate backyard.
Carly, 25, is currently travelling along Australia’s east coast working in an arrangement that suits both her personal and career aspirations.
Carly takes listeners through how her set-up works and why she sees other Gen Zers following suit. She also discusses what employers should be doing to capture young talent, how her generation is reshaping office life and the best ways to stay motivated when in a remote working environment.
In this episode of The HR Leader, nrol director Jesse Shah discusses the key trends that are driving recruitment, as it has proved to be a very volatile area of business.
Jesse discusses whether or not we are still experiencing a candidate’s market and how organisations can take advantage of this to boost attraction and retention. Understanding what job seekers are after and providing genuine care can help to improve capability.
He further talks about the role of the recruitment industry and gives his opinion on whether they are truly dying or whether it’s just a myth. Jesse also touches on the role of talent mobility and how harnessing it can be very beneficial.
On this episode of The HR Leader, we were joined by Aimee Baker, chief executive of Ari Recruitment.
Aimee discussed just how crucial it is to keep staff happy and how prioritising flexibility can help keep the workforce engaged and productive.
Utilising young talent is as important as ever, and Gen Z will soon be the leaders. Understanding the value the younger generations have is key to keeping up with the competition.
She also touched on the importance of tech for any organisation and how Ari Recruitment has leveraged this tech to its advantage.
Aimee is a business leader and, at a young age, has had to learn the ropes quickly. Leadership challenges and opportunities are constantly appearing, and she discussed how she navigates this.
The Indigenous Voice to Parliament has gained considerable attention in recent months, with a referendum on track for later this year.
In this episode, we share a conversation with one of our sister brands, Lawyers Weekly, on what businesses should know about the Voice and their obligations as employers.
In this episode, Swaab partner Michael Byrnes takes listeners through various employment and workplace relations scenarios that will have to be considered with regard to the Voice and how employees can reasonably express their views if they are in conflict with their employer’s position.
Mr Byrnes also reveals the dangers of overstepping in publicly contradicting one’s employer and the steps both sides may need to take to ensure freedom of expression is balanced against corporate interests.
Rolling out effective tech can be all the difference in a business thriving and falling short in today’s market.
On this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave is joined by SmartRecruiters’ Richard Lewis-Jones to unpack any hesitation around tech and how employers can benefit from maximising its use.
The Vice-President of Asia Pacific takes listeners through the touch points that can be improved during the talent acquisition process, offering real-life examples of how businesses have succeeded in this space.
Rich also shares how business leaders can distinguish what tasks still need that people-centric approach, the “people > process > technology strategy” he recommends, and some exclusive findings from SmartRecruiters’ new Global Hiring Trends report.
To access SmartRecruiters’ Global Hiring Trends report in full, click here: https://www.smartrecruiters.com/resources/landing/global-hiring-trends-2023/
To book a meeting with Rich, click here: https://hello.smartrecruiters.com/c/RLewis-Jones
Mentorship can be a powerful tool in the workplace. Not only is it a great way for employees to hone their skills and progress, but managers can better their leadership capabilities.
In this episode of The HR Leader, host Jack Campbell was joined by the University of South Australia’s research assistant, Dr Debbie Devis, who discussed the power of mentorship.
Dr Devis also delved into the barriers women face in the workplace, especially the STEM fields, and how workplaces, and the women who work there, can turn negative attitudes around.
The transferring of skills was touched upon, as well as how organisations can benefit by opening up their talent pools and taking advantage of skills that may be different to the standard.
Even though 86 per cent of companies in the post-pandemic era are confident they have found the right balance in terms of people-first work models like hybrid or remote working, 55 per cent have not provided their employees with genuine choice about when or where they work. On this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave is joined by Stef Shoffren, modern workplace lead at Avanade, to discuss why flexibility and hybrid work should be a continued focus going forward, despite some forcing employees back to the office full-time. Stef shares findings around Avanade’s “People first. Or people false” research, which reveals a gap in what organisations are promising and what is being delivered to employees. He also offers his advice for technology-cautious employers and how to better utilise data and experimentation to create an effective working environment for all.
Wellbeing in the workplace is important to get right in order to get the most you can out of employees.
On this episode of The HR Leader, the chief executive and co-founder of CU Health, Dr Patrick Aouad, discussed some strategies the top organisations use to ensure staff are happy and engaged.
Dr Patrick also touched on the effect tokenistic perks can have and when they can become an issue. The rise of tech and how it impacts wellbeing was also discussed, as well as how the new age of flexible working has had an impact on workers.
Different demographics must be considered when implementing policy, which is why a “one-size-fits-all” approach can be counter-productive for employers. Dr Patrick outlined how to navigate this issue while also mentioning the difficulties women have in the workforce.
Instilling meaningful measures for your employees can help ensure they feel supported, even outside of the office. In the lead-up to National Families Week next week, host Emma Musgrave was joined by Emma Walsh, founder of Family Friendly Workplaces and the CEO of Parents at Work, to discuss the importance of leaders being considerate of employee commitments at home. Emma Walsh shares the biggest trends she sees play out when it comes to supporting parents and other carers, including how the pandemic and rising cost of living have contributed to greater implementation of key policies in Australian businesses. She also gives her thoughts on what more needs to be done at a government level to support people and her top tips for businesses obtaining family-friendly certification. National Families Week will be held from 15 to 23 May. To learn more about the event, or to register your interest, visit here: https://nfw.org.au/about/
Cyber hacks have created a logistical nightmare for businesses around the world. As HR professionals, we need to remain on top of the latest trends, threats and challenges to ensure we’re educating employees and employers about the risks. On this episode of The HR Leader, we share a recent discussion between one of our sister brands, Lawyers Weekly, and Law & Cyber founder and legal practitioner director Simone Herbert-Lowe – who unpacks the state of affairs for cyber attacks in Australia. Simone shares why smaller outfits are a prime target for different hackers and how business leaders can stay across proposed legislative changes and implement their own solutions in-house to better protect data.
Keeping staff happy can boost engagement, productivity, and overall profitability. In this episode, Jade Green also touched on how to build a strong culture, why psychological safety is a must, and why workplace champions can be a great addition to the workforce.
Stats around absence management are evolving year on year, with the time ripe for HR professionals to put it top of their business agenda.
On this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave chats to Morag Fitzsimons, national manager of employee care, people solutions at Lockton, on the benefits of putting absence management front and centre – and the risks that come with not having effective measures that speak to this.
Morag runs through the latest findings concerning absence management in the Australian market and how these stack up to what’s playing out overseas.
She also gives her tips to ensure Australian business leaders are leading the pack in implementing benefits that will make a true difference in the eyes of staff and avoid those that are tokenistic.
Despite some companies’ best efforts, many may find themselves falling behind when it comes to meaningful investment in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). On this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave is joined by Melissa Bowden, senior HR director, APAC and Japan at Workday, to unpack recent studies that pinpoint how Australia’s DEI investment efforts are tracking – and what needs improving. Melissa takes Emma through Workday’s approach to DEI investment and gives her views as to how the importance of implementing strategies surrounding the topic has changed over the years. Melissa also provides listeners with her top tips on how to navigate inevitable headwinds that come with evolving work environments, as well as the tech that can make all the difference in a company’s support on offer.
The evolution of the workforce has posed plenty of challenges for recruitment. This episode of The HR Leader discusses these challenges with Ben Townshend, the technology sales recruitment lead at Bluefin Resources. Ben touches on the implications brought about by the pandemic and how to stand out amid a tight labour market. He also outlines the importance of candidate experience and recruitment tech.
CEO confidence in executive leadership teams has seen a deep decline. Now, more than ever, presents an opportunity for HR professionals to prove their worth.
On this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave is joined by Dee Fitzgerald, executive director at Russell Reynolds Associates, to discuss what’s caused this drop in confidence – and what proactive measures you can take to drive it up again.
Dee talks about the big comparisons between traditional and today’s C-suite teams, what characteristics people in exec roles need to exude now, and the questions leaders should ask themselves when setting a business up for success.
She also reveals how leaders can effectively develop next-generation leaders in-house and gives HR up-and-comers some key advice on how they can position themselves up for success from the get-go.
Mitch Wallis is a mental health advocate and founder of Heart On My Sleeve. He joined The HR Leader to discuss the work his organisation does to promote mental health support in the workplace and why it’s so important. Mitch highlighted how people often spend more time at work than they do with loved ones, showing that the workplace is a crucial place to address mental wellbeing. To access Heart On My Sleeve’s workplace programs, visit the link below:https://www.heartonmysleeve.org/
Recent government efforts to better support employees suffering from family and domestic violence are a step in the right direction, but do they go far enough? On this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave is joined by Tammy Hewitt for an honest and insightful conversation about addressing the issue in Australian workplaces. Tammy is a mental health advocate and keynote speaker who has a passion for educating business leaders about how they can implement practical measures in-house to support staff who need it most. While she is encouraged by the new Australian legislation, which allows employees 10 days of family and domestic violence leave, she shares how employers can go the extra mile. Tammy also shares the tell-tale signs of family and domestic violence HR can look out for in staff – and the appropriate steps to take in supporting them from the get-go.
While more Australian workplaces are bolstering their efforts in the wellbeing space, there are lessons that can be learnt from overseas counterparts. On this episode of The HR Leader, host Emma Musgrave chats to Aussie-based Cathy McDonald, executive general manager of Vitality Works, and UK-based Dr Adam Huxley, co-founder and COO of Thrive, on the hidden benefits that come with an expanded workplace policy. Cathy and Adam take listeners through the financial and cultural benefits that come with placing greater emphasis on mental health in the workplace, discuss the cost of absenteeism, and give their advice to HR leaders and key decision-makers who are keen to implement greater initiatives going forward. The pair also discuss the partnership their companies have recently embarked on to bring what’s being dubbed the next revolutionary employee assistance program (EAP) solution to the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Nicole Karagiannis is the chief people and culture officer at Harrison.ai. She spoke with The HR Leader about her career as an HR professional, her interest in coaching and executive leadership, and the importance of DEI and belonging in HR’s outlook.
Ms Karagiannis shared with listeners how being trilingual has enhanced her HR work, including being able to speak clearly and plainly to a diverse group of people. She commented on the role of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in Harrison.ai’s workplace, including why it’s important to tailor recognition to individual employees.
Seeing HR as a “commercial business partner” is key for Ms Karagiannis, who demonstrated in the podcast discussion how HR could be a commercial contributor outside of what’s thought of as the traditional HR role.
Listen to the full podcast to also discover Ms Karagiannis’ tips for those in the tech industry currently experiencing workforce challenges.
James McIlvena, LHH Australia and New Zealand’s managing director, talked to The HR Leader for this podcast in partnership with LHH. Examining the LHH Global Workforce of the Future Report, the discussion ranged from skills to salary conversations, career development and more. Mr McIlvena spoke about what LHH’s findings revealed regarding skills, employee demand for career progression, and why new tech like AI is driving human workers to maintain relevance. It’s rare for an organisation and its employees to agree that both sides feel salary levels are spot on, but Mr McIlvena shared some of the ways businesses can mitigate this disconnect. Diving into the phenomenon of “quitfluencers”, the podcast also discussed what organisations could do to stem the tide if one employee’s decision to leave sparks others to also consider their options. And the conversation wouldn’t have been complete without delving into worker wellbeing. Mr McIlvena did this through a lens of understanding what businesses can do to encourage their people to take regular breaks. For listeners who’d like to read more about the LHH Global Workforce of the Future Report, please click here: https://info.lhh.com/ANZ/HRL-CTM-global-workforce-of-the-future-2023
The Equinix Foundation is committed to digital inclusion. Sujata Narayan, its director, and Bruce Owen, its president, joined The HR Leader to share what the foundation is all about and examples of some of the great initiatives the team is involved with worldwide. Diversity is a word that comes up a lot when talking about the foundation, and it’s apt with both Equinix employees and people from other organisations supporting the foundation’s work. The foundation is also adamant about being part of the places wherethey operate, with the focus in each region shifting as required to meet the needs of that area. Ms Narayan shared insight into the work the foundation is doing in India to help women achieve digital parity when it comes to learning, as well as efforts in the US to bridge cultural and racial divides. Mr Owen spoke about a growth area of the foundation, which is to provide more support to ageing workers when it comes to digital inclusion. Any discussion about the foundation’s work would be incomplete without covering the importance of DEI and belonging and why it’s central to what the foundation is doing – a lack of digital inclusion has many knock-on effects for people. Mr Owen concluded that they don’t pretend to have all the answers at the foundation, but they’re committed to being a part of the solution.
Subhashree Das shared with The HR Leader her experience as an HR professional moving from India to Australia, looking for work opportunities. Ms Das is now a client services officer in the contract management team at Konica Minolta, but her journey finding work in Australia was not easy.
Ms Das talked through some of the big names she’d worked with in India, organisations that any Australian recruiter would recognise. However, it was still an uphill battle for her to secure a position in Australia due to the common bias for ‘local experience’. Ms Das explained for listeners what recruiters are overlooking when they have a blinkered view valuing ‘local’ above all else.
Being more open to a diverse range of backgrounds is an asset for businesses according to Ms Das, pointing out how advantageous it is when organisations have either internal or external (or both) clients from a variety of cultures and countries. She also reminded listeners about all the soft or human skills that overseas applicants bring with them.
For anyone new to Australia looking for their first position here, Ms Das shared some tips, including focussing on continual learning, gaining local qualifications where possible.
Ms Das was assisted in finding work in Australia by atWork Australia. You can find out more about them here: https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au
Nintex’s vice-president for APAC, Christian Lucarelli, sat down with The HR Leader to share insights into his career that started in HR, moved into HR tech, and up to his current role with Nintex today. He noted that the skills he learnt in HR are now invaluable in managing and leading people. Mr Lucarelli talked about why technology that captures business processes and knowledge is critical for organisations, citing creating ‘centres of excellence’ as one of the ways Nintex helps its customers. Looking at the hurdles HR is facing today and into the future, Mr Lucarelli talked about why HR tech like Nintex needs to be ‘people-centric’, getting people away from spreadsheets and using technology to automate work where possible.
Aaron Goonrey is a partner at Lander & Rogers and specialises in workplace relations and safety. He spoke with The HR Leader on 24 November 2022 about some of the DEI issues Australian workplaces should be aware of.
Looking at both current and predicted DEI challenges, Mr Goonrey shared his thoughts on the barriers some organisations face in embracing DEI.
The podcast conversation also covered Australia’s seeming preoccupation with only one area of DEI: gender, with Mr Goonrey stating: “I think in some regards, in Australia that is, we’re a little bit behind what diversity, equity and inclusion means broadly. With that said, I think we get fixated on female representation or gender representation, broadly speaking because women represent 50 per cent of the population, so have greater representation and visibility as compared with other minority groups.”
He added: “So when you look at gender and women, their representation is going to be critical in discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion. But we do have that preoccupation I think because we’re a little bit behind the game when it comes to that.”
Mr Goonrey also shared what he thinks a “truly inclusive organisation” is and why he’s personally very interested in DEI.
“I’ve got a passion around it because I think that everyone, regardless of who you are, or where you come from ... I have a passion that those people, particularly when we’re talking about our minorities, should feel safe and confident to bring their authentic self to work and to be assured that they will be treated equally among their co-workers and by their managers,” said Mr Goonrey.
From aircraft maintenance engineer to HR professional, Adam Hill brings a unique perspective to HR. Mr Hill joined The HR Leader on 22 November 2022 to discuss how his background in aircraft maintenance engineering has been advantageous to his current HR role.
Delving into the skills that have translated from his prior work to HR, Mr Hill’s career change is inspiring for those looking for a door into HR in 2023. His story is also relevant for anyone seeking talent and needing to think differently about who’s appropriate in order to open up talent pools.
The podcast conversation culminated in Mr Hill’s insights on the top issues facing HR with an eye on the new year.
The co-founder of The Wellbeing Lab, Dr Michelle McQuaid, joined The HR Leader to talk about workplace wellbeing and positive psychology.
Dr McQuaid explained why she has a particular interest in wellbeing at work, what wellbeing champions are, and the connection between data and wellbeing to measure success. She also dived into what the phrase ‘positive psychology’ means to her.
The podcast conversation concluded with Dr McQuaid sharing insights into her work with business leaders.
Dr McQuaid has kindly provided the below reference for podcast listeners:
https://www.michellemcquaid.com/research/
The general manager for TQSolutions, Nadine O’Regan, spoke with The HR Leader this week about talent: what to expect in 2023, industries of concern, ideas for nurturing leadership, and more.
Making sure they have the right talent down the track is an important consideration for organisations. Ms O’Regan spoke about what businesses might anticipate in terms of talent next year and her thoughts on what the recent federal budget might mean for workers.
It was clear from the discussion that some industries are particularly struggling right now. Ms O’Regan discussed areas where skills are really tight, and the knock-on effect this has for realising goals like achieving more childcare to level up female and male participation in the workforce.
Ms O’Regan has kindly provided the following references for this podcast episode:
https://www.nationalskillscommission.gov.au/publications/skills-priority-list-key-findings
https://www.listcorp.com/asx/edu/edu-holdings-limited/news/ceo-address-to-annual-general-meeting-2706679.html
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-18/aged-care-sector-welcomes-pacific-workers-need-35000-more-a-year/101344072
https://www.ceda.com.au/NewsAndResources/MediaReleases/Health-Ageing/Australias-aged-care-crisis-escalates-staff-short
https://dartlindsley.com/
https://joshbersin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/TA-22_04-The-Definitive-Guide-to-Recruiting-ExecSum.pdf
Karen Loon spoke with The HR Leader about cultural diversity and attracting talent to Australia from overseas.
Ms Loon shared what it was like for her returning to Australia after working overseas. She talked about her passion for cultural diversity, and ideas for attracting candidates to Australia from other countries.
The podcast conversation on 28 October also covered how organisational culture can negatively impact the experience of overseas workers or people with varying cultural backgrounds.
Ms Loon kindly shared the following book for reference with The HR Leader listeners:
Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Career Strategies for Asians, Jane Hyun
Jessica Hickman, the author of The Upstander Leader and founder and director of Bullyology, shared with The HR Leader what it’s been like to move to and work in Orange, NSW. She also shared what she’d like leaders to know about bullying in the workplace and what it means to be an ‘upstander’.
Ms Hickman talked about what it’s like to work on business culture in regional NSW, noting: “One of the biggest things I found moving to regional New South Wales, and I do a lot of work across the states regionally now, is there seems to be old-school mindsets and behaviours.” She added that she’s “Working with organisations where people have been leaders for 30, even 40 years, and looking at some of the big picture trends that are affecting leaders and workplace culture at the moment.”
Explaining to The HR Leader listeners what the ‘bystander effect’ is, Ms Hickman said that it refers to: “As human beings, when things get hard, challenging or quite toxic and difficult, our natural instinct and desire is to diffuse responsibility.” Ms Hickman then shared her thoughts on ‘upstander cultures’ which people can read about more in her book, The Upstander Leader.
The podcast conversation concludes with Ms Hickman’s vision for her work over the next five years, focusing on what she terms ‘the upstanding generation’.
For more information about Ms Hickman’s work around bullying in the workplace, you can visit https://bullyology.com/
Note from the editor: If you’re currently experiencing any of the issues discussed in this podcast episode and would like to reach out for help, you may wish to contact Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au
Fay Calderone, partner at Hall and Wilcox, joined The HR Leader for a special two-part podcast looking at recent news in employment law, from Respect@Work through to proposed changes around pay secrecy.
In part one, Ms Calderone talked about the recent Respect@Work bill (https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/commission-commends-introduction-respectwork-bill) that follows the Respect@Work report (https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/sex-discrimination/publications/respectwork-sexual-harassment-national-inquiry-report-2020) in relation to HR and preventing workplace sexual harrassment. The Bill has passed through the lower house and is before the Senate next week.
This first conversation also included the potential consequences of home working and hybrid working on women in the workplace, as well as the mental health concerns HR and those leading people should be aware of since the start of COVID-19.
In part two, Ms Calderone discussed the proposed Fair Work Legislation Amendment Secure Jobs Better Pay Bill 2022 as well as what her role as a flexible work ambassador means to her. A proposed change to pay secrecy was highlighted, as were new anti-discrimination measures that are being put forward.
Ms Calderone provided the below links for listeners who’d like to delve into the legislation and bills further:
- Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022 (https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6882) – passed
- Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 (https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6916) – senate committee report on 3/11/22
- Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 (https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary%20Business/Bills%20Legislation/Bills%20Search%20Results/Result/Second%20Reading%20Speeches?BillId=r6941) – up to 2nd reading speeches
Notes from the editor: This podcast was recorded on 4 November 2022 and all information above is accurate as of 16 November 2022.
This article and podcast has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as advice (legal or otherwise).
If you’re currently experiencing any of the sensitive issues we’ve discussed in this podcast and would like to reach out for help, you may wish to contact Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au
Fay Calderone, partner at Hall and Wilcox, joined The HR Leader for a special two-part podcast looking at recent news in employment law, from Respect@Work through to proposed changes around pay secrecy.
In part one, Ms Calderone talked about the recent Respect@Work bill (https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/commission-commends-introduction-respectwork-bill) that follows the Respect@Work report (https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/sex-discrimination/publications/respectwork-sexual-harassment-national-inquiry-report-2020) in relation to HR and preventing workplace sexual harrassment. The Bill has passed through the lower house and is before the Senate next week.
This first conversation also included the potential consequences of home working and hybrid working on women in the workplace, as well as the mental health concerns HR and those leading people should be aware of since the start of COVID-19.
In part two, Ms Calderone discussed the proposed Fair Work Legislation Amendment Secure Jobs Better Pay Bill 2022 as well as what her role as a flexible work ambassador means to her. A proposed change to pay secrecy was highlighted, as were new anti-discrimination measures that are being put forward.
Ms Calderone provided the below links for listeners who’d like to delve into the legislation and bills further:
- Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022 (https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6882) – passed
- Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 (https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6916) – senate committee report on 3/11/22
- Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 (https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary%20Business/Bills%20Legislation/Bills%20Search%20Results/Result/Second%20Reading%20Speeches?BillId=r6941) – up to 2nd reading speeches
Notes from the editor: This podcast was recorded on 4 November 2022 and all information above is accurate as of 16 November 2022.
This article and podcast has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as advice (legal or otherwise).
If you’re currently experiencing any of the sensitive issues we’ve discussed in this podcast and would like to reach out for help, you may wish to contact Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au
Following the recent webcast: Career and Talent Mobility Simplified (https://www.hrleader.com.au/webcasts/23341-career-and-talent-mobility-simplified) with LHH and HR Leader, James McIlvena, LHH’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, sat down with The HR Leader to dive into the topic of measuring the productivity and success of career and talent mobility through different lenses.
The podcast conversation covered how organisations can help people engage with learning platforms and how to build internal support, be it from leadership, HR/L&D colleagues, or employees.
Mr McIlvena also spoke about the role of pilots when launching new learning programs and how to build productivity measures for learning initiatives to determine ROI. Mr McIlvena stressed that it’s important for technology to be launched properly if organisations want to see positive results.
The HR Leader had the pleasure of speaking with Gabrielle Dolan, speaker, author and the founder of ‘jargon-free Fridays’ alongside Miranda Ratajski, chief information officer for group business units at Westpac about the power of storytelling – when it’s done correctly.
The podcast delved into what storytelling is in a business-leadership context, why it works, and what it might look like when it isn’t done well.
As a business leader, Ms Ratajski (https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-kovacic/) shared how she’s used storytelling and the results she’s witnessed off the back of it. Ms Dolan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/) commented on the difference between using stories and simply sharing facts and figures.
Ms Dolan kindly shared the below with HR Leader:
7 day storytelling starter kit (https://gabrielledolan.com/starterkit/)
Strategic Storytelling Virtual Webcast with Gabrielle Dolan (https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/strategic-storytelling-virtual-webcast-with-gabrielle-dolan-tickets-396305038037)–HR Leader listeners receive a 20% discount when using the code: MM20
Note from the editor: Please note that HR Leader has not been paid to promote the above resources. The links are provided for informational purposes only, and do not constitute a recommendation, endorsement or otherwise.
Dr Dominic McLoughlin is a people management specialist with a keen interest in trust in organisations. He spoke with The HR Leader about his transition from industrial relations to HR, his academic research, and knowledge sharing in the workplace.
Dr McLoughlin shared how his experience working in industrial relations revealed the reactive side of HR, and that his later work ‘on the other side’ has been more proactive HR. He explained how trust and knowledge sharing intersect, with trust being essential to employees feeling like they can try things, learn from them, and grow – even if those things aren’t always a success.
The conversation covered some ideas that HR leaders can use to promote both trust and knowledge sharing in their workplaces, as well as tips for those wanting to make virtual working a success.
Dr McLoughlin highlighted some of the pitfalls of virtual work environments, including missing out on casual ‘over the desk’ conversations and a lack of human connection when people don’t use the video function for team video calls. He explained that being mindful of only inviting those who need to be at a meeting might help improve meeting engagement and success, musing that the virtual meeting of the future might well include the use of holograms.
Dr McLoughlin kindly provided the following references:
Dirks and Ferrin (2002): https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-15406-001
Mcloughlin (2014): https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Worker-Trust-Within-Organisations-ebook/dp/B00TQE7WMA
McLoughlin (2022): https://www.amazon.com.au/Better-Manager-Five-Minutes-Day-ebook/dp/B0BHBW589B/
Justine Figo is an HR director, author and executive coach. She spoke with The HR Leader about how HR has changed over her career, the exciting network of senior HR professionals that she’s created, and what she’d love to see from HR in the future.
Ms Figo related anecdotes about being part of the family business as a child and how she learnt very early about the important role people play in an organisation’s success. Sharing her experience as a law graduate and then moving into the HR field, Ms Figo commented on how important those early career experiences were.
As an HR director working with a variety of clients, Ms Figo discussed some of the common concerns she’s seeing in the market, with talent shortages top of the list. The conversation also delved into the role of tech in modern HR and how she’d like to see HR progress in the workplace transformation arena.
Ms Figo shared with The HR Leader information about the HR network she started pre-COVID-19, how everyone was able to support each other as the pandemic changed how people work, and why the network has been a success.
To find out if you're eligible for membership of the network, you can email hello@justinefigo.com
And you can find Ms Figo’s books at: https://justinefigo.com/books/
Kellie-Ann McDade, partner at Baker McKenzie, spoke with The HR Leader about what employers should be mindful of following the return to work after COVID-19 lockdowns, including considerations around letting employees work out of the employer's home state.
Ms McDade touched on some of the WH&S concerns that employers should be aware of, including obligations they still need to fulfil, regardless of where the worker ‘works’, and why psychological safety is top of the priority list.
The conversation also delved into work/life balance and some of the biggest challenges right now regarding written and unwritten reward obligations. For example, misuse of annualised salaries and the risks involved in not paying enough to avoid minimum award requirements.
Note from the editor: Please note that this article and podcast has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as advice (legal or otherwise).
From high school teacher to positive psychology coach, Michelle Falzon shared her unique insights around the trauma that workforces have undergone due to COVID-19. She also spoke about why caution should be exercised regarding hybrid working and the challenges she’s seeing in the HR market right now.
Whether the impact of COVID-19 has been profound or minimal for an individual, everyone has experienced the negative repercussions of the pandemic to one degree or another. Ms Falzon spoke to The HR Leader about what businesses should be mindful of around COVID-19 trauma.
Hybrid working has been a key trend to emerge from the COVID-19 lockdowns. Ms Falzon shared her concerns about a lack of social interaction resulting from working from home, noting that the convenience of being at home might come with some unwanted consequences as a result of not being in the office mixing with people.
Ms Falzon kindly provided the following link for listeners who’d like to learn more about the ‘heliotropic effect’: https://leadchangegroup.com/positively-energizing-leaders-are-heliotropic/
Note from the editor: if you’re currently experiencing any of the issues we’ve discussed in this podcast and would like to reach out for help, you may wish to contact Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au
The CEO and MD for auticon in Australia and New Zealand, Bodo Mann, joined The HR Leader to share auticon’s story – a business with 70 per cent of its workforce on the autism spectrum.
Mr Mann explained that auticon isn’t a charity, even though its mission might be similar to charities that support neurodiverse workers. He shared what he feels Australia can learn from auticon’s work overseas, as well as how their approach to hiring supports people with autism.
A vital part of auticon’s work is helping their people find success in their current and future work, and Mr Mann explained how they facilitate this.
Businesses and candidates can find out more about working with auticon here (https://auticon.com.au/).
auticon kindly shared the below references following the podcast:
Autism and employment in Australia (https://www.amaze.org.au/creating-change/research/employment/#:~:text=In%20Australia%2C%20the%20unemployment%20rate,rate%20of%20people%20without%20disability)
4430.0 - Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings, 2015 (https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4430.0Main%20Features752015) states:
“The unemployment rate for people with autism spectrum disorders was 31.6%, more than three times the rate for people with disability (10.0%) and almost six times the rate of people without disability (5.3%).”
Employment program doubles employment for autistic youth (https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/employment-program-doubles-employment-autistic-youth)
Auticon impact report 2021 (https://auticon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/auticon-Impact-Report-2021-English-1.pdf)
Note from the editor: Please note that some statistics may have been slightly misquoted in the podcast recording.
Founder and CEO of Enboarder, Brent Pearson, joined The HR Leader to talk about why they’re putting human connection at the heart of how they work as a business, as well as incorporating this into their product offering.
Mr Pearson shared the origin story of Enboarder, relating the research he discovered that evidenced how critical onboarding is to employee retention. He shared this video for podcast listeners: Professor Dan Cable explains the Wipro research.
Explaining his views on human connection as both a CEO and people leader as well as via his role as a product leader, Mr Pearson spoke about the challenges businesses face in creating human connections in a new hybrid-working world.
He revealed insights into Enboarder’s upcoming product features that will allow employees to better connect with each other, as well as how Enboarder will enhance workplace learning via the same principles.
Mr Pearson concluded by sharing his thoughts on where the working world is heading, musing that if a recession occurs, the struggle finding talent following that is only going to increase. He divulged what he thinks will be the key attribute of organisations that thrive in a post-recession talent war.
AVL Wines people and culture director, Tash Cahill, joined The HR Leader to talk about how she has achieved a senior HR role so quickly in her career, the support she’s received to help her achieve success, and how she’s crafted her role so HR at AVL Wines can have the most impact.
Ms Cahill knew that she wanted a career in HR, rather than falling into it like many in the profession. This gave her a bit of a head start in the industry. She also credits the support AVL Wines has given her in stepping up into a senior role as integral to her success.
As a younger leader, Ms Cahill shared her perspective with The HR Leader on why it’s advantageous for a business to have both older and younger professionals in leadership roles, with the different perspectives of both benefiting a business.
Leroy Wilkinson-Maher, the managing director and founder of Dhiira, sat down with The HR Leader to discuss what organisations can do to increase inclusion and equitability for Aboriginal people.
In this second part of the conversation, Mr Wilkinson-Maher provided some insights for organisations looking to better understand the history of Aboriginal people, what positive changes businesses can support, and the role of HR in driving change that helps Aboriginal people.
The head of HR at Haleon ANZ, Abby Krause, joined The HR Leader to talk about the organisation’s rebrand, how they’ve designed their offices to reflect the changing needs of their workforce, and how DEI has been considered throughout that journey.
Haleon ANZ includes well-known brands from Sensodyne and Voltaren through to Panadol, Centrum, and ChapStick. Ms Krause shared how they were able to draw on insights from their extensive leadership team to shape the culture for Haleon ANZ. She also spoke about her interest in creating inclusive spaces for people, citing examples of how their new offices accommodate accessibility, parental, and religious needs.
Ms Krause concluded the podcast discussion with tips and insights that other organisations can consider to make their workspaces hybrid-working friendly. She shared that their approach is to follow a philosophy rather than a policy, enabling them to be flexible around different people’s needs.
Niall O’Rourke, partner at Sharp and Carter, spoke with The HR Leader about what the recruitment firm does to keep wellbeing front and centre.
Sharp and Carter’s website calls out their ‘culture of uncommon care’. Mr O’Rourke described how this is reflected in the business, including assigning a founding member of their firm to look after the wellbeing of employees.
Mr O’Rourke shared with The HR Leader why the firm rewards all of their employees, understanding that every role contributes to the commercial success of the business.
He also spoke about what being an ‘ethical recruiter’ entails, relating that if you wouldn’t place your family member in a position, why place a candidate in that role? As Mr O’Rourke summed up, they treat both clients and candidates as customers – a candidate sees first hand the level of detail they go into to make a placement, which helps inform them as a client what the process looks like client-side.
Mimma Mason, business development director of the clinical assessments arm in APAC for Pearson, joined The HR Leader to talk about her role as a cognitive scientist, and how her speciality relates to HR and people leaders.
Ms Mason shared what she means when she refers to a ‘career passport’ and how it reflects a need to look beyond skills to the candidate/employee’s experience more generally.
Ms Mason also discussed with The HR Leader how to identify when an employee is being challenged at the right level to promote learning, citing what to look for as an indicator that an employee is being overchallenged.
Discussing what agile learning looks like, the podcast conversation delved into what businesses need to consider in terms of an individual’s capacity to learn, as well as what to look for in L&D professionals to secure learning talent that can act agilely to meet a business’ needs.
Leroy Wilkinson-Maher, the managing director and founder of Dhiira, sat down with The HR Leader to discuss what organisations can do to increase inclusion and equitability for Aboriginal people.
In the first of this two-part special podcast, Mr Wilkinson-Maher shared insights into his career journey to date, starting with a school-based traineeship with a bank, to working in HR and now managing Dhiira, which he describes as an “intentional disruptor”.
He shared: “I've ended up here now in this company, which is fundamentally an intentional disruptor. We want to undo the bricks and mortar that have been the foundations of mainstream businesses since Australia was colonised… what I'm trying to [ask] now is: how do we humanise the world through the Aboriginal perspective and through the Aboriginal lens?”
Part one of the podcast concluded with Mr Wilkinson-Maher sharing three mistakes he sees businesses making when it comes to DEI and Aboriginal people.
In part two, Mr Wilkinson-Maher provides some insights for organisations looking to better understand the history of Aboriginal people, what positive changes businesses can support, and the role of HR in driving change that helps Aboriginal people. Part two will be released on 14 October 2022.
Kate Newey, the head of human resources at Adaptalift Group, sat down with The HR Leader to talk about the challenges and the opportunities involved in being a parent and a senior part-time employee.
Ms Newey discussed what it was like adjusting to being a part-time HR professional and establishing new boundaries to juggle work and home duties. She also shared how she has created the right team and ways of working for her HR function to support their approach to flexible working.
The conversation also touched on what it was like as a senior HR professional to work through the beginnings of the pandemic, and the challenges COVID-19 continues to present – including when employees are looking after unwell children, or businesses are trying to bring workforces together to network and collaborate.
Belinda Leon shared with The HR Leader her experience being diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, her tips for employers on supporting a neurodivergent workforce, and DEI at Bendigo Bank.
Ms Leon looks after employer branding at Bendigo Bank. She spoke with The HR Leader about her career trajectory, how it’s helped to have a variety of experiences, and what being diagnosed with ADHD has meant for her in terms of her work.
Talking about how Bendigo Bank has supported her, Ms Leon also related how the bank’s EVP captures their commitment to DEI. Understanding neurodiversity is an important element of DEI, and Ms Leon provided some tips for how organisations can best help those who are neurodivergent.
Ms Leon stated to HR Leader (for those who are curious if they have undiagnosed ADHD): “I recommend reading (reputable) articles, speaking to their doctor and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist to be assessed. That can take a while – I had a five-month wait and I think the times have only gotten longer since then.”
Ms Leon has kindly provided the below links in relation to this podcast episode:
https://www.additudemag.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/howtoadhd
Information about ADHD symptoms in adults: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-test-adults/
Note from the editor: If you’re currently experiencing any of the issues we’ve discussed above and would like to reach out for help, you may wish to contact Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au
Anu Villarosa, the HR Director at Pitcher Partners and parent of four, shared how she balances work and her personal life without sacrificing career goals or time with family.
Ms Villarosa spoke about her path to the role of HR Director and how she unapologetically moved forward in her career while also building her family. She shared tips for women to achieve equality in the workplace, looking at behaviours like over-apologising and over-explaining, and suggesting alternative ways to communicate that are more gender neutral.
The conversation also included insights into different learning paths for women at work, as well as who Ms Villarosa herself looks to for inspiration now that she’s in a senior HR role.
In the discussion, Ms Villarosa referenced Justine Figo’s networking group of senior HR practitioners who have been supporting each other through the challenges of COVID-19, and Ms Figo’s new book: On the same page.
Sally McKibbin from Indeed sat down with The HR Leader to talk about recruitment in relation to automation, inclusion and hiring graduates.
The conversation explored the impact of automation on recruitment. Ms McKibbin also talked about what can be done to make recruitment a more inclusive process, including understanding the impact of job ad language and placement.
Rounding out the episode, Ms McKibbin spoke about why organisations should pay attention to graduate hiring, and provided some insights for any graduates listening who would like to purse a role in the HR or recruitment industry.
Jo Mason, the co-founder and CEO of WorkHaven, spoke with The HR Leader about the work her organisation is doing to support those affected by domestic and family violence (DFV).
Please note that this episode may be triggering for some listeners.
Ms Mason talked about how organisations can support employees affected by DFV, highlighting the importance of understanding the stages people go through from when they first identify that they’re experiencing DFV to being a survivor of DFV.
If you’re currently experiencing any of the issues related to this podcast episode and would like to reach out for help, you may wish to contact Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or 1800RESPECT: https://www.1800respect.org.au/. If you would like to learn more about addressing domestic and family violence in your workplace, please visit www.workhaven.com.au or email hello@workhaven.com.au
Note from the editor: We have endeavoured to provide reference links to all statistics mentioned in this episode, you will find them at this link: https://www.hrleader.com.au/tech/23331-trigger-warning-how-organisations-can-support-those-affected-by-domestic-and-family-violence or email the editor at editor@hrleader.com.au
Sapia.ai’s CEO and founder, Barb Hyman, spoke with The HR Leader about business transformation, data and tech in HR, why Saipa.ai is part of The Circle Back Initiative, and much more.
Ms Hyman shared how Sapia.ai is changing how feedback is given to candidates, using tech to provide a level of feedback that would have been hard to match in the past.
The conversation also delved into why having the right sort of leaders behind business transformation is imperative, and Ms Hyman’s views on HR policymaking.
Mercer Career Australia country managing director, Cynthia Cottrell, spoke with The HR Leader for a special 2-part podcast on AI and automation in HR, work design and how data complements redesigns.
The conversation examined how employers can use automation to facilitate ‘sustainable and enjoyable’ work for all employees. And Ms Cottrell talked about what AI really means as it’s a concept that’s often misunderstood in the HR world.
Ms Cottrell discussed flexible working in the context of work design and why it’s important to consider them hand in hand. The podcast also touched on how data can be used to facilitate work redesigns. Listen to part one of this two-part special below.
Nicole Mason heads up change management at Blackmores Group. She joined The HR Leader to share her journey getting into change management, the challenges of the discipline, and how change management and HR teams can work well together.
Ms Mason explained some of the change management work involved in implementing a new HRIS, as well as imparting three tips for those looking after change management projects. For people new to the working world, she also shared why change management is an exciting career to consider.
One of the themes of the discussion was to be aware of context when implementing change: look around the business to see what other projects are impacting people, and look outside the organisation to understand external influences that might impact a change project’s success. For more, listen to the full podcast below.
You can find out more about the Prosci Methodology for Change Management here.
Lance Scoular, fondly known online as ‘The Savvy Navigator’, spoke with The HR Leader about how he developed his social media marketing acumen and in turn becamea mentor to others looking to build their social media presence and following.
Mr Scoular shared what he finds most rewarding about mentoring and the creative ways he’s mentored people via social media. He provided insights into working with a mentor outside your immediate industry, including mentoring HR Leader’s editor, Shandel McAuliffe, when she was in a previous role.
Andrea Kirby, Talent Table’s founder and director, spoke with The HR Leader about all things related to talent acquisition (TA).
The discussion looked at both internal and external TA, the skills difference between the two disciplines, and the hurdles professionals need to overcome when moving from agency to internal recruitment.
Ms Kirby also spoke with our editor, Shandel McAuliffe, about what talent professionals can do to better support returning Australian expats or migrants, to overcome the stigma of not having recent (or any) ‘local experience’. Ms Kirby highlighted that the Australian market can benefit from those who’ve lived abroad as they bring new and innovative ideas to their Australian workplaces.
Ms Kirby has kindly provided the below link for Talent Table’s upcoming event:
#tru, 14 September
https://talent-table.swoogo.com/truaustralia
CEO of Hoban Recruitment, Alison Watts, spoke with The HR Leader about the insights the company discovered via its recent Workforce Trends Survey, 2022–23.
Ms Watts shared why the report is valuable for the market and some of the top findings. The podcast discussion also included what roles are particularly difficult to recruit for at the moment, and three tips for mitigating those challenges.
Hoban Recruitment has a strong interest in innovation and DEI. Ms Watts concluded the conversation with The HR Leader by explaining Hoban's work in these focus areas.
Productivity coach and author of the ‘It’s about time’ series, Donna McGeorge, shared her insights on time management for leaders with The HR Leader.
Delving into concepts like ‘surge capacity’ and ‘adaptive capacity’, as well as the ‘15 per cent rule’, Ms McGeorge shared tips to help leaders and people managers make the most of their time.
The conversation also covered how managers can help their staff to better organise their time, as well as what leaders often forget to make time for!
Listen to the podcast with Ms McGeorge below to make better use of your time.
Ms McGeorge has kindly shared the below reference that relates to the podcast discussion:
- https://www.lifeblood.com.au/
A note from the editor: This podcast was recorded on 11 August 2022
Mercer Careers Australia country managing director,Cynthia Cottrell, spoke with The HR Leader for a special two-part podcast on AI and automation in HR, work design and how data complements redesigns.
The conversation examined how employers can use automation to facilitate ‘sustainable and enjoyable’ work for all employees. And Ms Cottrell talked about what AI really means as it’s a concept that’s often misunderstood in the HR world.
Ms Cottrell discussed flexible working in the context of work design and why it’s important to consider them hand in hand. The podcast also touched on how data can be used to facilitate work redesigns. Listen to part one of this two-part special below.
Michelle Novotny, managing director at Discovering People, joined The HR Leader to talk about her experiences as a business owner, parent, and mentor in the recruitment industry.
Ms Novotny discusses how she achieves work-life balance as a busy parent and managing director. She delves into why she believes it’s important to give people professional opportunities, and why this has been rewarding for her, too.
Given the current talent shortages in the marketplace, Ms Novotny also shares her tips for success in such a market based on her years of experience in recruitment.
Lesley Horsburgh, managing director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) shared with The HR Leader her journey to her current role, the evolution of APSCo to what it is today, and the market challenges that they’re learning about via their members.
Ms Horsburgh discussed talent shortages both within and outside of the recruitment industry — not only is the industry under pressure to help clients find talent, it’s hard to find recruitment talent too.
The podcast conversation also delved into the challenges associated with Australian legislation trying to accommodate both ‘white’ and ‘blue’ collar work with the same rules, where a more nuanced approach may be beneficial.
Joe Hart, principal psychologist and director at True Perspective sat down with The HR Leader to talk about leadership, culture, and performance management.
Mr Hart related why he feels that perspective is so important as a leadership quality, explaining that to be an effective leader, one needs to be empathetic to their employees’ perspectives. Mr Hart also explained where he feels the line is between quantitative and qualitative data-backed decision-making.
The podcast conversation was rounded out with a discussion on why culture change needs to start with the leaders in an organisation, with the view that ‘you can’t beat Mother Nature!’
Deepak Singh, partner at Think & Grow, joined The HR Leader to discuss the Retrain program the firm has created to help people find ‘meaningful work’.
Retrain was born out of the challenges people experienced finding work during the global financial crisis (GFC). When COVID-19 started, Think & Grow recognised parallels with the GFC in that it was creating similar hurdles for people looking to secure good work.
Identifying particular groups of people that might find it hard to get work, and with an interest in the tech industry, Deepak explained how they help people find the right positions for them. One element of the Retrain program is to teach people how to tell their story in a way that commercially resonates with potential employers.
MacMORGAN Next Practice Growth’s principal and co-founder, Rowena Millward, shared her thoughts on growth and learning with The HR Leader.
Ms Millward explained why she uses the term ‘uncomfortable growth’, relating that change and growth can be uncomfortable but that difficulties can often yield positive results. The discussion also included the balance of responsibility between individuals and employers when it comes to driving progress.
Listen to the podcast below for more on Ms Millward’s insights into growth, including what the future holds for learning in a world where both tech and people skills will be required.
Nyrissa Filetti is the head of people and culture at MLC School. She shared with The HR Leader why she chooses to work in the L&D world, what she feels helps to make learning a success, and her thoughts on the future of L&D.
Ms Filetti talked about the importance of being flexible as an L&D practitioner, as well as touching on gamification, badging, and using virtual reality to achieve learning outcomes. The ‘Round Square’ concept was also discussed, alongside the importance employees are placing on having purpose and global connections.
Highlighting the benefit of working in learning in a school, Ms Filetti said: “If I thought that there was a lot of opportunity in other organisations, it's just incomparable when I can see the opportunities in education.”
She added: “I'm really excited … Bringing human-centred design and Agile practices to an environment like this and everybody's just lapping it up and getting on this ‘excitement bus’ that I like creating at the same time!”
Find out more by listening to the podcast below.
ELMO Software’s chief commercial officer, Darryl Garber, spoke with The HR Leader about how HR technology is solving some of the most pressing issues in people management including wellbeing, hybrid working, talent shortages, and working from home.
Mr Garber discussed ELMO’s latest HR software modules for hybrid working and wellbeing. He also shared insights from ELMO’s recent Employee Sentiment Index.
The HR and people leadership arena continues to grapple with changes that impact how people work and their wellbeing. Listen to the podcast to find out how technology can help with the challenges arising from these changes.
Total Image Group’s CEO, Pamela Jabbour, talked to The HR Leader about workwear in the modern office.
Ms Jabbour discussed what’s appropriate to wear to work in 2022, how things have changed, and how to accommodate individual preferences alongside a dress code or uniform.
The podcast also addressed what employers might consider doing when a staff member won’t adhere to appropriate work attire, and the impact employees can have on employer branding through their workwear choices.
Gilbert + Tobin’s head of capability development and change, Andrea Tham, shared her passion for learning and development (L&D) with The HR Leader.
Ms Tham explained why she loves working in L&D and gave us some insights into her current role at G+T. The discussion looked at the future of the profession, and what Ms Tham would like her role in that to be.
Ms Tham also related the parallels she sees between herself as a food lover (an ‘eater’) and customer-focused learning programs. She outlined four stages that culminate in the final stage, which is ‘FOMO’!
Learning and leadership specialist, Tracey Ezard, shared her insights on growth with The HR Leader.
Ms Ezard commented on neuroscience in the context of professional growth, why she favours the term ‘growth culture’ over ‘feedback culture’, and her ‘collaboration continuum’.
Ms Ezard also explained what a ‘collective growth mindset’ is, and what environments that foster challenge in a psychologically safe way look like.
Ms Ezard has kindly provided the following references in relation to this episode:
- Amy Edmondson TED Talk: Building Psychologically Safe Workplaces
- Timothy R Clark, The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety
- Judith E. Glaser, Conversational Intelligence
- Tracey Ezard, Ferocious Warmth and Glue
Legal director at Sydney Legal Consulting, Trish Ryan, sat down with The HR Leader to talk about discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the workplace. Ms Ryan spoke about how recent world events such as #MeToo have impacted workplaces and why this trio of issues may be more subtle at work now than in the past.
The podcast discussion also covered areas of reputational risk for organisations, with Ms Ryan’s thoughts on how businesses might consider navigating such scenarios.
Ms Ryan also shared her insights on the recent Fair Work Amendment in regard to the Paid Family Domestic Violence Leave Bill, discussing the benefit this could have for people leaving family domestic violence.
Note from editor: this podcast was recorded on 1 August 2022
When you consider the talent you need for your business, do you think about skill sets that might be relevant from other roles and industries?
Helena Turpin (co-founder of Flow of Work Co) and Adam McKinnon (people data and analytics lead at Reece Group) spoke with The HR Leader about being open minded and creative in how you recognise talent.
The discussion included why now is a good time to challenge how ‘talent’ is perceived, as well as providing tips for listeners on future skills building. This episode of The HR Leader also examines how technology and data are used to manage and nurture talent.
HiBob’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand, Damien Andreasen, joined The HR Leader to discuss technology in HR and people management.
Mr Andreasen shared insights into how tech is helping with new ways of working, why organisations implement HR technology solutions, and how tech can help with working across borders.
The podcast discussion also delved into some of the ideas and challenges arising in HR, and how tech can help achieve business goals. Mr Andreasen concluded by commenting on what a potential recession might mean for candidates in light of the ‘great resignation’.
For further reading on the issues discussed in this podcast, please see below:
https://hbr.org/2022/03/research-how-employee-experience-impacts-your-bottom-line
https://hbr.org/2022/04/onboarding-can-make-or-break-a-new-hires-experience
https://www.hrcloud.com/blog/8-employee-engagement-statistics-you-need-to-know-in-2021
The Circle Back Initiative’s founder, Steve Gard, and Canva’s talent attraction lead, Charlotte Anderson, spoke to The HR Leader about why they’re on a mission to make sure candidates are treated well.
Mr Gard explained why he began The Circle Back Initiative, and Ms Anderson commented on why Canva has embraced the ethos behind the initiative. The discussion delved into why the promise to treat candidates well is a win for both job seekers and employers in terms of branding and EVP.
For candidates who have experienced 'ghosting' and poor treatment during the job application process, job hunting with organisations who have signed up to The Circle Back Initiative will be a welcome change.
Head of people and culture at DiviPay, Olga Klimentieva, shared with The HR Leader insights into her work at a growing tech firm that specialises in corporate cards and expense management.
Ms Klimentieva spoke about why she thinks of her role as an “enabler” at DiviPay, the new training programme she’s launched, and why working in HR in a start-up/scale-up is so rewarding. She also shared her views on talent acquisition and why they’ve focused on this area.
Upward bullying — when managers are bullied by their subordinates — is a very real concern that organisations need to be aware of.
Maureen Kyne shared with The HR Leader what upward bullying is, signs to look out for, and what businesses should be doing to support employees that experience upward bullying.
Ms Kyne explains in this episode why defining upward bullying is so important and why it needs to be handled in the right way.
Mid-tier law firm, Macpherson Kelley, shared insights into its DEI policy and working group with HR Leader.
Olivia Holmes, Macpherson Kelley’s national HR manager, and Emma Berry, a commercial associate with the firm (and member of the DEI working group), shared the pillars of their DEI policy, what they’re hoping to achieve with it and its supporting working group, and where they’d like to see things go in five years’ time.
Ms Berry also explained why she is volunteering to be part of the group, what she’s passionate about in the DEI space, and the positive impact this work is having on her engagement with Macpherson Kelley.
Coaching is a term often heard in the workplace, but frequently misunderstood.
Coaching isn’t mentoring, and it’s not ‘covert’ performance management. Coaching, when used properly, is a powerful tool for helping employees realise their full potential.
Lisa Croxford spoke with The HR Leader about her experience as a coach, explaining how coaching can be used to help employees and leaders grow.
In this episode, Ms Croxford references the below:
The Coaching Habit - Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever, Michael Bungay Stanier
Organisational Coaching Essentials (Level 1), IECL coaching course, https://www.iecl.com/
Sue Sumskis shared with The HR Leader why organisational trauma needs more than an EAP, as well as discussing her work with the Australian Compassion Council.
Ms Sumskis is the director of professional education programs and the head of mental health at the Nan Tien Institute. Listen to the podcast for her insights on organisational trauma to understand the effects of a trauma on an overall business, as well as a discussion on leadership and compassion, and why people should be ‘in the moment’.
Ms Sumskis shared the below references for listeners who would like to do further reading on this topic:
- Brown, EH 1997, ‘Improving organisational health by addressing organisational trauma’, Journal of Organisation Change Management, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 175-178.
- Hormann, S 2007, ‘Organizational Trauma: A phenomenological study of leaders in traumatised organisations’, Dissertations & Theses. http://aura.antioch.edu/etds/184
- Hormann, S & Vivian, P 2005, ‘Toward an understanding of traumatised organisations and how to intervene in them,’ Traumatology, vol. 11, no. 3, pp.159-169.
- Long, S 2012, ‘Trauma as cause and effect of perverse organisational process’, in E Hopper, Ed., Trauma and organisations, New International Library of Group Analysis, Karnac, London, UK
- Ryan, KD & Oestreich, DK 1998. Driving fear out of the workplace: Creating the high-trust, high-performance organisation, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, USA.
Women and leadership - most would agree there’s still plenty of work to be done in this area.
Kim Wiegand, the founder of Julip, helps women in professional services find pathways to leadership roles. Ms Wiegand shared her insights with The HR Leader about what’s holding women back from leadership positions, how learning and development can help, and other issues related to leadership progression for women.
Ms Wiegand has shared the below resources for listeners of this podcast:
- Build confidence through curiosity
- The hidden load: How 'thinking of everything' holds mums back (research article on the mental load, referencing research by Allison Daminger, a doctoral candidate in sociology and social policy at Harvard University, 2019.)
- Diversity of the judiciary: 2021 statistics (Research in the UK states that female lawyers leave private practice en masse at 19-20 years in. Female participation goes from 56 per cent at 19 years to 38 per cent at 20 years. Women leave just as they hit leadership capability and opportunity.)
- Julip research will be released later this year
Culture and values, they’re terms that HR knows well, but are they going to the heart of what people really mean by them?
Lyndal Hughes joined The HR Leader to share her insights, including why she asks organisations what they “prize” rather than what they value. She also spoke about how culture is intertwined with leadership and organisational health, and how to influence culture in a business.
As Australia emerges from COVID-19 lockdowns, some organisations might be regrouping and considering redundancies.
Michael Byrnes, partner at Swaab, spoke with The HR Leader about redundancies, some of the areas to watch out for in terms of potential discrimination, and why it’s helpful to to have legal professionals work alongside HR on redundancies.
Mr Byrnes reminded listeners that, “businesses need to remember … redundancy is about the position, not the person.”
Note from the editorThis podcast was recorded in June 2022.
How workspaces impact employee psychology, dealing with corporate psychopaths, and moving people on from a business – The HR Leader discussed all of these issues with workplace relations specialist, Paul O’Halloran.
Mr O’Halloran is a partner at Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers. He kindly shared insights with The HR Leader to help listeners think wisely about how they manage their physical workspaces, what they might want to do if they find themselves working with a corporate psychopath, and some considerations when exiting people from a business.
During the discussion, Mr O’Halloran referenced the below:
Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work, Dr Paul Babiak and Dr. Robert D. Hare
What’s the difference between leadership and management? How can Buddhist principles apply to leadership? What can the 12-step principles teach leaders?
The HR Leader explored these questions with talent and capability development expert, Meredith Collins. Ms Collins is passionate about “human” skills, and she shared her understanding of Buddhist principles and the 12 steps as they relate to leadership skills.
Delving into ideas like delusion and greed, and why leaders need to be aware of these issues in the workplace, Ms Collins brings an interesting lens to leadership, challenging what being a leader means and the hurdles leaders face.
Organisations need to be smarter than ever about how they attract and consider talent. The candidate market might be tight, but there are solutions for businesses who are willing to think deeper and work harder.
Stuart Freeman, head recruitment coach, and Jessica Currey, executive search consultant at the Kennedy Reid Group, were guests on HR Leader to share their insights about what they’re seeing in the recruitment market right now.
Mr Freeman and Ms Currey explained why employers need to think beyond just considering a skills’ fit for new employees, as well as discussing what candidates are looking for. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to recruit in the current market.
HR has a lot on their agenda following the COVID-19 lockdowns. From working from home and four-day work weeks to building resilience, the issues that HR needs to be on top of are plenty and varied.
Just Global HR Services’ managing director, Jayne Morgan, shared her thoughts on current HR topics, including considerations that need to be kept in mind when staff are working from home, the value of outsourced HR, and tips on building resilience.
As Ms Morgan concluded: “We’re always learning. We just put that learning into perspective and in place and we’ll all be good.”
Just Global HR Services is based in the UK but is open to working with customers in Australia.
Creating meaningful change when it comes to diversity and inclusion requires a multi-faceted approach. Training, using data insights and facilitating employee participation can all help to shift the dial in a positive direction.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ (HSF) global director of culture and inclusion, Danielle Kelly, had a conversation with HR Leader about the D&I initiatives in place at HSF, including the creation of a “people forum”.
Providing insights to help others who aspire to a D&I program like HSF’s, Ms Kelly said: “When clients come to me and say, ‘We want to start on our D&I journey, can you help us?’ My first question is: what does your data look like?”
Learn more by listening to the podcast below.