Find Grow Keep: Recent Episodes

Karen Kirton

Fortnightly podcast for business owners and leaders of workplaces with 10-100 employees who want to create a great place to work so they can scale up and grow.

Many leaders think cyber security is something their IT provider looks after. But what if your biggest cyber risk isn't your technology at all?

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by cyber security specialist Fraser Jack to explore why cyber security is really a people issue. Together, they discuss how leadership, workplace culture and human behaviour all play a critical role in protecting your business from cyber threats.

In today's episode, you'll learn about:

Why cyber security isn't just an IT responsibility and why business leaders need to be involved.
How cyber criminals use human psychology, including urgency, fear and trust, to trick even smart, capable employees.
The small pieces of information businesses unknowingly share that can increase cyber risk.
The additional considerations when your team works remotely, offshore or in hybrid environments.
Why creating a workplace culture where employees feel safe to report mistakes can significantly reduce the impact of a cyber incident.
The importance of having an incident response plan and practising cyber drills before something goes wrong.
Practical steps directors and business owners can take to better understand and manage cyber risk.

If you're a business owner or leader who thinks cyber security starts and ends with technology, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and some practical ideas you can implement straight away.

Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode of Find Grow Keep, with new episodes released every Monday.

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Most business owners expect growth to make things easier.

More revenue. More people. More opportunities.

So why does it often feel like the opposite happens?

In this episode Karen explores why scaling a business can feel much harder than starting one, and why the biggest challenges are often not financial or operational, but people related.

Karen shares the common patterns she sees in growing businesses, including unclear roles, inconsistent onboarding, accountability issues, manager capability gaps, decision making bottlenecks and founders becoming stuck in the middle of everything.

Drawing on current Australian business data and real world examples, she explains why the informal ways of working that helped a business succeed in the early days often stop working as teams grow.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why growth can create complexity rather than freedom
The people foundations that growing businesses need
How role clarity impacts accountability and ownership
Why manager capability can become a growth handbrake
What founders need to let go of as their business grows
How to identify whether your business has outgrown its current people practices

If your business is growing and things are starting to feel messier than they used to, this episode will help you understand why and where to focus first.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Most business owners would say culture is important.

But when something feels off in the business, it can be difficult to know whether you're dealing with a culture issue, a leadership issue, or simply a performance problem.

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the real difference between a toxic workplace culture and a high-performance culture, and why the warning signs of a toxic culture are often much quieter than people expect.

Rather than obvious conflict or bullying, toxic cultures often show up through poor communication, disengagement, managers avoiding difficult conversations, inconsistent leadership, and good employees quietly leaving.

Karen also discusses what genuinely high-performing cultures look like, the role leaders play in shaping culture every day, and how HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management and communication can either strengthen or weaken your workplace culture.

You'll also hear why culture is increasingly being linked to psychosocial risks and work health and safety obligations, making it more important than ever for business owners and leaders to be intentional about the environment they create.

In this episode:

What toxic workplace culture actually looks like
Common signs your culture may be holding your business back
Why culture problems often develop gradually
The difference between accountability and blame
What defines a high-performance culture
How leadership behaviours shape culture
The connection between culture and psychosocial risks
Practical steps to improve workplace culture

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Business performance is not just about revenue, profit or growth targets. The businesses that perform well over time usually have stronger leadership, clearer accountability, better systems and healthier cultures underneath the numbers.

In this episode, Karen Kirton speaks with Farid Zaki from ATP Accounting about what really helps small and medium sized businesses grow in a more steady and sustainable way.

Farid has been running his own business for almost 30 years, and as an accountant, he has seen what can quietly strengthen a business, as well as what can hold it back. Together, Karen and Farid talk about vision, cash flow, role clarity, systems, delegation, team culture and why business owners need to look beyond revenue if they want to understand how their business is really performing.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

Why business performance is about more than revenue, profit and growth targets.
The leadership, accountability and culture foundations that support strong business performance.
Why a 10 year plan may not work in the same way anymore, and why business owners need to keep adapting.
How sharing the right financial targets with your team can help them make better decisions.
Why revenue is not the same as profit, especially when discounting starts eating into your margins.
How repeatable systems and clear role clarity help business owners stop being the bottleneck.
Why a business can look good on paper but still have hidden issues with cash flow, leadership or team dynamics.
What business owners should review before the new financial year, including structure, pricing, costs, subscriptions and cash flow.
Why there is no such thing as a perfect business, and why that is actually a helpful reminder.
The importance of pausing to celebrate how far you have come as a business owner.

If your business looks fine on paper but feels harder than it should behind the scenes, this episode is a helpful reminder to look at the people, systems and numbers that sit underneath sustainable business growth.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Connect with Farid Zaki on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/faridzaki/ or visit ATP Accounting at https://atpaccounting.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

When team performance drops, it can be tempting to look straight at the individual and assume they are the problem. But in a growing business, performance issues are often a sign that something else is getting in the way, such as unclear priorities, a lack of management rhythm, messy workflows, workload pressure, or accountability being discussed before the foundations are in place.

In this episode, Karen talks through the order she would generally look at when team performance is not where it needs to be, so you can work out what to fix first without trying to solve everything at once.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

Why team performance issues are not always individual performance issues
Why clarity around roles, priorities and expectations should usually come first
How managers can create a simple rhythm for performance conversations
Why regular one on one conversations make feedback easier and more useful
How messy workflows, rework and unclear approvals can make a good team look like an underperforming team
Why accountability only works when expectations are clear, managers follow through and the workload is realistic enough for people to succeed
The difference between pressure and accountability, and why that matters for small and medium sized businesses

This episode is especially useful if your team is working hard, but performance still feels harder than it should. It will help you step back, look at the foundations, and choose a practical place to start.

If you need support to work through team performance, clarity, management rhythm or accountability in your business, HR consultants like Amplify HR can help.

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources:
https://www.amplifyhr.com.au

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

When team performance drops, it is easy to assume the issue sits with one person.

Maybe someone is not motivated enough, not engaged enough, or not taking enough responsibility. And sometimes that might be part of the story. But in growing businesses, poor performance is often telling you something bigger.

In this episode, Karen explores what team performance issues can reveal about the business underneath. Before you jump straight into performance management or putting more pressure on the team, it is worth asking whether the issue is really about the individual, or whether it is pointing to role confusion, unclear priorities, manager capability gaps, workload pressure, founder bottlenecks, or culture and communication issues.

This is the diagnosis episode. It will help you pause, read the pattern, and understand what your team’s performance might be showing you about the way your business is currently operating.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about:

Why performance issues are not always individual issues
How unclear roles and responsibilities can show up as poor performance
Why founder bottlenecks slow decisions and reduce ownership
How manager capability affects feedback, accountability and team standards
Why overload can look like underperformance
What culture and communication might be hiding when issues stay quiet for too long
The questions to ask before deciding whether it is a people issue or a business issue

If you run a growing business and you can see that performance feels off, but you are not sure what it means, this episode will help you think more clearly about what your team’s performance is really telling you.

Free tools and guides: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/free-tools-and-guides/

Visit Amplify HR: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Karen speaks with Carolina Montanez from Plane 2 Sea about 15 years in business, building a strong team culture and learning how to lead people through growth, pressure and change.

Carolina’s business story started when she and three colleagues lost their jobs and decided to create their own opportunity. Fifteen years later, Plane 2 Sea has grown into a business built on simplicity, trust, communication and a deep commitment to looking after clients and team members.

In this episode, we talk about:

→ How Plane 2 Sea started with four women who wanted to keep working together
→ Why simplicity matters as a business grows
→ How Carolina has built and protected a strong workplace culture over time
→ Why communication is central to the client and employee experience
→ How to empower employees to make decisions without micromanaging
→ What stress reveals about your workplace culture
→ Why managing people is often one of the biggest learning curves in business

This conversation is a great reminder that the people side of business is not separate from growth. It is part of what makes sustainable growth possible.

At Amplify HR, we support small and medium sized businesses with practical HR support services that help you find, grow and keep great people.

Book a free discovery call here:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Connect with Amplify HR:
https://www.amplifyhr.com.au

Connect with Carolina and the team at Plane 2 Sea:

www.plane2sea.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-montanez-59a31265/

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen is talking about employee engagement strategies that genuinely make a difference in small and growing businesses.

Employee engagement can sound like one of those corporate phrases that gets thrown around a lot, but when you strip it back, it really comes down to whether your people feel connected to their work, clear on what matters, valued for what they do, and motivated to contribute. And when that is happening, you will see the difference across your whole business.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

Why employee engagement matters and how it affects performance, retention, customer service, and culture
The practical engagement strategies that work best in small and medium sized businesses, without needing expensive programs or gimmicks
Why clarity is one of the biggest drivers of engagement and how to help your team feel more connected to the bigger picture
How recognition and appreciation can lift motivation when it is specific, timely, and genuine
Why communication and two way feedback are essential if you want people to feel heard and involved
How development opportunities help employees feel supported, stretched, and more likely to stay
What a positive workplace culture actually looks like in practice, beyond surface level perks
Why autonomy matters and how to avoid killing motivation through micromanagement
Simple ways to measure employee engagement, including pulse surveys, stay interviews, and the everyday signs already showing up in your business
How HR support can help make engagement more practical, structured, and consistent over time

If you have been thinking about employee engagement as something vague or hard to tackle, this episode will help you see it differently. Small actions done consistently can make a huge difference over time, and you do not need to overhaul everything at once to get started.

Make sure to subscribe so you stay updated with new episodes released every Monday.

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources:
https://www.amplifyhr.com.au

Book a free discovery call:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, we explore why onboarding is one of the most underestimated parts of running a business. Many employers still treat it as a first day activity focused on paperwork, logins, and introductions, but good onboarding does much more than that.

When done well, it helps new employees settle in faster, understand what is expected of them, and become productive sooner. It can also prevent a range of issues that often show up later as performance concerns, poor communication, lack of accountability, manager frustration, or early turnover.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

Why onboarding is not the same as induction, and why that distinction matters
How poor onboarding can lead to confusion, inconsistency, and extra pressure on managers and teams
Why small businesses feel the impact of weak onboarding more quickly than larger organisations
How a thoughtful employee onboarding process can improve confidence, connection, and performance
The role managers play in creating a successful onboarding experience
Practical ways to improve employee onboarding without needing complex systems or expensive software
Why better onboarding can support retention and help you get value from a new hire faster

If your current onboarding is mostly first day admin followed by a few check ins here and there, this episode will give you a more useful and practical way to think about it.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Book a free discovery call:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen is joined by Deepa Mani (for a thoughtful conversation about inclusive leadership, belonging, heritage, and what it means to build a business outside the dominant framework.

Deepa shares the story behind her two ventures and reflects on how identity, culture, and lived experience have shaped the way she leads. We also explore why diversity should never be treated as a checklist, how leaders can create a stronger sense of belonging, and what businesses can learn from building with intention from the very beginning.

In today’s episode, we talk about:

what it means to lead with heritage without feeling boxed in by it
how Deepa identified a gap in the market and built businesses that reflect community needs
why diversity needs to be embedded from the start rather than added later
how belonging is created through consistency, authenticity, and clear values
what teaching and leading others can teach us about vulnerability, patience, and resilience
practical reflections for business owners who want to build more inclusive teams and workplaces
the reminder that building a meaningful business takes time and is very much a long game

This episode is a great listen for business owners and leaders who want to think more deeply about culture, identity, leadership, and belonging in the workplace.

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Connect with Deepa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepa-mani-cbap-msp-8330773/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen unpacks a question that a lot of growing business owners quietly ask as their team expands and things become more complex: what does an HR company actually do?

HR can feel quite manageable in the early stages of business. But as you grow, what once felt simple can start to feel messy, inconsistent, and risky. That is often the point where business owners realise they need more support around their people, managers, processes, and compliance.

In this episode, Karen talks through what a human resources company really does, why many small and medium businesses choose outsourced HR instead of hiring internally, and how the right HR support can help you build stronger foundations for growth.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

What a human resources company actually does beyond contracts and policies
The types of support HR can provide, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee issues, compliance, and leadership support
Why outsourced HR can be a practical and cost effective option for growing businesses
What often starts to go wrong when there is no real HR structure in place
How good HR support helps create more clarity, consistency, confidence, and a stronger workplace culture
The signs that suggest it may be time to get HR support in your business
Why choosing the right HR partner matters if you want advice that is practical, commercially aware, and tailored to your business

If the people side of your business is starting to feel heavier, more distracting, or harder to manage than it used to, this episode will help you understand what support is available and why it can make such a difference.

If you would like to chat about how Amplify HR can support your business, you can book a free discovery call here:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Karen is joined by Peter Brace for a thoughtful and practical conversation about the difference between psychological safety and psychosocial safety, and why both matter in creating healthier, more effective workplaces.

These are terms that are being talked about more often, especially as employers navigate their responsibilities around psychosocial hazards and workplace wellbeing. But for many leaders, they can still feel unclear or overwhelming.

In this conversation, Peter breaks it down in a simple way and shares practical insights to help leaders better understand what to look for, what to ask, and where to start.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

The difference between psychological safety and psychosocial safety, and how the two are connected
What leaders often misunderstand about psychological safety and the behaviours that can either build or damage it
Common psychosocial hazards at work, including overwork, uncertainty, bullying, harassment, and poorly defined roles
Early warning signs that a workplace may be becoming psychologically unsafe
How leaders and business owners can start identifying psychosocial risks through better conversations and by looking at workplace data
Why this is about much more than compliance, and how safer workplaces can improve wellbeing, trust, and performance
Simple, practical ways leaders can create environments where people feel safe to speak up and supported in doing their best work

If you are a business owner, leader, or manager wanting to create a healthier workplace culture, this episode will give you practical ideas to reflect on and apply in your own business.

Make sure you subscribe to stay updated with new episodes released on Mondays.

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Connect with Peter: https://humancapitalrealisation.com/

Or https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbracehcr

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Workplace conflict can feel uncomfortable to address, especially when you are already stretched and trying to keep the team moving forward. But avoiding it rarely makes it better.

In this episode, Karen Kirton shares a practical 3 step method to help managers and business owners resolve employee conflict calmly, clearly and without unnecessary drama.

You will learn how to get to the real issue, how to facilitate a productive conversation between employees, and how to put clear actions in place so the same tension does not keep resurfacing. If you have ever felt unsure about when to step in, what to say, or how to manage conflict without making things worse, this episode will give you a simple and realistic framework to use.

If managing people issues does not always come naturally, this is a helpful place to start.

Book a free discovery call with Amplify HR here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/whole-brain-thinking/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode of the Find Grow Keep podcast, Karen sits down with Jason Le from JRNY Digital to talk about why purpose, values, vision and mission are not just nice words for your website. They help shape how small businesses grow, how they market themselves, who they attract, how they make decisions, and how they build teams that truly fit.

We explore why so many businesses struggle to stand out when they try to appeal to everyone, how authentic values help connect with the right clients and employees, and why your personal story often holds the key to your business purpose.

Jason also shares how his own family’s experience in small business shaped the work he does today, and why clarity around who you serve can make every part of your business stronger.

In this episode, we cover:

Why purpose is a practical business tool, not a fluffy extra
How values influence brand, culture and hiring
Why generic messaging makes businesses easy to ignore
How to define what your business really stands for
How clarity helps small businesses grow with intention

If you are a small business owner who wants to grow with more clarity, alignment and impact, this conversation is well worth a listen.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Connect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-le1/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen discusses how founders and business leaders can use automation to save time, reduce admin, and create more consistency across their people processes without removing the human side of leadership.

Because for many growing businesses, people management starts off as something you simply absorb into your day. But as the team grows, so does the admin. Before long, you are spending hours on follow up, reminders, approvals, and processes that do not really need to depend on you.

In today’s episode, we explore seven practical management tasks you can start automating now, including:

Recruitment admin, so you can spend less time on back and forth and more time making good hiring decisions
Onboarding workflows, to create a smoother and more consistent experience for new starters
Performance check in reminders, so important conversations do not keep slipping when things get busy
Training and compliance tracking, to reduce risk and make sure important requirements are not missed
Leave and timesheet approvals, to cut down on unnecessary friction and manual follow up
Routine employee communication, so key updates are sent clearly and consistently
Reporting and dashboards, to help you spot patterns early and make better people decisions

If you have ever felt like you have become the accidental HR manager in your own business, this episode will help you think more clearly about what to systemise, what to keep personal, and where to start.

Make sure you subscribe so you do not miss future episodes.

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Book a free discovery call: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen explores why so many small business leaders only think about performance management once something has already gone wrong.

Instead of seeing it as just paperwork, warnings and formal conversations, she looks at what good performance management really involves: clear expectations, regular feedback, role clarity, support, accountability and stronger leadership.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

Why performance management should not start at the formal end
The accidental manager problem
Why role clarity matters more than many leaders realise
How regular feedback and check ins prevent bigger issues later
Why culture plays such an important role in accountability

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Book a free discovery call: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen is joined by Don Hett, founder of CleanKings, EarthyTabs and Crittiks.

Thirteen years ago, Don started CleanKings. Over time, the business grew successfully, but like many Founders, he found himself deeply embedded in the day to day operations. At one point he realised he had become a prisoner of his own company. That moment became a turning point.

In this conversation, Don shares how he transitioned from being the hands on operator to becoming the visionary leader behind the business. He talks openly about the systems, operational clarity and leadership capability required to build a company that does not rely solely on the founder.

We explore:

The emotional shift from doer to leader of leaders
Why hiring people smarter than you is essential for growth
How to build culture across multiple ventures
The importance of delegation with clarity and accountability
What founders should stop doing if they want to scale
How overthinking can stall business momentum

We also discuss Don’s latest venture, EarthyTabs, a purpose driven startup tackling the environmental impact of cleaning chemicals. Born from frustration inside his own cleaning company, EarthyTabs combines product innovation with measurable sustainability data, helping businesses understand the real impact of their choices.

If you are a founder, business owner or leader who wants to scale without being trapped in operations, this episode offers practical insights grounded in real experience.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Connect with Don Hett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donhettofficial/

Earthy Tabs: https://www.earthytabs.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, we explore what HR support services actually include, why they matter so much for growing businesses, and how the right support can help leaders feel more confident, reduce risk, and create a stronger workplace.

If you are spending more and more time dealing with hiring, performance issues, compliance questions, awkward conversations, or workplace tensions, this episode will help you understand when external HR support starts to make sense and what real value it can bring.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

What HR support services are and why they are about much more than policies and paperwork
The key areas good HR support can help with, including compliance, employee relations, performance management, recruitment, onboarding, and strategic advice
Why growing businesses often reach a point where their people practices need to catch up with their business growth
The signs it might be time to bring in external HR support
What an HR consultant actually does and how they can help simplify the people side of running a business
Why outsourced HR can be a smart and flexible option for small and medium businesses
How HR support can help with Fair Work compliance and reduce the stress of getting it wrong
The difference the right HR partner can make to leadership confidence, employee experience, and business performance

This episode is a helpful one for business owners and leaders who want to strengthen their HR foundations before things start to feel urgent.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays.

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Free Download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen is joined by Dan Moussa from Third Way Advisory, and we unpack what really makes recruitment work in a small business. We talk about why so many hiring processes go off track before you even post the job ad, how to spot the early warning signs, and how to keep your process simple without being sloppy.

In today’s episode, you will learn about

The most common leadership hiring mistake Dan sees, and why it usually comes down to skipping the preparation stage.
The two biggest red flags your recruitment process is off track, including what it means when you are drowning in CVs or interviewing too many people without making a decision.
Why internal alignment matters more than the job description, and what to discuss with stakeholders before you brief a recruiter or go to market.
The referral trap, and how to keep your process consistent even when someone comes recommended.
How to think about hiring a “superstar” versus hiring the “glue” and what that means for culture, performance, and retention over the long term.
The reality of AI in recruitment, from AI written CVs to candidates using tools during video interviews, and how businesses can respond without panic.
What great onboarding and retention looks like in practice, including why monthly feedback loops in the first six months can make a big difference.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-moussa-1307a522/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen Kirton sits down with accountant and business advisor Jonathon Hunt-Mason to unpack the real numbers that keep small and midsize businesses healthy. If revenue looks fine but something feels off, this conversation will help you spot survival mode early and course-correct with confidence.

You’ll learn:

Why cash flow data is a lagging indicator and what to watch first
The three numbers that matter most day to day cash flow, profit and capacity
A practical bottom up approach to paying yourself first and setting a real break even
The difference between accrual and cash so you do not get blindsided by liabilities
How to think about benchmarks without copy pasting someone else’s model
Pricing with value not scarcity and why losing the wrong client can be a win
What working on your business actually looks like across different stages
The role of education and accountability in making better, less emotional decisions

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People

Free download: Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Jonathon@leddys.com.au

www.leddys.com.au

Book a chat with Jonathon here https://shorturl.at/nLgqJ

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

If you have ever thought, I need HR support but I do not need a full time HR person’’, this episode is for you.

Karen unpacks what on demand HR services really look like, who they suit best, and how to get the support you need without the overheads of building an internal HR team.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

What on demand HR services are and how the model typically works for small and growing businesses
The most common areas on demand HR support covers, including HR advice, policies and documentation, compliance guidance, recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, and performance management
Why on demand HR can be a smart option for businesses with fewer than 15 employees or businesses that are growing quickly and want to reduce risk
The real benefits business owners notice fast, including less second guessing, faster problem solving, more confident managers, and more consistent people decisions
Common pitfalls to avoid when choosing an HR provider, including unclear scope, generic templates, slow response times, and poor cultural fit
How on demand HR compares to fractional HR and how to choose the right level of support for your business right now.

If you would like to talk through what level of HR support will suit your business, you can book a free discovery call here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fouri

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

If you are hearing “I am so stressed”, you are not alone. Today I am joined by Jess Jasch, a Wellbeing Consultant and Embodied Leadership Coach who helps leaders and teams build real stress resilience with practical mindfulness. No hours of meditation. No fluffy language. Just simple habits that actually work at work.

In this episode you will learn

The difference between healthy stretch and system stress
How to spot early warning signs in yourself and your team
A gentle check in script leaders can use today
One minute micro practices that regulate the nervous system
Easy team rituals to reset between meetings
How to support without becoming a counsellor
A two week reset for stressed leaders that builds sustainable performance

Who this is for

Managers and business owners who want practical tools to reduce stress, prevent burnout and lift performance without adding more to the to do list.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Book a free discovery call with Amplify HR https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajasch/

Visit Jess’s website https://j-leigh.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

This episode is a special one as it also marks five years of the Find Grow Keep podcast!

In this conversation, we explore why leadership development workshops are one of the most practical ways to lift performance, strengthen culture, and improve retention, especially in small and medium sized businesses.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

What leadership development workshops actually are and what great workshops include, from skill building to practice, coaching style support, and feedback
Why leadership matters more than ever, and how many culture and retention issues are actually leadership capability gaps
The outcomes you can expect when workshops are designed well, including clearer communication, stronger decision making, better team cohesion, and fewer escalations back to the business owner
High impact workshop topics that consistently deliver results, such as active listening, difficult conversations, feedback, team effectiveness, emotional intelligence in practice, problem solving, and self leadership
Who should attend, including current people leaders and emerging leaders, and why shared language across leaders matters
Formats that work for busy businesses, including half day workshops and practical series that build capability over time
How to tailor workshops to your culture and real workplace scenarios so the learning sticks
How to build buy in and think about ROI, including what to measure and how to create follow through

If you would like support designing leadership development workshops that fit your team and your business, book a free discovery call here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

If your HR tasks are living on sticky notes or inside your head, this episode is for you.

Many small business owners do not lack effort when it comes to their people. What they often lack is a clear people strategy. Instead of building intentionally, they are reacting to hiring needs, performance issues, contracts, onboarding gaps and compliance questions as they arise.

In this episode, I walk you through how to move from a never ending HR to do list to a simple, practical people strategy that supports your business growth.

You will learn:

The difference between HR tasks and a true people strategy
The three outcomes every small and medium sized business should focus on using the Find Grow Keep framework
A simple five step planning process you can complete in two hours
How to turn strategy into action with a ninety day execution rhythm
What to keep in house and when to consider external HR support

We also touch on practical HR for small business essentials such as hiring your first employee, basic compliance foundations, running performance conversations, and knowing when it is time to bring in HR support services or on demand HR expertise.

If you want to protect your business, reduce people related stress, and build a team that helps you find, grow and keep great people, this episode will give you a clear starting point.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this conversation, Karen Kirton sits down with marketer Michael Field to unpack the hidden force behind so many B2B wins and losses. We explore the invisible buying committee, the stakeholders you rarely meet yet who quietly shape every major decision. You will learn how to identify them, speak to what they value, and create simple assets that help them champion your solution inside the room you cannot enter.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

Why the person you talk to the most is not always the decision maker
How to map the real influencers in a deal across finance, risk, safety, procurement, and operations
Interview techniques that reveal what actually drives choices, not just what people say
The emotional side of decisions and how to de risk choices for project managers
A 30 day action plan to start influencing the whole committee in your market

New episodes drop on Mondays. Subscribe so you never miss practical ideas to find great people, grow leaders, and keep top talent.

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

If HR keeps landing on your desk, this episode is your reset.

Karen breaks down what HR outsourcing actually covers for Australian SMEs, the real-world signals it’s time to get help, and a simple 90-day plan to cut risk and free up leadership time.

Who it’s for: Owners and leaders in small to medium businesses who are juggling contracts, awards, onboarding and tricky people issues alongside sales and operations.

You’ll learn:

What HR outsourcing includes beyond “paperwork” (compliance, hiring support, onboarding, performance rhythms, manager coaching)
7 signals HR has moved from “nice to have” to necessary
The benefits that matter most: time back, reduced risk, better employee experience and flexibility
How to choose the right HR partner and model (ongoing, on-demand, or project)
A practical 90-day plan to see value fast

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Ready to reduce risk and reclaim your time?
Book a free discovery call: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

What if your team was spread across three cities and still worked as one team?

In this conversation, Karen Kirton sits down with Mark Swinnerton, CEO of Green Gravity, to unpack the practical leadership habits that keep people aligned, fast and focused as you scale.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The simple weekly rhythms that cut noise and build trust
How to recruit in a competitive market by blending mission with clear success measures
Why onboarding should deliver context before complexity (and what that looks like)
How to help specialists get comfortable working in ambiguity
Turning culture from a poster into visible behaviours people are recognised for
What only the CEO should hold during growth and when to let go
Why competent management is the most underrated retention strategy

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Ready to translate these ideas into your business? Book a free discovery call with Amplify HR: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Get in touch with Mark:

https://greengravity.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-swinnerton/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Promoting a brilliant team member into their first leadership role is exciting. It is also where many small businesses stumble. In this episode Karen shares a simple 30 day plan that builds clarity, confidence and momentum for new managers, with an easy runway to 90 days. You will hear practical steps you can use this week, plus simple tools that make leadership feel human and doable.

You will learn

What to cover in Week 1 so expectations are crystal clear
How to use one on ones, short learning bursts and immediate feedback to build trust
When to hand over the meeting reins and how to coach in the moment
A light way to set goals, measures and a steady check in rhythm for Week 4
How to extend the first month into a strong 90 day plan without heavy programs
Common pitfalls first time managers face and how to avoid them

Perfect for
Owners and leaders in small and medium sized businesses, people leaders stepping into management for the first time, and teams that want practical HR support services without the fluff.

Resources mentioned

Leadership charter and values in action: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/the-value-of-values/
How to give useful feedback: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/top-tips-for-giving-feedback-to-employees/
Team meeting agenda that works: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/meetings-that-matter-5-tips-for-high-performing-teams/
Delegation and founder trade offs: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/the-founders-dilemma-managing-people-vs-growing-the-business/
Setting effective team goals: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/how-to-set-effective-goals-for-2026

Work with Amplify HR
If you would like templates or a short workshop to get your new managers humming, we can help with friendly hr consulting, on demand hr services and leadership development workshops designed for hr for small business and hr for small companies.

Book a free discovery call
https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Rapid growth can make everything noisier. In this conversation, Karen Kirton and guest Andrew McVeigh, Managing Partner of Remara, unpack practical ways to scale without chaos — from hiring earlier than feels comfortable, to moving from “all hands” to clear ownership, setting simple rhythms for communication, and using a one-sentence purpose to align teams and investors.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

When to hire (and the signals you’ve already waited too long)
Why part-time patch ups often fail when the scope is almost full time
How to make ownership visible and review the right leading indicators
Simple comms rhythms that scale: short, frequent, predictable
What great leaders do differently as headcount grows
How a usable purpose guides decisions, aligns language and builds pride

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://remara.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mcveigh-07346255/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Are you managing or just hoping?

If your team has grown from five to twenty people and performance is running on memory and gut feel, this episode gives you a simple system you can roll out in thirty days. No complex software. Just a clear rhythm that creates better conversations and better results.

In this episode you will learn
• The purpose of reviews in a growing business and how to keep them about growth and clarity
• A light structure that uses quarterly conversations plus one annual wrap
• A conversation first template that drives real dialogue without extra paperwork
• How to link performance and potential for fair decisions without heavy grids
• A practical 30 day rollout plan any manager can lead
• The metrics that show your system is working and the pitfalls to avoid

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

There is a moment in every growing business when you realise it is time to level up how you lead people.

In this episode Karen shares five practical people drivers that help small businesses hire better, lift performance and build momentum.

From clarifying your brand and purpose to a simple four week manager reset, you will get a clear plan you can use right away.

You will learn

How to write a one page brand and purpose brief your team can actually use
A candidate centred approach to hiring that is fast and human
The one month manager reset
Which people metrics to track monthly and how to keep data human
How to design flexibility and accountability so culture drives growth

findgrowkeep #leadership #smallbusiness

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Book a free discovery call: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Culture is not a side project for HR. It is a core growth lever that shapes performance, customer experience and profit. In this episode Karen shares a practical way to treat culture like any other business strategy so you can unlock growth through your people.

In this episode you will learn

Why culture belongs on your leadership agenda, not just in HR
How the Find Grow Keep framework turns values into daily habits and results
Simple diagnostic questions to spot culture gaps fast
Manager rituals that lift engagement and execution
What to measure, from leading indicators to lagging outcomes
First steps you can take this week to build momentum

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Gallup — State of the Global Workplace report hub
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx

McKinsey — Organisational Health Index research overview
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/organizational-health-a-fast-track-to-performance-improvement

Alex Edmans — The Link Between Job Satisfaction and Firm Value
SSRN working paper page with published details
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=985735

MIT Sloan — Culture 500 project
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/culture500/

PwC Strategy and — Global Culture Survey hub
https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/gx/en/insights/global-culture-survey.html

Deloitte — Global Human Capital Trends 2024 hub
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends.html

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen Kirton shares practical and evidence-based ways to build a culture of wellbeing that actually drives performance, not one that slows it down.

Across Australia, work-related mental health claims are rising, and new regulations mean every business has a legal duty to manage psychosocial risks. But beyond compliance, creating a workplace that genuinely supports wellbeing leads to higher productivity, better retention, and stronger customer outcomes.

Karen unpacks the latest Australian data, research from Harvard and Oxford, and a simple 12-week plan that any small or medium-sized business can use to improve both wellbeing and results.

You’ll learn:
✅ How wellbeing links directly to productivity, retention, and customer satisfaction
✅ The five biggest risks and benefits that every business leader should know
✅ A practical, three-step approach to improve wellbeing in your team within 12 weeks

This isn’t about yoga mats or ping-pong tables. It’s about smart, people-focused leadership that lifts engagement and performance at the same time.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Dr. Renée Richardson Gosline

Krekel, Ward, De Neve, Harvard Business School chapter
https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/gh19_ch5_9e171d71-db54-4e08-a2eb-3cf1587daf4a.pdf

Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre Working Paper 2304 https://wellbeing.hmc.ox.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2304-WP-Workplace-Wellbeing-and-Firm-Performance-DOI-2024.pdf

Safe Work Australia, Key Work Health and Safety Statistics https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/Final%20-%20Key%20WHS%20Stats%202024_18SEP.pdf

Mazzetti et al., 2021, JD R meta analysis https://dspace.library.uu.nl/bitstream/handle/1874/431729/mazzetti-et-al-2021-work-engagement-a-meta-analysis-using-the-job-demands-resources-model.pdf

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Have you ever been in a meeting where one person dives straight into the data, another wants a plan, someone else checks how everyone feels, and another is already brainstorming new ideas?

It’s not chaos — it’s different thinking styles at work.

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores Whole Brain Thinking (HBDI), a model that helps you understand how people prefer to think, communicate, and make decisions. You’ll discover how this approach can transform your team’s collaboration, reduce frustration, and improve decision-making.

Learn:

The four thinking styles that shape how we communicate and solve problems
Why knowing your team’s preferences makes meetings more productive
How to use Whole Brain Thinking to improve leadership, feedback, and teamwork

When you understand how your team thinks, that’s when you can truly find, grow, and keep great people.

Want to learn more?
Visit amplifyhr.com.au or to explore how Whole Brain Thinking can help your business.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/whole-brain-thinking/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode of Find Grow Keep, Karen Kirton chats with Michael Todd, CEO of OnePointHealth Group, about how his team built a thriving culture that recently earned them recognition as one of Australia’s Best Places to Work.

Michael shares the story behind OnePointHealth’s growth to over 100 employees, their innovative cadet program that’s become the backbone of their recruitment strategy, and why a strong employee value proposition (EVP) has been central to their success.

From creating meaningful career pathways to fostering community impact, Michael explains how purpose, people, and long-term thinking drive both business performance and employee satisfaction.

You’ll also hear practical advice on:

How to design an EVP that attracts the right people
The long-term benefits of investing in early-career talent
Balancing compliance with culture to build solid business foundations
Why every business should take a “people-first” approach to growth

If you’re a leader or business owner wanting to build a workplace that people love being part of, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

More: https://onepointhealth.com.au/

Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltodd77/

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Hiring great people sounds simple — until it isn’t.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why a new hire didn’t work out, you’re not alone. From rushing the process to writing generic job ads, most hiring mistakes come down to one key issue: a lack of clarity.

In this episode, Karen Kirton shares the nine most common hiring mistakes that cost businesses time, money, and team morale — and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why clarity before hiring is the key to recruiting the right person
✅ How to write job ads that attract the right candidates (not everyone)
✅ Why speed doesn’t equal success in recruitment
✅ The importance of onboarding ownership and new-hire feedback
✅ How connection and structure lead to long-term retention

Whether you’re hiring your first employee or building a growing team, this episode will help you create a smoother, more strategic process that sets new hires, and your business, up for success.

💡 Need help reviewing or improving your hiring process?
Amplify HR helps small and medium-sized businesses build clarity, connection, and confidence in recruitment and onboarding. Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Have you ever been blindsided by a resignation? One minute your top performer seems fine, and the next they’re handing in their notice. It’s disruptive, costly, and leaves you wondering what you could have done differently.

The truth is that most resignations don’t happen overnight. Employees usually send signals of disengagement well before they quit, but managers often miss them.

In this episode, Karen Kirton shares:

Why resignations so often feel like a shock
The five most common warning signs of disengagement
Practical steps managers can take to respond early
How “stay conversations” can help you prevent resignations before it’s too late

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I prevent key people from quitting unexpectedly?” this episode will give you the answers.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Free Download:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/guide_prevent_resignations/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Are you caught in the tug-of-war between giving your team autonomy and keeping control? Micromanagement often comes from fear.

Fear the work won’t get done, or that mistakes will slip through. But here’s the paradox: the more you micromanage, the less likely your team is to perform at their best.

In this episode of Find Grow Keep, Karen Kirton shares a practical 3-part framework to help leaders foster strong collaboration without slipping into micromanagement.

You’ll learn:

Why micromanagement drains both managers and teams — and the hidden business risks it creates
How trust is built in the small, everyday moments that matter most
Why clarity of outcomes is more powerful than controlling every step
Practical tools for delegation and accountability (including the Levels of Delegation model)
How to shift from giving instructions to empowering through coaching and communication

Karen also guides you through a quick reflection exercise so you can spot your own micromanagement tendencies and start making small shifts today.

🎧 Tune in to discover how to move from control to empowerment, and create the conditions for a high-performing, motivated, and trusted team.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/8-human-motivators-that-drive-employee-performance/

https://brenebrown.com/art/from-brene-on-trust/

https://www.harvardbusiness.org/insight/good-leadership-it-all-starts-with-trust/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode of Find Grow Keep, I sit down with Renee Francis, founder of The Bubble Co and Take3, two marketing agencies that have been fully remote since day one. Renee shares her journey of building flexible teams over the last decade, the leadership lessons she’s learned, and the structures that keep her businesses innovative and connected.

We cover:
✅ Why remote work isn’t for everyone — and how to spot who will thrive in it
✅ How to hire successfully for flexible environments
✅ Why innovation doesn’t have to suffer when teams aren’t in the same office
✅ The leadership mindset shift from “lucky to have staff” to “building a career opportunity”
✅ How to create a supportive, psychologically safe culture that scales remotely

Renee also explains how her team is staying ahead of the curve with an AI-driven SEO service, proving that distributed teams can still be highly innovative.

Whether you’re leading a remote team or just exploring flexible work options, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply in your own business.

Connect with Renee on LinkedIn or visit https://thebubbleco.com.au/ and https://take3.io/

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

As a founder, do you ever feel stuck firefighting staff issues instead of focusing on growth? You’re not alone.

One of the most common challenges for business owners is balancing the day-to-day of managing people with the long-term goal of scaling sustainably.

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores why so many founders get pulled into reactive people management — from hiring mistakes to underperformance and workplace conflicts — and what it really costs your time, energy, and business growth.

You’ll hear:

Why recruitment, poor hires, and unclear processes drain more than just your hours
The hidden emotional toll of people management on founders and leaders
Why avoiding policies can create more complexity (and how smart policies protect culture)
The turning point when founders shift from doing to leading
Three practical steps to break the cycle: simplify, delegate, and refocus
How our Find, Grow, Keep methodology transforms teams and frees founders to focus on growth

Ready to scale with confidence? Book a free discovery call here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/managing-performance/

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/why-smart-hr-policies-actually-reduce-complexity-in-growing-businesses/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Flexibility is one of the most talked-about workplace trends right now — from 4-day work weeks, to working from anywhere, to hybrid being the new normal. But for small and medium-sized businesses, these trends can feel out of reach or simply too complicated to implement.

In this episode, Karen Kirton breaks down the myths versus realities of workplace flexibility, backed by research and real-world examples. Whether you’ve been thinking about trialling a 4-day work week, allowing team members to work remotely (even overseas), or refining your hybrid model, this episode will give you practical steps to make it work — without disrupting your operations or culture.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why the 4-day work week isn’t a magic fix (and how to trial it successfully)
The hidden risks of “work from anywhere” policies — and how to manage them
Why hybrid work only works when it’s intentionally designed
Three questions to ask before introducing flexible work options
Practical ways to reduce risk and increase engagement with flexible models

Flexibility can work for your business — when it’s done on your terms. Tune in for a clear, practical guide to making flexibility work for your team and your bottom line.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-16/australian-companies-trialled-four-day-work-week-continue/102479770

https://www.4dayweek.com/anz-2023-pilot-results

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Julian Fenwick, CEO of GRC Solutions, to explore how a business can grow across borders without losing its people-first values.

Julian shares:

How GRC Solutions scaled across Australia and into Asia while maintaining a strong internal culture
The practical ways they’re using AI to improve productivity and job satisfaction
Why compliance training doesn't have to be boring—and how good design and trust can make it impactful
How they’ve built a legal and research graduate program that fuels both learning and recruitment
The lessons learned from leading hybrid teams and mentoring in remote-first settings
What international expansion really takes (hint: patience and local investment!)

This episode is full of practical advice for leaders navigating growth, complexity, and cultural nuance. Whether you’re expanding globally or managing a growing team, Julian’s insights will help you stay focused on what matters most—your people.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Connect with Julian:

grc-solutions.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fenwick-415848/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have in the workplace — it’s essential for keeping your team engaged, productive, and ready to adapt to change. In this episode, we break down what resilience really means (and what it isn’t), the critical difference between pressure and stress, and five leadership techniques you can use to build high-trust, high-performing teams.

You’ll discover:

Why resilience is a skill anyone can develop.
How to recognise healthy pressure versus harmful stress.
Five practical ways to help your team recover from challenges and avoid burnout.
A simple problem-solving framework (AAA: Alter, Avoid, Accept) that builds a solution-focused mindset.

Whether you lead a small business, a growing startup, or a division in a larger company, you’ll learn how to create an environment where people can thrive — even during uncertainty.

📌 If you’re ready to build a more resilient, engaged, and productive workplace, book your free discovery call here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/empowering-new-managers/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

As business owners, we often talk about scaling — but how do you grow sustainably without burning out your team or losing sight of what matters most?

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Matthew Forzan, Managing Director of Yoghurt Digital, a Sydney-based agency specialising in SEO, CRO, and data-led UX. With over 20 years in the industry, Matthew shares how his team uses data not only to drive client results, but also to make smarter internal decisions that support growth, culture, and retention.

We cover:

How to introduce a data-driven mindset into your business without drowning in numbers
The “big rocks” approach to prioritising work and aligning your team with company goals
Balancing flexibility and collaboration in a hybrid workplace
Practical ways to retain great people in a competitive industry
Lessons learned (and surprises) from leading a high-performing team

Whether you’re running an agency, leading a small business, or just starting to scale, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply right away.

📌 Connect with Matthew:
Website – Yoghurt Digital
LinkedIn – Matthew Forzan

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every Monday!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

We often think of employee retention as "keeping them forever." But what if success means helping someone grow—even if that growth takes them beyond your business?

In this episode, Karen shares the story of a high performer who was supported with mentoring, development, and stretch opportunities—and stayed for seven years before moving on to a bigger role elsewhere. And the best part? It was a win for everyone involved.

Tune in to discover:

Why letting go of a great employee might mean you did everything right
How to extend retention by investing in growth, not control
Four practical strategies for keeping top performers longer—even if they eventually leave
Why graceful exits matter for culture, reputation, and future boomerang hires

This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to build trust-based, long-term people strategies that create value for both the employee and the business.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/retain-your-best-employees-with-personal-development-plans/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

What does it take to build a business where every employee thinks and acts like an owner?

In this episode I’m joined by Jarred Rubin, CEO and Partner at Blackwattle Investment Partners—a new-generation Australian investment firm doing things very differently. Jarred shares how they built their business from a blank sheet of paper, designing a structure where alignment, accountability, and equity are embedded in every decision.

We explore:

Why every Blackwattle team member is also an equity owner
How their hiring process filters for humility, drive, and curiosity
The role of strong governance—even in a flat structure
How to design incentives that truly drive the right behaviours
The challenges of scaling culture and how to overcome them
Practical advice for founders who want to create more ownership in their teams (even in other industries)

This episode is packed with honest reflections and actionable tips on creating a culture that not only performs but lasts.

Tune in now to hear how you can apply these lessons in your own business.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every Monday!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources. 

➡ Connect with Jarred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarredrubin/

➡ Learn more about Blackwattle: https://www.blackwattlepartners.com

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

As a business owner, one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever face is knowing when someone just isn’t the right fit for your team — especially when you've already invested time, money, and energy into them.

In this episode, Karen draws inspiration from an unexpected source: Gordon Ramsay. Yep, the fiery chef from Kitchen Nightmares offers a surprisingly perfect metaphor for what to do when a team member is holding your business back.

You’ll learn:

Why keeping someone in a role they’re not suited to doesn’t serve them or your team
How to spot the signs and have the tough conversation (with compassion)
The key recruitment and onboarding strategies that help you hire right the first time
Why psychometric testing, structured interviews, and behavioural clarity matter more than you think

If you've ever said “but they're really nice…” while avoiding a performance issue, this episode is your wake-up call.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/what-to-do-when-your-new-hire-isnt-working-out/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

HR isn’t just a line item or a compliance tick-box. It’s a strategic investment that can either help your business grow or quietly cost you through high turnover, poor onboarding, and disengaged teams.

In this episode, Karen breaks down:

What the data says about HR costs (and what benchmarks you should ignore)
The hidden financial and cultural risks of underinvesting in people
How HR should look and function at different business stages—from 5 to 100+ employees
Why smart, strategic HR pays for itself (and then some)

If you're still relying on admin or payroll to “do HR,” you may be holding your business back. Tune in to learn how the right investment in people can actually boost your bottom line—and what it looks like to scale HR as you scale your team.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode of the Find Grow Keep podcast, Karen sits down with Michelle Miller, CEO of Robokids—an award-winning STEM education company that started as a side project and has now reached over 375,000 teachers and students across Australia.

Michelle shares her journey from classroom teacher to purpose-driven CEO, revealing how she built a business that puts people first—every single time.

Whether she’s supporting her team through health challenges or making brave hiring calls, Michelle leads with care and conviction.

💡 You’ll hear:

How to lead a small team through rapid growth without losing your values
Why trusting your gut in hiring can save your culture
Practical ways to support mental health at work (including a tool Michelle created with Beyond Blue)
How she built a business that can run without her—and why that’s a leadership goal worth chasing

If you’re a business owner trying to grow without burning out your team—or yourself—this episode is full of candid wisdom and practical advice.

🔗 Learn more about Michelle and Robokids: www.robokids.com.au
📨 Get in touch: info@robokids.com.au

✨ At Amplify HR, we help businesses build teams that thrive.
Book your free discovery call here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ronita-fourie

Subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Your company might look like it has a great culture—polite people, snacks in the kitchen, values on the wall. But what if those surface signs are hiding something deeper?

In this episode, Karen tackles the concept of shadow values—the unspoken, often unhealthy behaviours that silently shape workplace culture. These are the behaviours that don’t show up on your website, but do show up in meetings, team dynamics, and employee turnover.

You'll learn:

What shadow values are and how they erode trust
Why “niceness” in culture isn’t always a strength
6 red flags that your workplace culture might be heading off course (even if it feels okay)
Practical steps to course-correct before it becomes a crisis

Whether you lead a team of 10 or 200, these early signs are worth paying attention to. Because culture isn’t just about what’s written on the wall—it’s about what’s happening when no one’s watching.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/what-are-shadow-values-and-what-can-we-do-about-them/

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/how-to-fix-a-toxic-workplace-culture/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by bestselling author and family enterprise advisor David Werdiger, to explore a topic rarely talked about in business circles: the emotional relationship founders have with their businesses—and why letting go is essential for sustainable growth.

We unpack:

Why stepping back is one of the hardest (yet most important) things a founder can do
How to prepare for succession emotionally, not just strategically
The power of advisory boards in creating operational independence
What David learned from running multiple businesses and exiting on his terms
How communication, shared values, and governance underpin successful transitions

Whether you're planning your exit, scaling your leadership team, or simply feeling stuck inside your own business, this episode offers relatable insights and practical strategies for moving forward.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources. 

Connect with David: https://davidwerdiger.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

Have you ever had that sinking feeling a few weeks after hiring someone, wondering if you made the right decision?

In this episode, Karen dives into what it really means when a new hire isn’t working out—and how this connects to your overall employee turnover. Whether you’re seeing early warning signs in a new employee or questioning why great people are leaving your business, this episode is packed with practical tips to help.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why not all turnover is bad—and what your numbers might really be telling you
The warning signs a new hire might not be the right fit
How to improve both your recruitment and onboarding processes
Why psychometric testing can dramatically increase hiring success
Practical steps for having difficult conversations early (and legally)
Retention strategies that actually work—especially for your top performers

Karen also shares the latest data from AHRI and explains why “hire slow, fire fast” is still essential advice, especially when hiring missteps are costing time, energy, and team morale.

Whether you're struggling with people leaving too soon or staying too long, this episode will help you shift from reactive to strategic when it comes to hiring and retention.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/easy-calculation-for-employee-turnover/

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/recruiting-right-use-psychometrics-to-find-great-people/

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Povel Torudd one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in internal communications: storytelling.

Povel is the Managing Director of Berkeley Communications and Lead Storyteller for APAC, and we unpack how stories can be used not just in branding and marketing, but to create a thriving, emotionally connected workplace culture.

In this conversation, we cover:

Why storytelling is just as important for internal comms as it is for PR
How narrative techniques help teams remember and retell company messages
The science behind why stories are more engaging than data alone
What a true “storytelling culture” looks like in a business
Common mistakes leaders make when using storytelling for staff engagement
Best practices for embedding storytelling at all levels of your organisation
How storytelling strengthens employer branding and ESG initiatives

Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or shaping culture—this episode will give you practical inspiration to bring more humanity and connection into the way your business communicates.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Connect with Povel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poveltorudd/

Find Berkeley Communications at berkeleypr.com

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/

It’s easy to assume that offering employee benefits automatically means they’re effective—but are your benefits truly driving engagement and retention?

In this episode, Karen explores the often-overlooked question: Are your employee benefits actually working for your people and your business? From underused EAPs to forgotten wellbeing perks, she unpacks why many programs fall short and how you can fix that—without necessarily spending more.

You’ll learn:

The disconnect between leadership intention and employee experience
Surprising stats on what benefits really matter
How to audit your benefits using four key checkpoints: Utilisation, Awareness, Relevance, and Manager Engagement
Three low-effort, high-impact steps to get more ROI from your current benefits
Why relaunching, piloting, and manager training make all the difference

Karen also shares practical examples from real businesses and why regular reviews can transform benefits from “tick-the-box” perks to culture-embedded tools that truly support your people.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources. 

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

amplifyhr.com.au/12-employee-benefits-that-will-attract-and-retain-top-talent

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by the ever-insightful and energetic Peita Diamantidis, co-founder of Caboodle Financial Services and co-host of the Schitt with Money podcast (it’s a rewatch of Schitt’s Creek from a fun financial perspective!).

Together, they explore why financial wellbeing is no longer a “nice-to-have” in today’s workplace—it’s a necessity.

Peita shares how financial stress is showing up at work in real ways: absenteeism, burnout, decision fatigue. But here's the good news—supporting your employees doesn't mean offering complex financial advice or handing out pay rises.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why financial education needs to shift from “facts” to inspiration and behaviour change
How money stories from childhood shape adult financial decisions
Why superannuation seminars miss the mark—and what to do instead
The power of cash flow automation, pay splitting, and simple steps to boost financial confidence
How creative, engaging financial wellbeing sessions (with 3D glasses, no less!) can transform culture

We also explore practical ways leaders can role-model healthy financial habits and create safe spaces for money conversations without it becoming about salary negotiations.

Whether you're an business owner, people leader, or just someone who wants to better support your team—this episode will leave you thinking differently about money, mindset, and workplace wellbeing.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Connect with https://www.linkedin.com/in/peitamd/ Co-founder of Caboodle Financial Services.

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Are you feeling the pressure of managing people, policies, and growth—but unsure what kind of HR support your business truly needs?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common questions from growing small to medium businesses: When do I need ongoing HR support?

This episode is a must-listen if:

You’re starting to outgrow your DIY HR processes
You’re not sure when or how to invest in HR support
You want to make a smart financial and strategic choice about your people operations

In this episode, we explore:

What is Fractional HR, and how it compares to hiring a full-time HR Manager
The pros and cons of each option based on your business stage
Cost comparisons: $36K/year vs. up to $200K/year—and what you get for it
Real-life examples of businesses that made the switch (and saved big)
Signs you're ready to build a people strategy, not just stay compliant
When it’s actually time to make your first HR hire—and how to do it right

You’ll walk away with clarity on the right HR support structure for your team—whether you’re in rapid growth or just laying your foundations.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Episode 47: Six Tips for Hiring Your First HR Person
Robert Half Salary Guide
Amplify HR’s Accelerate Program

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode we explore the transformative potential of well-crafted policies and governance frameworks in small to medium-sized businesses. We are joined by Celeste Norman, founder of Rayne Legal, who brings a wealth of experience in the legal and compliance realms. Together, we debunk the myth of policies as mere formalities and reveal how they can be leveraged as strategic tools for sustainable business growth.

In this episode, you will discover:

The Strategic Importance of Policies: Understand how policies are not just administrative necessities but the backbone of your business practices, guiding both operational efficiency and cultural alignment.
Dynamic and Fit-for-Purpose Policies: Learn from Celeste’s expertise on how to keep policies relevant and adaptable, ensuring they reflect the current needs and future aspirations of your business.
Integrating Flexibility with Structure: Dive into discussions on flexible working arrangements and how well-defined policies can support both business needs and employee well-being, fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect.
Governance as a Tool for Culture Building: Gain insights on how consistent and fair governance practices are instrumental in cultivating a positive workplace culture and driving employee engagement.
Practical Tips for Business Leaders: Equip yourself with actionable advice on enhancing governance, compliance, and operational efficiency to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment effectively.
Future-Proofing Your Business: Celeste shares her thoughts on the importance of staying proactive about governance and the role of policies in aligning with broader business strategies.

Join us as we challenge conventional views on policies and governance, emphasising their role in driving meaningful change and business success.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources. 

Connect with Celeste at www.rayne.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-norman-rayne/

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Is people management getting in the way of growing your business?

In this practical episode, we unpack the five clear signs that it's time to get HR support—before people problems turn into business blockers.

Whether you're navigating team turnover, inconsistent onboarding, or scaling into new markets, this episode will help you spot the red flags and understand what HR support can do to reduce stress and unlock performance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why spending more time on team issues than growth is a warning sign
How to spot the hidden costs of high employee turnover—even if the reasons seem valid
What inconsistent onboarding does to productivity and culture
Why role clarity becomes non-negotiable as your business grows
How to prepare your people strategy before you scale

You'll also hear real-life stories from growing businesses that discovered the true ROI of people strategy—through outsourced HR, structured onboarding, and team clarity.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au  for more insights and resources. 

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/

Also mentioned in this episode: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/easy-calculation-for-employee-turnover/

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

If you’re running a professional services business and looking to scale beyond seven figures, this episode is packed with powerful insights to help you get there.

Karen is joined by Marco Formaggio, founder of Sweat2Scale, who shares practical strategies drawn from his own success building and selling a successful business, and now helping others do the same.

In today’s episode, you’ll discover:

Why shifting from a technical focus to a people-first mindset is critical for professional services businesses—and how it transformed Marco’s leadership approach.
The surprising truth about core values: why they’re not ‘soft skills’, but fundamental to performance, culture, and growth.
The difference between core, aspirational, and accidental values—and how to define the ones that will truly drive your business forward.
How hiring people better than you is not a threat—it’s the key to scaling and eventually creating a business that can run without you.
The revenue concentration trap: how relying too heavily on a small number of clients can stall (or sink) your growth, and what to do instead.
The one structural change Marco recommends to unlock growth—especially if you feel stuck in the delivery side of the business.
Why building an asset that runs independently gives you freedom—not just a path to exit, but more options, control, and legacy.

This episode is a must-listen for any founder ready to scale with intention, align their people with purpose, and build a business that’s not just profitable—but also sustainable and scalable.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Contact Marco at marco@sweat2scale.com, follow him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoformaggio/ or request to join his LinkedIn group, Global Professional Services Business Founders.

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

As your business grows, your HR risks grow too — but that doesn’t mean things have to get complicated.

In this episode, Karen Kirton unpacks the most common HR pitfalls that sneak up on growing businesses and shares how to simplify compliance, protect your business, and build the foundations for a thriving team.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about employment contracts, modern award obligations, or whether your onboarding checklist is up to scratch — this one’s for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why risk increases as your team grows – and what happens when informal processes no longer cut it.
The top blind spots small businesses miss — like outdated or missing employment contracts, underestimating award compliance, and not tracking leave properly.
How mental health and wellbeing are now part of workplace safety, especially in remote and hybrid teams.
What you need to know about underpayments – including changes that make it a criminal offence in Australia.
The simple steps to take now – from doing a quick HR audit to setting up compliant contracts, policies, and handbooks that actually work for your business.
How Fractional HR or On-Demand HR support can help take the pressure off if you don’t have internal HR resources.

Whether you're just hitting the 12+ employee mark or you're already on the fast track to growth, this episode will help you lay the right people foundations so your business can scale with confidence — not chaos.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to protect your business without drowning in complexity.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.   

Free Download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode (recorded as our first LinkedIn Live!), Karen Kirton shares five key people and culture trends currently shaping small to medium-sized businesses in Australia. Drawing from recent research, client insights, and real conversations at networking events, Karen explores:

Why employee engagement still tops the priority list – and practical ways to support wellbeing and career growth in smaller teams
How SMEs can get started with AI and tech optimisation, while addressing staff concerns around change and privacy
The importance of upskilling leaders to manage hybrid teams and meet new compliance expectations
Staying ahead of Australia’s rapidly changing workplace laws – and why compliance is a foundation of a strong culture
Embracing a multigenerational workforce by offering flexible options and rethinking what ‘diversity’ looks like today

Karen also answers live questions around return-to-office policies and shares why improving performance and shifting culture remain the most downloaded topics from the Find Grow Keep podcast archive.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/empowering-new-managers/

Also mentioned in this episode:

Ep 42: Developing Career Pathways in Small Organisations

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/developing-career-pathways-in-small-organisations/

Ep44: How to Shift a Workplace Culture

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/how-to-change-workplace-culture/

Ep1: Improving Poor Performance Part 1

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/managing-performance/

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen is joined by Lucy McCarraher, founder of Book Magic AI and Rethink Press, and a mentor to thousands of business book authors. If you’ve ever considered writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the process, this conversation will show you how it can be one of the most powerful tools for business growth, recruitment, and brand authority.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

Why writing a book is more than just a marketing tool—it provides clarity on your business, attracts ideal clients, and positions you as an authority in your field.
How a book can transform your recruitment process by helping candidates understand your company culture and values before they even join.
The concept of "book magic"—real-life stories of how publishing a book has led to unexpected opportunities, from doubling business revenue to securing global speaking engagements.
How Book Magic AI is making the book-writing process more accessible, helping entrepreneurs structure their ideas, overcome imposter syndrome, and stay motivated.
Why AI can’t (and shouldn’t) write your book for you—but how it can support the process by refining ideas, structuring content, and creating marketing materials once your book is published.
The key steps to getting started, including a free tool that helps you map out the right book for your business.

If you've ever thought about writing a book but weren’t sure where to start, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you take the first step.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Connect with Lucy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://bookmagic.ai/

https://rethinkpress.com/write/

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/books/great-people-are-a-business-biggest-asset/

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Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the importance of aligning your company's purpose with its strategic goals to drive growth and ensure sustainability.

Whether you're a small business owner or at the head of a larger enterprise, understanding and articulating your company's purpose is more than a task—it's a strategic advantage.

What you'll gain from this episode:

Understanding the Essence of Company Purpose: Learn why a well-defined purpose and set of values aren't just corporate fluff but essential elements of a successful business strategy.
Real-life Business Dilemma: Dive into a case study of a retail business faced with a critical growth decision. Discover how clarifying their purpose guided their strategic choices and could influence yours.
Strategic Decision-Making: Find out how a clear purpose can serve as a lens for making tough business decisions, from expansion plans to branding and employee engagement.
Engagement and Differentiation: Hear how a purpose-driven approach helps differentiate your business from competitors and fosters deeper connections with employees and customers.
Big Brand Examples: Gain insights from major players like IKEA and Tesco, who have purpose-driven business strategies.
Practical Steps and Advice: Receive actionable advice and steps to start defining or refining your company's purpose today, with examples from Amplify HR's own journey.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their business through a purpose-driven approach.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.   

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Episode 8: Faster and Better Decision Making

Episode 69: The Value of Values

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Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen dives into the impact of artificial intelligence on small and medium-sized businesses though a discussion with AI expert Janey Treleaven. As AI technologies and digital tools become increasingly integral to business operations, understanding and integrating them without overwhelming your people and existing systems is crucial for businesses to grow and succeed.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

The journey of adopting AI in business, from the initial exposure to its practical implementation, shared by Janey Treleaven, founder of Intelligence Assist. With over two decades of experience in technology at major Australian banks, Janey offers unique insights into making AI work for your business.
The concept of AI literacy and its importance for businesses. Learn why training your team on how to effectively use AI tools is as critical as the tools themselves.
Strategies for choosing the right AI tools for your team, considering both the roles they perform and the tools' capabilities. This tailored approach ensures that AI integration is both cost-effective and impactful.
Practical advice on creating an "Acceptable Use of AI" policy to guide your team in using AI responsibly and effectively.
Insights into the potential of AI to return up to 30% of your team’s time by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities.
And finally, explore the ongoing evolution of AI tools and how staying updated with these changes can significantly benefit your business operations.

Whether you're already integrating AI into your business or just starting to consider its possibilities, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to guide you through the AI revolution in business.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.

Connect with Janey Treleaven, founder of Intelligence Assist here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janey-treleaven/

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Great leadership goes beyond managing people—it’s about fostering growth, empowering teams, and creating a culture that drives business success. In this episode, we explore the five key leadership skills every business owner and manager needs to develop for long-term impact.

Tune in to learn about:

Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness – How understanding yourself improves decision-making, leadership style, and team dynamics.
Effective Communication & Influence – Moving from ‘telling’ to coaching, navigating conflict with confidence, and providing feedback that drives real improvement.
Strategic Decision-Making – Shifting from daily tasks to big-picture thinking, setting a clear vision, and making data-driven choices that engage your team.
Delegation & Empowerment – The difference between ‘dumping’ tasks and truly empowering others to develop and succeed.
Building a Culture of Accountability – Encouraging ownership, celebrating wins, and maintaining engagement without fostering a toxic high-performance culture.

If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills and create a thriving team, this episode is packed with practical insights.

BONUS: Free Download - Checklist for new managers https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/empowering-new-managers/

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, we focus on the pivotal role of managers in your business's growth and the complexities that arise with new managerial roles. Whether you're promoting from within or hiring externally, mastering people management is not just an HR task—it's a cornerstone of successful business leadership.

Here's what you'll discover today:

✅ Evaluating Potential Managers: Learn why promoting your top performers might not always be wise if they lack people management skills. We'll explore strategies to test leadership abilities before committing to promotions.

✅ Setting Managers Up for Success: Find out about creating a leadership charter and embedding company values to support new managers. Discover practical steps to ensure they embody the leadership style that matches your business ethos.

✅ The First 90 Days: Dive deep into the critical initial period for new managers with a detailed plan for their integration and effectiveness, from observation and learning to relationship-building and achieving results.

✅ Sustainable Leadership Development: Gain insights on continuous development through structured feedback and goal reviews, ensuring your managers not only succeed but excel in leading your teams.

✅ Real-World Applications: We provide actionable advice and real-life examples from past episodes, illustrating successful strategies implemented by other business leaders.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!

Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.

Free download: Lead Smart Checklist https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/empowering-new-managers/

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Episode 9: Developing Next Generation Leaders : https://open.spotify.com/episode/3j23gr7RPf9Oe8OrGbkfCS?si=7df8419769c64221

Episode 57: Questions to Ask Before Promoting Someone to a Management Role:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RxXnXKsEc2XmsVEYx439p?si=b9cab4cbad3e4cbd&nd=1&dlsi=c00c7c359dc3486e

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Karen dives into the critical need to adopt a candidate-centric approach to hiring. With the landscape of recruitment evolving rapidly, understanding and optimising every step of the hiring process not only enhances your ability to attract the best talent but also strengthens your company's reputation and efficiency.

What you'll discover in this episode:

-> The importance of refining the recruitment process in your business, focusing on making it candidate-friendly and reflective of your company’s values and culture.

-> Practical steps to ensure a smooth and engaging application process, including why traditional methods like requiring cover letters may need to be reconsidered.

-> Insights into effective communication strategies throughout the recruitment process to maintain candidate interest and engagement.

-> The significance of a robust selection process that goes beyond casual coffee chats to structured interviews and appropriate assessments that align with the job's demands.

-> The value of feedback — not only providing it to candidates but also soliciting it from them to improve your recruitment practices continuously.

Join us as we explore how to make your recruitment process a strategic tool for growth and innovation by centring it around candidate experiences.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources.

Free download: Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Informal vs structured job interviews

Episode 38

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Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen provides actionable insights on leveraging your employer brand to drive business growth through strategic recruitment.

As businesses expand, the challenge of hiring the right people becomes even greater. This episode provides a deep dive into how strengthening your employer brand can significantly enhance your recruitment process and overall business success.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The importance of employer branding for businesses of all sizes and how it transcends beyond big corporate buzzwords to become a critical strategy for attracting and engaging both candidates and current employees.

-> A case study of a retail business facing challenges in hiring management roles, providing insights into how a well-articulated employer brand can address hiring difficulties and improve store performance.

-> How to uncover your unique selling propositions that differentiate your business in a competitive job market.

-> Practical strategies for drafting job advertisements that stand out, including segmenting.

-> Essential training for hiring managers to adopt a candidate-centric approach, ensuring that the recruitment process treats candidates as potential customers, which is vital in today’s job market.

-> Steps to review and adapt your recruitment messaging to reflect the unique aspects of your business, ensuring you attract the right people.

This episode is packed with expert advice and practical tips for any business owner or leader looking to hire great people so their business can grow.

Free download:

Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

Make an Employment Offer They Can’t Refuse

Recruitment is more marketing than HR

Use social media to engage more candidates

Episode 19

Episode 30

Episode 41

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Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this milestone episode, we delve deep into why managing 'people stuff' effectively is not just an HR function but a core aspect of running a successful business. If you're looking to unlock growth and drive performance, this episode is a must-listen!

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The crucial role of employee engagement in financial success, illustrated by a case study where disengaged employees were secretly job hunting, unbeknownst to a content management team.

-> Why employee surveys and focus groups are essential tools for uncovering the real sentiments in your workplace—what your managers think might be very different from the reality.

-> Six strategic themes that every business leader needs to focus on if they want to boost their company’s performance and culture:

Improving performance and decision-making
Recruitment and retention
Nurturing a positive workplace culture
Training and development
Adapting to future trends and changes
Enhancing employee engagement and well-being

-> Practical advice on how to apply these themes to your business, with real-life examples and success stories from past episodes.

-> Insights into how businesses can misjudge their cultural health and the steps you can take to realign your strategy with the actual needs of your team.

-> Why it's vital to integrate people management into every facet of your business strategy to truly unlock growth and innovation.

-> Looking forward to the next hundred episodes, where we will continue to explore how HR strategies are integral to broader business success and sustainability.

If you've enjoyed the journey so far, or if you're just joining us, this episode is packed with invaluable insights that could change the way you think about business growth. Don't miss out on learning how a strategic focus on people can lead to real business success!

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated on every second Monday release—Episode 101 will feature a fresh take on these ongoing conversations about people and culture

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/podcasts/find-grow-keep-series-2/

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/consultancy-bespoke-programs/

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Welcome to Episode 99: Navigating 2025 – Trends and Strategies for Employee Engagement!

In this episode, our host Karen Kirton explores the vital trends shaping employee engagement for the coming year and offers a step-by-step guide to enhancing your workplace environment. This episode is crucial for any business leader seeking to improve profitability and create a thriving culture through effective people management.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The ongoing evolution of hybrid work and how to tailor it to benefit your business, ensuring productivity and employee satisfaction.

-> The increased importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, driven by recent societal changes and legislative updates, along with practical steps to address these needs.

-> The rising expectation for continuous learning and career development, particularly valued by younger workforce generations, and how you can integrate these into your business strategy.

-> A comprehensive seven-step plan to boost employee engagement and ensure alignment with your business goals for 2025:

Establish clear goals and a compelling vision.
Invest in learning and development.
Prioritize wellbeing with enhanced programs.
Foster connection and belonging, especially in hybrid settings.
Collect and act on feedback to improve workplace dynamics.
Recognize and reward achievements to motivate your team.
Communicate transparently and authentically to build trust.

-> Insights from the latest research, including Gallup's 2024 report, highlighting the significant impact of engaged employees on business profitability.

This episode not only provides you with the tools to anticipate and adapt to upcoming trends but also empowers you to strategically plan for a more engaged and productive 2025. Tune in to transform your approach to employee engagement and set your business up for success.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources.

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen addresses the challenges of recruiting in a slow economy and the strategic shift towards hiring early career professionals or students. This approach not only cuts costs but also builds a pipeline of talent that grows with your business. Karen shares her insights and strategies on how to adapt the recruitment process to better suit early career candidates.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The current recruitment landscape and how to navigate hiring amidst economic slowdowns without compromising on talent acquisition.

-> Strategies for attracting early career professionals, including the importance of initial screening calls to gauge candidate interest and suitability.

-> Detailed insights into conducting fair and effective recruitment processes that focus less on experience and more on potential and fit within your company culture.

-> Innovative methods for assessing candidates, such as prioritization exercises and whole-brain thinking activities, to understand their decision-making processes and personal attributes.

-> Practical advice on conducting interviews that allow candidates to showcase their true selves, including the unique 'do over' option which alleviates pressure and encourages authenticity.

-> Tips on how to continuously engage with candidates from the application stage through to final interviews, ensuring a seamless and candidate-friendly experience.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for business leaders and HR professionals looking to enhance their recruitment strategies and better integrate young talent into their organizations.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources.

Free download: Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

As companies plan for 2025, many are re-evaluating remote, hybrid, and office work. To increase office-based days successfully, key steps include gathering employee feedback, setting clear goals, creating a welcoming office, offering flexible hours, ensuring strong tech support, and regularly adapting based on employee satisfaction. This approach helps balance business goals with employee needs.

As we hurtle toward year’s end, it's time to consider employee retention. January is a common time for employees to consider moving to a new role.

November is also when we look at how many weeks we have left of the calendar year. A little bit of stress and frustration can set in when we think of everything we need to do before the year is out.

Do you have a staff retention strategy ready for the new year? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

On the latest episode of Find Grow Keep, I sat down with Ed Greenwood from Eton HR to tackle a phrase we’ve all heard: “culture fit.”

But what does it really mean? 🤔 Too often, it’s used as a vague reason to reject candidates, leaving them feeling dismissed and disrespected. Ed challenges us to define our company culture clearly and avoid hiding behind this term, which can even mask unconscious bias.

It's time to rethink how we approach hiring. Let’s make it fair, transparent, and truly about the right fit for both sides.

What happens when you realise you need to make changes to your leadership team if you want to continue to grow? Maybe even let some of you leadership team go?

This can be a really difficult realisation for business owners and leaders because it means you need to make some tough decisions. But if you don’t make these critical decisions, your company can enter what’s been called the Valley of Death.

The "Right to Disconnect," starting August 26, 2024, lets Australian employees decline work communication outside regular hours unless unreasonable. To implement it, businesses need more than policies—they must foster a culture of work-life balance, use tech to manage after-hours contact, and have leaders set the example.

When it comes to building a strong workplace culture, some things work and some things definitely don’t. Hiring an HR manager is not going to fix your problem, and neither is conducting endless employee surveys. This post explores the solutions that do work, like defining your purpose, aligning your values, committing the leadership to proactive change and engaging your organisation with the power of your mission.

Does your organisation need to shift its culture? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

With rising living costs, employees now seek more than just a paycheck. This episode emphasizes the crucial role of career development, work-life balance, and mental health support in retaining top talent. By prioritizing these areas, businesses can attract and retain high-quality employees.

A strong and adaptable culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth - so what are the practical steps required to build a growth-friendly culture?

Is your workplace culture geared for growth? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Digital transformation integrates digital technologies into all business aspects, fundamentally changing operations and value delivery. It's about rethinking business models to stay competitive, with benefits like improved performance and expanded offerings. Success relies on team readiness, new skills, strong leadership, and continuous improvement through clear strategies, collaboration, and digital tools.

In this episode, we discuss how to handle noticeable changes in an employee's behavior. Using the Iceberg Metaphor, we explore how much of an employee's life remains hidden beneath the surface at work. Learn how to initiate a supportive conversation, handle resistance, and maintain a balance of persistence and respect. Discover the importance of positive intent and open communication in uncovering and addressing underlying issues, fostering a healthier and more productive workplace.

It’s an open secret that many middle managers feel burnt out, anxious and stressed. So how can we support them to help us meet our organisational goals?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

We discuss the importance of performance reviews for enhancing employee performance. As businesses evolve, a consistent approach to performance management becomes crucial, focusing on ongoing development and aligning team goals with business objectives. Tune in for insights on effective performance management strategies.

Performance reviews are typically conducted at this time of year, so it’s a good time to dive into research on the psychology of motivation. Psychological and organisational behavioural research indicates that there are eight primary human motivators. And if you understand these eight motivators, you can use them to encourage your teams to work more effectively.

As the financial year wraps up in Australia, small to medium-sized businesses need to stay ahead. Join us as we explore 7 key trends: economic optimism vs. recession, cybersecurity, AI, regulatory changes, cost controls, growth investment, and workplace culture. Let’s thrive together!

It seems like such a simple concept – managers have employees, they set goals, monitor performance, manage sub-performance, and reward achievement. So why isn't it easy?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

In Episode 82 of Find Grow Keep, the podcast discusses the importance of creativity in business. It challenges the belief that creativity is only for certain people and shows how it's crucial for innovation and growth. The episode provides practical tips for fostering creativity in the workplace, emphasizing the role of leadership, learning from innovative companies, creating the right atmosphere, and bringing in fresh perspectives. By embracing creativity, businesses can drive innovation and long-term success.

Not actually an episode, this is an invitation for you to join our free webinar in May! :) Register at amplifyhr.com.au

Lately, we've taken a close look at the importance of accountability in positive company culture, examining how it boosts productivity and supports employee retention. However, in this post we’ve taken a step back to wonder: why should we even care about company culture in the first place?

Join us for the newest episode of the Find Grow Keep podcast series, as Karen Kirton sits down for a conversation with Lachy Gray, the co-founder and managing director of Yarno, a team-based microlearning platform. Together, they explore the practicalities of embedding accountability within an organization, emphasizing its significance as a cornerstone for enhancing employee retention and productivity.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

In today's business landscape, employers are prioritizing retention and productivity. The secret ingredient to fostering engagement, innovation, and efficiency? Accountability.

Business owners are doubling down on retaining key talent and ensuring everyone stays focused amid economic shifts. But achieving these goals requires more than just setting targets; it demands a culture of accountability.

Do you have a culture of accountability? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Discover how AI is revolutionising employee onboarding and development in episode 78 of the Find Grow Keep podcast. Join Karen Kirton and Matthew Mason as they explore personalized learning journeys, efficient content creation, and always-on support. Learn responsible AI integration tips for leaders and how AI is shaping the future of work with efficiency and personalization.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Three top trends set 2024 apart, helping us to what the employment market will look like this year.

Are you ready for recruitment in 2024? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Explore the benefits of outsourcing in small businesses in episode 76. Discover cost efficiencies, specialized expertise, and scalability for your business. Evaluate pros and cons, choose partners wisely, and find your tipping point for bringing functions in-house.

As we approach the end of the calendar year, reflections on goal setting for the upcoming year naturally spring to mind.

Episode 75 of our podcast delves into the intricacies of personal goal setting, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for a structured approach.

As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our goals, priorities, and responsibilities, both personally and professionally. Setting New Year's resolutions is a common practice, and for businesses, it's an opportunity to define company goals and objectives.

In Episode 74 of Series 2 of the Find Grow Keep podcast, we'll explore a simple and effective process for goal setting within an organisation, focusing on four key pillars: financial, operations, customers, and people.

In Episode 73 of Series 2 of the Find Grow Keep podcast, Karen discusses effectively handling workloads, sidestepping burnout, and attaining triumph even in the most challenging phases of the year with Barbara Clifford who is known as the “Time Tamer” and is the cofounder of the Hinwood Institute. Following are our top tips and takeouts from this discussion.

Wellbeing is important in many areas of a business, and one of the most important relates to employee retention.

Do you consider employee wellbeing in your workplace? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Employee retention is a critical factor in the success of any organisation. To explore the reasons why employees look for new roles, Karen Kirton had a discussion with Pree Sarkar, Founder and Director of Switch Recruitment in episode 71 of series 2 of the Find Grow Keep podcast.

They explored four key areas related to retaining valuable talent and discussed strategies to enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Have you ever been blindsided by the resignation of one of your star performers? Here’s 10 tips on how to keep hold of your great people.

How do you retain your employees?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

I would love it if you could let me know the answers to some questions.

Have you defined values in your organisation?
Have you defined behaviours that support the value?
Have you had conversations about how your team lives that value?
Can you see your values in operation in your organisation?
Do you use your values as a lens for business decisions?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Effective onboarding means making an emotional connection with our new starters. David Larter is from Jolly, a business that makes it easier for companies to sort and distribute high-quality branded merchandise to their team and customers.

Do you have an emotionally connected onboarding process? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Effective onboarding sets new hires up for success, increasing productivity and engagement and lowering employee turnover.

Our guest David Larter from Jolly offers his top tips for emotional engagement during onboarding.

Does your onboarding process connect emotionally with new starters?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

With longer lifespans, no forced retirement age and changes to society, we now have up to five generations in the same workforce.

Do you have a range of generations in your business?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into hybrid work, Maja Paleka, co-founder Juggle Strategies, offers her top tips for hybrid workplaces.

Do you have any tips for managing a hybrid workplace?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

What is the purpose of the office? I asked Maja Paleka, co-founder of Juggle Strategies, which is on a mission to make flexible work business as usual.

Do you have a flexible workplace? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

AI has many applications in HR: recruitment; onboarding; training and development; engagement; retention; remuneration and performance management.

Do you use AI in your business?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

In 2023 we’ve seen the most significant workplace legislative changes since the Fair Work Act in 2009. So what does this mean for you?

Here I’m providing general information that is not specific to your circumstances. It should not be relied upon or used as an alternative to legal advice. AmplifyHR is not a legal firm, and I’m not a lawyer.

How have the recent legislative changes impacted your workplace? We’d love your feedback on this series; just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

We take a look at the question on everyone’s mind: How much should you be paying your employees in 2023/24?

There are two key areas to ensuring you’re paying people the right salary - a pay strategy and conversations around pay.

What’s your pay strategy? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

What do you do with a team member who doesn't want to develop? It depends on whether or not they are performing well.

Do you have an employee who resists development? We’d love your feedback on this series; just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

What happens when you go through the recruitment process with a new employee, but then things don't seem to be working as you expected?

Do you have a mid-probation review? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

The business world is currently facing a really difficult economic environment and many people are wondering about how to keep their key people. So here are my top 10 tips on doing just that. What are your staff retention strategies? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Thinking of promoting someone into a management role? Not everyone is suited to managing people. Here are the questions you need to ask first.

Have you promoted someone to a management role? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

A ‘floating holiday’ is a public holiday that an employee can swap for a different day of the year that's more important to them. So what are the pros and cons?

Does your organisation have floating public holidays? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Skill shortages in the economy are hitting large and small businesses alike - but is it realistic for small businesses to invest in upskilling employees?

Does your organisation have a staff development program?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

In my last post, we talked about how to attract great people with Jane Toohey, the director of outsource2us. In this paired post, I spoke with Nathan Soti, the Managing Director of Ethos360 Recruitment, on how to select great people, once you’ve attracted them.

How does your selection process work? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

We’re facing a tight labour market in 2023 and it’s more important than ever to step up your game as an employer of choice.

Are you expecting staff shortages in 2023? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

The economy is slowing. Now is the time to ensure your business is in the best position to weather the storm.

Are your people and culture processes ready for 2023?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

The start of the year is a great time to review your HR position and move from reactive to proactive. It’s even more important now, with so many changes to your legal obligations.

Are you ready for the compliance changes in 2023? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

‘Open hiring’ (hiring the first person who applies) saves time and can improve equity and reduce employee turnover. But it doesn’t work for every role. So what are the benefits and considerations?

Have you ever undertaken an open hiring process, or are you considering doing it? I'd love to hear from you, because in Australia, I can't find a lot of examples. Has it been successful? Or have you considered it, but decided not to go ahead? And why is that?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Since the pandemic, there have been more requests to work from home, or even to work from interstate or overseas.

What happens when you have employees who want to work from anywhere (WFA)? This can happen when people you've hired locally move, or intend to move, to a different city, or state, or even overseas.

Here are nine things to consider before granting that request.

Do you have employees working from anywhere? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Lately, there's been a fair bit in the media around skill shortages in Australia. There are definitely things that we can do from a recruitment standpoint, in terms of attracting skilled people into our business, but there's also a big opportunity to upskill our current employees in an affordable way.

Does your business have a training or upskilling program?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

As a small business, when is the right time to hire your first HR person? And how do you know what kind of HR person you need?

Here are my top six tips to define your HR needs, craft the right role, and support your new HR person so they are set up for success.

What advice do you have for hiring your first HR person?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

The four-day work week is getting a lot of media attention across the world. This is the model where an employee moves from working five days per week to four days, but continues getting paid the same salary.

What are the benefits and risks of the four-day work week? Why are businesses considering and trialling it? And if you are interested, how do you get started?

If you have trialled a four-day work week, or you're intending to, I'd love to hear from you.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Strengths-based leadership is about focusing on strengths, rather than weaknesses. Research shows the strong benefits in terms of well-being and employee retention that come from playing to your strengths.

Have you ever done a strengths report?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

There are many ways to tackle changing your workplace culture. Do it well and you’ll create a thriving business that attracts the best employees. Do it badly, and you could end up in court.

Have you tried to change your workplace culture?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

There are many ways to tackle changing your workplace culture. Do it well and you’ll create a thriving business that attracts the best employees. Do it badly, and you could end up in court.

Have you tried to change your workplace culture?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

The research is clear - a lot of people are thinking about changing jobs right now. This is not the time to ignore retention in your business.

Does your organisation have a retention plan?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

The research is clear - a lot of people are thinking about changing jobs right now. This is not the time to ignore retention in your business.

Does your organisation have a retention plan?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

A majority of candidates surveyed are looking for roles that offer career development - but how can smaller organsiations offer career pathways?

Does your organisation offer a career pathway?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Right now, it's definitely a candidate market. So how do you use social media to build a strong and engaging employer brand?

Do you promote your employer brand on your socials?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Change management is hard to get right - it often scores very low on staff satisfaction and engagement surveys. So how can you change the way you do change?

Do you use a change management process?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

July is traditionally the time to review staff salaries. But it’s no easy task with covid recovery, inflation, the Fair Work wage decision and a competitive labour market all thrown in the mix.

Do you have a salary review strategy?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

For many small businesses, a job interview means a quick chat with the owner over coffee. Unfortunately, this is a terrible way to find the right person for the job.

Do you have a structured recruitment process?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

What is a healthy level of employee turnover? And how does your business measure up? Monitoring employee turnover is one of the easiest, and most informative, metrics to track.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

We’ve all seen the boards at retail stores featuring the smiling face of the employee of the month. But do these actually work to motivate and engage employees?

Does your organisation have an employee of the month program?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

It’s completely devastating when your best employee quits. So, what can you do if this happens in your business? And how can you stop it from happening again?

Has your best employee quit?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Good teams are created by good team development. Here's how to support your teams through the 5 stages.

Does your organisation have a five-stage team development process?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Feedback is critical to employee engagement. But whether it’s positive or negative, many of us have trouble giving feedback to employees. If you’d benefit from some extra structure around providing feedback, here are my top tips.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Whether they’re open about it or not, some leaders just aren’t very good at people management, and that can be devastating for the workplace. So what can you do about it?

Do you have people managers who don’t like managing people?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

What are 'shadow values'? And what can we do about them? Whether they turn out to be positive or negative, they require action.

Does your organisation have shadow values?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

What’s the difference between recruitment and HR? It’s true that both are about people. But it’s a bit like the difference between sales and marketing. To be effective, recruitment needs to use marketing strategies.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

According to research, good onboarding improves employee productivity by 70%, but many companies aren't doing it well.

Check out my 3 simple tools to standardise onboarding.

Have you implemented a standardised onboarding process?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

When you say ‘employee benefit’ most people think of stock options, gym memberships or health insurance. But there are plenty of highly desirable benefits that small businesses can offer that won’t cost the earth.

Do you have an employee benefits program?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Empathy is a core skill of successful leadership. But how much is too much? What happens if it feels like it's sucking the life out of you?

Have you struggled with the line between empathy and sympathy?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Resignations, poor productivity, customers going elsewhere are red flags for problems in an organisation’s culture. So what can you do about it?

Have you had trouble with your business culture?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Complaints about bullying, misogyny or racism can derail your business. It’s best to be prepared with a strong and considered policy to guide you through.

Have you dealt with a problem person?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Psychometric tests are safe, quantifiable and scientifically dependable tools for workplace development. But you have to use them right.

Have you tried psychometric testing in your organisation?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Employees consistently rate personal development as a top benefit, and a reason they stay longer in a role. So how exactly do you provide ‘personal development’ to your employees?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Mentorships offer personal and professional development that keeps employees happy, and they’re not just for big business.

Have you arranged a mentorship for an employee?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Heading back to work for 2022 and many of us suddenly find ourselves managing remote and hybrid teams.

How do you motivate and manage people who aren’t in the office? Try Goal Setting.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

It’s a tough candidate market and it’s only going to get tougher in 2022. Now is the time to get your recruitment strategy sorted.

Have you got a recruitment tip?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

You've heard the saying, ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ And this applies to employers just as much as candidates.

Have you developed your employer brand?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Job roles can be slippery fish. The employee thinks they’re responsible for ABC, but the manager thinks it’s XYZ. So how do we fix it? Here’s the big secret: the best vehicle for achieving role clarity is through position descriptions.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Psychometric tests can double or triple your chances of hiring the right person. Unfortunately, most small businesses are not using this powerful tool.

Have you tried psychometrics?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Imagine your employee has just been offered a much fatter pay packet to work for someone else. Is it worth offering them more money to stop them from resigning?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Recent media reports about Apple employees disclosing their salaries, and the company’s attempts to stop them, have ignited debate around transparency and pay equity. How does your organisation handle these issues?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

The ‘Great Resignation’ is a term coined to explain the mass exodus of the workforce in the wake of the pandemic, observed in the US and Europe. Experts are predicting it's going to hit Australia in March.

Have you noticed an increase in resignation rates?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Almost 80% of employees who quit their jobs cite a lack of appreciation as a key reason for leaving. Its clear recognition is vital, but how do you do it effectively?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Most companies restructure reactively - maybe there’s too much work, or someone has left. But it’s far better to get strategic and restructure before you hit an emergency.

Karen shares some key indicators that your structure isn’t working and when to be aware that it may be time for a change.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Have you attended meetings that felt like they were a complete waste of time? In this episode, Karen walks through 5 top tips on how to have meetings that matter – they keep everyone on track to achieve their goals, and provide an opportunity for ideas and innovation.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Boomerang employees is a term which has become more prevalent as employees may leave your organization and then want to return a few years later. Is this a good thing or a huge mistake?

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

This episode is all about how we can develop next generation leaders, even in small businesses, and why that can help our businesses scale up and grow.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

In this episode, Karen explores the idea that we can enable faster and better decision making through being clear on our business purpose and values.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

In this episode, we provide alternatives to a high performance culture and how being innovative, customer-centric or purpose driven may instead be what inspires high performance in your organisation.

Thanks to Warren Carney for agreeing to have his business case studied in this episode!

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

In this episode, Karen explores how to start new employees with success.

Which means getting them up to speed quickly to increase productivity, increase engagement and lower employee turnover.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

As our businesses grow, internal communication becomes more complex.

What starts as 3 lines of communication with 3 people, explodes to 91 lines of communication when we have 14 people!

In this episode, Karen provides 4 practical ways to prevent silos in your business, and keep effective cross communication.

Feedback on this series is always welcome, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn and we can start a conversation.

Today Karen talks about one of the building blocks of having a great culture which is policies around the things that matter. How we can use policies appropriately to reduce complexity and encourage fairness and equity.

I’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with me on LinkedIn and we can start a conversation.

Recruiting great people is particularly difficult right now with businesses finding they are being bombarded with applicants for roles that are not suitable at all ; or for specialised roles they receive very few applications.

In this episode, Karen explains the best way to get clarity on the role you are hiring for so that you can attract great candidates.

Feedback on this series is always welcome, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn and we can start a conversation.

Today we continue on from episode 1 in the next steps to take when an employee is not performing to our expectations and we start a formal performance improvement process.

I’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with me on LinkedIn and we can start a conversation.

In this episode Karen takes you through an easy framework to consider when you have someone that you think is not quite performing where you would like them to be, but you don’t know how to approach it.

Feedback on this series is always welcome, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn and we can start a conversation.

In this series of the Find Grow Keep Podcast, we explore how businesses of less than 100 employees can scale up and grow.

These weekly episodes of less than 20 minutes are designed to answer your top issues and questions around how to create a great place to work.

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen Kirton on LinkedIn and we can start a conversation.

In this episode of our Future of the Workplace series, Karen is joined by Sachin Khisti who is the Managing Director of Carrington Associates. Based in 3 countries, it is a professional services company and business partners with IBM, Microsoft and work with large private and public sectors.

Sachin’s organisation went into full remote working in 2020 and intended to move to a hybrid model in early 2021, but found that the staff wanted to have social connection and get back into some form of office based work so they started in the office a few days per week last November.

We talk through lessons learnt as well as Sachin’s top tip for effective hybrid working.

I hope Sachin’s story will help you with whatever you are deciding in terms of the future of your workplace.

In this episode of our Future of the Workplace series, Karen is joined by Lauren Watts who is the owner and Managing Director of GenLeads.

When she started GenLeads in 2011, Lauren decided to build a workplace that was 100% working from home.

We talk through why she wanted to have a complete WFH workplace, how her 17 staff across Australia work effectively from home, and considerations around productivity and culture.

I hope Laurens story will help you with whatever you are deciding in terms of the future of your workplace.

In this episode of our Future of the Workplace series, Karen is joined by Suror Sabeti who has 3 successful start ups, 2 of which got acquired by Fortune 1000 companies. He has held executive leadership roles across APAC in leading Tech Companies.

He is the founder and Managing Director of eLink which has just rebranded as Talent Tier. Suror’s organisation has embraced remote working with staff in Australia and overseas but they also have a hybrid model, keeping an office for specific purposes

Today we are talking through the challenges but also the top tips for what he has encountered over the last 12 months and predictions for 2021 and beyond.

I hope Suror’s story will help you with whatever you are deciding in terms of the future of your workplace

In this series of the Find Grow Keep Podcast, Karen interviews business owners who have decided to move their teams to fully remote, or to a hybrid workplace where they spend some of the week in the office.

We discuss the pros and cons of remote working, particularly around workplace culture, communication, recruitment and onboarding and employee well-being.

In this episode of our Future of the Workplace series, Karen is joined by Lachy Gray who is the founder and Managing Director of Yarno. Lachy's company has decided to move to working fully remotely and he shares the reasons for this, along with what they have learnt along the way. This includes great tips for workplace culture, communication and employee well-being.