HR Coffee Time 159 | 4 methods to get your first Chief People Officer (or CHRO) role
Dec 5, 2025
25:05
What’s the best way to land your first Chief People Officer or CHRO role?
In this episode, Fay Wallis breaks down the four most common routes that real CPOs have taken to step into the top people leadership job for the very first time. You’ll also hear short clips from several CPO guests who generously shared their stories and insights.
You’ll hear about:
- Four routes into first CPO roles
- Internal discussions leading to job title changes
- Being headhunted by executive recruiters
- Strengthening your LinkedIn profile
- Applying directly for senior HR roles
- Preparing for high-level interviews
- Pitching for promotion with a business case
Useful Links
- Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
- Visit Fay’s website
- Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
- Buy a copy of The Essential HR Planner
Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes
- Ep 31:3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next job
- Ep 106:7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR career
- Ep 149: The CPO Job Application That Worked, Strategic vs Operational HR, and Why Compassion Matters (with Funmi Onamusi):
- Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/149/
- YouTube link:https://youtu.be/n-zYslILExc?si=dIJFbWDgo2SWlcUz
- Ep 154: Step-by-Step Career Advice to become a successful CHRO/CPO (with Nicola Lyons):
- Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/154/
- YouTube link:https://youtu.be/tdqjSSbKMmM?si=WpaKhorECI5-ieFk
- Ep 147: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider insights (with Kanika Mehra):
- Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/147/
- YouTube link:https://youtu.be/R31JrBpT490?si=fikKsO8dJBahIRpx
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