HRchat Podcast

In this episode of the HRchat show, Bill Banham is joined by David Hayden. David has a background in L&D, organisation design, recruitment and lean engineering. David says has seen his profession move from traditional training functions to multi-digital approaches to learning and development. He is passionate about how L&D addresses impact and transfer of learning and getting better at the data we are privileged to get as L&D practitioners.He currently works freelance, on the associate books for a few different organisations and is a Director at The Learning Network.David has contributed to CIPD content on L&D including podcasts, research reports, factsheets and member learning resources. He was employed by the CIPD for just shy of 10 years from 2014. He is also the co-author of two books: Adjacent Learning with Steve George and Learning and Development Practice in the Workplace with Kathy Beevers and Andrew Rae. He is currently putting the finishing touches to the next edition of L&D Practice in the Workplace with Kathy Beevers due for release November 2025.Questions for David include:With the vast array of L&D books on the market, why L&D Practice in the Workplace?What makes this version different from the previous 4 editions?How has AI impacted the L&D profession over the past few years? What advice would you give someone entering into the world of L&D?We all think there is a book inside of us, what are your tips on undertaking the writing process?Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

What does it take to transform HR while navigating uncertainty? Mary Faulkner, Principal at IA, returns to the HR Chat Show to share powerful insights on sustainable transformation, strategic HR, and creating adaptable organizations.Mary's journey from aspiring stunt car driver to HR transformation expert began with a passion for statistics and continuous improvement. Her unique "build vs. maintain" philosophy emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo without changing for change's sake. "You need to create an environment which that is OK," Mary explains, highlighting how leadership must establish "permission to question, permission to think differently." This balance between innovation and thoughtful implementation becomes especially crucial during turbulent times.Drawing from her extensive experience solving "big messy problems," Mary shares fascinating examples of global HR implementations where standardization meets localization. Her work with multinational organizations reveals the complexity of balancing global consistency with local requirements—especially in regulatory environments like the United States. "We very much believe that you should be as standard as possible and as different as required," she notes, capturing the nuanced approach needed for sustainable transformation.Perhaps most valuable is Mary's insight into HR's role as an organizational bridge-builder. She emphasizes that effective HR leaders must be "bilingual"—fluent in business operations while advocating for workforce needs. Understanding how a company makes, saves, and spends money allows HR to translate strategic objectives to the individual level, ensuring organizational success and employee wellbeing align rather than conflict.As organizations face continued economic uncertainty, Mary offers practical wisdom for the path forward: focus on process optimization, creative workforce management, and building resilience. Connect with her on LinkedIn or at iatransforms.com to continue the conversation about transforming HR for tomorrow's challenges.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

What happens when a 7-year-old's innocent question about smartphones forces us to confront our own digital habits? Technology expert Alexander Bell joins Bill Banham on the HRchat Show to share the powerful moment that transformed his relationship with technology and launched his mission to help others reclaim control over their digital lives.Alex draws from over two decades of experience working with global brands like Google and IBM to provide practical insights on building what he calls "attention intelligence." He explains how our cognitive abilities decrease by 26% when phones are merely visible on our desks—yet acknowledges that simply removing devices isn't feasible in today's connected workplace. Instead, he offers innovative strategies like "body doubling," where working alongside others (virtually or in-person) creates accountability and minimizes digital distraction.For HR professionals looking to improve digital wellbeing in their organizations, Alex recommends a systematic approach: first observe existing technology habits, then evaluate whether they align with company values, and finally implement targeted changes. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that despite technology's powerful pull, we retain ultimate agency over our digital relationships. His refreshing, humor-filled approach to this critical topic makes complex behavioral challenges accessible and actionable for individuals and organizations alike. Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

In this eye-opening conversation, assessment expert Dr. Deborah Kerr dives into why the science of hiring remains "broken" despite decades of research and how validated assessment tools can transform results.Dr. Kerr reveals startling statistics: managers get hiring decisions wrong approximately 80% of the time, according to Gallup research, with human cognitive biases being the primary culprit. Your brain's natural tendencies toward confirmation bias, overconfidence, and anchoring on first impressions sabotage objective decision-making in ways most hiring managers never recognize.Perhaps most surprisingly, many common hiring practices lack scientific validity. Experience as indicated on resumes shows almost no correlation with future job performance. Those "years of experience required" in your job descriptions? Research suggests they're nearly worthless as predictors of success.What actually works? Validated, predictive assessments that measure cognitive ability (the strongest predictor across all jobs), followed by personality traits and work culture fit. When these assessments form the foundation of a structured hiring process - complete with targeted interview questions and job simulations - organizations experience dramatically better outcomes.For HR professionals, this episode, hosted by Career Club's Bob Goodwin, provides actionable insights to transform hiring processes, reduce costly turnover, and make the business case for evidence-based hiring practices. The technical knowledge exists - now it's time to close the research-practice gap and revolutionize how we match people to jobs.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

What happens when HR strategy genuinely aligns with company mission? Amy Kruglak, the first VP of People at medical AI company Elucid, reveals the powerful impact of intentional employee experiences in this thought-provoking conversation.After taking a post-COVID break to recharge from the exhaustion many HR leaders experienced, Amy found herself drawn to Elucid's mission of cardiovascular disease prevention—a cause deeply personal to her after losing her father to sudden cardiac disease. This alignment between personal values and organizational purpose forms the foundation of her approach to people leadership.Working at the intersection of regulated medical technology and cutting-edge AI presents unique HR challenges. Amy details how she's navigated these complexities by immersing herself in the business fundamentals, developing specialized onboarding programs that help technical talent quickly understand Elucid's innovative products, and creating benefits that reflect the company's mission—like providing cardiac CT scans to all employees.Throughout the conversation, Amy emphasizes that effective HR leadership requires both data mastery and human connection. "I'm kind of a data junkie," she admits, highlighting how metrics around hiring, compensation, and performance give her the credibility needed to partner strategically with business leaders. Yet she balances this analytical approach with a commitment to honest feedback and personalized employee experiences that simply aren't possible in larger organizations.As Elucid celebrates reaching 100 employees, Amy offers advice for HR professionals stepping into executive roles: "Learn the business." Understanding how people drive organizational success transforms HR from a support function into a strategic powerhouse that directly impacts the bottom line.Whether you're leading people operations in a regulated industry, navigating growth at a mission-driven company, or seeking to create more intentional employee experiences, Amy's insights provide a roadmap for elevating HR's impact. Subscribe to the HRchat Show for more conversations with innovative people leaders who are reshaping the future of work.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

The landmark 800th episode of the HRchat Show welcomes Chad Sowash, the dynamic co-host of "HR's Most Dangerous Podcast" – the Chad and Cheese Show. Chad has worked in the HR, Talent Acquisition, and HR Tech space for over 20 years consulting hundreds of Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, Lockheed Martin, and The Ford Motor Company. Chad is a former Army Infantry drill sergeant, who cut his teeth in online recruitment in the late 1990s. He went on to build Randstad's first military veteran hiring program. Today, you can find him behind the mic at events, and/or working hard to challenge the norm.This celebration episode delivers a masterclass in straight talk about what's working, what's broken, and what's next in HR and talent acquisition.Drawing from his career journey from Army infantry drill sergeant to HR tech innovator, Chad shares how military leadership training gave him a competitive edge in corporate environments. He pulls no punches discussing the need for HR to stop identifying as cost centers and start demonstrating real business impact. Chad emphasizes. "Nothing happens without human beings doing the jobs. We are the beating heart of every organization."The conversation tackles veteran hiring initiatives, where Chad distinguishes between companies seeking actual outcomes versus those merely checking diversity boxes. This extends to his candid assessment of recent DEI program rollbacks.Looking toward the future, Chad warns about "vaporware" in HR tech – over-promised technologies that can't deliver. He emphasizes the importance of bringing diverse voices into HR conversations, sharing how his podcast deliberately seeks experts from outside the industry to provide fresh perspectives on workforce challenges.Bill Banham and Chad also discuss the best HR and Recruitment events in the calendar, including RecFest, UNLEASH, HR Tech and Transform. Ready to revolutionize your approach to talent acquisition? This episode delivers actionable insights that challenge conventional thinking and inspire meaningful change. Subscribe to the HRchat Podcast for more conversations that push boundaries and redefine what's possible in the world of work.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

From laptop-toting C-sections to spreadsheet nightmares, employee leave management has long been one of HR's most complex and frustrating challenges. Mahima Chawla, CEO and co-founder of Cocoon, is changing all that with a revolutionary approach to leave administration.Mahima shares how a chance conversation sparked her journey into the leave management space. When a colleague described bringing her laptop to her C-section to file for state benefits, Mahima was shocked by the fragmented nature of employee leave – with different time allocations, multiple payment sources, and employees left to navigate complicated paperwork during already stressful life transitions. After speaking with dozens of HR leaders who universally described leave as "an absolute nightmare," she recognized an opportunity to transform this overlooked but critical function.Cocoon tackles five major headaches for HR teams: navigating complex compliance regulations, managing multi-source payroll calculations, coordinating intricate workflows, improving employee experiences, and providing valuable benchmarking data. What makes their approach unique is their focus on automation – Mahima explains that 95% of leave management involves objective decisions perfectly suited for software handling, creating consistency while freeing HR professionals from administrative burdens.Beyond streamlining processes, Cocoon is addressing financial barriers that often prevent employees from taking needed leave. By ensuring employees understand their payment sources and helping them access entitled funds, the platform supports both employers and workers during critical life moments. Looking ahead, Mahima envisions expanding Cocoon's capabilities across more industries and geographies, while predicting that the definition of "leave" itself will continue evolving beyond traditional categories to embrace more of life's realities.Connect with Mahima on LinkedIn and follow Cocoon's page for updates on their appearances at major industry events including HR Transform and DMEC in 2025.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

Dr. Rochelle Haynes returns to the pod to discuss her OpenHR framework, a comprehensive approach to helping organizations thrive with today's blended workforces. As founder and CEO of Crowd Potential Consulting, Rochelle draws on her psychology background and PhD research to address how modern workplaces can effectively engage diverse talent pools spanning full-time employees, contractors, remote workers, and AI systems.Rochelle challenges the false dichotomy between remote and in-office work, explaining that the real conversation should center on providing wider access to meaningful employment. Despite some corporate pushback against flexibility and diversity initiatives, she observes that younger generations continue demanding work environments that accommodate their lifestyles and prioritize wellbeing. Companies forcing rigid structures face higher turnover rates as workers—particularly Gen Z—readily abandon environments that lack engagement opportunities.The heart of Rochelle's approach lies in her OpenHR framework, consisting of four interconnected components: Open Rules (compliance and strategy), Open Tools (digital frameworks and cybersecurity), Open Skills (evolving competencies), and Open Thrills (inclusion and recognition). Built on a foundation of open culture, this model guides organizations in creating environments where diverse worker types can contribute as valued team members rather than second-class citizens. Her bestselling book provides practical roadmaps, questionnaires, and 90-day implementation plans for organizations ready to transform their approach to talent management.Perhaps most revolutionary is Rochelle's advocacy for skills-based talent deployment rather than rigid job descriptions. This approach allows companies to identify and utilize employees' diverse abilities across departments, potentially addressing the disengagement often mischaracterized as "laziness" in younger workers. By creating more exploratory performance reviews that uncover employees' wider interests and talents, organizations can unlock hidden potential while creating more engaging work experiences. Ready to transform how your organization thinks about talent? Visit crowdpotential.co.uk or connect with Rochelle on LinkedIn to begin your OpenHR journey.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

In a world where technology unfolds rapidly, the dialogue on workforce sustainability shifts towards a central theme: upskilling. This HRchat episode features Tan Moorthy, the new CEO at Revature, where he shares powerful insights on the imperative for organizations to embrace continuous learning and adapt their workforce to the evolving demands of artificial intelligence and technology. Tan's extensive expertise in human resources and technology provides listeners with a unique perspective on why traditional hiring methods fall short in today’s market.The discussion unpacks pivotal strategies on how companies can shift their focus from solely hiring experienced talent to cultivating existing employees’ skill sets, enabling them to navigate the challenges posed by AI and tech advancements. With an alarming 80% of software engineers needing upskilling by 2027, this episode urges HR leaders to recognize the pressing need to foster a skills-first culture. Tan emphasizes that human potential can flourish when paired with technology, creating unique opportunities for growth and innovation.This engaging conversation not only addresses the skills gap facing many industries today, but it also serves as a crucial reminder that developing a learning mindset is essential for every professional, regardless of their field. Whether you're a business leader, HR practitioner, or simply interested in the future of work, Tan’s insights will resonate with you. Tune in to discover the depth of knowledge shared, and take the first step in equipping yourself and your workforce for the inevitable changes to come. Don’t forget to follow us for more captivating content and be a part of our community dedicated to understanding the evolving world of work!Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

Kul Mahay returns to the HRchat Show to preview the second annual Human-Centred Leadership Conference happening in Derby, UK in May. With 30+ years of experience in unlocking human potential, Kul explains why he believes this isn't your typical leadership conference. Forget the parade of speakers inducing what he calls a "hypnotic state." Instead, this carefully crafted experience blends powerful keynotes, real-world case studies, mindfulness sessions, and high-energy Disrupt talks to tell a cohesive story about the power of putting people first.The theme this year is 'How can Human Centred Leadership Drive Workplace Cohesion and Performance?'The four conference workstreams are: 1. As organizations talk about rolling back DEI initiatives, how can HCL provide an alternative perspective?2. Why people matter in driving workplace performance.3. Why the wellbeing of our leaders is critical and what can we do about it?4. What do healthy workplaces look like and how does that impact performance?Ready to transform your leadership approach and organizational culture? Limited tickets are available at humancentredleadership.co.uk. Join forward-thinking leaders who understand that putting humans first isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smart business move that delivers results.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events