HR Coffee Time

Which skills really make the difference at the top of the HR profession?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, you'll meet the brilliant Jane Beeston, Chief People Officer at Colart. With nearly 40 years of experience in HR – spanning generalist roles, transformation, and international work – Jane has a huge amount of insight to share.We learn from her about the shift from HR Director to CPO, what the role really involves, and how she’s built strong relationships with her CEO and board. Jane talks openly about the communication skills she’s had to develop, how coaching training changed the way she works, and why staying curious (and occasionally sticking her nose into things!) has helped her make a bigger impact.Whether you’re working towards a CPO role or simply want to grow in confidence and influence, there’s plenty to take away from Jane’s story.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Welcome & introduction to Jane[02:00] Jane’s path to becoming a CPO[04:00] Why the CEO relationship really matters[07:00] What changes when you move into a CPO role[08:00] What a board does (and how to work with them)[10:30] How Jane improved her communication skills[12:00] Staying connected across a global team[14:00] Getting your message to stick across the business[15:00] Why coaching skills have made such a difference[16:00] How curiosity helps you grow and influence[18:00] Common challenges in the CPO role[19:00] How Jane approaches communication in practice[22:00] Looking after your wellbeing in a demanding role[24:00] You don’t have to do it all alone[25:00] Advice for anyone who wants to be a CPO one day[27:30] Jane’s experience of cross-functional projects[30:00] Prioritising what matters most[32:00] If you’re stepping into a CPO role: own it![34:00] Courses and continuous learning that helped[36:00] Learning to work across different countries[37:30] Final thoughts and thank youUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s websiteFay’s HR leadership programme – Inspiring HR LeadershipConnect with Jane Beeston on LinkedInOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 53: Why Coaching Skills Can Help Your HR Career (and How to Develop Them) with Charlie WarshawskiEpisode 130: Build Managers' Confidence and Skills with the Coaching Two-Step with Jude SlaterEpisode 43: The One Thing That Will Boost Your Resilience Throughout Your HR Career with Tom ClearyEpisode 32: How to Write Work Emails That Get Results with Kim ArnoldEpisode 95: How to Build Trust in a Hybrid World Through Email with Kim ArnoldEnjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

What does it really take to become a successful Chief People Officer – and how can you prepare for the step up?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay Wallis is joined by Kanika Mehra, an inspiring CPO with over 20 years of global HR experience. Having worked in fast-paced environments ranging from global giants like Amazon to scaling organisations going through rapid transformation, Kanika shares what helped her make the move into a CPO role – and what it’s really like once you get there.From building commercial acumen and using data to tell compelling stories, to managing pressure, leading through change and staying true to your values – this conversation is packed with practical insights to support you on your own HR leadership journey.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction[02:12] Meet Kanika Mehra[02:25] How she got her first CPO role[03:23] The role LinkedIn played – and how to improve your profile[07:00] The differences between being a Head of People or HR Director vs a CPO[09:27] Making big decisions[14:02] Learning to lead without having all the answers[17:50] Developing confidence and decisiveness[22:51] Why business acumen is essential – and how to build it[27:45] Becoming confident with data and storytelling[33:12] Her biggest challenge as a CPO[34:03] Balancing employee experience with business priorities[37:59] Maintaining mental wellbeing in a high-pressure role[40:08] The importance of values alignment[42:38] Advice for anyone who’d like to be a CPO[45:41] Advice for first-time CPOs[49:57] Courses and books that have helped Kanika succeed[52:36] Wrap-up and other HR Coffee Time podcast episode recommendationsUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s websiteConnect with Kanika Mehra on LinkedInBook Recommendations from the Episode(Book links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them.)My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future – Indra NooyiData-Driven HR: How to Use Analytics and Metrics to Drive Performance – Bernard MarrWorking Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon – Colin Bryar and Bill CarrExcellence in People Analytics – Jonathan Ferrar and David GreenOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 22: How to handle conflict at workEpisode 31: 3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next jobEpisode 35: Helping teams thrive with personal user manualsEpisode 47: Discovering your values to help your HR careerEpisode 106: 7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR careerEnjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to succeed as a Chief People Officer - or whether stepping into the role might be right for you - this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help.Host Fay Wallis is joined by John Scrooby, Chief People Officer at tech company Masabi. John shares honest and thought-provoking insights about what the role really involves, the challenges it brings, and how to navigate them. From taking ownership beyond your remit, to managing your wellbeing in a high-pressure role, and showing up as a values-driven, emotionally honest leader - this is a must-listen for anyone aiming to grow their HR leadership career.John also reflects on his journey from his tech career to HR, explains what helped him make the transition, and gives advice for anyone looking to lead with impact.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction[00:54] Why this series of episodes exists[03:25] Meet John Scrooby[03:55] How John got his first CPO role[08:41] What he thought HR was - vs what he discovered[10:39] The difference between being a Head of HR or HR Director and a CPO[14:37] Advice for HR professionals nervous about stepping up[17:20] Why peer support matters[18:10] Vulnerability, leadership and mental health[25:07] How John maintains his mental wellbeing[29:43] Skills and habits that have helped him succeed[32:15] John’s advice for anyone who would like to be a CPO one day[36:21] His biggest challenge as a CPO[41:24] How to get invited in as an HR leader[44:51] His top piece of advice for new CPOs[46:38] Courses or qualifications—are they essential?[49:08] ConclusionUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with John Scrooby on LinkedInPeople Before Strategy: A New Role for the CHRO (HBR article)University of Cambridge Judge Business School – CHRO ProgrammeBook Recommendations from the Episode(Book links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them).HR Coffee Time’s top book recommendations to thrive in your HR/People careerWork Rules! by Laszlo BockDare to Lead by Brené Brown Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

David D’Souza, Director of Profession at the CIPD, discusses the intriguing evolution of the Chief People Officer (CPO) role. He clarifies what sets CPOs apart from traditional HR positions and highlights the significance of their strategic responsibilities in aligning workforce management with organizational goals. Listeners gain insights on overcoming self-doubt in leadership, the importance of mentorship and community, and how CIPD resources can enhance career growth. This offers a roadmap for those aspiring to reach the pinnacle of HR.

This episode is a little different from usual, as I’ll be sharing some exciting updates about the future of the podcast. After three and a half years of releasing episodes every week, I’m taking a short sabbatical to prepare for the next stage ofHR Coffee Time - and I’d love your input to help shape it!In This Episode, You'll Hear About:[00:00] Why I'm taking a short break – Why now feels like the right time to pause and refresh.[02:10] The two key challenges I keep seeing in HR careers – How a lack of confidence, clarity, and role models is holding HR professionals back.[04:49] How conversations helped shape my next steps – The advice and insights that led to the idea of evolving the podcast.[09:05] From book idea to podcast interviews – How an unexpected conversation with a fellow career coach changed my thinking.[10:57] Why HR Coffee Time is evolving instead of stopping – A reassuring conversation that helped me realise I don’t need to start a whole new podcast.[12:39] Batch recording & smarter time management – How I plan to make the podcast more time-efficient while improving the quality of content.[15:02] I’d love your help! – How you can share your thoughts on the interview questions and suggest great Chief People Officers (CPOs) and Chief HR Officers (CHROs) to be guests on the show.Podcasts Mentioned in This EpisodeHR Coffee Time episode 123: Avoid Burnout: How to Spot Signs of Stress and Take Action, with Dr Jo BurrellHR Coffee Time episode 32: Diversity & Inclusion at Work – 7 Mistakes to Avoid (& What to Do Instead), with Dr. Jonathan Ashong-LampteyNicola Semple's podcast: The Career Confidence PodcastDr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey's podcast: The Element of InclusionVerena Hefti's podcast: Big Careers, Small ChildrenWays to Get InvolvedTake the HR Coffee Time Next Chapter Survey – Help shape the podcast by sharing your thoughts on the questions I should ask my future guests. You can find the survey here: bit.ly/HRCTNEXTCHAPTERRecommend a Guest – Do you know an inspiring Chief People Officer or Chief HR Officer? Or are you one yourself? I’d love to hear from you!Get in Touch –Connect with me on LinkedInEmail me at fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.ukSubscribe to the HR Coffee Time NewsletterIf you’d like to be the first to hear when the new format of HR Coffee Time is live, sign up for the HR Coffee Time newsletter! You’ll also get career and leadership tips straight to your inbox, along with updates on new podcast episodes and helpful resources.Thank You for Your Support!The podcast will be back at the end of April 2025 with a fresh new format. In the meantime, I hope my journey of refining this idea encourages you to explore your own. Sometimes, the best way to gain clarity is to start talking about it.I can’t wait to bring you new conversations, and I look forward to hearing what you think. See you soon!

Discover four surprising training options to elevate your HR career: mediation, coaching, negotiation, and facilitation. Explore how mediation enhances conflict resolution while fostering communication. Learn about the distinctions and benefits of coaching versus mentoring. Delve into essential negotiation skills that boost business acumen and value. Each training option is backed by insightful experiences and expert advice, offering inspiration for your professional development journey. Perfect for those looking to sharpen their HR skills!

Do you want to set yourself up for success for the year ahead? In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Dr Ben Levy, creator of the ABCME® framework, to explore the five key factors that can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your goals.Dr Ben shares practical insights into how clarity, belief, motivation, and other essential elements influence success, helping you avoid common goal-setting pitfalls. Together, Fay and Ben discuss strategies for creating a clear vision, building motivation, and staying on track - even when the going gets tough.Whether you're aiming to advance your career, tackle a challenging project, or introduce new initiatives in your organisation, this episode is packed with advice to help you achieve your goals with confidence and clarity.Chapters From This Episode[00:00] Introduction[03:22] What is the ABCME® framework?[07:03] The importance of clarity in goal-setting[09:41] Practical tips for getting more clarity[12:08] How to stay motivated with your goals[20:13] Celebrating successes and why it matters[28:43] Confidence-building tip: What would a role model do?Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Ben on LinkedInBen’s website: Make It HappenBen’s free quiz to help you achieve your career goalsStickk.com website (mentioned in the episode to make a commitment to a goal)The Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 141: Look back to look forward – how to reflect on 2024 to set goals for 2025Episode 39: Lost your direction & motivation at work? This one thing might helpEpisode 89: How to reach your HR career goals by understanding your ‘tendency’Book Recommendations From the Episode(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)Tiny Habits: Why Starting Small Makes Lasting Change Easy, by BJ FoggThink Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Career You Want, by Dr Grace LordanRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

As the year comes to a close, taking time to reflect on 2024 can be a wonderful way to celebrate your successes and uncover inspiration for your goals in 2025.It’s so easy to fall into the trap of focusing on what didn’t go to plan or overlooking achievements, thanks to the negativity bias we all experience. Add to that the recency bias—where only the most recent events stick in our minds—and it’s no wonder we often lose sight of the bigger picture.In this episode, I’ll guide you through 10 powerful reflection questions from The Essential HR Planner to help you push past these biases, recognise all you’ve accomplished this year, and approach 2025 with confidence and clarity. And to show that I’m right there with you, I’ll share my own answers to the questions too.Whether you’re using The Essential HR Planner or simply jotting down notes as you listen, this episode of HR Coffee Time is your chance to pause, reflect, and start shaping the year ahead with purpose and positivity.Key Chapters[00:00] Introduction[03:10] Question 1: What did you achieve? - Small wins are just as noteworthy as big ones[09:06] Question 2: What did you do to help others?[11:35] Question 3: What are you proudest of from 2024?[13:02] Question 4: What did you do for your wellbeing during the past year?[15:50] Question 5: What did you learn during 2024?[21:35] Question 6: Which relationships did you develop and build?[23:22] Question 7: What are you grateful for?[24:22] Question 8: What did you find challenging this year?[27:10] Question 9: What insights do you have from reading through your answers to questions 1-8?[29:32] Question 10: How can these insights influence your goals for 2025?[32:51] ConclusionUseful LinksThe Essential HR Planner websiteConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingFay's blog post: Reflecting on 2024 - looking back to look forwardFay's YouTube channelBook Recommendations(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)Neuroscience for Learning and Development: How to Apply Neuroscience and Psychology for Improved Learning and Training, by Stella CollinsThink Like a Coach: Empower Your Team Through Everyday Conversations, by Jude SclaterChatter: The Voice in Our Head and How to Harness It, by Ethan KrossRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

Have you ever been asked to design or deliver a workshop and found yourself worrying whether it will be as good as it could be? Whether you’re preparing your first training session or looking to enhance your facilitation skills, this episode of HR Coffee Time is packed with ideas and resources to help you create training and workshops that are impactful, engaging, and memorable.In this episode, host Fay Wallis reflects on her experience running the first in-person HR Planning Day and shares five brilliant resources that most inspired her when designing the event. You’ll discover practical insights and creative techniques to transform your workshops and training sessions, whether in-person or online.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and Overview[03:27] Resource 1: Kirsty Lewis’ online masterclass on workshop design[11:45] Resource 2: The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint book[22:07] Resource 3: The Flipchart Facebook group[23:37] Resource 4: Neuroscience for Learning and Development book[28:01] Resource 5: The Ten-Minute Trainer book[31:28] ConclusionUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingKirsty Lewis’ website: School of FacilitationThe Flipchart Facebook groupThe Essential HR Planner (hardback & digital versions available)Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 110: Why facilitation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Kirsty LewisBook Recommendations From the Episode(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links, which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress, by Leanne HughesNeuroscience for Learning and Development: How to Apply Neuroscience and Psychology for Improved Learning and Training, by Stella CollinsThe Ten-Minute Trainer: 150 Ways to Teach it Quick and Make it Stick, by Sharon L. BowmanRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

As organisations work to create more inclusive workplaces, some aspects of diversity receive more attention than others. Being able to express religious beliefs at work is an area that often remains unexplored despite its significance to many employees. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Professor Binna Kandola, senior partner and co-founder of Pearn Kandola, to explore why religious expression matters to the people in your workplace and how organisations can better support this.Binna shares insights from his firm's comprehensive research into religion at work, including findings from their largest-ever survey response. He explains the various aspects of religious expression, discusses both challenges and positive developments in workplace inclusion, and offers practical guidance for HR professionals looking to create more inclusive environments.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and Overview[02:02] Meet the Expert: Professor Binna Kandola[04:19] Defining Religious Expression at Work[10:03] Why Religious Expression Matters[18:36] Benefits to Organizations[21:01] Key Research Findings[26:49] Examples of Good Practice[31:23] Book Recommendation[33:28] Conclusion and ResourcesUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Binna Kandola on LinkedInBinna’s website: Pearn KandolaPearn Kandola’s, “Religion at Work Report”Binna’s podcast, Making the World Fairer (on Apple Podcasts)Binna’s podcast, Making the World Fairer (on Spotify)Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesCreate an Equitable, Diverse & Inclusive Workplace – Podcast Playlist (on the Bright Sky website)Create an Equitable, Diverse & Inclusive Workplace – Podcast Playlist (on Spotify)Book Recommendation From the Episode(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)‘World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained’ by John BowkerLooking For the Transcript?You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.