HR Coffee Time

Do you ever leave a leadership meeting wishing you’d said something – only to replay it later and think, “Why didn’t I speak up?”In this solo episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay explores why speaking up in leadership meetings can feel so daunting (even when you know you have something valuable to contribute). She shares practical, realistic ways to build confidence in those moments.This episode is especially for HR and People professionals who find themselves second-guessing their ideas, worrying about being challenged, or holding back because the meeting feels high-stakes or fast-paced. Drawing on her coaching experience, Fay unpacks strategies to help.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why imposter feelings often show up more strongly in leadership meetings – and why that doesnotmean you do not belong thereHow your nervous system plays a big role in confidence, and simple ways to feel calmer and more grounded in the momentBreathing, grounding, and physical techniques you can use before and during meetingsThe different kinds of value you bring to leadership conversations – beyond having the “perfect” answerWhy you do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impactPractical strategies to make speaking up feel more manageable, including:Setting a small, realistic goal for your contributionShaping meetings in advance so you are not waiting for the “right moment”Using professional phrases that buy you thinking timeHow to zoom out and remember that one meeting does not define your credibilityWhy confidence grows through familiarity and practice – not by forcing yourself to be someone you are notUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteThe Essential HR Planner websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 86: How to stop other people taking credit for your ideas in meetingsBuild Your Professional Skills - HR Coffee Time Podcast PlaylistEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HRLearn More About HR Coffee Time's Sponsor - PersonioPersonio

The start of a new year is the perfect moment to pause and think differently about goal setting, especially when you work in HR or a people role where expectations, pressure and emotional load can be high.In this episode, Fay Wallis shares her Triple Win Framework, a practical way to set goals that help HR and people professionals deliver real organisational impact, build career momentum and protect their wellbeing at the same time.If you want goals that feel motivating, aligned and supportive of your long-term success, this framework offers a clear place to start.You’ll Hear about:The Triple Win Framework explainedChoosing impactful HR goalsAligning goals to organisational strategyCareer-enhancing skills that matterWhy wellbeing must be a goalUseful LinksThe Build Your Professional Skills PlaylistConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInLearn About Fay'sInspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeLearn More AboutThe Essential HR PlannerEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HRLearn More About HR Coffee Time's Sponsor - PersonioPersonio

Before we all sprint into 2026, I wanted to create this bonus episode to encourage you to pause and reflect on the year that's just passed. In it, I work my way through the 10 'Look Back to Look Forward' questions from the Essential HR Planner and share my own honest answers - including the achievements I'm proud of, the challenges I faced, what I learned, and the moments that shaped my year both personally and professionally.This episode includes reflections on expanding the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, navigating the realities of running a business, experimenting with video, taking a long break from the podcast, and working through some unexpected moments of vulnerability along the way. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you'll feel encouraged to complete the exercise yourself and head into 2026 with more clarity and intention.Helpful LinksThe Essential HR PlannerThe free HR Leadership Impact AssessmentRead the full blog version of my reflectionsConnect with me on LinkedInLearn more about theInspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeEnjoyed 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.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR

5 Brilliant HR Books That Deserve a Spot Under Your Christmas Tree!If you work in HR and you’re not sure what to ask for this Christmas – or you’d love to buy a thoughtful, genuinely useful gift for an HR colleague – this episode is for you.Fay Wallis shares five brilliant HR book recommendations she’s read this year. Each one supports HR professionals in a slightly different way – from building resilience and confidence, to shaping culture, developing better people practices, and setting yourself up for a successful year at work.All of the books recommended are practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real HR challenges.Book Recommendations from This EpisodeThe Little Book of HR Resilience: Practical Strategies for Busy People Professionals – Dr Felicity Baker & Dr Jo BurrellThe HR Confidence Playbook: The essential guide to being seen, heard, and respected in HR - by Kirsty Baggs-MorganWork Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead - by Laszlo BockLet’s Talk Culture: The conversations you need to create the team you want - by Shane Michael HattonThe Essential HR Planner – by Fay WallisUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeHR Coffee Time Episodes to Listen to NextEp 35: Helping Teams Thrive with Personal User ManualsEp 123: Avoid Burnout - How to Spot Signs Of Stress & Take Action (with Dr Jo Burrell)Ep 146: Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People Officer: (with John Scrooby)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR

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 rolesInternal discussions leading to job title changesBeing headhunted by executive recruitersStrengthening your LinkedIn profileApplying directly for senior HR rolesPreparing for high-level interviewsPitching for promotion with a business caseUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeBuy a copy of The Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 31:3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next jobEp 106:7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR careerEp 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=dIJFbWDgo2SWlcUzEp 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-ieFkEp 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=fikKsO8dJBahIRpxEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR

If the idea of improving your business acumen feels intimidating, this episode will help make it feel achievable and clear. Host, Fay Wallis, breaks down what business acumen really means for HR and why it has nothing to do with being “naturally commercial” and everything to do with curiosity, awareness and understanding how your organisation works.To make building business acumen feel even more practical, Fay brings in insights from three recent Chief People Officer guests: Kanika Mehra, Jane Beeston and Dotty Day. Although each appeared on the show to share their experiences of becoming a CPO, their advice applies to every stage of an HR career.By the end, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps you can start using straight away. And one of the three tips might surprise you.Ready to make business acumen feel less daunting? It’s simpler than you think.You’ll hear about:What business acumen really means Why curiosity beats expertiseUnderstanding customers and service users Getting involved outside HRLearning from Finance colleagues Questions to ask your finance teamWays to grow confidence with numbersUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeLearn more aboutThe Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Audio version)Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Video version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Audio version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Video version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Audio version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Video version) Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR

If you’ve ever wondered what truly separates an HR Director from a Chief People Officer (CPO) or CHRO, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and after months of speaking with incredible CPOs for this series, a powerful theme kept coming up again and again.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis shares the one big difference that defines the step up, a shift that’s far more about mindset and perspective than job title. You’ll hear clips from Chief People Officers including John Scrooby, Dotty Day, Lorna Bains, Dr Andy Stephenson, and Nebel Crowhurst as they describe what changed for them when they made the move.Fay also shares a monster truck analogy that brings this transformation to life, from leading your HR function to steering the entire business. Whether you’re already operating at that level or preparing for the next step, this episode will help you see what it really means to become a business leader, not just a people leader.Join us for reassurance and advice on making that leap.You’ll Hear about:The defining difference between HR Director and CPO rolesWhy the CPO role is about leading the businessA monster truck analogy that brings the concept to lifeInsights from five experienced Chief People OfficersHow to start developing business acumen for your next stepUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 146 with John Scrooby - Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People OfficerEpisode 151 with Dotty Day – Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?Episode 153 with Lorna Bains – Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – What It Involves & How to SucceedEpisode 155 with Dr Andrew Stephenson – The Mindset, Skills & Plan to Become a Successful Chief People OfficerEpisode 156 with Nebel Crowhurst – Why Chief People Officers Need Strong Networks (And How to Build Yours)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR

Why do Chief People Officers need strong networks — and how can you build one that truly supports you?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Nebel Crowhurst, who’s featured on the HR Most Influential list several years running and has held senior roles with Virgin, River Island, Roche, and Reward Gateway.Nebel talks about the realities of being a CPO — the highs, the pressures, and how she protects her wellbeing — along with brilliant advice on building your own community of support (even if you find networking uncomfortable).In this episode, you’ll learn:The key differences between being an HR Director and a Chief People Officer.How to protect your boundaries and wellbeing in a demanding role.What it means to be a business leader, not just a functional one.How to reframe networking into “building your community.”Practical tips for creating and nurturing a supportive network.Nebel also explains her move into fractional CPO work, what it involves, and why this model is becoming increasingly popular in growing organisations.🎧 Listen next:Ep 11: Networking – the three most important networks for your careerEp 16: How to become more confident about networkingEp 90: How a Personal Board can help solve your challenges at workEp 153: Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – what it involves and how to succeed📚 Resources & Links:Connect with Fay on LinkedInConnect with Nebel on LinkedInFay's websiteNebel’s websiteNebel’s LinkedIn article:The Rise of The Fractional CPOEmotional Intelligence qualification mentioned: EQ-i 2.0 (via MHS Assessments)HR Leaders UnconferenceEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR

There’s so much more to becoming a successful Chief People Officer (CPO) or CHRO than experience alone - it’s about building the mindset, skills and plan that help you succeed and make an impact.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Dr Andrew Stephenson, Chief People Officer at Equiniti, who has held CPO roles in three major international businesses. Under his leadership, Equiniti has become a Top Employer in the UK, US and India, winning multiple CIPD and HR Excellence Awards, and Andy himself has been named one of the CIPD’s HR 30 under 30 leaders.You’ll hear Andy’s thoughts on:How he created his first Chief People Officer role and convinced the board he was the right person for itTurning strategy into a simple, one-page plan (and why clarity matters more than volume)The difference between HR Director and CPO roles – and what it means to work on the business, not in itHabits and diary practices that help him (and his team) perform at their bestPractical ways to protect mental health and prevent burnout in a senior roleThe importance of lifelong learning – and how his curiosity led to “accidentally” earning a doctorateHis advice for aspiring CPOs on building commercial awareness, gaining breadth, and backing yourselfUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeConnect with Dr Andrew Stephenson on LinkedInOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 1:How to Feel More Confident at WorkEpisode 43:The One Thing That Will Boost Your Resilience Throughout Your HR Career (With Tom Cleary)Episode 123:Avoid Burnout – How to Spot Signs of Stress and Take Action (With Dr Jo Burrell)Episode 108:HR Leadership – How to Create a Simple but Powerful One-Page Strategy (With Dr Max McKeown)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR

What does it take to land your first Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) or Chief People Officer (CPO) role – and succeed once you’re in it?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Nicola Lyons, Group CHRO at Getlink Group. With more than 15 years of international experience leading transformation and culture change, Nicola shares a wide range of valuable insights from her career. One of the highlights of this conversation is her clear, step-by-step advice on how to secure a CHRO/CPO role and succeed once you’re in it.From career planning and building visibility, to working with headhunters and handling the step up, Nicola’s guidance is packed with practical tips you can put into action straight away.You’ll hear Nicola’s thoughts on:What makes her role as Group CHRO uniqueHow her network opened the door to her first CHRO opportunitySmart ways to build visibility with headhunters and recruitersThe value of career planning and feedback in preparing for the step upThe biggest shift when moving into a CHRO rolePractical habits that support success and wellbeingWhether you’re aiming for a CPO/CHRO position or want to strengthen your career in HR, you’ll come away with a wealth of actionable insights from Nicola’s experience.Useful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programmeBuy a copy of The Essential HR PlannerConnect with Nicola Lyons on LinkedInBooks Mentioned in This EpisodePlease note - book links are Amazon affiliate links. This means Fay may earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them. Your First 100 Days– Niamh O’KeeffeThe Strategy Book– Dr Max McKeownHead and Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership– Kirstin FergusonOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 31: Three Little-Known LinkedIn Features to Help You Get Your Next JobEpisode 106: Seven Types of Posts to Share on LinkedIn That Will Help Your HR CareerEpisode 78: 5 Tips to Get Useful Feedback at Work to Help Your HR/People CareerEpisode 37: The First 100 Days Plan to Succeed in Your New HR Leadership Role (With Niamh O’Keeffe)Episode 108: HR Leadership: How to Create a Simple but Powerful One-Page Strategy (With Dr Max McKeown)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified when new episodes are released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeBuild your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. Inspiring HR