HR Coffee Time

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.

When you're in a busy HR or People role, finding time for strategic work can feel incredibly challenging. There are always urgent issues that need your attention and endless tasks on your to-do list. However, strategic work often has the greatest impact - helping you craft an organisation where people are proud to work, can thrive, and are empowered to drive the organisation forward.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis shares five practical tips to help you carve out time for strategic work, even when you're incredibly busy. These tips will help you overcome common barriers and create the space needed to focus on work that drives meaningful organisational change.Key Points from This EpisodeIntroduction and welcomeTip 1: Build your confidence about being strategicTip 2: Schedule dedicated time for strategic workTip 3: Make the most of AI to free up timeTip 4: Remember that less is moreTip 5: Communicate your strategic priorities clearly Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingThe Essential HR PlannerelementsuiteAngela Moyle's eBook: AI for HRAngela' Moyle's eBook: HR's role in AI adoption Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesOperate Strategically or Create a Powerful HR/People Strategy PlaylistEpisode 102: Boosting Your Strategic Knowledge to Step Up in Your HR RoleEpisode 108: How to Create a Simple but Powerful One Page Strategy with Dr. Max MckeownEpisode 134: Creating an HR Strategy - How to Get Started When You're Feeling StuckEpisode 7: What to Do When You Don't Have Enough Hours in the DayEpisode 92: Time Management Tips to Stay on Top of Your Busy DayEpisode 58: How to Feel More Confident Using Data & Analytics in Your HR RoleBook Recommendations from the EpisodeGood Strategy, Bad Strategy: The difference and why it matters, by Richard RumeltThe One Thing, by Gary Keller Looking 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.

Are there lies you're telling yourself at work that feel like cold, hard facts? Whether it's believing you don't deserve a promotion, thinking you're not qualified enough to apply for a different role, feeling guilty about taking time off because everyone "needs" you, prioritising colleagues above your own wellbeing, striving for unrealistic perfection, or feeling you need to be available 24/7 to be seen as an effective HR professional – these self-imposed beliefs can significantly impact your career progress and wellbeing.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Djemil to help you identify and challenge these unhelpful beliefs that might be holding you back in your HR career.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and Overview[03:30] Meet Emma Djemil[05:46] Common Lies in HR: Availability Equals Value[08:29] Proving Your Worth in HR[12:43] Recognising and Challenging Self-Lies[17:11] Understanding Deep-Rooted Fears[17:46] Challenging the Fear of Unavailability[19:21] Recognising and Addressing Mistruths[21:20] Empowerment Through Self-Questioning[25:25] The Power of Internal Validation[29:26] Book Recommendation and Wrap Up[32:09] Final Thoughts and FarewellUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Emma Djemil on LinkedInEmma’s HR ClubEmma’s annual event: The HR Big MeetOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesHR Coffee Time Podcast Playlist: Build Your ConfidenceBook Recommendation From the Episode‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ – Susan Jeffers‘The Fix: How to Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work’ – Michelle P. KingAll the book recommendations that have been given on HR Coffee TimeLooking 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 upto receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.