HR Coffee Time

Shaping workplace culture is becoming an increasingly important part of HR's role, with many HR functions being renamed as "People and Culture" and culture-related responsibilities appearing in job titles. But how do you actually go about shaping culture, especially when you're already busy with your day-to-day work?In this special episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by two guests: Annabelle Lawson, HR Manager at SPT Lab Tech, and Paula Brockwell, Founder and Chief Culture Shaper at the Employee Experience Project. Together, they explore practical strategies for defining, shaping, and embedding a winning workplace culture.This episode is packed with actionable advice, from how to engage leadership in culture initiatives to how HR professionals can avoid becoming overwhelmed by the process. Whether you're just starting your culture journey or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is here to help.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and Overview[01:33] Meet the Guests: Annabelle Lawson and Paula Brockwell[03:59] Annabelle Explains Her Culture Project[08:32] Culture is a Strategic Enabler of Business Growth[09:26] Using the Business Culture Canvas for Culture Conversations[12:46] Embedding New Culture and Measuring Progress[15:20] Timeframes for Seeing Cultural Changes[19:55] Avoiding Overwhelm When Working on Culture Initiatives[23:25] Starting a Culture Journey from Scratch[24:33] The Importance of CEO Engagement in Culture Initiatives[25:03] Book Recommendations[26:06] How to Connect with Annabelle and PaulaUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Annabelle Lawson on LinkedInConnect with Paula Brockwell on LinkedInPaula’s website: The Employee Experience ProjectResearch and Resources MentionedDownload Paula’s free culture change resourcesAccess Paula’s Business Culture CanvasAccess Paula’s Culture Catalyst Scorecard Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 114: What workplace culture is, how to measure it, and a surprising way to improve it with Arend BoersemaEpisode 120: Crafting culture: unearthing and shaping the heart of your business with Louise KennedyBook Recommendation From the Episode‘Herd: How to Change Mass Behaviour by Harnessing Our True Nature’ byMark Earls ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking’ by Susan CainLooking 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.

Menopause is a topic that impacts everyone in the HR and People profession, whether personally or through supporting colleagues. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Thomas, founder of Managing the Menopause, to discuss the importance of understanding and supporting employees through menopause in the workplace.Emma shares valuable insights on perimenopause and menopause, common symptoms, the business case for supporting employees, legal considerations, and practical strategies for creating a supportive work environment. This episode is packed with data-driven information and actionable advice for HR professionals looking to update policies, improve employee wellbeing, or build a stronger business case for menopause support.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and Overview[00:53] Meet Emma Thomas: Menopause Expert[04:15] Defining Perimenopause and Menopause[06:47] Common Symptoms of Perimenopause[09:32] Impact of Menopause Symptoms at Work[11:35] Research and Business Case for Menopause Support[20:11] Practical Support for Menopause in the Workplace[25:03] Book Recommendation: "Revolting Women" by Dr. Lucy Ryan[26:06] How to Connect With Emma ThomasUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Emma Thomas on LinkedInEmma’s website: Managing the MenopauseEmma’s podcast: Middling AlongResearch and Resources MentionedCIPD 2023 Menopause at Work surveyCIPD: Menopause at work – guide for people managersDeloitte Women at Work 2024 reportBSI guide on menstruation and menopause in the workplaceACAS: Menopause at workCycle of Change: Animation explaining the menopauseOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 42: Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Seven Mistakes to Avoid and what to do instead with Dr. Jonathan Ashong-LampteyBook Recommendation From the Episode‘Revolting Women: Why Midlife Women Are Walking Out and What to Do About It’ by Dr. Lucy RyanLooking 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.

If you need to create an HR or People strategy but are feeling completely stuck, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis, a career and leadership coach for HR and People professionals, shares practical advice on how to feel more confident about creating the strategy, where to start and resources to help spark your ideas.Key Points from This Episode[00:00] Episode introduction[00:32] There is a podcast playlist of strategy episodes for you[02:46] You already are strategic (even if you think you aren’t)[04:31] Insight from the book, ‘Good Strategy/Bad Strategy’[05:29] The importance of aligning HR strategy with the overarching organisational strategy[07:28] Resources from The Essential HR Planner to help[13:41] Recap and final thoughtsUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesOperate Strategically or Create a Powerful HR/People Strategy PlaylistBook Recommendations from the EpisodeThe Strategy Book: How to think and act strategically to deliver outstanding results, by Max MckeownGood Strategy, Bad Strategy: The difference and why it matters, by Richard RumeltLooking 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.

Want to know the secret to delivering presentations that truly captivate your audience? In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we explore how to craft and deliver presentations that resonate deeply and win over both hearts and minds.Host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Serlin, founder of London Speech Workshop, who shares her unique "Meal Plan" framework for creating impactful presentations. Whether you're aiming to boost your influence, establish credibility, or simply gain more confidence when presenting, this episode is packed with practical insights to elevate your presentation skills.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and overview[01:11] Meet the expert: Emma Serlin[04:26] The Meal Plan framework: Protein, Vegetables, and Spice[05:38] Deep dive into the protein component[09:07] Crafting impactful presentations: The importance of three key takeaways[11:31] Exploring the ‘vegetables’ component[16:57] Adding ‘spice’ to make your presentation memorable[19:46] The Dinner Party Planner[23:50] Book recommendation[25:48] How to contact Emma and London Speech Workshop[27:23] ConclusionUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Emma Serlin on LinkedInEmma’s website: London Speech WorkshopLondon Speech Workshop on InstagramLondon Speech Workshop on YouTubeOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 36: Four simple but powerful techniques to banish imposter syndrome, with Joanna LottEpisode 73: 5 ways to feel more confident in your next interview, meeting, or presentationEpisode 74: How to get better at presenting and feel more confident about itBook Recommendations From the EpisodeThe Connection Book: 50 Ways to Communicate More Effectively, by Emma SerlinThe Communication Equation: A How to Guide for Outstanding Communication, by Emma SerlinNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshall B. RosenbergLooking 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.

Whether you’d like to learn more about how to use Strategic Workforce Planning in your current role or considering whether specialising in Strategic Workforce Planning could be the perfect career option for you, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help.Host Fay Wallis is joined by Jen Allen Jardine, a Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) expert, who explains what SWP is, why it’s important, how it fits into HR, the partnership between SWP and HR, and the misconceptions about it. She also provides valuable advice for anyone looking to specialise in SWP, including practical tips and book recommendations.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and overview[02:17] Meet the expert: Jen Allen Jardine[03:09] Defining Strategic Workforce Planning[04:13] Strategic Workforce Planning in large vs small organisations[04:55] The role of HR in Strategic Workforce Planning[11:03] Developing skills for Strategic Workforce Planning[17:18] Misconceptions about Strategic Workforce Planning[23:02] Book recommendations[34:29] How to contact Jen[35:50] ConclusionUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Jen Allen Jardine on LinkedIn Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesHR Coffee Time podcast playlist: Clarify Your Career Goals & Explore HR Career OptionsEpisode 58: How to feel more confident using data & analytics in your HR roleEpisode 119: How using Agile can drive positive change & prove HR’s value, with Kate Maddison-Geenwell Book Recommendations From the EpisodeFactfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think, by Hans Rosling , Ola Rosling and Anna RoslingFreakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. DubnerRadical Uncertainty: Decision-making for an unknowable future, by John Kay and Mervyn King  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. 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.

Thinking about booking a coaching session but not sure what to expect? Or maybe you've already arranged some coaching sessions and want to make sure you get the most out of them. This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis, a career and leadership coach for HR and People professionals, shares practical advice on how to prepare for your coaching sessions and make them as effective as possible.Key Points From This Episode[00:00] Episode introduction[00:23] The value of coaching[01:38] You’re in the driving seat when it comes to coaching[02:21] Examples of common coaching topics[04:29] Questions to help you choose a focus, area or topic for your session[05:51] Coaching is usually about asking questions, rather than giving advice[06:39] Advice is given for practical career topics e.g. CV, LinkedIn and interviews[09:17] Practical tips to get the most out of your session[09:13] Choose a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed[10:09] Minimise distractions[10:21] Have some buffer time before the start of your session[10:40] Techniques to help you transition from your previous task into your session[11:32] Buffer time at the end of your session is helpful[12:12] Have a notebook and pen ready for your session[14:06] Let your coach know if you’d like the session recorded[14:26] Have a drink with you in case you get thirsty[14:51] If you’ll be discussing an emotional topic, have some tissues to hand[15:09] Be open-minded and provide feedback[16:46] Jot down your reflections in between sessions[17:21] Questions to help you reflect before starting your next session[17:56] Always ask your coach questions if you have any[18:19] Episode conclusionUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingHeadspace’s one-minute meditation YouTube video Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 130: Build managers’ confidence and skills with ‘The Coaching Two-Step’, with Jude SclaterEpisode 53: Why coaching skills can help your career (& how to develop them), with Charlie WarshawskiEpisode 125: Create your perfect professional development plan in 8 simple stepsLooking 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. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You 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.

In this engaging conversation, guest Jude Sclater, an experienced coach and author of "Think Like a Coach," shares insights on enhancing managerial skills through coaching. She presents her innovative Coaching Two-Step model, which encourages managers to ask, "Tell me more?" and summarize responses to boost team independence and motivation. Jude highlights the significance of active listening and psychological safety in fostering trust. Listeners will find practical tips for integrating coaching into everyday interactions, ultimately empowering both managers and their teams.

How do you develop the people within your workforce to become great managers? Poor management negatively impacts everyone, often resulting in the HR/People team having to help with performance issues, manage grievances, or recruitment challenges due to high turnover. It can feel hard to know what to do or where to start. So, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help.   Host Fay Wallis is joined by James Rose, a management skills trainer, speaker and coach, who generously shares his Rose model, which consists of five essential techniques to become a great manager.   Key Points from This Episode [00:00] Introduction and overview [02:10] Introducing James Rose [03:41] How James developed his Rose model [07:05] The difference between absent and present managers [06:24] The first layer of the Rose model: regular check-ins [13:48] The second layer of the Rose model: weekly team meetings [20:44] The third layer of the Rose model: monthly catch ups [30:25] The fourth & fifth layers of the Rose model: mid-year or quarterly reviews and end of year reviews [33:29] James’s confidence-building tip: encourage team members to keep track of their achievements and development. [36:25] How to contact James and learn more about his work [37:32] Other relevant HR Coffee Time episodes to listen to next  Useful Links Connect with Fay on LinkedIn Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Connect with James Rose on LinkedIn James’ website   Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes  Episode 127: What to do if your boss is a micromanager Episode 117: How to create a performance management process that drives success, with Lucina Carney Episode 119: How using Agile can drive positive change & prove HR’s value, with Kate Maddison-Geenwell  Looking For the Transcript? You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.  Rate and Review the Podcast If 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. 

Dyslexia, often misunderstood and underappreciated, holds a wealth of untapped potential for the workplace. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we explore how to appreciate and unlock the unique strengths it can bring to our workplaces.Host Fay Wallis is joined by Kirsty Heap, a neurodivergent specialist coach with a rich background in HR, who shares her personal journey with dyslexia and her transition to becoming a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Kirsty provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of dyslexia, its challenges, and most importantly, the remarkable advantages it offers to organizations.Whether you're an HR professional seeking to create a more inclusive workplace, someone questioning if they might be dyslexic, or simply curious about neurodiversity, this episode provides practical strategies and eye-opening perspectives. Discover how understanding and supporting dyslexic colleagues can drive innovation, problem-solving, and creativity in your team, ultimately leading to a more successful organisation.Key Points from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and overview[01:48] Introducing Kirsty Heap[03:47] What is dyslexia? A detailed explanation[04:59] Dyslexia as a ‘magic potion’[06:24] Kirsty shares her journey to diagnosis and early challenges[10:57] Disclosing that she had dyslexia to her colleagues[12:22] The strengths dyslexia brings including creativity, problem-solving and emotional intelligence[18:05] Practical advice for anyone who thinks they might be dyslexic[22:04] Tips for fostering an inclusive work environment for dyslexic individuals[26:54] Kirsty’s confidence-building tip: borrow confidence from your future self[28:46] How to contact Kirsty and learn more about her work Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Kirsty Heap on LinkedInKirsty’s website: Kirstyheap.com Buy the Book Recommendation(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)The Bigger Picture Book of Amazing Dyslexics and the Jobs They Do, by Kate Power & Kathy Iwanczak Forsyth Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesHR Coffee Time podcast playlist: Create an equitable, diverse & inclusive workplaceEpisode 70: Supporting yourself, or your colleagues at work with Tourette Syndrome, with Devon LovellEpisode 68: Real life insights into understanding and supporting autism in the workplace, with Cybill WatkinsEpisode 59: ADHD – a personal story of the strengths, struggles & strategies that help, with Julie WhiteLooking 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.

Have you ever felt stifled by a micromanager? Whether you're currently dealing with one or want to help someone else navigate their micromanager boss, this episode of HR Coffee Time is packed with practical advice to improve the situation.Key Points from This Episode[00:00] Examples of micromanagement[01:38] Welcome to HR Coffee Time[03:00] Micromanagement defined[03:16] Dealing with micromanagement can feel difficult[04:24] Advice: start from a place of empathy rather than anger[05:00] Seek first to understand, then to be understood[05:14] An example of when Fay micromanaged[05:51] Causes of micromanagement: lack of management training[06:15] Causes of micromanagement: stress[07:17] Causes of micromanagement: lack of trust[07:45] Examples of calling out micromanaging behaviour[09:08] Causes of micromanagement: lack of trust, clarity, or process[09:31] Micromanagement negatively impacts both you and the manager[10:02] Taking a coaching approach by asking questions can be powerful[11:45] Pointing out the behaviour is negatively affecting the manager[12:16] Brené Brown’s idea of ‘paint it done’ from her book, ‘Dare to Lead’[14:16] Using the 5Ws and 1H questions to help your manager ‘paint it done’[16:12] Examples of using ‘what’ questions[17:56] Examples of using ‘where’ questions[18:46] Examples of ‘how’ questions[18:58] Examples of ‘why’ questions[19:13] Examples of ‘who’ questions[19:28] Examples of ‘when’ questions[20:44] Other relevant HR Coffee Time episodes to listen to Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Buy the Book Recommendation(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, by Brené Brown Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 03: Building relationships with difficult people at workEpisode 35: Helping teams thrive with personal user manualsEpisode 41: 3 tips to build a better relationship with a difficult person at workLooking 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.