HR Coffee Time

In this episode of HR Coffee Time Sharon Peake (CEO of Shape Talent) talks through the 8 people in your network who will set you up for career success. Listen to the episode to find out who these 8 people are and what you can do to identify them and build a relationship with them.This is the last in a series of episodes about networking. The other episodes on this topic are:·     Episode 16: How to become more confident about networking·     Episode 15: How networking can help your career·     Episode 11: Networking – the 3 most important networks for your careerKey Points From This Episode[01:52] Introduction to Sharon Peake and the work that Shape Talent does[03:31] How Sharon identified the 8 people you need in your network[05:31] Why women find it harder to build strong networks for their careers[07:41] Your operational network – experts and navigators[08:37] Your network for growth – mentors, challengers & accountability partners[10:31] Your strategic network – connectors[14:20] The power of weak ties[17:18] Your strategic network – sponsors & key bearers[20:38] How to find a sponsor[25:39] How to take action to identify and build relationships with the 8 key people[30:00] Easy-to-implement networking tips[34:17] Sharon’s book recommendation, “Working Identity” by Herminia IbarraUseful Links From This EpisodeReview the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple PodcastsConnect with Fay on LinkedInThe Bright Sky Career Coaching website Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn Shape Talent’s websiteWhitepaper: 3 barriers to women’s progression – what organisations can doSharon’s article: The 8 critical people you need in your network & how to find them Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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.Mentioned in this episode:Join 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HR

Whether you've never done succession planning, or you have it in place but aren't sure it's going as well as it could, this episode is here to help. Jo Taylor from Let's Talk Talent shares her insights into why the traditional 9 box grid method doesn't work and what to use instead. She also has some helpful examples of organisations that are doing succession planning well. Key Points From This Episode [01:57] Introduction to Jo Taylor and her role as Managing Director of Let’s Talk Talent  [03:44] The misconceptions of running your own business and the lifestyle it brings you [06:38] Working long hours[12:10] Taking time for yourself and finding coping mechanisms when you are feeling stressed [15:11] Unlocking the potential in people using succession planning [17:50] The nine-box grid and why Jo believes this isn’t the best method for succession planning [23:13] Using emotional intelligence rather than the nine-box grid to see people’s potential [24:28] Asking people want they want when it comes to succession planning and the importance of having conversations rather than making assumptions [27:07] Looking at how you define talent with your organisation by looking at data and how the business will benefit from doing work in succession planning [29:15] Defining the succession planning process as an organisation[32:57] Saville Wave explained[34:39] Tips for getting buy-in from the senior team when looking at new ways to do succession planning [36:45] Ways to measure the success of implementing new success planning processes [39:06] The types of businesses that should be considering succession planning [40:15] Jo’s book recommendation – Everyone Died So I Got a Dog, by Emily Dean [41:30] How to get in touch with Jo Useful Links From This Episode Review the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple Podcasts Connect with Fay on LinkedIn The Bright Sky Career Coaching website Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Let’s Talk Talent website Let’s Talk Talent’s succession planning whitepaper Let’s Talk Talent’s succession planning Whatsapp course  Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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. Mentioned in this episode:Join 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HR

For the last HR Coffee Time of 2021, Fay shares 10 questions for you to reflect on, to help you look back on the year and make a plan to take forward to next year. Looking back is a good way of learning from the past, taking the time to recognise your achievements and key learnings. It can also give you ideas for your next goals and want you want to achieve from the year aheadKey Points From This Episode[00:30] Why it’s a good idea to look back and reflect on the year[02:19] Becoming the Programme Manager of your own career[02:52] Considering success and what it means to you[03:33] The problem with linking success and happiness[04:37] Sean Achor’s teachings: creating the happiness advantage through positive thinking[05:00] Fay’s blog article about the best TED talks for your career[05:21] How to remember everything you’ve done over the past year[06:17] Question one: what did you achieve?[07:11] If you lack self-confidence or find it hard to see yourself as having achievements, episode one of the podcast may help, “How to feel more confident at work”[07:11] Question two: what did you do to help others?[08:13] Question three: what are you proudest of from this year?[08:40] Question four: what did you do for your wellbeing this year?[09:35] For more inspiration about wellbeing, episode 10, “Tackling stress and building resilience, with Adele Stickland” may be useful [10:10] Question five: what did you learn this year?[10:38] Question six: which relationships did you develop or build?[10:56] Useful podcast episodes about building relationships:·     Episode 5: how to progress your career using the 3E model·     Episode 11: the three most important networks for your career·     Episode 15: how networking can help your career·     Episode 16: how to become more confident about networking[11:45] Question seven: what are you grateful for?[13:11] Question eight: what did you find challenging this year?[13:49] If you find time management challenging, episode 7 may be helpful, “What to do when you don’t have enough hours in the day”[14:17] If your challenge is a difficult person at work, episode 3, “Building relationships with difficult people at work” might be useful[14:38] Question nine: what key insights do you have from reading through your answers to questions 1 – 8?[15:15] Question ten: how can these insights influence your goals for next year?Useful Links From This EpisodeThe Essential HR PlannerReview the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple PodcastsConnect with Fay on LinkedInThe Bright Sky Career Coaching website Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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.Mentioned in this episode:Join 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HR

If you’re committed to your HR career and want to make a positive impact in the organisation you work in, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Karen Moran, one of the co-founders of Disruptive HR, shares her views on the future of HR. She explains how to get rid of outdated practices and future-proof your career by changing your approach and building your skills.Key Points From This Episode[01:17] Introduction to Karen Moran, co-founder of Disruptive HR[03:01] Information on the Disruptive HR Club for those working in HR[06:36] The benefits of changing from being process driven to focusing on outcomes[08:15] The parental approach, how creating rules and processes for people to follow stops them from using their own judgement[09:20] Silos of expertise and how these are problem in the way HR teams work[10:20] How skills gaps in HR teams are why they can lack influence and credibility[11:50] What skills need to be developed with HR teams to fix these problems[13:35] How we can help leaders to help themselves and making the experience for our people as good as it can be[17:01] The tools that can be used to take steps forward for changing the mindset of how HR teams work[19:20] Creating environments to help change behaviours and build skills.[25:23] Examples of challenging current HR processes, policies and practices and ensuring they are in place for the right reasons[32:15] Karen’s book recommendations – HR Disrupted and the HR Change Toolkit by Lucy AdamsUseful Links From This EpisodeThe Essential HR PlannerReview the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple Podcasts Connect with Fay on LinkedIn The Bright Sky Career Coaching website Disruptive HR website The Disruptive HR club  Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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. Mentioned in this episode:Join 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HR

Do you find it hard to set yourself goals, or to stick to them? If this is the case, don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s something that most people struggle with. In this episode of the HR Coffee Time podcast, career coach Fay Wallis shares her tips for creating meaningful career goals (that you can stick to) for the year ahead.Key Points From This Episode[00:17] The Essential HR Planner has a career goals planning section in it.[01:45] The 3 main problem with traditional goal setting methods[05:25] Looking inwards – answering the questions, “What’s important to you when it comes to your career?” and “What do you want to do next to help your career?”[10:12] Asking for feedback to help inform your career goals[12:35] Looking outwards – the key topics and areas that HR has influence over[13:19] Considering the employee lifecycle for career goal ideas[14:54] Setting goals with the rest of your HR team[15:44] Don’t set yourself too many goals – starting off with 3 is a good idea[16:09] You can use the HR Coffee Time podcast as a resource to help you pin down or work towards achieving your career goals[16:54] Writing down your goals – step by step instructions to help you clarify and achieve them[23:08] Fay will be running an online masterclass/workshop in January to help you with goal settingUseful Links From This EpisodeThe Essential HR PlannerReview the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple PodcastsConnect with Fay on LinkedInThe Bright Sky Career Coaching websiteRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HRJoin 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.

Networking can be a game-changer for your career, and it doesn’t have to be intimidating! Discover nine tips to boost your confidence and create a positive mindset. Small talk is key—learn how to master it and remember personal details to deepen connections. Explore the value of giving over taking in networking dynamics and how to leverage LinkedIn effectively. Plus, find out how arriving early at events can make the experience more welcoming and enjoyable. Embrace networking as a powerful relationship-building tool!

Explore how networking can be a game-changer for your career! Discover key strategies to help you secure a new role, transition to a different career, or shine in your current job. Learn the importance of sharing your job search within your network and the power of informational interviews to uncover hidden opportunities. Delve into the myth that hard work is all it takes for recognition, and understand why building relationships is essential for career growth. Get ready to unlock your potential through connections!

Gender pay gap reporting can feel like a blunt and brutal process for organisations. The data that legally has to be submitted on an annual basis will show if you have a gender pay gap but it doesn’t help explain why you have a pay gap, or what you can do to fix it.Thankfully, financial wellbeing and pay gap analytics expert Melissa Blissett (from Barnett Waddingham) is here to help. In this HR Coffee Time episode, Melissa reminds us why pay gap reporting is so much more than a tick box exercise. She also talks us through how to carry out additional analysis to understand and fix your organisation’s pay gap.If you know people analytics is an important skill to have to help you progress your HR career but it isn’t something you feel confident in, this episode is here to help. It’s the first of several episodes planned to de-mystify data-driven HR practices.  Key Points From This Episode[02:18] A quick overview of gender pay gap reporting[03:20] Introduction to Melissa Blissett, financial wellbeing & pay gap analytics expert from Barnett Waddingham[04:56] What gender pay gap reporting is and why it’s important (regardless of whether you have 250 employees and are required to submit data about it)[06:47] The other pay gaps (aside from gender) that exist including disability, age and ethnicity[07:36] Intersectionality explained[09:57] Why it’s important to go beyond the pay gap mandatory reporting requirements[11:53] The pay gap analytics tool that Melissa has developed at Barnett Waddingham[13:40] Melissa’s suggested DNA approach - Data, Narrative and Action planning.[14:26] How a deeper dive into your pay gap analytics can lead to a far more powerful narrative to share with your organisation and the wider world[17:09] Fay mentions episode 12 of HR Coffee Time, where Sally Dhillon emphasised the importance of having family friendly policies in place to help retain women and consequently reduce your gender pay gap[18:03] Pay gap reporting isn’t an isolated exercise to be marked off at the end of the year; it is deeply impacted by other HR practices[21:04] Fay mentions episode 6 of HR Coffee Time, where Lọ́lá Béjidé talks about the impact socio-economic background can have on talent entering your organisation[24:45] Using a storybook to share stories from within your workplace[25:45] Devolving responsibility for finding solutions to the pay gap to the team(s) where the gap exists[26:47] Why having a gender pay gap isn’t always a bad thing[32:02] How to get in touch with Melissa[32:34] The HR Planner for 2022 that Fay is creating (and that you can download for free)Useful Links From This EpisodeReview the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple PodcastsConnect with Fay on LinkedInThe Bright Sky Career Coaching websiteConnect with Melissa on LinkedInBarnett Waddingham’s websiteThe Essential HR PlannerRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HRJoin 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.

Searching for your next senior role can feel daunting. You know you’re ready to take the next leap in your career, but you’re unsure how to go about it.In this HR Coffee Time podcast the host, Fay Wallis, talks to Craig Elvin from Executive Heads about how to start planning the transition into moving to a senior role using your CV, the importance of LinkedIn and networking and how to make the most out of working with Recruiters and Headhunters.Key Points From This Episode[01:03] Introduction to Craig Elvin, Executive Search Consultant from Executive Heads specialising in placing people at senior levels.[03:04] What is classed as a senior role[04:56] Advice for those in senior roles who want to take the next step up[06:30] How long should someone plan for moving into a senior role[07:55] How to start planning the transition into a senior role[09:21] Tailoring your CV to show your expertise and experience[10:52] The challenges that can be faced when compiling your CV and showing your experience and how to overcome those[13:50] How companies are using the platform to recruit at a senior level[15:40] Tips and advice on optimising your LinkedIn profile to come at the top of search results for senior roles using keywords[18:15] Positioning yourself on LinkedIn by posting content[23:16] Why building a network is important for transitioning to senior-level roles[25:43] Utilising the hidden job market and why not to just focus on applying for jobs online[28:33] Thinking about the companies you want to work for and connecting with them[30:11] Working with Recruiters and Headhunters[30:25] Developing the right relationship with your Recruiter[33:53] Craig’s book recommendation – "Legacy" by James Kerr[34:58] How to get in touch with CraigUseful Links From This Episode• Review the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple Podcasts• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn• The Bright Sky Career Coaching website• Email Craig• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn• Executive Heads WebsiteRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HRJoin 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.

Research shows that women’s careers often stagnate, stall, or stop after taking a career break to have a baby.  Putting the right support in place helps smooth this transition and retain (or gain) valuable talent. It can even reduce your organisation’s gender pay gap by enabling women to build the confidence, skills and opportunities to move into, or remain in senior leadership roles. In this episode of the HR Coffee Time podcast, host Fay Wallis, speaks to guest, Sally Dhillon from Career Mums.Sally covers the barriers people face when returning after a break, what good support looks like and how returnships are being used to plug skills gaps and support those who want to reignite their careers after taking a break.Key Points From This Episode[01:35] Introduction to Sally Dhillon[02:39] The work Career Mums does to support women with their careers[05:49] Barriers that prevent people from returning to work after a break[06:56] The impact of childcare costs on career progression and returning to work[08:02] The barriers of health issues and the pandemic in returning to work[09:34] What putting support in place for those returning to work can look like[11:27] Maternity coaching explained[15:03] Supporting those returning to work post-pandemic with working from home and flexible working[17:07] The consequences of not getting it right in supporting women returning to work[19:00] Addressing the gender pay inequalities[20:27] Returnship programmes – what they are and how they work[23:02] Using returnship programmes within organisations[24:18] Successes using returnships[25:52] Example from companies that are doing well with supporting those returning to work[28:24] Tips for those who have had an extended break from work in finding their next role or transitioning back to the company that they worked for[32:02] Formal and informal support networks for returning to work[34:02] Sally’s book recommendationUseful Links From This EpisodeReview the HR Coffee Time podcast on Apple PodcastsConnect with Fay on LinkedInThe Bright Sky Career Coaching websiteConnect with Sally via emailCareer Mums websiteCM Talent websiteConnect with Sally on LinkedInConnect with Career Mums on FacebookFollow Career Mums on InstagramFollow Career Mums on TwitterCareer Mums Club Free Facebook GroupRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do 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.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HRJoin 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward AcademyBecome a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: https://bit.ly/3racademy.