
HR Coffee Time
Welcome to the HR Coffee Time podcast; a fortnightly podcast full of tips and ideas to help you have a successful and fulfilling HR career (without working yourself into the ground).
It can feel hard to put yourself and your own career first when you're so busy looking after everyone around you. It can leave you at risk of burning out, finding that you're not where you want to be in your career, or feeling unsure about what you want from your career anymore.
This podcast is here to help. Join career coach and founder of Bright Sky Career Coaching, Fay Wallis as she and her expert guests share advice on how to get what you want from your career.
If you enjoy the podcast, learn more at: https://www.brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/ or connect with Fay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faywallis/
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2024 • 32min
124 | How to ask your employer to fund your place on Inspiring HR, with Kathryn Bryan & Larissa Smith
Looking to elevate your professional development and would like to ask for your employer’s support?Whether it’s joining Inspiring HR or embarking on another professional learning journey, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help.Guests Kathryn Bryan and Larissa Smith, alumni from previous Inspiring HR cohorts, generously detail their paths to gaining employer support for their professional growth. They also share practical advice to help you confidently secure funding for your own development. Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingLearn more about Inspiring HR Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 97: Inspiring HR – the purpose behind it and what to expect if you joinEpisode 88: How to write a Compelling Business Case & get approval for your idea, with Jo TaylorLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Apr 12, 2024 • 47min
123 | Avoid burnout – how to spot signs of stress & take action, with Dr Jo Burrell
Working in the fast-paced, busy world of HR can feel stressful. As a dedicated and hardworking HR professional, you may find yourself prioritising looking after everyone else in the organisation above your own wellbeing. But it’s so important you are able to take care of yourself too, so that the stress doesn’t reach the point of burnout. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, released during Stress Awareness Month, Dr Jo Burrell joins host, Fay Wallis, to share her advice on spotting signs of stress and how to take action to stop it in its tracks.Key Points From This Episode[00:00] Introduction and Importance of Discussing Stress and Burnout[02:09] Introducing Dr Jo Burrell[07:05] Worrying Results from the HR Mental Wellbeing Survey[08:52] Understanding and Combating Burnout[11:42] Personal Reflections on Stress and Work Habits[22:11] Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Manage Stress[29:21] An Example Case Study[39:07] Book Recommendation Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Jo on LinkedInJo’s website: Ultimate ResilienceHSE (Health and Safety Executive) stress resourcesCIPD’s wellbeing helpline 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)A Work In Progress: Unlocking Wellbeing to Create More Sustainable and Resilient Organisations, by Gethin Nadin Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes & PlaylistsBuild Resilience & Handle Stressful Situations PlaylistLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Mar 29, 2024 • 22min
122 | Unlocking confidence for your HR career: 5 tips from expert guests
Throughout your HR journey, it's normal for your confidence to sometimes dip or wobble. That's exactly where HR Coffee Time steps in to lend a hand. In this episode, you’ll hear insights from five expert guests whose advice spans from broad confidence-boosting tips to specific strategies for navigating those tricky moments in your career. Tune in for a blend of perspectives that will lift your spirits and arm you with practical tools for a more confident path forward in HR.Key Points From This Episode00:00 Introduction and Thank Yous03:14 Introduction to Confidence08:52 Compilation of Confidence Building Tips09:17 Confidence Tip from Pete Hykin11:43 Confidence Tip from Antoinette Dale Henderson13:30 Confidence Tip from Simon Duncan15:31 Confidence Tip from Roisin Williams18:42 Confidence Tip from Louise Kennedy19:41 ConclusionUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Holly Christie on LinkedInHolly’s website: This Demanding LifeConnect with Pete Hykin on LinkedInPete’s website: PenfoldConnect with Antoinette Dale Henderson on LinkedInAntoinette’s website: Antoinette Dale HendersonConnect with Simon Duncan on LinkedInConnect with Roisin Williams on LinkedInRoisin’s website: Job Seeker CoachingConnect with Louise Kennedy on LinkedInLouise’s website: Occulus HRBuy 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)Becoming, by Michelle ObamaOther Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes & PlaylistsBuild Your Confidence Podcast PlaylistEpisode 105: Brilliant not boring – unlocking financial wellbeing with pensions at work, with Pete HykinEpisode 104: How to improve your gravitas to make an impact throughout your HR career, with Antoinette Dale HendersonEpisode 115: Why negotiation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Simon DuncanEpisode 113: The trustee advantage – enhance your HR leadership and make a difference, with Roisin WilliamsEpisode 120: Crafting culture – unearthing and shaping the heart of your business, with Louise KennedyLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Mar 15, 2024 • 35min
121 | Pay practices that pay off: how to attract, reward & retain talent fairly, with Rameez Kaleem
Are you struggling with how to get pay right in your organisation, feeling the weight of its complexity and cost? You're not alone. Payroll can be the largest expense for a business, running into millions, and it's a crucial aspect of HR that doesn't come with a handbook. Whether you're facing challenges with pay dissatisfaction among your talent, confronting unsettling pay gaps, or stepping into a new role with an outdated pay structure, there's always room for improvement.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis talks with Rameez Kaleem, Founder and CEO of 3R Strategy, to shed light on creating pay practices that truly pay off. He breaks down the building blocks of fair and effective pay practices that can attract, reward, and retain the best talent for your organisation.Key TakeawaysPay transparency is about openness and honesty in pay processes, not about disclosing everyone’s salaries (a common misconception). It builds trust and demonstrates fairness in how pay decisions are made.Pay transparency helps in attracting talent; candidates are more likely to apply for a role when the salary is included in the job posting.Well-communicated pay equity is 13 times more important in retaining your employees than higher pay levels.Why you should never ask the question, “What’s your current salary?” Or, “What are your pay expectations?” when interviewing.Rameez’s Five-Step Pay Transparency Project Plan:Step 1: Establish a reward strategy and pay philosophy.Step 2: Conduct benchmarking with reliable data to understand market rates.Step 3: Develop a career framework for clarity on career progression and pay scales.Step 4: Build pay structures aligned with the career framework.Step 5: Consider pay progression and how employees can progress within the pay range. Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Rameez on LinkedInRameez’s website: 3R Strategy Buy the Book Recommendations(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)A Case of the Mondays: Attract and retain the best talent through pay transparency, by Rameez KaleemStart With Why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action, by Simon SinekQuiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan CainAtomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones, by James Clear Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 14: Understanding & fixing your organisation’s gender pay gap, with Melissa BlissettEpisode 88: How to write a compelling business case & get approval for your idea, with Jo TaylorLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Mar 1, 2024 • 38min
120 | Crafting culture: unearthing and shaping the heart of your business, with Louise Kennedy
If you’re stuck about defining or shaping culture in your organisation, you’re not alone. The concept often appears fuzzy, theoretical, and more suited for addressing in large corporations than smaller teams. But it’s a vital component of every thriving workplace. In this episode of HR Coffee Time host, Fay Wallis is joined by Louise Kennedy from Oculus HR, known for her ability to simplify seemingly complex things into clear, actionable steps.Key TakeawaysCulture can feel complex and difficult to define, but it is essential for the success of any organization.Defining culture can happen at different stages of a business's growth.Involving employees in defining culture is crucial for unearthing the ‘now’ culture.Values play a significant role in shaping culture.Engaging senior leadership in culture conversations is essential for driving culture change.Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Louise on LinkedInLouise’s website: Oculus HR Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 114: What workplace culture is, how to measure it & a surprising way to improve it, with Arend BoersemaEpisode 88: How to write a compelling business case & get approval for your idea, with Jo TaylorLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Feb 16, 2024 • 38min
119 | How using Agile can drive positive change & prove HR’s value, with Kate Maddison-Greenwell
If you've ever wondered how to shift your organisation's perception of HR from being an operational, admin-heavy function, to one that is strategic, innovative and drives positive change; this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host, Fay Wallis is joined by Kate Maddison-Greenwell from People Efficient and together they take a deep dive into the exciting world of Agile HR.Key TakeawaysAgile is a mindset and set of methodologies focused on adding value to customers, including employees in the case of HR.Agile HR involves breaking down complex projects or problems into iterative chunks and prioritizing people-centric solutions.Visualization tools like Miro can facilitate collaboration and inclusivity in Agile HR.Games like planning poker can help teams estimate time and value more accurately in Agile HR.Sprints, typically two weeks long, are cycles in Agile HR that involve planning, doing, reviewing, and reflecting on progress.To get started with Agile HR, start small with a project or problem, focus on psychological safety, and gain sponsorship from senior leaders.Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Kate on LinkedInKate’s website: People Efficient Buy the Book Recommendation(Disclosure: the book link is an affiliate link which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through it)Built for People: Transform Your Employee Experience Using Product Management Principles, Jessica Zwaan Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 114: What workplace culture is, how to measure it & a surprising way to improve it, with Arend BoersemaEpisode 102: Boosting your strategic knowledge to step up in your HR roleEpisode 22: How to handle conflict at work, with Ginny RadmallLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Feb 2, 2024 • 20min
118 | 9 tips to unlock training success when you’re a busy HR professional
Even though you’re excited about the course you’ve signed up to, it’s easy to veer off track with it when you’re juggling a demanding HR job. So, to help set you up for success & make the learning from the course stick, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. In it, host, Fay Wallis shares 9 tips to unlock training success when you’re a busy HR professional. Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingInspiring HR Group Programme 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)Neuroscience for Learning and Development, by Stella Collins Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 97: Inspiring HR: the purpose behind it and what to expect if you joinEpisode 110: Why facilitation skills can help your career & how to develop them, with Kirsty LewisEpisode 15: How networking can help your careerEpisode 16: How to become more confident about networkingLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Jan 19, 2024 • 35min
117 | How to create a performance management process that drives success, with Lucinda Carney
How is your performance management strategy impacting employee engagement? Understanding how to use it effectively can lead to better results for employees and therefore the organisation, as well as save money through staff retention. Performance management should be about more than KPIs and day-to-day tasks, it should be seen as an individualised opportunity to support career growth. With continuous conversations, clear goals and regular constructive feedback, performance management can become a far more effective tool.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Lucinda Carney the CEO and Founder of Actus. A purpose-built performance and talent management software, which makes her the perfect person to share her knowledge on:Performance management’s impact on employee engagementBest practices for performance managementThe importance of clear goalsTailoring performance management to individualsHow to drive high performanceWhy you need to do more than annual appraisalsUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Lucinda on LinkedInActusListen to Lucinda’s Podcast HR UprisingActus on FacebookActus on YouTube Resources Mentioned During the EpisodeThe Gallup Q12 employee engagement surveyThe CIPD research report: Performance management: Could do better?Actus ResourcesResearch review: What works in performance managementWebinar recording: Rethinking appraisals webinar recordingWhite paper: How to design an appraisal processEbook: The complete guide to 360 feedback Buy the Book Recommendations(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 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. CoveyHBR's 10 Must Reads on Performance Management, by Harvard Business ReviewHow to be a Change Superhero: The business toolkit to help you to 'do' change better, by Lucinda Carney Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 17: How to set your career goals for 2022Episode 25: How to use career conversations to improve retention & engagement, with Sarah ArcherEpisode 33: A helpful framework for career conversations at work, with Steve McIntoshEpisode 57: Using the Johari Window to develop & grow in your HR careerEpisode 78: 5 ways to get useful feedback at work to help your HR/People careerEpisode 79: How to create a powerful career development programme that has an impact, with Kate MansfieldLooking 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.Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Jan 5, 2024 • 31min
116 | Look back to look forward: how reflecting on 2023 can help you set goals for 2024
Instead of launching yourself into another busy year at work, it is helpful to take a moment to pause and reflect so that you can set your goals. There will be powerful lessons to learn from the year that has just passed and so many positives that you may overlook unless you take the time to stop.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis guides you through the ‘Look Back to Look Forward’ activity from the 2024 HR Planner. It is 10 questions to help you acknowledge your successes and challenges, and spark ideas for powerful goals to set for 2024. In the spirit of ‘walking the walk as well as talking the talk’, she also shares her answers to the questions. Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingFay's blog article: Reflecting on 2023 - looking back to look forwardThe Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 99: How mediation skills can help you resolve conflict at work, with Pete ColbyEpisode 110: Why facilitation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Kirsty LewisEpisode 115: Why negotiation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Simon DuncanLooking 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. Mentioned in this episode:Learn More About Inspiring HRLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme and save your place on the cohort that starts on 30th April 2025.Inspiring HR

Dec 22, 2023 • 39min
115 | Why negotiation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Simon Duncan
In this engaging discussion, negotiation expert Simon Duncan shares insights from his decades of experience in the retail industry. He emphasizes that effective negotiation is a constructive dialogue, essential for HR professionals. Simon breaks down the four phases of negotiation: planning, launching, undertaking, and securing, offering strategic tips for success. He highlights the importance of emotional management and understanding both parties' needs to enhance outcomes. Listeners will leave with practical skills to boost their confidence and career in HR.
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