HR Coffee Time

‘Culture’ can seem like a vague and woolly concept. You can feel what a culture is like as soon as you start working in an organization but it can be hard to describe it and even harder to know what to do to measure or improve it. But with many HR teams being renamed as ‘People and Culture’ and job titles being changed to reflect this, understanding workplace culture and knowing how to shape and improve it are essential skills for People professionals.This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis and expert guest Arend Boersema explore:Understanding workplace cultureMeasuring cultureThoughts on pursuing an ‘ideal culture’How personal connection impacts cultureWhere Arend’s passion and interest in culture stem fromUsing poetry in organizationsA live reading from Arend’s book, “Poetry at the heart of business”Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Arend on LinkedInVisit Arend’s websiteThe Essential HR Planner Resources Mentioned During the EpisodeHackman & Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model to Job SatisfactionBuy 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)Poetry at the heart of business: Spoken word poetry exploring the concept of company culture & belonging, by Arend BoersemaFirms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose, by Rajendra Sisodia, David B. Wolfe & Jagdish ShethGood To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t, by Jim CollinsThink Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, by Adam GrantLooking 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

Have you set your sights on a senior HR role but feel like you’re missing out on strategic experience in your current job? Or perhaps you’re not confident enough to operate at board level? Bridging this gap could be more fulfilling than you think. Becoming a trustee for a charity is a smart career move that not only sharpens your strategic skills and gives you board-level exposure, it also offers the rewarding opportunity to do meaningful work by supporting a charity. It’s a unique blend of professional growth and contributing to the greater good.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis chats with the insightful Roisin Williams from Job Seeker Coaching. With her rich background as an HR professional, career coach, and seasoned trustee, Roisin unpacks the ins and outs of trusteeship. She’s here to share:A clear breakdown of what it means to be a trusteeThe real deal on the responsibilities and expectations that come with the titleThe unexpected upsides of stepping into a trustee roleAnswers to those niggling doubts and questions you might haveTips on how to kick-start your journey as a trusteeThis isn’t just another podcast episode; it’s your invitation to step up, expand your HR horizon, and contribute to a cause that matters. So, why not give it a listen and see where trusteeship could take you? Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Roisin on LinkedInRoisin’s websiteThe Essential HR PlannerResources Mentioned During the EpisodeThe Charity Commission for England and WalesGetting on BoardVolunteering Matters (formerly Community Service Volunteers) Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 5: How to progress your HR career (using the 3E model)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.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

Go behind the scenes of HR Coffee Time and learn what to expect if you’re a guest on the show, and how to set yourself up for a successful interview. In this episode, Fay explains:The benefits of being a guest on HR Coffee TimeOvercoming nervousness and preparing for the interviewThe interview processTips for a successful interviewTechnical aspects of the interviewTips to reduce filler wordsThe importance of keeping the audience in mindHow to become a guest on HR Coffee Time Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingThe Essential HR PlannerLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section 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

With claims that we’re working in a world designed for extroverts, it’s important we understand how to make our workplaces more inclusive, so that we can all thrive.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay is joined by Tom Cleary, Founder of Introverts & Co. Tom shares how to thrive at work as an introvert, and busts myths you may have heard before about introversion. He also explains practical strategies to help set yourself, your colleagues and your workplaces up for success. Some of the many things he covers include:Understanding introversion: definition and misconceptionsThe impact of introversion in the workplaceTom’s personal journey: from introversion to advocacyWhy introversion is such an important topic for us all to be aware of & learn more aboutCreating inclusive meetings & team building events for introvertsStrengths and challenges of being an introvertStrategies for introverts to thrive in the workplaceThe importance of identifying personal values Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Tom on LinkedInTom’s websiteTom’s free online community: Introverts and coBuy the Book Recommendations(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)Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 43: The one thing that will boost your resilience throughout your HR career, with Tom ClearyEpisode 47: Discovering your values to help your HR career, with Zoe HawkinsEpisode 75: What psychometrics are, how you can use them & why they’re so helpful, with Sue ColtonEpisode 110: Why facilitation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Kirsty LewisHR Coffee Time inclusion playlist (on Spotify)HR Coffee Time inclusion playlist (online)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 not sure how to do it). 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

Kirsty Lewis, the Founder of the School of Facilitation, specializes in empowering managers and L&D teams with effective facilitation skills. In this conversation, she explains the differences between facilitation and training and how mastering these skills can elevate your HR career. Listeners will discover practical strategies for leading engaging online workshops and innovative tools like Miro and Mural to enhance collaboration. Kirsty also shares tips on continuous learning, making this a must-listen for HR professionals eager to thrive.

Do you have an annual project coming up? A project you only need to do once a year that can feel a bit daunting because it can feel hard to remember everything involved, what you need to do and what order to do it all in? Maybe the end-of-year performance management process is looming, or you’re working towards launching the annual employee engagement survey, or you run a graduate recruitment scheme that starts up in January. In a busy HR/People role, the possibilities for projects you might be working on are endless.This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help you succeed with annual projects and not get overwhelmed. Fay talks through the Simple Process Plan template she uses to help her stay on track with projects that roll around once a year. (Although she does use it for everyday processes too).She explains what it is, how it’s laid out, how to use it and the 4 reasons it’s so effective.  Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingVimeo RecordLoomLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section 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

Strategy is a topic we’ve explored before on HR Coffee Time (and we’ll look at again in the future) because it’s an important aspect of HR leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist, or you feel uncomfortable and worried when it comes to strategy, this episode is here to help you build your skills and confidence.  Strategy expert and author of the award-winning book, “The Strategy Book: How to think and act strategically to deliver outstanding results”, Dr Max Mckeown shares: What strategy is & what it isn’t How you’re already a strategist (even if you don’t realise it) Why people doubt themselves when it comes to being strategic The three parts of being strategic – timescale, scope, & sequence An example of strategy done badly An example of a good strategy (McDonalds) Strategy is simple but simple is complex Max’s strategy tool, Speed Strategy – where are we now, where do we want to go, what do we need to do to get there, how do we need to do it, what do we need to measure along the route, what is pushing us, what might stop us?  Useful Links Connect with Fay on LinkedIn Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Free Speed Strategy template Max’s website Connect with Max on LinkedIn 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 Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence, by Baltasar Gracián The Strategy Book: How to think and act strategically to deliver outstanding results, by Max Mckeown The Innovation Book: How to manage ideas and execution for outstanding results, by Max Mckeown Adaptability: The art of winning in an age of uncertainty, by Max Mckeown  Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes Episode 102: Boosting your strategic knowledge to step up in your HR role Episode 98: HR insider insights: how to create a powerful People Strategy for an SME, with Kelly Vincent Episode 93: Creating a more inclusive work culture: how to make an impact, with Toby Mildon Episode 77: How to create an effective DEI strategy, with Metra Rowe Episode 61: The 4 pillars that will help you be strategic in your HR role Episode 26: How to be strategic in your new HR leadership role  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. 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

Have you ever felt like a fraud at work and worried you were about to be found out at any moment? Do you ever hold yourself back from asking for what you want for fear of hearing the word, “no”? Do you ever procrastinate because you’re worried about getting things ‘perfect’ enough? Do you work incredibly hard – perhaps harder than your colleagues and peers because you want to make sure you’re achieving good results at work?If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you are not alone. You may be experiencing imposter syndrome; something that affects many of us at certain points throughout our career.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, guest Aoife O’Brien explains what imposter syndrome is, the impact it has at work and how to tackle it head-on.Listen to the episode to learn:What imposter syndrome is (and what it isn’t)Where her interest in imposter syndrome comes fromResults from Aoife’s research into imposter syndromeHow imposter syndrome impacts performance (including procrastination and burnout)What Aoife thinks about claims that imposter syndrome doesn’t exist or that it’s an unhelpful labelPractical strategies to tackle imposter syndrome throughout your organisationTips to help you overcome imposter syndrome for yourself, including ABC (A = acknowledge, B = belief, C = courageous action)How knowing your strengths and asking for feedback can helpUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingAoife’s Imposter Syndrome Survey ReportAoife’s Happier at Work websiteAoife’s Imposter Syndrome websiteGallup Clifton Strengths AssessmentThe Essential HR Planner  Aoife’s social media profilesConnect with Aoife on LinkedInFollow Aoife on InstagramFollow Aoife on Twitter / XSubscribe to Aoife’s YouTube channel 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)High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way, by Brendon Burchard Other HR Coffee Times Mentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 1: How to feel more confident at workEpisode 36: Four simple but powerful techniques to banish imposter syndrome, with Joanna LottEpisode 57: Using the Johari Window to develop & grow in your HR career (the Johari Window is a feedback tool)Episode 75: What psychometrics are, how you can use them & why they’re so helpful, with Sue Colton (psychometrics can be a helpful way of learning about your strengths)Episode 78: 5 tips to get useful feedback at work to help your HR/People careerLooking 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. 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

Discover how to unlock your HR career potential on LinkedIn. Learn the importance of crafting a strong professional presence and building your HR leadership brand. Explore seven different post types that can boost your visibility and engagement on the platform. Get inspired by creative examples, like an eye-catching post linking an awareness day with insider insights. Whether you're seeking connections or showcasing achievements, these strategies will elevate your LinkedIn game!

Although pensions can feel like a boring or complicated topic (especially if you’re not a Reward specialist), HR Coffee Time guest Pete Hykin shows this doesn’t have to be the case. In this episode he helps strip away any worries you might have about choosing a pension provider or talking about pensions at work. He also shares some great tips on how to get everyone engaged with their pensions and focused on their financial wellbeing.Listen to the episode to learn:Why it’s important to prioritise getting pensions right, even though you have other projects and issues competing for your time and attention.You can draw a direct line from employee productivity to employee wellbeing and financial wellbeing.Aside from their house, their pension is the largest financial asset your employees will have in their lives.Pensions are a major part of financial wellbeing.The importance of educating people about pensions.Help bring the amount of money in peoples’ pensions to life.You can use tools like salary sacrifice to put more money in your employees’ pockets.Create a culture and environment where people can talk about money and their financial wellbeing.Inclusion and pensions.Tips on choosing a new pension provider – consult with your employees to find out what’s important to them.Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingBook a virtual chat with PenfoldBuy 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)Becoming, by Michelle Obama Other HR Coffee Times Mentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 48: How to support your colleagues with bereavement at work, with Michelle SmithLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section 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. 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