The Plumm Pod

We say we’re “people first”, but candidates can tell when we’re not. This conversation is a reality check for how hiring actually feels in 2025.In this episode, Marie Chaproniere reveals how she fell into HR from performing arts and why great Talent Acquisition is far more than filling roles. We unpack what a real candidate experience looks like today, the mess, the honesty, and why transparency beats polish every time.You’ll learn:The difference between recruitment and true TA and why strategy wins over speedWhat “good” candidate experience looks like now (and the red flags to kill immediately)How to stay human with ATS and AI, you can’t automate empathyPractical inclusion: accommodations, the “cafeteria” model, and why truth-telling attracts the right peopleIf this helped you hire better or get hired better subscribe and share this with someone who needs it.Chapters00:00:00 — From Dance Studio to HR00:00:29 — Falling Into TA by Accident00:02:57 — TA vs Recruitment: The Real Difference00:04:11 — What “Good” Candidate Experience Means in 202500:05:39 — Tech’s Limits: You Can’t Automate Empathy00:07:16 — Public Call-Outs & Why Brand Behaviour Matters00:08:34 — Small Wins in Hypergrowth Hiring00:09:56 — Radical Transparency in Job Ads00:11:43 — Attracting for Fit, Not Volume00:13:28 — Truth-Telling Cultures Beat Perfect Stories00:14:43 — Inclusion by Default: Real Accommodations00:16:41 — The “Cafeteria” Model for Interviews00:19:30 — Where to Communicate Adjustments (Beyond JDs)00:21:33 — What Great Looks Like: Real Examples00:24:33 — Start With an Audit: Language, Process, Data00:26:38 — Map the Bad to Design the Good00:27:17 — Sharing Interview Questions Ahead of Time00:28:44 — Safe to Fail: Culture That Grows People00:30:36 — Using AI Well (Without Losing Yourself)00:31:15 — Metaview, Notes & Better Feedback Loops00:32:39 — Advice to My Younger Self00:33:58 — Choosing Authenticity (Even When Scary)

What if it all works out?In this episode, we chat with Abigail Cooper, People Partner, who shares invaluable insights on scaling teams and HR strategy. Abigail Cooper's journey from admin roles to shaping internal communication and succession planning provides a powerful blueprint for businesses navigating the future of work.You’ll learn:The core principles of internal comms that will keep your team engaged and aligned.Why managers are key to successful HR communication (and how to train them).How to create clarity and reduce overwhelm with a simple, scalable communication framework.The key to creating psychological safety and a resilient leadership culture.If you’re ready to rethink your internal comms and team strategies, subscribe for more impactful HR insights.Chapters:00:00:00 — From Admin to HR Strategy00:02:30 — Confidence in the Chaos00:04:02 — Internal Comms: A New Era00:06:56 — The HR Role Shift00:09:55 — Internal Comms Framework00:12:25 — Connecting with Managers00:14:18 — Overcoming the Overwhelm00:16:58 — Communication Cadence00:18:53 — The One Source of Truth00:21:40 — Understanding Your Team’s Needs00:23:10 — Planning for Success00:25:40 — Storytelling for HR00:27:39 — Scaling for the Future00:29:12 — What’s Missing in Your Strategy?00:31:10 — Overcoming Imposter Syndrome00:34:18 — What If It All Works Out?

In this episode, Claire shares her journey from HR to well-being strategist, revealing why setting boundaries is key to both personal and professional success. Claire talks about the challenges of overcommitting and how finding balance in the workplace is more crucial than ever, especially after the pandemic.You'll learn:Why well-being should be prioritised in the workplace to boost productivityHow to set and maintain boundaries without feeling guiltyWhy internal comms play a huge role in employee satisfaction and engagementThe importance of knowing your worth and advocating for your needsDon't miss this insightful conversation, subscribe for more episodes and share with a leader who needs a plan, not a panic!Chapters:00:00:00 — The Road to HR00:02:30 — Why HR Wasn’t What I Expected00:04:02 — Internal Comms: The Emotional Infrastructure00:06:56 — HR’s Evolving Role in Well-Being00:09:55 — Why Well-Being Comes First00:12:25 — The Shift from Hustle to Sustainable Work00:14:18 — Creating Micro Boundaries for Maximum Impact00:16:58 — How Stress Impacts Productivity00:18:53 — Fighting the People-Pleasing Cycle00:21:40 — Advocating for Yourself at Work00:23:10 — Leading with Vulnerability00:25:40 — Boundary Setting Without Guilt00:27:39 — Why Everyone Needs Boundaries00:29:12 — How to Build Healthy Work Relationships00:31:10 — What I Wish I Knew About Boundaries Earlier00:33:40 — The Power of Saying ‘No’

When 42% of leaders leave without warning, most companies panic. Amanda, finance turned HR strategist and chartered manager, explains how to future-proof your team before the vacancy hits.In this episode, we unpack practical, data-driven succession planning, why “accidental managers” are costing you growth, and how HR earns a real seat at the table by thinking like a business owner.You’ll learn:What succession planning really is (and isn’t) and how to start it in a weekThe data, dashboards and conversations HR must run to stop talent gapsHow to develop managers who can actually lead (not just do the job)Why cross-generational hiring (T-Levels, grads) keeps you relevant in an AI worldThe underrated skills: mediation, communication, reflection, resilienceIf this helped, subscribe for more episodes and share with a leader who needs a plan, not a panic.Chapters 00:00:00 — Chance, Not Plan: Amanda’s HR Origin00:02:18 — Thrown In: Studying While Doing the Job00:04:50 — Succession Defined: Your People Contingency Plan00:06:56 — Scaling Playbook: Building Talent “Our Way”00:07:58 — From Gut to Data: Decisions That Stick00:09:55 — HR at the Table: Think Like an Owner00:12:25 — Why Most Succession Fails (And Who’s Missing)00:14:18 — Planning in Uncertainty: Hire the Future In00:16:58 — Maintain vs. Hyper-Scale: Knowing Your Path00:18:53 — Career Moats: Learning, Credentials, Confidence00:19:50 — Reflection as Strategy: Walk, Think, Improve00:23:10 — Accidental Managers: The Hidden Cost00:27:00 — Next-Gen Leadership: Firm, Human, Resilient00:29:12 — Post-COVID Reality: Psychological Safety Pays00:31:10 — Hard Talks, Soft Skills: Mediate & Communicate00:34:18 — One Thing I’d Tell My Younger Self

We say we want “nice” cultures, then wonder why people burn out.Tiger de Souza, People leader at Samaritans, reveals how charities and mission-driven teams can balance purpose, limited resources, and real human support without losing clarity or standards.What you’ll learn:Why “nice” cultures exhaust people and why kind cultures performThe 4 leadership principles Samaritans use (accountability, empowerment, inclusion, connection)How to equip managers for monthly, meaningful performance conversationsHybrid/volunteer culture at scale: 20,000 volunteers, new norms, real psychological safetyWhere AI helps ops, but can’t replace human connection in crisisIf you lead people (in charities or beyond), this conversation will reset how you think about culture, performance, and wellbeing.👉 If this helped, subscribe and share with a leader who needs it.

What happens when you climb to the top of your career… but lose yourself along the way?In this powerful conversation, Matt shares how he accidentally fell into HR, rose through global roles at UBS, and then faced the devastating reality of burnout that cost him his health, career, and identity.We uncover:How recruitment turned into a global HR careerThe hidden drivers behind burnout and why so many ignore the signsWhy HR professionals are at the highest risk of emotional exhaustionThe three “buckets of burnout” and how to protect yourself from themPractical tools to set boundaries and recover before it’s too lateThis is not just an HR story, it’s a human story. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, detached, or on the edge of burnout, this episode might just change the way you approach your work and your life.Chapters00:00 – Falling into HR by accident01:00 – Recruitment, sales pressure & global moves02:40 – UBS opportunity & career breakthrough04:30 – Burnout disguised as success06:20 – The toxic drive of “not good enough”08:00 – What burnout really feels like09:45 – Therapy, coaching & rebuilding identity11:30 – Discovering the power of coaching13:10 – Why HR faces higher burnout risks15:20 – The breaking point moment16:40 – Catching stress before it becomes burnout18:20 – Signs of exhaustion & irritability20:00 – Detachment, cynicism & losing purpose23:20 – The tension at the heart of HR25:10 – The three buckets of burnout explained28:40 – Purpose, values & dangerous overcommitment32:00 – Overwhelm vs. burnout – the difference34:10 – Weekly check-ins to stay vigilant35:40 – Boundaries, respect & saying no37:20 – Peak performance through rest39:20 – Advice to my younger self: “Look at the evidence”

What if the key to retention, engagement, and authentic leadership isn’t perks or pay but community?In today’s episode, I sit down with David Hughes, Global Head of Talent at Costa Coffee, whose journey took him from competing for Great Britain in athletics to leading people, purpose, and community in one of the world’s most recognisable brands.We explore:How sport shaped his leadership philosophy and resilience.Why community is the most overlooked driver of engagement and retention.The rising influence of Gen Z and their demand for authenticity.How brands can avoid “whitewashing” and build trust through meaningful action.This is a masterclass in understanding why authenticity, purpose, and connection will decide the future of work.👉 If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe for more episodes and share this with someone who needs to hear it.Chapters00:00:29 – HR: Planned or by chance?00:01:27 – From GB athlete to HR leader00:02:19 – How sport shaped leadership00:04:04 – Leaving athletics & finding purpose00:05:51 – From recruitment to Boots & HR00:07:03 – What community really means00:09:55 – The data: community reduces turnover by 50%00:11:23 – Why Gen Z changed everything00:12:45 – Community, charity & the HR function00:14:42 – Building local impact: the SEN school project00:16:24 – Skills vs. qualifications: the future of work00:18:38 – The four pillars of talent at Costa00:20:11 – What EVP really means (and why most get it wrong)00:23:09 – Authenticity vs. whitewashing in employer branding00:24:59 – Gen Z: why they can’t be fooled00:27:03 – The real cost of ignoring community00:29:47 – A life-changing trip to Colombia00:31:54 – How to convince senior stakeholders00:33:02 – Advice to my younger self: mistakes & fourth gear00:34:55 – Why slowing down creates better work00:36:10 – Closing reflections on purpose and belonging

What if your financial health is the key to improving your work performance?In this powerful episode of The Plum Pod, Georgia is joined by Andrew Mulder, People Director at Nudge, as they explore the often-overlooked connection between financial well-being and employee productivity. From the impact of financial stress on mental health to why businesses should prioritise financial education, Andrew reveals why this topic is essential for a thriving workforce.Key Learnings:Financial Well-being Defined: What it truly means and why it's crucial for employees at all income levels.The Business Case for Financial Education: How it drives retention, reduces absenteeism, and boosts productivity.Practical Advice for Employers: How to implement financial education programmes on a budget and with global scalability.Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation ,subscribe to The Plum Pod for more episodes on HR and mental health!Chapters00:00:00 – The Surprising Link Between Money and Mental Health00:03:15 – How Andrew Ended Up in HR by Chance00:08:45 – Breaking Down Financial Well-being: What It Really Means00:12:30 – Financial Education: The Missing Piece in Corporate Wellness00:17:00 – The Problem with 'More Money' as a Solution00:22:15 – Nudge’s Approach to Financial Well-being Education00:26:40 – Making Financial Education Accessible Without the Jargon00:30:10 – Building Leadership Buy-In: The Key to Implementation00:34:05 – How to Start a Financial Well-being Programme on a Budget00:38:30 – A Powerful Lesson for Your Future Self

In this episode, Alan, a seasoned HR leader, shares his insights on the emotional journey of navigating change in the workplace. He highlights the difference between change and transition, the importance of acceptance, and why transparency is essential in leadership. Alan also explores how self-awareness and personal growth can transform your leadership style.If you're an HR professional or leader dealing with change, this episode offers practical advice and deep insights. Subscribe and share this episode with your network!Chapters:00:00:00 - Alan's Unexpected HR Journey00:04:12 - Change vs. Transition: What's the Difference?00:07:38 - The Power of Acceptance in Leadership00:13:24 - The Middle: Finding Clarity in Uncertainty00:16:58 - Trust, Transparency & the Leadership Dilemma00:21:42 - Personal Growth Through Struggles00:26:03 - Forgiveness: The Secret to Lasting Change00:31:08 - The Role of Breath and Self-Care in Leadership00:35:20 - Giving Yourself Permission to Be Human

HR isn’t protecting people. It’s protecting companies. But what if that’s the problem?In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Georgia from Access HR sits down with Shane Mays, startup veteran and ER (employee relations) specialist for a brutally honest deep-dive into the real purpose of HR, why it’s broken, and how we can rebuild it from the inside out.From his beginnings as a software engineer to leading people teams at fast-scaling startups, Shane brings a human-first perspective to the most misunderstood function in business today.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why HR still feels like the company’s bodyguard and how to change itThe hidden cost of treating ER as a legal processHow to scale employee relations without burning outThe power of playbooks, trust, and co-creation in leadershipIf you’ve ever felt stuck between doing what’s “compliant” and doing what’s right, this episode will shift your thinking, for good.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and share with someone who needs to hear this.Chapters 00:00:00 – HR Is Not Here to Protect You00:01:16 – Meet Shane: From Engineering to HR00:03:04 – Why He Stayed in People Ops00:04:36 – What Employee Relations Really Means00:07:13 – Social Media, Fear & Legal Influence00:09:17 – Why ER Needs a Human-First Lens00:11:39 – A Manager’s Mistake: Process Before People00:16:03 – Building a Legal Wall vs. Human Bridge00:19:12 – Why Leaders Need a Compass, Not a Policy00:22:18 – Make Playbooks Public. Remove the Ambush.00:23:35 – How ER Changes as You Scale00:25:06 – Teach People How to Eat00:27:09 – Co-Create Your ER Strategy00:28:59 – Flexing Your ER Muscle Without the Cases00:30:34 – You Don’t Need a Pocket Lawyer00:33:16 – You’ll Never Have All the Answers—And That’s Okay00:34:26 – The One Thing Shane Would Tell His Younger Self