HR Leader Podcast Network

In a recent episode of The HR Leader, co-founder and chief operations officer at Sidekicker, Jacqui Bull, delves into the pressing issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The conversation shines light on the multifaceted benefits of DEI training and why it’s crucial for employers to not only understand but also actively promote these values within their teams. Jacqui emphasises the significant financial and productivity gains that can be achieved through fostering a diverse workforce. She points out that diversity of thought and people often leads to better business outcomes. Moreover, the current job market shows that employees place high value on DEI, with many prospective employees considering a company’s commitment to these principles when choosing their next employer.

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Suzanne Wood, state general manager residential broker Victoria/Tasmania at Westpac Group (and state chair of the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group), about how she climbed the career ladder in banking and the power of having strong female role models. Tune in to find out: How she learnt the art of having difficult conversations. The perils of unconscious bias and how to tackle them. How Westpac is supporting women through the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group. And much more!

In the current economic climate, financial stress plays a key influence on workplace wellbeing. Interest rates, inflation, and a rising cost of living have taken their toll on the population, prompting the need for intervention. The latest episode of The HR Leader discusses these issues. Marc Bineham, a money and wellness coach, joins the podcast to give his expertise in the often-overlooked area of wellness: financial wellbeing. This stress doesn’t just negatively affect the individual; it can translate into a staggering loss of productivity for organisations and the wider economy. Businesses can assist their employees by implementing financial wellness policies. Marc touches on the stigma surrounding money discussions and how people are more comfortable sharing personal life details than their financial status, a cultural trait that hinders open conversations about financial health. He advocates for a cultural shift, similar to campaigns encouraging open discussions about mental health, to normalise financial wellbeing discussions.

In this episode of The HR Leader, Jack Campbell sits down with Jatin Vengurlekar, founder of Montagio Custom Tailoring, to discuss the significant shifts in workplace uniforms during the pandemic and the broader impacts on the retail industry. As companies navigate the gradual return-to-office life, many are re-evaluating dress codes, leaning towards a more relaxed approach to professional attire. The pandemic has undeniably influenced workplace fashion, with many employees trading in suits and ties for more casual wear. Jatin notes that the transition to working from home led to a more relaxed fashion, a trend that persists even as employees return to the office. The evolution of attire reflects a broader change in corporate culture. The conversation then turns to the retail sector, which faced its own set of challenges during the pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions led to a significant downturn in business for retailers, with many relying on face-to-face interactions. The impact on staffing was profound, with many retail workers left without work. The industry at large saw an exodus of talent as workers sought more pandemic-resistant careers. To combat these challenges, some retailers are focusing on company culture and benefits as a means of attracting and retaining staff. While these perks can be enticing, Jatin argues that wages remain the primary concern for most candidates. In an environment where living expenses continue to climb, potential employees seek roles that offer financial stability and growth.

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Anjali Crossette, manager of motor operations at non-bank lender Liberty, about breaking barriers and misconceptions about car finance and why she believes the industry needs to showcase gender diversity across every rung of the career ladder. Tune in to find out: Why the finance industry is an attractive industry to work in for women. The progress being made in gender diversity in car finance. How Liberty is leading the way by example. And much more!  

A lack of understanding surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is polarising workplaces. Ongoing and comprehensive training and education are crucial in the modern workplace. These themes were explored in a recent episode of The HR Leader with Cultural Infusion chief executive Peter Mousaferiadis, highlighting just how important it is for organisations to create equitable and inclusive workplaces. The significance of intersectionality was explored, and how understanding this term can assist in developing a healthy and happy workplace. Peter also delved into the role of technology and data in recognising issues and helping to eliminate them. Representation is a crucial aspect of DEI, and it’s important for workplaces to reflect the community they serve.

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Olympian and financial adviser at HLB Mann Judd, Sarah Carli, to discuss how she made her way from the track to financial advice. Ms Carli, who competed in the 400-metre hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, reveals the valuable skills she has learned as an adviser that have positively impacted her athletic career, as well as how she balances being a professional athlete with working full time. Tune in to find out: The importance of a supportive work environment. How she balances her professional and athletic commitments. How there are more transferable skills between athletics and advice than many might expect. And much more!

In this episode of The HR Leader, Margot Faraci, a senior leader, leadership expert, and author, discusses the concept of “love leadership” and how harnessing this can help better leadership. Trust is a crucial aspect of this, and those who incorporate it into practice can help to build better relationships with employees. Margot also discusses the power shift in the job market, with employees having more say in their working arrangements. She advocates for a more consultative leadership style that balances consultation with decisive decision making and empathy with results-driven performance. Another area delved into was psychological safety and its impact on performance. Margot suggests that leaders should focus on building a culture of psychological safety. By choosing capable team members and fostering trust within the team, leaders can drive sustainable performance.

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. Deslie Taylor, principal at Mortgage Choice Ormeau in Queensland, is one of the top brokers in the country, having settled over $1 billion in loans in her 16-year career and taken home numerous awards including Mortgage Broker of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards multiple years in a row. In this episode, we chat to Ms Taylor about how she runs her award-winning brokerage and find out from Aaron Slater, general manager of distribution at Mortgage Choice (principal partner of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023), how we can help support and create more inclusive workplaces. Tune in to find out: The power of being an empathetic leader. The art of practising continuous improvement. How Mortgage Choice’s Aspire program is supporting women in finance. And much more!

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. Joanna James is an advocate for constant reinvention and resilience, having adapted to change over her career in the finance space herself. Having worked in the lending space for more than 20 years – including as the general manager of non-bank lender Mortgage Ezy – she now helps support women in building successful businesses through Artemis Space, a women’s community group delivered by the Finance Brokers Association of Australia. In this episode, Annie Kane sits down with Ms James to find out: Why success is subjective. The power of visualisation, emotionalisation and manifestation. Why she believes the finance industry is a great industry for women. And much more!