Are you feeling the pressure of managing people, policies, and growth—but unsure what kind of HR support your business truly needs?  

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common questions from growing small to medium businesses: When do I need ongoing HR support? 

This episode is a must-listen if: 

• You’re starting to outgrow your DIY HR processes 
• You’re not sure when or how to invest in HR support 
• You want to make a smart financial and strategic choice about your people operations 

In this episode, we explore: 

• What is Fractional HR, and how it compares to hiring a full-time HR Manager 
• The pros and cons of each option based on your business stage 
• Cost comparisons: $36K/year vs. up to $200K/year—and what you get for it 
• Real-life examples of businesses that made the switch (and saved big) 
• Signs you're ready to build a people strategy, not just stay compliant 
•  When it’s actually time to make your first HR hire—and how to do it right 

You’ll walk away with clarity on the right HR support structure for your team—whether you’re in rapid growth or just laying your foundations. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.  

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People: 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/  

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Episode 47: Six Tips for Hiring Your First HR Person 
• Robert Half Salary Guide  
• Amplify HR’s Accelerate Program 

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode we explore the transformative potential of well-crafted policies and governance frameworks in small to medium-sized businesses. We are joined by Celeste Norman, founder of Rayne Legal, who brings a wealth of experience in the legal and compliance realms. Together, we debunk the myth of policies as mere formalities and reveal how they can be leveraged as strategic tools for sustainable business growth. 

In this episode, you will discover: 

• The Strategic Importance of Policies: Understand how policies are not just administrative necessities but the backbone of your business practices, guiding both operational efficiency and cultural alignment. 
• Dynamic and Fit-for-Purpose Policies: Learn from Celeste’s expertise on how to keep policies relevant and adaptable, ensuring they reflect the current needs and future aspirations of your business. 
• Integrating Flexibility with Structure: Dive into discussions on flexible working arrangements and how well-defined policies can support both business needs and employee well-being, fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. 
• Governance as a Tool for Culture Building: Gain insights on how consistent and fair governance practices are instrumental in cultivating a positive workplace culture and driving employee engagement. 
• Practical Tips for Business Leaders: Equip yourself with actionable advice on enhancing governance, compliance, and operational efficiency to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment effectively. 
• Future-Proofing Your Business: Celeste shares her thoughts on the importance of staying proactive about governance and the role of policies in aligning with broader business strategies. 

Join us as we challenge conventional views on policies and governance, emphasising their role in driving meaningful change and business success.  

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Connect with Celeste at www.rayne.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-norman-rayne/  

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Is people management getting in the way of growing your business? 

In this practical episode, we unpack the five clear signs that it's time to get HR support—before people problems turn into business blockers. 

Whether you're navigating team turnover, inconsistent onboarding, or scaling into new markets, this episode will help you spot the red flags and understand what HR support can do to reduce stress and unlock performance. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why spending more time on team issues than growth is a warning sign 
• How to spot the hidden costs of high employee turnover—even if the reasons seem valid 
• What inconsistent onboarding does to productivity and culture 
• Why role clarity becomes non-negotiable as your business grows 
• How to prepare your people strategy before you scale 

You'll also hear real-life stories from growing businesses that discovered the true ROI of people strategy—through outsourced HR, structured onboarding, and team clarity. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au  for more insights and resources.   

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People: 

 https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/  

Also mentioned in this episode: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/easy-calculation-for-employee-turnover/  

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

If you’re running a professional services business and looking to scale beyond seven figures, this episode is packed with powerful insights to help you get there.  

Karen is joined by Marco Formaggio, founder of Sweat2Scale, who shares practical strategies drawn from his own success building and selling a successful business, and now helping others do the same. 

In today’s episode, you’ll discover: 

• Why shifting from a technical focus to a people-first mindset is critical for professional services businesses—and how it transformed Marco’s leadership approach. 
• The surprising truth about core values: why they’re not ‘soft skills’, but fundamental to performance, culture, and growth. 
• The difference between core, aspirational, and accidental values—and how to define the ones that will truly drive your business forward. 
• How hiring people better than you is not a threat—it’s the key to scaling and eventually creating a business that can run without you. 
• The revenue concentration trap: how relying too heavily on a small number of clients can stall (or sink) your growth, and what to do instead. 
• The one structural change Marco recommends to unlock growth—especially if you feel stuck in the delivery side of the business. 
• Why building an asset that runs independently gives you freedom—not just a path to exit, but more options, control, and legacy. 

This episode is a must-listen for any founder ready to scale with intention, align their people with purpose, and build a business that’s not just profitable—but also sustainable and scalable. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new  releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/   

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

Contact Marco at [email protected], follow him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoformaggio/  or request to join his LinkedIn group, Global Professional Services Business Founders. 

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

As your business grows, your HR risks grow too — but that doesn’t mean things have to get complicated. 

In this episode, Karen Kirton unpacks the most common HR pitfalls that sneak up on growing businesses and shares how to simplify compliance, protect your business, and build the foundations for a thriving team. 

If you’ve ever felt unsure about employment contracts, modern award obligations, or whether your onboarding checklist is up to scratch — this one’s for you. 

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

• Why risk increases as your team grows – and what happens when informal processes no longer cut it. 
• The top blind spots small businesses miss — like outdated or missing employment contracts, underestimating award compliance, and not tracking leave properly. 
• How mental health and wellbeing are now part of workplace safety, especially in remote and hybrid teams. 
• What you need to know about underpayments – including changes that make it a criminal offence in Australia. 
• The simple steps to take now – from doing a quick HR audit to setting up compliant contracts, policies, and handbooks that actually work for your business. 
• How Fractional HR or On-Demand HR support can help take the pressure off if you don’t have internal HR resources. 

Whether you're just hitting the 12+ employee mark or you're already on the fast track to growth, this episode will help you lay the right people foundations so your business can scale with confidence — not chaos. 

🎧 Tune in to learn how to protect your business without drowning in complexity. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.    

Free Download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/  

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode (recorded as our first LinkedIn Live!), Karen Kirton shares five key people and culture trends currently shaping small to medium-sized businesses in Australia. Drawing from recent research, client insights, and real conversations at networking events, Karen explores: 

• Why employee engagement still tops the priority list – and practical ways to support wellbeing and career growth in smaller teams 
• How SMEs can get started with AI and tech optimisation, while addressing staff concerns around change and privacy 
• The importance of upskilling leaders to manage hybrid teams and meet new compliance expectations 
• Staying ahead of Australia’s rapidly changing workplace laws – and why compliance is a foundation of a strong culture 
• Embracing a multigenerational workforce by offering flexible options and rethinking what ‘diversity’ looks like today 

Karen also answers live questions around return-to-office policies and shares why improving performance and shifting culture remain the most downloaded topics from the Find Grow Keep podcast archive. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/empowering-new-managers/ 

Also mentioned in this episode: 

Ep 42: Developing Career Pathways in Small Organisations 

 https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/developing-career-pathways-in-small-organisations/

Ep44: How to Shift a Workplace Culture 

 https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/how-to-change-workplace-culture/

Ep1: Improving Poor Performance Part 1 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/managing-performance/

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen is joined by Lucy McCarraher, founder of Book Magic AI and Rethink Press, and a mentor to thousands of business book authors. If you’ve ever considered writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the process, this conversation will show you how it can be one of the most powerful tools for business growth, recruitment, and brand authority. 

In today’s episode, you will learn: 

• Why writing a book is more than just a marketing tool—it provides clarity on your business, attracts ideal clients, and positions you as an authority in your field. 
• How a book can transform your recruitment process by helping candidates understand your company culture and values before they even join. 
• The concept of "book magic"—real-life stories of how publishing a book has led to unexpected opportunities, from doubling business revenue to securing global speaking engagements. 
• How Book Magic AI is making the book-writing process more accessible, helping entrepreneurs structure their ideas, overcome imposter syndrome, and stay motivated. 
• Why AI can’t (and shouldn’t) write your book for you—but how it can support the process by refining ideas, structuring content, and creating marketing materials once your book is published. 
• The key steps to getting started, including a free tool that helps you map out the right book for your business. 

If you've ever thought about writing a book but weren’t sure where to start, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you take the first step. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.  

Connect with Lucy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/  

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People 

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

https://bookmagic.ai/ 

https://rethinkpress.com/write/ 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/books/great-people-are-a-business-biggest-asset/ 

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the importance of aligning your company's purpose with its strategic goals to drive growth and ensure sustainability.  

Whether you're a small business owner or at the head of a larger enterprise, understanding and articulating your company's purpose is more than a task—it's a strategic advantage. 

What you'll gain from this episode: 

• Understanding the Essence of Company Purpose: Learn why a well-defined purpose and set of values aren't just corporate fluff but essential elements of a successful business strategy. 
• Real-life Business Dilemma: Dive into a case study of a retail business faced with a critical growth decision. Discover how clarifying their purpose guided their strategic choices and could influence yours. 
• Strategic Decision-Making: Find out how a clear purpose can serve as a lens for making tough business decisions, from expansion plans to branding and employee engagement. 
• Engagement and Differentiation: Hear how a purpose-driven approach helps differentiate your business from competitors and fosters deeper connections with employees and customers. 
• Big Brand Examples: Gain insights from major players like IKEA and Tesco, who have purpose-driven business strategies. 
• Practical Steps and Advice: Receive actionable advice and steps to start defining or refining your company's purpose today, with examples from Amplify HR's own journey.  

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their business through a purpose-driven approach.  

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.     

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

Episode 8: Faster and Better Decision Making 

Episode 69: The Value of Values 

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen dives into the impact of artificial intelligence on small and medium-sized businesses though a discussion with AI expert Janey Treleaven. As AI technologies and digital tools become increasingly integral to business operations, understanding and integrating them without overwhelming your people and existing systems is crucial for businesses to grow and succeed. 

In today’s episode, you will learn about: 

• The journey of adopting AI in business, from the initial exposure to its practical implementation, shared by Janey Treleaven, founder of Intelligence Assist. With over two decades of experience in technology at major Australian banks, Janey offers unique insights into making AI work for your business.
• The concept of AI literacy and its importance for businesses. Learn why training your team on how to effectively use AI tools is as critical as the tools themselves. 
• Strategies for choosing the right AI tools for your team, considering both the roles they perform and the tools' capabilities. This tailored approach ensures that AI integration is both cost-effective and impactful. 
• Practical advice on creating an "Acceptable Use of AI" policy to guide your team in using AI responsibly and effectively. 
• Insights into the potential of AI to return up to 30% of your team’s time by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities.
• And finally, explore the ongoing evolution of AI tools and how staying updated with these changes can significantly benefit your business operations. 

Whether you're already integrating AI into your business or just starting to consider its possibilities, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to guide you through the AI revolution in business.  

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.  

Connect with Janey Treleaven, founder of Intelligence Assist here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janey-treleaven/ 

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Great leadership goes beyond managing people—it’s about fostering growth, empowering teams, and creating a culture that drives business success. In this episode, we explore the five key leadership skills every business owner and manager needs to develop for long-term impact. 

Tune in to learn about: 

• Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness – How understanding yourself improves decision-making, leadership style, and team dynamics. 
• Effective Communication & Influence – Moving from ‘telling’ to coaching, navigating conflict with confidence, and providing feedback that drives real improvement. 
• Strategic Decision-Making – Shifting from daily tasks to big-picture thinking, setting a clear vision, and making data-driven choices that engage your team. 
• Delegation & Empowerment – The difference between ‘dumping’ tasks and truly empowering others to develop and succeed. 
• Building a Culture of Accountability – Encouraging ownership, celebrating wins, and maintaining engagement without fostering a toxic high-performance culture. 

If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills and create a thriving team, this episode is packed with practical insights. 

BONUS: Free Download - Checklist for new managers https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/empowering-new-managers/

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays! 
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep