Find Grow Keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores whether company culture truly impacts business success—or if it’s just a corporate buzzword. Inspired by Adam Grant’s book Think Again, she dives into post-2020 research to “think again” about culture, productivity, and performance—and the results confirm what many leaders feel: a strong culture makes a big difference.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• The research is clear: culture impacts performance.
  Studies since 2020 confirm that a positive company culture leads to higher productivity, employee engagement, and long-term success. Key ingredients? Teamwork, communication, shared values, and employee empowerment.
• There’s a massive disconnect between leaders and staff.
  While 92% of CEOs say they understand their company culture, only 50% of employees believe that’s true. Culture gaps hurt retention, trust, and morale—and they don’t fix themselves.
• Culture is intangible—but not unmeasurable.
  Karen outlines a 4-step practical exercise to audit your current culture, including comparing your perspective with your team’s and identifying the gaps between today and your desired future state.
• How to turn culture insights into action.
  She walks through how culture links to nearly every people-related process—recruitment, onboarding, communication, performance, and recognition—and how to align those to support the culture you want, not just the one you have.
• What to reflect on next.
  Karen encourages listeners to assess how well they’ve embedded values, enabled cross-functional teamwork, and empowered employees—and gives tips to create an action plan based on where you are today.

Whether your culture is thriving or needs some attention, this episode offers a grounded, research-backed look at why company culture matters—and how to shape it with intention.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

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In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Lachy Gray, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Yarno, a remote microlearning platform, to dive deeper into what accountability looks like in action inside a business. After exploring the theory in Episode 81, Karen brings in a business leader who’s built systems that make accountability and feedback part of the company’s DNA.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• How Yarno creates role clarity with “job scorecards”
  Lachy shares how the team keeps role responsibilities visible and up to date, and how everyone has access to each other’s scorecards. They also empower team members to suggest structural changes to roles using a collaborative decision-making template.
• Why feedback is a foundational skill—not a one-off conversation
  Yarno has embedded a framework called Courageous Feedback and holds monthly team-wide roleplay sessions to practise both giving and receiving feedback. Lachy explains how the company has normalised feedback to the point that it’s just “how we communicate.”
• How psychological safety and transparency go hand-in-hand
  From openly sharing scorecards to coaching the team on vulnerability, Lachy shows how a culture of trust underpins high performance and accountability.
• The power of leading by example
  Lachy’s advice to other business owners? If you want a strong culture, you have to model the behaviour—consistently and intentionally.

Whether you’re a business leader looking to create more ownership on your team or a manager wanting to make feedback part of your team’s everyday language, this episode is packed with practical ideas and real-world insights.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
 Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources.

Free download: Getting stuff done through your people - Amplify HR

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Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

As retention and productivity remain top concerns for business leaders in 2024, Karen Kirton explores one of the foundational components for success—accountability. In this solo episode, she breaks down why accountability matters, common challenges to building a culture of ownership, and practical steps to make it part of your everyday business operations.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why accountability is essential to business success
  It’s not just about making sure people are doing their jobs—it builds trust, improves decision-making, drives innovation, and supports a stronger, more engaged culture.
• The real cost of avoiding accountability
  From poor team morale to frustrated high-performers and leadership blind spots, Karen outlines what’s at stake when accountability is missing.
• Common roadblocks to accountability
  Lack of role clarity, insufficient feedback, fear of blame, poor training, and ineffective leadership all contribute to a lack of follow-through and underperformance.
• How to embed accountability in your culture
  Karen offers 5 actionable tips:
  1. Set clear expectations – Ensure roles and responsibilities are defined in up-to-date position descriptions.
  2. Provide regular feedback – Not just during annual reviews, but as part of daily conversations.
  3. Equip staff with the right tools and training – So they’re actually capable of delivering.
  4. Create psychological safety – Where people can own mistakes and speak up without fear.
  5. Lead by example – Accountability must start with leadership. If leaders aren’t walking the talk, no one else will.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re looking to create a high-performing team that stays aligned, motivated, and focused on what matters most.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
 Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

 Free download: Getting stuff done through your people - Amplify HR

 Also Mentioned in This Episode:
How to Set Effective Goals for the new year
Mastering Personal Goal Setting

Episode 74
Episode 75

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Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

Discover how AI is revolutionising employee onboarding and development.

In this episode, we dive deep into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the onboarding and development processes within businesses. Karen is joined by Matthew Mason, founder of Maven Zeal, a digital learning agency, and they explore the transformative impact of AI on employee onboarding and development.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Insights into AI Applications: Learn from Matthew Mason’s journey with AI and how his agency leverages AI avatars and adaptive learning technologies to enhance training and development.
• Effective AI Integration: Understand practical use cases where AI significantly improves onboarding processes, making training more dynamic and personalised.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Discuss the evolving landscape of AI in training, including potential hurdles and the immense benefits of rapid content development and personalized learning experiences.
• Future of AI in HR: Delve into discussions about the future regulatory environment for AI in HR, potential requirements for transparency, and the ethical considerations of using AI in recruitment and development.
• Strategic Advice for Leaders: Gain valuable advice on how business leaders can start incorporating AI into their processes today to stay competitive and efficient in a rapidly changing business environment.

Whether you're a business owner curious about AI, a HR professional looking to modernize your practices, or simply interested in the intersection of technology and human resources, this episode provides crucial insights and actionable strategies.

Tune in to understand how AI can transform your approach to employee development and onboarding.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
 Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

As the post-holiday wave of resignations begins, many businesses find themselves ramping up recruitment. In this episode, Karen Kirton unpacks three key recruitment trends shaping this year and what they mean for small to mid-sized businesses looking to stand out and hire effectively.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why AI is changing recruitment—for everyone
  Candidates are using AI to generate resumes and cover letters, and recruiters can harness it to streamline processes, reduce admin, and improve decision-making. But beware—AI can also mask weaker candidates, so your selection processes must adapt.
• The shift toward pay transparency
  With legal changes banning pay secrecy clauses and growing employee expectations, companies need remuneration policies and clear salary bands. Transparent job ads not only filter out misaligned candidates—they attract better-fitting ones too.
• How changing workforce demographics impact hiring
  Gen Z now makes up nearly 30% of the workforce. Karen explores what this means for job design, leadership style, and where and how you advertise roles. Recruitment strategies that worked 10 years ago may not work in 2024.

Bonus:
Karen shares actionable reflection points:

• What’s your recruitment strategy for this year?
• Are your hiring processes up to date?
• Is your pay transparent?
• Are you inclusive across all generations?

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Are you ready for recruitment this year? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

As the new year kicks off and resignations rise, many businesses find themselves in recruitment mode. But instead of immediately jumping to hire, Karen Kirton explores a powerful alternative—outsourcing. In this episode, she breaks down the pros and cons of outsourcing key functions and how it can help small businesses scale without the overhead.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why outsourcing can be smarter than hiring – Gain expertise, reduce costs, and scale your business faster by bringing in external specialists.
• Functions that are perfect for outsourcing – HR, finance, IT, marketing, and sales are all prime candidates.
• Key benefits of outsourcing:
  • Access to expert knowledge and systems.
  • More focus on your core business activities.
  • Improved compliance and reduced legal risk.
  • Flexibility without long-term employment commitments.
• Common concerns and how to overcome them – Learn how to manage control, culture fit, dependency, and continuity when outsourcing.
• What to look for in an outsourcing partner – Questions to ask about their model, commitment period, communication style, and handling of personnel changes.
• How to decide if outsourcing is right for you – Understand your business’s current stage and long-term model to make the right call.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources.

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

6 Tips for Hiring Your First HR Person

Episode 47

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Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton shifts the focus from business to personal, sharing a practical and structured approach to setting meaningful goals for the new year. Rather than vague resolutions, Karen introduces tools and frameworks that help you reflect on what really matters in your life, build positive habits, and create goals you’re more likely to achieve.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• How to use the Wheel of Life – A powerful tool for assessing satisfaction across key areas like health, relationships, finances, personal growth, and more.
• The benefit of identifying your lowest-scoring life areas – Why focusing on these can lead to more meaningful progress.
• How to set goals with the SPIRIT framework: 
  • Specific – Know exactly what you want to improve and why.
  • Prizes – Reward progress along the way.
  • Individual – Ensure goals are tailored to you.
  • Reviewing – Adjust goals as needed.
  • Inspiring – Keep it positive and motivating.
  • Time-bound – Set a clear and specific deadline.
• How to align your personal goals with your business mindset – Personal goal-setting helps strengthen your ability to set and stick to business goals too.
• Why shared goal-setting with a partner or household member can boost results – Start the new year on the same page.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

As we move into a new year, it's time to reflect on goals, priorities, and business direction. In this episode, Karen Kirton walks through a practical approach to company-wide goal setting—beyond just financial targets. Using simple frameworks, she explains how to create measurable objectives across four business pillars and how to ensure these goals drive engagement and performance across your team.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why setting company goals matters – How clear, achievable goals improve motivation, commitment, and well-being.
• A simple 4-pillar framework – How to set objectives across Financial, Operations, Customers, and People areas.
• The SMART method in action – How to make goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• How to cascade goals across your team – Align company objectives with individual roles and responsibilities.
• Why ownership and review are critical – Tips for assigning goal accountability and tracking progress throughout the year.
• Helpful goal-setting models – Suggestions for further reading: Balanced Scorecard, EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), and OKRs (Objectives & Key Results).

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Barbara Clifford, also known as The Time Tamer, to explore how business leaders can manage time, stress, and wellbeing—not only for themselves but for their teams—as the end-of-year pressure builds. Barbara shares practical and compassionate advice for setting boundaries, saying no with grace, and leading others through emotionally charged periods with empathy and clarity.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why the end-of-year feels like a “finish line” – And how to reset expectations and say no without guilt.
• The power of boundaries – How to assess what’s realistic, what can wait, and how to protect your energy.
• Tips for team leaders – Why recognising emotional triggers and individual stress responses is crucial in supporting your people.
• The "blender" analogy – Barbara’s go-to image to understand why constant productivity is unsustainable and how to prioritise recovery.
• The conveyor belt method – A visual tool to help sort what’s urgent, what can bounce, and what really needs your attention.
• The importance of post-holiday awareness – How to use your downtime to recalibrate your personal wellbeing baseline.
• A simple de-escalation tactic – What to say when criticism comes your way (especially during tricky family or team conversations!).

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

 
Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores why workplace wellbeing is more than just offering fruit bowls and gym discounts—especially as the end of the year approaches and employee stress rises. She shares practical ways to boost wellbeing across multiple domains, from financial and emotional health to psychosocial safety, and explains how doing so is not only the right thing to do, but essential for retaining great people.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why now is the time to focus on wellbeing – End-of-year stress, economic pressures, and the new-year job hunt make this a crucial time to take action.
• The 6 domains of wellbeing – Karen highlights the CIPD UK framework covering everything from good work and personal growth to financial and social wellbeing.
• The impact on retention – Research from Gallup and the Myers-Briggs Company shows a clear link between wellbeing and employee loyalty.
• Understanding your legal obligations – Karen breaks down the basics of WHS and psychosocial risk compliance under Australian legislation.
• Proactive strategies – From offering EAPs and mental health days to sharing financial education and accessing free government training, Karen shares ways to embed wellbeing meaningfully into your business.
• Free resources to explore – Including Beyond Blue and state government initiatives like NSW’s free mental health training and coaching for leaders.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Do you consider employee wellbeing in your workplace? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/