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• The top blind spots small businesses miss — like outdated or missing employment contracts, underestimating award compliance, and not tracking leave properly.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/  

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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 (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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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/ 

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 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, we focus on the pivotal role of managers in your business's growth and the complexities that arise with new managerial roles. Whether you're promoting from within or hiring externally, mastering people management is not just an HR task—it's a cornerstone of successful business leadership. 

Here's what you'll discover today:

✅ Evaluating Potential Managers: Learn why promoting your top performers might not always be wise if they lack people management skills. We'll explore strategies to test leadership abilities before committing to promotions.

✅ Setting Managers Up for Success: Find out about creating a leadership charter and embedding company values to support new managers. Discover practical steps to ensure they embody the leadership style that matches your business ethos.

✅ The First 90 Days: Dive deep into the critical initial period for new managers with a detailed plan for their integration and effectiveness, from observation and learning to relationship-building and achieving results.

✅ Sustainable Leadership Development: Gain insights on continuous development through structured feedback and goal reviews, ensuring your managers not only succeed but excel in leading your teams.

✅ Real-World Applications: We provide actionable advice and real-life examples from past episodes, illustrating successful strategies implemented by other business leaders.

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: Lead Smart Checklist https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/empowering-new-managers/

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

Episode 9: Developing Next Generation Leaders : https://open.spotify.com/episode/3j23gr7RPf9Oe8OrGbkfCS?si=7df8419769c64221

Episode 57: Questions to Ask Before Promoting Someone to a Management Role:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RxXnXKsEc2XmsVEYx439p?si=b9cab4cbad3e4cbd&nd=1&dlsi=c00c7c359dc3486e

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/ 

Karen dives into the critical need to adopt a candidate-centric approach to hiring. With the landscape of recruitment evolving rapidly, understanding and optimising every step of the hiring process not only enhances your ability to attract the best talent but also strengthens your company's reputation and efficiency. 

What you'll discover in this episode: 

-> The importance of refining the recruitment process in your business, focusing on making it candidate-friendly and reflective of your company’s values and culture. 

-> Practical steps to ensure a smooth and engaging application process, including why traditional methods like requiring cover letters may need to be reconsidered. 

-> Insights into effective communication strategies throughout the recruitment process to maintain candidate interest and engagement. 

-> The significance of a robust selection process that goes beyond casual coffee chats to structured interviews and appropriate assessments that align with the job's demands. 

-> The value of feedback — not only providing it to candidates but also soliciting it from them to improve your recruitment practices continuously. 

Join us as we explore how to make your recruitment process a strategic tool for growth and innovation by centring it around candidate experiences. 

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

Free download: Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR 

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

Informal vs structured job interviews 

Episode 38 

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 provides actionable insights on leveraging your employer brand to drive business growth through strategic recruitment.  

As businesses expand, the challenge of hiring the right people becomes even greater. This episode provides a deep dive into how strengthening your employer brand can significantly enhance your recruitment process and overall business success. 

In today’s episode, you will learn about: 

-> The importance of employer branding for businesses of all sizes and how it transcends beyond big corporate buzzwords to become a critical strategy for attracting and engaging both candidates and current employees. 

-> A case study of a retail business facing challenges in hiring management roles, providing insights into how a well-articulated employer brand can address hiring difficulties and improve store performance. 

-> How to uncover your unique selling propositions that differentiate your business in a competitive job market. 

-> Practical strategies for drafting job advertisements that stand out, including segmenting. 

-> Essential training for hiring managers to adopt a candidate-centric approach, ensuring that the recruitment process treats candidates as potential customers, which is vital in today’s job market. 

-> Steps to review and adapt your recruitment messaging to reflect the unique aspects of your business, ensuring you attract the right people. 

This episode is packed with expert advice and practical tips for any business owner or leader looking to hire great people so their business can grow.  

Free download: 

Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR 

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

Make an Employment Offer They Can’t Refuse 

Recruitment is more marketing than HR 

Use social media to engage more candidates 

Episode 19 

Episode 30 

Episode 41 

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 milestone episode, we delve deep into why managing 'people stuff' effectively is not just an HR function but a core aspect of running a successful business. If you're looking to unlock growth and drive performance, this episode is a must-listen! 

In today’s episode, you will learn about: 

-> The crucial role of employee engagement in financial success, illustrated by a case study where disengaged employees were secretly job hunting, unbeknownst to a content management team. 

-> Why employee surveys and focus groups are essential tools for uncovering the real sentiments in your workplace—what your managers think might be very different from the reality. 

-> Six strategic themes that every business leader needs to focus on if they want to boost their company’s performance and culture: 

• Improving performance and decision-making 
• Recruitment and retention 
• Nurturing a positive workplace culture 
• Training and development 
• Adapting to future trends and changes 
• Enhancing employee engagement and well-being 

-> Practical advice on how to apply these themes to your business, with real-life examples and success stories from past episodes. 

-> Insights into how businesses can misjudge their cultural health and the steps you can take to realign your strategy with the actual needs of your team. 

-> Why it's vital to integrate people management into every facet of your business strategy to truly unlock growth and innovation. 

-> Looking forward to the next hundred episodes, where we will continue to explore how HR strategies are integral to broader business success and sustainability. 

If you've enjoyed the journey so far, or if you're just joining us, this episode is packed with invaluable insights that could change the way you think about business growth. Don't miss out on learning how a strategic focus on people can lead to real business success! 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated on every second Monday release—Episode 101 will feature a fresh take on these ongoing conversations about people and culture 

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/podcasts/find-grow-keep-series-2/  

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/consultancy-bespoke-programs/  

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/