What does good people practice really look like in complex, human-centred environments?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley is joined by Gil Sewell, Chief People & Culture Officer at Ember Korowai Takitini. With over 30 years’ experience across the UK, Europe, and Aotearoa New Zealand, Gil brings a grounded, practical perspective on leadership, culture, and organisational effectiveness.

From global corporates like PwC and Fonterra to the mental health and addictions sector, Gil’s career has shaped a clear belief: people strategy only works when it makes sense for the business.

This conversation explores what happens when you move beyond theory and into real-world complexity — where communication, context, and capability truly determine outcomes.

What You’ll Learn

• Why good organisations are built through good conversations

• How organisational context shapes what “good” HR and leadership looks like

• The difference between commercial thinking and an enterprise mindset

• What working in the mental health and NGO sector really involves

• How mental health and neurodiversity show up in performance and employment situations

• Why communication and approach can make or break outcomes

• Lessons from a non-linear career path across sectors and geographies

 

Key Takeaways

• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to people strategy

• Context matters — what works in corporate doesn’t always translate to NGOs

• Strong people practice requires an enterprise-wide perspective, not just commercial focus

• Communication is often the difference between resolution and escalation

• Mental health and neurodiversity require thoughtful, practical leadership — not just policy

 

About Gil Sewell

Gil Sewell is Chief People & Culture Officer at Ember Korowai Takitini and believes good organisations are built through good conversations.

She has spent more than 30 years working with leaders across the UK, Europe, and Aotearoa New Zealand, helping organisations navigate change and build cultures where people understand what matters and can do their best work.

Her career spans executive roles in health, professional services, and global corporates including PwC and Fonterra, as well as founding and running her own consultancy.

 

Why This Episode Matters

If you’re working in HR, leadership, or people and culture, this episode offers a practical lens on what it really takes to lead well in complex environments — especially where mental health, capability, and organisational context intersect.

 

Resources & Links

• Ember Korowai Takitini

• Gil Sewell | LinkedIn

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