HR Engage Podcast

In this episode, host Jonathan Mamaril puts Leanne Lazarus—Queensland’s most sought-after HR recruitment specialist—in the hot seat for a conversation every HR professional needs to hear. 

Leanne reveals:

 • What the HR job market really looks like right now 📊
• The #1 mistake candidates make without realising it ❌
• Why she asks every client one simple question:

 👉 “Is it a chair or a stool?” 

Their answer tells her everything about whether HR is truly valued in that organisation.  

🔑 You’ll learn: 

→ Why value alignment matters more than salary 💡
→ The career advice early HR professionals learn too late ⏳
→ How AI is reshaping recruitment (and what stays human) 🤖❤️
→ Which roles are in highest demand right now 🔥
→ How to know if an organisation truly values HR 🪑  

Whether you’re:

 • An HR leader building your team
• An early-career professional planning your next move
• Or somewhere in between 

👉 This one’s for you.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

She didn't choose HR — HR chose her. And it took 7 years, 11 schools, a construction site, and a whole lot of "I don't have all the answers" to get there. 

In this raw and refreshingly honest conversation, Chief People Officer Melitta McDonald pulls back the curtain on what it ACTUALLY takes to build a thriving HR career — no sugarcoating, no corporate jargon, just real talk from someone who's been in the trenches (literally, on construction sites) and earned her seat at the executive table. 

If you've ever felt like an imposter, wondered whether you're "qualified enough," or struggled to get leadership to take HR seriously... this episode is your permission slip to do things differently.  

🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: 

The Unconventional Path That Works Melitta shares why working full-time while completing her degree over 7 years gave her an edge that fast-track graduates often miss. She breaks down the real-world benefits of learning HR "in the trenches" — handling contracts, policies, and difficult conversations WHILE studying the theory behind them. 

The #1 Skill Every HR Professional Needs (It's Not What You Think) Forget policies and procedures. Melitta reveals that LISTENING — truly listening for what makes each person tick — is the foundational skill that transformed her career. She shares practical advice on how to develop this skill and why it matters more than knowing all the textbook answers. 

How to Earn Respect in Male-Dominated Industries From corporate finance to construction to FMCG manufacturing, Melitta has navigated industries where HR was often seen as "the fun police." She shares exactly how she changed that perception, built credibility with skeptical teams, and grew female representation from near-zero to 41% in one organization. 

Getting HR a Seat at the Leadership Table Tired of being seen as a "cost centre"? Melita reveals her strategy for becoming a true business partner — including how to speak the language of your ELT, present data that resonates, and build the trust that gets you invited into strategic conversations. 

The Truth About Culture (That Most Managers Won't Like) Here's a controversial take: Culture is NOT HR's sole responsibility. Melitta makes the case for why every department — Finance, Operations, Sales — should have "and Culture" in their title, and how to get buy-in from leaders who think culture is just about Christmas parties and team lunches. 

Managing a Multi-Generational, Multicultural Workforce With 48% of her workforce on visas and employees spanning FIVE generations, Melitta shares the retention and engagement strategies that actually work in today's complex workplace environment.

🎯 WHO IS THIS EPISODE FOR? 

✅ HR professionals feeling like they need "more qualifications" to succeed 

✅ Early-career HR practitioners looking for real-world guidance 

✅ HR generalists who love the breadth of the profession 

✅ Anyone struggling to get HR taken seriously by leadership 

✅ People leaders in male-dominated or blue-collar industries 

✅ HR managers dealing with multi-generational workforce challenges 

✅ Anyone who's ever felt like an imposter in their career

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

How do you tell 320 people their jobs are gone—and have them THANK you for it? 🤯

In this powerful episode of the HR Engage Podcast, host Jonathan Mamaril sits down with veteran HR generalist Simon Lever, whose career spans aviation, construction, healthcare, government, and international projects. Simon shares raw, real-world lessons from 25+ years navigating the toughest moments in human resources.

From standing in front of hundreds during the GFC to navigating AI's disruption in recruitment, Simon reveals the one skill that separates good HR professionals from great ones: genuine empathy combined with strategic communication.

🔑 What You'll Learn:

• Why being a generalist (not a specialist) can be your biggest career advantage
• The exact communication framework Simon used during mass layoffs that earned him respect instead of resentment
• How AI is reshaping HR and recruitment—and what it CAN'T replace
• Building a powerful professional network you can rely on in crisis moments
• Managing HR timelines: why delays can destroy your case
• The mindset shift that transforms difficult conversations

💡 Simon's Key Quote: "People just don't know what they don't know."

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

What does it take to build a thriving HR career from the ground up—and lead a team of 18 through organizational chaos? 

Rae Headey's journey to General Manager of People & Development at Carers Queensland wasn't linear—and that's exactly what makes her story so powerful. From beauty therapist to yacht stewardess to HR executive, Rae shares the unconventional path that shaped her leadership philosophy and the game-changing lessons every HR professional needs to hear. 

In this episode, discover: 

✅ How to navigate large-scale mergers & acquisitions (1,500 to 10,000 employees!) without losing your team 

✅ The #1 communication strategy that reduces anxiety during organizational change 

✅ Why resilience is THE most critical capability for HR success 

✅ How to build an HR department from scratch when you're "really green" 

✅ The mentorship secret that accelerated Ray's career trajectory 

✅ Why performance management should never be taken personally (and how to master it) 

Rae reveals her non-negotiables for hiring HR team members, the importance of having a "seat at the table," and why positivity isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a leadership superpower. Plus, hear about her fascinating pre-HR life working in the Bahamas and how variety became her career compass! 

Perfect for: HR Managers, People & Culture Leaders, HR Advisors, Organizational Development professionals, and anyone navigating change management in large organizations.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

In this episode of the HR Engage podcast, Jonathan Mamaril talks with Holly McBride, a powerhouse HR leader who went from retail management in Birmingham, UK to leading People & Culture at Fraser Coast Council in Australia. This conversation is PACKED with actionable insights that will change how you approach both your career and personal growth! 

In this game-changing episode, discover: 

✅ How Holly conquered her fear of public speaking (and her advice for YOU) 

✅ The Gallup Strengths framework that revolutionized her entire approach to work AND life 

✅ Why "letting them" theory is the self-care strategy every HR professional needs

 ✅ Real strategies for building agile workforces in traditional organizations 

✅ The shocking truth about why HR doesn't always need to be "the expert"

Whether you're an early-career HR professional looking for guidance or a seasoned leader seeking fresh perspectives, Holly's authentic approach to employee experience design, change management, and personal development will inspire you to elevate your game. 

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAY: "There'll be a time where you wish you were here" - Don't miss this powerful reminder about presence and gratitude in both career and life.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

In this milestone 20th episode, host Jonathan Mamrell welcomes a true pioneer in business and purpose—Paul Dunn. Paul was one of Hewlett Packard’s first ten employees in Australia, went on to become a globally recognised speaker who has reached more than 236,000 people, and is the co-founder of B1G1, the groundbreaking giving initiative that has already created over 374 million impacts worldwide. 

This power-packed conversation dives deep into the future of work and employee engagement, exploring:

 🔹 The Gallup study showing only 26% of employees are truly engaged—and what leaders can do about it
🔹 How to transform engagement by linking work to measurable social impact
🔹 Why “fostering humanity flourishing” may be the ultimate business purpose
🔹 The famous boat analogy that will change the way you view your workforce
🔹 How AI and technology are reshaping HR and what’s really coming next
🔹 Real-world success stories, from Anytime Fitness gyms to law firms, redefining workplace culture
🔹 Paul’s unique insights from mentoring Daniel Priestley and even working alongside Steve Jobs 

Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or simply passionate about creating meaningful workplaces, this episode delivers actionable insights on bridging purpose with measurable impact in a rapidly changing world.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

Is AI about to revolutionise HR forever? 🤖 

This conversation will change how you think about the future of Human Resources! 

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, host Jonathan Mamaril sits down with Josh Campbell, an 18-year HR veteran who's gone from safety compliance to leading HR at a cutting-edge EV charging technology company. Josh shares his controversial take: AI won't replace HR professionals - but those who don't embrace it will be left behind. 

Key Takeaways: 

🔹 Why storytelling is the #1 skill every HR professional needs (and AI can't replicate)

🔹 How Josh automated his entire birthday reminder system in just 1 hour using ChatGPT 

🔹 The dangerous trap of AI-generated employment law advice (and why it's creating chaos) 

🔹 Why "getting a seat at the table" requires more than just wearing an HR badge 

🔹 The surprising connection between behavioral safety and modern HR practices 

Josh reveals how he's achieved more in 4 months with AI than in the previous 10 years of his career - while warning about the critical human elements that technology can never replace. From retail to hospitality to high-tech, his journey proves that embracing change while maintaining human connection is the ultimate HR superpower. 

Whether you're an HR Manager looking to level up or a seasoned professional navigating technological disruption, this episode delivers actionable insights on thriving in the AI era while keeping the "human" in Human Resources. 

👉 Subscribe for more HR insights! 

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

What happens when you combine a degree in HR, 500 earthworms, and the courage to ask for what you want? You get one of the most inspiring HR transformation stories we've ever shared on the HR Engage Podcast! 

Join host Jonathan Mamaril as he sits down with Candice, a powerhouse HR leader whose journey from Johannesburg to Brisbane includes building a consulting empire within RSM, managing global teams across impossible time zones, and somehow finding time to become a silversmith (yes, really!). 

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The "Side Quest" Strategy - How asking one bold question launched a dual career path
• AI Revolution in HR - Why the people choosing your tech matter more than the tech itself
• The 4am Meeting Reality - Surviving (and thriving) with global teams
• Breaking the "Perfect Professional" Myth - Why humor might be your secret weapon

💡 GAME-CHANGING INSIGHTS:
 
✅ How to pitch your career expansion to decision-makers 

✅ The critical skill every HR professional is missing (hint: it's not tech) 

✅ Working with "no" - the negotiation technique from FBI tactics 

✅ Why corporate governance knowledge changes everything
 
BONUS: Discover the book that transformed how Candice approaches every negotiation (spoiler: it involves hostages).

📚 BOOKS MENTIONED:
 

• "Never Split the Difference" - Chris Voss
• "Sapiens" & "Homo Deus" - Yuval Noah Harari
• Malcolm Gladwell's collection

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

From Psychology Graduate to Global HR Expert: The Unconventional Career Journey That Led to $50K+ Salary Savings 

Ever wondered how a farm kid with a psychology degree becomes a sought-after compensation consultant saving startups tens of thousands on salary costs? 🚀 

In this eye-opening conversation, Matt McFarlane shares his unconventional journey from struggling to land his first HR role to leading people operations across 70 countries for a 600-person tech company. But here's the twist - he walked away from corporate life to solve one of the most challenging puzzles in business: getting compensation right. 

🔥 What You'll Discover: 

• The ONE piece of career advice that changed everything (and why Gen Z is getting it right)
• How Australian IR experience gives you a massive advantage in global roles
• The "title inflation" strategy that's controversial but works for startups
• Why Matt thinks HR should own compensation decisions, not finance
• The living wage philosophy that splits the HR community
• Real examples of saving companies $25K+ with better salary data

💡 Career Game-Changers:
 

• Why being "too idealistic" can damage your relationships and career progression
• The team structure hack that eliminates reactive firefighting
• How to have compensation conversations with ANY executive (they WILL listen)
• The Richard Branson quote that became a career manifesto

⚡ Controversial Takes: Matt doesn't hold back on hot topics like pay transparency laws, time tracking for HR teams, and why some companies should pay people the same salary regardless of performance. Whether you agree or disagree, these insights will make you think differently about modern HR practices.
 
Perfect for HR professionals, startup founders, career changers, and anyone curious about the intersection of people, culture, and business strategy.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

Ever wondered what would happen if every HR professional walked into work as though they owned the place? You’re about to find out. Welcome to HR Engage with Jonathan Mamaril. In this episode, Jonathan is joined by Claudia Faulkner—Canadian-born, UK-raised and, for the past three decades, a force in Australian HR. Claudia was forged in the fiery world of industrial relations at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry before pivoting into engineering, where she’s spent 19 years honing her reputation as the “Swiss-army-knife” generalist every project team wants in their corner.

In this conversation, Claudia unpacks her trademark owner-mindset—the philosophy that lets her pitch hard-to-fill roles like she’s selling a stake in the company and craft retention rituals that keep top-tier engineers sticking around. She also tackles the elephant in every hybrid office: why perpetual WFH could stunt junior talent and how leaders can bring knowledge-sharing back to life.

Whether you’re an early-career HR pro stocking your toolkit or a seasoned executive hungry for sharper commercial impact, buckle up. Claudia’s blend of candour, resilience and big-picture pragmatism will challenge how you hire, develop and hold onto great people—while proving that HR can be every bit as profit-driven as the boardroom expects.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof