HR Engage Podcast

In this episode of HR Engage, host Jonathan Mamaril sits down with Tanya Hibbard, a “pracademic” who has steered people strategy everywhere from high-stakes automotive showrooms to remote mine sites and, most recently, oil-and-gas operations. Tanya unpacks how turning HR into a profit centre helped her rise from coordinator to multi-site leader, why mapping every stakeholder (even the finance team you forgot last time!) is non-negotiable, and how she’s building a first-of-its-kind Aboriginal workforce program six-and-a-half hours south of Darwin. 

In this conversation you’ll learn:

• Commercial HR 101: How lean automotive margins taught Tanya to speak the language of dollars and KPIs—and why executives finally listened when the numbers hit the screen. 
  
  
• Career agility: Moving from car dealerships across Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane to heavy-industry teams in the Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley and PNG, then pivoting to oil & gas without missing a beat. 
  
  
• Building inclusive pipelines: The inside story on launching an Aboriginal workforce initiative in Elliott, NT, and the community partnerships making it stick. 
  
  
• Practical wisdom for every HR level: From public-speaking hacks that stop the shakes to the stakeholder checklist that saves projects—and reputations. 
  
  
• Future-proofing the profession: Why HR needs more gender balance, and how technology’s march risks eroding the human connections that make workplaces thrive. 
  
  

If you’re an early-career HR pro hunting for confidence, a seasoned leader chasing sharper commercial impact, or anyone curious about people strategy at the coalface (sometimes literally), this episode is your roadmap. 

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

From London boardrooms to Queensland beaches — meet Heidi Mayhew-Sanders. 🌍💼 

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast with Jonathan Mamaril, you’ll step into the shoes of a global HR leader whose journey spans continents, career pivots, and powerful insights. Heidi opens up about transitioning from operations to HR, navigating the challenges of returning to the Australian job market after 17 years abroad, and what it really takes to lead in today’s ever-changing workplace. 

Perfect for early-career HR professionals and seasoned leaders alike, this conversation covers: 

✨ Commercial HR strategy
 🧠 Staying sharp in leadership
 💬 The myth of HR being “just for the employer”
 💪 Wellness, resilience & the power of backing yourself 

Whether you’re chasing your next big role or just love a good story — this one’s for you. 

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, Jonathan sits down with Hayley Fielding, Head of People and Culture at Tunstall Australasia, whose journey into HR didn’t start in a boardroom — it started in a campervan. 🛻 From leading teams in retail and healthcare to becoming an executive HR leader, Hayley’s story is a masterclass in learning by doing, backing yourself, and building real impact in people’s lives at work. 

Jonathan Mamaril dives deep with Hayley on: 

• How leadership experience translates into HR success 💼
• Why performance management is more powerful than policies 📈
• The hidden dangers of “single point of failure” roles 🚨
• Why HR shouldn’t be solely responsible for workplace culture 🎭
• The value of networking, taking real holidays, and trusting your team 🌴

Raw, funny, and filled with sharp advice for early career professionals and seasoned HR leaders alike — this episode is about embracing the messy, human side of human resources.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, Jonathan Mamaril sits down with Nathan Bryant, HR Manager at Nauru Airlines, for a refreshingly honest and insightful deep dive into what it really means to lead in today’s evolving HR landscape.

Nathan’s journey spans from stacking shelves on night shift to steering HR strategy across borders — and in this conversation, he unpacks it all. From industry pivots to building HR departments from scratch, navigating workplace resistance, and why he thinks people are puzzles that strategy alone can’t solve.

You’ll hear:

• Why jumping industries made him a better leader
• How HR can shift from “hire and fire” to strategic partnership
• The silent toll of burnout (and how not to bring it home)
• What junior HR pros should actually be doing to find their niche
• Why authenticity, upskilling, and prioritising family matter more than ever

Packed with practical wisdom, candid advice, and a few curveballs (yes, we’re talking gaming, Tolkien, and cat mansions), this episode sets the tone for the kind of real, frank conversations HR Engage is here to deliver.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

Welcome to this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, with Jonathan Mamaril. Today, Jonathan talks with Sonya Law — an accomplished HR leader, leadership coach, and wellbeing advocate. 🌟

Sonya shares her inspiring journey from studying IT and accounting to becoming a respected voice in human resources and leadership. With a career spanning mining, education, and organisational transformation, she brings unique insights into the evolving role of HR as the custodians of culture and the thermometers of business health. 🌍

Sonya discuses why self-care is crucial for sustainable leadership 💆‍♀️, how wellbeing initiatives need to move beyond simple compliance ✅, and why "progress over perfection" is the new standard for success.

Packed with career advice, leadership wisdom, and plenty of humour — including why managing a boardroom sometimes feels a lot like managing a kindergarten 🏖️👶 — this conversation is a must-listen for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone passionate about building better workplaces.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

In this edition of the podcast, Jonathan sits down with the Rod Francisco, a HR leader with a diverse background that spans from his early career in the military to strategic roles in the resources sector and local government.

Rod shares his journey of transitioning from the army to human resources, where he developed his passion for leadership, culture, and values. He offers insights into the simplicity of effective HR practices and how these can drive business success. Rod also discusses his role as the Queensland State President for the Australian Human Resource Institute (ARRI), where he's been instrumental in reinstating the Queensland State Conference and expanding regional networks.

Throughout this engaging conversation, Rod emphasises the importance of culture over industrial relations as the foundation of HR, shares valuable advice for early career professionals, and highlights the essential collaboration between HR and finance. Whether you're new to the HR field or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to think differently about HR strategies and leadership.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

Welcome to the HR Engage Podcast with Jonathan Mamaril, in this episode of Jonathan sits down with renowned HR leader Mark Linley, whose career spans over two decades across diverse industries including aviation, retail, corrections, and immigration. Mark brings rich insights from his 12 years in Dubai, where he managed regional HR operations for organisations with workforces exceeding 220,000 employees. With experience leading HR functions in some of the world’s top 50 companies, Mark discusses what it means to be a bold, ideas-led HR leader—and why mastering commercial drivers is essential for HR professionals at every level. From pushing through early career doubts to advocating for cross-functional learning and coaching the next generation of HR leaders, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways, global perspective, and inspiring moments. 

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

In this episode of the HR Engage, host Jonathan Mamaril is joined by Oloff Visser, a seasoned executive with an impressive career across South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. From industrial relations and legal negotiations to large-scale change management and business transformation, Oloff’s journey is packed with wisdom for HR professionals at every stage of their career.

Jonathan and Oloff discuss what it really means for HR to add value, why understanding how a business makes money is critical, and how trust, communication, and subtle leadership can transform organisations. Whether you're looking for career inspiration or practical advice on leading people and culture, this conversation is one not to miss.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

Welcome to this edition of the HR Engage Podcast, with Jonathan Mamaril.  In this edition of the podcast, Jonathan talks with Paula Holden, a seasoned leader in HR and people & culture, with nearly 30 years of experience across executive leadership, board directorships, and workforce strategy. This episode explores Paula’s diverse career journey—from her early days in HR to her current role as Chief People Officer at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Listeners will gain insights into mentoring, strategic HR leadership, and the evolving landscape of workplace culture. Paula shares her thoughts on the challenges of hybrid work, the impact of AI on HR, and why HR professionals must secure a seat at the decision-making table.

This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone passionate about building better workplaces and stronger teams. 

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, Jonathan Mamaril is joined by Samantha Pickering, Chief Operating Officer at Queensland Computers and a 40 Under 40 award recipient. With a career spanning diverse industries—from early childhood education to automotive sales and HR leadership—Samantha brings a wealth of experience in people management, leadership development, and workplace culture.

Together, they discuss the power of mentorship, the balance between compliance and culture in HR, and the challenges of managing a multi-generational workforce. Samantha shares her personal journey, offering practical advice for HR professionals at all levels.

Tune in for a compelling conversation filled with valuable insights on navigating change, fostering employee engagement, and shaping the future of HR.

Produced and published by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof