HR Hacks & Halos

In this episode, Jivan sits down with Mervyn Dinnen, a leading analyst and researcher in HR technology and talent trends. Together, they explore Mervyn's predictions for 2025 and the evolving landscape of HR. They delve into the impact of AI on employee engagement, the ongoing debate around flexible and remote working, and the importance of well-being in the workplace. Mervyn shares insights from recent conferences, highlighting the need for HR professionals to adapt to changing cultural expectations and the significance of human connection in an increasingly tech-driven environment. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"The number of breakout sessions I walked past where people are talking about AI, it's clearly the number one topic."

"I think it will change people's tasks, but it's not great to have it taking over some of the bits of the job that they enjoy."

"Leaders need an understanding of how culturally their organizations are changing."

"It's about putting the humanity into human resources."

"I think that there's a bit of an overload of all of these ways to represent this in a way that's more easily digestible."

GUEST BIO

Mervyn Dinnen is an analyst, author and commentator on HR, Talent and WorkTech trends. Based in London, UK, he is host of the HR Means Business podcast and the weekly HR Means Business newsletter in which he writes about the ongoing trends and developments in HR. He is an International Keynote speaker and has been recognised as a Top 100 Global Influencer in HR Technology for the last 5 years. He is also co-author of the books Digital Talent and Exceptional Talent.

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, subjected to aggressive and bullying behaviours, impacting her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or send her an email at:

[email protected]

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this festive episode of "HR Hacks and Halos," Jivan welcomes her longtime friend Seema Grantham, to discuss her role at BHETA, a trade association for home and garden wares and small domestic appliances. The conversation is filled with light-hearted banter as they reminisce about their 40-year friendship, share holiday plans, and reflect on Seema's recent adventures, including a memorable trip to Peru. Seema highlights the various ways BHETA supports its members, from connecting them with retailers to providing export advice. The episode captures the spirit of the holiday season while emphasising the importance of community and connection in both personal and professional parts of your life. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"Every workplace can be transformed when we challenge the bad and celebrate the good."

"I wanted to do something different. It's Christmas. Just general chit-chat really."

"If you are thinking of joining BHETA and you've got some home and garden wares or small appliance kind of business, I think you'll be truly well looked after."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, assaulted and bullied at work which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or email at:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Resources:

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this episode, Jivan delves into the intricacies of resignations, emphasising the importance of HOW to leave a job, especially in high-stakes industries like life sciences and healthcare. Drawing on recent high-profile resignations, such as those of Rosie Duffield and Louise Haig, Jivan contrasts the impact of emotional versus professional exits. She discusses the potential long-term consequences of burning bridges and offers practical steps for a respectful resignation process, including planning an exit, securing a new role, and drafting a professional resignation letter. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"How you resign matters more than you think. It can shape your career for years to come."

"I think perhaps maybe put it in a drawer overnight and then look at it again in the morning."

"You never know when you might need somebody again in the future."

"I think exit interviews are probably a little bit more productive than the resignation letter."

"A resignation, moving on, that's what fixes it, not the I feel great now because I vented at somebody."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, assaulted by a boss at work and his subsequent aggressive and bullying behaviours which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or send her an email at:

[email protected]

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this episode, Jivan is flying solo, diving into the critical topic of Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) within the workplace. Drawing from years of experience in life sciences, healthcare, and pharma, Jivan emphasises the importance of creating environments where all employees feel valued and heard. She discusses the financial and cultural benefits of strong DEIB initiatives, highlighting research that shows how they can drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and improve employee engagement. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"DEIB isn't just a nice to have, it's essential for staying competitive and building a workforce that reflects the global communities we serve."

"Toxic behaviours cost organisations billions in turnover, absenteeism, and lost productivity. It's staggering."

"Companies with strong DEIB programs outperformed others by 25% in profitability and reported 30% lower turnover rates."

"Senior leaders need to see DEIB as a strategic priority, not just something that sits within HR."

"By embedding the notion of DEI, particularly the concept of belonging, you're not only improving the employee experience but also strengthening your industry's impact."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, assaulted by a boss at work, his aggressive and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or send her an email at:

[email protected]

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this episode, Jivan welcomes performance coach Mark Dinardo, who shares his transformative journey from a secure career in the IT industry to managing his own health and wellness clinic. Mark discusses the toxic workplace dynamics he experienced, including the challenges of advocating for his team's well-being amidst rigid performance metrics and calibration processes. He reflects on the personal toll of stress and burnout, which ultimately led him to reassess his career path. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"I felt I had a duty to care for those people and to look out for them, but just got a sense that it was obviously jarring with too many people."

"Sometimes the whole point of a calibration exercise is meant to have a much wider helicopter view of all of the ratings, but it has to work for everybody."

"It was only through taking a break from that that I realized how much stress I'd built up in myself, it took the point of actually coming to that final health crisis."

"Pain doesn't just come from nothing. Pain is manifesting from emotions, different situations. And once we uncover what that actually is, we can do something about it."

"No one actually deserves to be working in an environment where it is so toxic that they're not actually enjoying it."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or send her an email at:

[email protected]

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this episode Jivan welcomes Jeanette Linfoot, a former corporate CEO turned entrepreneur and mentor, to discuss her extensive career and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in business. Jeanette shares her journey from the corporate world, where she held high-level positions in the travel and hospitality sectors, to her current role as an advisor and mentor. Jeanette emphasizes the need for open communication, employee feedback, and the co-creation of values to foster a positive workplace culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"I think the environment has shifted. And I think all businesses need to adapt to what is important to their teams in today's world, not the world of 20 years ago."

"You have to have male allies. You can't do it otherwise. It doesn't work."

"If one of our values is honesty, then are we calling out when we see dishonesty? You have to align the values with a set of behaviors."

"If leaders are approachable and leaders have a human side to them... that pays dividends in terms of how you are with your employees."

"You need to be able to have... a process for any of these situations as of when they come up."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or email at:

[email protected]

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this episode, Jivan Dempsey interviews Christina Robinson, the CEO of Green Umbrella Marketing, who shares her inspiring journey from the hospitality industry to becoming a successful business owner. Christina discusses the importance of values in business leadership and how she fosters a thriving company culture by understanding and aligning with her team's strengths and aspirations. Christina reflects on her experiences with mentorship, the challenges of transitioning from employee to owner, and the significance of creating an inclusive environment where team members feel valued and empowered.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"I always say I'm known for three things: marketing, mindset, and mischief. And hopefully the mischief will become apparent as we go through this."

"When you understand people, it's amazing the conversations you have... it's not just about the business and the marketing; it's also about who they are as a person."

"You can't use a cookie cutter approach because that isn't going to work... they haven't spent long enough really getting to understand what the individual wants."

"I always want people that come into my team to start here and leave there. If you are the same person when you left as when you started, I'm not a good leader."

"It's about what resources can we put in place? Every organization should have something in place, even if it's your mental health first aider."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or email at:

[email protected]

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this episode, Jivan welcomes life coach and author Angela Allan-Burns, also known as Ang, to discuss the profound challenges of navigating divorce and its impact on the workplace. Ang shares her personal experiences of a lengthy divorce process and emphasizes the emotional toll it can take on productivity and mental health. Through her podcast, "Do I Really Hate Men?", she aims to support individuals, particularly women, in rebuilding their lives post-divorce and highlights the importance of emotional support and flexibility from employers. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"Divorce could go on a long time. Mine went on just short of six years. It was a long time of strife and difficulty."

"You have to look after yourself. If you don't look after yourself, you can't look after your children."

"A broken home is a home where there is fighting going on every night and control issues and abuse."

"Sometimes it's not going to work for them nor for someone going through a divorce who needs to be somewhere for their children."

"Divorce is like a new beginning. It really is... it's taken me to this point where I can really help other people."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

CONTACT

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or email at:

[email protected]

[email protected]

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

In this episode, Jivan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with leadership advisor Olga Vtorushina and Dorrit Kromans board professional about their upcoming book, "Board Dynamics," set to be published in the first quarter of 2025. The discussion delves into the often misunderstood role of boards within organisations, highlighting their overarching responsibilities, the importance of diverse voices, and their critical influence on company culture and decision-making. Olga and Dorrit share insights on how boards can foster productive environments, address diversity and inclusion challenges, and ensure all members feel empowered to contribute.

[email protected]  [email protected] 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"The board is the overall responsible. They are responsible for the right strategy, for compliance, and for hiring most of the C-level executives."

"I always think about the board meeting itself as how productive that should be for any important decision to come out."

"When you have a very homogeneous board, you don’t really need to think about how to speak. But when you start to have diversity, you need to listen differently."

"New people have a tendency to observe, to listen in, to think they are still here to learn, but their contribution is important."

"The chair's most important task is to make sure something intelligent is happening at the meeting."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or send her an email at:

[email protected]

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

In this episode, Jivan welcomes Feng Shui therapist Cathi Hargarden to discuss the transformative power of Feng Shui in the workplace. Cathi shares her extensive experience of over 30 years in the field, addressing common scepticism surrounding Feng Shui and emphasizing its potential to create more welcoming and productive environments. They both explore how the energy of a space can influence health, relationships, and overall well-being, as well as practical tips for integrating Feng Shui principles into various work settings, from traditional offices to manufacturing environments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"Feng Shui is about how you manipulate the environment, teaching people to change their surroundings for their health, well-being, and overall good wealth."

"Everything in our life is a pattern. If we don't clear these patterns, we are living out other people's experiences."

"The power of feeling and frequency affects us all the time. It's not always something you can see or hear; it's a feeling."

"If you can find that magic source that binds together profitability and happiness, then actually profitability flows from that anyway."

"You can always bring something with you to set up where it's telling you a positive message or a picture of where you see yourself going."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. 

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. 

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or send her an email at:

[email protected]

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR