In this episode of HR Live Lounge, we delve into the dynamic world of workplace wellbeing with an exceptional guest, Mike Pascoe. 

A seasoned wellbeing advocate, Mike shares his transformative journey from the fitness industry to becoming the founder of "Mental Wellbeing for Life." 

Tune in as he discusses key strategies for embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety into workplace culture. 

Drawing from his rich experience managing mental wellbeing for a global workforce of 30,000, Mike unveils insights on fostering a culture of open communication and positive human experiences. 

Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the critical intersection of wellbeing, leadership, and the future of work.

List of topics covered in the episode: 

Mike's Diverse Career Path: Explore Mike Pascoe's unique journey from the fitness industry, mountain guiding, and triathlon coaching to founding "Mental Wellbeing for Life."

Global Wellbeing Leadership: Gain insights into Mike's role in managing mental wellbeing for a global workforce of 30,000, creating psychological safe spaces, and fostering wellness on a global scale.

Eight Dimensions of Wellness: Understand the eight dimensions of wellness and how they revolve around mental wellbeing, influencing individual performance and potential.

Remote Work and Culture: Delve into the impact of remote work on organizational and team culture, with an emphasis on intentional cultural decisions and supporting diverse employee needs.

Clear Expectations in Leadership: Discover the critical role of leadership in employee retention, with a focus on setting clear expectations as the top factor influencing job satisfaction.
Employee Experience Book Recommendation: Mike recommends "The Employee Experience" by Tracy Maylett and Matthew Wride as a valuable resource for data-driven insights into attracting and retaining top talent.

Leadership Impact on Employee Departure: Explore the poll results indicating that leadership is the primary reason employees leave organizations, with the importance of clear expectations highlighted.

Psychological Safety: Emphasize the significance of creating psychologically safe spaces within organizations, fostering open and honest communication for building strong relationships.Book Recommendation: "The Employee Experience" by Tracy Maylett and Matthew Ride for data-driven insights.

Connect with Mike Pascoe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pascoe/

Company Website: https://www.mentalwellbeingforlife.ca/

Michelle Jaggroep, Vice President of HR at Paris Baguette North America, shares insights into her 20+ years of experience in HR, particularly in fashion retail, and her current role at Paris Baguette.

List of topics covered in the episode:

Insights into HR Leadership and Boardroom Representation: Michelle shares insights into her journey as a female HR leader and the importance of being persistent, proactive, and continuously proving one's value to secure a seat at the boardroom table.

Remote Work Challenges: The discussion explores the challenges posed by the remote work model, including generational differences in expectations and productivity. Michelle stresses the need for individualised approaches and effective communication to address these challenges.

Future Challenges for HR: Looking ahead, Michelle anticipates challenges in understanding and adapting to the generational nuances of the workforce, especially with technological advancements impacting learning and development.

Learning and Development Strategies: Michelle highlights the current need to rethink traditional learning and development methods to cater to the preferences of newer generations. The discussion touches on gamification and the importance of making training programs engaging and appealing.

Industry Collaboration in HR: Michelle encourages HR professionals to avoid siloing themselves within their industry and emphasises the importance of learning from others and incorporating successful strategies from different sectors.

This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of HR, addressing challenges related to remote work, generational differences, and the future of learning and development. Michelle's experiences and perspectives offer guidance for HR professionals navigating these dynamic changes.

Connect with Michelle Jagroop on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jagroop-7505538/⁠

Company: Paris Baguette North America

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/paris-baguette/⁠

Other links mentioned in the show: 

Darren Tipton, Chief Executive Officer at Paris Baguette North America

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-tipton-0526324/⁠

In this episode of HR Live Lounge, our host Roy Ripper engages in a dynamic conversation with Laura Wilcockson, Executive Director of HR at Wirral Met College.

Laura shares her unconventional journey into HR, starting with recruitment and progressing to leadership roles in diverse sectors.

The discussion unfolds with insights into the evolving landscape of HR, touching upon the cultural dynamics of organisations and the pivotal role of HR in fostering a positive work environment. Laura recounts her experiences, including a significant previous challenge involving confronting toxic behaviour at a senior level, showcasing the importance of HR standing up for a healthy workplace culture.

The conversation delves into the paradigm shift in the relationship between HR and Learning and Development (L&D), shedding light on the integration of these functions for comprehensive employee growth. Laura emphasises the need for proactive approaches to address the rising trend of absenteeism linked to mental health issues.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective, where Laura predicts the future challenges for HR leaders. She highlights the growing demand for flexible and hybrid working models, urging organisations to embrace change to attract and retain top talent. The importance of investing in apprenticeships and robust learning development strategies is emphasised as key elements in HR's toolkit for the coming years.

List of topics covered in the episode:

Unconventional HR Journey: Laura's transition from recruitment to executive HR roles and the role of culture in her career decisions.

Confronting Toxic Behaviour: Addressing a challenge involving toxic behaviour at a senior level and the impact of HR's intervention.

HR and Learning Development Integration: The evolving relationship between HR and L&D, with a focus on holistic employee development.

Absence and Mental Health: Exploring the emerging trend of absenteeism linked to mental health and the need for preventative HR measures.

Future of HR: Predicting challenges for HR leaders, including the demand for flexible working, talent acquisition strategies, and the importance of employee engagement and development.

Innovations in HR Practices: Discussing innovative HR practices, such as remote recruitment and breaking down traditional processes.

Employee Engagement: Strategies for effective employee engagement, including listening to staff, implementing suggestions, and closing the communication loop.

This episode provides valuable insights for HR professionals and leaders navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, offering actionable strategies to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing HR landscape.

Connect with Laura Wilcockson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-wilcockson-fcipd-86ab7933/

Company: Wirral Met College

https://www.linkedin.com/school/wirral-metropolitan-college/

Also mentioned in the show:

Gemma Dale - senior lecturer at John Moores University. specializes in promoting flexible and hybrid working and the benefits that it has to organizations and to individuals.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-dale/

In this episode, we dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of talent acquisition with Lana Meilinger, an industry leader and Talent Acquisition Manager at Spryker Systems. Lana shares her wealth of insights, drawing from her experiences and challenges in the dynamic field of talent acquisition.

List of topics covered in the episode: 

Lana emphasises the importance of moving beyond traditional qualifications and focusing on a candidate's future trajectory. The discussion centres on how hiring individuals with a growth mindset can better position organisations for future challenges.

The shift towards hybrid remote work models is explored, and Lana sheds light on how this impacts the hiring process. She shares firsthand experiences of adapting to hiring individuals through virtual platforms, highlighting the changing dynamics of face-to-face interactions in talent acquisition.

Lana delves into the critical role of talent acquisition leaders in redefining leadership skills. The conversation touches on the necessity of inclusive leadership traits, ethical considerations, empathy, and integrity in a global and diverse work environment.

This episode explores the emerging trend of skill-based hiring, moving away from traditional qualifications to focus on the skills and capabilities that candidates bring to the table. Lana discusses how this shift aligns with the changing needs of businesses and the importance of assessing candidates' ability to adapt to future challenges.

Lana's commitment to a continuous learning culture within her team and organisation is highlighted. The episode explores the various methods Lana employs, including internal workshops, breakout sessions, and external training programs, to keep her team at the forefront of industry trends and developments.

Lana shares her experiences in demystifying and refining hiring concepts such as "high performers" and "AAA talent." The episode details the challenges and rewards of implementing such concepts and the importance of aligning them with the organisation's goals and values.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lana Meilinger as we uncover the strategies and insights that are shaping the future of talent acquisition. 

Connect with Lana Meilinger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-meilinger/

Other links mentioned in the show: https://spryker.com/

Mentions: 

Adriano Herdman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianoherdman1/

Chris Haslam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cahaslam/

In this episode, Anita Small, Global Director of Talent Acquisition at Euromonitor International, shares insights on overcoming challenges in talent acquisition. From addressing SME hurdles to emphasising adaptability, Anita's expertise offers valuable guidance for professionals in recruitment.

Key Points:

SME Talent Acquisition: Discusses unique challenges faced by SMEs and provides creative, cost-effective solutions.

Motivation and Success: Shares a proactive success philosophy, encouraging a "Just Do It" approach in work and life.

Navigating Uncertainty: Highlights the importance of preparation in facing unexpected challenges, sharing personal experiences.

Talent Acquisition Strategies: Emphasises versatility, employer branding, and creative approaches in attracting and assessing talent.

Recent Joiner Insights: Reveals surprising survey findings on application rates and industry uncertainty among recent joiners.

Managing Talent Mobility: Addresses the challenge of global talent mobility, emphasising understanding cultural nuances and personal motivations.

Future Talent Trends: Foresees a shift toward re-skilling and internal mobility, urging professionals to stay informed and versatile.

Anita's insights provide a roadmap for talent acquisition professionals, encouraging adaptability, proactive learning, and a focus on evolving industry trends.

Connect with Anita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitasmall-internal-recruiter/

Other links mentioned in the show: 

Joanne Phillips - ReadyingRecruiters Trainer/Coach https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-p-recruitmenttraining/

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, host Roy welcomes Dr. Kul Verma, the CEO of Deep Insight Limited, a disruptive thinking company focused on fostering new habits of thinking in the world of leadership and inclusion. 

Kul brings with him over 34 years of experience in leadership training, coaching, and organisational change, with a particular emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Kul shares his extensive knowledge and insights on the challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion, both in government and organisational settings. He highlights the importance of understanding the "why" behind diversity and inclusion initiatives, emphasising the need for evidence-based, courageous conversations rather than opinion-based discussions. He discusses strategies for talent acquisition, including reevaluating job advertisements and removing barriers for underrepresented groups. 

Furthermore, Kul delves into employee retention and the necessity of creating a culture of inclusivity and support within organisations.

The conversation concludes with Kul acknowledging Chan Kataria, the CEO of EMH Group, as an individual he admires for his commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering positive change in the world of diversity and inclusion.

Main Topics Covered:

Connect with Kul Verma on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-kul-verma-a4230117

https://twitter.com/kulverma34 

https://www.deep-insight.co.uk/

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with two exceptional leaders, Christy Bisanzio and Aleks Damchevski.

📚 Bestselling Authors: Christy and Aleks are the brilliant authors behind the groundbreaking book, 'The Other 364 Days - A Glass Half Full.'

🌟 Christy's Impressive Journey: Christy Bisanzio has been recognised as one of the Top 50 D&I Leaders endorsed by 'The Economist' since 2013. She has spent over two decades as a Non-Executive Director (NED), a senior people leader, and a DEI officer in some of the world's largest companies. Notably, she was the Vice President People & Culture and Diversity & Inclusion at JTI (Japan Tobacco International) in Geneva.

🌍 Global Experience: Christy's professional journey took her to various corners of the world, including roles at Heidrick and Struggles, AXA, and GE Capital, where she served as Global Head Human Resources.

👩‍⚖️ Christy the Thought Leader: Christy Bisanzio is not just an HR expert; she's also a lawyer and a recognised thought leader in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

🌟 Aleks: The Change Instigator: Aleks Damchevski brings over 13 years of international experience to the table. They are a true advocate for diversity and is known for pushing boundaries to create a more inclusive society.

💡 What to Expect: In this episode, we have a dynamic discussion with Christy Bisanzio and Aleks Damchevski. They share their insights on various DEI topics, including age diversity (ageism being the new sexism), recent trends in DEI, and deep dives into LGBT inclusion and gender equality. This interview promises to challenge your perspectives and encourage you to ask more questions.

📖 The Book: Their groundbreaking book, 'The Other 364 Days,' is designed to make us feel uncomfortable and prompt us to seek more answers. It's an eye-opening resource that redefines the DEI landscape.

Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Christy and Aleks, and get ready to explore the ever-evolving world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Connect with Christiane on LinkedIn:

www.linkedin/in/christiane.bisanzio.com

Connect with Aleks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleks-damchevski-he-she-they-b5589b20/

Links to mentions in the show:

Book: https://amzn.eu/d/8OIE4PS

Today, we’re talking about DIVERSITY with our special guest, Laurie Booth, Director of Talent Attraction at GBG Plc. Employing over 1300+ people, GBG are the leading experts in digital identity and provide fraud prevention solutions to some of the largest businesses worldwide.

In this episode we discuss everything you need to know about ‘GENDER DIVERSITY’ and attracting top female tech talent into your organisation. 

Stay tuned to the end to discover why diverse teams are more profitable. Learn WHY you need to focus on skills and not experience to entice GEN Z into your workplace.  

List of topics covered in the episode: #diversity #wellbeing #retention #recruitment 

Connect with Laurie Booth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-booth-a485b244/

Other links mentioned in the show:

https://www.gbgplc.com/en/

Today, we’re talking to our special guest, Serena Palmer, Director and Head of Global Diversity & Talent at Ørsted, a renewable energy company with a clear vision: to create a world that runs entirely on green energy, employs more than 8,000 people worldwide and has the largest offshore wind farm on the planet.

In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about ‘DIVERSITY’.

Stay tuned to the end to discover how Serena’s unconventional journey into HR and a recent diagnosis makes her uniquely qualified to celebrate our differences in the workplace. You’ll also learn a very simple but highly effective way for you to instantly change the mindset of your leadership teams…with just one word!

List of topics covered in the episode: #diversity #wellbeing #retention #recruitment

Connect with Serena Palmer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-palmer-a4b17a7/

Other links mentioned in the show:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/orsted/

https://orsted.com/

Today, we’re talking about ‘STAFF RETENTION’’ with our special guest, Marian Chaney, HR Director at Julius Rutherfoord, one of the largest ‘secure commercial cleaning’ companies in London, employing over 1300 people.

In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about retaining our workforce. 

Discover how Marian and her team successfully reduced their staff turnover by 30% and how you may be able to do the same by focusing on just ONE THING this year! You will also learn a key strategy to protect your own mental health as an HR / Talent Leader 

Links to guest website and LI profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaneymarian/

Other links mentioned in this episode:

https://www.juliusrutherfoord.co.uk/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaahrendts/