Shakil Butt never planned to leave his comfortable 20-year finance career for HR leadership. What began as a three-month interim assignment transformed into a passionate pursuit that would redefine his understanding of strategic people management and earn him recognition as one of the UK's most influential HR leaders.

Bringing his finance background to HR gave Shakil a unique advantage. "Every single decision I'd ever made as a finance person had a people implication," he reflects, highlighting the critical intersection between financial decisions and human capital. This perspective helps him bridge the persistent gap between HR's traditional focus on people and the data-driven approach that commands attention in the boardroom.

Shakil, a speaker at next month's DisruptHR Birmingham Summit, challenges HR professionals to move beyond trendy but superficial initiatives like "Fresh Fruit Fridays" by focusing on measurable impact. "What's the problem you're trying to fix? What's the opportunity you're trying to take advantage of?" Without answers to these fundamental questions, HR initiatives lack strategic value. His approach transforms HR from what he calls "the poor cousin to finance" into a vital strategic function with demonstrable business impact.

When discussing organizational culture and equity initiatives with HRchat show host Bill Banham, Shakil offers a critique of "performative EDI" – actions taken for show rather than substance. "Culture is exactly what you allow to happen in the absence of any real thought," he notes, emphasizing that meaningful cultural change requires intentional leadership rather than disconnected programs. True equity work means addressing systemic issues throughout the employee lifecycle with clear metrics and ownership, not simply creating employee resource groups or celebrating diversity events without purpose.

Drawing inspiration from his love of sci-fi and fantasy, Shakil envisions HR professionals as potential organizational heroes who have the courage to "do the right thing" even when difficult. His message resonates with HR practitioners seeking to elevate their impact: embrace data without losing humanity, lead with purpose rather than trends, and have the bravery to champion meaningful change.

Connect with Shakil on LinkedIn 

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Kim Chaumillon believes HR leaders must champion AI adoption from the inside out. "HR goes first" isn't just her mantra—it's the foundation of effective organizational transformation. Drawing from 30 years of global HR experience, Kim reveals how she's reimagining traditional people practices through AI implementation at two different organizations where she serves as fractional Chief People Officer.

Kim's conversation with hosts Pauline James and David Creelman explores practical strategies for building AI fluency within HR teams, starting with curated use cases and ongoing experimentation. Kim distinguishes between leveraging existing solutions with embedded AI capabilities and developing bespoke applications—highlighting three key opportunities for custom solutions: automating repetitive tasks, creating disruptive capabilities, and developing "chief of staff" functionality that transforms how work gets managed.

What makes Kim's approach particularly effective is her focus on enablement rather than restriction. While addressing important governance and ethical considerations, she frames AI guidelines in terms of possibilities rather than limitations. This positive orientation accelerates adoption and fosters innovation while maintaining appropriate boundaries around confidential information and potential biases.

The discussion provides a compelling vision of AI as HR's historic opportunity. Just as finance led during the 2008 financial crisis and HR guided organizations through COVID-19, AI transformation offers HR leaders the chance to drive tremendous business value while fundamentally reimagining work. For those who have long sought "a seat at the table," AI implementation provides the perfect blend of business impact and people-centered innovation—so significant that Kim delayed her retirement to participate in this transformative period.

Ready to take your HR function from reactive to proactive? Connect with Kim on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about leading your organization's AI transformation journey.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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The recruitment landscape is transforming at breakneck speed, with business models that once lasted decades now becoming obsolete in just a few years. How can talent leaders navigate this change while maintaining the essential human elements that technology can't replace?

Recruitment veteran and Disrupt Manchester speaker Ian Knowlson draws on his 40+ years of experience to illuminate the path forward in this compelling conversation. Having established and scaled recruitment operations across Europe and led public sector initiatives that grew from 2% to 52% of Hays IT's turnover in just four years, Ian brings practical wisdom to the AI revolution.

"AI will not replace people," Ian asserts with conviction. "What will happen is AI with people - augmented AI - will replace those recruiters who aren't using AI." This distinction is crucial. While automation streamlines processes, the uniquely human capabilities of empathy, emotional intelligence, and contextual reasoning remain irreplaceable. When a candidate inexplicably declines an apparently perfect offer or a client has complex talent challenges requiring creative solutions, artificial intelligence alone cannot navigate these nuanced waters.

The conversation with host, Bill Banham explores VUCA leadership principles (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, Agility) that leaders need to master, plus the critical fifth element for our times: Emotional Intelligence. As jobs undergo "fractionalization"—being deconstructed and redesigned with AI integration—recruiters must shift from being aggressive hunters to relationship builders who can identify candidates with transferable skills for emerging roles.

For Gen Z candidates seeking authentic connections rather than hard sells, this evolution in recruitment approaches couldn't be more timely. Whether you're a talent acquisition leader, recruitment professional, or business executive navigating workforce transformation, this episode provides both strategic vision and practical insights for thriving in an AI-augmented future.

Connect with Ian on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about recruitment's exciting evolution in the age of AI.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What makes a leader truly memorable? According to Bobby Umar, one of Inc Magazine's top 100 leadership speakers globally, it's the courage to tell authentic stories that showcase vulnerability and build genuine human connections.

Bobby joins the HRchat Show to share his expertise on storytelling as a leadership superpower that transforms personal brands and organizational cultures. Drawing from his experience delivering thousands of keynotes across four continents and as a five-times TEDx speaker, Bobby reveals why so many leaders remain trapped in outdated communication approaches that limit their impact.

"There are lost, stuck or unfulfilled leaders everywhere," Bobby explains, highlighting his mission to help professionals escape career stagnation. The conversation explores the striking disconnect between what we know about effective communication and what leaders actually practice – while LinkedIn boasts over a billion users, only 7-8% actively create content, with an even smaller fraction sharing vulnerable stories that truly connect.

The episode dives deep into practical strategies for optimizing your digital presence, from crafting a compelling LinkedIn profile to navigating content creation across multiple platforms. Bobby offers his 80/20 rule for balancing professional expertise with personal authenticity, while providing tactical advice for handling online trolls and leveraging feedback to continuously improve your messaging.

Perhaps most valuable is Bobby's insider perspective on why TEDx talks represent the ultimate thought leadership opportunity. With just 20-30 hours of preparation spanning 3-6 months, a well-crafted TEDx talk can amplify your professional brand more effectively than strategies requiring significantly more time and resources.

Whether you're an HR professional looking to elevate your personal brand, a leader seeking to communicate more authentically, or simply someone who wants to create more meaningful connections in your professional life, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of storytelling. Follow Bobby on LinkedIn to learn more about his speaking engagements, TEDx coaching, and personal branding support.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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When was the last time your organization conducted an employee engagement survey? If it was more than a few months ago, you're likely making decisions based on outdated information. As Karina Young, VP People at 15Five, points out in this episode, "Think about who you were a year ago. You might have had a whole different set of needs, wants, desires, hopes than you do right now."

This conversation with host, Bill Banham dives into the limitations of traditional annual engagement measurements and offers a refreshing alternative: the "diagnose, plan, act" framework. Rather than the old cycle of "measure, guess, hope," this approach creates a continuous improvement loop that delivers real-time insights when they're most needed. Karina shares practical strategies for making engagement data actionable, from identifying targeted opportunities in specific population segments to implementing seamless accountability systems that don't overburden HR teams or managers.

The discussion highlights a remarkable case study from Trust Radius, where implementing strategic people analytics reduced attrition from 40% to 8% and significantly increased employee sentiment scores. We explore how AI-assisted coaching tools are revolutionizing manager effectiveness by providing personalized guidance in the flow of work, helping leaders address potential issues before high-performers become flight risks. Throughout the conversation, Karina emphasizes how data-driven approaches elevate HR's position within organizations, transforming the function from administrative support to strategic business partner.

Ready to revolutionize your approach to employee engagement? Subscribe to the HR Chat Show for more insights from innovative people leaders, and connect with Karina Young on LinkedIn or through the HR Superstars podcast to continue the conversation about strategic people analytics.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What happens when you combine cutting-edge technology with a more human approach to airline service? Jeff Weber, Chief People Officer at Breeze Airways, reveals the fascinating intersection of high-tech innovation and high-touch customer experience in this engaging conversation about the future of work in the aviation industry.

Jeff, who joined Breeze after successful HR leadership roles at forward-thinking organizations like Ancestry.com, explains why CEO David Neeleman specifically sought someone outside the airline industry to build Breeze's unique culture. "He said 'I don't really want someone who has been in the airline industry before. I want someone that's going to bring a culture like you had at the software companies you built,'" Weber shares, highlighting Breeze's distinctive positioning as a "tech company that flies."

Rather than replacing human workers with technology, says Jeff, Breeze focuses on augmentation – using AI-enabled tools like "Harper," their virtual HR generalist, to provide immediate support for team members on the go while maintaining the irreplaceable human element of their service. "We're not seeing roles getting replaced," Weber emphasizes. "We're seeing more of being augmented by technology. Pilots and flight attendants will be needed in the future, but how do we make their job easier?"

Perhaps most impressively, Jeff spent his first month at Breeze working frontline positions – cleaning planes, packing bags, assisting ground crew – to truly understand operational challenges. This hands-on approach exemplifies his leadership philosophy of aligning talent strategy with business objectives through three key pillars: acquisition, engagement, and development.

For HR professionals looking to future-proof their careers, Jeff offers clear guidance: "We should no longer be the police or compliance department. We should be the 'how do we help you deliver on your business plan' department." By staying current with emerging technologies while maintaining a focus on human connection, HR leaders can position themselves as essential strategic partners in any organization's success.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What happens when you combine archaeological curiosity with data science expertise? You get Mark Lawrence's fascinating approach to HR analytics. 

In this conversation, Mark shares his unconventional career journey from aspiring Indiana Jones to Head of Analytics and Reporting at Deloitte, revealing how his fundamental desire to understand why things work the way they do connects these seemingly disparate fields.

With over 25 years of experience across multiple disciplines, Mark offers rare insights into how analytics can transform HR from a traditional service function into a strategic powerhouse. He candidly discusses the cultural divide that often exists between HR professionals and analytics specialists, describing how most "HR colleagues look at their analytics colleagues as if they're from another species." His practical suggestions for bridging this gap go beyond technical solutions to address the human factors that determine success or failure in data-driven HR initiatives.

Mark challenges both HR and analytics professionals to reconsider their relationships and expectations. For analytics specialists, he emphasizes the importance of demystifying their work and showing "the art of the possible" in accessible ways. For HR leaders, he highlights the extraordinary value hidden within their data ecosystems, suggesting that despite common complaints about HR data quality, the breadth and depth of people information represents a gold mine of analytical opportunity when properly approached.

Connect with Mark through LinkedIn or email him at [email protected] to learn more about his research on closing the expectation gap between analytics leaders and senior executives. And don't miss his upcoming presentation at Disrupt Manchester on September 24th, where he'll share lessons from both inside and outside the HR domain.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Ever considered a career in scaffolding? Most haven't, but Paul Napper is on a mission to change that perception. As the Head of Training and Education at NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation), Paul joins Bill Banham on the HRchat Show to reveal how this overlooked industry offers diverse career pathways and impressive earning potential.

"There are people I know earning £100,000 a year," Paul explains, highlighting how advanced scaffolders, especially those working in specialized sectors like offshore platforms, can achieve significant financial success. But perhaps more surprising is the range of career options beyond the physical construction work. The industry needs designers, contract managers, health and safety specialists, trainers, and entrepreneurs – creating opportunities for individuals with varied skills and interests.

The timing couldn't be better for exploring this field. With approximately 1,800 weekly vacancies in scaffolding across the UK, there's a genuine skills gap that needs filling. The NASC is actively working to bridge this gap through innovative approaches, including their "talent pack" with VR headsets that allow potential recruits to virtually experience scaffolding work, a talent portal connecting job seekers with employers, and partnerships with educational institutions to develop clear career pathways from entry-level positions through to university qualifications.

What sets scaffolding apart is its global relevance. The UK leads worldwide in scaffolding standards through technical guidance documents like TG20 and TG30. Countries including Australia, Malaysia, Jersey, and even the United States are now looking to adopt these standards, creating international opportunities for UK-trained scaffolding professionals. As major projects like the new Universal Studios theme park in the UK and worldwide construction continue to drive demand, scaffolding represents not just a job, but a career with genuine security and advancement potential.

Whether you're a school leaver, considering a career change, or simply curious about unexpected professional paths, Paul's insights reveal an industry that offers far more than meets the eye. Connect with him on LinkedIn or visit nasc.org.uk to explore how you might build a future in this dynamic field.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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The days of mandatory office attendance are (mostly) behind us, but how do you maintain a vibrant workplace culture when your team is scattered across 15+ countries? In this conversation, Dessalen Wood, Chief People Officer at Syntax, reveals the company's innovative approach to workplace flexibility that's become their competitive advantage.

Drawing from 25 years of experience across retail, entertainment, and technology sectors, Dessalen shares how Syntax transformed workplace flexibility from a pandemic necessity into a permanent, branded employee experience called "Global Flex." Unlike companies that offered remote work only to later withdraw it, Syntax made a public commitment they couldn't rescind, complete with company-wide town halls, dedicated branding, and clear guidelines addressing when, where, and in which country employees can work.

The results speak volumes—Syntax recently earned Great Place to Work certification across all eligible countries with over 80% employee participation. Rather than mandating office attendance, they create meaningful in-person experiences that naturally draw employees in, resulting in growing participation rates year over year. As Wood explains, "The biggest buzzkill for an employee experience is the word 'mandatory'... The word trust and having experts and mandatory cannot be in the same sentence."

Dessalen also unpacks the challenges of developing leaders in a global organization, emphasizing that leading across cultures requires far more adaptability than simply managing remote teams. At Syntax, over 50% of leaders manage team members in different countries, necessitating a leadership approach that respects cultural differences while maintaining core company values.

Whether you're an HR professional seeking fresh approaches to remote work policies or a leader navigating global team dynamics, this conversation offers practical insights for creating authentic workplace cultures where flexibility enhances rather than diminishes employee engagement. Connect with Dessalen Wood on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about evolving workplace strategies for today's distributed workforce.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Three-time Olympic gold medalist Carrie Bates isn't just celebrating over a decade of sobriety—she's revolutionizing how workplaces approach addiction recovery. As Director of Strategic Growth and Advocacy at Caron Treatment Centers, Carrie brings a powerful dual perspective to the conversation on substance dependence in professional environments.

Over 26 million Americans report struggling with addiction, with countless others suffering silently. Furthermore, 80% of people who abuse substances are employed. Yet stigma and fear of career consequences keep many from seeking help through their HR departments or employee assistance programs. This silence allows addiction to progress unchecked, affecting productivity, attendance, and overall culture.

Caron Treatment Centers stands out in the recovery landscape through its focus on brain health and neuro-restorative care. Using advanced technology like PET scans, they examine blood flow and neural activity, often discovering that patients have been misdiagnosed with conditions like ADHD or bipolar disorder. This neurological approach treats addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing—a crucial distinction for workplace policies.

In this discussion with Bill Banham, Carrie shares candidly about losing her career in sports marketing because of a lack of supportive recovery protocols. "There was no culture, no environment to which this was an acceptable conversation to have," she explains. This experience fuels her advocacy for HR policies that treat addiction with the same compassion as other medical conditions, including graduated return-to-work plans and appropriate accommodations.

Corporate culture often unwittingly excludes those in recovery through alcohol-centered events like "Thirsty Thursdays" and "Wine Wednesdays." Carrie doesn't suggest eliminating these traditions but recommends including appealing non-alcoholic options so everyone feels "a part of, rather than apart from" these important social experiences. For executives and high-profile individuals, Caron's Ocean Drive program offers specialized treatment that balances recovery needs with limited work responsibilities, addressing a major barrier to seeking help.

Ready to transform your workplace? Visit caron.org.com to learn more or connect with Carrie Bates on LinkedIn. 

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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