We are delighted to share our next conversation on the Women in Leadership podcast where Amy Morris, UK Managing Director, speaks with Elsie Akinsanya, People Director for Lloyds Banking Group. Elsie Akinsanya shares her journey, highlighting the importance of differentiating oneself in the HR industry. She recounts her first week's failure and the lessons learned from not receiving an expected promotion, emphasising the significance of clear intentional communication, and understanding the 'give and get' in a workplace. Elsie discusses the value of having advocates and being prepared for discussions, while encouraging listeners to step out of their comfort zones and embrace challenges.

As a leader, she takes pride in providing clear feedback on performance and thoughtfully pushing her team to grow. She also emphasises the importance of staying focused on a few key areas to maximise returns and continuously learning by adapting to one's learning style while embracing discomfort.

Elsie urges listeners to learn when to pause and resume and acknowledge that while it's possible to have it all, it may not happen simultaneously. She discusses finding her voice in various settings, transitioning her courage from personal to professional contexts, and the importance of keeping things simple while paying attention to details.

The episode concludes with an empowering message, reminding listeners that they are enough, just as they are.

In this episode of Oakleaf's Women in Leadership podcast, host Amy Morris speaks with Anna Lempriere, founder of speak you the conscious coach. Anna shares her inspiring journey from being a child actor to becoming a successful business owner, driven by her passion for helping individuals find their voice.

Anna opens up about her personal experience with the menopause and what she refers to as the "dark night of the soul." She courageously shares her journey of self-discovery and growth, highlighting the lessons she learned along the way. Anna's story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women, and how we can use our experiences to empower and inspire others.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, overcoming challenges, and the journey of female entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear Anna's story and gain valuable insights into finding your voice and achieving your goals.

We are delighted to share our next conversation on the Women in Leadership Podcast where Amy Morris , UK Managing Director, speaks with Dr. Marcelle Moncrieffe FCIPD, Group Chief People Culture and Communications Officer at Commercial Services Group. We hear Marcelle’s belief that a thriving organisational culture requires more than just setting goals; it's about cultivating a positive environment where each individual feels valued and respected, especially during times of change.
Personal growth is equally important. Training your ‘head voice’ to overcome negativity, much like the inspiring examples of Mary Seacole and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, is crucial. Understanding people's motivations, offering flexibility, and showcasing your true potential are key components in Marcelle’s success stories.
Marcelle left us on the concept of ensuring people see your true potential, overcoming bias, take time to understand people’s motivations and the regret of not investing in Apple stock.

As promised here is the latest of our Women in Leadership episode. Today Amy Morris speaks to Nicola Grant founder of she2leadership. 

Her story begins humbly, yet through unwavering persistence and ambition, she rises to tackle bigger challenges, all while juggling a growing family and launching a cake business. But it was during this entrepreneurial pursuit that a striking epiphany dawned on her - mid-career women frequently encounter obstacles in reconciling personal and professional obligations, as well as navigating the transition to leadership roles. Determined not to be deterred, she battled imposter syndrome, investment barriers and honed the art of knowing when to gracefully bow out. Following a cake hiatus, she reemerged with a revitalised outlook and determination, a role model for anyone seeking to forge their own path and achieve their aspirations.

Wonder Women Book: Available Now at she2leadership.com

In this episode, Lauren Hewlett and Alex Wright sit down with Kevin Green, Chief People Officer (CPO) of First Bus. Kevin has also held positions as Human Resources Director (HRD) for Royal Mail and Managing Director of REC, and is a published author.

Kevin discusses what First Bus is doing to engage its managers as they drive cultural change across its highly unionised environment. He also shares insights on how First Bus addresses the challenges posed by labour and skills shortages, and what he believes People functions need to do to challenge the norm and move forward.

In this month's episode, Amy Morris - Managing Director, sits down with Ize Idemudia, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, to explore her extraordinary journey to success.

Ize's career began with a different path. Her leap into banking opened doors to a diverse, global environment that broadened her perspective. 

Growing up, Ize was instilled with the belief that unwavering hard work could lead to boundless achievements. Yet, she soon discovered that dedication alone wasn't sufficient. She underscores the importance of intentional career choices and the need to periodically revisit personal principles. One of the vital lessons from Ize's journey is the emphasis on valuing experiences over promotions. She encourages fellow professionals not only to aim for climbing the corporate ladder but to embrace the rich experiences offered throughout their careers.

For Ize, the pivotal moment arrived with motherhood. It reinforced the significance of embracing one's own voice and contributing her unique perspective to the workplace.

The HR Pulse Podcast is hosted by Lauren Hewlett - Senior Manager (North), and Alex Wright - Manager (North), who leads our senior permanent hiring.

In this episode, we speak to Louise McCarthy-Teague, Head of Talent & Wellbeing at Thomsons Solicitors. Louise's HR career began at 17 years old in the public sector before securing a significant role in retail. Her career has taken her far and wide including the Middle East. She delves into her experiences and thoughts in the constantly changing landscape of HR. Louise emphasises the importance of having the creative freedom to truly be oneself.

Louise also speaks passionately about her robust strategy in the workplace for mental well-being, supporting staff and families, and recognising that one size does not fit all.

We are delighted to share our newest conversation with Kellie Nedelcoux, founder of Career and Parenthood. Kellie's journey from HR to coaching, driven by her newfound passion for parenting, offers valuable insights. In this discussion, she shares her experiences as a working mother, emphasizing how coaching can help parents maintain fulfilling careers.

In the latest episode of Oakleaf's Women in Leadership podcast, we are thrilled to present Amy Morris, the UK Managing Director, in a conversation with Kellie Nedelcoux, the visionary founder of Career and Parenthood. Kellie began her professional journey in Human Resources, but it was after the birth of her child that she discovered her true calling: coaching, with a particular emphasis on supporting parents.

Our conversation with Kellie adeptly navigates through her life experiences, bridging the worlds of a working mother and a dedicated coach. Throughout our discussion, Kellie delves into key themes that are crucial to help individuals successfully balance their careers and parenthood.

We discuss the importance of recognising your priorities while still maintaining long-term ambitions, and we highlight the significance of organisation and incorporating flexibility into tight schedules. Tune in for an insightful discussion on achieving a harmonious and fulfilling life as a working parent.

In this episode of Oakleaf's Women in Leadership podcast, Amy Morris, UK Managing Director, engages in an honest conversation with Rachel Wellen, Head of EMEA Employee Relations, at J.P. Morgan.

Rachel's career has been shaped by her work ethic and willingness to explore new opportunities, embracing her role as a generalist. However, she faced one of her earliest challenges during her university years, learning the lesson of avoiding complacency. Motherhood brought its own set of complexities, navigating maternity leave and learning where her boundaries lay. Rachel successfully rebuilt her confidence during a team transition, drawing support from her network and recognising the value of connections.

Leadership is in Rachel’s veins, gaining inspiration from her grandmother. Her natural inclination to improve things and take on new projects has earned her recognition and fresh opportunities. Authenticity plays a pivotal role in Rachel's success, and she actively seeks feedback to maintain confidence in her true self. She gratefully acknowledges the significant sponsorship and support she has received from her leaders at work and her family throughout her professional journey.

Amy Morris, UK Managing Director, recently spoke with Rhonda Martin, Client Engagement Director, about her remarkable career journey and insights. Rhonda's approach focuses on broad skills rather than a traditional path. She discussed the evolving challenges faced by women, being different from when she began. Rhonda's unwavering ambition drives her to work with the best in her field. Overcoming initial barriers as a PA, her experience navigating politics and building relationships with seniors proved invaluable. Rhonda's effectiveness as a number two and her reflections on changing definitions of success were notable. 

Balancing work and life, she prioritised friendships, hobbies, and finding her voice amidst adversity. Rhonda embraced rejection as an opportunity, reframed her skills for problem-solving, and admired leaders like Jacinda Ardern, emphasising compassion, self-awareness, and courage. She also stressed the importance of appreciating the journey, acknowledging no one has all the answers. 

The conversation between Amy and Rhonda showcased Rhonda's incredible career trajectory and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the importance of embracing challenges, finding one's voice, and continuously evolving in the ever-changing professional landscape.