In this special bonus episode of People First, we’re bringing you a live recording from our recent panel event: AI and the Human Skills Shaping the Future of Work.

Hosted by Lotus People’s Amy Locke, this episode features an honest, forward-thinking conversation with:

• Lucy Wilson, Chief People & Culture Officer at Gumtree Group
• Claritta Peters, Chief People Officer at Fishbowl
• Nick Denison, Client Principal at Mantel Group

As AI becomes embedded across recruitment, HR, customer experience and more, this panel explores how businesses can stay ahead — without losing the human edge.

We cover:

• How AI is reshaping business functions across industries
• The evolving role of soft skills like empathy, adaptability and communication in 2025
• Practical advice for hiring, developing and retaining talent in a tech-driven world
• Where to strike the balance between automation and human connection
• Why people – not just processes – remain your greatest competitive edge

Whether you joined us in person or you’re catching the conversation for the first time, this episode will leave you inspired to lead with humanity in a digital age.

Have feedback or want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about Lotus People at lotuspeople.com.au or find us on LinkedIn at Lotus People.

In this episode of People First, we sit down with Kate Drew, Chief People Officer at Madison Group Enterprises, to dive deep into the world of leadership in the ever-changing workplace. With over 20 years of experience in the HR space, Kate shares her insights on what makes a strong leader, how leadership needs to evolve in the face of digital transformation, and why embracing discomfort is key to success. We discuss everything from the importance of clear communication to using data effectively, navigating resilience in challenging times, and fostering personal growth for both leaders and their teams.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, Kate’s wealth of knowledge and practical advice will leave you with actionable takeaways to help you lead with impact and navigate the complexities of today’s workplace. Plus, Kate shares her favorite book recommendation, Smart Growth by Whitney Johnson, a must-read for anyone looking to better understand team development and leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation!

Follow Kate and Madison Group Enterprises on their social media channels below:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katedrewbrisbane/
- Madison Group Enterprises: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madison-group-enterprises/
- Madison Group Enterprises Website: https://mge.com.au/

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Queensland Director, Sophie Thomas. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. 

For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6587631/
- Sinead Connolly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly
- Sophie Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethomaslotuspeople/

In this inspiring episode of the People First Podcast, we sit down with Chantelle Williams, the newly appointed Head of People and Culture at LSKD, to dive into her unique journey through the world of people leadership. Chantelle shares her diverse career path, from teaching music to leading talent development at Michael Hill, and how each step has shaped her approach to leadership today.

Chantelle brings an energetic perspective on what it means to create a truly people-first environment, emphasising the importance of aligning values with company culture. She shares powerful insights on empathy, adaptability and the role of personal development in building high-performing teams. Chantelle also highlights how LSKD prioritises growth, both professionally and personally, through their core values, a commitment to personal development and the belief in being "1% better every day."

Tune in to hear Chantelle's thoughts on the evolving role of leadership, the importance of diverse thought, and how businesses can foster an inclusive environment where people truly thrive.

Don't miss this engaging conversation about leadership, culture and the future of work!

Follow Chantelle and LSKD on their social media channels below:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantelle-williams1/
- LSKD: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lskd/
- LSKD's website: https://www.lskd.co/

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Queensland Director, Sophie Thomas. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. 

For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6587631/
- Sinead Connolly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly
- Sophie Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethomaslotuspeople/

This episode is a must-listen for leaders who are passionate about fostering authenticity and accountability within their teams.

Ali McNiven, the Executive Manager of People and Culture at Healthy Land and Water, brings her extensive experience in HR and leadership across various industries. Ali provides invaluable insights into the importance of authenticity, accountability, and employee engagement.

Discover how being genuine and transparent fosters trust and respect within teams.

Understand how holding oneself and others accountable leads to a productive and positive work environment.

Ali shares practical strategies for listening to employees, responding to their feedback, and creating an inclusive workplace culture.

Hear how Ali's leadership style has positively impacted her team and organization, and get tips on how to implement these practices in your own workplace.

Ali also shares personal anecdotes, including the challenges and rewards of leading in a non-profit environment and her strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

This is a fantastic podcast with an inspiring leader who offers a fresh perspective on leadership. I am so excited for everyone to listen!

Follow Ali and Cognizant on their social media channels below:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-mcniven/
- Health Land & Water's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthylandandwater/
- Health Land & Water's Website: https://hlw.org.au/

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Queensland Director, Sophie Thomas. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. 

For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6587631/
- Sinead Connolly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly
- Sophie Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethomaslotuspeople/

Join us for an insightful conversation with Larissa Parker, Culture and Diversity Lead at The Lottery Corporation, as we delve into the essentials of building inclusive cultures and effective leadership.

Larissa brings a wealth of experience in diversity, inclusion, and organizational culture, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in these critical areas.

We discuss, the traits of a strong People Leader, navigating leadership challenges, adapting to change and creating space for leadership.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice for leaders and HR professionals. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, improve your organisation’s culture, or understand the intricacies of diversity and inclusion, Larissa’s expertise and passion offer valuable lessons.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead effectively and create an inclusive and high-performing culture. Don’t miss this enriching conversation with Larissa Parker!

Follow Larissa and The Lottery Corporation on their social media channels below:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-parker09/
- The Lottery Corporation's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lottery-corporation/
- Website: https://www.thelotterycorporation.com/

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Queensland Director, Sophie Thomas. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. 

For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6587631/
- Sinead Connolly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly
- Sophie Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethomaslotuspeople/

This episode is essential listening for leaders and professionals eager to understand the dynamics of transformation and innovation in today's fast-paced business environment.

Ria Leason, Executive Leader across People, Operations and Global Transformation initiatives shares her incredible journey from operational leadership to leading global transformation initiatives. With a background spanning various industries, Ria's insights on fostering high-performing cultures and driving organisational success are invaluable.

Learn how Ria navigates the challenges of leading through transformation and her strategies for fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Discover the importance of empathy and psychological safety in leadership and how these principles can drive team performance.

Gain insights into the evolving role of HR and people functions in today’s dynamic work environment.

Ria's authentic and passionate approach to leadership, combined with her extensive experience, makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and drive meaningful change in their organization. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with a true change-maker!

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Queensland Director, Sophie Thomas. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. 

For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6587631/
- Sinead Connolly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly
- Sophie Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethomaslotuspeople/

This episode is a must-listen for leaders at all levels who are passionate about empowering their teams and driving human-centric leadership.

Matt Kershaw, Executive Leader – People, Transformation & Performance,former Global Head of Talent & Capability at Domino's Pizza Enterprises, brings a unique perspective on leadership, drawn from his extensive experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. Matt's journey from youth development to leading global teams offers a rich tapestry of insights on human-centric leadership and personal growth.

Discover Matt's strategies for creating a feedback culture that drives performance and engagement.

Learn how to build trust within diverse teams and across different cultural contexts.

Explore the importance of data-driven decision-making in talent and capability development.

Matt shares practical tips and personal stories, including his experiences in developing high-performing teams and the critical role of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership.

This engaging conversation with a passionate leader will inspire you to rethink your leadership approach and embrace innovative strategies for team success. Don't miss it!

Follow Matt on his social media channels below:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkershawau/
- Website: http://mattkershaw.com.au/

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Queensland Director, Sophie Thomas. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. 

For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6587631/
- Sinead Connolly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly
- Sophie Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethomaslotuspeople/

This episode is a must-listen for any leaders and aspiring leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern people management.

Nicola Young, the Head of P&C for APAC and Japan at Cognizant, brings her extensive experience in IT professional services, retail, and the restaurant industry to our conversation. Nicola dives deep into what it takes to be a strong people leader in today’s ever-changing workplace, sharing invaluable insights on building trust, fostering a growth mindset, and the importance of effective feedback.

Discover Nicola's top traits for strong people leadership and how trust plays a pivotal role.

Learn how to encourage continuous learning and development within your team, even in the busiest times.

Hear real-life examples and practical advice on handling mistakes and fostering psychological safety.

This is a fantastic podcast with an inspiring leader who offers a fresh perspective on leadership. I am so excited for everyone to listen!

Follow Nicola and Cognizant on their social media channels below:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-young-8b806aa/
- Cognizant: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognizant/
- Cognizant's Website: https://www.cognizant.com/au/en

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly, together with Lotus People Queensland Director, Sophie Thomas. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. 

For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6587631/
- Sinead Connolly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly
- Sophie Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethomaslotuspeople/

This episode is a must-listen for any employees or employers wanting to learn more about what they can do to create a diverse, inclusive, and engaged workforce. 

Lyndal Hamwood is the founder of (ide)ate studio, a DEI consultancy working with businesses to embrace diversity and different perspectives in order to drive inclusion and business growth. Lyndal is passionate about social change, collective intelligence and she and I speak about how small steps result in moving the needle, what she does to remain optimistic in a challenging, often unjust area of work and about the importance of the next generation in driving change. 

This is a fantastic podcast with a passionate, committed change-marker and I am so excited for everyone to listen. 

Follow Lyndal Hamwood below

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndal-hamwood/
- (ide)ate Studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideatestudio/
- (ide)ate Studio Website: https://www.ideatestudio.io/

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lotus-people
- Sinead Connolly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly/

I adored this conversation - Anat Hassner is an incredibly impressive Chief People Officer at a large Australian non profit. 

A PHD in change management, time spent in academia and a hugely successful corporate career which has seen her work shift from working for large organisations to for-purpose businesses, Anat shares so much fantastic wisdom. On topics such as creating a career pathway for herself that was, at the time, undefined, suffering from imposter syndrome, how we can overcome obstacles and take accountability for our own lives and how we can support those around us to shift their mindsets too. We also discussed how instead of creating balance in all aspects of life, you can admit that there will be sacrifices. 

Anat is thought-provoking and this conversation is packed with her wisdom and I am so excited to for you to listen!

Follow Anat Hassner below

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anat-hassner-9604231/
- Uniting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniting_nsw-act/
- Uniting Website: https://www.uniting.org/home

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If you'd like to get in touch, email us at [email protected].

This podcast is hosted by SEEK's Recruitment Leader of the Year, Sinead Connolly. The podcast is sponsored by award-winning recruitment agency, Lotus People. For more information about Lotus People, visit lotuspeople.com.au or follow us on Lotus People's LinkedIn page or on Sinead's LinkedIn page.

- Lotus People LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lotus-people
- Sinead Connolly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadconnolly/