In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Sharon Frost, Global People Director, whose career spans retail, entertainment, education, marketing, and health sciences.

Sharon shares her journey from finance to HR, revealing how she’s led global teams, navigated private equity-backed growth, and doubled headcount during the pandemic - all while keeping people at the heart of business strategy.

She discusses the importance of commercial thinking in HR, drawing on her finance background and cross-sector experience. Sharon explores the value of union engagement, the challenges of working with private equity, and the need for HR to act as a strategic business partner - not just a support function. She also reflects on the evolving role of middle managers, the impact of AI on HR efficiency, and the importance of treating employees like adults to build trust and accountability.

Leadership, performance conversations, and generational expectations are central themes throughout the episode. Sharon explains how HR can empower managers to have meaningful conversations, and why avoiding feedback - positive or negative - creates a culture of silence. She also shares her views on ESG, employee well-being, and the future of HR as a commercially driven, people-focused discipline.

Sharon offers bold, practical advice for HR professionals ready to lead with confidence and commercial clarity.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Supplier shout-outs:  Gallagher

Sharon’s LinkedIn: Sharon Frost | LinkedIn

Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Ceri Gott, Culture & Leadership Coach, formerly Chief Growth & Culture Officer at Hawksmoor International.

What happens when you blend the analytical mindset of a government economist with a passion for creating exceptional workplace cultures? Ceri Gott's remarkable journey from economic policy expert to Chief Growth and Culture Officer provides a masterclass in transforming organisations through people-centred leadership.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Ceri reveals how her unconventional career path began with a simple phone call from her brother, inviting her to help preserve the special culture of his growing restaurant business, Hawksmoor. What followed was a 13-year adventure that saw the company expand from three London restaurants to thirteen establishments across seven cities in four countries, consistently ranking among the UK's top 100 employers.

Ceri challenges us to rethink productivity as more than just time management, arguing that true workplace effectiveness comes from harnessing the complete combination of people's time, talent, and energy. She makes a compelling business case for kindness, revealing how seemingly "soft" cultural elements translate directly to improved cognitive function, innovation, and ultimately, financial performance. Organisations with strong cultures, she notes, outperform their counterparts by an astonishing 200%.

The discussion explores practical strategies for creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute. Ceri shares insights from her experience translating Hawksmoor's strong UK culture to international markets, highlighting the crucial differences between high-context and low-context communication styles across different countries.

For HR professionals seeking to advance their careers, Ceri offers wisdom that balances personal growth with professional development - from understanding your strengths and mitigating weaknesses to connecting with your values and vision. Her advice to "lean into data" while trusting intuition perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of analytical and empathic intelligence that has defined her career.

Whether you're managing workplace culture, leading through change, or simply trying to create more meaningful connections with colleagues, Ceri's insights will transform how you think about the intersection of people practices and business performance. Listen now to discover how intentional leadership can create workplaces where both people and profits thrive.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Supplier shout-outs:  

Lorraine Copes / Be Inclusive Hospitality

Boardwalk Mentoring

Hospitality Action

Ceri’s LinkedIn: Ceri Gott | LinkedIn

Ceri's Website: CERI GOTT

Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this special episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Dr Jo Burrell, clinical psychologist and founder of Ultimate Resilience.  She's also HR Magazine's number 11 most influential thinker!

Jo shares groundbreaking research that exposes the hidden mental health crisis in HR. Drawing from a survey of over 1,400 HR professionals, she reveals how the expansion of HR responsibilities - from pandemic management to being the emotional dumping ground for workplace issues - has created unprecedented pressure without corresponding support systems.

The mental wellbeing of HR professionals has reached crisis levels, with nearly half experiencing clinical depression and over 60% suffering from burnout. But who supports the supporters?

"Everyone expects them to just cope," Jo explains, highlighting how HR professionals absorb distressing situations while maintaining the appearance of having all the answers. This expectation creates barriers to seeking help, with only 13% of respondents feeling adequately supported in their workplace.

The solution may lie in clinical supervision—a structured support approach standard in psychology but revolutionary for HR. This regular, ongoing support provides a space for professionals to process the emotional toll of their work while developing skills and preventing burnout. Organisations implementing this approach are seeing it become their "fastest-selling service," suggesting a desperate need for this type of support.

Beyond individual interventions, Jo advocates for a systematic, strategic approach to workplace wellbeing rather than "piecemeal, ad hoc" initiatives. She encourages HR professionals to connect with peers, emphasising the power of normalisation: "It's so powerful when you meet someone else experiencing something you might feel shame about."

For leaders and organisations, the business case is clear: well-supported HR professionals demonstrate better mental health, reduced burnout, fewer absences, and greater retention. The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in HR wellbeing, but whether you can afford not to.

Download the full HR Mental Wellbeing Survey at HR Mental Wellbeing Report | Ultimate Resilience.

Find out more about HR Supervision services at HR Supervision | Ultimate Resilience | UK.

Supplier shout out: Gethin Nadin | LinkedIn

Jo’s LinkedIn: Dr Jo Burrell| LinkedIn

Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn

We hope you enjoy this episode!

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Jan Lynegar, Director of Talent Acquisition and Organisational Development at Marston's PLC. 

Jan shares her unique career journey, which began with aspirations to become a legal officer in the military. After transitioning to employment law, she eventually found her way into HR, holding significant roles at DFS, Lookers, Ralph Lauren, and now Marston's PLC. Throughout her career, Jan faced numerous challenges, including a battle with anxiety and depression, and a cancer diagnosis, which profoundly impacted her personal and professional life.

Jan discusses her evolution from employment law to HR business partnering, emphasising the importance of understanding business models and strategic thinking. At Marston's, her role involves talent acquisition, organisational development, and driving cultural evolution within the company. She highlights the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, such as negative media headlines and rising costs, while also underscoring the importance of pubs in British culture. Marston's commitment to growth and innovation, along with a focus on people, culture, and engagement, is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.

Leadership and mental health are central themes in the conversation. Jan explains how leadership can significantly impact employee mental health and business performance. She advocates for vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, stressing the need for workplace policies that support employees during significant life events. Jan also offers advice for HR professionals, emphasising the importance of working in businesses where HR has a strategic role and the need for continuous learning and understanding of broader business and market trends. She believes in balancing commercial success with employee well-being.

The discussion also touches on upcoming legislation and industry challenges, particularly the Employment Rights Bill and third-party harassment in hospitality. Jan shares Marston's involvement in the "It Stops With Me" campaign, which aims to address harassment in the industry. 

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Supplier shout-out:  The Burnt Chef Project

Jan’s LinkedIn: Jan Lynegar | LinkedIn

Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode (recorded at Foyles in London in December 2024, thanks to them!), Claire Cathcart, HR Director at ELEVATE, talks to Nic about her career journey. She initially studied media, then moved into HR, and worked across major corporates and the SME space!

Claire talks to Nic about the ELEVATE Hub, a community of HR professionals designed to help them learn, feel supported, and develop in their careers. Nic asks Claire about trends she is seeing in HR—she explains that HR professionals need support, too, particularly given the current volume of work!

Claire shares her thoughts on the Employment Rights Bill, the cost of living crisis, the blurring of work and home life, and the current mandate to return to the office!  Nic asks Claire about the power of HR professionals using social media and in particular LinkedIn.

Claire shares her views on how HR professionals can develop their careers and set ambitious goals.  Claire and Nic also look forward to the ELEVATE Event in London in March 2025: Secure your place today – The ELEVATE Event – Arboretum

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Supplier shout-out:  Harry Cramer, Smart Clinic - Harry Cramer 🧬 | LinkedIn

Claire’s LinkedIn: Claire Cathcart | LinkedIn

Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Nimira Kassam, People Services Director at PPL PRS Ltd talks to Nic, recorded at the PPL PRS offices in Leicester.

Nimira shares her career journey, having initially studied accounting and finance, then moving into studying HR at degree level.  Nimira talks about starting her career in banking ahead of securing her first HR focussed role.

Nic asks Nimira about the challenges and opportunities working at a growing SME business, and her current role as People Services Director at music licencing joint venture PPL PRS.  Nimira shares her insights into management training, growing a global tech business, and the importance of leading with integrity.

Nic and Nimira discuss current trends in the workplace around hybrid working and recruiting and retaining great people.

We hope you enjoy this episode! 

Supplier shout-out: The Art of Brilliance (Home - Art of Brilliance) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andy-cope-0170511/

Nimira’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimira-kassam-66569751/

Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Dawn Browne, People and Talent Director at Fuller’s talks to Nic as the podcast goes on tour, recording from the Hercules pub in central London!

Dawn shares her career journey, having never intended to work in HR, starting out at British Airways, joining Quantas, then Compass Group, before joining Fuller’s 12 years ago.  Nic asks Dawn about the leadership lessons she learned working with baggage handlers and cabin crew!

Dawn talks about how she fell in love with Fuller’s as a business and progressed to the role of People and Talent Director.  She shares the importance of their business to the local community and the value of great leaders to success.

Nic and Dawn discuss the challenges of significant business change, with Dawn describing how selling the brewing side of the business was managed. Dawn shares how she built a new look people function and developed trust with the operational side of the business.

Dawn also shares how the business approaches its values – and how their people genuinely live and breathe them. Nic asks how Fuller’s have approached the challenge of recruitment and retention.  Dawn specifically focuses on retention as the key to avoiding a recruitment problem.

Dawn talks about “inclusion” and the journey of education and engagement.  She shares details around the businesses' focus on “age”, seeking to recruit older workers to the sector.  Nic also asks Dawn about her journey as a female in a male-dominated industry.  Dawn describes how being the business's first female executive has impacted her and the business.

Dawn shares her advice around career progression and her tips for moving towards the top job in a people function, and making it about the success of your business!

Supplier shout-out: JR Comms (Jess Roberts) - Internal Communication and Employee Experience | Jessica Roberts Communications (jrcomms.co.uk) and Wage Stream - Financial wellbeing for frontline workers - Wagestream

Dawn’s LinkedIn: Dawn Browne | LinkedIn

Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Neil Morrison Group HR Director at Severn Trent shares his career journey, from the NHS to Argos, through to Penguin Random House Publishing and then Severn Trent. 

Neil shares his thoughts on good work, the importance of creating jobs, and organisations looking after their workforce. Neil talks about how Severn Trent have sought to take 100,000 people out of poverty by providing employment or the skills to find jobs elsewhere. 

Nic asks Neil about the future of work and Neil predicts that Nic will be replaced by AI! Neil also highlights that the future of work looks different for different parts of the workforce, and cautions us against buying into HR myths!

Neil shares his thoughts on “HR group think” and how he believes we need a data and evidence based approach to the world of work. Neil discusses the challenge of bringing social policy into the workplace and the potential dangers of “bringing your whole self to work”. 

Neil talks about “societal impact” and the challenges the water sector has faced in recent years. 

Neil talks about the privilege that it is to be an HR professional and shares his advice for those looking to progress in their career. 

Neil shares his thoughts on the importance of line managers and the impact they can have on teams. He talks to Nic about the psychological side of managing people and the importance of understanding the impact of actions on an individual and the wider workforce. 

Neil and Nic discuss the importance of honest conversations and the value in being able to say sorry! 

Supplier shout-out: Workday Peakon - https://www.workday.com/en-gb/products/employee-voice/overview.html

Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrisonneil

Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health shares her career journey, including 20+ years at Tesco and working her way up to her current role at Westfield.

Vicky shares her thoughts on the profession, ranging from “toilet rolls to disciplinaries” and explains her more strategic role as Director of People.  Nic asks Vicky about their success winning best employer awards and the journey towards platinum Investors in People.

Vicky and Nic also discuss the “coaching culture” at Westfield and the focus on wellbeing, keeping in mind the mantra of practicing what they preach!  Nic talks to Vicky about her views on hybrid working, Artificial Intelligence, and the cost of living crisis.

Vicky shares some great advice to HR professionals starting their career and to those looking to take the step up to the People Director.  Vicky also talks about the importance of building a professional network and some tips for doing that well.  Nic and Vicky cover avoiding “HR fads” and ensuring that you are evidence and data based!

This episode was recorded in November 2023, we hope you enjoy it.

Supplier shout out: Drew Povey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-povey-31a76a12/

Vicky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-walker-421270bb/

Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Karen Jewell, Director, HR and Organisational Development at Equip UK Technologies Ltd shares her career journey from HR roles in the energy sector, to HR Director at Derby City Council, to leading the people strategy for the Rab and Lowe Alpine outdoor apparel and equipment performance brands.

Karen talks about her experience at Equip during COVID, taking brave decisions to continue buying and fulfilling orders where others couldn’t, and creating opportunities from the challenges faced at that time.

Nic asks Karen about the extraordinary growth of the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands in the last few years, with turnover reaching in excess of £100 million. Karen explains how the business has also significantly grown its headcount using the strength of their brand, LinkedIn for recruitment, focusing on retention, and utilising their employees as ambassadors.

Karen tells Nic about her approach to wellbeing at Equip, training “wellbeing champions”, signing up to the UK Thrive at Work charter, and partnering with a specialist mental health and wellbeing service for colleagues, taking a proactive approach to the issue.  Karen also shares Equip’s strategy on sustainability and how they have authentically embraced this important issue, becoming climate neutral in 2019, and aiming for net zero by 2030.

Karen gives her honest view on the HR profession and shares her advice for those who might be considering it as a career.  She also explains her views on women in leadership and how best to demonstrate value to the organisation you’re working with.

This episode was recorded at the beginning of 2023.

Supplier shout out: https://thinkforwardconsulting.co.uk/

Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-jewell-fcipd-aa71a317/

Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit out website.

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.