The Plumm Pod

In this powerful episode of The Plumm Pod, host Georgia sits down with global L&D expert Rihanna Lindsay-Smith to explore what it really means to create inclusive, accessible learning environments in the workplace.

From personal experience with dyslexia to leading major L&D programmes, Rihanna shares how neurodiversity often goes undeclared in organisations, and what HR and L&D leaders can do even without formal feedback to design learning that truly works for everyone.

What you'll learn:

Why many team members don’t disclose neurodiversity and how that impacts learning

The difference between training and L&D and why it matters

How to start inclusive L&D design with limited data

Rihanna’s go-to framework for evaluating learning effectiveness (yes, we’re talking Kirkpatrick!)

The real impact of unconscious bias training and why it shouldn’t be a “one and done”

How L&D and HR can collaborate to drive cultural change

Building a psychologically safe learning culture from the top down

Power skills your workforce actually needs in 2025

Whether you're in HR, talent, or learning & development, this episode is packed with practical insights, vulnerable stories, and powerful advice to help you rethink how we support every learner.

Guest: Rihanna Lindsay-SmithFollow her on TikTok & Instagram: @rihannagallery

00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace

04:54 The Journey into Learning and Development

09:58 Inclusive Learning Strategies

14:57 Evaluating Training Effectiveness

20:03 Collaboration Between L&D and HR

24:45 Building a Learning Culture

30:02 Continuous Learning and Professional Development

In this episode of The Plumm Pod, host Georgia is joined by Megan Trotter, a Senior People Experience Partner whose journey from architecture and UX design into PX is both inspiring and insightful. They dive deep into what people experience (PX) truly means and how it shifts the traditional HR narrative into something more human, design-led, and impactful. Whether you’re a seasoned HR professional or someone eager to introduce more creativity into the employee experience, this episode will reshape how you think about the world of work.Chapters:00:00 – The Human Cost of Poor Work Experiences00:44 – Meet Megan Trotter: From Architecture to PX02:15 – Discovering PX Through UX04:25 – What Is People Experience (PX)?06:13 – Why PX Matters for Engagement and Motivation08:28 – Skills to Transition from Traditional HR to PX10:21 – Start Small: Workshops, Discovery & Listening12:15 – From Transactions to Meaningful Experiences14:32 – Involving Employees in the Design Process16:24 – Megan’s Transition Into People Experience19:58 – The Power of Human Connection in PX21:10 – Challenges of PX in Scaling Businesses23:42 – Time Investment vs. Long-Term Impact25:22 – Design Tools: Frameworks, Personas & Feedback27:45 – When the Product Misses the Mark31:53 – Communication as an Experience33:22 – Advice to a Younger Megan: Courage & Curiosity

AI is changing everything but is HR ready for it?

In this episode of The Plumm Pod, Georgia sits down with Lorraine Hunt, a 35-year HR veteran turned AI educator, to explore how artificial intelligence can be a game-changing tool for workplace mental health when used right.

We dive deep into:

How HR can proactively use AI for early mental health intervention

The importance of privacy and data ethics in AI implementation

Real examples of how AI is automating referrals, check-ins, and sentiment analysis

Why HR teams must evolve their mindset to lead AI-driven wellbeing strategies

Lorraine shares her unconventional journey from legal secretary to tech-forward HR leader, and explains why now not later is the time for HR to get comfortable with AI.

00:00 – Intro: AI + Mental Health in HR

01:10 – Lorraine Hunt’s HR journey: From legal secretary to AI educator

04:45 – Why HR needs to care about AI right now

07:20 – First tip: Before anything else, think about data privacy

09:15 – What AI can (and can't) do for mental health at work

12:08 – Predictive insights: spotting problems before they escalate

15:30 – How tools like Plum's Emma change early intervention

17:42 – Should AI be analysing Slack or Teams messages?

20:01 – The missing piece: AI strategy for mental health

24:40 – Creating ethical, proactive wellbeing dashboards

28:50 – Why HR pros often get no AI training

30:14 – Practical prompts: Using AI to write referrals and scripts

33:40 – The role of transparency and consent

35:25 – Helping managers get comfortable with mental health conversations

37:55 – Training AI to scan for mental health red flags

41:10 – Using AI to automate nudges and check-ins

43:50 – Will AI ever replace the human element?

46:00 – What's next: AI agents, evolving job roles & the future of HR

50:40 – Advice to HR pros: “Just try it. What’s the worst that can happen?”

52:30 – Final thoughts: Relax, adapt, and grow with it

In this episode, Shoshana Davis discusses the importance of understanding and engaging early career professionals, particularly Gen Z.

She shares her journey into HR and career development, emphasising the need for clear expectations, effective communication, and the impact of pre-boarding on new hires.

The conversation highlights retention strategies, the generational disconnect in the workplace, and the significance of purpose in job roles. Shoshana advocates for empowering managers to better support young talent and addresses the challenges faced by new employees in today's job market.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Gen Z's Desire for Purpose

01:32 Shoshana's Journey into HR and Career Development

07:40 Defining Early Careers and Their Challenges

09:34 Retention Strategies for Young Talent

12:47 Generational Disconnect in the Workplace

17:06 Pre-boarding: Preparing Young Talent for Success

23:02 Engagement Strategies for Early Career Professionals

30:37 The Importance of Role Clarity and Expectations

35:09 Communication as the Key to Retaining Talent

This isn’t your typical DEI conversation.

In this episode of The Plumm Pod, host Georgia sits down with powerhouse inclusion strategist Maria Balogun to pull back the curtain on what real inclusion looks like in today’s workplace.

They challenge surface-level diversity, unpack the real impact of employee resource groups, and go deep into why organisations that don’t embrace inclusive practices are already falling behind.

Maria doesn’t hold back sharing bold insights on why “culture fit” is outdated, how “culture add” changes everything, and what it really takes to create workplaces where people belong.

From personal stories to practical frameworks, this conversation is a call to action for leaders who say they care about inclusion… but need to prove it.

Because in a world that’s finally listening, it’s not enough to look diverse. 

You need to be inclusive.

Episode Chapters 

00:00: The Essence of Diversity and Inclusion

03:51: Understanding Inclusion: Beyond Diversity

10:03: The Role of Employee Resource Groups

13:59: The Impact of DEI on Organizational Success

17:48: Culture Fit vs. Culture Add

24:08: Hiring Practices: Shifting Perspectives

30:07: Empowering Authenticity in the Workplace

In this episode of The Plumm Pod, host Georgia sits down with Kellie Nedelcoux, HR Parental Transition & Leadership Coach, to discuss how organisations can better support parents in the workplace.

They unpack the real challenges faced by parental returners, the role of leaders in easing the transition back to work, and why inclusive policies need to reflect all family structures, not just the traditional ones.

This is a powerful conversation about psychological safety, belonging, and what it takes to build truly supportive environments for working parents.

Episode Chapters

00:00: Setting the Scene for Parental Transition

04:45: Challenges Faced by Parental Returners

10:02: Strategies for Supporting Parental Returners

14:48: The Role of Leaders in Parental Transition

20:02: Creating Inclusive Policies for All Parents

24:52: Best Practices for Supporting Working Parents

30:02: The Importance of Psychological Safety in the Workplace

In this episode of Plumm Pod, Georgia Dixon chats with AI strategy expert Mary Kemp about what HR leaders need to know when introducing tools like ChatGPT and Gamma. They cover the real impact of AI at work, how it can free up time for more meaningful tasks, and what a people-first approach to tech adoption really looks like. 

They also unpack policies, change management, and the small shifts that make a big difference when rolling out AI across teams. 

Whether you’re new to HR or leading change in your organisation, this one’s full of ideas you can actually use. 

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro: HR Leading the AI Revolution with Mary Kemp

01:25 From Nursing to AI: Mary's Unique Career Journey

03:20 Understanding GenAI: A Human-First Technology

04:41 The Four Stages of AI Adoption in the Workplace

06:37 Transforming Work Culture: The 80/20 AI Principle

10:04 Getting Started: Practical Tips for AI Implementation

15:41 Creating Safe Spaces for AI Culture Change

19:33 People-First Approach: How AI Empowers HR Leaders

23:28 Building an AI-Ready Organization Through Training

26:57 Managing AI Compliance and GDPR Considerations

28:16 Final Thoughts: Being Visible and Speaking Up in Tech

In this episode of The Plumm Pod, host Georgia Dixon welcomes Holly Leckenby Rye, Senior People Manager at Lottie, the UK Startup of the Year 2025. Together, they explore the key elements of building high-performing teams in startups. From innovative pre-boarding strategies to fostering psychological safety and effective feedback mechanisms, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Whether you're an HR professional or a startup leader, tune in for expert advice on cultivating trust, enabling manager success, and creating a thriving workplace culture.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to The Plumm Pod: Building High Performance Teams

02:15 From Geography to HR: Holly's Journey to People Leadership

05:59 Creating an Effective Pre-boarding & Onboarding Experience

10:40 Manager Enablement: Supporting Leaders for Success

16:57 Building a Culture of Feedback & Trust

21:37 Managing High Performance During Emotional Challenges

26:20 The Power of Psychological Safety & Trust in Teams

28:52 Creating Purpose & Mission-Driven Culture at Lottie

30:07 Key Takeaways & Career Advice for HR Professionals

In this episode of Plumm Pod, host Georgia Dixon chats with Chantal Cross, Founder and Director at Cross Check Consultancy Ltd . They discuss new legislation requiring employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. They cover practical steps for compliance, from conducting risk assessments to creating effective reporting systems. The episode emphasises the importance of building a culture of respect and psychological safety. Whether you're new to HR or an experienced leader, this episode offers valuable insights into preventing harassment and protecting your organisation.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro: New Duty to Prevent Workplace Sexual Harassment

04:24 Understanding the New Prevention Duty: Why It Matters

09:18 Creating a Customized Approach: Risk Assessment Essentials

11:36 Breaking the Silence: Why People Don't Report Harassment

14:23 Modern Workplace Challenges: Digital Communication & Boundaries

17:05 Building a Positive Reporting Culture: Best Practices

20:14 The Business Case: Financial Impact of Prevention

23:56 Case Studies: Real-World Examples & Lessons Learned

26:28 Taking Action: Practical Steps for Implementation

29:43 Final Thoughts: Creating Safer Workplaces Together

In this episode of The Plumm Pod, host Georgia Dixon welcomes storytelling, culture expert and Founder of THO, Tommy Hatto to discuss how HR leaders can use storytelling to transform workplace culture. They explore strategies for fostering authentic leadership, breaking communication barriers, and creating psychologically safe workplace spaces. From micro-doses of personal sharing to HR-marketing collaboration, this episode provides actionable insights for leaders looking to build stronger connections and enhance employee engagement through the power of storytelling.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Welcome

02:15 Understanding Storytelling's Power in the Workplace

04:23 Starting Small: Building Trust Through Personal Stories

08:32 Breaking Down Barriers: Mental Health & Psychological Safety

12:17 HR & Marketing: A Powerful Partnership for Culture

18:41 Leadership Storytelling: Being Relatable While Maintaining Authority

22:23 Setting Boundaries: Balancing Personal Stories & Brand Protection

26:35 Face-to-Face Connection: The Impact of In-Person Storytelling

28:27 Final Thoughts: Believing in Yourself as an HR Professional