Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Redefining success for women in law and leadership with Jane Ayaduray.

In this episode, Penny Haslam is joined by Jane Ayaduray, Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion at a global law firm. Jane shares her unconventional journey into the world of diversity and inclusion, a path she stumbled upon by accident when she mistakenly applied for a job she didn’t realise was in D&I. From this unexpected start, Jane has forged a successful career championing diversity, equity and inclusion across multiple industries and continents.

Jane reflects on her diverse roles, from working in Singapore and Dubai with Standard Chartered to leading D&I at BNP Paribas and now in her current role, where she’s focused on fostering an inclusive culture and supporting senior women lawyers globally. 

She opens up about the challenges of being the only woman or the most senior woman in the room and how her global sponsorship program aims to empower and connect these talented individuals across different regions.

Throughout the conversation, Jane and Penny discuss the importance of building confidence in the workplace, how diverse teams can enhance organisational success and why confidence doesn’t always equate to competence. Jane also touches on her interest in AI and its potential to revolutionise D&I by making support more accessible and less biased.

You'll hear Jane’s insights on navigating imperfect systems, the impact of lived experiences in shaping leadership and how to champion diversity and inclusion in a meaningful way. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to make a difference in their organisation’s culture.

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Workplace Confidence Podcast - Building people centric businesses at P3 People Management with Charlotte Dean. 

In this episode, Penny Haslam talks with Charlotte Dean, founder of P3 People Management, about her journey from the corporate world to supporting small and medium-sized businesses with their people strategies. Charlotte shares how she started P3 with a passion for working with companies that truly value their people and how her approach has evolved to focus on those who see their employees as more than just resources but as integral to their brand and success.

Charlotte discusses the importance of understanding a company’s culture and values and how she helps organisations become more people-centric by asking the right questions and encouraging curiosity. She emphasises the need for businesses to invest in self-awareness and personal development, not just for leaders but for all team members, to foster a workplace environment where everyone can thrive.

Penny and Charlotte discuss the current challenges from pay issues and hybrid working to mental health and generational differences. Charlotte highlights the significance of confidence for individuals and organisations and the value of understanding and supporting employees to create a more resilient and effective workforce.

Listen to Charlotte’s insights on how businesses can better support their people, the impact of a strong people strategy and why confidence should be at the heart of every organisation's culture. 

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Workplace Confidence Podcast - What is ESG? People, planet, purpose at Davies with Gillie Fairbrother. 

In this episode, Penny Haslam chats with Gillie Fairbrother, Global Responsible Business Officer at Davies a professional services and technology company. Gillie shares her unconventional journey from media and wellness into the corporate world, now leading ESG initiatives with a focus on making businesses more viable and sustainable.

Gillie describes her role as being an "air traffic controller" for responsible business practices across Davies and explains how she reframes ESG - often seen as a corporate buzzword - into something more tangible and relatable: People, Planet, and Purpose. She believes that this approach not only covers environmental sustainability but also addresses the financial and operational viability of the business.

Gillie and Penny delve into the challenges of embedding ESG across diverse business units, emphasising the importance of practical, business-driven strategies that resonate with both clients and employees. They also discuss how Gillie has overcome imposter syndrome, built her confidence, and embraced authentic leadership to drive change.

Their conversation is insightful and relatable, offering actionable advice on creating inclusive cultures and aligning business strategies with broader social and environmental goals. Tune in to discover how focusing on People, Planet, and Purpose can transform your business and make a lasting impact.

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Workplace Confidence Podcast - Disrupting higher education and empowering people at UA92 with Ian Turner.

In this episode, Penny Haslam speaks with Ian Turner, Chief of People and Place at UA92 (University Academy 92). Ian shares how UA92, co-founded by Gary Neville and the Class of 92 footballers alongside Lancaster University, is revolutionising higher education by focusing on social mobility and accessibility. With initiatives like the Make It For Real campaign, UA92 helps remove financial and logistical barriers, offering bursaries, tech support and even meals to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ian reflects on the rapid growth of UA92, from just 80 students in 2019 to around 1,400 today, driven by its mission to make education accessible for all. He discusses the challenges of scaling up in a traditional sector and how UA92’s culture of being "fired up," deliberately different and inclusive guides their approach.

Penny and Ian delve into Ian’s career journey from sales to HR, highlighting his passion for developing people and fostering a culture where everyone is empowered to lead. Ian shares his approach to making HR more than just a transactional function, emphasising the importance of visibility, human connection, and embedding himself within the organisation.

Throughout the conversation, Ian offers insights on leading with empathy, overcoming imposter syndrome and creating a workplace where people feel valued and fired up. Tune in to hear how Ian is driving UA92’s mission forward, fostering a culture of inclusivity and passion and what it takes to be a visible, authentic leader in today’s evolving world of work.

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Workplace Confidence Podcast - Public sector recruitment, a passion for shaping talent in Greater Manchester with Anna Foster-Ressel.

In this episode, we chat with Anna Foster-Ressel, the energetic Senior Talent and Resources Manager and Strategic People Business Partner at Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Anna shares her passion for the public sector and how she's on a mission to build diverse, inclusive teams that truly reflect the community.

Anna talks about wearing two hats - leading recruitment for both GMCA and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and why she believes hiring for values and behaviours beats experience every time. She and Penny dig into the challenges of public sector recruitment, including how to attract talent when you can’t compete on salaries, and why Anna’s approach is all about connecting people with purpose.

Anna also opens up about her journey into leadership, her love for learning and how she helps her team build confidence by stepping out of their comfort zones. This episode is packed with insights on public service, inclusivity and the power of passion in making a real impact.

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Workplace Confidence Podcast - Coming up. In this special sample episode, I'm excited to give you a sneak peek into the fantastic conversations lined up for you. Here’s a taste of what’s coming:

• James Edgar, Chief People Officer at Signature Discovery, discusses adapting leadership strategies to connect with a team of PhD-level experts.
• Gillie Fairbrother, Global Responsible Business Officer at Davies Group, offers a practical approach to integrating culture and corporate values.
• Ian Turner, Chief of People and Place at UA92, explores effective visible leadership and its impact on organisational success.
• Jane Ayaduray, Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion at an international law firm, shares candid insights on confidence and diversity in the workplace.
• Esther Brady, MD of Property Techtonics, addresses the communication challenges faced by SMEs in the property sector.
• Charlotte Dean, founder of P3 People Management, reveals her journey from corporate roles to helping small and medium-sized businesses build people-focused workplaces.

Each episode features compelling stories, actionable insights, and expert advice from industry leaders and innovators. We delve into key topics like refining HR strategies, enhancing L&D programs, and driving change through D&I initiatives. You’ll also hear valuable discussions on building leadership confidence, fostering inclusive cultures, and implementing impactful strategies.

For updates and more, connect with me on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the full series!

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Welcome to the Workplace Confidence Podcast with Penny Haslam - the podcast where people professionals share the great work they do. 

Each episode is your chance to hear directly from experts and leaders from HR, L&D, D&I and more. They’re here to share their insights, best practices, and practical tips that you can use to make a real difference in your workplace.

We cover the topics that are on your mind - whether it’s finding new ways to align HR strategies across global teams or giving your L&D programs a fresh edge to keep up with today’s demands. Plus the latest thinking about D&I initiatives to create a more inclusive workplace. 

We also dig into boosting leadership confidence in challenging sectors like policing and scientific research and the nitty-gritty of managing recruitment in fast-paced environments.

Throughout the series, you’ll pick up valuable advice on how to build a culture of trust, support mental well-being and implement strategies that stick. 

We aim, to create a podcast that's your go-to resource for learning from the best in the business - driving the kind of positive change that matters most in the workplace.

The show is brought to you by Bit Famous - trusted by leading brands to build confidence and communication skills in the workplace. Bit Famous is a finalist in the Personnel Today Awards - L&D Supplier of the Year 2024.

It's hosted by Bit Famous MD and founder Penny Haslam a female motivational speaker on the topics of communication and confidence. She's a former BBC Business News presenter.

Ready to get started? Just search for Workplace Confidence Podcast  the place where people professionals share the great work they do.

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