136 | How to shape a winning workplace culture when you work in HR, with Annabelle Lawson and Paula Brockwell

Shaping workplace culture is becoming an increasingly important part of HR's role, with many HR functions being renamed as "People and Culture" and culture-related responsibilities appearing in job titles. But how do you actually go about shaping culture, especially when you're already busy with your day-to-day work?In this special episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by two guests: Annabelle Lawson, HR Manager at SPT Lab Tech, and Paula Brockwell, Founder and Chief Culture Shaper at the Employee Experience Project. Together, they explore practical strategies for defining, shaping, and embedding a winning workplace culture.This episode is packed with actionable advice, from how to engage leadership in culture initiatives to how HR professionals can avoid becoming overwhelmed by the process. Whether you're just starting your culture journey or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is here to help.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction and Overview[01:33] Meet the Guests: Annabelle Lawson and Paula Brockwell[03:59] Annabelle Explains Her Culture Project[08:32] Culture is a Strategic Enabler of Business Growth[09:26] Using the Business Culture Canvas for Culture Conversations[12:46] Embedding New Culture and Measuring Progress[15:20] Timeframes for Seeing Cultural Changes[19:55] Avoiding Overwhelm When Working on Culture Initiatives[23:25] Starting a Culture Journey from Scratch[24:33] The Importance of CEO Engagement in Culture Initiatives[25:03] Book Recommendations[26:06] How to Connect with Annabelle and PaulaUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Annabelle Lawson on LinkedInConnect with Paula Brockwell on LinkedInPaula’s website: The Employee Experience ProjectResearch and Resources MentionedDownload Paula’s free culture change resourcesAccess Paula’s Business Culture CanvasAccess Paula’s Culture Catalyst ScorecardOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 114: What workplace culture is, how to measure it, and a surprising way to improve it with Arend BoersemaEpisode 120: Crafting culture: unearthing and shaping the heart of your business with Louise KennedyBook Recommendation From the Episode‘Herd: How to Change Mass Behaviour by Harnessing Our True Nature’ byMark Earls ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking’ by Susan CainLooking For the Transcript?You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected] This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.