153 | Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – What It Involves & How to Succeed (With Lorna Bains)

What does it really mean to be a fractional Chief People Officer (CPO) or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) – and could it be the right next step in your career?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Lorna Bains, a hugely experienced HR and business transformation leader who has thrived as a fractional CPO for the past seven years. Lorna lifts the lid on what the role involves, why more organisations are choosing fractional HR leadership, and the habits and practices that help her succeed.As part of the special CPO/CHRO series – where each guest answers the same nine listener-chosen questions – Lorna becomes the 8th CPO to share her story. She also offers down-to-earth advice on handling imposter feelings, building your network, and remembering that you don’t need all the answers to succeed.You’ll hear Lorna’s thoughts on:What makes the fractional CPO role differentThe team structures and “scaffolding” that allow fractional leadership to workWhy building strong networks and communities is crucialThe skills, habits, and practices that have most helped her succeedHow to stay future-focused and “look around the corner” as a strategic HR leaderHandling the biggest challenges of the roleWhether you’re curious about the growing trend of fractional HR leadership, considering the CPO/CHRO path, or simply looking to strengthen your own impact as an HR professional, you’ll find plenty of insights and encouragement in this conversation.Useful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeLorna’s website:Vilo ConsultingThe Personal Boardroom framework (by Zella King)Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesNetworking:Episode 11:Networking – The Three Most Important Networks for Your CareerEpisode 15:How Networking Can Help Your CareerEpisode 16:How to Become More Confident About NetworkingEpisode 101:How to Build Confidence With Networking for HR Career Success (With Yvonne Walsh)Personal Board:Episode 21:The 8 People Who Will Set You Up for Career Success (With Sharon Peake)Episode 90:How a Personal Board Can Help Solve Your Challenges at WorkImposter Syndrome:Episode 36:Four Simple but Powerful Techniques to Banish Imposter Syndrome (With Joanna Lott)Episode 107:The Impact of Imposter Syndrome at Work & How to Tackle It Head-On (With Aoife O’Brien)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect