169 | A Brilliant Example of What ‘Being Strategic’ in HR Actually Looks Like (with Harriet Mewis)

Have you wondered what ‘being strategic’ actually looks like? In this episode, you’ll hear a real, step-by-step example of what being strategic can look like in your day-to-day work.Host, Fay Wallis, is joined by Harriet Mewis, Head of People and Development, who shares how she spotted a small pattern in employee behaviour – and used it to uncover a much bigger issue affecting the business.What makes this conversation so powerful is how practical it is. You’ll hear how being strategic doesn’t require a big budget, a senior job title, or complicated frameworks. It starts with curiosity, observation, and asking thoughtful questions.By the end of the episode, you’ll have a much clearer sense of how you can apply this way of thinking in your own role – in a way that feels realistic and achievable.Chapters[00:00] Introduction with guest host Sarah Archer[01:00] Why “being strategic” can feel vague and frustrating[01:24] Introducing Harriet and her approach to strategy[02:14] What being strategic actually means in practice[03:02] Beginning of the interview with Harriet & Fay[04:18] Defining what ‘being strategic’ means[05:48] Why you can be strategic in any role[07:22] Harriet’s example of being strategic in her role[21:30] Learning about other departments & building trust[23:39] Becoming an ‘apprentice’ for the day[27:35] Introducing Lean Six Sigma thinking[34:46] Harriet’s book recommendation[37:12] Final reflections & closeUseful Links from This EpisodeConnect with Fay on LinkedInConnect with Harriet Mewis on LinkedInConnect with Sarah Archer on LinkedInListen to Sarah’s Podcast – Unstuck & UnstoppableLearn about Fay’s Essential HR PlannerLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeTake Fay’s freeHR Leadership Impact Assessment.Helpful Episodes to Listen to NextEp 166:The Biggest HR Strategy Mistake – And How to Fix It, with Dean CorbettEp 164:Becoming More Strategic as an HR Team – 3 Ways OKRs Can HelpEp 163:3 Ways to Prove You’re Strategic in Your HR Leadership Job InterviewEp 108:HR Leadership – How to Create a Powerful One-Page Strategy, with Dr Max McKeownEp 98:HR Insider Insights – How to Create a Powerful People Strategy for an SME, with Kelly VincentEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up for 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:Free Strategic HR SprintJoin the free Strategic HR Sprint and set yourself up for strategic success. 5 easy-to-implement ideas delivered to your inbox across 5 days. The Strategic HR SprintKara 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