Episode 221: Rethinking HR for Connection and Innovation: Fabiola Williams, Partner & Chief People Officer at Brunswick Group

Fabiola explores how real change often comes from small, human moments - conversations, deep listening and creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves. Drawing on her international career and psychotherapy studies, she shows how engaging with people relationally forms the foundation for sustainable organisational transformation.   Fabiola also highlights the power of human-centred design in organisations. By fostering improvisation and curiosity, and giving employees a voice, teams build resilience, creativity and stronger connections. Concepts such as 'the fertile void' create space for insight and innovation to emerge.   Looking ahead, Fabiola urges HR leaders to see human-centred ways of working as essential, not optional. Her wish for HR is for leaders to recognise that the health and wellbeing of their people is at the heart of everything they do.   How is AI really playing out? Slalom's new research Thank you to Slalom for sponsoring this week's podcast episode.  If you're an HR leader navigating AI and wondering how to move from ambition to adoption, Slalom's latest research offers practical insights you can use right away. Slalom surveyed more than 2,000 global executives to understand how AI is really playing out, where investment is translating into value, where it isn't and, what that means for leadership, skills and cross functional alignment.  Download your free summary here: Get Slalom's latest AI research    👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community      You'll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.       Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world      And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn      Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?      We're starting 2026 with Brene Brown's new book, Strong Ground, as our Book of the Month - a thoughtful guide to building resilience, connection, and clarity in a fast-moving world.    Brené draws on decades of research into courage and vulnerability to help us navigate uncertainty in both our professional lives and personal lives.    Strong Ground is perfect for the start of a new year - a reminder that small shifts in perspective can make a big difference, and it highlights the power of curiosity and intentional action.    Let it inspire you to step into the new year ready to create positive impact - because change starts with each of us, one choice at a time.    Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book!