Episode 231: HR - Architects of Workforce Reinvention: Aly Sparks, Global CHRO at LHH

Aly challenges HR to step up: it's time to stop being a support function and become architects of workforce reinvention. With 92 million jobs expected to be obsolete by 2030, yet 170 million new roles predicted to emerge, this isn't about job loss or creation in isolation - it's about connecting talent acquisition, skills strategy, internal mobility and leadership development as one system.   Her personal passion centres on young people entering the workforce. As a mother of four at career-entry age, Aly worries that automation is eliminating entry-level roles that once served as gateways to learning how organisations work. She challenges HR leaders to think creatively about apprenticeships and developmental internships - not just for social responsibility, but because stripping away these entry points threatens the future talent pipeline.   LHH's purpose is 'building a beautiful working world'; and Aly means it. She sees HR as stewards of culture, ensuring access to opportunities and development is woven into how the organisation works, not treated as a side project.   Her wish for all HR professionals: remember that we are called human resources, and the human part comes first. HR must stay at the table with business leaders, ensuring that in the rush for efficiency and quarterly results, people remain at the centre of transformation.    References: - The Future of Jobs Report 2025 | World Economic Forum   Elevating wellbeing to a strategic priority: Geoff McDonald's work Thank you to Geoff McDonald for sponsoring this episode. Geoff is a global advocate, campaigner and consultant passionate about addressing the stigma of mental ill health in workplaces. As former Global VP of Human Resources at Unilever, Geoff brings practical experience helping organisations elevate wellbeing to a strategic priority in the C-suite. In 2014, he left Unilever to devote his expertise to ending the stigma of depression and anxiety in the workplace - because he knows first-hand that talking about mental health saves lives. As a business transformation consultant and co-founder of charity Minds@Work, Geoff helps organisations define purpose beyond growth and profitability, and develop holistic wellbeing strategies that unlock true performance potential. Learn more about Geoff McDonald's work: www.geoffmcdonald.co.uk   Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?     Our book of the month for March is Don't Fix Women by Joy Burnford – a bold call to rethink how we approach gender equality in the workplace. Joy challenges the narrative that women need to adapt or be "fixed" to succeed. Instead, she shines a light on the systemic barriers and cultural norms that need to change. Drawing on extensive research including the landmark Why Women Leave study, she demonstrates that the barriers women face aren't about women at all – they're about how work is structured, managed and experienced. With published Gender Action Plans coming in next year, if you're thinking about root causes, want compelling data points for your business cases, and ideas for practical steps you can take, Don't Fix Women is the book to read. It's a timely read as we approach International Women's Day too. Grab your copy – perhaps an International Women's Day gift for yourself or a colleague. Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book.