EPISODE · Aug 21, 2025 · 32 MIN
From Athlete to Global HR Leader: The Power of Community with David Hughes
from The Plumm Pod · host Plumm
What if the key to retention, engagement, and authentic leadership isn’t perks or pay but community?In today’s episode, I sit down with David Hughes, Global Head of Talent at Costa Coffee, whose journey took him from competing for Great Britain in athletics to leading people, purpose, and community in one of the world’s most recognisable brands.We explore:How sport shaped his leadership philosophy and resilience.Why community is the most overlooked driver of engagement and retention.The rising influence of Gen Z and their demand for authenticity.How brands can avoid “whitewashing” and build trust through meaningful action.This is a masterclass in understanding why authenticity, purpose, and connection will decide the future of work.👉 If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe for more episodes and share this with someone who needs to hear it.Chapters00:00:29 – HR: Planned or by chance?00:01:27 – From GB athlete to HR leader00:02:19 – How sport shaped leadership00:04:04 – Leaving athletics & finding purpose00:05:51 – From recruitment to Boots & HR00:07:03 – What community really means00:09:55 – The data: community reduces turnover by 50%00:11:23 – Why Gen Z changed everything00:12:45 – Community, charity & the HR function00:14:42 – Building local impact: the SEN school project00:16:24 – Skills vs. qualifications: the future of work00:18:38 – The four pillars of talent at Costa00:20:11 – What EVP really means (and why most get it wrong)00:23:09 – Authenticity vs. whitewashing in employer branding00:24:59 – Gen Z: why they can’t be fooled00:27:03 – The real cost of ignoring community00:29:47 – A life-changing trip to Colombia00:31:54 – How to convince senior stakeholders00:33:02 – Advice to my younger self: mistakes & fourth gear00:34:55 – Why slowing down creates better work00:36:10 – Closing reflections on purpose and belonging
What this episode covers
What if the key to retention, engagement, and authentic leadership isn’t perks or pay but community?In today’s episode, I sit down with David Hughes, Global Head of Talent at Costa Coffee, whose journey took him from competing for Great Britain in athletics to leading people, purpose, and community in one of the world’s most recognisable brands.We explore:How sport shaped his leadership philosophy and resilience.Why community is the most overlooked driver of engagement and retention.The rising influence of Gen Z and their demand for authenticity.How brands can avoid “whitewashing” and build trust through meaningful action.This is a masterclass in understanding why authenticity, purpose, and connection will decide the future of work.👉 If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe for more episodes and share this with someone who needs to hear it.Chapters00:00:29 – HR: Planned or by chance?00:01:27 – From GB athlete to HR leader00:02:19 – How sport shaped leadership00:04:04 – Leaving athletics & finding purpose00:05:51 – From recruitment to Boots & HR00:07:03 – What community really means00:09:55 – The data: community reduces turnover by 50%00:11:23 – Why Gen Z changed everything00:12:45 – Community, charity & the HR function00:14:42 – Building local impact: the SEN school project00:16:24 – Skills vs. qualifications: the future of work00:18:38 – The four pillars of talent at Costa00:20:11 – What EVP really means (and why most get it wrong)00:23:09 – Authenticity vs. whitewashing in employer branding00:24:59 – Gen Z: why they can’t be fooled00:27:03 – The real cost of ignoring community00:29:47 – A life-changing trip to Colombia00:31:54 – How to convince senior stakeholders00:33:02 – Advice to my younger self: mistakes & fourth gear00:34:55 – Why slowing down creates better work00:36:10 – Closing reflections on purpose and belonging
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From Athlete to Global HR Leader: The Power of Community with David Hughes
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