How to Become a High-Impact CHRO: Mindset, Habits & Career Moves That Actually Work | Tom Emery

Most HR leaders never make it to Chief People Officer — and those who do often struggle to create real impact once they get there. The difference isn't technical expertise. It's mindset, habits, and knowing exactly which career moves accelerate your path to the top. In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture, Ivan Palomino sits down with Tom Emery, founder of Hex and author of People People: Reach Your Potential as a Chief People Officer. Tom spent over 20 years in HR leadership across financial services and wealth management before building a coaching practice dedicated to helping HR leaders and Chief People Officers lead with genuine impact. Whether you're an HR business partner aiming for the C-suite, a first-time CPO finding your footing, or a seasoned CHRO looking to sharpen your edge — this conversation is packed with honest, practical insight you won't find in a textbook. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your functional HR expertise might be holding you back from the C-suite The daily habits and mindset routines of truly impactful CHROs and Chief People Officers How to get your CEO to listen to you — and earn a real seat at the table The "observation + question" mirror technique for influencing without triggering defensiveness How to manage your emotional triggers before they manage you Why the best HR leaders embrace discomfort — and how to start practicing this today The career moves and experiences that separate future CHROs from those who plateau Tom's one piece of advice for every ambitious HR leader: stop taking it so seriously About Tom Emery Tom Emery is the founder of Hex, an executive coaching and leadership development consultancy, and the author of People People, a practical guide for current and aspiring Chief People Officers. With over two decades in HR leadership — including as CPO at a City of London wealth management firm — Tom now works with HR leaders and executive teams to build the mindset and skills that drive real organizational change. 🔗 Free copy of People People (UK only): https://www.hex-development.com/book-request/ 🔗 Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-emery-b8809818/ 📘 Buy People People on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/People-Reach-potential-Chief-Officer/dp/1788607414   About Growth Hacking Culture Growth Hacking Culture is the podcast for HR leaders, people professionals, and executives who believe culture is the ultimate competitive advantage. Every episode brings you honest conversations with practitioners and thinkers who are changing how organizations treat their people — and what that means for business results. 🔔 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. 📘 Ivan Palomino's new book (French version) is now available: Périmé?: La science de rester indispensable quand le marché préfère le neuf →  https://www.ivanpalomino.net/perime-livre-ivan-palomino