The Truth About Building High-Performing HR Teams

What does it really take to lead a successful HR team in today’s fast-changing world?In this episode of The Plumm Pod, Georgia sits down with Lauren McDonagh, Head of People at Soho House, to reveal the realities of building high-performing HR teams. From creating psychological safety to managing burnout and leading with authenticity, Lauren shares practical insights and personal lessons every HR professional needs to hear.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why HR leaders must lead by example (and why most don’t)How to create a culture of trust and psychological safety within your teamThe power of diversity of thought in driving real innovationWhy personal development and getting uncomfortable are non-negotiable for growthIf you want to be a better leader or build a team that thrives, this conversation is a must-watch.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on HR, leadership, and mental health.Chapters00:00:00 – Welcome to The Plumm Pod00:02:26 – Was HR Always the Plan?00:04:55 – The Reality of HR Careers00:07:01 – How Hospitality Changed My Leadership Style00:08:45 – Inside Soho House’s People Team00:09:56 – Leading by Example as an HR Leader00:11:32 – How We Invest in Our HR Team00:14:37 – What I Look for When Hiring HR Talent00:17:53 – Why Discomfort Is the Key to Growth00:19:56 – Managing Change & Building Trust00:21:27 – The Biggest Shift in My Leadership Style00:23:06 – Creating Psychological Safety for Teams00:24:53 – Balancing Business Goals & People Needs00:28:30 – Protecting HR Teams from Burnout00:32:44 – The Truth About Being ‘Busy’ vs ‘Productive’00:36:18 – Managing Different Personalities Effectively00:38:55 – The Untold Emotional Load of HR00:41:14 – Advice to My Younger Self