Beyond the Boardroom

Welcome to Series 2, Episode 2 of the Start Inspiring Podcast.In Getting Clarity – How to Unlock Your Potential, Kelly and Annie explore why clarity is one of the most powerful tools a founder can develop — and how it helps leaders get more out of their business and their people.This episode covers how clarity improves decision-making, strengthens leadership, and creates alignment across teams, plus the role coaching plays in building focus and momentum.Perfect for founders navigating growth, complexity, and leadership at the top.📚 Books mentioned:Traction – Gino WickmanThe One Thing – Gary W. Keller & Jay PapasanFollow us on LinkedIn & Instagram: @startinspiringWant to get in touch? Visit startinspiring.com

In the first episode of the New 6-part Start Inspiring Series, Founder Kelly Wakeman shares her powerful story of growth, courage, and intuition. From stepping away from a secure senior executive role to recognising the impact of both exceptional and toxic leadership, Kelly talks openly about what shaped her path and purpose.This episode covers:• Trusting your gut and leading with intuition• The turning point that inspired Kelly to build her own business• How unhealthy cultures affect leaders — and how to break free• The influence of behavioural science and positive psychology on leadership• Why businesses should “go slow to go fast”• How Start Inspiring partners with teams to build momentum, clarity and high-performing culturesA thought-provoking listen for founders, leaders and anyone on a journey of personal or organisational transformation.

In this special episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Kelly Wakeman, the founder of Start Inspiring, shares her story and company's journey. The conversation is filled with details of her personal growth and what it takes to inspire others. Listen in to hear Kelly's motivational story and positive mindset.

Join Kelly and Jo from Start Inspiring as they delve into the complexities of being a player manager in today's dynamic work environment. In this episode of "Beyond the Boardroom," they explore the challenges and rewards of balancing leadership with hands-on roles. Discover how to effectively motivate your team, maintain accountability, and foster a high-performing culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to step into a managerial role, this discussion offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you thrive. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that could transform your approach to leadership. For more resources and support, visit the link below to connect with Start Inspiring.

Beyond the Boardroom, we sit down with John Sparks – one of Start Inspiring’s original facilitators – to unpack what real leadership development looks like in practice. With over 20 years of experience in learning and development, John shares powerful insights into how our science-backed programmes create long-term behaviour change, shift team dynamics, and build sustainable, high-performing cultures.From the importance of emotional intelligence to the evolving expectations of future leaders, we explore how to lead with impact – not just inside the boardroom, but across the entire organisation and beyond. John also reflects on the joy of facilitation, the importance of adult-to-adult learning, and how the work we do is transforming not just workplaces, but people’s lives.Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or business owner wondering how to make leadership development stick, this conversation is full of honest reflections, practical wisdom, and proof that when done right, people growth can positively impact people, planet, and profit.

In this special community-powered edition of Beyond the Boardroom, hosts Kelly Wakeman and Jo Mills turn the mic around and answer real questions from their audience. Covering everything from leading through uncertainty to building intentional culture and structuring people strategies without a Chief People Officer, this episode is packed with practical insight and candid reflections. With a people-first lens, they explore what it takes to lead with clarity, embed sustainable cultural values, and scale organisations in a human, high-impact way. Whether you're a founder, team leader, or scaling up without a full HR team, this episode offers advice you can act on today.

Jo and Kelly are diving straight into something close to every leader’s heart—communication. Not just talking for the sake of it, but really connecting, listening, and leading with intent. Because every conversation you have is a choice. You can either shift it towards clarity, trust, and momentum—or let it drift into misunderstanding, resistance, or silence.In this episode, they unpack what great conversations actually look like in practice. From psychological safety and emotional intelligence to storytelling and strategy, Jo and Kelly explore why the best leaders don’t just talk—they listen, hear, and communicate in a way that truly resonates. Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or 10,000, this one’s packed with practical insight and honest reflection to help you make work work for everyone.

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Kelly and Jo dive into the core value of "growth"—why it's critical for both individuals and organisations. They explore the rapid pace of change in skills, the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning, and how organisations can create environments where people feel challenged, inspired, and supported in their development. They also tackle key challenges such as skill gaps, leadership growth, and how businesses can stay ahead in a fast-evolving world.Key topics covered include: ✅ The necessity of continuous learning in the modern workplace ✅ How organisations can cultivate a growth-oriented culture ✅ The impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness ✅ Balancing psychological safety with performance accountability ✅ Strategies for overcoming common growing pains as a founder or leaderThe conversation is filled with real-world examples, leadership insights, and practical takeaways for business leaders looking to scale sustainably.

In this episode, Kelly and Jo dive into the evolving role of AI in HR, prompted by strong interest from their community. They explore how AI-powered tools are reshaping HR functions, from automating administrative tasks to enhancing employee experience and streamlining recruitment. While they acknowledge they’re not AI experts, they share insights as early adopters, discussing practical applications, potential risks, and how HR teams can future-proof their roles. The conversation highlights the balance between efficiency and human connection, encouraging HR professionals to embrace AI while maintaining the ‘people-first’ approach.00:00 – Introduction & Why AI is the Topic of the Day00:34 – Early Adoption: Why HR Can’t Ignore AI02:26 – AI Tools We’ve Used and Their Impact03:44 – AI’s Role in Scaling High-Growth Organisations05:42 – Transforming HR Operations with AI07:55 – The HR Tech Stack & Integration Challenges09:19 – AI in Recruitment: Efficiency vs. Bias10:45 – How to Overcome AI Resistance in HR Teams13:06 – AI Adoption Risks: Why Strategy Matters14:39 – Predictive Analytics & Employee Retention16:20 – Preparing HR for the Future with AI18:37 – Ethics, Governance & Responsible AI Use20:15 – Proving AI’s ROI to Business Leaders21:36 – Closing Thoughts & Future AI ConversationsKey TakeawaysAI is a tool, not a replacement – AI should enhance HR roles, not replace human interaction.Adoption must be strategic – Without a clear plan, AI can lead to inefficiencies.HR professionals must become tech-savvy – AI literacy will be essential for future HR success.Ethics and governance matter – HR teams should set guidelines to ensure responsible AI use.AI can help with retention – Predictive analytics can flag disengaged employees before they leave.

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Kelly and Jo unpack the second core value at Start Inspiring: Challenge. They explore why challenge is essential for leadership, growth, innovation, and sustainable team development. Drawing from real-life experience as CPOs and leadership coaches, they share personal stories, leadership models, and actionable strategies for embracing discomfort and stepping into constructive conflict. This episode is a practical and motivational deep dive into what it truly takes to make work work for everyone.

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Kelly and Jo sit down with executive leadership coach Kiran Bhopal to explore how coaching unlocks the full potential of individuals, teams, and organisations. Kiran shares her journey from HR leadership to coaching, discussing the transformative power of curiosity, choice, and resilience in leadership. The conversation dives deep into how coaching cultures create sustainable, high-performing teams that positively impact people, the planet, and profit. From practical coaching techniques like “Yes, And” thinking to the ripple effects of coaching on society, this episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders ready to embrace a coaching mindset.2. Show Notes🎧 Topics Covered:Kiran’s journey from HR to coachingWhy coaching is essential for leaders and teamsBuilding coaching cultures in organisationsThe “Yes, And” thinking techniqueThe ripple effect of coaching on societyHow leaders can adopt a coaching leadership style🔖 Resources & Links:Learn more about Start Inspiring’s coaching programmes: Start Inspiring CoachingContact Kelly & Jo: [email protected] podcast: A Millennial Mind

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Kelly and Jo dive deep into the concept of inspiration in leadership. As one of Start Inspiring’s core values, inspiration is the foundation for high-performing teams, organisational growth, and leadership impact. They explore how leaders can create authentic followership, align teams with a shared vision, and develop their own leadership brand.Kelly and Jo also discuss the common challenges leaders face in inspiring their teams, the importance of self-awareness and adaptability, and practical ways to foster motivation in diverse workplaces. Finally, they introduce a new segment—audience Q&A—with a thought-provoking question: How can a leader rebuild their reputation after past leadership missteps?

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Kelly and Jo are joined by John Bradbury, Managing Director of BLINK, to explore the nuances of growing agency-based businesses. John shares his wealth of experience advising creative agency founders, offering practical insights into strategic planning, leadership development, and scaling sustainably. The conversation dives into the challenges of moving from founder-led to team-led operations, defining a clear value proposition, and maintaining a thriving culture amidst growth. John emphasises the importance of planning, leveraging advisors, and staying true to the vision while embracing flexibility.Show Notes:Hosts: Kelly and JoGuest: John Bradbury, Managing Director of BLINKTopics Discussed:John's journey from advertising executive to agency advisor.Key challenges agency founders face during growth stages.The importance of a clear proposition: “What do you do, who do you do it for, and why is it amazing?”How to create and stick to a strategic growth plan.Navigating the transition from "doing it all" to building a leadership team.The role of psychological safety and culture in high-performing teams.Advice for maintaining work-life balance and avoiding burnout.The value of mentors, advisors, and coaches for founders.Resources Mentioned:The concept of a "Founder’s Freedom Point" and backward planning.Lessons from Microsoft on leveraging individual strengths.Fractional specialists (HR, finance, marketing) as a growth strategy.5 Key Takeaways:The Power of a Plan: Founders with a written, regularly revisited growth plan are statistically more likely to succeed.Recognise Your Superpowers: Focus on what you do best and bring in experts to fill the gaps.Culture Begins with the Founder: Early-stage culture is shaped by the founder’s values, behaviours, and leadership.Be Clear on Your Proposition: Narrow and specialise to attract clients. Broadening too much risks becoming a "jack of all trades."Seek Support: Mentors, advisors, or coaches provide accountability, perspective, and expertise to help navigate growth challenges.

In this episode, Kelly and Jo unpack the critical role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) in scaling organisations. They explore how the CPO drives value by enabling leadership transformation, establishing scalable infrastructure, and aligning people strategies with commercial goals. Drawing from their expertise, they delve into the challenges CPOs face in influencing founders and leadership teams to invest in people and systems that unlock sustainable growth. The conversation touches on the parallels between HR and marketing, the importance of high-performing leadership teams, and practical advice for navigating organisational transitions.

In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Kelly and Jo dive deep into the concept of inspiration in leadership. As one of Start Inspiring’s core values, inspiration is the foundation for high-performing teams, organisational growth, and leadership impact. They explore how leaders can create authentic followership, align teams with a shared vision, and develop their own leadership brand.Kelly and Jo also discuss the common challenges leaders face in inspiring their teams, the importance of self-awareness and adaptability, and practical ways to foster motivation in diverse workplaces. Finally, they introduce a new segment—audience Q&A—with a thought-provoking question: How can a leader rebuild their reputation after past leadership missteps?

Make work work for everyone: https://www.startinspiring.com/ Kelly and Jo reflect on the opportunities and challenges of 2025, discussing themes of leadership, talent development, communication, and psychological safety in organisations. They highlight the transformative potential of AI, the power of fostering psychological freedom, and the critical impact of effective communication on organisational success. Drawing from their experiences, they explore how leaders can empower their teams, cultivate innovation, and drive profitability through trust and clear alignment with organisational goals.

Kelly and Jo reflect on leadership, belonging, and intentionality within hybrid work environments. They discuss the challenges leaders face in fostering a sense of belonging and the importance of intentional actions that build trust and psychological safety. Highlighting the value of connecting authentically, the hosts offer insights for leaders aiming to inspire their teams in 2025. Show Notes Episode Theme: Festive reflections on building belonging and culture. Topics Covered: The value of intentionality in creating workplace connections. Challenges of hybrid work in maintaining team belonging. Key strategies to foster psychological safety and trust. Personal leadership reflections and resolutions for 2025. How to build diverse, inclusive, and collaborative cultures.

In this episode, Kelly and Jo explore the unique challenges founders face in scaling businesses, particularly the transition from startup to scale-up, focusing on HR’s role in this transformation. They discuss the stages of organisational growth, from small teams of five to ten people up to robust, scalable entities with over 250 employees. They delve into the founder’s journey, the importance of strategic HR functions, and the critical balance between growth and retaining a core mission. Key points include evolving leadership roles, the vital role of middle management, and strategies for embedding sustainable processes that support high-performing, people-centred cultures.

In this Halloween special of Start Inspiring, Kelly and Jo dive into the "scary" realities of HR leadership, exploring the fears leaders face and the challenges of building trust and psychological safety within teams. The hosts reflect on evolving leadership roles, the changing workplace culture, and how leaders can lean into difficult conversations with care and curiosity to foster high-performing, engaged teams. They emphasise the importance of balancing psychological safety with accountability to prevent apathy and burnout, and share tools like the CORN model to navigate challenging conversations with employees. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the value of feedback and the critical role trust plays in creating sustainable work environments. Show Notes: Episode Title: Facing the Scary Sh*t of HR, Recover from Workplace Fears Hosts: Kelly and Jo Theme: Leadership, Trust, Psychological Safety, HR Challenges Key Topics: Key Links Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lenicioni https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Dysfunc... Radical Candor by Kim Scott https://www.radicalcandor.com/ CORN Model https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f...00:00:00 Intro Chapters 00:00:30 Happy Halloween! 00:06:16 The secret to high performance teams 00:09:21 Questions around the LDP 00:15:30 Equity for workers and trust 00:24:46 The role of feedback in the workplace

In today’s episode of the Start Inspiring podcast, Jo and Kelly explore the concept of energy and how understanding and managing it can unlock both personal and organisational potential. They discuss the four key areas of energy—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and provide practical advice for improving each area to boost productivity, engagement, and wellbeing in the workplace. Whether you’re an HR professional, team leader, or business owner, this episode offers valuable insights into how small, consistent changes in energy management can lead to significant improvements in both personal performance and organisational success. Tune in to discover tools and strategies you can apply directly to your business to create sustainable, high-performing teams. Energy Isn’t Finite: While time is limited, energy can be replenished and sustained by focusing on key areas: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. 4 Key Energy Areas: Small Changes, Big Impact: Making small, 1% improvements each day leads to exponential growth over time, helping individuals and teams become significantly more effective. Energy’s Organisational Impact: When individuals are energised, organisations experience higher levels of productivity, engagement, and performance. Practical Tools: Performing an energy audit and making gradual adjustments can improve overall wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. James Clear – Atomic Habits: Learn more about the power of small habits and how tiny changes can lead to big results.Link to the book Tony Schwartz – The Energy Project: Discover how to manage your energy, not your time, and optimise performance across all areas of life.Link to The Energy Project Start Inspiring Energy Audit: Take a free energy audit to evaluate your energy levels across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual areas, and find out where you can improve.Download the Energy Audit here Perform an Energy Audit: Evaluate how you’re doing in each of the four energy areas—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and identify where small changes can lead to improvements. Make 1% Changes: Apply the “1% rule” to your daily habits and routines. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant personal and organisational growth. Optimise Workflows: Create more focused work environments by eliminating distractions and aligning your tasks with your core strengths and passions. Invest in Rest: Prioritise sleep, proper nutrition, and relaxation to sustain long-term energy and avoid burnout. For more insights and resources, visit our website at www.startinspiring.comGot questions or want to work with us? Reach out at [email protected] If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Your future self will thank you, and so will we. 😊 Key TakeawaysResources MentionedActionable StepsConnect with Us

Episode Highlights: The Journey: Kelly and Jo discuss Kelly's transition from the commercial sector to the world of HR and people development, sharing how her experiences shaped the mission and values of Start Inspiring. The Power of Coaching: Hear how becoming qualified coaches transformed their careers and ignited their passion for helping others thrive within organisations. Balancing People, Planet, and Profit: Kelly and Jo explain their belief in the importance of balancing these three pillars to create sustainable success in business. Fractional HR Leadership: Explore the growing trend of fractional Chief People Officers (CPOs) and HR directors, and why Kelly and Jo see this as an ideal solution for startups and scale-ups. Partnership Approach: Learn how Start Inspiring, under Kelly and Jo's leadership, works as a growth partner rather than a consultant, bringing tailored solutions that deliver real impact. Collaboration and Co-Creation: The duo discusses the value of diverse thinking and how collaboration within the team and with clients leads to innovative solutions. Key Takeaways: The significance of aligning personal purpose with professional work to create meaningful impact. How coaching can serve as a powerful tool in both personal development and organisational growth. The value of bespoke HR solutions tailored to the unique needs of each organisation. Why being a growth partner, rather than a consultant, can lead to more sustainable business outcomes. Tools & Resources: Stay tuned for upcoming resources, including tools, blogs, and book recommendations to help you apply these insights within your organisation. Weekend Fun:Get to know Kelly and Jo outside of work—they enjoy paddleboarding, trail biking, and preparing for adventures like the Three Peaks Challenge! Get in Touch:Interested in a discovery call? Reach out to Kelly and Jo via LinkedIn or through our website at www.startinspiring.com.

Episode 1: The Pilot - Who is Start Inspiring and Why Have We Started a Podcast? Welcome to the debut episode of the Start Inspiring podcast, hosted by Kelly Wakeman and Jo Mills. In this pilot episode, we introduce ourselves and our mission to provide valuable insights for HR leaders and organisational managers. If you are passionate about enhancing productivity, performance, and the overall well-being of your people, this podcast is tailored for you. Kelly, the founder of Start Inspiring, and Jo, the People and Culture Director, discuss how our systematic approach helps organisations scale by focusing on their most important asset: their people. We dive into the nuances of addressing unique client needs and developing customised growth programs that ensure both individuals and organisations thrive together. Join us as we share our motivation for starting this podcast, including the desire to connect with our community and provide HR professionals with the tools and information they need to succeed. We also touch on the value of networking, collaboration, and bringing diverse voices to the conversation, including team members, colleagues, and clients. Tune in to learn more about how Start Inspiring can help you get the best out of your people and drive your organisation forward. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain actionable insights and join a community dedicated to professional growth and excellence. HR leaders, organisational managers, productivity, performance, people-centric approach, systematic growth, customised programs, networking, collaboration, professional growth.

The Start Inspiring Podcast is the podcast for business owners, HR managers, CPO and anyone looking to grow and know the people are the key to this.