Real World HR

How do you lead a traditional construction crew where employees stay for 20 years, alongside a fast-paced hospitality team made entirely of Gen Z? In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy sits down with Sarah Leathem - a chartered accountant, Finance Director for her family’s construction company, and the owner of the Three Stories Bar in Sunderland. Sarah shares her unique insights on managing vastly different workforces and bridging the ultimate workplace gap. This episode covers: The Traditional Hard Work vs. Work-Life Balance Debate: Sarah reflects on her early career working 12-hour days on an £8,000 salary, comparing her traditional grit to Gen Z’s focus on screen boundaries, health, and flexibility. Hiring Gen Z Reality Hits: How to navigate the friction when younger workers arrive with a "we know better" attitude, yet need to understand the practical "why" behind workplace rules like site health and safety. Bridging the Industry Divide: What a family-run construction firm can teach a hospitality business about retention, attitude, and team dynamics. Whether you're struggling to recruit the next generation or trying to figure out how different eras can successfully work together, this conversation looks past the headlines to help you future-proof your business. About the Show: Hosted by Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, Mind the Generation Gap explores how different generations can bring new ideas and opportunities to the modern workplace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you think traditional hard work is officially dead, or is Gen Z right to demand a work-life balance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don't forget to Like, Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Is Gen Z truly "entitled" and "soft," or do they just have a clearer grasp of a healthy work-life balance than the generations before them? In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, sits down with Northumbria University final-year students Lauren Turner and Hope Howard to unpack what it’s actually like entering the workforce as a young adult today. Moving past the dismissive headlines, Lauren and Hope share their real-world perspectives on navigating an hyper-competitive job market, the overwhelming pressure of curated social media feeds, and what they actually look for in a future employer. Key takeaways from this episode: Culture Over Contentment: Why alignment with a company's values, transparency, and a supportive culture are crucial factors for retention. The Flexibility Factor: How hybrid working and flexi-time aren't lazy demands, but foundational tools for building a productive work-life balance. The Reality of the Job Hunt: A look at how daunting the modern application landscape is - where entry-level roles face hundreds of applicants and human connection is often replaced by automated screening bots. Overcoming Stereotypes: Dismantling the "woke" label to explore how digital native connectivity equips this generation with unparalleled access to knowledge, driving them to demand fair workplace standards and open communication. If you are a business owner, manager, or educator looking to future-proof your workforce, this honest conversation highlights why the bridge across the generation gap starts with simply sitting down to listen. About the Show: Hosted by Louise Kennedy, Mind the Generation Gap is a series dedicated to exploring the shifting dynamics of the modern workplace. By looking past assumptions and talking directly to business owners, educators, and the next generation, we uncover how collaborative, multi-generational environments can thrive.

This episode of "Mind the Generation Gap" features a candid discussion between host Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, and Laura Middleton, a seasoned business owner and investor. Together, they explore the real-world challenges businesses face as Gen Z enters the workforce, moving past standard headlines to discuss topics many employers feel uncomfortable addressing publicly. Key Discussion Points: The Reality of the Generation Gap: Louise & Laura examine why the gap feels more significant now than in previous generations, touching on shifting expectations regarding work-life balance and the "always-on" nature of modern technology. Work-Life Balance vs. Business Needs: The conversation delves into the friction between employer standards and the Gen Z desire for flexibility, including a look at unconventional workplace trends like "horizontal working" (working from bed) and napping rooms. The Rise of Parental Involvement: Louise shares startling statistics and anecdotes about parents becoming directly involved in workplace disputes and grievances, often complicating the relationship between employer and employee. Communication Styles and Expectations: The speakers discuss the nuances of managing a generation that prefers direct, non-"fluffy" communication, yet may struggle with traditional professional boundaries like dress codes or telephone etiquette. The Impact of Mental Health Awareness: Laura and Louise highlight how Gen Z’s increased vocabulary and openness regarding mental health and therapy are changing the dynamics of workplace management. Future-Proofing Your Business: The episode concludes with advice for business owners on how to integrate the unique strengths of different generations to create a cohesive, efficient, and successful workplace culture. Whether you are a small business owner navigating your first Gen Z hire or a corporate manager looking to bridge the generational divide, this episode offers practical insights and a supportive perspective on the evolving modern workplace.About our guest:Laura Middleton is the founder of Bump, Baby & You and Bump Talent, a specialist parenting influencer and social media agency based in Sunderland. In 2021, Laura exited her successful e-commerce business and has since become a marketing consultant, sharing her experience and knowledge with other small businesses, In 2023 Laura made her first investment in the community focused activewear brand Show Up Club.Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramiddleton2/

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy sits down with Sam England, Director of People at Gentoo Group, to explore how a housing association with 1,200 employees is turning traditional HR on its head to engage a truly multi-generational workforce. From a colleague celebrating 60 years of service to an influx of Gen Z apprentices, Sam explains how Gentoo bridges the gap by ditching "stuffy" corporate rituals in favour of trust, flexibility, and a deep-rooted sense of community purpose.They dive into Gentoo’s "Brilliant Conversations" model - a flexible, employee-led approach to performance that swaps formal office meetings for coffee-shop chats and walks, ensuring every generation feels heard and supported. Sam also shares Gentoo's radical commitment to the Northeast, detailing how their Trades Academy and primary school outreach are building career aspirations for the next generation in the face of rising regional unemployment.Key takeaways from this episode include:Values from the Bottom Up: How Gentoo moved away from top-down mandates by letting employees build their own values and behaviour frameworks.The Power of Over-Communication: Why transparency is vital for building trust across generations—even when there is "nothing to say".Mentorship and Belonging: How dedicated mentors and "buddy" systems help Gen Z and new starters feel secure and authentic at work from day one.Tackling Regional Poverty: Why businesses must look beyond their walls to address child poverty and pay a real living wage to future-proof their community.Strategic Future-Proofing: Balancing routes to retirement for veteran staff with massive apprentice intakes to solve long-term skills gaps.Advice for the Next Generation: Why Sam urges young people to be "curious over perfect" and never be afraid to ask the "stupid" questions.About Our Guest: Sam EnglandSam England is the Director of People at Gentoo Group, a Sunderland-based housing association where she has played a pivotal role in organisational culture for over a decade.Overseeing a diverse workforce of 1,200 colleagues, Sam is a passionate advocate for moving away from traditional, "stuffy" HR toward a strategic, purpose-driven model centred on trust and inclusivity.Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-england-fcipd-a3454222/

Host Louise Kennedy is joined by Gen Z entrepreneur Lewis Hutchinson to dismantle the stereotypes surrounding the modern young professional. Rejecting the traditional university route, Lewis has carved a unique path through social strategy and software development by prioritising human connection and "failing fast".Key Discussion Points:Accidental Entrepreneurship: How Lewis built Cura by simply saying "yes" to a problem he didn't yet know how to solve.The "Fail Fast" Mantra: Building resilience through problem-solving and viewing every failure as a lesson.Managing Expectations: How employers can help Gen Z navigate "decision fatigue" and provide clear direction.The Power of In-Person Connection: Why a "coffee and a catch-up" is more valuable than any online meeting in a remote-first world.Lewis offers a refreshing perspective on what it takes to succeed today, from managing the pressures of the digital age to the drive for personal fulfilment and "bragging rights" in one’s career.About Our Guest:Lewis Hutchinson is a Newcastle-based digital strategist and entrepreneur. He currently serves as Social Media Strategist at the award-winning agency Bumbl. Driven by a "yes, can do" attitude and a passion for problem-solving, Lewis expanded into accidental entrepreneurship by creating Cura, a software development agency that provides booking systems for the hair and beauty industry.Join us as we bridge the gap and learn how to future-proof your business by embracing the drive and resilience of the next generation.Connect with Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-hutchinson-a49174229/

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy sits down with Stephen Gallagher, Commercial Vice President at the British Esports Federation, to explore how the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming is solving one of today's most pressing challenges: youth unemployment.While many dismiss gaming as just "kids in bedrooms," the UK esports industry is now a powerhouse, generating more annual income than the film and recorded music industries combined. Stephen discusses how esports serves as a vital "vehicle" to engage Gen Z and teach them high-level, transferable skills - from live broadcast production and graphic design to communication and strategic thinking.We dive into:The Power of Esports Education: How BTEC programs and the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland are preparing young people for the modern workforce.Bridging the Generational Divide: Why parents and employers must "own the responsibility" to understand what Gen Z is telling us through their passion for gaming.Economic Impact: The upcoming launch of the "British Arena" in Sunderland and its role as a multi-purpose venue for the city.Engaging the "Unengaged": How esports can be used by local authorities to reach unemployed youth and provide a path out of the benefits trap.Whether you are a parent wondering about your child’s future or a business leader looking to better manage Gen Z talent, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to future-proof our organisations by embracing the next generation’s interests.About our guest...Stephen Gallagher is the Commercial Vice President at the British Esports Federation, where he leads marketing and commercial growth in the booming esports sector. With over 25 years of experience in professional audio, broadcast, and creative technology, Stephen previously held senior roles at Mo-Sys Engineering and Canford, delivering advanced solutions for global projects like the World Cup.Connect with Stephen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-gallagher-80a58517/Website: British Esports Federation

This episode of Mind the Generation Gap, hosted by Louise Kennedy, features guest Issy Howell from Howell Studios. Filmed on location at Howell Studios, the discussion explores the unique dynamics of running a family-owned creative agency and navigating the evolving landscape of digital content. Episode Highlights: Bridging the Digital Gap: Issy, sitting on the cusp of the Millennial and Gen Z generations, discusses acting as a bridge within her business. She combines her modern social media and content creation skills with her father’s extensive background in traditional design and print. Family Business Dynamics: Insights into the transition from family relationships to professional business partnerships, including the importance of setting strict boundaries and maintaining respectful communication. The Shift in Content Consumption: A look at how the creative industry transforms every 18 months, moving from single high-production corporate films to high-volume, multi-format digital content. Parenthood and Professional Identity: Issy candidly shares her journey as a self-employed mother, discussing the shift in motivation and identity that comes with parenthood and the value of a strong family support network. Redefining Success: A reflection on success as the freedom to be present with family, the pride in building a lasting legacy, and finding joy in one's talents. Connect with Issy Howell: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/issyhowell/ - Howell Studios: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-studiosuk/

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, sits down with Eloise Armstrong - the self-described "Gen Z Queen" and creative force behind a thriving social media agency.Starting her business, The Very Social Media Girl, during the lockdown, Eloise has transformed a side project into an agency that works with global brands and major events like the Pride of Britain Awards. She shares her journey from a travel agency apprentice to a digital entrepreneur, offering a raw and honest look at what it truly means to be Gen Z in today's workplace.The conversation dives deep into the realities of a digital-native lifestyle, including:The Price of Success: The reality of 10-hour daily screen times and the constant struggle to ever truly "switch off" from work.Challenging Stereotypes: Tackling the "lazy" or "entitled" labels often given to her generation and the intense drive required to build an "empire".The Power of Authenticity: Why Gen Z values real content over corporate images and why businesses must be honest to maintain trust online.Entrepreneurial Mindset: How a "just winging it" attitude, combined with a passion for creative control, led her to choose self-employment over a traditional 9-to-5.About Eloise ArmstrongEloise Armstrong, also known as The Very Social Media Girl, is a social media specialist who helps brands master TikTok and Instagram through creative filming, editing, and content management. Driven by a desire for freedom, she has become a prominent voice for young entrepreneurs.Follow Eloise:Instagram: @theverysocialmediagirlTikTok: @theverysocialmediagirlFollow Mind the Generation Gap:Subscribe to hear more stories from business owners, educators, and the next generation as we explore how to bridge the gap and future-proof our businesses.Follow Louise:LinkedIn @louisekennedyInstagram @the.louisekennedy & @oculus_hr/

Is there a "Digital Gap" in your office? In the premiere episode of our new series, Mind the Generation Gap, Louise Kennedy sits down with Steven Parker, Managing Director of Phonetic Digital.As a tech-native generation enters the workforce, traditional communication is being turned on its head. Steven explores why your youngest employees might be avoiding their inboxes and how businesses can leverage the unique digital fluency of Gen Z to grow.In this episode, we discuss:The shift from "Analog" to "Digital Native" mindsets.Why "STOP sending emails" is more than just a catchy phrase - it’s a communication strategy.Practical advice for recruiters and business owners to bridge the generational divide.About Steven Parker: Steven is the MD of Phonetic Digital, a B Corp certified agency specialising in SEO and digital strategy.Website: https://phoneticdigital.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenparkerseo/Connect with Louise Kennedy:Website: https://thelouisekennedy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Claire Libby. Claire Libby is a certified health coach and the Director and Founder of 'i am me', the Community Interest Company that supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Via the free app, which supplies resources including tools, tips, and insights, 'i am me' enables teenagers and young adults to understand what it takes to become active participants in their own mental health and wellbeing journey. Claire is also a Director at Linac Learning, a consultancy specialising in Learning and Development supporting from entry level apprentices through to board level executives. Claire leads the Early Careers Development programmes, supporting the transition of young people from education into business, ensuring that they are set up to thrive and that they become part of a robust talent pipeline. In 2021, Claire qualified as a health coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. Claire is now completing the final stages of her MSc in Psychology. On the podcast, Louise and Claire chat about the work Claire does, and why she decided to work with young people in the mental health sector. Claire also shares how her work has evolved, and how her background in HR has given her the tools to help young people when they transition into the workforce. Claire also shares her tips and tricks for employers who are bringing young people into their workforce. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Claire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-libby/ i am me app: https://www.iammeapp.com/ i am me instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammeglobal/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ 

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Nicki Clark. Nicki is the co-founder and CEO of UMi, who help businesses do more and go further by taking the hard work out of finding and using the best information, advice and finance. Nicki started out in banking, travelled the world selling soft drinks and has set up businesses and social enterprises, working closely with both the public and private sector. Nicki believes that businesses have the power to make a difference to lives and the world around us, so she ensures that UMi measures success by more than just its financial health but also by the positive impact they have on the people and environments they touch, evidenced by UMi’s own BCorp certification. She is an active Volunteer, Director, Trustee, Coach and was awarded an OBE in June 2022 for services to Business and Social Enterprise in the North of England. On the podcast, Louise and Nicki chat about the company culture at UMi, what it is like to be CEO of an employee-owned business, as well as covering how they portray their values and why Nicki thinks this is so important in their recruitment process. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Nicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-clark-obe-6b347226/ Website: https://www.weareumi.co.uk/ Podcast: https://weareumi.podbean.com/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ 

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Louise Brown. Louise Brown is Vice Principal Corporate Services at Wigan and Leigh College, a large General FE College in Greater Manchester, where she has been part of the senior leadership team for over 10 years, a portfolio that includes HR and the People Strategy, Estates, Capital Projects, Safeguarding, Additional Learning Support and charity fundraising. She is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and a qualified performance coach with NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming). Her recent work with the HR Team at the College has led to the team being shortlisted for the prestigious Personnel Today Awards in the Health and Wellbeing category. Louise is a key influencer to the work of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, including contributing to research papers, panel discussions, webinars and podcasts as well as supporting new and prospective members. Her activities in this area resulted in her being awarded the prestigious Greater Manchester Charter Leader of the Year Award in 2023. On the podcast, Louise chats to Louise about the employee engagement at the college, what their wellbeing initiatives are, and what it means to be part of the Manchester Good Employment Charter. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Louise Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-brown-fcipd-1a9140a8/ Wigan and Leigh College: https://www.wigan-leigh.ac.uk/ Manchester Good Employment Charter: https://www.gmgoodemploymentcharter.co.uk/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ 

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Natalie Collins. Natalie is an international speaker and trainer on issues of violence against women and wider gender injustice. Having written numerous training programmes and resources for a wide range of audiences, she is regularly requested as an expert in the field of violence against women, focusing on consciousness and awareness raising, providing quality services to those who have experienced abuse and domestic abuse resources for young people. Her theory and practice is founded in direct work with survivors of abuse and was developed through strategic work with the statutory and voluntary sectors and working with perpetrators. On the podcast, Louise and Natalie chat about the amazing work that Natalie does, and how she helps to empower woman from all walks of life. Natalie also shares how she is working with businesses to provide courses for women to partake in, and why she thinks it should be more accessible for women to be able to access this training. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-j-chandler-ctg/ Website: https://www.nataliecollins.info/ Own My Life Course: https://www.ownmylifecourse.org/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Control-Couples-Conflict-Capacity/dp/0281078904 Resources: https://www.ownmylifediscovery.org/ Day Programme: https://www.dayprogramme.org/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/  Helplines: Findaway National Abuse HelplineRespect Helpline

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Emma Chandler. Emma Chandler is an award-winning leadership coach, inspirational speaker, and author. She is passionate about developing people, changing the face of leadership, and creating inclusive working communities, with a goal of improving wellness, wisdom and winning at work. Emma holds a CIPD accreditation in learning and development and is an accredited resilience coach. In 2018, Emma founded her business, HR and leadership consultancy, Choose to Grow. Choose to Grow are resilience experts providing executive coaching services and learning and development interventions to organisations. Emma created the PIVOT leadership programme, a unique leadership model which gives organisations a proven framework for leading change, so they can pivot as required and instil resilience in their teams. In 2023, Emma was included in the prestigious NatWest 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list. She was also named Best Coach at the 2022 Best Businesswomen Awards. On the podcast, Louise and Emma chat about Emma’s journey into leadership coaching and what she teaches on her PIVOT leadership programme. They also delve into the neuroscience of leadership and explore strategies for empowering leaders to maximise their team’s potential. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-j-chandler-ctg/ Website: https://www.choosetogrow.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotleadershipwithemma/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pivot-leadership-podcast/id1750924026 Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ 

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Fay Wallis. Fay is a career coach and HR Coffee Time podcast host. From her background in HR, she knows what a rewarding, but challenging, career it can be. So, she founded Bright Sky Career Coaching to help ‘People people’ have a happier working life. After founding Bright Sky Career Coaching in 2016 and spending several years helping hundreds of people across many sectors and levels with their careers, she realised that she got the most joy from coaching HR and People professionals. So, in September 2022, she decided to focus all of her efforts on supporting them.On the podcast, Louise and Fay discuss Fay’s professional career from working in HR to becoming a coach. They also discuss the benefits that having a coach can bring, as well as deciphering the difference between coaches and mentors. Fay shares some brilliant tips on how to set goals and how this can hugely benefit not only your professional life, but your personal life too. Ready to step into the Real World of HR? ... Connect with Fay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faywallis/Website: https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/Podcast: https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/ Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/ Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Kimberley Cattin. Kimberley is the co-founder of West Barn Co., the brand that penetrated the beauty industry with the groundbreaking SoapBrows. Kimberley has also recently founded SB1 Group. SB1 Group, under Kimberley's leadership, is dedicated to elevating brands in the dynamic retail space. Kimberley also owns WBCo Clinic, a luxury aesthetics clinic in Durham offering a range of treatments to help clients on their journey with skin and ageing. As an entrepreneur, Kimberley has built strong, dedicated teams which she describes as ‘family’.On the podcast, Louise and Kimberley delve into Kimberley’s entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of her business as needs and demands have changed. They discuss culture and talk about the things that Kimberley thinks are most important to ensure a brilliant team dynamic within her businesses. She also discusses the lessons she’s learnt and shares tips on how to hire well. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-cattin-188805a6/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberleyccattin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== SB1 Group: https://www.sb1group.com/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ 

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Claire Dodds. Claire works alongside Louise at Oculus HR. She is an experienced HR professional and CIPD member and has been working in HR for over 25 years with specific industry experience in Retail, Software Technology and the Automotive industry. Claire enjoys building relationships and supports employers with a variety of projects and activities to offer support and guidance on all HR areas. On the podcast, Louise and Claire discuss how HR is becoming more than just transactional support nowadays. They explore how to add more value to your business through building and maintaining a great company culture, why it’s important to look at your people strategy and succession planning, as well as best practises on how to recruit and look after your talent within the business. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?  ... Connect with Claire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dodds/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ 

What is testosterone replacement therapy? In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Dr Max Draper. Dr. Max is the lead clinician at Alphagenix. Alphagenix are passionate about improving the quality of life for men nationwide through education, investigation, diagnosis and the treatment of low testosterone levels. Dr. Max is a qualified doctor and passionate about Men’s Health. Prior to joining Alphagenix, he worked as a GP in the NHS for 8 years. Following his own struggles with Low Testosterone, he went on a mission to educate himself on testosterone deficiency, helping other males like himself get diagnosis, education and treatment. Max loves to share his knowledge and personal experiences within the men’s health scene. On the podcast, Dr. Max explains how he discovered he had low levels of testosterone and points out the symptoms to look out for. He discusses the difficulties in being diagnosed and why we need to raise awareness on the topic. They also cover what to do if you think you have low testosterone, as well as what you need to be aware of when going ahead with testosterone replacement therapy. Ready to step into the Real World of HR? Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/ HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/ Connect with Dr. Max Draper: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/max_your_t?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Alphagenix: https://alphagenix.co.uk/Alphagenix Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@alpha_genix

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Dr Jennifer Cottam.Jennifer is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Talk Works. She is serious about making services accessible, which is why, in 2014, Talk Works was set up to give rapid access to mental health support to many. Jennifer’s qualifications include the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a post-graduate Diploma in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as well as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).Talk Works work alongside HR Teams, Occupational Health and Line Managers nationwide to help employees work well, feel well and engage well at work.On the podcast, Jennifer shares how companies and leaders can accommodate for their workforce if they present as neurodiverse. She also covers how these changes will bring about positive change for the whole workforce, and how we can ramp up our productivity through good sleep.Ready to step into the Real World of HR?  Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/ HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/ Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/ Connect with Jen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/Talk Works: https://talk-works.org.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-works/

What benefits can an employee survey bring to your company?   In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Victoria Bond.   Victoria is the CEO and Founder of Ten Space. The Ten Space survey platform provides a data-driven approach for HR professionals to easily design, gather and analyse high-quality feedback.  Following a successful HR career, Victoria saw the opportunity to build a pragmatic product for HR teams to fall in love with. Her mission to ‘create incredible workplaces through highly engaged teams’, is underpinned by the technology and service delivered by the Ten Space team. On the podcast, Victoria explains how employee surveys can be beneficial in the workplace, when is best to implement them and how to tailor surveys to ensure you get honest, real results.    Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/   Connect with Victoria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/employeeengagementvb/ Ten Space: https://www.tenspace.co.uk/ HR Director’s Cut Podcast: https://www.tenspace.co.uk/podcasts/ 

Have you ever thought about starting your own HR consultancy?     In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD.   Sarah is a highly acclaimed HR Consultant and business owner with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is the UK's leading mentor for HR consultants and the founder of Leap into HR Consulting Virtual Bootcamps, the first HR consulting training program to become CPD accredited both in the UK and internationally. Sarah is also the best-selling author of "Leap into HR Consulting," which shares her expertise on how to help people professionals transition to build successful HR consultancy businesses.  On the podcast, Sarah shares advice on setting up your own HR consultancy, her career journey so far and what has helped along the way, and the benefits that having mentors and coaches can bring.   Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Connect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhg/  Leap into Consulting: https://www.leapintoconsulting.com/ 

Can the way we are treated at work influence our productivity?   In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by FCIPD and MBA Business Coach & Mentor, Dulcie Swanston.   Dulcie has over 20 years’ experience in the FTSE 100/250 with powerhouses like Bass and Mitchells & Butlers Plc, and she's not just a Master Executive Coach, but also a Business Mentor across sectors like retail and pharmaceuticals globally. Founder of Tea Break Training Ltd and 'The 52 Project', author of 'It’s Not Bloody Rocket Science', and a voice on BBC, Dulcie stands out as possibly the only Fellow of the CIPD with an MBA, a post-graduate in Employment Law, and also a qualified nightclub bouncer!On the podcast, Dulcie shares how scientific research can help us to understand how to build better relationships, lead with authenticity and adapt for growth. Louise and Dulcie cover the science behind emotional intelligence and how it links to productivity at work.    Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Connect with Dulcie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dulcieshepherd/  Top Right Thinking: https://www.toprightthinking.com/its-not-bloody-rocket-science/meet-dulcie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnotbloodyrocketscience?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

The cost-of-living crisis affects us all, but how does it affect us in the workplace? In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by committed social justice advocate; Alison Dunn.   Alison has been the Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2012 and has led the independent charity to support hundreds of thousands of people in the North East and maximise household income, resulting in approximately £84m of financial gains over a ten-year period. Under her leadership, the charity has undergone significant growth, increasing turnover from £1.4m to over £5.8m, growing a workforce of more than 220 staff members, and supporting around 70 volunteers each year.  In this episode, Louise and Alison chat about the challenges that people and employers face in the cost-of-living crisis. They talk about the services that are available to people and how companies can work with their employees and prospective employees to help ease the repercussions of the challenges we face in today’s societal issues.   Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Connect with Alison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisondunncag/  References:   Citizen’s Advice GatesheadCitizen’s AdviceSociety Matters   

How can we address mental health issues in the workplace?In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by the self-acclaimed busiest barber in the world: Tom Chapman.After a decade working at Toni & Guy, Tom founded his own hair studio in 2011. After losing a friend to suicide, he quickly realised that his salon/barbershop provided a safe environment in which he could really talk to his clients. So, in 2015, he founded The Lions Barber Collective, which is a group of international Barbers, that educate and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.This life-saving collective has grown into a huge global network, that trains hair & beauty professionals and now those outside the industry giving others the skills to recognise, ask listen and help those in need with their mental health and suicide prevention.Tom talks about the work he does with the Lions Barber Collective, and how to recognise the signs of poor mental health. He also talks about the education we need on how to question and listen to people who are struggling, and then how to point them in the right direction to the help they need.Ready to step into the Real World of HR?...Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/Connect:Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/Tom: https://www.instagram.com/tomchapman_hair?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==References:Hub of HopeTom’s TedXLions Barber Collective

Real World HR is back for season 3!We’re kicking off with Team Oculus HR discussing hot topics within the world of HR at the moment.We’re delving into the subject of team culture. Can you put into words what your company’s culture is? Sometimes it’s difficult to grasp the true feeling of the workplace, but defining your workplace culture is important to allow efficiency and passion to grow within the team. We’ll be touching on offering benefits to staff and how to avoid grievances within your company, recruiting, and how this all links back to the culture of the company.Ready to step into the Real World of HR?Connect:Louise Kennedy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/Claire Dodds: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dodds-794a9474/Deborah Ebdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahebdy/Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/HR Health Check: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/

How can you reduce your biological age to work healthier and longer?In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Dr Alka Patel, the Health Hacktivation Doctor. Dr Alka’s mission is to provide you with the latest information and innovations in health so you can tap into your mind and body’s innate capacity to evolve, meaning you L.I.V.E. with Longevity, Impact, Vitality and Energy.On the podcast, we discuss how you can make informed decisions around your health and create small, habitual changes to your lifestyle and self-care routines. Dr Alka shows you how to reduce your own biological age so that you can live healthier and work longer, as well as how to implement changes in the workplace to support employees’ health and wellbeing.Ready to step into the real world of HR?...Connect with Alka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralkapateluk/More about Health Hacktivation: https://dralkapatel.com/Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/More about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/

When you’re scaling a business, people should be your priority. In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Steve Rawlingson, Founder and Group CEO of recruitment company Samuel Knight International. Steve has scaled his business to a muti-million pound global success, earning multiple awards and employing over 100 people. On the podcast, we explore what it takes to scale a business with this success whilst prioritising people to build happy, high-performing teams. Steve explains how his approach has changed from when he founded the business to now, why it’s important to hire based on values, the power of having a team that are aligned with your vision and mission, and how it all starts with culture. Ready to step into the real world of HR? ... Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrawlingson/Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/More about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/

How can we tackle unconscious bias in the workplace?In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Kelly Charles-Collins – all the way from sunny Florida!Keynote speaker and author Kelly is passionate about revolutionising the way leaders and employees address the issues of justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.Within this, Kelly advocates building conversational workplace cultures, which she unpacks on the podcast. Kelly shares how to develop the skills and empathy to have challenging conversations, the importance of acknowledging that biases exist and understanding how they impact people, and how to create a working environment where people feel comfortable to make their voice heard and know that they matter....Connect with Kelly: https://kellycharlescollins.com/More about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/

Have you ever considered the impact mindset has on your workplace culture and business growth?On this episode of the Real World HR podcast, host Louise Kennedy is joined by transformational life and business coach Julie Turnbull. Julie is passionate about empowering teams and leaders and creating a high-energy culture to drive performance.As the co-founder at Activated Mindset, Julie supports businesses through radical transformational growth and is an accredited coach of the Unbreakable Mindset Framework.Listen to hear Louise and Julie discuss why businesses should invest in their people to fuel growth; the role of mindset in driving performance and creating a positive culture; how emotional intelligence is key for leaders to get the best from their teams; and steps to take to develop a growth mindset.Connect with Julie: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-turnbull-smaccph-8a496b8/More about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/

In this special episode of Real World HR, we're celebrating Oculus HR's 10th birthday! Founder Louise Kennedy is interviewed by Sophie Milliken MBE, looking back on the past decade and reflecting on her business journey.Louise shares the story behind founding Oculus HR, what makes the business so special and has given it longevity, looks at their growth over the past decade, and then shares plans for the future.Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/

To kick off season two of Real World HR, Team Oculus HR is back to discuss on-trend HR topics, along with what’s been going on in our world since we last recorded a podcast together.Our discussions include: a recent rise in cases of grievances and dismissals and how HR support in this area; getting your policies and procedures in place and aligning these with your culture; supporting employees’ mental health and well-being; the introduction of menstrual leave in Spain and what this means for HR in the future; how performance management supports employee satisfaction and retention; our thoughts on the four-day working week.Ready to step into the Real World of HR?Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/

In this episode of the Real World HR podcast, host Louise Kennedy is joined by culture change, behavioural and people expert Sarah Callender, to dive into the leadership debate.Sarah is COO at Duo Global Consulting, where she works with growth-focused businesses to lead and navigate strategic change. As part of this, Sarah is passionate about effective leadership and runs initiatives to support ambitious leaders to make a positive impact.The discussions in this episode include the qualities of effective leaders; performance management and planning techniques; and how to encourage continuous development.Ready to step into the real world of HR?Duo Global Consulting: duoglobalconsulting.com | instagram.com/weareduoglobalThe Elevator: theelevatorbyduo.com | instagram.com/theelevatorbyduoFollow Sarah on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender

Developing a culture that works for your business and its people is not as easy as it seems. So much hinges on company culture – including employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity.In episode five of the Real World HR podcast, host Louise Kennedy is joined by the founder and creative director at Rowen Homes, Alice Hall. Alice exited her first business, Pink Boutique, after scaling it to £25 million turnover, and has carried lessons from this business into building the rapidly growing Rowen Homes.When building her businesses, Alice has prioritised people. She feels passionately that companies should invest in creating an excellent culture. After all, we spend so much of our lives at work.In this episode, Alice shares her business journey and lessons learnt, along with tips for businesses to implement to develop a collaborative, creative, and engaging culture.Ready to step into the real world of HR?Follow Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-rowen-hall/Check out Rowen Homes’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenhomes/

One of the most vital wheels in the cog for business growth is an effective recruitment strategy. This doesn't just include getting talent into your business but retaining it too.Episode four of the Real World HR podcast features talent acquisition expert Sam Spoors. Sam is an award-winning entrepreneur. With her business Talentheads, she provides specialist support on talent and recruitment.In a competitive market, with businesses already facing the ‘not enough hours in the day’ problem, Sam is a big advocate of correctly positioning your employer brand and having an ingrained talent strategy in your business – so you get the right hire every time and build a team that is just as invested in your business as you are.This episode features Sam's expert advice on what businesses can do to stand out, attract the right candidates, and enhance their talent acquisition strategy.Ready to step into the real world of HR?Learn more about Talentheads: talentheads.co.uk/Follow Talentheads on:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/talentheads/Twitter: twitter.com/Talentheads1Facebook: facebook.com/TalentheadsInstagram: instagram.com/talentheadsTikTok: tiktok.com/@talentheads11Connect with Sam: linkedin.com/in/wallsam/Get in touch: [email protected]

On episode three of the Real World HR podcast, we’re joined by Occupational Health expert John Devitt to discuss these pertinent issues of mental health and substance misuse in the workplace. In his role as CEO at Recovery4Life, John specialises in offering support with sensitive, complex health and wellbeing issues such as drugs and alcohol.John believes in the importance of personal enterprise in recovery and advocates reducing the stigma associated with substance misuse and mental wellbeing in the workplace.We open up the discussion in this episode, with John sharing invaluable advice for businesses and individuals to find and offer support.Ready to step into the real world of HR?Find out more about Recovery4Life: https://www.recovery4life.co.uk/Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdevitt/Content warning: the discussions in this episode mention alcohol dependency, drugs, mental health, suicide, and addiction.

Menopause affects 100% of people. That’s right – it’s the least exclusive club on the planet. With this being the case, why is menopause still not part a concrete feature of the wellbeing at work agenda?Join us for episode two of the Real World HR podcast, where we investigate this and more with menopause educator Sharon MacArthur. Sharon’s own lived experiences of menopause ultimately ended up with her suffering from symptoms that could have killed her.With her business Miss Menopause, Sharon is on a mission to educate HR professionals, managers, and working women to change this.We discuss why menopause is something to be managed, not just endured, and how we can all do more to break the taboo around menopause in the workplace.Ready to step into the real world of HR?Find out more about Sharon and Miss Menopause: https://www.missmenopause.co.uk/Connect with Sharon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmacarthur/

Ever dreaded having an awkward conversation with an employee or your manager? Or lost sleep worrying about a situation you’re in at work?The first episode of the Real World HR podcast will equip you with solutions to face these issues.Join HR expert and host Louise Kennedy as she shines the spotlight on her team at Oculus HR. The team share their journeys and why they love working in HR.Then there's the best bit - going beyond the HR handbook to discuss some standout, real life stories from their HR world. And there are some gems!Let's step into the real world of HR....Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/...Content warning: the discussions in this episode mention sexual harassment (18.20), suicide (35.00), and alcohol dependency (36.50).

The Real World HR podcast is all about putting the human back into HR.Take your first step into the real world of HR with the podcast trailer, where HR expert Louise Kennedy explains her mission and what's to come in the podcast.