Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Gender pay gap action plans, what does meaningful action look like?  In this episode, I chat with Gillie Fairbrother, Global Responsible Business Officer at Davies, about what a gender pay gap action plan actually looks like in practice — and why employers really do need to get on with it.Employers with 250 or more staff are being encouraged to explain what they are actually doing to close their gender pay gap and support employees experiencing menopause. We discuss what meaningful action looks like in practice — and how organisations can finally move beyond just publishing the numbers.For Gillie, the timing really matters. She told me it is about asking harder questions and getting much more specific about what will actually change things.As she put it in our chat, “People will no longer be able to get away with saying things like, ‘we will consider’ and ‘we aim to’. It’s now about: how are you going to do it, and how is that going to impact?”Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Belonging, burnout and building culture from scratch with Sisa Sibanda. In this episode, I talk to Sisa Sibanda, Head of People, Culture and Wellbeing at Climate Asset Management (CAM). We explore how HR leaders can create belonging, support wellbeing, and shape culture in fast-moving, purpose-driven businesses.Sisa joined CAM when the organisation was just three years old, with 30 employees scattered across the world. At the time of recording, the team had grown to 50 and while that’s still small, it’s global, diverse and ambitious.From day one, she saw the opportunity to shape the culture from the ground up. “I wanted to find a home where I could really make an impact,” she explains. “This is a people business, and culture has to be intentional from the start.”Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Leading HR with people, not policy with Maria Hawley.Maria Hawley didn’t plan to stay at Fisher German for long. But more than a decade later, she’s still there - now Director of People - having helped lead the business through major growth and cultural change.In this episode, Maria talks about what it takes to build a people function from scratch and support more than 850 employees across a growing UK-wide property consultancy. When she joined, there was no HR team in place. She set it up from the ground up, guiding the business as it expanded from 220 employees to over 850, and from a handful of rural offices to major cities including London and Manchester.Now sitting on the leadership team and operations board, Maria helps shape the business’s five-year strategy and ensures people remain central to decision-making. Her role spans core HR operations, learning and development, talent acquisition and people experience. She’s also taken on additional responsibilities in risk and compliance, health and safety and facilities - evidence of her hands-on approach and strategic reach.Maria’s people-first leadership extends beyond the boardroom. She’s known for her honest and engaging LinkedIn posts, which blend professional insight with personal reflection. Maria uses social media not just to promote her employer brand, but to show who she is beyond the job title.Connection, she says, is central to how she leads. This episode is packed with insight for HR leaders ready to grow their influence, shape strategy and show up with authenticity. Maria’s story is a reminder that people's leadership is more than policies - it’s about purpose, visibility, and building something that lasts.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - How HR can gain influence at board level with Carolyn Cole.In this episode of the Workplace Confidence Podcast, Penny Haslam talks to Carolyn Cole about how HR leaders can secure a seat at the boardroom table and influence top-level decisions.Carolyn, a seasoned Chief People Officer with private equity experience, explains why HR is often an afterthought in growing businesses and why it shouldn’t be. She shares practical tips on stepping up to board level, including why financial acumen matters, how speaking the CEO’s language builds confidence and why understanding budgets and EBITDA earns trust.We also hear how HR plays a crucial role in mergers and acquisitions, where people strategy can make or break a deal. Her approach? Real conversations instead of endless surveys, ensuring employees feel supported during rapid change. Carolyn also stresses that mental health support must go beyond training, managers need the confidence to have open conversations.In this episode, you'll hear a powerful case for HR as a business driver. How knowing the numbers, building CEO relationships and championing people’s impact on performance can elevate your role, and your organisation. Essential listening for HR professionals who want a bigger voice at the top.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Inclusive recruitment, why two unconscious biases are better than one at BPP with Jen Hulme. In this episode, Penny Haslam talks with Jen Hulme, a passionate talent acquisition leader at BPP, a leading UK provider of professional education in law, business, finance and healthcare. Jen shares her fresh approach to recruitment, focusing on the art of recruiting rather than specialising in a single industry. She believes that by mastering recruitment skills, you can succeed across various sectors, making the process more dynamic and insightful.Jen explains how BPP attracts top talent, especially from diverse backgrounds and emphasises the importance of aligning candidates with the company’s core values, such as being student-centric and embracing change. She also discusses the challenges of maintaining a personal touch in an increasingly automated recruitment world.A key highlight is Jen’s approach to tackling unconscious bias in hiring. She champions the idea that "two unconscious biases are better than one," advocating for diverse interview panels to balance out individual biases and ensure fairer hiring decisions.This episode is packed with practical advice and fresh insights on how Jen is not just filling roles but transforming BPP’s approach to talent acquisition, making it more inclusive and aligned with the organisation’s mission. Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Empowering leaders at the College of Policing with Becs Riley.In this episode, Becs Riley, Senior Leaders Hub Manager at the College of Policing, shares her unique journey from working as a forensic shoe print specialist to leading initiatives that support senior leaders.Becs explores the challenges of empowering leaders in policing, particularly the difficulty of shifting mindsets from focusing solely on operational tasks to taking on broader leadership roles.She discusses the critical role of self-awareness, emphasising the need to understand power dynamics and the importance of creating environments where leaders feel secure enough to grow, try new things and learn from both successes and setbacks.Drawing from her own experiences, Becs talks about dealing with imposter feelings, particularly after returning to work as a mother. She discusses how reflective practice and a strong support network have been crucial in helping her navigate the balance between her professional and personal life.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Global HR challenges: the People At Work survey 2024 with Annabel Jones. In this episode, we sit down with Annabel Jones, Senior HR Director for International Sales & Marketing at ADP a global payroll and HR services provider. Annabel brings a wealth of experience from her diverse people career journey, including roles in the music industry, visual effects for blockbuster films and leading HR for a travel start-up during the dot-com boom. Now at ADP, Annabel shares its insights on navigating the evolving landscape of HR on a global scale.Key findings of ADP's People At Work Survey 2024 reveal the evolving challenges employees face, like pay concerns, skills gaps and the impact of AI. She discusses how strong leadership, clear communication, and supporting mental well-being are crucial in navigating these changes. She also opens up about generational shifts in the workplace, noting the differing expectations between younger and older employees.This episode is packed with valuable perspectives on the future of work and why understanding these trends is essential for leaders today. Tune in for an engaging look at the evolving world of work with Annabel Jones.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Tackling the gender pay gap and promoting well-being at the NFU with Catherine Cooper. In this episode, we chat with Catherine Cooper, Director of People at the National Farmers Union, who is on a mission to foster inclusivity and tackle the gender pay gap at NFU. Catherine brings her passion for people and culture to the forefront, sharing her strategies for supporting employees and members through challenging times like Brexit, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine.Catherine discusses the NFU’s approach to closing the gender pay gap, focusing on empowering women, promoting flexible working and ensuring fair and unbiased recruitment. She also opens up about her personal journey with confidence and imposter syndrome and how these experiences shape her leadership style today. From creating connection through “Tea Together” events to implementing agile working policies, Catherine is all about making sure everyone at NFU feels valued and supported.This episode is packed with insights on building a positive work environment, the importance of mental health support and actionable tips for closing the gender pay gap. Catherine’s engaging and down-to-earth approach makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in workplace well-being and inclusivity. Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Building a legacy, leading with empathy and purpose at Property Tectonics with Esther Brady. In this episode, Penny Haslam is in conversation with Esther Brady, Managing Director of Property Tectonics, a property and construction consultancy known for blending professional services with innovative software solutions. Esther shares her journey from working on reception to leading the company, highlighting how her unconventional path and commitment to servant leadership have shaped her approach to business and people management.Esther talks about the unexpected challenges she faced when her father, the company founder, passed away, thrusting her into the role of MD amidst personal grief and a shifting business landscape. She reflects on how these experiences boosted her confidence, driving her to lead with empathy, foster a strong workplace culture and ensure her team feels valued and supported.Throughout the conversation, Esther and Penny explore the importance of purpose in business, especially for the younger generation and how Property Tectonics’ credo - delighting customers, making money, being commercial and being good citizen - guides their operations. Esther emphasises the value of nurturing a positive culture, having frank conversations, and staying grounded through personal connections and family.Penny and Esther’s conversation is filled with insights on authentic leadership, building confidence through adversity, and the power of purpose in driving business success. Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - How to lead smart people at Signature Discovery  with James Edgar. In this episode, Penny Haslam chats with James Edgar, Chief People Officer at Signature Discovery, an outsourced provider of early-stage drug discovery services for biotech and pharma companies. James brings a unique perspective to the role with a background in media, advertising, investment banking and even private prisons. Now at Signature Discovery, he’s driving growth in a rapidly expanding company that specialises in cutting-edge science, including oncology and Alzheimer’s research.James shares how his diverse career path and values-driven leadership style drew him to Signature Discovery, where he oversees a team of nearly 1,000 people, most of whom are highly specialised scientists. He opens up about the challenges of maintaining a strong, family-like culture amidst rapid growth and the need to adapt communication styles to suit a more introverted, detail-oriented workforce. Highlighting the importance of co-creation and employee involvement in building company values and scaling them as the organisation expands globally.Throughout the conversation, James and Penny explore the nuances of leading in a scientific environment, where the appetite for thorough analysis and thoughtful decision-making contrasts sharply with his previous experiences in faster-paced industries. James talks about building confidence across the organisation, encouraging open communication and the value of creating a supportive environment where vulnerability is seen as a strength.Tune in to hear James’ insights on leadership, the importance of backing yourself and why cultivating a people-centric culture is key to Signature Discovery’s success. This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving world of people management and the power of self-awareness and adaptability in leadership.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Redefining success for women in law and leadership with Jane Ayaduray.In this episode, Penny Haslam is joined by Jane Ayaduray, Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion at a global law firm. Jane shares her unconventional journey into the world of diversity and inclusion, a path she stumbled upon by accident when she mistakenly applied for a job she didn’t realise was in D&I. From this unexpected start, Jane has forged a successful career championing diversity, equity and inclusion across multiple industries and continents.Jane reflects on her diverse roles, from working in Singapore and Dubai with Standard Chartered to leading D&I at BNP Paribas and now in her current role, where she’s focused on fostering an inclusive culture and supporting senior women lawyers globally. She opens up about the challenges of being the only woman or the most senior woman in the room and how her global sponsorship program aims to empower and connect these talented individuals across different regions.Throughout the conversation, Jane and Penny discuss the importance of building confidence in the workplace, how diverse teams can enhance organisational success and why confidence doesn’t always equate to competence. Jane also touches on her interest in AI and its potential to revolutionise D&I by making support more accessible and less biased.You'll hear Jane’s insights on navigating imperfect systems, the impact of lived experiences in shaping leadership and how to champion diversity and inclusion in a meaningful way. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to make a difference in their organisation’s culture.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Building people centric businesses at P3 People Management with Charlotte Dean. In this episode, Penny Haslam talks with Charlotte Dean, founder of P3 People Management, about her journey from the corporate world to supporting small and medium-sized businesses with their people strategies. Charlotte shares how she started P3 with a passion for working with companies that truly value their people and how her approach has evolved to focus on those who see their employees as more than just resources but as integral to their brand and success.Charlotte discusses the importance of understanding a company’s culture and values and how she helps organisations become more people-centric by asking the right questions and encouraging curiosity. She emphasises the need for businesses to invest in self-awareness and personal development, not just for leaders but for all team members, to foster a workplace environment where everyone can thrive.Penny and Charlotte discuss the current challenges from pay issues and hybrid working to mental health and generational differences. Charlotte highlights the significance of confidence for individuals and organisations and the value of understanding and supporting employees to create a more resilient and effective workforce.Listen to Charlotte’s insights on how businesses can better support their people, the impact of a strong people strategy and why confidence should be at the heart of every organisation's culture. Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - What is ESG? People, planet, purpose at Davies with Gillie Fairbrother. In this episode, Penny Haslam chats with Gillie Fairbrother, Global Responsible Business Officer at Davies a professional services and technology company. Gillie shares her unconventional journey from media and wellness into the corporate world, now leading ESG initiatives with a focus on making businesses more viable and sustainable.Gillie describes her role as being an "air traffic controller" for responsible business practices across Davies and explains how she reframes ESG - often seen as a corporate buzzword - into something more tangible and relatable: People, Planet, and Purpose. She believes that this approach not only covers environmental sustainability but also addresses the financial and operational viability of the business.Gillie and Penny delve into the challenges of embedding ESG across diverse business units, emphasising the importance of practical, business-driven strategies that resonate with both clients and employees. They also discuss how Gillie has overcome imposter syndrome, built her confidence, and embraced authentic leadership to drive change.Their conversation is insightful and relatable, offering actionable advice on creating inclusive cultures and aligning business strategies with broader social and environmental goals. Tune in to discover how focusing on People, Planet, and Purpose can transform your business and make a lasting impact.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Disrupting higher education and empowering people at UA92 with Ian Turner.In this episode, Penny Haslam speaks with Ian Turner, Chief of People and Place at UA92 (University Academy 92). Ian shares how UA92, co-founded by Gary Neville and the Class of 92 footballers alongside Lancaster University, is revolutionising higher education by focusing on social mobility and accessibility. With initiatives like the Make It For Real campaign, UA92 helps remove financial and logistical barriers, offering bursaries, tech support and even meals to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.Ian reflects on the rapid growth of UA92, from just 80 students in 2019 to around 1,400 today, driven by its mission to make education accessible for all. He discusses the challenges of scaling up in a traditional sector and how UA92’s culture of being "fired up," deliberately different and inclusive guides their approach.Penny and Ian delve into Ian’s career journey from sales to HR, highlighting his passion for developing people and fostering a culture where everyone is empowered to lead. Ian shares his approach to making HR more than just a transactional function, emphasising the importance of visibility, human connection, and embedding himself within the organisation.Throughout the conversation, Ian offers insights on leading with empathy, overcoming imposter syndrome and creating a workplace where people feel valued and fired up. Tune in to hear how Ian is driving UA92’s mission forward, fostering a culture of inclusivity and passion and what it takes to be a visible, authentic leader in today’s evolving world of work.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Public sector recruitment, a passion for shaping talent in Greater Manchester with Anna Foster-Ressel.In this episode, we chat with Anna Foster-Ressel, the energetic Senior Talent and Resources Manager and Strategic People Business Partner at Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Anna shares her passion for the public sector and how she's on a mission to build diverse, inclusive teams that truly reflect the community.Anna talks about wearing two hats - leading recruitment for both GMCA and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and why she believes hiring for values and behaviours beats experience every time. She and Penny dig into the challenges of public sector recruitment, including how to attract talent when you can’t compete on salaries, and why Anna’s approach is all about connecting people with purpose.Anna also opens up about her journey into leadership, her love for learning and how she helps her team build confidence by stepping out of their comfort zones. This episode is packed with insights on public service, inclusivity and the power of passion in making a real impact.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Coming up. In this special sample episode, I'm excited to give you a sneak peek into the fantastic conversations lined up for you. Here’s a taste of what’s coming:James Edgar, Chief People Officer at Signature Discovery, discusses adapting leadership strategies to connect with a team of PhD-level experts.Gillie Fairbrother, Global Responsible Business Officer at Davies Group, offers a practical approach to integrating culture and corporate values.Ian Turner, Chief of People and Place at UA92, explores effective visible leadership and its impact on organisational success.Jane Ayaduray, Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion at an international law firm, shares candid insights on confidence and diversity in the workplace.Esther Brady, MD of Property Techtonics, addresses the communication challenges faced by SMEs in the property sector.Charlotte Dean, founder of P3 People Management, reveals her journey from corporate roles to helping small and medium-sized businesses build people-focused workplaces.Each episode features compelling stories, actionable insights, and expert advice from industry leaders and innovators. We delve into key topics like refining HR strategies, enhancing L&D programs, and driving change through D&I initiatives. You’ll also hear valuable discussions on building leadership confidence, fostering inclusive cultures, and implementing impactful strategies.For updates and more, connect with me on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the full series!Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Welcome to the Workplace Confidence Podcast with Penny Haslam - the podcast where people professionals share the great work they do. Each episode is your chance to hear directly from experts and leaders from HR, L&D, D&I and more. They’re here to share their insights, best practices, and practical tips that you can use to make a real difference in your workplace.We cover the topics that are on your mind - whether it’s finding new ways to align HR strategies across global teams or giving your L&D programs a fresh edge to keep up with today’s demands. Plus the latest thinking about D&I initiatives to create a more inclusive workplace. We also dig into boosting leadership confidence in challenging sectors like policing and scientific research and the nitty-gritty of managing recruitment in fast-paced environments.Throughout the series, you’ll pick up valuable advice on how to build a culture of trust, support mental well-being and implement strategies that stick. We aim, to create a podcast that's your go-to resource for learning from the best in the business - driving the kind of positive change that matters most in the workplace.The show is brought to you by Bit Famous - trusted by leading brands to build confidence and communication skills in the workplace. Bit Famous is a finalist in the Personnel Today Awards - L&D Supplier of the Year 2024.It's hosted by Bit Famous MD and founder Penny Haslam a female motivational speaker on the topics of communication and confidence. She's a former BBC Business News presenter.Ready to get started? Just search for Workplace Confidence Podcast  the place where people professionals share the great work they do.Listen to all episodes of the Workplace Confidence Podcast