High Beams

Broad sector experience is a major asset for a CFO: transferrable skills and adaptability are key. That’s especially true in 2025 where the role of the CFO is no longer just based on financial acumen. David Sayers, Partner at Green Park and Financial Officers Practice lead, sits down with Jan Gooze-Zijl, an accomplished Chief Finance and Operations Officer, to explore the significant impact of diversity of thought and versatile leadership in today's business landscape. Jan talks us through the advantages of bringing a broad sector experience to a CFO role, enhancing openness, and avoiding assumptions about business operations. Currently CFO at Alpha FMC, Jan’s career includes key roles at UKTV, Ashurst, and Premiership Rugby, where he successfully managed financial and operational responsibilities.Plus, listen in for key insights into the dynamic relationship between CFOs and CEOs – a collaborative push towards top-line growth.

Jo Sweetland talks to Jackie Lanham. At the time of recording Jackie was HRD at Hilton Foods but at the time of publication has moved to a new role.In this episode Jackie shares her experience in HR and explains how company culture is key to keeping employees happy. Jo and Jackie discuss the different ways to improve employee retention, including developing leaders and understanding what motivates different generations at work.

Jo Sweetland chats to Helen Webb, Chief People Officer at WHSmith, about succession planning and its critical role in building a sustainable, future-ready workforce.They discuss how to align people strategy with business goals, how to foster an inclusive environment, and how to balance technical and soft skills.

Green Park’s Jo Sweetland, Managing Director, and Raj Tulsiani, CEO, are joined by this week’s guest, HR, People and Culture expert Jordan Barry-Bayliss, the Founder and CEO of People Guru and formerly a FTSE 100 Executive Chief People Officer.Together, Jo and Jordan look at practical ways to improve employee engagement. They discuss how workplaces are changing, what younger employees value (spoiler: work/life balance is high on the list), and how leaders can create a supportive, inclusive culture. Learn how to balance business goals with employee needs, build trust, and use tools like feedback surveys and flexible work options to keep teams motivated and aligned.For more information head over to https://www.green-park.co.uk/insights/podcasts/107/

What does genuine inclusivity look like? Jo Sweetland, MD at Green Park talks to Mark Lomas from Lloyds and Harvey Francis from Skanska, to learn how they implement consistent leadership in their business. Leadership programs should empower everyone, not add more stress. In this episode you’ll get actionable tips and strategies for fostering the most important leadership priority: diversity and inclusion.

High Beams lights the path through the employee life-cycle. If you're a leader in the space, join us to hear how you can improve and develop retention, inclusion, and engagement. Brought to you by Jo Sweetland, Managing Director at Green Park.