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HRchat Podcast

The HR Gazette

Listen to the HRchat Podcast by HR Gazette to get insights and tips from HR leaders, influencers and tech experts. Topics covered include HR Tech, HR, AI, Leadership, Talent, Recruitment, Employee Engagement, Recognition, Wellness, DEI, and Company Culture.

Hosted by Bill Banham, Pauline James, and other HR enthusiasts, the HRchat show publishes interviews with influencers, leaders, analysts, and those in the HR trenches 2-4 times each week.

The show is approaching 1000 episodes and past guests are from organizations including ADP, SAP, Ceridian, IBM, UPS, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Simon Sinek Inc, NASA, Gartner, SHRM, Government of Canada, Hacking HR, McLean & Company, UPS, Microsoft, Shopify, DisruptHR, McKinsey and Co, Virgin Pulse, Salesforce, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Coca-Cola Beverages Company.

Want to be featured on the show? Learn more here. 

Podcast Music Credit"Funky One"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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  • Avg 24 min
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  • S1 · E912
    Yesterday · 19 min

    Why Employee Behavior Makes Sense In Broken Systems with Dustin Snyder

    What if employee disengagement, turnover and resistance to change aren't primarily people problems, but predictable responses to the systems employees work within? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Dustin Snyder, creator of the Strategic Workforce Insight Mapping methodology (SWIM), Executive Director at The SWIM Institute, Principal at Wayforward, and author of the 2026 book Sink or SWIM: The Human Systems Theory Approach to Business Performance. Dustin challenges a familiar response to workforce problems: run another engagement survey, introduce more training, launch a culture programme or rewrite a policy. While these interventions can have value, Dustin argues that organisations frequently focus on visible symptoms without identifying the conditions producing them. The conversation explores a simple but potentially uncomfortable idea for business and HR leaders: when the same behaviours appear across teams or an organisation, the problem may not be individual attitudes or character. Employees may be responding rationally to the environment, incentives, structures and experiences surrounding them. Bill and Dustin discuss how human systems theory can help leaders think differently about employee engagement, retention, organisational culture and business performance. Dustin explains where employee engagement surveys can help, where they can fall short, and why workforce data doesn't always reveal the root causes behind the behaviours leaders are trying to change. They also explore the challenge of accessing genuine frontline insight. As organisations grow, hierarchy, job titles and fear can filter information before it reaches senior decision-makers. Understanding what employees actually experience can therefore be very different from relying solely on the information that eventually reaches the executive team. A central theme of the conversation is Dustin's call to "stop managing behavior and start designing systems that drive it." Rather than continually asking employees and managers to behave differently, leaders can examine the organisational conditions that encourage, discourage or reinforce particular behaviours. Dustin also shares why he wrote Sink or SWIM, his work through The SWIM Institute to equip the HR community with system-level approaches to workforce challenges, and his involvement as Headline Partner for DisruptHR Buffalo on October 7. Topics covered include: • Why employee behaviour can be a predictable response to organisational conditions • Human systems theory and its application to workplace performance • Employee engagement surveys and the difference between symptoms and root causes • Strategic Workforce Insight Mapping (SWIM) and identifying upstream workforce conditions • Employee engagement, retention and organisational culture • Why hierarchy can prevent senior leaders from hearing frontline realities • Leadership blind spots and filtered employee feedback • Moving from managing individual behaviour to designing better organisational systems • The responsibilities senior leaders have for the conditions influencing workforce behaviour • Dustin's book, Sink or SWIM: The Human Systems Theory Approach to Business Performance • The SWIM Institute and its work with the HR community • Dustin Snyder and The SWIM Institute's involvement with DisruptHR Buffalo If you're an HR leader, People professional or business leader looking for different ways to approach employee engagement, retention, culture, change management and workforce performance, this conversation offers a system-level perspective on some of HR's most persistent challenges. Connect with Dustin: linkedin.com/in/snyderdustin Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E911
    Monday · 24 min

    Curiosity is the Skill That Saves Your Career with Fenton Jagdeo Jr.

    Curiosity can feel like a personality trait, but we treat it as something much more practical: a career strategy and an organizational advantage. Host Bill Banham sits down with futurist, entrepreneur, investor, and strategy professor Fenton Jagdeo to break down what “radical curiosity” looks like when you turn it into a repeatable discipline, especially for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone navigating uncertainty at work. Fenton shares his Curiosity Compass, a four-direction framework designed to help teams get unstuck and generate real innovation. We talk about navigating norms by challenging inherited assumptions, exploring beyond your industry to find analogies and fresh ideas, solving systematically by breaking complex problems into smaller parts, and widening the lens so decisions account for stakeholders and second-order consequences. If you lead talent, culture, or transformation work, these moves translate directly into better problem solving and more resilient strategy. We also dig into the hard part: making curiosity safe and credible inside organizations built on KPIs and performance metrics. Fenton offers concrete changes to performance management, job descriptions, competency models, and promotion criteria so learning agility and experimentation actually get rewarded. We explore lateral growth, internal talent marketplaces for cross-functional projects, and why “smart failure” can be a feature of a healthy culture, not a bug. Finally, we tackle a modern career risk: when specialization becomes identity, disruption can feel existential, especially as AI and automation reshape roles. This conversation offers a grounded approach to building depth plus breadth so you keep your credibility while gaining optionality. Subscribe, share this with a leader who wants more innovation, and leave a review with your biggest curiosity challenge right now. Connect with Fenton: linkedin.com/in/fentonjagdeo Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E910
    September 24 · 21 min

    Recruiter Wake Up Call Podcast Preview with Kat Kingshott

    Is AI and automation making recruitment better, or are recruiters losing sight of the human relationships that actually drive successful hires? In this special HRchat Podcast crossover episode, Bill Banham speaks with Kat Kingshott, Rec Tech and Recruitment Advisor at Touchstone Talent and host of the new weekly podcast Recruiter Wake Up Call. Kat challenges the recruitment industry’s “automate to survive” mindset and explains why AI, recruitment technology and automation should improve the recruiting process rather than replace the human connection at its heart. Bill and Kat explore how recruiters and recruitment businesses can use AI effectively without damaging candidate experience, why successful recruitment founders continue to invest in community and relationship building, and what genuine networking looks like in an increasingly automated world. They also discuss recruitment entrepreneurship, personal branding, specialist recruiting, candidate engagement and the lessons Kat has learned from speaking with recruitment leaders and founders. The wake-up call for recruiters heading into 2027? Recruitment technology can make you faster and more efficient, but technology alone won’t build trust, reputation or meaningful professional relationships. Listen for practical insights on AI in recruitment, recruitment technology, talent acquisition, candidate experience, recruiter networking, personal branding and the future of recruiting. Check out the new Recruiter Wake Up Call Podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/1Umz17aEM3gQvHFirO4728 Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E909
    September 16 · 19 min

    Headcount Tells You Who Is There, Not What Is Possible with Qadoos Rashid

    Headcount is one of the most familiar metrics in HR. But does knowing how many people work for an organisation really tell us whether the business has the capacity to deliver? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Qadoos Rashid, a board-level Chief People Officer and transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience across PE-backed, listed and privately owned healthcare and services organisations. Most recently, Qadoos served as Group CPO of European Dental Group, an international healthcare platform with around 8,000 colleagues across Europe. His career has seen him lead people and organisational agendas through growth, buy-and-build strategies, M&A integration, turnaround and operating-model change. Ahead of his talk at DisruptHR Birmingham on September 24, Qadoos joins Bill to explore the provocative argument at the centre of his presentation: “Headcount is a Lie.” The problem isn’t that headcount is useless. It tells us how many people are present. What it doesn’t necessarily tell us is how much productive capacity an organisation actually has. Two businesses — or even two teams within the same company — can have exactly the same number of employees and produce very different results. Productivity, capability, retention, time to competence, technology, leadership, processes and the way roles are designed can all influence how much useful capacity those people collectively create. Qadoos argues that this is where HR has an opportunity to become more commercially relevant. Rather than concentrating primarily on workforce numbers, People leaders can connect workforce strategy to measures the CEO, CFO and board care about: productivity, quality, customer experience, throughput, revenue and ultimately business performance. Bill and Qadoos also explore the role of AI in changing how organisations think about capacity. Rather than treating AI simply as a story about replacing jobs, Qadoos describes it as something closer to an “x-ray” for the organisation — helping leaders identify where capacity is being lost, where tasks can be redesigned and where people and technology can work together more effectively. Drawing on examples from healthcare and dentistry, they discuss how AI can support clinical decision-making, improve appointment diary utilisation, reduce administrative strain and reveal productivity gaps that traditional HR metrics might never expose. Topics discussed include: • Why headcount measures presence rather than productive capacity • How organisations with similar headcounts can deliver very different results • The relationship between retention, productivity and workforce capacity • What Qadoos learned from high-churn environments earlier in his career • Connecting HR and workforce analytics to commercial outcomes • Why HR leaders should think about revenue and capacity at risk • AI as an “x-ray” for organisational productivity • When AI should augment people, automate tasks or stay out of the process • Examples of AI-supported diagnosis and scheduling optimisation in dentistry • Building a stronger commercial conversation between HR, the CEO, CFO and board • Qadoos’s upcoming “Headcount is a Lie” talk at DisruptHR Birmingham Qadoos leaves HR leaders with a useful challenge: take one of the people metrics you regularly report and ask a different question of it. Does that metric actually tell the business where capacity is being lost and where important work isn’t getting done? If the answer is no, it may be time to rethink what we measure. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E908
    September 14 · 23 min

    Why Your Hiring Systems Could Be Rejecting the People You Actually Need with István Szabó

    What if the candidate whose resume looks “wrong” is actually the person your organisation needs most? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by István Szabó to discuss unconventional career paths, hiring for potential, leadership, workplace culture, career reinvention and the growing influence of AI on recruitment. István’s own career has rarely followed the expected path. He has served in the French Foreign Legion, worked in security and hands-on technical roles, studied for a degree while pulling cables, managed major infrastructure projects and progressed to become a divisional director responsible for 60 people. He has also led a major post-merger integration, implemented an ERP system and later moved into AI and automation consulting. That varied experience has given István an unusual perspective on the people who don’t necessarily look like the obvious hire. He describes himself as a “black sheep” – someone who doesn’t quite fit the expected shape of the room – and argues that unconventional talent can bring enormous value when organisations know how to integrate and support it. Bill and István dig into some of the hidden problems within modern recruitment. Drawing on his experience of conducting more than 300 interviews, István explains how pressure to hire quickly can contribute to higher probation turnover and why improving the hiring system itself can sometimes matter more than simply searching for “better” candidates. They also explore the increasing role of AI and automation in recruitment. What does it mean when candidates can receive an automated rejection almost immediately after applying? Where should organisations draw the line between efficiency and human judgement? And when hiring decisions can significantly affect someone’s career, how important is it to keep a genuine human in the loop? The conversation also looks at the challenges of rebuilding a career in different countries and cultures. István shares experiences from Hungary, Canada and Ireland, including the frustrating reality that “local experience” can sometimes carry more weight with employers than qualifications or transferable experience gained elsewhere. Finally, Bill and István consider what HR and business leaders can do differently. Rather than using culture fit as a blanket filter, organisations can create hiring, onboarding and leadership practices that allow people with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking to integrate, contribute and stay. Topics discussed include: • Unconventional career paths and transferable skills • Hiring for potential rather than a conventional resume • Lessons from conducting more than 300 interviews • Speed-hiring, probation turnover and employee retention • Culture fit versus culture add • Supporting “black sheep” and unconventional talent • Hiring and onboarding processes that improve integration • Leadership communication, transparency and trust • AI, automation and automated screening in recruitment • Why human oversight still matters in AI-assisted hiring • International careers and the challenge of “local experience” • Career reinvention, resilience and starting again • Leading teams through mergers and organisational change If you work in HR, talent acquisition, recruitment, people leadership or organisational development, this episode offers a useful challenge: look beyond the expected candidate profile and consider whether the person who doesn’t quite fit the mould could be the person who helps change it. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E907
    September 10 · 23 min

    Building a Modern People and Culture Function with Siobhan Reid

    What does great HR leadership look like after more than 25 years of change in the profession? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Siobhan Reid, Head of People and Culture at Circle Voluntary Housing Association, to explore the evolution of HR from the traditional personnel department to a modern People and Culture function built around human connection, psychological safety and better use of data. Siobhan has more than 25 years of HR experience across commercial, public and non-profit environments. Her senior HR career stretches back to 1999, when she became Head of HR and Training covering Ireland, the UK and international operations at O’Briens Irish Sandwich Bars. Since then, she has built HR functions from the ground up, supported organisations through significant change and developed a leadership philosophy centred on fairness, compassion and listening. Bill and Siobhan discuss why organisations can have excellent policies and processes on paper while still creating poor employee experiences in practice. They explore the influence individual managers have on workplace culture, why listening should come before action when transforming a People function, and the importance of creating environments where employees feel psychologically safe. The conversation also considers menopause in the workplace and why employers need to make it a normal and supported part of the wellbeing conversation. Siobhan shares her thoughts on annual leave and recovery, including why employees often need a meaningful, uninterrupted period away from work to properly switch off and recharge. Turning to Circle and the wider housing and non-profit sectors, Siobhan discusses some of the challenges organisations face around attracting and retaining talent, burnout, employee wellbeing and pay. Finally, Bill and Siobhan explore the growing role of people analytics, automation and AI in HR. They discuss how HR teams can move beyond vanity dashboards and use workforce data to provide leaders and boards with actionable insights, while maintaining reliable source data and using AI responsibly. Topics discussed include: How HR has evolved over the past 25 years What hasn't changed about great people leadership Building and transforming People and Culture functions Why listening should come before implementing new HR initiatives The impact managers have on the employee experience Psychological safety, fairness, empathy and compassion at work The "stop, start, continue" approach to organisational change The Sunday night test for workplace culture Menopause support in the workplace Annual leave, recovery and employee wellbeing Talent attraction, retention and burnout in housing and non-profit organisations Turning people data into actionable business insights Moving beyond vanity metrics in HR dashboards Using AI and automation to identify workforce trends and potential hotspots The importance of clean, reliable data and responsible AI use About Siobhan Reid Siobhan Reid is Head of People and Culture at Circle Voluntary Housing Association, one of Ireland's leading social housing providers. Circle manages and owns more than 2,000 homes nationally and works with local authorities, state agencies, developers and funders to deliver social and affordable housing solutions. Siobhan has more than 25 years of experience in HR and People and Culture across commercial, public and non-profit organisations. Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. And if you're in Dublin in November, join Bill and Siobhan at the next Disrupt event in the city. Subscribe to the HRchat Podcast, follow HR Gazette on social media and visit HR Gazette for more conversations with HR, talent and business leaders. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E906
    August 25 · 30 min

    How HR Earns Real Influence with Jennifer McClure

    Having a seat at the table doesn't automatically mean your voice shapes the conversation. So how do HR professionals become trusted advisors whose insights genuinely influence business decisions? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Jennifer McClure, longtime HR executive, keynote speaker, founder of DisruptHR, and self-described "student of the future of work." Jennifer shares practical lessons from decades of leadership, explaining why influence—not title or attendance—is the true measure of HR's impact. Jennifer reflects on a pivotal piece of career advice that transformed her approach to leadership: stop being the person who immediately says "no" and instead begin with curiosity. By asking, "Tell me more about what you're trying to accomplish," HR professionals can uncover better solutions, build stronger relationships with leaders, and protect both people and the business. The conversation explores how HR can navigate difficult workplace decisions with integrity, including performance management, layoffs, bias concerns, and termination requests. Jennifer explains why empathy and accountability aren't opposing forces and how HR can advocate for respectful, evidence-based decision-making, even when conversations become uncomfortable. Bill and Jennifer also discuss the evolving role of HR in shaping organizational culture, why some leadership challenges can't be solved with policies alone, and how workforce data—from turnover patterns to exit interviews and candidate feedback—can strengthen HR's strategic influence. Whether you're an HR business partner, people leader, CHRO, or someone looking to expand your influence within your organization, this episode offers practical advice on becoming the trusted voice leaders turn to when the stakes are highest. In this episode, you'll learn: Why having a "seat at the table" isn't the same as having influence How curiosity helps HR become a more strategic business partner Practical ways to build trust with senior leaders How to navigate difficult employee relations decisions with integrity Why empathy and accountability can—and should—coexist How HR can use workforce data to influence business decisions The importance of moving beyond compliance toward strategic partnership Why HR has a unique opportunity to shape organizational culture and performance Connect with Jennifer McClure: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermcclure/ Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E905
    August 17 · 20 min

    Reinventing Events for HR Leaders with Robbie Jones

    Big HR conferences often promise valuable networking, but how many meaningful conversations actually happen with the people making strategic decisions? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Robbie Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Double Centurion Events and a global advisor in HR technology and people platforms, to explore why the traditional conference model is evolving and what senior HR leaders are looking for instead. Drawing on experience from both the events industry and the HR tech sector, Robbie explains why many CHROs and CPOs have grown tired of crowded exhibition halls and generic agendas. Instead, they're seeking curated, invitation-only experiences where they can have honest conversations with peers, build trusted relationships, and tackle the biggest challenges shaping the future of work. The conversation explores the thinking behind the Leaders Summit for HR & People series, including its concierge-style delegate experience, executive think tanks, and carefully selected mix of HR leaders and solution providers. Bill and Robbie also discuss the growing impact of AI on HR, the importance of trust and authentic networking in a post-pandemic world, and why memorable venues—from Lord's Cricket Ground to Niagara Falls—can help create stronger business connections. Whether you're an HR executive, people leader, HR technology provider, or event organizer, this episode offers fresh insights into what makes executive communities thrive and how live events can deliver genuine value beyond the exhibition floor. In this episode you'll discover: Robbie's journey from global exhibitions to HR technology and executive events Why many senior HR leaders skip traditional expos in favor of curated experiences How invitation-only summits create stronger conversations and better ROI The biggest topics dominating executive HR discussions, including AI, leadership, wellbeing, and workforce transformation Why relationship-building has become more important than ever in today's HR landscape How the Leaders Summit for HR & People is rethinking executive networking Connect with Robbie Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiejonesdce/ Learn more about the Leaders Summit for HR & People series: https://www.theleaderssummitforhr.com/canada/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to HRchat, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who wants more meaningful HR conversations. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E904
    August 11 · 22 min

    The Truth About Psychometric Tests with Paula Baetu

    How much trust should employers place in psychometric assessments? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham is joined by Paula Baetu, Psychometric Specialist, Business Psychologist, and Executive Coach at Awemetrics / Pawsometrics, to demystify workplace assessments and explore how HR leaders can make better, more evidence-based talent decisions. With extensive experience evaluating and implementing psychometric assessments for recruitment, leadership development, internal mobility, and organizational development, Paula explains what psychometric assessments really measure—and why they're about far more than personality tests. Together, Bill and Paula discuss why HR and talent acquisition teams are increasingly turning to assessments to improve hiring quality and objectivity, while also highlighting the risks of relying on tools that lack independent validation or transparency. Paula explains why every HR professional should ask vendors for a technical manual, how to determine whether an assessment is fit for purpose, and why organizations often continue using legacy tools simply because "that's what we've always used." The conversation also explores some of the most common mistakes organizations make—from hiring based on a single assessment score to benchmarking against outdated norm groups—and why psychometric results should always inform decisions rather than make them. Finally, Bill and Paula examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on workplace assessments. They discuss AI-generated tests, candidates using AI during assessments, skills-based hiring, and the practical steps employers are taking to AI-proof recruitment processes while maintaining fairness and validity. Whether you're an HR leader, recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, people manager, or organizational psychologist, this episode offers practical guidance for selecting better assessment tools and making smarter hiring decisions. In this episode, you'll learn about: What psychometric assessments really measure—and why they're more than personality tests Why independent validation and technical documentation matter when selecting assessment tools How to evaluate psychometric vendors and choose assessments that are fit for purpose Common mistakes organizations make when interpreting assessment results Why skills-based hiring is changing assessment strategies How AI is transforming candidate assessment and recruitment Practical ways to improve fairness, validity, and transparency in hiring decisions Best practices for using psychometrics in recruitment, promotion, and leadership development If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to the HRchat Podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues working in HR, talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational psychology. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E903
    August 3 · 26 min

    Future of Work, AI and the New Employment Deal with Kevin Empey

    What does it really take to thrive in the future of work? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham is joined by Kevin Empey, founder of Work Matters and author of Thrive in the Future of Work, to explore how AI, hybrid work, digital transformation, and changing employee expectations are reshaping organizations around the world. Together, Bill and Kevin examine how the workplace has evolved over the past decade—from hyper-digitalization and the lasting impact of COVID-19 to the rapid adoption of generative AI and the changing relationship between employers and employees. They discuss why many organizations are focusing on employee engagement when the real challenge may be a growing alignment gap between business priorities and workforce expectations. The conversation also explores the future of hybrid work, the return-to-office debate, AI's impact on job design, and why HR leaders must rethink early careers if they want to create opportunities for the next generation of talent. Whether you're a CHRO, HR leader, people manager, talent professional, or business executive, this episode offers practical insights into building more adaptable organizations and preparing employees for an increasingly uncertain future. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why AI is accelerating change faster than previous workplace transformations The long-term impact of hybrid work and evolving employee expectations Why employee engagement may be the wrong problem to solve Closing the alignment gap between organizational strategy and employee experience Rethinking the employment relationship in the age of AI Preparing graduates and early-career professionals for an AI-enabled workplace Why career agility and continuous learning are becoming essential workplace skills If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe to the HRchat Podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who are shaping the future of work. Connect with Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-empey-4968731b/ Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E902
    July 28 · 25 min

    Workplace Wellbeing and Evidence-Based Hiring with Dr. Paul Jones

    Are your organization's wellbeing initiatives making a real difference—or simply creating the appearance of caring? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham sits down with Dr. Paul Jones, Associate Dean for Postgraduate Education and Student Experience at Aston Business School and upcoming DisruptHR Birmingham speaker, to explore the difference between genuine workplace wellbeing and what Paul calls "well branding"—highly visible wellbeing initiatives that fail to address the root causes of employee stress, burnout, and disengagement. The conversation then shifts to evidence-based recruitment, where Paul explains why better hiring decisions don't come from adding more interviews or assessments, but from collecting the right evidence. He shares practical insights into structured interviews, psychometric assessments, ability testing, and why many hiring processes unknowingly measure the same qualities multiple times while overlooking the capabilities that truly predict success. Bill and Paul also discuss bias in recruitment and the growing role of AI in hiring. They explore why bias begins long before interviews take place, how AI can unintentionally reinforce poor decision-making, and why human judgment remains essential throughout the recruitment process. Whether you're an HR leader, recruiter, hiring manager, or organizational psychologist, this episode offers practical strategies to improve employee wellbeing and make smarter, more evidence-based hiring decisions. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why workplace wellbeing initiatives sometimes become "well branding" Addressing the root causes of burnout instead of treating symptoms The value of structured interviews and evidence-based recruitment How psychometric and ability assessments improve hiring quality Why more recruitment stages don't always produce better hiring decisions The "bananas, raspberries and strawberries" framework for evaluating recruitment evidence Recognizing and reducing bias throughout the hiring process Using AI responsibly to support—not replace—human decision-making If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to the HRchat Podcast, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues working in HR, talent acquisition, and people leadership. Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmjones/ Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E901
    July 14 · 40 min

    Midlife Career Change with Renée Hackett, Diane Loveys and Audley Stephenson

    Is it ever too late to reinvent your career? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast's Next Chapter series, guest host Pauline James speaks with three inspiring professionals who prove that meaningful career transitions don't have an expiry date. Actor, writer, and producer Renée Hackett shares her journey of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, discusses building confidence later in life, and opens up about balancing career growth with the realities of perimenopause and menopause. Former financial services marketing executive Diane Loveys explains how she successfully returned to paid employment after years focused on family and community, offering practical advice on workforce re-entry, transferable skills, flexible working, networking, and rebuilding confidence. Leadership coach and podcaster Audley Stephenson discusses developing a purposeful portfolio career while maintaining a full-time role, embracing experimentation, and building a legacy-focused future beyond traditional retirement. Whether you're planning a career pivot, returning to work after a break, exploring a portfolio career, or supporting experienced employees in your organisation, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring perspectives on what comes next. In this episode: Why careers don't have to follow a linear path Building confidence during midlife career transitions Creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for permission Menopause, perimenopause, and supporting experienced professionals Returning to work after caregiving or a career break Recognising transferable skills gained outside traditional employment Flexible work and second-career opportunities Networking tips for career changers Building a portfolio career alongside full-time work Planning a purpose-driven retirement and lasting legacy Redefining success in the second half of your career Guests Renée Hackett – Actor, writer and producer Diane Loveys – Former financial services marketing executive and travel professional Audley Stephenson – Leadership coach, podcaster and founder of The Audacious Living Podcast Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E900
    July 7 · 27 min

    Episode 900 with Bill Banham and Steve Foulger

    Welcome to a landmark episode of HRchat. As we celebrate Episode 900 and a decade of conversations with the world's leading HR thinkers, host Bill Banham is joined by longtime friend, strategic HR leader, and DisruptHR co-organizer Steve Foulger. Bill and Steve reflect on how the HR profession has evolved over the past ten years, separating genuine progress from recycled ideas wrapped in new terminology. The conversation explores why employee listening has become more effective through pulse surveys, how organizations are replacing annual performance reviews with regular one-to-one conversations, and why learning and development is increasingly focused on building capability rather than simply delivering training. Steve also tackles one of today's biggest topics: generative AI in HR. Steve explains why AI should not yet be trusted as a standalone solution for compensation benchmarking, how poor-quality data can produce highly convincing but inaccurate recommendations, and why pay transparency makes human judgement more important—not less. The discussion then shifts to leadership, productivity, and sustainable performance. Steve introduces his practical "Five to Twenty-Five" approach for helping teams prioritize work that either generates revenue, reduces costs, or saves valuable time. They also explore why energy management is becoming a critical leadership capability in an era of constant pressure and rapid change. Finally, Bill and Steve discuss what HR can genuinely learn from elite sport without falling into tired clichés, examine the ongoing debate around culture fit versus culture add, and share advice for the next generation of HR leaders navigating an increasingly complex profession. In this episode you'll discover: Why Episode 900 is the perfect time to reflect on HR's biggest changes Where the profession has genuinely improved over the past decade Why pulse surveys work—and where they don't How regular one-to-one conversations are replacing annual appraisals Why AI cannot yet replace human expertise in compensation benchmarking How pay transparency raises the importance of trustworthy workforce data Why energy management may be leadership's next competitive advantage Steve's practical "Five to Twenty-Five" framework for improving business performance Lessons HR can borrow from elite sport without copying the clichés Why culture fit and culture add should complement rather than compete with one another Advice for emerging HR leaders on staying adaptable, collaborative, and human If you're interested in HR strategy, workforce planning, leadership, organizational performance, AI in HR, employee experience, or the future of work, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E899
    July 1 · 23 min

    Dashboards Are Dead with Ankita Poddar

    For years, HR leaders have relied on dashboards to guide workforce decisions. But what happens when AI agents can analyse data, surface insights, and even recommend actions faster than any human? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Ankita Poddar, speaker, blogger, and Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Amazon Web Services (AWS), to explore why the future of HR analytics isn't about building better dashboards - it's about asking better questions. Fresh from her Disrupt Dublin presentation, "Dashboards Are Dead," Ankita explains how AI is fundamentally changing workforce planning, leadership, and organisational decision-making. Together, Bill and Ankita discuss why HR professionals must shift from reporting metrics to solving business problems, how global organisations are adapting to geopolitical uncertainty and changing talent mobility, and why leadership skills like empathy, systems thinking, and intellectual honesty are becoming more valuable than ever. Whether you're an HR leader, People Analytics professional, Talent strategist, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping work, this conversation offers practical insights into what's coming next. In this episode, you'll learn: Why traditional HR dashboards are becoming less valuable in an AI-driven world How AI agents are changing workforce analytics and decision-making Why better questions matter more than better reports How global businesses are adapting to geopolitical uncertainty and changing talent mobility What organisations are learning from the ongoing hybrid work experiment The five leadership capabilities every future leader will need: Intellectual honesty Empathy Systems thinking AI fluency The ability to slow down and think How leaders can rebuild trust through better communication Why HR professionals should look beyond HR for inspiration and innovation If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone passionate about the future of work. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E898
    June 17 · 27 min

    How To Personalize Employee Support Across Every Life Stage with Chris Locke

    In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham talks with Chris Locke, Executive Director for Work + Family at Bright Horizons, about how employee benefits are evolving to meet the realities of modern life and work. Traditional benefits packages were once built around a handful of standard offerings. Today, employers are being asked to support employees through a much wider range of life events and responsibilities, including fertility journeys, childcare challenges, menopause, eldercare responsibilities, and end-of-life care. Chris explains why this shift is happening and what it means for HR leaders tasked with attracting, retaining, and supporting talent across an increasingly multi-generational workforce. The conversation explores the growing pressures faced by the "sandwich generation" – employees simultaneously caring for children and ageing relatives – and the significant impact caregiving responsibilities can have on wellbeing, productivity, engagement, and retention. Bill and Chris also examine the growing complexity of benefits administration. Many organizations now manage dozens of benefits providers, creating fragmented employee experiences and making it difficult to demonstrate ROI. Chris shares practical insights into how benefits consolidation, personalization, and smarter technology can help organizations reduce friction and connect employees with the right support at the right time. In this episode, listeners will learn: How Chris Locke's career journey led him from sales and innovation into work and family support Why employee support expectations have changed dramatically over the past decade The impact of a multi-generational workforce on benefits strategy How caregiving responsibilities affect employee wellbeing, productivity, and retention Why the sandwich generation presents a growing challenge for employers The importance of making benefits easy to access at the moment of need How personalization can improve employee engagement with benefits The hidden costs of managing 30-40 separate benefits providers Why benefits consolidation can improve both employee experience and ROI measurement How Bright Horizons is expanding from emergency care into expert guidance, planned care, and coaching Practical ways HR leaders can build a stronger business case for caregiving and wellbeing support About Chris Locke Chris Locke is Executive Director for Work + Family at Bright Horizons UK. He works with leading employers to develop solutions that help employees navigate the challenges of balancing work and personal responsibilities across every stage of life. His experience spans leadership, innovation, learning, and workforce support, helping organizations create more inclusive and effective employee experiences. Key Takeaway Employee benefits are no longer simply about offering perks. The most effective organizations are building life-stage support ecosystems that help employees navigate real-world challenges while improving retention, engagement, productivity, and business performance. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to HRchat, leave a review, and share this conversation with an HR leader who is rethinking their benefits strategy. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E897
    June 15 · 18 min

    Modernizing HR Without Losing Trust with John Kennedy

    What does it take to modernize HR systems in a complex, highly operational organization without damaging trust, culture, or employee engagement along the way? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham sits down with John Kennedy, HR leader at Irish Rail, to explore the realities of HR transformation in organizations where legacy systems, long-standing processes, and deeply embedded ways of working have become part of the culture itself. John shares practical insights from leading large-scale change initiatives, including the implementation of Oracle Cloud HCM, and explains why successful transformation requires much more than simply replacing technology. Together, Bill and John discuss how HR leaders can redesign work, build stakeholder trust, and create the conditions for sustainable change. Drawing on his background in operational leadership, John also offers a refreshing perspective on HR service delivery, emphasizing the importance of understanding frontline realities and delivering support when leaders need it most. In this episode, listeners will learn about: Why legacy HR systems often become intertwined with organizational culture The challenges of modernizing HR processes in complex and unionized environments How Oracle Cloud HCM implementations force organizations to rethink how work gets done The importance of openness, transparency, and honest communication during transformation Building trust through listening and providing clear reasons behind difficult decisions Delivering HR services that create tangible value for employees and leaders Lessons from operational leadership that can improve HR effectiveness Why HR credibility depends on understanding the business, not just the people function The role of continuous improvement and lifelong learning in modern HR leadership What great leadership could look like in a workplace increasingly shaped by AI Key Takeaways "Legacy systems don't just store data—they store habits, workarounds, and decades of organizational history." John explains why many transformation projects fail when organizations attempt to automate outdated processes rather than redesign them. The conversation also highlights the importance of psychological safety and creating environments where employees feel comfortable challenging plans, raising concerns, and contributing ideas. Looking ahead, Bill and John explore how AI may reshape work and discuss the leadership qualities that will become increasingly important as technology handles more routine tasks. About John Kennedy John Kennedy is an experienced HR and business leader at Irish Rail. Combining extensive operational leadership experience with deep expertise in people strategy, John is passionate about building effective HR services, supporting organizational transformation, and helping leaders navigate change. He is also actively involved with the HR profession through his work with the CIPD and his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E896
    June 9 · 24 min

    Adaptability is the New Currency of Work with Dallas Counts

    Margins are under siege. Between tariffs, retail media costs, markdown pressure, and the explosion of e-commerce complexity, suppliers are juggling more P&L lines than ever—and the fallout doesn’t stop with finance. We sit down with Dallas Counts, COO at Vendormint and former Walmart/Sam’s Club leader, to explore how operational strain shows up in culture, talent decisions, and the day-to-day realities of AR, logistics, and sales teams. The conversation goes beyond buzzwords and into the mechanics of building resilient organizations when chargebacks climb and retailer policies keep changing. Dallas breaks down why deduction recovery is only half the story and how the real win comes from fixing root causes—modernizing legacy systems, aligning with retailer tech shifts, and empowering tenured teams to embrace new tools. We dig into a practical, human approach to AI: where it truly helps, how to communicate its impact without triggering panic, and why hiring for adaptability now prevents painful corrections later. You’ll hear the hallmarks of healthy change management—plain language objectives, weekly reinforcement, scenario training, and anonymous feedback loops that invite candor and speed adoption. We also zoom out to strategy. From channel choices and cost-to-serve visibility to sourcing shifts and org design, agility becomes the differentiator. Dallas shares how clear decision rights cut through blame loops, why transparent goals keep people moving in the same direction, and how to structure cross-functional teams so they can act fast when policies or tariffs move overnight. If you lead HR, operations, or revenue teams in retail or adjacent industries, this playbook helps you protect margins, reduce leakage, and keep your best people engaged through change. Enjoy the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating chargebacks or system rollouts. Your feedback helps us bring on more leaders like Dallas and keep the conversation sharp. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E895
    June 4 · 23 min

    Modern Leaders Build Trust By Managing Themselves with Russell Robinson

    The fastest way to lose trust as a leader is to pretend you’re fine when you’re not. Bill Bannham sits down with leadership strategist and emotional intelligence practitioner Russell Robinson to unpack a deceptively simple idea: leadership has to be “selfish” first. Not selfish in the ego sense, but selfish in the disciplined sense of knowing your values, naming your non-negotiables, protecting your well-being, and building the self-awareness needed to show up consistently for other people. We talk about what’s changing across generations and what isn’t. No matter your age, people want meaningful work, to feel heard, and to operate in a psychologically safe culture where they can take smart risks. But Russell explains why Gen Z and younger Millennials are bringing more of the outside world into the workplace, and why emotionally intelligent leaders have to meet that reality with curiosity, not control. The conversation also gets practical for HR pros and talent leaders: hiring emotionally intelligent people early, building leadership development programs that strengthen self-awareness, and treating relationship-building as “personal currency,” not a soft extra. Then we go straight at uncertainty. When the world feels unstable and fear shows up, Russell shares what separates leaders who keep teams grounded from those who amplify stress. We explore decision-making without guarantees, learning loops after setbacks, and how to be realistic while still giving people confidence that the sun will come up. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E894
    May 19 · 22 min

    Gen Z and Mental Health with Dr. Mary Collins

    AI is moving faster than most workplaces can rewrite their playbooks, and that raises a blunt question: if machines can handle more tasks, what should people leaders double down on? We sit down with chartered psychologist and leadership coach Dr. Mary Collins to make the case that emotional intelligence, empathy, and relationship building are not “nice to have” anymore. They are the skills that keep teams healthy, productive, and connected when the pace of change keeps spiking. We get practical about what AI can and cannot replace, including a candid take on AI therapists and why deep trust still comes from human-to-human presence. From there, we zoom in on the real cost of distraction at work: weaker listening, thinner connection, and declining empathy. Mary shares why this matters for culture, mental health, and performance, plus how leaders can rebuild attention and communication habits in everyday moments like 1:1s and hard conversations. Gen Z at work is a major focus too. We unpack the strengths younger workers bring, the data on stress tolerance and wellbeing, and what leaders often miss when managing intergenerational teams. Mary also breaks down three emotional intelligence competencies she consistently sees in leaders who thrive through uncertainty: self-awareness, cognitive empathy, and adaptability. If you care about leadership development, workplace wellbeing, and building human skills in an AI-driven workplace, this one will give you clear language and smarter next steps. Subscribe for more conversations on the future of work, share this with a leader who’s navigating change, and leave a review with your take: which human skill will matter most over the next decade? Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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  • S1 · E893
    May 12 · 30 min

    Workplace Bullying Risk with Mary Cullen

    Workplace bullying isn’t rare — it’s a persistent, under-recognised business risk that quietly erodes culture, trust, and retention. In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham speaks with Mary Cullen, Founder and Managing Director at Insight HR and host of The HR Room, to unpack the findings from the Insight HR Irish Workplace Bullying Report 2026. Together, they explore what workplace bullying really means in practice — and why the legal definition often clashes with employee expectations. Mary shares patterns she sees time and again: complaints most frequently involve managers, the emotional toll affects both the accuser and accused, and unresolved issues often lead to exits, damaged trust, and long-term cultural harm. The conversation goes beyond definitions to tackle what organisations get wrong. Many companies have policies, but far fewer invest in meaningful training, conflict resolution skills, or investigation capability. Bill and Mary also challenge the idea of “zero tolerance,” particularly when high performers are protected despite poor behaviour. You’ll learn why complaints can spike during restructuring or performance management cycles, why malicious complaints are less common than assumed, and the single most effective step organisations can take to reduce risk quickly: train managers properly. In this episode: What the latest Irish data reveals about bullying complaints The difference between bullying and poor management behaviour Why legal thresholds create confusion in real workplaces The impact on mental health, performance, and retention Where most organisations fall short (even with policies in place) Why “zero tolerance” often fails in practice How to reduce risk quickly with limited budget If you care about psychological safety, employee relations, and building a culture where people actually want to stay — this episode is essential listening. Support the show Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

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Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes