011: Helen Wyatt on Owning Your Story, Empowering People, and Shaping Culture

Helen Wyatt, a talent expert with over 25 years of HR leadership experience, shares her remarkable journey through the corridors of renowned organizations like Motorola and Unilever. From an early interest in talent management sparked during her studies and a pivotal placement at IBM, Helen's story is one of passion and dedication. Her career, shaped by trailblazing leadership and a strong commitment to diversity, shows what it takes to succeed in high-pressure corporate environments and manage workplace politics. Helen's reflections offer invaluable insights into the foundations of building high-performing teams and embodying authentic leadership.

Helen's career trajectory underscores the complexities of organizational culture, as she transitioned from the public sector to significant roles in corporate giants. She candidly discusses the differences in work environments, from Motorola's high-pressure accountability to Unilever's relationship-focused culture. These experiences highlight the skills required to manage corporate politics and lead significant organizational changes. Helen shares her journey through family-owned businesses, contrasting them with her past roles, and emphasizes the joy of empowering individuals and fostering long-term vision and employee engagement.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Helen Wyatt's extensive HR leadership experience in top organizations like Motorola and Unilever
• Transitioning from the public sector to high-stakes corporate environments and navigating organizational politics
• Contrasting organizational cultures at Motorola, HP, and Unilever, highlighting differences in accountability and relationship-building
• Building high-performing teams in family-owned businesses, emphasizing long-term vision and employee engagement
• Challenges of transitioning to new roles, building authority, and meeting performance expectations in unfamiliar environments
• Importance of aligning skills with organizational structures for career success and leadership effectiveness

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Episode Credits

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