Episode 184. Leading with Empathy: Five CHRO Perspectives on Workplace Culture
How HR Leaders Change the World
Release Date: 03/18/2025
Episode 197: HR is a Force for Good: The Story behind How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! Cecilia Crossley, Founder, Uplifting People
How HR Leaders Change the World
Cecilia reflects on the growth of How HR Leaders Change the World – from seeing a gap in HR thought leadership to a sell-out conference. Sharing the origins of Uplifting People and her unique perspective shaped by a background outside of HR, Cecilia describes how pivotal global moments such as the pandemic revealed the clear social and environmental impact of HR, inspiring her to shine a spotlight on HR professionals as changemakers. As the movement grew, so did the desire for deeper connection. The community’s call for more than podcast episodes led to the creation of How HR...
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Episode 196: Speaking Truth to Power, Shaping the Future of Work – Gemma Lines, Chief People Officer, MS AUL at MS Amlin
How HR Leaders Change the World
Gemma inspires with bold insights on the future of work, challenging conventional thinking and championing a truly global perspective on equity. Drawing on her experience within a Japanese organisation, she reflects on one-size-fits-all approaches, revealing the power of cultural exchange to unlock innovation and drive progress. Gemma highlights the urgent need to tackle ageism and build intergenerational collaboration as workplaces evolve to meet shifting demographic realities. She shares how weaving equity into the fabric of everyday business (not relying on top-down mandates)...
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Episode 195. Sustaining Thriving Cultures in Turbulent Times – Becky Hewitt OBE, CEO & Co-Owner, Kin&Co
How HR Leaders Change the World
Becky discusses how pressures including polarisation, AI, climate change and geo-politics can push organisations into survival mode, explaining why thriving workplace cultures are vital for business success in today’s complex environment. Becky urges HR leaders to build human-centred cultures that foster resilience, wellbeing, and sustainable impact, introducing Kin&Co’s six-pillar framework for thriving cultures. Emphasising foundations such as purpose, agility and psychological safety, Becky discusses how trust is developed through everyday behaviours and how innovation thrives when...
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Episode 194. Transforming Workplaces with Data, Inclusion and Purpose - Kate Mathias, Global Chief People Officer, Clyde & Co
How HR Leaders Change the World
Kate discusses driving change through inclusive people strategies rooted in strong commercial foundations. For example, Kate shares the story behind LifeWorks, the Clyde & Co’s gender-neutral parental leave policy that provides six months of fully paid leave. Backed by a strong business case, the policy has driven real impact - boosting retention, engagement, and uptake among men - showing how HR can influence both culture and business outcomes. Kate also shares how Clyde & Co is creating new pathways into the legal profession through initiatives such as solicitor apprenticeships, a...
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Episode 193. Autonomy, Mastery & Purpose: Foundations of Employee Motivation – Rob Bray, Chief People & Sustainability Officer, Wildfarmed
How HR Leaders Change the World
We welcome back Rob to the podcast, who shares his journey from Chief People Officer at Nando’s to a purpose-driven scale-up focused on transforming the global food system. He explains how a passion for environmental issues led him to a role that brings people and sustainability together. Rob talks about building the people function from scratch and explains how autonomy, mastery and purpose drive team commitment and rapid growth. Cecilia and Rob explore how HR leaders can embed sustainability by focusing on influence and change leadership, not technical expertise. Reflecting on...
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192. Bridging HR & ESG - Unlocking Organisational Value: Nathan Adams, Chief People Officer, Lloyds of London
How HR Leaders Change the World
Nathan introduces how his early experiences helped shape his people-first approach to HR strategy. He shares moments where he's balanced commercial priorities with social responsibility, and how his work connects with wider environmentsl, social and governance ( ESG) goals. Nathan explains how he's worked to bridge the gap between HR and the investor community, helping stakeholders see workforce strategy as central to organisational value. He emphasises the importance of aligning people with purpose and strategy, not just to drive performance, but to build sustainable,...
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191. Bigger Than the Moon: A Personal Experience that Shaped Courageous HR Leadership – Syreeta Brown, Chief People Officer, Virgin Money
How HR Leaders Change the World
Syreeta shares insights from her moving new book, Bigger than the Moon, exploring her personal journey as a working parent of a neurodivergent child and how that experience has deeply shaped her leadership approach. Syreeta reflects on the transformative impact of parenting on her understanding of patience, team dynamics and inclusive leadership. She offers practical advice for HR professionals on supporting neurodiversity in the workplace, including the importance of recognising hidden disabilities and avoiding unintended exclusion through performance or engagement practices. Syreeta...
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Episode 190. HR Meets Sustainability: Leadership for People and Planet - Naomi Barton: Partner, Head of People & Culture Practice & Kate Goodall: Partner, Head of Sustainability Practice at Redgrave
How HR Leaders Change the World
Combining perspectives and reflecting from their market-wide viewpoint, Naomi and Kate discuss the role of HR leaders in sustainability, exploring the connections and the gaps between the two professions. Reflecting on how people and sustainability roles are evolving, they discuss how AI will influence in the future and how HR professionals can use their commercial understanding to drive positive impact for people and planet. Naomi and Kate encourage you to take an active role in shaping and delivering your company's sustainability strategy, providing practical ideas on how, and highlight the...
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Episode 189. Shaping the future of HR: People, Purpose and Global Impact - Magnus Hibbert, SVP HR GSK Research and Development
How HR Leaders Change the World
Reflecting on his journey in healthcare, Magnus explains how GSK’s Purpose shapes HR strategy, ensuring talent, leadership, and culture decisions are grounded in patient impact. Magnus explores the future of work, highlighting the growing importance of skills as the new currency of the workforce. He discusses HR’s role in helping people build and apply future-ready capabilities, particularly in fast-changing scientific environments. He also stresses the need to protect entry-level roles and ensure inclusive career development, linking this to broader societal responsibilities. Magnus urges...
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Episode 188. Bravery, Potential, and Joy: HR’s Power to Shape a Fairer Future – Laura Hagan, Chief People Officer, Deliveroo
How HR Leaders Change the World
Laura explores the power of taking risks on talent, especially those early in their careers, sharing her thoughts on hiring for mindset and potential over experience, and how being brave enough to back someone others might overlook has led to some of her proudest moments. Sharing her passion for inclusion Laura calls out the need for courage in challenging poor behaviour, regardless of seniority, and emphasises that inclusion means holding everyone to account. Reflecting on societal changes and decades of experience across sectors, Laura highlights the importance of staying the course,...
info_outlineIn this episode we explore one of the most frequently discussed themes in our conversations with CHROs - empathy.
As businesses navigate a rapidly changing world, empathy is rising up the people agenda, shaping leadership and workplace culture. We looked back through the library to bring you five perspectives on the benefits of empathy for your workplace culture:
- Yetunde Hofmann, Non-Exec & Remco Chair – Exploring the powerful link between love and results, Yetunde shares how leading with love can transform organisational culture.
- Stephane Charbonnier, Former CHRO, L’Oréal North America – Highlighting L’Oréal’s Listening Circles, Stephane demonstrates how genuine listening fosters a true sense of belonging.
- Donna Murray Vilhelmsen, CHRO, Trustpilot – Advocating for vulnerability in leadership, Donna discusses its role in building trust and authenticity.
- Helen Russell, Chief People Officer, HubSpot – Emphasising connection, Helen explains how HR leaders who embrace empathy drive meaningful change.
- Kaylee Darkins, CHRO – UK and Lloyd’s, AXA XL – Sharing insights from AXA XL’s Authentic You programme, Kaylee underscores the importance of psychological safety.
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For deeper insights, find links in the show notes to each CHRO’s full episode, plus a recent conversation with Chris Garthwaite, CEO of CGA Experience, on How Empathy is Shaping the Future of Work.
Until next time, keep leading with empathy!
This episode is sponsored by CGA Empathy Lab®
If you want a happier, more confident workforce, to reduce absenteeism and workplace anxiety and put an end to situations that may result in conflict, you should experience the CGA Empathy Lab®.
By teaching employees the power of empathy, they can enjoy better conversations and create better experiences, not only for themselves but for other employees and customers, ultimately driving business purpose and performance.
There’s no better way to experience the world through the eyes of others and learn how to make every moment matter.
CGA Empathy Lab® - Winner of the ‘People, Skills, and Diversity Award’ for the Rail Industry.
For deeper insights, find links in the show notes to each CHRO’s full episode, plus a recent conversation with Chris Garthwaite, CEO of CGA Experience, on How Empathy is Shaping the Future of Work (see References below).
Until next time, keep leading with empathy!
Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth.
Our March book of the month is Dare to Lead by Brené Brown.
In a world full of uncertainty, this brilliant book is a powerful reminder that courage is essential to building brave leaders and creating cultures rooted in connection, bold action and meaningful change.
Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!
References:
Episode 75: Leading with love: Yetunde Hofmann, NED and Remco Chair
Episode.90: Posture at work – what’s yours? Stephane Charbonnier, CHRO, L’Oreal USA
Episode 101: The business benefits of vulnerability: Donna Murray Vilhelmsen, CHRO, Trustpilot
Episode 178: Wellbeing, Belonging & The Power of HR: Kaylee Darkins, CHRO - UK and Lloyd’s at AXA XL
Episode 181: How Empathy is Shaping the Future of Work, Chris Garthwaite, CEO, CGA Experience