Episode 188. Bravery, Potential, and Joy: HR’s Power to Shape a Fairer Future – Laura Hagan, Chief People Officer, Deliveroo

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, reminding us that we’re still a long way from achieving true equity and must keep pushing forward with determination and heart.

Laura’s wish for HR leaders is simple: be brave. Be brave in taking a stand, making bold decisions, and leading with conviction. Laura reminds us, don’t forget to bring joy to the workplace - because even in serious times, joy is what keeps us all going.

 

This episode is sponsored by Redgrave

Today's episode is brought to you by Redgrave, a leading executive search, interim, and leadership advisory firm supporting business owners, investors, and leaders.

Redgrave specialises in identifying and securing senior leaders for businesses across diverse industries, whether it's CEOs, board members, or functional leadership roles.

They combine deep market expertise with a bespoke, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that every search delivers impact.

And when it comes to People & Culture leadership, they know just how critical the right HR and People leaders are to shaping business success.

Redgrave’s People & Culture Practice partners with organisations to find transformative CHROs, CPOs, and senior HR leaders who create the environments where businesses, and people, thrive. Sustainability is also rising on the HR agenda, responsibility, but as a compelling element of an organisation’s employee value proposition and operations.

Redgrave supports clients in finding leaders who can embed responsible practices into a firm's business strategy and align sustainability with performance. Whether it’s a permanent hire or technical interim support, they help HR functions drive meaningful, measurable change.

If you're looking for exceptional leadership that makes a difference, visit Redgrave Search to find out more.

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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 April book of the month is Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein.

​Instead ​of ​drastic ​overhauls, ​Nudge ​demonstrates ​how ​tweaking ​environments ​can ​lead ​to ​big ​improvements ​with ​minimal ​resistance. ​We ​chose ​it ​because ​for ​everyone ​in ​HR ​and ​leadership, ​it ​provides ​a ​powerful ​playbook ​for ​making ​change ​easier.

Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!