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
Release Date: 05/07/2025
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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_outlineReflecting 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 HR leaders to embrace the global skills challenge and extend their influence beyond the workplace - unlocking the full potential of HR to shape a more inclusive, future-ready world.
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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