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Episode 212: Breaking Cycles, Building Culture: The Human Impact of HR - Alisa DiBeasi, CHRO at Phinia

How HR Leaders Change the World

Release Date: 10/28/2025

Episode 223: Military Leadership for Modern HR: Trust, Accountability and Human Skills at Work: Michelle Westwood, Chief People Officer at Osborne Clarke show art Episode 223: Military Leadership for Modern HR: Trust, Accountability and Human Skills at Work: Michelle Westwood, Chief People Officer at Osborne Clarke

How HR Leaders Change the World

Michelle reflects on her career from 20 years in the Royal Navy to the legal sector, highlighting how her military background instilled leadership qualities founded on trust and how modelling compassionate leadership improves team engagement that also creates meaningful change. Discussing how military lessons translate to professional services, Michelle emphasises the importance of developing leadership skills at every stage of a career, sharing the concept of an ‘accountability ladder’ to encourage every colleague to demonstrate leadership in their role. Michelle also explores the...

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Episode 222: Be a Queen: The Power of Human-centred HR: Ewen MacPherson, Group Chief People Officer at Havas UK show art Episode 222: Be a Queen: The Power of Human-centred HR: Ewen MacPherson, Group Chief People Officer at Havas UK

How HR Leaders Change the World

The queen is the most powerful player on a chessboard – a queen can move anywhere - just like HR. Ewen shares why HR practitioners need to stop staying in their square and start thinking like a queen on a chessboard.   He explores how meaningful change comes through sustained commitment to human-centred approaches and shares the example of The Havas Platform, demonstrating how HR can create impact both within organisations and society.   Ewen champions transparency as foundational to trust and...

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Episode 221: Rethinking HR for Connection and Innovation: Fabiola Williams, Partner & Chief People Officer at Brunswick Group show art Episode 221: Rethinking HR for Connection and Innovation: Fabiola Williams, Partner & Chief People Officer at Brunswick Group

How HR Leaders Change the World

Fabiola explores how real change often comes from small, human moments - conversations, deep listening and creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves. Drawing on her international career and psychotherapy studies, she shows how engaging with people relationally forms the foundation for sustainable organisational transformation.   Fabiola also highlights the power of human-centred design in organisations. By fostering improvisation and curiosity, and giving employees a voice, teams build resilience, creativity and stronger connections. Concepts such as ‘the fertile...

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Episode 220: AI & HR – Hype vs Reality: Samantha Howarth, Organisational Transformation Lead at Slalom show art Episode 220: AI & HR – Hype vs Reality: Samantha Howarth, Organisational Transformation Lead at Slalom

How HR Leaders Change the World

Samantha cuts through the AI hype to discuss what businesses are really experiencing, including thoughts on why investment in AI is high, yet value remains elusive - highlighting challenges with legacy technology, data, governance and workforce readiness.   Emphasising the crucial role of HR in shaping the future of work, working alongside tech and data leaders and the importance of cross-functional collaboration, Samantha highlights a striking insight from Slalom’s research: empathy and communication are being deprioritised, even as these human skills become more important for...

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Episode 219: Leading with Purpose – How HR Can Drive Real Change in 2026:   Nigel Miller, Chief People Officer, International at Edelman  show art Episode 219: Leading with Purpose – How HR Can Drive Real Change in 2026: Nigel Miller, Chief People Officer, International at Edelman

How HR Leaders Change the World

Kicking off the new year Nigel reflects on the human impact of HR, sharing his working principles: focus on what is within your control, particularly the ‘how’ of decision-making, and approach people with empathy and care.   Looking to the future, Nigel explores the opportunities and challenges HR faces in a world shaped by AI. He highlights the importance of human skills - relationships, empathy, connection - and shares how HR can unite purpose, people and performance to positively impact work and society.   Nigel challenges HR...

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Episode 218: Sir Bob Geldof at How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! Harnessing the Power of Your Profession to Drive Positive Change   show art Episode 218: Sir Bob Geldof at How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! Harnessing the Power of Your Profession to Drive Positive Change

How HR Leaders Change the World

Celebrating an incredible milestone – this network of HR Changemakers has now donated over $1 million to vulnerable children - we bring you a special, live-recorded episode: Sir Bob Geldof, on stage with Cecilia Crossley at How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! for a fireside chat on purpose, people and harnessing your profession to drive change.   Discussing how HR can deliver people strategy for commercial businesses, and at the same time have positive impact, he reflects that “work has to be more than the exchange of effort for wages”.  Sir Bob shares his story and...

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Episode 217: Inclusive Leadership in Action: How Small HR Changes Drive Big Culture Shifts - Mark McLane, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Well-being at M&G show art Episode 217: Inclusive Leadership in Action: How Small HR Changes Drive Big Culture Shifts - Mark McLane, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Well-being at M&G

How HR Leaders Change the World

Mark McLane shares how curiosity, courage, and starting with small, human-centred actions have driven transformational change, from community initiatives in Michigan to the global This Is Me campaign, which began at Barclays. Mark explains the principles that guide his work, emphasising listening, learning and evolving organisational practices to support a multigenerational workforce. Using examples from M&G, he shows how simple, thoughtful adaptations, for example embedding menopause guidance into broader policies, can shift culture and deliver meaningful, positive change. He also...

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Episode 216: Financial Inclusion & the Future of Work – Elli Michaelides, Chief People Officer, Vanquis   show art Episode 216: Financial Inclusion & the Future of Work – Elli Michaelides, Chief People Officer, Vanquis

How HR Leaders Change the World

Elli shares how Vanquis combines purpose with people strategy, supporting customers historically underserved by mainstream banking, while building a culture that empowers colleagues to thrive.   Elli reflects on the organisation’s focus on financial inclusion, wellbeing and future skills, highlighting opportunities ahead for AI and technology to free colleagues for meaningful work, rather than replace them.  Looking ahead, Elli shares her vision for the future of work: workplaces where people feel supported and empowered to grow. She reflects on the ongoing journey of...

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Episode 215: Progressive People Practices & the Future of Work - Alex Voakes, CEO, Peak PEO show art Episode 215: Progressive People Practices & the Future of Work - Alex Voakes, CEO, Peak PEO

How HR Leaders Change the World

Alex discusses the progressive people practices that have shaped his leadership and powered Peak PEO’s growth. He shares his unconventional journey from stand-up comedy to international employment, revealing how creativity and adaptability helped him build a business that enables companies to hire talent anywhere in the world and support distributed teams.   Alex describes how and why he introduced bold ideas including a four-day work week, emphasising that change begins with passion, conviction and thoughtful experimentation. He encourages HR leaders to take small steps that build...

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Episode 214: The Power of the Collective: HR’s Role – Usha Kakaria-Cayaux, CHRO at Ofi show art Episode 214: The Power of the Collective: HR’s Role – Usha Kakaria-Cayaux, CHRO at Ofi

How HR Leaders Change the World

CHRO at ofi (olam food ingredients), a global food ingredients company, anchored in sustainability, that operates in over 50 countries and sources from  2.8 million farmers across cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices provides to service big food brands and manufacturers with food and beverage ingredients for a diverse range of products ranging from a plant-based latte mix to an almond based snack bar – Usha highlights how meaningful change comes from small, everyday moments – using one-to-one...

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Drawing on her 34-year career, Alisa explains how HR is uniquely positioned to nurture talent and inspire positive change, from supporting employees through promotions to creating spaces where people feel genuinely heard.

Alisa reflects on her lifelong commitment to breaking cycles of disadvantage. From her early experiences in Chicago to supporting scholarships, tuition programs, and social initiatives around the world, she demonstrates how small interventions can transform lives. Alisa emphasises the importance of listening to employees, seeking advice, and continuously evolving workforce practices to build a culture of fairness and empowerment.

At the heart of her philosophy is a simple principle: hire the best person for the role and treat everyone as you would your own family. Alisa explains how walking the talk and encouraging employees to stand up for what’s right creates a ripple effect of culture change and leaves you with a powerful call to action: keep inspiring people to be greater than they were yesterday.

Thank you to Staffbase for sponsoring this episode  

 

Staffbase knows that HR leaders are driving transformation in the workplace and they're here to help.

 

Staffbase Communications Cloud empowers HR leaders to be transformation trailblazers, driving trust and business success in change through strategic communication. Their internal communications platform empowers companies to connect with their people, whether they're at their desks or on the front lines.

 

With tools that improve engagement, amplify employee voices and align everyone with your company's goals, Staffbase makes it easier for HR leaders to create and measure lasting change. Want to learn more? Head over to Staffbase.com to see how Staffbase can help your organisation thrive.

 

👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community 

 

You’ll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.  

 

Join us here:upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world 

 

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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 October Book of the Month is Soup for Good by the amazing team at Cook for Good.

 

It all began with a simple act: a flask of homemade soup shared with a volunteer. That small gesture grew into a weekly soup café and a community-wide love of soup. This book shares the recipes, stories, and characters that make it so special - while 100% of profits go back into Cook for Good’s Community Programme; celebrating the power of food, generosity and community in shaping inclusive cultures aligned with our work and values at Uplifting People and a timely reminder that small human centred gestures can create big change.

 

It’s a feel-good read and the perfect gift for colleagues, friends, or clients. You can also pair it with our Holiday Gift Bundles and brand-new hampers full of seasonal delights. Impact led gifts that truly show how much you care - think kind-hearted chocolates and fudge, supercharged tea, and thoughtful stationery - for a truly uplifting moment of appreciation.

 

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