HR Coffee Time

Before we all sprint into 2026, I wanted to create this bonus episode to encourage you to pause and reflect on the year that's just passed. In it, I work my way through the 10 'Look Back to Look Forward' questions from the Essential HR Planner and share my own honest answers - including the achievements I'm proud of, the challenges I faced, what I learned, and the moments that shaped my year both personally and professionally.This episode includes reflections on expanding the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, navigating the realities of running a business, experimenting with video, taking a long break from the podcast, and working through some unexpected moments of vulnerability along the way. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you'll feel encouraged to complete the exercise yourself and head into 2026 with more clarity and intention.Helpful LinksThe Essential HR PlannerThe free HR Leadership Impact Assessment Read the full blog version of my reflectionsConnect with me on LinkedInLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeEnjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.Inspiring HRLearn More About HR Coffee Time's Sponsor - PersonioPersonio

5 Brilliant HR Books That Deserve a Spot Under Your Christmas Tree!If you work in HR and you’re not sure what to ask for this Christmas – or you’d love to buy a thoughtful, genuinely useful gift for an HR colleague – this episode is for you.Fay Wallis shares five brilliant HR book recommendations she’s read this year. Each one supports HR professionals in a slightly different way – from building resilience and confidence, to shaping culture, developing better people practices, and setting yourself up for a successful year at work.All of the books recommended are practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real HR challenges.Book Recommendations from This EpisodeThe Little Book of HR Resilience: Practical Strategies for Busy People Professionals – Dr Felicity Baker & Dr Jo BurrellThe HR Confidence Playbook: The essential guide to being seen, heard, and respected in HR - by Kirsty Baggs-MorganWork Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead - by Laszlo BockLet’s Talk Culture: The conversations you need to create the team you want - by Shane Michael HattonThe Essential HR Planner – by Fay WallisUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeHR Coffee Time Episodes to Listen to NextEp 35: Helping Teams Thrive with Personal User ManualsEp 123: Avoid Burnout - How to Spot Signs Of Stress & Take Action (with Dr Jo Burrell)Ep 146: Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People Officer: (with John Scrooby)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeLearn more about the...

What’s the best way to land your first Chief People Officer or CHRO role?In this episode, Fay Wallis breaks down the four most common routes that real CPOs have taken to step into the top people leadership job for the very first time. You’ll also hear short clips from several CPO guests who generously shared their stories and insights.You’ll hear about:Four routes into first CPO rolesInternal discussions leading to job title changesBeing headhunted by executive recruitersStrengthening your LinkedIn profileApplying directly for senior HR rolesPreparing for high-level interviewsPitching for promotion with a business caseUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeBuy a copy of The Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 31:3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next jobEp 106:7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR careerEp 149: The CPO Job Application That Worked, Strategic vs Operational HR, and Why Compassion Matters (with Funmi Onamusi):Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/149/YouTube link:https://youtu.be/n-zYslILExc?si=dIJFbWDgo2SWlcUzEp 154: Step-by-Step Career Advice to become a successful CHRO/CPO (with Nicola Lyons):Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/154/YouTube link:https://youtu.be/tdqjSSbKMmM?si=WpaKhorECI5-ieFkEp 147: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider insights (with Kanika Mehra):Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/147/YouTube link:https://youtu.be/R31JrBpT490?si=fikKsO8dJBahIRpxEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.Inspiring HR

If the idea of improving your business acumen feels intimidating, this episode will help make it feel achievable and clear. Host, Fay Wallis, breaks down what business acumen really means for HR and why it has nothing to do with being “naturally commercial” and everything to do with curiosity, awareness and understanding how your organisation works.To make building business acumen feel even more practical, Fay brings in insights from three recent Chief People Officer guests: Kanika Mehra, Jane Beeston and Dotty Day. Although each appeared on the show to share their experiences of becoming a CPO, their advice applies to every stage of an HR career.By the end, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps you can start using straight away. And one of the three tips might surprise you.Ready to make business acumen feel less daunting? It’s simpler than you think.You’ll hear about:What business acumen really means Why curiosity beats expertiseUnderstanding customers and service users Getting involved outside HRLearning from Finance colleagues Questions to ask your finance teamWays to grow confidence with numbersUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programmeLearn more aboutThe Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Audio version)Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Video version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Audio version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Video version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Audio version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Video version) Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.Inspiring HR

If you’ve ever wondered what truly separates an HR Director from a Chief People Officer (CPO) or CHRO, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and after months of speaking with incredible CPOs for this series, a powerful theme kept coming up again and again.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis shares the one big difference that defines the step up, a shift that’s far more about mindset and perspective than job title. You’ll hear clips from Chief People Officers including John Scrooby, Dotty Day, Lorna Bains, Dr Andy Stephenson, and Nebel Crowhurst as they describe what changed for them when they made the move.Fay also shares a monster truck analogy that brings this transformation to life, from leading your HR function to steering the entire business. Whether you’re already operating at that level or preparing for the next step, this episode will help you see what it really means to become a business leader, not just a people leader.Join us for reassurance and advice on making that leap.You’ll Hear about:The defining difference between HR Director and CPO rolesWhy the CPO role is about leading the businessA monster truck analogy that brings the concept to lifeInsights from five experienced Chief People OfficersHow to start developing business acumen for your next stepUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay’s websiteLearn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 146 with John Scrooby - Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People OfficerEpisode 151 with Dotty Day – Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?Episode 153 with Lorna Bains – Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – What It Involves & How to SucceedEpisode 155 with Dr Andrew Stephenson – The Mindset, Skills & Plan to Become a Successful Chief People OfficerEpisode 156 with Nebel Crowhurst – Why Chief People Officers Need Strong Networks (And How to Build Yours)Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspiring HR Leadership ProgrammeLearn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.Inspiring HR