The HR Link: People-First Conversations

Amy Christopherson - Grounded HR

The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want clarity, confidence, and compassion in managing their teams. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each short and practical episode transforms HR from overwhelming and compliance-heavy into a people-first advantage. Expect expert tips on compliance in Australia, real-world HR examples, and actionable tips designed for busy business owners. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating tricky team dynamics, or building a positive workplace culture, The HR Link is for you.

Episodes

  1. Personalised HR Support for Small Business: Inside the HR Link

    6 DAYS AGO

    Personalised HR Support for Small Business: Inside the HR Link

    HR in small business often feels like a juggling act between compliance, contracts, and conversations, leaving little time to lead your team with confidence. Many owners wonder if ongoing HR support is worth it or whether they should continue doing it alone. In this episode of The HR Link: People-First Conversations, Amy opens the doors to The HR Link and shows you exactly how it works, and why it is helping small business owners across Australia breathe easier. Amy takes you behind the scenes of The HR Link, Grounded HR’s signature service that is redefining HR support for small businesses. She explains what makes it different from generic templates and expensive consultancies, who it is for, and how it provides unlimited, real-time guidance tailored to your team. This episode is an honest look at what people-first HR support looks like in practice: flexible, accessible, and designed to help you grow with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why The HR Link was created and how it fills the gap in traditional HR services What you actually get: unlimited access, monthly consults, and real human advice Who it is for: small, values-led teams ready for confident, compliant growth How The HR Link helps you move from reactive to proactive HR What to expect when you join: community, clarity, and confidence If you have been searching for HR support that feels personal, practical, and people-first, this episode will show you what is possible. Amy shares how The HR Link helps small business owners feel calm and confident in managing their teams without the overwhelm or long-term contracts. By investing in the right HR guidance, you can focus on what truly matters: building a thriving business and team culture with ease. – Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link – Get in touch for a Free Call with Amy to see how people-first HR can support your small business: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/contact Free HR resources for small business owners: • Employee Engagement Checklist • Guide to Managing Underperformance • Contracts Checklist • 7 HR Steps to Hiring a Superstar 👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Is the HR Link Worth It? Behind the Scenes 00:33 – Expert HR Support vs. Generic Templates: What You Really Get 00:54 – Confident Leadership: Handling Tough Conversations & Building Culture 01:26 – HR Link Explained: Flexible, Accessible HR for Small Business 02:06 – Who Is HR Link For? Ideal Clients & Team Sizes 02:35 – Personalised HR Support: Real Advice for Your Business 02:57 – Unlimited, Real-Time Support: How the HR Link Works 03:13 – Value for Money: Making the Most of Your HR Link Retainer 04:34 – Designed for You: Confidence, Less Stress, and Growth About The HR Link: People-First Conversations The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business. New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. Connect with Grounded HR – Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link Disclaimer The HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.

    7 min
  2. HR in Small Business: The Three-Step Tough Conversation Framework

    20 OCT

    HR in Small Business: The Three-Step Tough Conversation Framework

    One of the hardest parts of HR in small business is having tough conversations with employees. From performance issues to restructures, many owners avoid these discussions out of fear of conflict, legal risk, or damaging relationships. In this episode, Amy shares a practical three-step framework that makes difficult conversations more manageable — and even an opportunity to strengthen trust. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why avoiding tough conversations often makes problems worse.The three-step framework: prepare, communicate, follow up.How to balance kindness with clarity during sensitive discussions.The importance of written follow-up and record keeping.How to turn challenges into opportunities for stronger relationships. Having tough conversations is never easy, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or damaging. With Amy’s people-first framework, you’ll have a clear path forward that keeps your business compliant and your relationships intact. As an experienced HR leader, Amy shows how the right approach not only resolves issues but also creates stronger, more resilient teams. Resources & Links  – Get The People First Performance Pack: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-people-first-performance-pack – Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link – Free HR resources for small business owners: • Guide to Managing Underperformance • 7 HR Steps to Hiring a Superstar 👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why tough conversations are so often avoided 01:50 – The consequences of putting these conversations off 02:12 – Introducing the three-step framework: prepare, communicate, follow up 02:39 – When to use it: performance, conduct, restructures, redundancies 02:58 – Step 1: Prepare — gathering facts, outcomes, and policies 04:10 – Step 2: Communicate — having the conversation with kindness and clarity 04:40 – Why offering a support person matters 05:10 – Staying calm, handling heated reactions, and knowing when to pause 06:38 – The importance of written follow-up for clarity and compliance 07:01 – Record keeping: documenting conversations and outcomes 07:28 – Step 3: Follow up — delivering promised support and keeping momentum 07:55 – Turning tough conversations into opportunities for stronger relationships 08:22 – Setting standards and boundaries in your business 08:49 – Overcoming overwhelm with tools and resources 09:22 – Introducing the People First Performance Pack 09:55 – How templates, scripts, and checklists can support you 10:15 – Episode wrap-up and next steps About The HR Link: People-First Conversations The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating team challenges, or just want to make sure you’re “doing it right,” this podcast will give you the tools and reassurance you need. New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. Connect with Grounded HR – Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link Disclaimer The HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.

    10 min
  3. What Is The HR Link? A People-First HR Service for Small Business Owners

    6 OCT

    What Is The HR Link? A People-First HR Service for Small Business Owners

    HR in small business can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re juggling compliance, team needs, and growth with limited time and resources. Many owners find themselves stuck between expensive retainers and impersonal tech platforms that don’t meet their needs. In this episode of The HR Link: People-First Conversations, Amy shares a solution that helps you access practical, people-first HR support without the pressure. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why traditional HR services often don’t work for small businesses. What makes The HR Link a flexible and people-first approach. The key inclusions: monthly consults, chat support, and HR resources. Who The HR Link is designed to support (and when it’s the right time to join). How this service helps you move from reactive to proactive HR. Small business HR doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With The HR Link, Amy and her team provide qualified, timely support so you can feel confident in your people decisions while keeping your business compliant. By applying the proactive strategies shared in this episode, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and create a stronger foundation for your team. Resources & Links – Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link – Free HR resources for small business owners: • Employee Engagement Checklist • Guide to Managing Underperformance • Contracts Checklist • 7 HR Steps to Hiring a Superstar 👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to The HR Link 00:39 – Why The HR Link Exists & The Market Gap 02:03 – Problems with Traditional HR Services 02:30 – The Pressure of Long-Term Contracts 02:49 – A People-First Approach 03:13 – What’s Included in The HR Link 03:42 – Real Human Support, Not Bots 04:07 – Additional Resources for Members 05:08 – Who Is The HR Link For? 05:57 – What Makes It Different 07:41 – Proactive, Not Reactive HR 08:07 – No Pressure, Just the Right Fit 08:36 – How to Learn More About The HR Link: People-First Conversations The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating team challenges, or just want to make sure you’re “doing it right,” this podcast will give you the tools and reassurance you need. New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. Connect with Grounded HR – Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link Disclaimer The HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.

    10 min
  4. Five Common HR Mistakes in Small Business (and How to Avoid Them)

    22 SEPT

    Five Common HR Mistakes in Small Business (and How to Avoid Them)

    Running a small business is challenging enough without the added stress of HR mistakes. Yet so many business owners unknowingly fall into traps that affect compliance, culture, and confidence. In this episode of The HR Link: People-First Conversations, Amy Christopherson shares the most common HR mistakes in small business and how to avoid them, so you can lead with clarity and care. From contracts to record keeping, Amy highlights the practical missteps that often go unnoticed until they create bigger problems. With warmth and people-first guidance, she explains how to put the right structures in place, ask the right questions, and reduce overwhelm. This episode is about giving small business owners peace of mind and the confidence to handle HR well. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why generic contract templates put your business at risk How policies and procedures create consistency and reduce stress Tips for handling tricky conversations with clarity and kindness What you need to know about employee leave entitlements under Fair Work How consistent record keeping protects you and your team HR doesn’t have to feel complicated or overwhelming. By avoiding these common mistakes and putting simple, people-first systems in place, you’ll create a stronger foundation for your team and your business. With Amy’s experience as a heart-centred HR leader, you’ll feel supported, informed, and ready to move forward with confidence. Resources & Links Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link  Free HR resources for small business owners: • Employee Engagement Checklist: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-engagement-checklist • Guide to Managing Underperformance: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/download-the-business-guide • Contracts Checklist: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-contracts-checklist • 7 HR Steps to Hiring a Superstar: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-7-key-hr 👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Common Business Mistakes 01:09 Mistake #1: No Proper Contracts 02:29 Mistake #2: Missing Policies and Procedures 04:06 Mistake #3: Avoiding Tricky Conversations 05:32 Mistake #4: Misunderstanding Leave Entitlements 07:01 Mistake #5: Inconsistent Record Keeping 09:44 Conclusion and Free Checklist About The HR Link: People-First Conversations The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating team challenges, or just want to make sure you’re “doing it right,” this podcast will give you the tools and reassurance you need. New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. Connect with Grounded HR – Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link Disclaimer The HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.

    11 min
  5. How to Handle HR in a Small Business Without a Team

    8 SEPT

    How to Handle HR in a Small Business Without a Team

    Managing HR in small business can feel overwhelming — especially when you don’t have an internal HR person to guide you. Between compliance, contracts, and employee questions, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. In this episode of The HR Link: People-First Conversations, Amy Christopherson explains how to approach HR in small business with confidence, clarity, and care. Amy shares practical strategies for busy business owners who are juggling HR on top of everything else. She unpacks the difference between minimum compliance and best practice, the systems that make HR smoother, and why finding the right support matters. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle HR without a dedicated team, this episode offers reassurance and practical steps to get you started. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most small businesses don’t have an internal HR team — and how to manage without one The difference between compliance requirements and people-first best practices How to set up simple systems that save time and reduce stres Why reliable HR advice is essential (and how to find the right support) The importance of balancing compliance with culture to build engaged teams You don’t need to hire a full-time HR manager to get HR right in your business. With clear systems, trusted advice, and a people-first approach, you can lead with confidence and peace of mind. As a people-focused HR leader, Amy is here to help you transform HR from overwhelming into empowering. Resources & Links – Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link Free HR resources for small business owners: • Employee Engagement Checklist • Guide to Managing Underperformance • Contracts Checklist • 7 HR Steps to Hiring a Superstar 👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to HR in Small Businesses 01:25 Challenges of Managing HR Without a Dedicated Resource 02:38 Importance of Compliance and Best Practices 04:46 Key Tips for Effective HR Management 07:00 Finding the Right HR Support 08:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About The HR Link: People-First Conversations The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating team challenges, or just want to make sure you’re “doing it right,” this podcast will give you the tools and reassurance you need. New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. Connect with Grounded HR – Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link Disclaimer The HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.

    10 min

  6. TRAILER

    Welcome to The HR Link: People-First Conversations for Australian Business Owners

    Welcome to The HR Link: People-First Conversations — the podcast for Australian small business owners who want clarity, confidence, and a more human way to manage HR. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, this show is here to transform the way HR is perceived, implemented, and valued inside small businesses. Each short and practical episode is designed for busy business owners who want to feel supported in leading their teams — without the stress of doing it all alone. In this podcast, you’ll hear: General insights on Fair Work compliance in Australia People-first strategies for hiring, onboarding, and managing staff Approaches to navigating tricky team dynamics with more ease Ideas for building supportive workplace cultures where employees thrive Practical HR guidance tailored to small business life Whether you’re hiring your first employee, facing people challenges, or simply want to “do HR right,” this podcast will give you the reassurance and confidence to lead with heart while keeping your business compliant. 👉 Subscribe to The HR Link now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you don’t miss an episode. About the Podcast The HR Link: People-First Conversations is for Australian small business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business. Connect with Grounded HR Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link

    1 min

Trailer

About

The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want clarity, confidence, and compassion in managing their teams. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each short and practical episode transforms HR from overwhelming and compliance-heavy into a people-first advantage. Expect expert tips on compliance in Australia, real-world HR examples, and actionable tips designed for busy business owners. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating tricky team dynamics, or building a positive workplace culture, The HR Link is for you.

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