Talent Management conversations for future HR Leaders by Let‘s Talk Talent

Let’s Talk Talent
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Let‘s Talk Talent is a podcast series aimed at making your organisation irresistible with insights aimed at unlocking your people‘s potential.

  1. 4d ago

    How Do You Start Your Career Again When Life Keeps Changing The Plan For You?

    In this episode of Let's Talk Talent, host Jo Taylor sits down with Amanda Austin, Regional Administrative Manager - UAE at Let’s Talk Talent, her unconventional career journey has taken her from hotel management and events to government administration, running her own nail business, and working across multiple industries in Qatar and Dubai. Now working alongside Jo at Let's Talk Talent. The conversation explores what it really takes to reinvent your career while balancing family responsibilities, financial realities and the courage to try something new. Jo and Amanda discuss why career paths don't have to follow a straight line, how Amanda's willingness to embrace change has influenced her two daughters, and why apprenticeships and unconventional routes deserve greater recognition. They also examine the changing expectations placed on working mothers, the rising cost of living in Dubai, and how having a strong support network can make all the difference when navigating uncertainty. Noteworthy Quotes: "Don't be afraid to give it a go." – Amanda Austin "If it doesn't work, go back to the drawing board but give it a go. Don't give up without having tried." – Amanda Austin "It was a leap of faith, but it wasn't like I was the breadwinner." – Amanda Austin "There's a fine balance between being courageous and staying and working through it, to slight stupidity." – Amanda Austin Expect to Learn: Why reinventing your career multiple times can open doors you never expected, and how embracing uncertainty builds resilience and confidence How working mothers can navigate career breaks, changing family responsibilities and the challenge of finding fulfilling work that fits their lives Why encouraging young people to explore apprenticeships, side jobs and unconventional career paths can help them pursue their ambitions How rising living costs and changing demographics in Dubai are reshaping traditional gender roles and the realities of working families Why courage, adaptability and a strong support network are essential when navigating redundancy, relocation and unexpected career challenges Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Jo welcomes Amanda Austin and explores her unconventional career journey across different industries and countries [02:14] – How motherhood inspired Amanda to retrain as a nail technician and rebuild her business in Qatar and Dubai [04:27] – Why reinventing yourself takes bravery, strategic thinking and sometimes a leap of faith [06:19] – How Amanda's willingness to try new things inspired her daughters to pursue unconventional career paths [08:33] – Why apprenticeships, practical experience and working multiple jobs can help young people chase their dreams [11:49] – Finding joy and balance in work while navigating motherhood, career changes and unexpected setbacks [13:51] – How traditional gender roles are evolving and why working mothers need an identity beyond family responsibilities [16:23] – How Dubai's changing demographics and rising cost of living are reshaping opportunities for families and professionals [18:39] – Why strong support networks, resilience and careful decisions matter when facing redundancy, conflict and uncertainty [20:28] – Jo reflects on Amanda's courage, adaptability and the lessons her career offers working mothers everywhere Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Connect with the Guest, Amanda Austin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-austin-335749289/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-talk-talent/  Website: http://www.letstalktalent.co   Connect with the Host, Jo Taylor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jotaylorc4/ Twitter: https://x.com/jotalkstalent More From Let's Talk Talent: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-talk-talent/ Website: https://letstalktalent.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets_talktalent/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lets-Talk-Talent/100089259043548/ Follow the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talent-management-conversations-for-future-hr-leaders/id1436298840 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AlMiwKtz0c73jBEZtGmrz?si=80da0e6a786b4d26 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letstalktalent

  2. 5d ago

    What Years in HR Teach You About the Leaders Who Make Your Team Want to Do More

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Talent, host Craig Howells sits down with Imane Alaoui Staelen, HR Director for the Region. The conversation explores a career built on bold choices, from leaving an academic path for the corporate world to relocating from Paris to Dubai. Craig and Imane discuss what she had to unlearn about HR, why the human side of HR must stay central in the age of AI, and the three things that build lasting credibility with senior leaders. Imane reflects on the manager who backed her early on and what positive leadership really looks like. They also examine how organisations in the region can attract and retain great people, what makes the GCC such a unique place to build a career, and the advice Imane would give to anyone starting out in HR. Noteworthy Quotes:  “When you have a dream that you had from the past, it will always pursue you.” – Imane Alaoui Staelen  “As an HR you need to keep in mind that you’re there to support the people, but you’re also there to support the business.” – Imane Alaoui Staelen  “If they trust you, that’s it. You will be in the driver’s seat with them.” – Imane Alaoui Staelen  “Those are the kind of leaders that we need today, those that are there to highlight the positive and boost you instead of just blaming what went wrong.” – Imane Alaoui Staelen  “The culture of the organisation is more important than the few dollars or dirhams that you will get on top.” – Imane Alaoui Staelen Expect to Learn: Why HR professionals must balance supporting people with driving business impact, especially as AI transforms the function How proving your expertise, speaking the language of the business and reading the room builds trust with senior leaders What positive leadership looks like and how a few words of recognition can inspire people to achieve more Why organisations that walk the talk and invest in their people attract and retain the best talent How business acumen and emotional intelligence set early-career HR professionals up for success Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Craig welcomes Imane Alaoui Staelen, HR Director for the Middle East & Africa, to the podcast [01:20] – Why Imane left a hybrid academic path to take an opportunity in the corporate world [03:11] – Fifteen years at her first organisation, from data analytics to C-suite visibility and HR business partnering [07:01] – What Imane had to unlearn about HR and why the human element must remain in the age of AI [09:15] – Three ways to build credibility with senior leaders: expertise, business language and reading the room [12:58] – The manager who backed her and why positive leadership creates a virtuous circle [15:42] – Taking the risk to move from Paris to Dubai and building a career across industries [19:01] – Advice for those moving to Dubai: culture, leadership and a growth mindset [21:54] – How organisations can attract and retain talent by walking the talk and investing in people [27:11] – What makes the GCC region a unique and fast-paced place to build a career [31:28] – Advice for those starting out in HR: build business acumen and emotional intelligence Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Connect with the Guest, Imane Alaoui Staelen:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imane-alaoui-staelen/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veolia-water-tech/home/ Website: https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/ Connect with the Host, Craig Howells: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighowells/  More From Let’s Talk Talent: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-talk-talent/ Website: https://letstalktalent.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets_talktalent/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lets-Talk-Talent/100089259043548/ Follow the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talent-management-conversations-for-future-hr-leaders/id1436298840 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AlMiwKtz0c73jBEZtGmrz?si=80da0e6a786b4d26 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letstalktalent

  3. Oct 7

    Career Success Without A Perfect Plan - How Nick Clark Turned Uncertainty Into Opportunity

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Talent Podcast, host Jo Taylor speaks with Nick Clark, Partner and Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), about building a successful career without a fixed roadmap. Nick shares his journey from an uncertain start after university to becoming a global consultant, exploring how curiosity, resilience, mentorship, and unexpected opportunities shaped his career. He reflects on discovering his strengths, leading change, and the lessons that helped him grow as a leader.   Noteworthy Quotes “I’ve always described my career as being more on the opportunistic side than having a grand plan from the beginning.” - Nick Clark “I used to think not knowing where I wanted to go was a real weakness. Now I can look back and say it enabled all kinds of interesting opportunities.” - Nick Clark “There is a job that can be done which is about improving things and doing it from the perspective of the customer.” - Nick Clark “There’s no point in ever having a problem that’s just your own. You should always share that problem with other people.” - Nick Clark “As you become more senior in your organisation, it’s much more about influence, leadership, guiding change, and driving people towards a goal.” - Nick Clark “Where you are when you’re 23 does not determine where you’re going to be when you’re 26, let alone when you’re 40.” - Nick Clark   Key Takeaways No Perfect Career Plan Needed: Success can come from staying open to opportunities and exploring new paths. Unexpected Experiences Matter: Early roles can build skills that shape future career success. Curiosity Drives Growth: Questioning problems and finding solutions can create new opportunities. Leadership Requires Influence: Career growth shifts from doing tasks to guiding people and driving change. Mentorship Accelerates Growth: Honest feedback and guidance help identify strengths and improve. Key Timestamps [00:00:00] - Teaser [00:05:17] - Discovering Problem-Solving and Innovation: Nick discusses improving processes and creating meaningful change. [00:08:43] - Collaboration and Leadership: Nick explains why solving problems requires teamwork and shared ownership. [00:11:38] - Lessons From TalkTalk: Nick shares insights on managing operations and customer impact at scale. [00:14:34] - Skills Behind Career Growth: Nick discusses expertise, experience, exposure, and influencing senior leaders. [00:17:26] - Consulting and Low-Ego Leadership: Nick explains his approach to solving problems through collaboration. [00:21:02] - Opportunity, Mentorship, and Career Success: Nick discusses the role of timing, managers, and guidance. [00:26:57] - Finding Direction in Career Uncertainty: Nick shares how values and strengths can guide career decisions. Disclosure: “Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.”   Follow Our Guest Nick Clark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasclark81/ BCG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-group/ BCG website: https://www.bcg.com/ BCG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonConsultingGroup BCG Twitter: https://x.com/BCG BCG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcg/?hl=en BCG YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thebostonconsultinggroup?si=4CoheyBij8Hxduir   Follow Our Host Jo Taylor & Her Company: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jotaylorc4/ Twitter: https://x.com/jotalkstalent LinkedIn - Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-talk-talent/ Website - Company: https://letstalktalent.co.uk/ Instagram - Company: https://www.instagram.com/lets_talktalent/ Facebook - Company: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lets-Talk-Talent/100089259043548/    Follow the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talent-management-conversations-for-future-hr-leaders/id1436298840  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AlMiwKtz0c73jBEZtGmrz?si=80da0e6a786b4d26  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letstalktalent

  4. Sep 30

    I Had No Career Plan, But It Took Me From Barclays To The Olympics With Chris Parkinson

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Talent Podcast, host Craig Howells speaks with Chris Parkinson, Head of Organizational Development at Bupa UK & Non-Executive Director at Oxfordshire Cricket, about building inclusive, purposeful workplaces through trust, confidence, and enterprise leadership. Chris explains how leaders can create the conditions for people to take ownership, contribute beyond their immediate roles, and connect their work to customer outcomes. Drawing on a career spanning banking, consulting, major sporting events, retail, and healthcare, Chris shares how international roles and workforce programmes shaped his approach to learning and talent. His experience supporting the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and London 2012 informs his perspective on purpose, clarity and giving people permission to contribute. Key Takeaways How leaders can build confidence by trusting people, encouraging early conversations about mistakes, and providing clear guardrails. Why a shared purpose helps people make decisions, take ownership, and contribute to collective success. The value of treating roles as assignments that apply people’s skills to organisational and customer needs. How constructive questioning helps people test their ideas and develop stronger solutions than simple approval does. Why leaders should look beyond their own teams to identify organisational problems and mobilise resources to solve them. How talent leaders can recognise transferable skills, learning agility, and leadership ability when creating opportunities across a business. Noteworthy Quotes "Everyone wants a purpose." – Chris Parkinson "I feel I've spent 25 years helping people have better conversations with each other." – Chris Parkinson "I will trust you until shown otherwise." – Chris Parkinson "Everyone can own a bit of the success. It's not a single person that ever achieves anything." – Chris Parkinson "Be brilliant at what you do and being brilliant at what you do includes being a brilliant leader." – Chris Parkinson "Talent can come from anywhere and can do very, very different jobs." – Chris Parkinson Key Timestamps 00:00 – Teaser 01:19 – Craig Howells introduces Chris Parkinson and the career-focused conversation 02:14 – Chris traces his non-linear career from engineering to organisational development 06:16 – International experience, cultural differences and the common need for purpose 09:40 – Transferable learning skills and workforce training at the Melbourne and London Games 13:48 – Building confidence through support, trust, and learning from mistakes 18:15 – Why the strongest leader relationships feel like partnerships 22:53 – Enterprise leadership and looking beyond an individual team’s remit 29:50 – Connecting wellbeing, inclusion, and talent at Bupa to customer needs 33:13 – Career advice: finding work you love and building a career around your strengths Disclosure: “Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.” Follow Our Guest Chris Parkinson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-parkinson-114ab9/  Bupa UK - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bupauk/  Bupa UK - Website: https://www.bupa.co.uk/  Oxfordshire Cricket - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxfordshirecricket/home/  Follow Our Host Craig Howells & His Company: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighowells/  LinkedIn - Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-talk-talent/  Website - Company: https://letstalktalent.co.uk/  Instagram - Company: https://www.instagram.com/lets_talktalent/  Facebook - Company: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lets-Talk-Talent/100089259043548/  Follow the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talent-management-conversations-for-future-hr-leaders/id1436298840  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AlMiwKtz0c73jBEZtGmrz?si=80da0e6a786b4d26  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letstalktalent

  5. 09/06/2022

    Building an Employee Value Proposition (EVP): How to build an EVP and why it’s important for attracting and retaining top talent - Let’s Talk Talent Podcast Episode 17

    Jo Taylor, MD of Let's Talk Talent talks all things EVP with Philomena Gray Global Chief People Officer of Imagination. Join them to find out how to build an EVP that attracts and retains top talent.

  6. 06/28/2022

    How to unlock your leadership potential: diversity, mentoring and growth as keys to unlock your potential with Hester Pooles - Let’s Talk Talent Podcast Episode 16

    Join Claire Koryczan Senior Partner at Let's Talk Talent as she talks to Hester Pooles, Head of Legal at The AA about her leadership journey and how you can unlock the potential in yourself through a range of different interests and pursuits.

  7. 06/01/2022

    How you can lead from the heart - Let’s Talk Talent Podcast Episode 15

    This month Jo Taylor from Let’s Talk Talent spoke with David Liversage people and development consultant and an associate of Let's Talk Talent about the meaning of Leading With the Heart in the work environment.

  8. 05/03/2022

    The importance of being an inclusive leader - Lets Talk Talent Podcast Episode 14

    This month Craig Howells from Let’s Talk Talent interviews Stefano Battaglia, HR Consultant and Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour about the importance of inclusive leadership in the modern world.

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Let‘s Talk Talent is a podcast series aimed at making your organisation irresistible with insights aimed at unlocking your people‘s potential.

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