HR Unlocked with Lisa Oakley

People Associates & iHeartRadio NZ
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HR Unlocked with Lisa Oakley is a leadership conversation series where thoughtful HR and business leaders share lived experience on people, risk, culture, and compliance. It is designed for business owners, senior leaders, and HR professionals across Australasia to learn from real decisions and leadership judgment. The show is a platform to honour the contribution of leaders willing to share their experience.

  1. 20h ago

    Wendy Baker - Brosnan CPO | Global HR Lessons for Building High-Performing Teams

    What can international HR experience teach us about leadership in an increasingly connected world? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Wendy Baker, Chief People Officer at Brosnan, to explore global HR, commercial leadership, organisational culture, and the leadership capabilities needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing workplace. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore, Wendy shares practical insights into leading across cultures, developing commercial acumen, building trust, and helping organisations navigate complexity. From international career opportunities and cultural intelligence to leadership, psychological safety, AI, governance, and high-performing teams, this conversation explores how curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning enable HR professionals to become trusted business partners. Wendy also shares lessons from competitive yacht racing and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, drawing fascinating parallels between teamwork, communication, resilience, safety, and leadership in the workplace. What You'll Learn How international experience shapes stronger HR and leadership capability Why curiosity is one of the most important leadership skills The value of cultural intelligence in diverse workplaces How HR professionals can strengthen their commercial and financial acumen Why understanding the business is essential for becoming a trusted advisor Practical advice for building an international HR career Lessons on teamwork, trust, and communication from competitive yacht racing How leaders can create psychologically safe, high-performing teams Why lifelong learning and adaptability are critical for future leaders How AI can enhance HR by creating more time for meaningful conversations Key Takeaways Great HR starts with understanding the business, not just the people. Curiosity, listening, and adaptability are essential leadership capabilities. Cultural intelligence helps leaders build stronger relationships across diverse teams. Commercial understanding allows HR to become a genuine strategic partner. High-performing teams are built on trust, communication, and psychological safety. Leadership development is a lifelong journey of learning and reflection. Technology should enable better conversations, not replace human judgement. Supporting new employees well creates stronger teams and better long-term outcomes. About Wendy Baker Wendy Baker is Chief People Officer at Brosnan, bringing more than 20 years of Human Resources leadership experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore. Her career includes senior HR leadership roles with organisations including American Express, JLL, CBRE, and Carter Holt Harvey, with expertise spanning organisational transformation, strategic HR, governance, commercial partnering, and leadership development. A Chartered Member of HRNZ and Fellow of the UK's Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Wendy is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and helping organisations create workplaces where people and performance thrive together. Why This Episode Matters As organisations become increasingly global, diverse, and technology-enabled, HR leaders are expected to contribute far beyond traditional people practices. This episode provides practical insights into building commercial capability, leading across cultures, creating psychologically safe teams, and developing the curiosity and adaptability needed to thrive in the future of work. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or people manager, Wendy's international experience offers valuable lessons that apply across every organisation. Resources Connect with Wendy Baker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendybaker1/ Brosnan: https://brosnan.co.nz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 2d ago

    Estelle Curd - Kami | Building High-Performing Cultures & Better Leaders

    What separates truly high-performing organisations from everyone else? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Estelle Curd, Chief People Officer at Kami, to explore leadership, organisational culture, startup growth, and the role people leaders play in building exceptional workplaces. Drawing on experience across Rocket Lab, Armstrong's and Kami, Estelle shares practical lessons from founder-led organisations where belief, purpose and high standards drive extraordinary outcomes. From middle leadership and organisational culture to Women in STEM, flexible work, employee experience, and authentic leadership, this conversation explores what it really takes to build workplaces where people perform at their best while staying connected to meaningful work. What You'll Learn Why founder-led organisations often create exceptional cultures The critical role middle managers play in organisational performance Why leaders should seek respect before popularity How purpose and a clear "why" drive engagement and performance The importance of clarity, transparency and difficult conversations How HR can create meaningful employee experiences instead of simply managing compliance Why flexibility still requires clear expectations and accountability Practical ways organisations can attract more women into STEM careers How authentic leadership builds trust during uncertainty Why New Zealand produces world-class talent and how organisations can help it thrive Key Takeaways High-performing cultures begin with leaders who model high standards Respect creates accountability more effectively than authority alone Great HR is visible, people-focused and deeply connected to the business Difficult conversations become easier when expectations are clear from the beginning Strong employee experiences are built through connection, purpose and trust Career pathways become more accessible when organisations actively create opportunities Authentic leadership means being honest, vulnerable and consistent New Zealand organisations have the talent and capability to compete on the global stage when leaders believe in their people About Estelle Curd Estelle Curd is Chief People Officer at Kami, where she leads the global people strategy for one of New Zealand's fastest-growing education technology companies. Her career spans Rocket Lab, Armstrong's and global technology businesses, with expertise in scaling organisations, leadership development, organisational culture, employee experience and people strategy across New Zealand, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Estelle is passionate about helping organisations build high-performing cultures through great leadership, meaningful work and exceptional employee experiences. Why This Episode Matters As organisations navigate rapid growth, changing workforce expectations and increasingly flexible ways of working, leadership has never mattered more. This episode provides practical insights for HR professionals, business owners and leaders looking to build stronger cultures, develop better managers and create workplaces where people genuinely want to perform, contribute and stay. Resources Kami: https://www.kamiapp.com Connect with Estelle Curd on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-curd-21717699/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Aug 19

    Faye Restall - Les Mills - CPO | Building High-Performing Teams

    How do you build a people strategy that supports one of New Zealand's most recognised global brands while staying true to its purpose? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Faye Restall, Chief People Officer at Les Mills International, to explore leadership, organisational culture, global people strategy, and how HR can create real commercial value. Leading the People & Culture function for a business that reaches thousands of employees, over 100,000 instructors and 25,000 gym partners worldwide, Faye shares practical insights into building high-performing teams, developing exceptional managers, navigating AI, and keeping people connected to purpose in a rapidly changing world. From leadership capability and employee engagement to business strategy, organisational development, AI adoption, and the future of work, this conversation explores how modern HR leaders can simplify complexity while helping organisations thrive. Faye discusses why management excellence matters just as much as leadership, how curiosity and continuous improvement create better outcomes, and why People & Culture should always be aligned to commercial priorities. The conversation also explores how Les Mills has maintained a strong culture while expanding globally, the importance of balancing consistency with entrepreneurial thinking, and why creating meaningful employee experiences starts with understanding what the business is trying to achieve. What You'll Learn How Les Mills maintains culture across a global organisation Why People & Culture strategy should align with business strategy The importance of management excellence alongside leadership capability Practical ways AI is improving HR and employee experience How curiosity drives innovation and continuous improvement Why simplicity often creates better People & Culture outcomes The role purpose plays in employee engagement and performance How to balance consistency with entrepreneurial thinking Why communication is critical to successful capability development How HR can become a genuine commercial partner to the business Key Takeaways Great People & Culture starts with understanding the business Strong managers create stronger employee experiences Purpose attracts people, but great leadership helps them stay HR delivers the most value when it solves business problems AI should support real organisational challenges, not create more complexity Curiosity and continuous improvement drive innovation Simple, practical people strategies are often the most effective Culture becomes a competitive advantage when people understand both what they do and why it matters About Faye Restall Faye Restall is Chief People Officer at Les Mills International, where she leads the global People & Culture strategy for one of the world's leading fitness brands. With executive leadership experience across organisations including PwC, Optus and Westpac, Faye specialises in organisational development, leadership capability, employee engagement, business transformation, and global people strategy. She partners with executive leaders to build high-performing teams, strengthen management capability, and support continued global growth while preserving the purpose and culture that have made Les Mills an internationally recognised brand. Why This Episode Matters As organisations navigate rapid technological change, evolving workforce expectations, and increasingly global ways of working, HR has become far more than a support function. This episode demonstrates how People & Culture leaders can create measurable business value by aligning people strategy with commercial priorities, building capable managers, embracing AI thoughtfully, and keeping people connected to purpose. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, executive leader, or people manager, this conversation offers practical insights into creating organisations where culture, leadership, and performance work together. Resources & Links Les Mills International: https://www.lesmills.com Connect with Faye Restall on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/faye-restall-a17b6612/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Aug 17

    Khush Sethi - ClearPoint - Head of Talent & Culture | The Power of Great Culture

    How do you build a workplace where people don't just stay, but grow, return, and recommend it to others? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Khush Sethi, Head of Talent & Culture at ClearPoint, to explore leadership, organisational culture, talent management, and the future of People & Culture. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Khush shares practical insights into creating exceptional employee experiences, developing leaders, fostering psychological safety, and balancing technology with genuine human connection. From co-creating organisational values and embracing AI to building curiosity, resilience, and authentic leadership, this conversation offers practical lessons for leaders looking to create cultures where both people and businesses thrive. What You'll Learn Why talent management is about the entire employee lifecycle How organisational values should guide everyday decisions The importance of curiosity, psychological safety, and continuous learning How AI can enhance, rather than replace, human connection Why leadership development is an ongoing journey How co-creating culture strengthens engagement and trust The difference between being kind and simply being nice as a leader Key Takeaways Strong cultures are built through everyday behaviours, not words on a wall Great leaders lead with curiosity, empathy, and authenticity AI is most valuable when it supports, rather than replaces, human connection Leadership is about creating environments where people can learn, grow, and contribute Trust, communication, and shared ownership are the foundations of high-performing organisations About Khush Sethi Khush Sethi is Head of Talent & Culture at ClearPoint, leading People & Culture across Australasia and the United Kingdom. Passionate about creating meaningful employee experiences, she specialises in organisational culture, leadership development, talent strategy, and building workplaces where people feel connected, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Why This Episode Matters As organisations navigate AI, changing workforce expectations, and increasingly complex leadership challenges, creating cultures built on trust, learning, and authentic human connection has never been more important. This episode offers practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to build resilient, high-performing organisations. Resources Connect with Khush Sethi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/khushsethi/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Aug 12

    Danielle Scott - AoFrio - Manager People & Sustainability | Leading with Empathy

    How do organisations create workplaces where people can thrive while still delivering strong business outcomes? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Danielle Scott, Manager People & Sustainability at AoFrio, to explore leadership, resilience, employee wellbeing, and the changing role of People & Culture. Drawing on her experience across operations, customer experience, and people leadership, Danielle shares practical insights into building authentic workplace cultures, supporting leaders through change, developing capability, and helping employees bring their whole selves to work. From psychological safety and financial wellbeing to AI, sustainability, and leadership development, this conversation explores what modern organisations need to do to create resilient, high-performing teams. What You'll Learn Why empathy and trust are essential leadership capabilities How authentic workplaces improve engagement and performance The importance of resilience and wellbeing for People & Culture leaders Why capability building matters more than ever in an AI-enabled workplace How to support technical experts as they transition into leadership The connection between sustainability, purpose, and employee engagement Why organisations are increasingly hiring for potential rather than experience Key Takeaways Great leadership starts with self-awareness, empathy, and trust Employee wellbeing and business performance go hand in hand Capability and learning agility are becoming more valuable than technical expertise alone Strong cultures are built by creating space for people to learn, grow, and bring their authentic selves to work AI will change how we work, but human leadership remains essential About Danielle Scott Danielle Scott is Manager People & Sustainability at AoFrio, where she leads people strategy, sustainability initiatives, leadership development, and organisational capability. Passionate about creating authentic, people-first workplaces, Danielle focuses on building resilient teams and helping organisations navigate change with empathy and purpose. Why This Episode Matters As organisations navigate AI, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure on leaders, creating workplaces where people feel supported, connected, and able to grow has never been more important. This episode offers practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to build resilient cultures that balance people, performance, and purpose. Connect Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellescottnz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Aug 10

    Maria Coupland - Finance Now - GM People & Culture | Building Better Employee Experiences

    What happens when organisations genuinely listen to their people and act on what they hear? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Maria Coupland, General Manager People & Culture at Finance Now, to explore employee experience, leadership, culture, and the commercial realities of building high-performing workplaces. Drawing on experience across multiple industries and countries, Maria shares practical insights into creating meaningful employee experiences, building trust through action, and partnering with leaders to drive business outcomes through people. From leadership development and culture champions to employee engagement, recognition, and commercial HR, this conversation explores how organisations can create workplaces where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute. What You'll Learn How employee experience drives engagement and retention Why listening to employees is only valuable if you act on the feedback How Culture Champions can strengthen workplace culture The role recognition plays in engagement and performance Why leadership development should be continuous, not event-based How HR can build credibility through commercial thinking What it means to be a true business partner Key Takeaways Great employee experiences start with listening and follow-through Trust is built through consistency and action Leadership development works best when leaders learn together HR creates the most value when it's connected to business outcomes Small changes can have a significant impact on engagement and culture About Maria Coupland Maria Coupland is General Manager People & Culture at Finance Now. With experience across multiple sectors and countries, she is passionate about creating workplaces where people can thrive while delivering strong business outcomes through practical, people-focused leadership. Why This Episode Matters As organisations compete for talent and navigate ongoing change, employee experience has become a critical driver of performance, retention, and culture. This episode provides practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to create workplaces where people genuinely want to stay and contribute. Resources Maria Coupland | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Aug 5

    Bernadette Kelly - TVNZ - CPO | Leading Through Organisational Change

    How do organisations successfully transform while bringing their people with them? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Bernadette Kelly, Chief People, Corporate & Operations Officer at TVNZ, to explore organisational transformation, leadership, change management, and the evolving role of People & Culture. Drawing on her experience leading large-scale transformation across one of New Zealand's most recognised media organisations, Bernadette shares practical insights into building change capability, supporting leaders, communicating through uncertainty, and helping people adapt in an environment of constant disruption. From digital transformation and organisational change to AI, trust, leadership, and workforce capability, this conversation explores what it really takes to create meaningful, sustainable change. What You'll Learn Why successful transformation starts with people, not technology The importance of dedicated change management and communication capability How leaders can build trust during periods of uncertainty Why organisational change should happen with people, not to them How to communicate effectively throughout large-scale transformation The leadership skills needed to navigate continuous change Why AI should enhance human capability, not replace it Key Takeaways Organisational transformation succeeds when people understand the purpose behind the change Trust, transparency, and communication are the foundations of successful change management Leaders need support too, especially when navigating uncertainty Technology enables transformation, but people determine its success Building change capability is a strategic investment, not an afterthought About Bernadette Kelly Bernadette Kelly is Chief People, Corporate & Operations Officer at TVNZ, where she leads People & Culture, Legal, Corporate Affairs, Health & Safety, and Operational Services. She has extensive experience leading large-scale organisational transformation, developing leadership capability, and helping organisations navigate change while balancing commercial performance with people outcomes. Why This Episode Matters As organisations face accelerating technological change, evolving workforce expectations, and increasing business disruption, leaders need practical strategies to help their people adapt with confidence. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to lead organisational change, strengthen leadership capability, and build resilient, future-ready workplaces. Resources Connect with Bernadette Kelly on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-kellynz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Aug 3

    Kate Bacchus - HR Butter - Founder | The Power of Difficult Conversations

    What happens when workplaces stop avoiding difficult conversations and start leaning into them? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with HR consultant, facilitator, workplace investigator, and founder of HR Butter, Kate Bacchus. Drawing on decades of experience across operational industries, leadership development, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution, Kate shares practical insights into human behaviour, communication, resilience, and the growing importance of critical thinking in the workplace. From workplace mediation to leadership capability and the impact of AI on human connection, this conversation explores the skills leaders and organisations need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.   What You'll Learn Why difficult conversations are often the key to growth How facilitation helps teams navigate conflict and rebuild trust What Kate means by "human friction" and why it matters The risks of outsourcing too much thinking to technology How leaders can build resilience without expecting people to be invincible Why curiosity is one of the most important leadership skills The role emotions play in workplace culture and performance   Key Takeaways Most workplace issues grow when they're avoided Human connection and communication remain critical leadership skills Curiosity leads to better decisions and stronger relationships Resilience is about recovery, not simply enduring pressure Organisations perform better when leaders create space for honest conversations   About Kate Bacchus Kate Bacchus is the founder of HR Butter and an experienced HR consultant, facilitator, workplace investigator, and leadership adviser. With more than 25 years of experience across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, she helps organisations navigate complex people challenges, develop leaders, and build healthier workplace cultures.   Why This Episode Matters As technology accelerates and workplaces become increasingly complex, the ability to communicate, think critically, navigate conflict, and build meaningful human connections has never been more important. This episode provides practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners who want to create stronger workplaces and better conversations.   Resources Kate Bacchus, CMHRNZ | LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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HR Unlocked with Lisa Oakley is a leadership conversation series where thoughtful HR and business leaders share lived experience on people, risk, culture, and compliance. It is designed for business owners, senior leaders, and HR professionals across Australasia to learn from real decisions and leadership judgment. The show is a platform to honour the contribution of leaders willing to share their experience.

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