How HR Leaders Change the World

Cecilia Crossley
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How HR Leaders Change the World

Explore how the work of HR Leaders is creating positive social change, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals - goals which the world’s companies are increasingly understanding the urgency of achieving, and investing in the action required. If you’d like clear, actionable ideas for how you can use the power of your role to effect change in your company, you’re in the right place. I’m the founder of social enterprise Uplifting People, we provide services to HR Leaders, and through this work I realised that HR professionals and social entrepreneurs are working in the same areas, albeit in different ways. So we created this podcast to share knowledge, on steps we can take through the work of HR. In my opinion, if you’re an HR professional, you are also a change maker. And this podcast will provide you with examples of how. By sharing the successes of some of the world’s most inspiring HR Leaders, you can frame your work in the context of positive change, implement brilliant ideas, and feel absolutely wonderful about doing so!

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 198: 80% Millennial & GenZ – HR Leadership for the New Majority – Severine Riviere-Gerstner, Chief People Officer at Sportradar

    Severine describes herself as an HR professional “by passion and by design”, sharing her impact in enabling consistent transformation - from accelerating talent planning for a workforce that’s 80% Millennial and Gen Z, to evolving culture and embracing AI through innovative learning strategies.   Severine summarises Sportradar’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging programme, for 4,000 employees across 80+ nationalities with a balance of global goals and local action, and is candid about industry challenges such as gender representation in both sport and technology.   Asked for one wish, an action for all HR leaders, Severine calls on practitioners to help people be the best version of themselves, believing that enabling individuals to act from a place of abundance and balance can transform organisations and society step by step.     References: Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams – Matthew Walker     Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode     What makes an organisation thrive in today’s complex world? It’s not just about strategy or financial results - it’s about culture.     This episode is sponsored by Kin&Co, a certified B Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Kin&Co believe that the most impactful organisations will cultivate thriving, human-centred cultures where people are motivated by purpose, resilience, and empowered to perform at their best.    Drawing on cutting-edge behavioural science and an inclusive approach, Kin&Co help global organisations transform their cultures, sparking lasting behaviour change that drives measurable impact on strategy, people, and performance. Their new model for organisational change is shaped by deep experience in culture transformation.    If you’re intrigued, Kin&Co invites you to explore your own organisational culture with their free Thriving Cultures Diagnostic - a simple, insightful tool backed by behavioural science and inspired by nature. It provides a clear snapshot of your current culture and suggests practical actions to drive better behaviours, strategic shifts, and stronger organisational performance.     To learn more and take the diagnostic, click here: Kin&Co    👥 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    And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn    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 July Book of the Month is Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston. A bold call to action that shows how business can be a force for good in the face of climate change and inequality. We chose this book because it challenges old ways of thinking and is a powerful reminder that courageous leadership isn’t just possible - it’s already happening.   Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!

    31 min

  2. JUL 1

    Episode 197: HR is a Force for Good: The Story behind How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! Cecilia Crossley, Founder, Uplifting People

    Cecilia reflects on the growth of How HR Leaders Change the World – from seeing a gap in HR thought leadership to a sell-out conference. Sharing the origins of Uplifting People and her unique perspective shaped by a background outside of HR, Cecilia describes how pivotal global moments such as the pandemic revealed the clear social and environmental impact of HR, inspiring her to shine a spotlight on HR professionals as changemakers. As the movement grew, so did the desire for deeper connection. The community’s call for more than podcast episodes led to the creation of How HR Leaders Change the World – Live!, a highly interactive and inspiring HR conference. Cecilia shares how the event fosters candid dialogue, practical takeaways and fresh energy among people leaders. Cecilia offers a heartfelt thank you to listeners for their support and shares a special early bird offer for this year’s conference. With an iconic venue, headline guests including renowned CHROs and cultural changemakers like Bob Geldof KBE, and the promise of connection, learning and inspiration, the conference is is set to be the biggest and boldest yet. Early bird tickets are available now with £100 off, only until 30th July and there are only 50 early bird places… Don’t miss out! Enter the code EARLYBIRD (capital letters) – head to https://www.upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world-live-25 to grab your place today – we’re looking forward to welcoming you!

    29 min

  3. JUN 24

    Episode 196: Speaking Truth to Power, Shaping the Future of Work – Gemma Lines, Chief People Officer, MS AUL at MS Amlin

    Gemma inspires with bold insights on the future of work, challenging conventional thinking and championing a truly global perspective on equity. Drawing on her experience within a Japanese organisation, she reflects on one-size-fits-all approaches, revealing the power of cultural exchange to unlock innovation and drive progress.   Gemma highlights the urgent need to tackle ageism and build intergenerational collaboration as workplaces evolve to meet shifting demographic realities. She shares how weaving equity into the fabric of everyday business (not relying on top-down mandates) has successfully advanced women into leadership roles. Reflecting on pressures in balancing career and family life, Gemma offers practical strategies for family-friendly workplaces and spotlights how the financial services sector is embracing inclusivity as a clear commercial imperative.   Her closing message is a rallying cry: speak truth to power as the foundation for real change. Gemma calls on HR leaders to step forward with courage, start the brave conversations - even when the answers aren't yet clear - and lead transformation with honesty and impact.   Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode     What makes an organisation thrive in today’s complex world? It’s not just about strategy or financial results - it’s about culture.     This episode is sponsored by Kin&Co, a certified B Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Kin&Co believe that the most impactful organisations will cultivate thriving, human-centred cultures where people are motivated by purpose, resilience, and empowered to perform at their best.    Drawing on cutting-edge behavioural science and an inclusive approach, Kin&Co help global organisations transform their cultures, sparking lasting behaviour change that drives measurable impact on strategy, people, and performance. Their new model for organisational change is shaped by deep experience in culture transformation.    If you’re intrigued, Kin&Co invites you to explore your own organisational culture with their free Thriving Cultures Diagnostic - a simple, insightful tool backed by behavioural science and inspired by nature. It provides a clear snapshot of your current culture and suggests practical actions to drive better behaviours, strategic shifts, and stronger organisational performance.     To learn more and take the diagnostic, click here: Kin&Co    👥 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    And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn    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 June Book of the Month is The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again by Bruce Daisley. Who, wonderfully, is alumnus on this very podcast!      Bruce offers a refreshing and radical rethink of how we can transform our workdays - a guide packed with energising, evidence-based ideas that show how small changes can reignite joy, connection and purpose in our everyday working lives.      Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!

    32 min

  4. JUN 17

    Episode 195. Sustaining Thriving Cultures in Turbulent Times – Becky Hewitt OBE, CEO & Co-Owner, Kin&Co

    Becky discusses how pressures including polarisation, AI, climate change and geo-politics can push organisations into survival mode, explaining why thriving workplace cultures are vital for business success in today’s complex environment. Becky urges HR leaders to build human-centred cultures that foster resilience, wellbeing, and sustainable impact, introducing Kin&Co’s six-pillar framework for thriving cultures. Emphasising foundations such as purpose, agility and psychological safety, Becky discusses how trust is developed through everyday behaviours and how innovation thrives when emotional safety is established. Her insights shed light on the power of shared purpose to energise teams, especially where demand outstrips capacity. Challenging outdated command-and-control models, Becky calls on HR leaders to cultivate cultures rooted in trust, care, and intentional behaviour. Becky also offers a free diagnostic tool to help you assess your organisation’s cultural strengths and opportunities for improvement, providing a thoughtful and practical starting point for meaningful change. References - Kin&Co's Free diagnostic tool   Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode     What makes an organisation thrive in today’s complex world? It’s not just about strategy or financial results - it’s about culture.     This episode is sponsored by Kin&Co, a certified B Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Kin&Co believe that the most impactful organisations will cultivate thriving, human-centred cultures where people are motivated by purpose, resilience, and empowered to perform at their best.    Drawing on cutting-edge behavioural science and an inclusive approach, Kin&Co help global organisations transform their cultures, sparking lasting behaviour change that drives measurable impact on strategy, people, and performance. Their new model for organisational change is shaped by deep experience in culture transformation.    If you’re intrigued, Kin&Co invites you to explore your own organisational culture with their free Thriving Cultures Diagnostic - a simple, insightful tool backed by behavioural science and inspired by nature. It provides a clear snapshot of your current culture and suggests practical actions to drive better behaviours, strategic shifts, and stronger organisational performance.     To learn more and take the diagnostic, click here: Kin&Co    👥 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    And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn    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 June Book of the Month is The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again by Bruce Daisley. Who, wonderfully, is alumnus on this very podcast!      Bruce offers a refreshing and radical rethink of how we can transform our workdays - a guide packed with energising, evidence-based ideas that show how small changes can reignite joy, connection and purpose in our everyday working lives.      Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!

    44 min

  5. JUN 10

    Episode 194. Transforming Workplaces with Data, Inclusion and Purpose - Kate Mathias, Global Chief People Officer, Clyde & Co

    Kate discusses driving change through inclusive people strategies rooted in strong commercial foundations. For example, Kate shares the story behind LifeWorks, the Clyde & Co’s gender-neutral parental leave policy that provides six months of fully paid leave. Backed by a strong business case, the policy has driven real impact - boosting retention, engagement, and uptake among men - showing how HR can influence both culture and business outcomes. Kate also shares how Clyde & Co is creating new pathways into the legal profession through initiatives such as solicitor apprenticeships, a paralegal academy, and the award-winning LIFT programme. These efforts support underrepresented talent by removing traditional barriers and offering paid placements. Rooted in the firm’s strategy of enabling everyone to thrive, this work reflects Kate’s own journey as the first in her family to attend university. Kate shares one wish for every HR leader: to build commercial and data-led storytelling capability, sharing her view that understanding business drivers and using data to make a compelling case is key to driving positive change.  Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode  What makes an organisation thrive in today’s complex world? It’s not just about strategy or financial results - it’s about culture.  This episode is sponsored by Kin&Co, a certified B Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Kin & Co believe that the most impactful organisations will cultivate thriving, human-centred cultures where people are motivated by purpose, resilience, and empowered to perform at their best. Drawing on cutting-edge behavioural science and an inclusive approach, Kin&Co help global organisations transform their cultures, sparking lasting behaviour change that drives measurable impact on strategy, people, and performance. Their new model for organisational change is shaped by deep experience in culture transformation. If you’re intrigued, Kin&Co invites you to explore your own organisational culture with their free Thriving Cultures Diagnostic - a simple, insightful tool backed by behavioural science and inspired by nature. It provides a clear snapshot of your current culture and suggests practical actions to drive better behaviours, strategic shifts, and stronger organisational performance.  To learn more and take the diagnostic, click here: Kin&Co. 👥 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 And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn   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 June Book of the Month is The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again by Bruce Daisley. Who, wonderfully, is alumnus on this very podcast!  Bruce offers a refreshing and radical rethink of how we can transform our workdays - a guide packed with energising, evidence-based ideas that show how small changes can reignite joy, connection and purpose in our everyday working lives.  Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!

    37 min

  6. JUN 3

    Episode 193. Autonomy, Mastery & Purpose: Foundations of Employee Motivation – Rob Bray, Chief People & Sustainability Officer, Wildfarmed

    We welcome back Rob to the podcast, who shares his journey from Chief People Officer at Nando’s to a purpose-driven scale-up focused on transforming the global food system. He explains how a passion for environmental issues led him to a role that brings people and sustainability together.  Rob talks about building the people function from scratch and explains how autonomy, mastery and purpose drive team commitment and rapid growth. Cecilia and Rob explore how HR leaders can embed sustainability by focusing on influence and change leadership, not technical expertise.  Reflecting on food poverty and economic insecurity, Rob shows how sustainability and social equity are now central to HR’s role. He offers encouragement for HR professionals starting their sustainability journey, reminding them it’s a change programme they are well placed to lead.  Rob’s final message is a powerful call to protect progress and keep pushing forward - a hopeful reminder of the transformative power HR leaders hold to shape a better future.  Now’s Your Chance! Ask your question to 5 of the world’s leading CHROs – 200th special episode Exciting news – we’re turning the mic over to you – we want you in the spotlight! To mark the upcoming 200th episode of this podcast, we’re inviting your questions to 5 visionary CHROs who are redefining the future of HR on a global scale. Have you got a burning question about the biggest trends, toughest challenges, or boldest HR ideas? Now’s your chance to ask:  Dannii Portsmouth, Chief People Officer at Pepsico Europe Elaine Grell, Chief People Officer at Ogilvy Elly Tomlins, Chief People Officer at Easyjet plc Loren Schuster, Chief People Officer at The LEGO Group Natalia Wallenberg, CHRO at Ahold Delhaize Five pioneering CHROs ready to receive your question.  Click on this link to send yours in today and it could be featured (with a shout-out to you on air of course!) https://www.upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world-podcast-200th-episode Plus, by way of thanks, you’ll be entered into our exclusive prize draw to win one of three tickets to How HR Leaders Change the World – Live! Each worth £495 - our sell out conference this year is on 12 November, London. (T&Cs apply). Be part of this trailblazing episode and landmark celebration – and supercharge the power of HR! This episode is sponsored by Redgrave Today's episode is brought to you by Redgrave, a leading executive search, interim, and leadership advisory firm supporting business owners, investors, and leaders. Redgrave specialises in identifying and securing senior leaders for businesses across diverse industries, whether it's CEOs, board members, or functional leadership roles. They combine deep market expertise with a bespoke, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that every search delivers impact. And when it comes to People & Culture leadership, they know just how critical the right HR and People leaders are to shaping business success. Redgrave’s People & Culture Practice partners with organisations to find transformative CHROs, CPOs, and senior HR leaders who create the environments where businesses, and people, thrive. Sustainability is also rising on the HR agenda, responsibility, but as a compelling element of an organisation’s employee value proposition and operations. Redgrave supports clients in finding leaders who can embed responsible practices into a firm's business strategy and align sustainability with performance. Whether it’s a permanent hire or technical interim support, they help HR functions drive meaningful, measurable change. If you're looking for exceptional leadership that makes a difference, visit Redgrave Search to find out more. 👥 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 And join us on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn   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 June Book of the Month is The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again by Bruce Daisley. Who, wonderfully, is alumnus on this very podcast!  Bruce offers a refreshing and radical rethink of how we can transform our workdays - a guide packed with energising, evidence-based ideas that show how small changes can reignite joy, connection and purpose in our everyday working lives.  Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!

    36 min

  7. MAY 27

    192. Bridging HR & ESG - Unlocking Organisational Value: Nathan Adams, Chief People Officer, Lloyds of London

    Nathan introduces how his early experiences helped shape his people-first approach to HR strategy.  He shares moments where he's balanced commercial priorities with social responsibility, and how his work connects with wider environmentsl, social and governance ( ESG) goals.  Nathan explains how he's worked to bridge the gap between HR and the investor community, helping stakeholders see workforce strategy as central to organisational value.  He emphasises the importance of aligning people with purpose and strategy, not just to drive performance, but to build sustainable, inclusive workplaces. Looking ahead, Nathan reflects on the exciting potential of new technologies and the role HR leaders play in ensuring they're used ethically.  He shares his thoughts on learning from the past, particularly the lessons of social media, and calls for responsible, transparent approached to AI.  For Nathan, HR is about more than policies, it's about helping shape a better, fairer working world for all.  This episode is sponsored by Redgrave Today's episode is brought to you by Redgrave, a leading executive search, interim and leadership advisory firm supporting business owners, investors and leaders. Redgrave specialises in identifying and securing senior leaders for businesses across diverse industries, whether it's CEOs, board members, or functional leadership roles.  They combine deep market expertise with a bespoke, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that every search delivers impact.  And when it comes to People & Culture leadership, they know just how critical the right HR and People leaders are to shaping business success.  Redgraves' People & Culture Practice partners with organisations to find transformative CHROs, CPOs and senior HR leaders who create the environments where businesses, and people thrive.  Sustainability is also rising on the HR agenda, responsibility, but as a compelling element of an organisation's employee value proposition and operations. Redgrave supports clients in finding leaders who can embed responsible practices into a firm's business strategy and align sustainability with performance,  Whether it's a permanent hire or technical interim support, they help HR functions drive meaningful, measurable change.  If you're looking for exceptional leadership that makes a difference, visit Redgrave Search to find out more.  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: https://www.upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world And join us on LinkedIn: Uplifting People LinkedIn 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 May book of the month is Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater things by Adam Grant.  A guide to unlocking your growth by challenging the myth of innate talent - showing that success is less about natural ability and more about how well you learn and who you become.  We chose it because it's an inspiring reminder that anyone can grow and succeed. Head to UpliftingPeople.comto grab a copy and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book!

    26 min

  8. MAY 20

    191. Bigger Than the Moon: A Personal Experience that Shaped Courageous HR Leadership – Syreeta Brown, Chief People Officer, Virgin Money

    Syreeta shares insights from her moving new book, Bigger than the Moon, exploring her personal journey as a working parent of a neurodivergent child and how that experience has deeply shaped her leadership approach. Syreeta reflects on the transformative impact of parenting on her understanding of patience, team dynamics and inclusive leadership.  She offers practical advice for HR professionals on supporting neurodiversity in the workplace, including the importance of recognising hidden disabilities and avoiding unintended exclusion through performance or engagement practices. Syreeta also explores what courageous leadership looks like in action, how to enable brave conversations, build inclusive cultures and plan for lasting, sustainable change.  This episode is a must listen for HR Leaders looking to lead with empathy, resilience and impact. This episode is sponsored by Redgrave  Today's episode is brought to you by Redgrave, a leading executive search, interim and leadership advisory firm supporting business owners, investors and leaders. Redgrave specialises in identifying and securing senior leaders for businesses across diverse industries, whether it's CEOs, board members or functional leadership roles.  They combine deep market experience with a bespoke, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that every search delivers impact.  And when it comes to People & Culture leadership, they know just how critical the right HR and People leaders are to shaping business success. Redgrave's People & Culture Practice partners with organisations to find transformative CHROs, CPOs, and senior HR leaders who create the enviroments where businesses, and people, thrive.  Sustainability is also rising on the HR agenda, responsibility but as a compelling element of an orgnaisation's employee value proposition and operations.  Redgrave supports clients in finding leaders who can embed responsible practices into a firm's business strategy and align sustainably with performance.  Whether it's a permanent hire or technical interim support, they help HR functions drive meaningful, measurable change. If you're looking for exceptional leadeship that makes a difference, visit Redgrave Search  to find our more. 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: https://www.upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world And join us on LinkedIn: Uplifting People LinkedIn 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 speark meaningful conversations and personal growth. Our May book of the month is Hidden Potential:  The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant. A guide to unlocking your growth by challenging the myth of innate ta;ent - showing that success is less about natural ability abd more about how well you can learn and who you become.  We chose it because its and inspiring reminder that anyone can grow and succeed. Head to Uplifting People  to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book! Referenced Resources: Aubilities

    39 min
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About

Explore how the work of HR Leaders is creating positive social change, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals - goals which the world’s companies are increasingly understanding the urgency of achieving, and investing in the action required. If you’d like clear, actionable ideas for how you can use the power of your role to effect change in your company, you’re in the right place. I’m the founder of social enterprise Uplifting People, we provide services to HR Leaders, and through this work I realised that HR professionals and social entrepreneurs are working in the same areas, albeit in different ways. So we created this podcast to share knowledge, on steps we can take through the work of HR. In my opinion, if you’re an HR professional, you are also a change maker. And this podcast will provide you with examples of how. By sharing the successes of some of the world’s most inspiring HR Leaders, you can frame your work in the context of positive change, implement brilliant ideas, and feel absolutely wonderful about doing so!

Information

  • Creator
    Cecilia Crossley
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    198
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright From Babies with Love Trading Ltd 2024
  • Show Website
    How HR Leaders Change the World

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