HR Voices Podcast

hrvoices

Welcome to the HR Voices Podcast, a podcast designed to bring the UK HR community and businesses together. The podcast will be informative, with lots of helpful tips and ideas to help you run your business. Being an HR Independent Consultant can be quite lonely. This is why HR Independents (HRi), the UK body for Independent HR and People professionals has created a home and community for HR Indies. The HR Voices podcast will be discussing hot topics relating to HR and business. This will support HR Independent and People Professionals and the businesses they support. We will be bringing you practical tips, expert views and your views. Join Mary Asante, the Chief Executive of HRi and their expert guests for engaging discussions. We would love to hear from you and for you to get more involved. If you have topics you would like us to discuss, contact us via hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk Learn more about HR Independents – HRi at: https://hrindependents.co.uk/about-us/ or connect with us on LinkedIn: hr independents linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-independents/ Hosts: www.linkedin.com/in/maryasante and https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-allfrey Success Together.

  1. Episode 76: Financial Wellbeing at Work – Supporting Employees Through Financial Stress

    May 25

    Episode 76: Financial Wellbeing at Work – Supporting Employees Through Financial Stress

    Episode 76: Financial Wellbeing at Work – Supporting Employees Through Financial Stress   Host: Mary Asante Guest: Charlie Goodman, Good Money Guidance Ltd   In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by financial wellbeing specialist Charlie Goodman to discuss one of the biggest workplace challenges facing employees and employers today - financial wellbeing.   With rising living costs, financial stress and increasing pressure on household budgets, financial wellbeing has become a major issue for HR professionals, business leaders and SME employers.   Mary and Charlie explore how financial stress impacts employee wellbeing, mental health, productivity and workplace performance, and what organisations can realistically do to support their people.   In this episode, we discuss:   Financial wellbeing and employee mental health The impact of the cost of living crisis on employees Why higher earners can still struggle financially Financial stress in the workplace How HR professionals and employers can support employee wellbeing Workplace pensions and employee benefits The importance of financial education and communication Budgeting tools and financial wellbeing technology Why employees often struggle to take financial action The difference between information and behaviour change Creating realistic financial wellbeing strategies for SMEs   Resources mentioned:   MoneyHelper Money Saving Expert (Martin Lewis) Pension Awareness Week Workplace pension provider wellbeing resources   Key message   Financial wellbeing is not just about salary.   It is about helping employees build confidence, understanding and healthier financial habits through practical support, communication and accessible resources.   Charlie’s top tips:   Help employees understand the benefits and support already available Keep financial wellbeing support practical and realistic Make it easy for employees to access trusted information and tools   🎧 Listen now and share with HR professionals, business leaders and anyone supporting workplace wellbeing.   📩 Questions or future topic suggestions? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk

    43 min
  2. Episode 75: You’re Closer Than You Think – Mental Wealth, Drift and Support

    May 11

    Episode 75: You’re Closer Than You Think – Mental Wealth, Drift and Support

    Host: Mary Asante Guest: Mike Pagan   In this powerful Mental Health Awareness Week episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante welcomes back leadership speaker and Mental Wealth advocate Mike Pagan for a deeper conversation about isolation, drift, accountability and support.   Building on their hugely popular previous discussion on Mental Wealth (Episode 57), this episode explores what happens when capable people quietly become overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck — especially HR professionals, leaders and independent consultants who spend so much time supporting others.   Together, Mary and Mike discuss the emotional load many professionals carry, the hidden impact of hybrid and remote working, and why awareness alone is not enough without action and support.   In this episode, we discuss:   What “drift” looks like in practice Why capable people can still become stuck Isolation in leadership and remote working The emotional pressure carried by HR professionals Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness The difference between awareness and action Accountability, routines and support structures The importance of human connection and checking in   Mike’s top tips:   Prioritise self-care and check in with yourself regularly Spend more time with people who energise and support you Pick up the phone and check in on someone who may need it   🎧 A thoughtful and honest conversation about wellbeing, leadership, connection and the importance of not carrying everything alone.   📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.u

    52 min
  3. Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business)

    Apr 27

    Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business)

    Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business) What are HR consultants really struggling with right now — and what does it mean for how you grow your business? Host: Mary Asante In this solo episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante steps into the role of community voice and thought leader, sharing the most common questions she’s hearing from HR consultants right now — and, more importantly, what sits beneath them. From winning consistent work to pricing with confidence, this episode goes beyond surface-level advice and explores the patterns, challenges, and mindset shifts shaping the HR consultancy landscape today. In this episode, we explore: Why visibility alone isn’t enough to win work The real reason LinkedIn may not be working for you Moving from hourly pricing to value-based thinking When (and how) retainers can support sustainable growth The importance of clarity in positioning and niche How to stand out in a crowded HR consultancy market Managing client expectations and avoiding constant reactivity Setting boundaries to protect your time, energy, and business Why this matters Many HR consultants are busy, but not always building sustainably. This episode highlights the key shifts needed to move from: reactive to intentional visible to valuable busy to strategic …and ultimately build a consultancy that is both profitable and sustainable. Key takeaways Be intentional, not just active — especially when it comes to visibility and networking Focus on value, not just delivery — in both pricing and positioning Protect your time and energy — boundaries are essential for long-term success A note from Mary “This episode is based on real conversations across the HRi community. If you’ve been asking yourself similar questions, you’re not alone.” Get involved Have a question, challenge, or topic you’d like us to explore? 📧 Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk About HR Voices HR Voices is brought to you by HR Independents (HRi) — the UK’s professional body supporting independent HR and People professionals. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your network and help more HR consultants build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

    21 min
  4. Episode 73- How to use LinkedIn as a tool to grow your HR Consultancy Business

    Apr 13

    Episode 73- How to use LinkedIn as a tool to grow your HR Consultancy Business

    Episode 73: How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Consultancy Business Host: Mary Asante Guest: Meg Hutson, Marketing Mentor How can LinkedIn help you attract the right clients, build your personal brand, and grow your consultancy? In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Meg Hutson, marketing mentor and messaging specialist, to explore how consultants and service-based business owners can use LinkedIn more intentionally and effectively. Meg shares practical, honest advice on how to use LinkedIn as more than an online CV, turning it into a tool for visibility, credibility, and meaningful client relationships. In this episode, we cover: Why LinkedIn is a powerful platform for consultants The shift from corporate LinkedIn use to consultancy LinkedIn use Why personal branding matters more than ever How to use LinkedIn to attract aligned clients The 3 Cs of LinkedIn: Content Connections Conversations Why relationship-building works better than salesy outreach How to create content that feels relevant and relatable Why market research matters for your messaging How to stay consistent without posting every day Why your personal profile matters more than a business page Why this matters For HR consultants and solo business owners, LinkedIn can be one of the most effective ways to: build trust show your expertise communicate your values stay visible to the right audience generate quality enquiries But results don’t come from posting alone. They come from being intentional about how you show up, who you connect with, and the conversations you start. Meg’s top tips: Use your personal profile, not just a business page Be clear on what you do, who you help, and how Focus on all 3 Cs: content, connections, and conversations 🎧 A practical episode for any consultant who wants to use LinkedIn with more purpose, confidence, and impact. 📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? hrvoices@hrindependence.co.uk

    40 min
  5. Episode 72: Employment Rights in 2025 – What Employers Need to Know

    Mar 30

    Episode 72: Employment Rights in 2025 – What Employers Need to Know

    What do the latest employment law changes really mean for your business, and are you ready? Host: Mary Asante Guest: Amanda Trewhella, Freeths In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by employment lawyer Amanda Trewhella (Freeths) to break down the key changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025, and what HR professionals, employers, and managers need to be doing now to prepare. 🔍 In this episode, we cover: Changes to unfair dismissal rights (2 years ➝ 6 months from 2027) New day one rights (SSP, paternity leave, parental leave) Increased risk in redundancy consultations (protective awards doubling) Reforms to zero-hours contracts New duties around sexual and third-party harassment Updates to flexible working requests The requirement to inform employees of their right to join a trade union ⚠️ Why this matters These changes represent one of the biggest shifts in UK employment law in recent years — and they will require: updated policies and contracts stronger manager capability better employee relations practices proactive risk management 💡 Amanda’s top tips: Review and update your policies and processes now Train managers to handle issues early and effectively Start preparing ahead of the implementation timelines 🎧 Whether you’re an HR consultant, business owner, or people manager, this episode gives you a clear and practical overview of what’s changing — and how to stay ahead. 📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk

    43 min
  6. Episode 71- Reflections on Episodes 65–70: Leadership, Consultancy and Building Trust

    Mar 16

    Episode 71- Reflections on Episodes 65–70: Leadership, Consultancy and Building Trust

    HR Voices – Episode 71 Show Notes Reflections on Episodes 65–70: Leadership, Consultancy and Building Trust 🎙 Host: Mary Asante | HR Independents Episode Overview In this recap episode of HR Voices, Mary reflects on the key themes and insights from Episodes 65–70. Across these conversations, we revisited some of the most impactful HR Voices episodes, explored leadership through compassionate curiosity, learned from award-winning independent HR consultants, and discussed how podcasting can support business growth and professional visibility. This episode connects the insights from those discussions and highlights what they tell us about the future of HR leadership, consultancy, and professional influence. Episodes Featured Episode 65: Our Top 10 Episodes of All Time – Part 1 Episode 66: Our Top 10 Episodes of All Time – Part 2 Episode 67: The Importance of Compassionate Curiosity as an Essential Leadership Skill (with Andy Green) Episode 68: What Award-Winning HR Indies Do Differently – Part 1 (Kate Marston & Dylan Roberts) Episode 69: What Award-Winning HR Indies Do Differently – Part 2 (Adam Pickford & Sophie Dodgson) Episode 70: How to Use Podcasting to Grow Your HR Consultancy Business (with Gary Jones) Key Themes from These Conversations Designing the Future of Work Flexible working and evolving workplace expectations continue to shape how organisations attract and retain talent. Leadership Through Curiosity and Connection Compassionate curiosity helps leaders build trust, strengthen psychological safety, and support more meaningful conversations at work. Building a Successful HR Consultancy Award-winning HR consultants emphasise clarity of value, strong client relationships, and continuous professional development. Visibility and Influence Through Podcasting Podcasting provides a powerful way to build trust, share expertise, and connect with professional communities. Key Takeaway Across these episodes, one theme consistently emerges: the future of HR is not only about expertise, but also about authenticity, connection, and the ability to build trust. 🎧 If you’ve missed any of the episodes discussed in this recap, we encourage you to go back and listen to the full conversations. 📩 Interested in joining HR Voices as a guest? Contact: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk

    23 min
  7. Episode 70- Podcasting as a Growth tool for HR Consultants

    Mar 2

    Episode 70- Podcasting as a Growth tool for HR Consultants

    Using Podcasting to Grow Your Business (with Gary Jones, Grow Radio)   🎙️ Host: Mary Asante 👤 Guest: Gary Jones (Grow Radio) – HR Voices podcast editor & podcasting specialist   Episode Overview   In this behind-the-scenes episode, Mary is joined by Gary Jones from Grow Radio — the person who helps edit HR Voices and keeps episodes polished and on schedule.   Together they explore how podcasting can be used as a practical business tool for HR consultants, SMEs, and service-based business owners — not just as “another marketing task,” but as content that can sit at the centre of your brand, visibility, and client engagement.   What You’ll Learn • What podcasting really means today (and how it has evolved beyond audio) • The difference between a “true” podcast (audio-first) and podcast content that includes video and clips • Why podcasting is a powerful tool when time is tight — and how to avoid it becoming “just another thing” • How podcasting builds trust, authority, and visibility faster than most social media formats • Whether you need guests (and why solo episodes can be just as effective) • How to keep a consistent show and still “mix it up” with different episode formats • Why listening is a crucial skill for hosts (and what most people miss when they focus on scripted questions) • How podcasts strengthen client relationships and bring out the human side of your consultancy • Where AI helps in podcast production — and where it can go too far   Key Takeaways • Put the podcast at the centre of your marketing if you want it to last. If it sits “on top” of everything else, it’s the first thing that gets dropped when you’re busy. • Podcasting gives you something social media can’t: sustained attention. Gary notes many listeners in the UK give around 20–25 minutes to a single episode — far more time than most social posts ever get. • You don’t have to launch a podcast to benefit from podcasting. Being a guest is a lower-effort, high-impact way to increase reach and credibility. • Your voice builds trust. Podcasting helps your audience experience you as a person — not just a brand or service offering. • Repurposing is the real power move. A single episode can become video clips, a transcript, a blog, newsletter content, and multiple social posts.   Podcasts Formats Mentioned • Guest interviews • Solo episodes (especially useful as a backup or core format) • Co-host conversations • Panel discussions • Recap episodes (a signature HR Voices format that helps listeners catch up quickly)   Gary’s Top 3 Tips 1. Listen actively – take notes and decide on one action you’ll take from what you heard 2. Be a guest before you launch – guesting is a high-value way to test podcasting without the workload 3. Invest in the idea, not the gear – you don’t need expensive equipment, but you do need a clear purpose and plan   Call to Action   If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your network and help more people discover HR Voices.   📩 Want to be a guest on HR Voices? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk   Thank you.

    40 min

About

Welcome to the HR Voices Podcast, a podcast designed to bring the UK HR community and businesses together. The podcast will be informative, with lots of helpful tips and ideas to help you run your business. Being an HR Independent Consultant can be quite lonely. This is why HR Independents (HRi), the UK body for Independent HR and People professionals has created a home and community for HR Indies. The HR Voices podcast will be discussing hot topics relating to HR and business. This will support HR Independent and People Professionals and the businesses they support. We will be bringing you practical tips, expert views and your views. Join Mary Asante, the Chief Executive of HRi and their expert guests for engaging discussions. We would love to hear from you and for you to get more involved. If you have topics you would like us to discuss, contact us via hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk Learn more about HR Independents – HRi at: https://hrindependents.co.uk/about-us/ or connect with us on LinkedIn: hr independents linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-independents/ Hosts: www.linkedin.com/in/maryasante and https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-allfrey Success Together.