The Human Side of Business Podcast

Louisa Meehan, Woodview HRM
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Business
  • Biweekly

The Human Side of Business is a practical podcast from Louisa Meehan of Woodview HRM, sharing real stories from the trenches of people management. Each episode explores the wins, failures, funny moments, and hard lessons that come with leading people. Honest, grounded, and relatable, it is for business owners, managers, and HR professionals who want real-world insight into the messy, rewarding reality of managing humans.

  1. Oct 30

    Leading a Remote Team: Hiring, Onboarding and Building a Culture of Trust with Crystel Robbins Rinne

    What does it really take to build and manage a successful remote team? Remote working gives businesses access to a wider talent pool and employees greater flexibility. But building a successful remote organisation takes more than replacing office meetings with video calls. It requires trust, structure, accountability, and meaningful connections. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Crystel Robbins Rinne, CEO of HRLocker, to explore the realities of building, managing, and leading a fully remote organisation. Having been with HRLocker since 2013, Crystel shares the company's journey from a traditional office environment to a fully remote team, why hiring beyond geographical boundaries became important to its growth, and how remote working has transformed its recruitment approach. They discuss: Hiring for will over skill: Why attitude, resilience, and potential can matter more than qualifications. Remote onboarding: How HRLocker structures the first four weeks of onboarding to help new employees feel supported and connected. Building trust and accountability: Why managing output matters more than monitoring activity. Creating a remote working culture: The importance of buddy systems, regular check-ins, and meaningful team connections. Managing employee performance: Using structured feedback, clear expectations, and KPIs throughout probation. Leading a remote organisation: Why one of the hardest parts of leadership is learning to let people do their jobs. Crystel also shares her perspective on empowering employees, supporting different working styles, and giving people opportunities based on their experience, resilience, and potential. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, team leader, or manager navigating remote working, this conversation offers practical insights into creating a remote workplace where people feel trusted, supported, and empowered to do their best work. 🎧 Watch the full conversation and discover what it takes to build a remote team that works. ============= Crystel has been with HRLocker since 2013 and now leads the company as CEO. She drives the organisation's strategic direction, aligning product, operations, and customer experience to support HRLocker's next stage of growth. A long-standing advocate for better employee experience, Crystel is recognised as a leading voice in the HR space and regularly shares insights through thought leadership articles, HRLocker's webinars, and industry events. With more than two decades of HR experience, she brings a combination of board-level perspective and first-hand understanding of the pressures HR teams face every day. Crystel is also the driving force behind the HRLocker Hub, a nationwide online community built to connect and support anyone working in HR in Ireland. 🌐 Explore the HRLocker Hub: https://www.hrlocker.com/community-hub/ ============= The Human Side of Business Podcast 🌐 https://www.thehumansideofbusiness.com/ Woodview HRM 🌐 https://www.woodviewhrm.com/ HRLocker 🌐 https://www.hrlocker.com/

  2. Oct 9

    The Financial Side of Growth: Hiring, Cash Flow & Business Planning with Jennifer Power

    What happens when a business is growing but the numbers aren't keeping up? For many SME owners, growth can feel like a constant balancing act between hiring people, managing cash flow, setting the right prices and making sure there is enough money left in the business. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Jennifer Power, Partner at Fitzgerald Power, to explore the financial side of growing and running an SME. Jennifer explains why planning before making a new hire is so important, including understanding the true cost of an employee, factoring in onboarding time and testing whether the business can still afford the hire if revenue falls below expectations. Louisa and Jennifer also discuss profit margins, pricing, paying yourself as a business owner, tracking non-billable time and the importance of understanding the real cost of the work you're doing. They explore tax compliance, VAT, the difference between accountants, tax advisors and financial planners, and why putting the right financial structures in place early can make running a business much easier. Jennifer also shares her advice on planning for retirement or an eventual exit, and why business owners should start thinking about their long-term financial goals much earlier than they might expect. The conversation ends with a powerful reminder of the human impact of business growth, as Jennifer reflects on Fitzgerald Power's expansion and the jobs and wider community impact created through that growth. ============= Jennifer Power is a Partner at Fitzgerald Power in the SME department. Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Jennifer has advised business owners on financial and taxation matters and has a particular passion for working with SMEs across a wide range of sectors. Jennifer specialises in outsourced, online financial services and works closely with companies to empower business owners and management through accurate, real-time financial information. She qualified as an Accountant and was admitted as a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2010. She also holds a Master’s in Strategic Management and Planning from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and a Bachelor of Business Studies from Waterford Institute of Technology. ============= www.woodviewhrm.comwww.thehumansideofbusiness.com ============= 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. =============

  3. Sep 4

    Leading Through Change: HR, Crisis Management & Employee Relations with Brian Bowden

    What really happens when an organisation has to change? Whether it's restructuring, new technology, a crisis or changing employee expectations, successful change isn't just about having the right strategy. It's about understanding the people affected by it. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Brian Bowden, an experienced C-suite HR leader, advisor and Non-Executive Director, to explore the human side of organisational change and employee relations. Brian shares lessons from more than 30 years in senior HR roles with Aer Lingus and Trinity College Dublin, including his experience navigating major periods of change, crisis and transformation. Louisa and Brian explore why people resist change, what might really sit behind that resistance, and why understanding the underlying concern can help leaders find a better way forward. They also discuss communicating change, managing cultural shifts, the impact of technology and AI, recruitment and retention, and why the people who remain after organisational change can face some of the biggest challenges. The conversation also explores employee relations, investigations, disciplinary processes and the growing impact of social media and WhatsApp on workplace relationships. From managing uncertainty to making difficult decisions, Brian shares why success isn't simply about delivering results, but about asking whether you did the right thing for the right reasons. ============= Brian Bowden is an experienced C-suite HR leader and advisor, and a Non-Executive Director. He spent over 30 years in senior HR roles with Aer Lingus and Trinity College Dublin, most recently serving as Chief People Officer at Aer Lingus from 2015 to 2023, where he led a 35-person HR team and advised the CEO, Board and Executive Team through periods of growth and crisis. Brian's expertise spans HR strategy, organisational restructuring, change management, employee engagement, industrial relations, performance and reward, pensions, dispute resolution including mediation, and governance and risk. He also holds a number of board roles, including Bus Éireann, where he chairs the Remuneration and People Committee and sits on the Audit and Risk Committee. He is a Chartered Director, holds an MBS in Human Resources Strategy, is a Fellow of the CIPD and an accredited mediator with CEDR. ============= www.woodviewhrm.com www.thehumansideofbusiness.com Guest: Brian BowdenHost: Louisa Meehan | Woodview HRM

  4. Aug 16

    Leading with Empathy: Managing People, Volunteers & Business Change with Karen Ronan

    What does it really take to lead people well? Whether you're managing employees, working with volunteers or leading a board, the fundamentals of good leadership remain the same: empathy, integrity, clear boundaries and a genuine understanding of the people around you. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber and President of Network Ireland, to explore the human side of leadership and what it takes to bring people together around a shared purpose. Karen shares why managing volunteers requires a different approach to managing paid employees, why empathy is one of the most underrated leadership qualities, and how giving people ownership and recognition can create a stronger sense of connection. Louisa and Karen also explore networking, confidence, imposter syndrome, the importance of peer networks, and why every skill can be learned if you're willing to practise. They discuss the growing role of AI in business and why technology should remain a tool rather than replacing the human connection that makes organisations work. From supporting people through difficult moments to building stronger boards, managing risk and preparing for an uncertain future, this conversation is a reminder that the human side of business is often the most important side. ============= Guest: Karen Ronan Karen Ronan is a dynamic and highly regarded leader with a proven track record in business and sports tourism, stakeholder engagement and economic development. As CEO of Galway Chamber and President of Network Ireland, she plays a key role in shaping business networks and supporting enterprise growth. She has been instrumental in driving national and regional strategies, with a strong focus on ESG and sustainable work practices. Her extensive background in project management and governance has helped foster valuable connections at local, national and international levels. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan | Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com www.thehumansideofbusiness.com ============= 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. =============

  5. Jul 31

    Redundancy Can Be a New Beginning: Entrepreneurship, Career Transitions & Building the Future of Work – with Lorraine Bowen

    Redundancy is often seen as the end of a career. But what if it could become the beginning of something even greater? In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Lorraine Bowen, CEO of The Entrepreneurs Academy, to explore how entrepreneurship can empower people to navigate career transitions, create new opportunities and build lasting impact. Drawing on more than 30 years' experience as an entrepreneur and business leader, Lorraine explains why entrepreneurial thinking is valuable for everyone—not just business owners. Together, Louisa and Lorraine discuss the support available to aspiring entrepreneurs, the importance of lifelong learning, and how organisations can help employees navigate periods of change with confidence. They also explore the Academy's award-winning workforce transition programmes, including New Beginnings, which helped employees facing collective redundancy gain new skills, start businesses and create employment within their own communities. Whether you're considering self-employment, supporting employees through organisational change, or simply looking to develop a more entrepreneurial mindset, this conversation is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories and valuable insights for leaders, HR professionals and anyone facing career transition. ============= Guest: Lorraine Bowen – CEO, The Entrepreneurs Academy Lorraine Bowen is the CEO of The Entrepreneurs Academy and a former creative-sector entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience. Over the past 13 years at the Academy, she has served as Head of Business Development and Head of Innovation and Impact before stepping into the CEO role four years ago. Collaborative and deeply engaged across Ireland's business and education ecosystem, Lorraine is committed to advancing equitable entrepreneurship that creates meaningful opportunities for people while delivering national economic impact. She has been an elected member of the Dublin Chamber Policy Council since 2022 and serves on its Labour Market Taskforce. The Entrepreneurs Academy is a national leader in entrepreneurship, enterprise and human skills education, delivering high-impact Start Your Own Business programmes, workforce transition programmes for employees facing redundancy, and specialised training in digital skills, customer experience, creativity and innovation. Working alongside SMEs, corporate partners and government agencies, the Academy has supported more than 120,000 learners nationwide through practical programmes that drive measurable business and employment outcomes. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan – Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com www.thehumansideofbusiness.com ============= 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. =============

  6. Jul 13

    Domestic Abuse Doesn't Stay at Home: How Employers Can Recognise, Respond and Support Employees – with Hayley Murphy

    Domestic abuse doesn't end when someone walks into work. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan sits down with Hayley Murphy, Outreach Co-ordinator with Bray Women's Refuge Outreach Services, to explore the often-hidden impact of domestic abuse and coercive control in the workplace. Hayley shares her experience supporting women and men through domestic abuse, navigating the court system, and rebuilding their lives after leaving abusive relationships. Together, Louisa and Hayley discuss the warning signs employers may notice, why post-separation abuse is often misunderstood, and how organisations can create workplaces where employees feel safe enough to ask for help. This conversation offers practical guidance for employers, managers and HR professionals on recognising abuse, responding with empathy, and creating workplace cultures built on trust, understanding and psychological safety. ============= Guest: Hayley Murphy – Bray Women's Refuge Outreach Services Hayley Murphy is an Outreach Co-ordinator with ANU Wicklow Domestic Violence Supports and Bray Women's Refuge, where she provides specialist guidance, advocacy and practical support to people seeking safety and justice. With more than 10 years' experience working within the legal system, Hayley has extensive knowledge of family law and the real-world impact these processes can have on victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Her work focuses on empowering individuals to access support, improve safety and navigate the justice system with confidence. Hayley is currently undertaking further studies in psychotherapy, strengthening her trauma-informed approach to supporting individuals experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan – Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com | www.thehumansideofbusiness.com =============== 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. ===============

  7. Jun 8

    Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Has the Chance to Thrive - with Dr Lisa Cuthbert

    What does it really mean to create an inclusive workplace? In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan speaks with Dr Lisa Cuthbert, CEO of Mental Health Ireland, about the role employment plays in identity, wellbeing, recovery, and connection. Drawing from decades of experience across mental health, addiction, homelessness, and the criminal justice sector, Lisa explores how organisations can create safer workplaces where people are seen beyond their challenges or past experiences. Together, Louisa and Lisa discuss stigma, disclosure, leadership, recovery, and why creating opportunities for people to participate fully in society benefits everyone. ============= Guest: Dr Lisa Cuthbert - Mental Health Ireland Dr Lisa Cuthbert is CEO of Mental Health Ireland, the country’s oldest national mental health charity. She has extensive leadership experience across the not-for-profit sector, focusing on person-centred and strengths-based approaches. Lisa’s work has focused on improving access to support for people experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, and involvement with the justice system. She is also an experienced board member, public speaker, and advocate for creating more inclusive communities and workplaces. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan - Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com | www.thehumansideofbusiness.com =============== 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. =============== #TheHumanSideOfBusinessPodcast #WoodviewHRM #WorkplaceRealities #HRInsights #MentalHealth #InclusiveWorkplaces #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #FutureOfWork

  8. Jun 2

    From Teacher to Talent Leader: Career Pivots, Purpose & Ireland's Future Workforce - with Miriam O'Hara

    What happens when your career takes unexpected turns? In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan sits down with Miriam O'Hara, Talent Acquisition Lead with Mace Consult Ireland, to explore a career journey that spans teaching, genetics, recruitment, and infrastructure megaprojects. Miriam shares how resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to pivot helped shape her career during the recession, why Ireland's infrastructure sector needs thousands of new workers by 2040, and what organizations can do to build workplaces where people genuinely thrive. This conversation explores talent, leadership, career development, workplace happiness, and the importance of helping others succeed along the way. ============= Guest: Miriam O'Hara - Mace Consult Ireland Miriam O'Hara is a Talent Acquisition Lead with Mace Consult Ireland and a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and STEM careers. Her unique career path includes teaching, genetics, and recruitment, giving her a broad perspective on people, careers, and workplace development. She works closely with major infrastructure projects across Ireland while championing inclusive workplaces and professional growth. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan - Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com | www.thehumansideofbusiness.com

See All (15)

About

The Human Side of Business is a practical podcast from Louisa Meehan of Woodview HRM, sharing real stories from the trenches of people management. Each episode explores the wins, failures, funny moments, and hard lessons that come with leading people. Honest, grounded, and relatable, it is for business owners, managers, and HR professionals who want real-world insight into the messy, rewarding reality of managing humans.

Information