Leap Into HR Consulting ®

Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD

Welcome to our podcast series, where we’re diving deep into one of the most transformative decisions an HR professional can make: Is HR or People Consulting your next big move?If you’re finding yourself yearning for more – more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment in your career – but unsure of what’s next, you’re not alone. You could be at a career crossroads, wondering if there’s a better way forward.In each episode, join Sarah Hamilton-Gill, one of the HR industry’s most influential thinkers, as she shares insights and stories from her journey and the journeys of others who took the leap into consulting. Together, we’ll explore whether a path in HR consulting is right for you, and what it truly takes to succeed. If you're ready to step out of the ordinary and into something extraordinary, stay tuned.And for more resources and support, visit  www.leapintoconsulting.com – it’s time to reimagine what’s possible in your career!

  1. When Two Great HR Communities Work In Harmony

    10H AGO

    When Two Great HR Communities Work In Harmony

    Communities and why they are so important: With Claire Cathcart, Founder of Elevate HR In this episode, Sarah Hamilton-Gill talks with Claire Cathcart, founder of Elevate HR, to explore why community is becoming one of the most powerful support systems for HR professionals today. After leaving a toxic corporate environment in 2023, Claire took a leap many HR professionals dream about but rarely make. What started as conversations with her growing LinkedIn audience quickly evolved into a thriving community designed to support in-house HR professionals who often feel isolated in their roles. Many HR professionals work as the only HR person in their organisation, carrying complex employee relations issues without a sounding board. Elevate HR was created to change that. But what surprised Claire most wasn't the popularity of the workshops or the resources. It was the power of the community itself. Members now come together to share real challenges, ask questions without judgement, and support each other through the realities of working in HR. And the impact has been significant. One member even secured two promotions and a £15,000 pay rise after building confidence through the network. In this conversation, Sarah and Claire explore: • Why so many HR professionals feel professionally isolated • How safe peer communities accelerate confidence and career growth • The real value of having a place where there are “no stupid questions” • Why HR professionals need spaces where they can talk honestly about ER challenges • The mindset shift that happens when professionals stop learning alone Claire also shares how Elevate HR works, including its membership structure, regular ER discussion sessions, expert workshops and the community spaces where members support each other daily. If you're an HR professional looking for support, connection and practical learning, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that you don't have to navigate the profession alone. About Claire Cathcart Claire is the founder of Elevate HR, a professional community created to support in-house HR professionals through learning, collaboration and real-world HR discussions. Her mission is simple: help HR professionals feel confident, connected and supported in their careers. Key Topics Covered Community and career confidence Supporting standalone HR professionals Creating safe spaces for HR conversations Real stories of career progression Building professional networks that actually help. Please connect with Claire : Claire Cathcart | LinkedIn https://www.elevatehub.co.uk/ Connect with Sarah : Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD | LinkedIn All our services can be found here :  www.leapintoconsulting.com

    21 min
  2. 3 Quick Wins to Get Client Conversations (Plus Your FAQs Answered)

    FEB 20

    3 Quick Wins to Get Client Conversations (Plus Your FAQs Answered)

    3 Quick Wins to Get Client Conversations This Week (Plus FAQs on Proposals and Getting Clients) Episode Summary Feeling busy but not seeing any client conversations? In this practical 20 - 25 minute episode, Sarah shares three quick wins you can implement this week to create momentum, plus a bonus tactic that builds trust quickly. You will also hear answers to common Academy FAQs on niching, pricing, proposals (including a simple three-option proposal structure), follow-up, and getting clients without a huge network. Links and Resources Website: https://www.leapintoconsulting.com Capsule CRM: https://capsulecrm.com/invite/?friend=dXMxIzIwMzg4MQ Festival tickets: https://www.leapintoconsulting.com/the-hr-consultancy-festival-2026 One month of free access to The HR Consultancy Academy: https://leap-into-consulting.mykajabi.com/offers/DEANnq4M/checkout In This Episode, You Will Learn How to use the 10/10 List to generate warm introductions (without feeling salesy) A simple LinkedIn formula: One Problem, One Post, One Offer The Two-Call Week approach to keep business development consistent Why tracking leads and follow-ups in Capsule CRM prevents opportunities from slipping A bonus strategy: "Pick My Brain" calls to build trust and uncover paid work How to structure a three-option proposal so clients can choose the right level of support   FAQs Covered Do I need a niche yet?  How do I price when I feel unsure?  When should I send a proposal? What should a simple proposal include? How do I create a three-option proposal? What if they ask for my day rate? How do I get clients without a big network?  Should I offer referral incentives? How many follow-ups is too many?  What if I am scared of outreach?

    21 min
  3. The 5 Cs for Consistent Growth - How HR Consultants Can Build Pipelines

    JAN 13

    The 5 Cs for Consistent Growth - How HR Consultants Can Build Pipelines

    The 5 Cs for Consistent Growth How HR Consultants Can Build Pipeline Without Burnout Running a consultancy can feel like a balancing act. You are delivering great work, supporting clients, managing the business, and trying to keep momentum going all at the same time. It is rewarding, but it can also feel inconsistent and exhausting. In this episode, Sarah shares an honest reflection on revisiting her own business fundamentals at the start of the year and why small readjustments and tracking the right success factors can dramatically improve consistency and control. She then applies the 5 Cs model Confidence, Clarity, Credibility, Collaboration and Courage through a growth lens, giving HR consultants a practical operating system they can start using straight away. This is not theory. It is grounded, real-world guidance based on what Sarah sees working every day with established consultants. In this episode, you will learn: * Why most consultants do not have a lead problem, they have a follow-up problem * How to use confident, professional follow-up without feeling awkward * Why focusing on one clear lead offer per quarter improves pipeline and referrals * What credibility assets help clients feel safe saying yes * How to build referral routes rather than relying on random networking * A simple weekly rhythm to protect pipeline even when delivery is busy * Why consistency comes from small habits, not big overhauls About The HR Consultancy Academy Sarah also shares how you can now access one month of guest access to The HR Consultancy Academy, allowing you to experience the community and support before deciding whether to join. The Academy is not a passive membership. Consultants who get the most value are those who actively engage by: * Taking part in challenges * Attending Live CPD monthly days * Joining monthly networking sessions * Asking questions and staying involved in the community That is where momentum builds and businesses begin to feel more consistent and sustainable. Find out more here: 👉 https://www.leapintoconsulting.com/hr-consultancy-academy

    14 min
  4. Design Your 2026 Consulting Plan - A Guided Reset for HR Consultants

    11/21/2025

    Design Your 2026 Consulting Plan - A Guided Reset for HR Consultants

    As we are close to wrapping up 2025, this episode gives you the space, clarity and structure to design a confident, focused and successful year ahead. Whether you’re an established HR consultant or preparing to make the leap in 2026, this guided working session will help you reflect on your year, reset your direction and build a simple, powerful plan for the next 12 months. Join Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD - award-winning mentor, author of Leap into HR Consulting® and founder of The HR Consultancy Academy as she walks you through: • A guided 2025 debrief: what worked, what didn’t, and what to leave behind • How to design 2026 with intention instead of drifting into another year • The 3 simple goals every consultant needs: revenue, lifestyle and impact • How to use 90-day sprints to stay focused and avoid feast-and-famine cycles • The first practical steps you can take this week to start 2026 strong This episode is reflective, practical and designed to help you hit January with clarity and confidence. Perfect for listening on a winter walk, a quiet morning with a notebook, or during your end-of-year planning session. If you want support, structure and a community around you in 2026, explore: • The HR Consultants Bootcamp • The HR Consultancy Academy • The Coaching Cards for Start-Up, Growth and Scale-Up Share your top 2026 goal with Sarah on LinkedIn - she’d love to hear it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhg/ Onwards and upwards ✨

    18 min

About

Welcome to our podcast series, where we’re diving deep into one of the most transformative decisions an HR professional can make: Is HR or People Consulting your next big move?If you’re finding yourself yearning for more – more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment in your career – but unsure of what’s next, you’re not alone. You could be at a career crossroads, wondering if there’s a better way forward.In each episode, join Sarah Hamilton-Gill, one of the HR industry’s most influential thinkers, as she shares insights and stories from her journey and the journeys of others who took the leap into consulting. Together, we’ll explore whether a path in HR consulting is right for you, and what it truly takes to succeed. If you're ready to step out of the ordinary and into something extraordinary, stay tuned.And for more resources and support, visit  www.leapintoconsulting.com – it’s time to reimagine what’s possible in your career!