Real World HR

Jul 23 2024
Real World HR Podcast artwork

Real World HR is the podcast putting the human back into HR. Hosted by Louise Kennedy, HR expert, chartered CIPD professional, and founder at leading HR consultancy Oculus HR, this podcast shares the real world stories behind the processes, to humanise HR. The Real World HR podcast focuses on people. And of course, where there’s people involved there’s sometimes problems. With Real World HR, we don’t shy away from that. We tell the stories we have learnt from and explain the processes that have supported solutions. Whether you’re a small business without a HR team looking for guidance, a large business in need of specialist support, or even a student wanting to find out more about HR careers, this podcast will give you direct access into the real world of HR. With expert guests featuring throughout, the podcast zooms in on a different area of HR in each episode and gives actionable advice. You’ll get the inside story on HR topics including recruiting top talent; diversity and inclusion; and mental health and wellbeing. Ready to step into the real world of HR?

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Emma Chandler: Learning to PIVOT 

Jul 23 2024 37 mins  
In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Emma Chandler. Emma Chandler is an award-winning leadership coach, inspirational speaker, and author. She is passionate about developing people, changing the face of leadership, and creating inclusive working communities, with a goal of improving wellness, wisdom and winning at work. Emma holds a CIPD accreditation

Fay Wallis: The Power of Coaching in HR

Jul 02 2024 42 mins  
In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Fay Wallis. Fay is a career coach and HR Coffee Time podcast host. From her background in HR, she knows what a rewarding, but challenging, career it can be. So, she founded Bright Sky Career Coaching to help ‘People people’ have a happier working life. After founding Bright Sky Career Coaching in 2016 and spend

Kimberley Cattin: Creating a Family Culture

Jun 11 2024 48 mins  
In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Kimberley Cattin. Kimberley is the co-founder of West Barn Co., the brand that penetrated the beauty industry with the groundbreaking SoapBrows. Kimberley has also recently founded SB1 Group. SB1 Group, under Kimberley's leadership, is dedicated to elevating brands in the dynamic retail space. Kimberley also owns W

Claire Dodds: Adding Value Through Innovative HR   

May 21 2024 36 mins  
In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Claire Dodds. Claire works alongside Louise at Oculus HR. She is an experienced HR professional and CIPD member and has been working in HR for over 25 years with specific industry experience in Retail, Software Technology and the Automotive industry. Claire enjoys building relationships and supports employers with a

Dr Max Draper: Understanding Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Apr 30 2024 50 mins  
What is testosterone replacement therapy? In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Dr Max Draper. Dr. Max is the lead clinician at Alphagenix. Alphagenix are passionate about improving the quality of life for men nationwide through education, investigation, diagnosis and the treatment of low testosterone levels. Dr. Max is a qualified doctor and passiona

Dr Jennifer Cottam: Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Apr 09 2024 38 mins  
In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Dr Jennifer Cottam.Jennifer is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Talk Works. She is serious about making services accessible, which is why, in 2014, Talk Works was set up to give rapid access to mental health support to many. Jennifer’s qualifications include the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a post

Victoria Bond: The Strength of Surveys in the Workplace

Mar 19 2024 43 mins  
What benefits can an employee survey bring to your company?   In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Victoria Bond.   Victoria is the CEO and Founder of Ten Space. The Ten Space survey platform provides a data-driven approach for HR professionals to easily design, gather and analyse high-quality feedback.  Followin

Sarah Hamilton-Gill: Leap into HR Consulting

Mar 05 2024 39 mins  
Have you ever thought about starting your own HR consultancy?     In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD.   Sarah is a highly acclaimed HR Consultant and business owner with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is the UK's leading mentor for HR consultants and the founder of Le

Dulcie Swanston: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Feb 20 2024 46 mins  
Can the way we are treated at work influence our productivity?   In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by FCIPD and MBA Business Coach & Mentor, Dulcie Swanston.   Dulcie has over 20 years’ experience in the FTSE 100/250 with powerhouses like Bass and Mitchells & Butlers Plc, and she's not just a Master Executive Coach, b

Alison Dunn: The Cost-of-Living Crisis

Feb 06 2024 34 mins  
The cost-of-living crisis affects us all, but how does it affect us in the workplace? In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by committed social justice advocate; Alison Dunn.   Alison has been the Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2012 and has led the independent charity to support hundreds of thousands of peopl