Insight with HReSource

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Nov 2023

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Our aim is to better understand the roles and experience of successful individuals in a variety of fields to help those who lead and manage companies improve their own and others productivity and performance. Honest, open, insightful and entertaining conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, highly regarded broadcasters and acknowledged specialists in their fields. An ideal podcast for those seeking inspiration, ideas, reassurance or simply a better understanding of our guest's experiences.

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November 14, 2023Episode 22 min

[Pod Peek - Trailer] Leading by Example - Dr James Cusack

A brief 2 minute peek into the wonderful conversation with Dr James Cusack - Full Episode - Episode 2 of series 7. Bio – Dr James Cusack, CEO - ⁠Autistica⁠ In 2015 James became the national autism charity, ⁠Autistica’s, ⁠Director of Science. During this time, he has been at the heart of the charity’s growth and impact, including devising and overseeing its national research network; identifying, supporting and funding high-impact scientific studies; making Autistica a global leader in authentic community involvement and making health inequalities a priority for the charity, its beneficiaries and governments around the world. In August 2020 James became the first openly autistic charity CEO and leads the world-renowned organisation. Before joining Autistica, James had a successful career working for the ⁠University of Aberdeen⁠ in autism research. James has a degree in psychology, a PhD in Biological Motion perception and undertook post-doctorate research with the University of Aberdeen before joining Autistica and being recognised as a rising star by the ⁠Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) ⁠and named in ⁠The Shaw Trust 100 Disability Power 100⁠ a list of the most influential disabled in the UK. Throughout his career as a researcher and with Autistica, James has championed the needs and rights of those diagnosed with autism. James most recently unveiled ambitious goals that aim to transform the future of autistic people by 2030. Podcast Outline • Early Years & Influences • Career Path • ⁠Dame Stephanie Shirley⁠ - The Autistica Story • Autism and Leadership • Neurodiversity in the Workplace • ⁠The Future - 2030⁠ • Sharing an insight that could help others in a leadership role

November 14, 2023Episode 246 min

Leading by Example - Dr James Cusack

Bio – Dr James Cusack, CEO - Autistica In 2015 James became the national autism charity, Autistica’s, Director of Science. During this time, he has been at the heart of the charity’s growth and impact, including devising and overseeing its national research network; identifying, supporting and funding high-impact scientific studies; making Autistica a global leader in authentic community involvement and making health inequalities a priority for the charity, its beneficiaries and governments around the world. In August 2020 James became the first openly autistic charity CEO and leads the world-renowned organisation. Before joining Autistica, James had a successful career working for the University of Aberdeen in autism research. James has a degree in psychology, a PhD in Biological Motion perception and undertook post-doctorate research with the University of Aberdeen before joining Autistica and being recognised as a rising star by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) and named in The Shaw Trust 100 Disability Power 100 a list of the most influential disabled in the UK. Throughout his career as a researcher and with Autistica, James has championed the needs and rights of those diagnosed with autism. James most recently unveiled ambitious goals that aim to transform the future of autistic people by 2030. Podcast Outline • Early Years & Influences • Career Path • Dame Stephanie Shirley - The Autistica Story • Autism and Leadership • Neurodiversity in the Workplace • The Future - 2030 • Sharing an insight that could help others in a leadership role • Close

September 11, 2023Episode 11 hr 1 min

100% Fluff-Free, Equity Diversity & Inclusion with Sue Johnson

Series 7 (Leadership) - Episode 1. 100% Fluff-Free ED&I Sue Johnson Our guest, Sue Johnson, has had a fascinating and very successful career, from the shop floor, and supply chain to becoming a leading voice in all matters concerning diversity and inclusion. She’s working with corporations around the world. Sue has a direct, engaging and highly effective way of covering key aspects, of what can lead to challenging introspection within the boardroom. She is highly adept at conveying the importance of introducing an effective Equity Diversity and Inclusion strategy within a business. A podcast that is well worth a listen if ED&I is on your to-do list, for improvement, implementation or review. Content · Early Years & Influences · Sue’s Career path Nestle, PwC, Odgers Berndston · What is EDI and why is it important for employers? · Examples of EDI failures, and how not to do it. · A word about being “fluff-free”. · Addressing bias, unconscious or conscious · Advantages of a proactive approach · Recruiting for success · The future – where should we be in 5 years? · A lesson learnt/ single insight to share that could help others. Q&A - A sample of the questions provided by our audience ahead of recording the podcast. A big thank you to all who submitted their questions. Q1. Holly Marsh, Talent Development Manager in London asks - "Many organisations use apprenticeships as a tool to bring in new talent and diversify the workforce. What are the the main challenges associated with this and what solutions can be put in place?" Q2. Kiera in Birmingham asks "Can you give an example of how you make your direct reports feel a sense of inclusion, belonging, and equity on a daily basis?" Bio ⁠– Sue Johnson⁠ Sue Johnson is the Managing Partner of ⁠Inclusion & Diversity Consulting at Odgers Berndtson⁠. Having spent the first 15 years of her career in Operations and Sales, Sue has first-hand knowledge and experience of how and why Inclusion & Diversity, as an integral part of the organisation DNA, will step change business performance. Prior to joining the Odgers Berndtson group, Sue was the Global Chief Diversity Officer for the Nestle group, and then led the Inclusion client practice at PwC Switzerland. Sue has worked cross-industry and cross-border, with clients from: Private banking, Sporting organisations, Pharma & Life science, Humanitarian sector, FMCG and Life sciences. Sue is a renowned and passionate advocate for Inclusion and has spoken at the United Nations, Catalyst, women’s forum etc. and specialises on educating Executives, guiding, and challenging them to deliver results as organisations embark on their journey of cultural change. Sue is ensconced into Warwickshire village life, being a School Governor (a much easier task in some ways than running the PTA!), writing grant letters to rebuild the local scout hut (£24k down this year, £41 to go), baking cakes for the local Library café, entering multiple categories in the village show and playing for the local B tennis team - whilst spending as much time as possible on adventures with her kids. Nestlé: Good food, Good life | Nestlé Global PwC UK - Building relationships, creating value Executive Search and Recruitment - UK & International | Odgers Berndtson IDCN - Home

September 8, 2023Episode 13 min

100% Fluff Free - Sue Johnson on Equity Diversity & Inclusion - Pod Peek Trailer

Get a flavour of our fabulous chat with Sue Johnson, covering key aspects and the importance of introducing an effective Equity Diversity and Inclusion strategy within your business. Full episode release date - 11th September. · Early Years & Influences · Career path · What is EDI and why is it important for employers? · Examples of EDI failures, how not to do it. · A word about being “fluff free”. · Addressing bias, unconscious or conscious · Advantages of a proactive approach · Recruiting for success · The future – where should we be in 10 years? · A lesson learnt/ single insight to share that could help others. Bio ⁠– Sue Johnson⁠ Sue Johnson is the Managing Partner of ⁠Inclusion & Diversity Consulting at Odgers Berndtson⁠. Having spent the first 15 years of her career in Operations and Sales, Sue has first-hand knowledge and experience of how and why Inclusion & Diversity, as an integral part of the organisation DNA, will step change business performance. Prior to joining the Odgers Berndtson group, Sue was the Global Chief Diversity Officer for the Nestle group, and then led the Inclusion client practice at PwC Switzerland. Sue has worked cross-industry and cross-border, with clients from: Private banking, Sporting organisations, Pharma & Life science, Humanitarian sector, FMCG and Life sciences. Sue is a renowned and passionate advocate for Inclusion and has spoken at the United Nations, Catalyst, women’s forum etc. and specialises on educating Executives, guiding, and challenging them to deliver results as organisations embark on their journey of cultural change. Sue is ensconced into Warwickshire village life, being a School Governor (a much easier task in some ways than running the PTA!), writing grant letters to rebuild the local scout hut (£24k down this year, £41 to go), baking cakes for the local Library café, entering multiple categories in the village show and playing for the local B tennis team - whilst spending as much time as possible on adventures with her kids.

June 14, 202340 min

Risk, Recovery and Lessons - Life After Covid with Sarah Daniels

In this special episode we meet hugely experienced and successful business owner and Health & Safety Consultant Sarah Daniels. Sarah appeared as one of our contributors to offer thoughts on the HReSource survey and our conversation proved one that deserved airing in full...so here it is. We cover a range of issues from workloads to the Governments response to Covid-19 and the subsequent lessons we should be learning. BIO Sarah Daniels Supercharged and pragmatic Risk Management Practitioner, with big hair, she loves chocolate, Cake and Gin & laughs like a Dragon! Sarah is a Chartered Practitioner by profession. She founded the bespoke Health and Safety Consultancy The RedCat Partnership Ltd in 1999, after she found that helping people suited her skill set & personality more than the Enforcement work, she was doing! As if running one business wasn’t enough, she opened No8 Thorpe Road a shared office space back in 2014 before hybrid working was a real thing! Like RedCat No8 has exceptional sustainability credentials, and a personal service. Enabling Sarah to have the workspace she has always desired. If Sarah wasn’t helping folks with their Risk Management, she would be a florist, or a gardener preferably living in Northern Portugal. https://www.redcatpartnership.co.uk/

June 2, 202344 min

The HReSource Survey 2023 - Revealing Insights from UK Business Owners, Directors & HR Specialists

This video features three individuals who have reviewed this years survey and work directly with HR teams across the UK. Each provides a view on key aspects of the findings. Innes Clark - Head of Employment at Morton Fraser Lucy Cotterell - HR Consultant at Mogers Drewett Sarah Daniels - Health & Safety Consultant at The RedCat Partnership Business owners have faced more challenges and changes over the past three years than any time in living memory. Each decade presents its own issues. In recent history, The financial crisis of 2008/9 and the subsequent recession were certainly no easy ride. To obtain a copy of the survey email info@hresource.co.uk The recession of 2008 was tough, however, combining the impact of global and local events we can start to put the past three years into perspective. We’ve had to deal with Covid-19, the aftermath of Brexit, global warming, the largest European conflict since the end of world war two, the resultant energy crisis, inflation and subsequent rapid rise in interest rates leading to a cost-of-living crisis and widespread industrial action. It all adds up to a bitter cocktail of pain and uncertainty for business owners and their employees. For this year’s HReSource survey respondents were asked to submit their insights across a wide variety of topical issues impacting the productivity and overall performance of their respective organisations. The objective was to understand the response to those challenges and informed views on immediate actions and priorities as they prepare for yet another difficult year. The results highlight the need for businesses to remain agile and connected to their workforce. Headline findings feature the highest-ranked priorities for 2023. The greatest challenges facing employers. Plus this year’s report also highlights the distinct shift in priorities of employers in the UK, notable when we contrast with findings from pre-pandemic surveys. HR professionals are at the sharp end of tackling the issues arising out of the mix of local, national, and global events. Unsurprisingly those reporting an increase in workload stand at 81% with those stating a “significant rise in workload” increasing by 44% over our 2018 survey. These findings reflect the difficulties employers are having in retaining talent and subsequently resourcing appropriate replacements. Julie Ouzman Group HR Director at Holdcroft Motor Group, Stoke-on-Trent, confirmed, “Retention of staff will be our greatest challenge this year due to pay and working patterns for certain roles within the company. The opportunity will be to grow our own 'apprenticeship scheme' for technicians across the group.” Ceri Mallon, HR Manager at Everun, Belfast, on the topic of challenges ahead added, “Retaining key employees as the business grows - important to ensure that we keep experience and knowledge within the business as we onboard new employees.” Innes Clark, Head of Employment Law at Morton Fraser LLP commented "It is very interesting to see that almost a quarter of respondents selected Flexible Working as the area of law they would like to have reviewed. Whilst the Government is due to implement reforms to this area it is unlikely that these will satisfy employers given that the proposed changes are largely employee rather than employer friendly." David Laud of HReSource commented on the findings, “Business owners need to move swiftly, adapt to remain resilient and deliver their plans. Those that succeed will be organisations that demonstrate agility and an ability to flex with the trends accelerated by recent world events.” The answer may not be as simple as implementing a 4-day week, which most respondents will consider over the next two years. What is clear is that doing nothing and expecting things to improve could be a highly risky strategy.

January 30, 2023Episode 154 min

Unbelievable with Ian Dench

In this episode of Insight we meet someone I’ve not seen, in the flesh, for over 40 years. We were at school together, a Grammar school in Gloucester of which he is now rightly regarded as one their high achiever alumni. After exams one of us formed a punk then indie band, getting signed by Virgin and the other joined an insurance company…  My guest has had a quite the career, not least because he penned and performed one of the all time classic alternative rock tracks “Unbelievable” but essentially he didn’t rest on his laurels and has gone on to work and continue to collaborate with some of the biggest stars in the music industry. Bio – Ian Dench Ian Dench is a highly successful and critically acclaimed musician and songwriter. He originally found fame as the guitarist and primary songwriter for the electronic rock band EMF, best known for their 1991 hit "Unbelievable”. The band enjoyed eight top 30 hits in the UK Singles Chart and three UK top 30 albums. Of course, “Unbelievable” was the big hit, making no.3 in the UK charts and no.1 in the US. His song writing talent has earned both Golden Globe and Grammy nominations for his work on Beyonce’s "Once In a Lifetime." He also won an Ivor Novello award for composing Beautiful Liar, performed by Beyonce and Shakira, in the Best-Selling British Song Category, 2008. As is often the case successful song writing can result from the spark of collaboration and Ian has worked on a number of joint projects notably with music executive and composer Amanda Ghost. His career in music has also included time as an industry exec as Vice President in charge of A&R at Epic Records in New York. Before Fame Ian attended The Crypt Grammar School in Gloucester from 1975, where one year at Prizegiving, his chosen prize of "100 Greatest Rock Licks" was somewhat frowned upon. Ian began his music career with Gloucester punk band Curse. He later became a member of the bands Apple Mosaic (signed with Virgin Music), EMF and Whistler. Trivia His guitar riff for "Unbelievable" was named as one of the 100 Greatest Guitar Riffs by BBC Radio 2 in 2014. Family Life He learned classical guitar from his father, Harold Dench. Also Associated With Ian has worked with many artists in addition to Beyoncé and Shakira these include Brian Eno, Tom Jones, Dido, Ian Brown, Amanda Ghost, Florence and the Machine, Texas, Sub Focus, Beverley Knight, Alesha Dixon, All Saints, Tina Arena, Boy George, Daniel Merriweather and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. Ian Dench – Twitter @liveid6 Outline · Early years - Cheltenham · School – prize giving and beyond choosing a career path · Musical influences · Punk, Curse and Apple Mosaic · EMF origin story – honorary forester · Writing, rehearsing, and releases · Chart success and dealing with fame, fans, friends and family · Sustaining the band, brand and business · Creative collaborations – Amanda Ghost · VP A&R New York - Epic Records · LGM Records, Sine Digital Marketing Agency · Future plans and projects · A lesson learnt/ insight to share that could help others.

January 30, 2023Episode 12 min

POD PEEK - Unbelievable with Ian Dench

POD PEEK - Extracts from the full 50 minute podcast Bio – Ian Dench Ian Dench is a highly successful and critically acclaimed musician and songwriter. He originally found fame as the guitarist and primary songwriter for the electronic rock band EMF, best known for their 1991 hit "Unbelievable”. The band enjoyed eight top 30 hits in the UK Singles Chart and three UK top 30 albums. Of course, “Unbelievable” was the big hit, making no.3 in the UK charts and no.1 in the US. His song writing talent has earned both Golden Globe and Grammy nominations for his work on Beyonce’s "Once In a Lifetime." He also won an Ivor Novello award for composing Beautiful Liar, performed by Beyonce and Shakira, in the Best-Selling British Song Category, 2008. As is often the case successful song writing can result from the spark of collaboration and Ian has worked on a number of joint projects notably with music executive and composer Amanda Ghost. His career in music has also included time as an industry exec as Vice President in charge of A&R at Epic Records in New York. Before Fame Ian attended The Crypt Grammar School in Gloucester from 1975, where one year at Prizegiving, his chosen prize of "100 Greatest Rock Licks" was somewhat frowned upon. Ian began his music career with Gloucester punk band Curse. He later became a member of the bands Apple Mosaic (signed with Virgin Music), EMF and Whistler. Trivia His guitar riff for "Unbelievable" was named as one of the 100 Greatest Guitar Riffs by BBC Radio 2 in 2014. Family Life He learned classical guitar from his father, Harold Dench. Also Associated With Ian has worked with many artists in addition to Beyoncé and Shakira these include Brian Eno, Tom Jones, Dido, Ian Brown, Amanda Ghost, Florence and the Machine, Texas, Sub Focus, Beverley Knight, Alesha Dixon, All Saints, Tina Arena, Boy George, Daniel Merriweather and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. Ian Dench – Twitter @liveid6 Outline · Early years - Cheltenham · School – prize-giving and beyond choosing a career path · Musical influences · Punk, Curse and Apple Mosaic · EMF origin story – honorary forester · Writing, rehearsing, and releases · Chart success and dealing with fame, fans, friends and family · Sustaining the band, brand and business · Creative collaborations – Amanda Ghost · VP A&R New York - Epic Records · LGM Records, Sine Digital Marketing Agency · Future plans and projects · A lesson learnt/ insight to share that could help others.

January 17, 2023Episode 51 hr 5 min

There is Nothing For You Here - Dr. Fiona Hill

In this episode, we meet a guest whose career is one that can only leave us, mere mortals, in awe.  A stellar career made all the more remarkable for our guest’s very humble yet wonderfully grounded starting point. Dr Fiona Hill worked as an intelligence analyst for George W. Bush and Barack Obama and in 2017 was invited in to work with a 3rd president and ultimately provide a witness testimony at Donal Trump's impeachment hearing. Dr Hill’s latest book, “There is nothing for you here” uses as its title a phrase from her dad Alf, an ex-miner, who simply wanted the best for his bright inquisitive and determined daughter. A bonus point for anyone who guesses the word missing from the book title phrase, the clue is that Fiona is from County Durham. If I tell you it took 12 months to arrange this chat you’ll appreciate how very much in demand our guest is. I can also confirm it was most certainly worth the wait. Bio – Dr Fiona Hill the Robert Bosch Senior Fellow at the Center on the United States and Europe in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution.  Fiona is also the newly appointed Chancellor of Durham University. From 2017 to 2019, she served as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council. From 2006 to 2009, she served as a national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council. She has researched and published extensively on issues related to Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, regional conflicts, energy, and strategic issues. Co-author of Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin and The Siberian Curse: How Communist Planners Left Russia Out in the Cold, she holds a master's degree in Soviet studies and a doctorate in history from Harvard University and a master's in Russian and modern history from St. Andrews University in Scotland. She also has pursued studies at Moscow's Maurice Thorez Institute of Foreign Languages. Hill is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and lives in the Washington, DC, area. “There Is Nothing For You Here” Dr Fiona Hill’s latest book Fiona grew up in a world of terminal decay. The last of the local mines had closed, businesses were shuttering, and despair was etched on the faces around her. Her father urged her to get out of their blighted corner of northern England: "There is nothing for you here, pet," he said. The coal miner's daughter managed to go further than he ever could have dreamed. She studied in Moscow and at Harvard, became an American citizen, and served three U.S. Presidents. But in the heartlands of both Russia and the United States, she saw troubling reflections of her hometown and similar populist impulses. By the time she offered her brave testimony in the first impeachment inquiry of President Trump, Hill knew that the desperation of forgotten people was driving American politics over the brink--and that we were running out of time to save ourselves from Russia's fate. In this powerful, deeply personal account, she shares what she has learned, and shows why expanding opportunity is the only long-term hope for our democracy. Find out more about our guest Dr. Fiona Hill: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/fiona-hill/ Dr. Hill’s Latest Book: There’s Nothing For You Here https://www.brookings.edu/books/there-is-nothing-for-you-here-finding-opportunity-in-the-twenty-first-century/

November 4, 2022Episode 459 min

The Art of Conservation with Sophie Green

Sophie Green – Artivist, Business Owner  In this episode of Insight, we meet the inspirational artist Sophie Green.   From an early age, Sophie expressed a love for animals of all kinds, at one time thoughts of becoming a vet seemed entirely possible.  Instead of following that love of animals, Sophie started her career as a primary school teacher but soon realised that as much as she loved the children and colleagues it was far from the path she felt destined to follow.   With guidance from her brother, himself a talented artist Sophie grew in confidence in developing her own photorealist portraits of the World's most precious and endangered species.  Social media posts of time-lapse excerpts of her work have helped grow Sophie's following and this is enhanced by her passionate motivation to raise awareness of the plight of creatures once considered common-place now dwindling in number due to human intervention, poachers, global warming and the land grabbing of their homes.  Sophie also reveals another side of her career where she auditioned and stood in as body double on some of the biggest films of the past decade.  This a fascinating conversation we're sure you'll enjoy.  NB: There is a slight echo to Sophie's recording as she is literally in an art gallery amongst her own work during the recording.  Links Website: https://www.sophiegreenfineart.com/works Impermanence  Project: https://go.rallyup.com/impermanence-project-fund/Campaign/Details  Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophiegreenart  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiegreenfineart/  Linktree: https://t.co/YYHvDsCxWI  Bio: Sophie Green  Sophie Green is a fine artist from the UK who lives in East Sussex. She specialises in capturing the photorealistic details of animals and their surroundings using acrylic paint and pencil. She has dedicated her time and artistic work to raising awareness for issues surrounding animal welfare and the environment. Sophie is primarily known for her incredibly photo-realistic portraits of many of the planet's endangered species. She combines the production of her fine art with animal welfare and animal rights activism not least by donating 10% of sales to charities supporting these causes. After receiving a first-class Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Brighton, Sophie initially began her career by teaching in a primary school in the south of England.  The life of a teacher was soon overtaken by Sophie’s art becoming more widely recognised alongside her concerns and need to safeguard an ever-growing list of endangered animals. Despite the workload, Sophie did find time to create an online art gallery and art store, Art Basket.  She initially started the company with the intention of opening a more 'curated' platform for independent Artists to both showcase and sell their work. Content: · Early years and Influences · Teaching · Building a Following · Creativity and Wellbeing · Importance of Artivism, Conservation and Making a Difference