The Louise Kennedy Podcast

Hosted by Louise Kennedy

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Louise Kennedy Podcast , the show that puts the human back into the heart of business. Hosted by award-winning HR expert and Oculus HR founder Louise Kennedy (FCIPD) , this podcast explores the real stories behind the processes. From navigating complex workplace problems to building future-ready cultures, Louise and her expert guests offer actionable advice for small business owners, large-scale leaders, and HR professionals alike. What to expect: This feed is home to deep-dive series designed to help you thrive in the modern world of work, including: Mind the Generation Gap: Our latest series exploring the fusion of technology, culture, and communication across different generations in the workplace. Real World HR: The foundation of our show, humanising HR topics like recruitment, mental health, and diversity and inclusion with direct, "no-nonsense" guidance. Whether you're looking to understand the digital habits of Gen Z or seeking specialist support for a growing team, this podcast gives you an inside look at the evolving world of people management. Ready to build a better workplace? Subscribe and join the conversation.

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34 recent

June 8, 202640 min

Is Gen Z actually lazy? (with Lewis Hutchinson)

Host Louise Kennedy is joined by Gen Z entrepreneur Lewis Hutchinson to dismantle the stereotypes surrounding the modern young professional. Rejecting the traditional university route, Lewis has carved a unique path through social strategy and software development by prioritising human connection and "failing fast".Key Discussion Points:Accidental Entrepreneurship: How Lewis built Cura by simply saying "yes" to a problem he didn't yet know how to solve.The "Fail Fast" Mantra: Building resilience through problem-solving and viewing every failure as a lesson.Managing Expectations: How employers can help Gen Z navigate "decision fatigue" and provide clear direction.The Power of In-Person Connection: Why a "coffee and a catch-up" is more valuable than any online meeting in a remote-first world.Lewis offers a refreshing perspective on what it takes to succeed today, from managing the pressures of the digital age to the drive for personal fulfilment and "bragging rights" in one’s career.About Our Guest:Lewis Hutchinson is a Newcastle-based digital strategist and entrepreneur. He currently serves as Social Media Strategist at the award-winning agency Bumbl. Driven by a "yes, can do" attitude and a passion for problem-solving, Lewis expanded into accidental entrepreneurship by creating Cura, a software development agency that provides booking systems for the hair and beauty industry.Join us as we bridge the gap and learn how to future-proof your business by embracing the drive and resilience of the next generation.Connect with Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-hutchinson-a49174229/

May 26, 202639 min

Why Esports is the Secret to Gen Z Employability (with Stephen Gallagher)

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy sits down with Stephen Gallagher, Commercial Vice President at the British Esports Federation, to explore how the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming is solving one of today's most pressing challenges: youth unemployment.While many dismiss gaming as just "kids in bedrooms," the UK esports industry is now a powerhouse, generating more annual income than the film and recorded music industries combined. Stephen discusses how esports serves as a vital "vehicle" to engage Gen Z and teach them high-level, transferable skills - from live broadcast production and graphic design to communication and strategic thinking.We dive into:The Power of Esports Education: How BTEC programs and the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland are preparing young people for the modern workforce.Bridging the Generational Divide: Why parents and employers must "own the responsibility" to understand what Gen Z is telling us through their passion for gaming.Economic Impact: The upcoming launch of the "British Arena" in Sunderland and its role as a multi-purpose venue for the city.Engaging the "Unengaged": How esports can be used by local authorities to reach unemployed youth and provide a path out of the benefits trap.Whether you are a parent wondering about your child’s future or a business leader looking to better manage Gen Z talent, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to future-proof our organisations by embracing the next generation’s interests.About our guest...Stephen Gallagher is the Commercial Vice President at the British Esports Federation, where he leads marketing and commercial growth in the booming esports sector. With over 25 years of experience in professional audio, broadcast, and creative technology, Stephen previously held senior roles at Mo-Sys Engineering and Canford, delivering advanced solutions for global projects like the World Cup.Connect with Stephen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-gallagher-80a58517/Website: British Esports Federation

May 11, 202634 min

Why Gen Z is Redefining Success in the Modern Workplace (with Issy Howell)

This episode of Mind the Generation Gap, hosted by Louise Kennedy, features guest Issy Howell from Howell Studios. Filmed on location at Howell Studios, the discussion explores the unique dynamics of running a family-owned creative agency and navigating the evolving landscape of digital content. Episode Highlights: Bridging the Digital Gap: Issy, sitting on the cusp of the Millennial and Gen Z generations, discusses acting as a bridge within her business. She combines her modern social media and content creation skills with her father’s extensive background in traditional design and print. Family Business Dynamics: Insights into the transition from family relationships to professional business partnerships, including the importance of setting strict boundaries and maintaining respectful communication. The Shift in Content Consumption: A look at how the creative industry transforms every 18 months, moving from single high-production corporate films to high-volume, multi-format digital content. Parenthood and Professional Identity: Issy candidly shares her journey as a self-employed mother, discussing the shift in motivation and identity that comes with parenthood and the value of a strong family support network. Redefining Success: A reflection on success as the freedom to be present with family, the pride in building a lasting legacy, and finding joy in one's talents. Connect with Issy Howell: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/issyhowell/ - Howell Studios: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-studiosuk/

May 4, 202639 min

Why Gen Z is Swapping Google for TikTok (with Eloise Armstrong)

In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, sits down with Eloise Armstrong - the self-described "Gen Z Queen" and creative force behind a thriving social media agency.Starting her business, The Very Social Media Girl, during the lockdown, Eloise has transformed a side project into an agency that works with global brands and major events like the Pride of Britain Awards. She shares her journey from a travel agency apprentice to a digital entrepreneur, offering a raw and honest look at what it truly means to be Gen Z in today's workplace.The conversation dives deep into the realities of a digital-native lifestyle, including:The Price of Success: The reality of 10-hour daily screen times and the constant struggle to ever truly "switch off" from work.Challenging Stereotypes: Tackling the "lazy" or "entitled" labels often given to her generation and the intense drive required to build an "empire".The Power of Authenticity: Why Gen Z values real content over corporate images and why businesses must be honest to maintain trust online.Entrepreneurial Mindset: How a "just winging it" attitude, combined with a passion for creative control, led her to choose self-employment over a traditional 9-to-5.About Eloise ArmstrongEloise Armstrong, also known as The Very Social Media Girl, is a social media specialist who helps brands master TikTok and Instagram through creative filming, editing, and content management. Driven by a desire for freedom, she has become a prominent voice for young entrepreneurs.Follow Eloise:Instagram: @theverysocialmediagirlTikTok: @theverysocialmediagirlFollow Mind the Generation Gap:Subscribe to hear more stories from business owners, educators, and the next generation as we explore how to bridge the gap and future-proof our businesses.Follow Louise:LinkedIn @louisekennedyInstagram @the.louisekennedy & @oculus_hr/

April 24, 202637 min

Why Gen Z is "Ignoring" Your Emails (with Steven Parker)

Is there a "Digital Gap" in your office? In the premiere episode of our new series, Mind the Generation Gap, Louise Kennedy sits down with Steven Parker, Managing Director of Phonetic Digital.As a tech-native generation enters the workforce, traditional communication is being turned on its head. Steven explores why your youngest employees might be avoiding their inboxes and how businesses can leverage the unique digital fluency of Gen Z to grow.In this episode, we discuss:The shift from "Analog" to "Digital Native" mindsets.Why "STOP sending emails" is more than just a catchy phrase - it’s a communication strategy.Practical advice for recruiters and business owners to bridge the generational divide.About Steven Parker: Steven is the MD of Phonetic Digital, a B Corp certified agency specialising in SEO and digital strategy.Website: https://phoneticdigital.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenparkerseo/Connect with Louise Kennedy:Website: https://thelouisekennedy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/

September 4, 202435 min

Louise Brown: Excelling in Employee Engagement

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Louise Brown. Louise Brown is Vice Principal Corporate Services at Wigan and Leigh College, a large General FE College in Greater Manchester, where she has been part of the senior leadership team for over 10 years, a portfolio that includes HR and the People Strategy, Estates, Capital Projects, Safeguarding, Additional Learning Support and charity fundraising. She is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and a qualified performance coach with NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming). Her recent work with the HR Team at the College has led to the team being shortlisted for the prestigious Personnel Today Awards in the Health and Wellbeing category. Louise is a key influencer to the work of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, including contributing to research papers, panel discussions, webinars and podcasts as well as supporting new and prospective members. Her activities in this area resulted in her being awarded the prestigious Greater Manchester Charter Leader of the Year Award in 2023. On the podcast, Louise chats to Louise about the employee engagement at the college, what their wellbeing initiatives are, and what it means to be part of the Manchester Good Employment Charter. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Louise Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-brown-fcipd-1a9140a8/ Wigan and Leigh College: https://www.wigan-leigh.ac.uk/ Manchester Good Employment Charter: https://www.gmgoodemploymentcharter.co.uk/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/

August 14, 202442 min

Natalie Collins: Empowering Women at Work

In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by Natalie Collins. Natalie is an international speaker and trainer on issues of violence against women and wider gender injustice. Having written numerous training programmes and resources for a wide range of audiences, she is regularly requested as an expert in the field of violence against women, focusing on consciousness and awareness raising, providing quality services to those who have experienced abuse and domestic abuse resources for young people. Her theory and practice is founded in direct work with survivors of abuse and was developed through strategic work with the statutory and voluntary sectors and working with perpetrators. On the podcast, Louise and Natalie chat about the amazing work that Natalie does, and how she helps to empower woman from all walks of life. Natalie also shares how she is working with businesses to provide courses for women to partake in, and why she thinks it should be more accessible for women to be able to access this training. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-j-chandler-ctg/ Website: https://www.nataliecollins.info/ Own My Life Course: https://www.ownmylifecourse.org/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Control-Couples-Conflict-Capacity/dp/0281078904 Resources: https://www.ownmylifediscovery.org/ Day Programme: https://www.dayprogramme.org/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/  Helplines: Findaway National Abuse HelplineRespect Helpline

July 24, 202437 min

Emma Chandler: Learning to PIVOT

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 in learning and development and is an accredited resilience coach. In 2018, Emma founded her business, HR and leadership consultancy, Choose to Grow. Choose to Grow are resilience experts providing executive coaching services and learning and development interventions to organisations. Emma created the PIVOT leadership programme, a unique leadership model which gives organisations a proven framework for leading change, so they can pivot as required and instil resilience in their teams. In 2023, Emma was included in the prestigious NatWest 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list. She was also named Best Coach at the 2022 Best Businesswomen Awards. On the podcast, Louise and Emma chat about Emma’s journey into leadership coaching and what she teaches on her PIVOT leadership programme. They also delve into the neuroscience of leadership and explore strategies for empowering leaders to maximise their team’s potential. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-j-chandler-ctg/ Website: https://www.choosetogrow.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotleadershipwithemma/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pivot-leadership-podcast/id1750924026 Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/

July 3, 202442 min

Fay Wallis: The Power of Coaching in HR

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 spending several years helping hundreds of people across many sectors and levels with their careers, she realised that she got the most joy from coaching HR and People professionals. So, in September 2022, she decided to focus all of her efforts on supporting them.On the podcast, Louise and Fay discuss Fay’s professional career from working in HR to becoming a coach. They also discuss the benefits that having a coach can bring, as well as deciphering the difference between coaches and mentors. Fay shares some brilliant tips on how to set goals and how this can hugely benefit not only your professional life, but your personal life too. Ready to step into the Real World of HR? ... Connect with Fay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faywallis/Website: https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/Podcast: https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/ Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/ Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/

June 12, 202448 min

Kimberley Cattin: Creating a Family Culture

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 WBCo Clinic, a luxury aesthetics clinic in Durham offering a range of treatments to help clients on their journey with skin and ageing. As an entrepreneur, Kimberley has built strong, dedicated teams which she describes as ‘family’.On the podcast, Louise and Kimberley delve into Kimberley’s entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of her business as needs and demands have changed. They discuss culture and talk about the things that Kimberley thinks are most important to ensure a brilliant team dynamic within her businesses. She also discusses the lessons she’s learnt and shares tips on how to hire well. Ready to step into the Real World of HR?    ... Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-cattin-188805a6/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberleyccattin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== SB1 Group: https://www.sb1group.com/ Find out more about Oculus HR: https://oculus-hr.co.uk/  Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekennedyfcipd/  Are you interested in finding out what your HR health score is? Take our FREE healthcheck now to receive your personalised report: https://oculushr-health-check-linkedin.scoreapp.com/