Heart at Work with Trina Sunday

Hosted by Trina Sunday

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

Heart at Work with Trina Sunday is a podcast for HR leaders and change-makers who believe there is a braver way to lead work and feel energised to step into it. Hosted by human-first leadership strategist and creator of the HEART Work™ model, Trina Sunday draws on more than 25 years of experience across Australia, Asia, and global leadership communities to explore what it truly takes to build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. This is not about policy updates or buzzwords. It is about the conversations that matter: influence, culture under pressure, leadership courage, and the behaviours that shape how work actually feels. At the heart of it all is one relentless question: What are the real conditions for people to experience happiness at work? Through honest reflections and global perspectives, Trina helps HR move from compliance to courageous influence, because there is no profit without a pulse. If you are ready to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion, you are in the right place. Because HR has a new future. And it leads with heart.

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60 recent

August 9, 2026Episode 6536 min

65. The Lion, The Beaver and the Future of Leadership

What if HR's greatest strength isn't learning to roar, but having the courage to redesign work? For years, I've encouraged HR leaders to build commercial credibility and earn influence. But after seeing a leadership campaign centred on the phrase Hear Me Roar, I found myself asking a much bigger question. Is becoming louder really the future of our profession, or have we been chasing the wrong leadership model all along? In this episode, I talk about why the best HR leaders I've worked with don't dominate conversations. They redesign systems. Drawing inspiration from lions, beavers, elephants and even forests, I question why influence isn't about volume. It's about creating workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. If you've ever wondered what modern HR leadership should really look like, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and encourage you to ask better questions. I'd love to hear your thoughts. If this episode sparked a new way of thinking, what leadership metaphor best represents the future of HR for you? And what do you think HR should become famous for? Let's continue the conversation by connecting with me on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES : https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

July 26, 2026Episode 6416 min

64. The Missing Ecosystem - Why HR Needs Reflective Practice

What if the biggest thing missing from HR isn't another qualification, but a space to reflect? In this episode, I share one of the biggest insights I took away from the People Unconference. What began as an event designed to bring HR leaders together became something much bigger. It challenged my own thinking about what our profession has been missing and why knowledge alone isn't enough to create meaningful change. I share why reflective practice has long been recognised in professions like psychology and healthcare, and why HR leaders deserve the same opportunity to pause, think and make sense of the emotionally complex work they do every day. I also share the powerful conversations sparked by Michelle Redfern, Kelly Swingler and Dom Thurbon, and how those discussions reinforced the importance of courage, community and honest self-reflection. If you've ever felt like you're carrying the weight of supporting everyone else while having nowhere to process your own challenges, this episode is for you. You'll leave with a different perspective on professional development, leadership and what the future of HR could look like when we intentionally create spaces where people can think, reflect and grow together. What does reflective practice look like for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Let's continue the conversation and connect with me on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

July 12, 2026Episode 6348 min

63. Allyship Is a Skill, Not an Identity with Lee Chambers

What if allyship wasn't about good intentions, but about building practical skills that create real change? What does meaningful allyship look like in today's workplaces? In this episode, I sit down with Lee Chambers, founder and CEO of Male Allies UK, to talk about how we move beyond performative diversity initiatives and create genuine shared accountability. We discuss why allyship is a skill that can be learned, why men have a critical role in advancing gender equity, and how curiosity can help us bridge division. We also look at the challenges facing the next generation, the impact of AI and online influence on boys and young men, and why human skills will become even more valuable in an increasingly technological world. Lee shares practical insights for leaders who want to build more inclusive, courageous and human-centred workplaces. I'd love to know your thoughts. How are you building allyship in your workplace, and what's one conversation you think leaders need to have more often? Connect with me on LinkedIn and let's continue the discussion. SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

June 28, 2026Episode 6229 min

62. Who Gets to Decide What's Professional?

What if the behaviours we label as "unprofessional" are really just challenges to outdated workplace assumptions? In this episode, I talk about one of the most accepted yet least questioned ideas in the workplace: professionalism. From tattoos and babies at interviews to executive F-bombs, workplace romances and even a lawyer appearing in court as a cat. I take a closer look at how our understanding of professionalism has changed over time and why it continues to evolve. Along the way, I share personal stories from my own career and challenge some of the assumptions many of us have inherited without ever stopping to question them. You'll learn why professionalism is often less about conduct and more about conformity, how workplace norms are shaped by power and social expectations, and why HR leaders have a responsibility to separate genuine behavioural concerns from outdated ideas about who belongs. If we're serious about building the future of work, we need to become more curious about the assumptions we're protecting and more willing to challenge them. I'd love to hear your thoughts. What workplace assumption do you think is overdue for a rethink? And when was the last time you questioned a workplace norm simply because "that's how it's always been done"? Connect with me on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

June 14, 2026Episode 6114 min

61. Over-Intellectualism is Ruining Our Workplaces

Have workplaces become so focused on sounding intelligent that they’ve forgotten how to truly connect? In this solo episode, I talk about why over-intellectualism is quietly damaging workplace culture. From endless frameworks and performative professionalism to over-analysis and emotionally detached leadership, I challenge why many organisations are losing the human connection people need to thrive. I question the growing obsession with credentials, why intelligence alone does not create trust, and how many workplaces reward people who sound smart instead of people who create healthy cultures. I also share why relational intelligence, emotional courage and grounded leadership may become the real competitive advantage in the age of AI. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by workplace jargon, frustrated by disconnected leadership, or hungry for more honest conversations at work, this episode will challenge your thinking in the best possible way. What do you think workplaces need more of right now, intelligence or humanity? I’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation with you on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

May 31, 2026Episode 6015 min

60. Better Rooms. Why HR Need Community More Than Ever

What if the thing sustaining great HR leaders isn’t resilience, but community? In this solo episode, I talk about why so many HR and people leaders feel emotionally isolated despite being constantly surrounded by people, meetings and professional networks. I talk about the hidden weight of people work, the science behind contribution and connection, and why genuine support systems matter more than ever in leadership. I also share why I believe the future of HR will be shaped less by bigger stages and more by better rooms. The kind of spaces where people stop performing, start connecting, and support each other through the real challenges of leadership. If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to hold people and performance together at the same time, this conversation is for you. What kind of support system do you have around you right now? And are you building the kind of community that helps people thrive, not just survive? I’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation with you on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

May 17, 2026Episode 5916 min

59. The Moment HR Stops Being Safe. A Story We Need to Sit With

What happens when someone does exactly what the system tells them to do, and the system still fails them? In this episode, I unpack Susan Fowler’s experience inside Uber and the leadership decisions that turned a report of sexual harassment into a full-scale culture and governance crisis. This is not just a conversation about one organisation. It’s a conversation about power, accountability, leadership and the moments where culture is shaped in real time. I talk about what happens when HR processes prioritise high performers over psychological safety, how language like “choice” can disguise unfair systems, and why small moments of inaction eventually become enterprise risk. If you lead people, influence culture or work in HR, this episode will challenge you to think differently about courage, responsibility and what human-first leadership looks like under pressure. What would you do if someone walked into your office with evidence and trusted you to act? Connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know your thoughts on this conversation SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

May 3, 2026Episode 5813 min

58. What Happens When Work Wants More and Gives Less?

Are you feeling like you’re giving more at work but getting less back? Something has shifted at work. You can feel it, I can too. And in this episode, I unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface. This isn’t just burnout. It’s something deeper. A quiet change in the deal between people and organisations that no one has clearly named. I walk through what the research is saying and what it means in real life. From rising expectations and shrinking support, to the growing pressure around AI and relevance. More importantly, I explore why people aren’t just tired, they’re starting to feel let down. If you’re an HR leader trying to make sense of the tension between performance and people, this will help you see it more clearly. And more importantly, decide what needs to change next. I’d love to hear your take. Are you seeing this shift too? What does the “deal” feel like in your organisation right now? Connect with me here on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

April 19, 2026Episode 5738 min

57. Change Makers - Why Are We So Afraid to Be One?

When was the last time you called yourself a change maker, and meant it? I’ve just come back from time at the United Nations and on the ground in Cambodia, and it left me sitting with one question. Why are we so hesitant to call ourselves change makers, especially when our work already shapes people’s lives every day? In this episode, I share what I witnessed in Cambodia. Real people doing real work in complex conditions. Not waiting for permission or chasing the perfect timing. Just showing up and staying with it. I talk about what that means for HR and business leaders in Australia, and why so many of our workplace solutions are still missing the point. If you’ve ever felt stuck between people and performance, or questioned whether you’re making a difference, this conversation will challenge you. I’ll walk you through practical ways to rethink leadership, capability, culture and what real change looks like in your organisation. What’s one practical step you could take this week to start? I’d love to hear your reflections. Come and connect with me on LinkedIn SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/

April 5, 2026Episode 5612 min

56. HR in a Volatile World: What Leaders Need to Understand About Risk, Power & Reality

What happens when the world feels unpredictable, and even showing up as yourself starts to feel risky? I’ve just come out of a week inside the United Nations, and what stayed with me wasn’t just the conversations on gender equality. It was something more personal. A moment where I questioned how safe it really is to fully show up, even in environments we assume are stable. In this episode, I talk about how global uncertainty is shaping psychological safety at work. Why geopolitics is no longer separate from the workplace, and what it means when people start editing themselves just to feel safe. This isn’t theory, this is already happening in our organisations. You’ll walk away with a sharper lens on power, safety, and leadership. I share the questions every HR leader should be asking right now. Because if we’re not paying attention to context, we’re leading in a version of reality that no longer exists. What does safety really look like in your organisation right now? Where might people be holding back more than you realise? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Connect with me on LinkedIn and continue the conversation SHOW NOTES: https://trinasunday.com/get-inspired/ Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence. Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/ Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/