HR is an incredibly rewarding profession, tackling some of the most pressing workplace challenges, from navigating layoffs to meeting the high expectations of leaders and employees. But this kind of work can take a toll.

In this episode, we speak with Dr Adam Fraser, peak performance researcher and workplace wellbeing expert, to explore how HR can care for their own mental health and wellbeing as they navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.

In this episode, you'll learn how Dr Fraser's research on vicarious trauma in the education sector can be applied to HR , along with some valuable, research-backed tips to help manage your mental health.

How can HR care for their own mental health?

In this episode, Ravin Jesuthasan, global thought leader and Senior Partner and Global Leader for Transformation Services at Mercer, talks about how HR practitioners can navigate the evolving skills landscape.

You'll learn how to take advantage of the shift towards skills-based hiring, how AI might reinvent the graduate-level position, and models and frameworks to think about skills and job design as a small, medium or large-sized business.


SHOW NOTES
🧠 Learning opportunities
Sign up to AHRI's National Convention and Exhibition⁠ in Melbourne on 20-22 August to hear more from Ravin Jesuthasan – ⁠https://bit.ly/45KzEbX⁠

Sign up for AHRI's new short course, GenAI Integration Essentials – ⁠https://bit.ly/4bAMuuk⁠

📚 Further reading
Read AHRI's latest skills research paper – ⁠https://bit.ly/3zB4AiP ⁠
Learn more about Ravin's books here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4bDgfej⁠

Read this article where Ravin talks about the future of leadership skills – ⁠https://bit.ly/4bCLDtt⁠

⭐ Member-exclusive content
Join the ⁠AHRI LinkedIn Lounge⁠ to connect with your peers and for access to a bonus episode from Ravin.

🤳 Connect with us

⁠Connect with AHRI on LinkedIn⁠: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/110484/admin/feed/posts/⁠

Connect with Ravin Jesuthasan: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/ravinjesuthasan/ ⁠
Visit Ravin's website: ⁠www.ravinjesuthasan.com/

Navigating the evolving skills landscape

HR practitioners are often tasked with 'fixing' cultural issues, but as Siobhan McHale, Executive General Manager of People, Culture, and Change at Dulux, asserts, they are actually the culture leaders. 

They set the stage and equip leaders and managers with the tools needed to authentically and effectively embody organisational values.

In this episode, you'll discover:
* How to frame HR roles for greater impact at the executive level

* Ways to embrace group intelligence within organisations

* Insights into her seven-year culture transformation project at ANZ Bank, turning it from Australia's worst-performing financial institution to one of the best

SHOW NOTES

🧠 Learning opportunities

Sign up to AHRI's National Convention and Exhibition⁠ in Melbourne on 20-22 August to hear more from Siobhan McHale – ⁠https://bit.ly/45KzEbX⁠

📚 Further reading

Learn more about Siobhan's books here: https://bit.ly/3Wi8DrJ

Read this article where Siobhan shares more details about how to become a culture transformer: https://bit.ly/4d7zkWU 

⭐ Member-exclusive content

Join the ⁠AHRI LinkedIn Lounge⁠ to connect with your peers and for access to a member-exclusive bonus episode.

🤳 Connect with us

⁠Connect with AHRI on LinkedIn⁠: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahri


Connect with Siobhan McHale on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mchalesiobhan/

Visit Siobhan's website: ⁠⁠https://www.siobhanmchale.com/

How HR practitioners can become culture leaders

Around 15% of the population identify as neurodivergent. However, this is sometimes invisible within organisations, often because employees don't feel safe enough to disclose their neurodivergence to their employer. 


In this episode, we speak with Aron Mercer, founding team member at Xceptional, a social enterprise that creates meaningful careers for neurodivergent individuals, about how to create safe, neuro-inclusive cultures.


In this episode, you'll learn:
How to combat the fear of getting it wrong.
Practical ways that HR practitioners can factor neurodiversity inclusion into the employee lifecycle.
How to avoid tokenistic initiatives and instead have a meaningful, positive impact on employees' experience at work.



SHOW NOTES
📄 Resources


Download ⁠free resources⁠, such as a language and onboarding guide, from Xceptional's website: https://bit.ly/3WRkNts


⭐ Member exclusive resources


AHRI members can log into their ⁠member dashboard⁠ and find useful neurodiversity resources via AHRI:ASSIST.


AHRI members also have access to an exclusive bonus episode where Aron and Beth discuss the importance of considering intersectionality when supporting neurodivergent employees. Log into your ⁠AHRI member dashboard⁠ to access.


Join the ⁠AHRI LinkedIn Lounge⁠ to discuss this topic with your fellow members and HR peers: https://bit.ly/4fuBEJI


📚 Further reading
⁠Unemployment rate⁠ for Autistic adults in Australia: https://bit.ly/3YDA2Ho


⁠Weapons of Math Destruction⁠ by Cathy O'Neil.


⁠Busting 5 myths about neurodiversity in the workplace ⁠(HRMOnline): https://bit.ly/3LP6SOd


⁠How to support employees living with ADHD ⁠(HRMOnline): https://bit.ly/3yr7PsL


⁠Developing an Autism talent program⁠ (HRMOnline): https://bit.ly/3yuj5on


⁠How to make your onboarding more inclusive ⁠(HRMOnline): https://bit.ly/3SzeHeo


⁠Supporting employees living with Autism⁠ (HRMOnline): https://bit.ly/3SCroVQ


🤳Connect with us


Connect with ⁠Aron Mercer on LinkedIn⁠: https://bit.ly/3yujdUT



Connect with ⁠AHRI on LinkedIn⁠: www.linkedin.com/company/ahri


Visit the ⁠Xceptional website⁠: https://bit.ly/4dtQVst

Creating inclusive cultures for neurodivergent employees with Aron Mercer

As the HR profession continues to evolve, the competencies required for effective HR leadership are quickly becoming more complex and wide-ranging. 

In AHRI’s latest podcast episode, host Beth Hall FCPHR, speaks with Tiffany Blight CPHR, First Assistant Secretary – People and Culture at the Department of Home Affairs, about how practitioners can arm themselves with the right skills to thrive in HR leadership roles.

In this episode, you'll learn:
*Key capabilities for aspiring HR leaders
*Practical steps to build these skills and experiences
*Tips for positioning yourself for leadership roles in HR.

SHOW NOTES
Let us know what you think of the podcast so far. Take our 2-minute survey to share your feedback with us:⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/47yzZiN⁠⁠
⁠⁠Access the episode transcript here⁠ – https://bit.ly/3zpjp8p⁠
🧠 Learning opportunities
Become a⁠ ⁠Certified HR Practitioner ⁠⁠and signal to your community that your HR skills are in line with globally benchmarked best-practice HR – https://bit.ly/3MZnnre
Learn how to overcome stakeholder resistance with⁠ ⁠this short course from AHRI – https://bit.ly/3MR1dro⁠⁠
Hone your leadership and management skills with⁠ ⁠this short course from AHRI – https://bit.ly/3U1REKj⁠⁠

📚 Further reading
The Mentor: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zuXOLS⁠⁠ 
The Diary of a CEO: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4e9Fs1Z⁠⁠
Mastery by Robert Greene: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3ZuHjdh⁠⁠
Amplifiers by Matt Church: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4ecJE0K⁠⁠
Nudge by Cass R. Sunstein and Richard H. Thaler: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/47zpDyY⁠⁠
Yes! by Noah Goldstein, Steve Martin and Robert B. Cialdini: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zrtzFA⁠⁠
Influence by Robert B. Cialdini: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Xz4NeA⁠⁠
Atomic Habits by James Clear: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/47G8BPN⁠⁠
Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3XBWgYl⁠⁠
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3MZmJKk⁠⁠

⭐ Member-exclusive content
AHRI members can Join the⁠⁠ ⁠AHRI LinkedIn Lounge⁠⁠⁠ to connect with your peers and for access to a member-exclusive bonus episode.

🤳 Connect with us
⁠Connect with AHRI on⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3XREBgu
Connect with Tiffany Blight FCPHR on⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠: https://bit.ly/3XSTxeq

How to prepare for an HR leadership role with Tiffany Blight CPHR

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of deep listening and how it can elevate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies beyond surface-level intent. 

Liz Griffin, a seasoned DEI leader with experience at Qantas, Commonwealth Bank, EY and Minderoo Foundation, explores the nuances of building inclusive cultures, navigating DEI maturity and crafting strategies that resonate with business objectives. 

Listeners will gain real-world examples and practical advice to help HR leaders make impactful, systemic change in their organisations.

SHOWNOTES


💻 Resources

Explore AHRI's Diversity Maturity Model: https://www.ahri.com.au/resources/ahri-diversity-inclusion-maturity-model


Download AHRI's report: The State of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian Workplaces: https://www.ahri.com.au/resources/hr-research/the-state-of-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-australian-workplaces
What is privilege? (Video) https://youtu.be/hD5f8GuNuGQ
What happens when we stop putting people in boxes? (video) https://youtu.be/Wh-xdZzyjVI



🧠 Learning opportunities

DEI for HR Leaders: Introduction to DEI Practices – short course https://www.ahri.com.au/certification-and-training/short-courses/dei-intro


DEI for HR Leaders: Advanced  DEI practices – short course https://www.ahri.com.au/certification-and-training/short-courses/dei-advanced


⭐ Member-exclusive content

AHRI members can join the⁠ ⁠AHRI LinkedIn Lounge⁠⁠ to connect with your peers and for access to a member-exclusive bonus episode.
Not an AHRI member? Learn about the benefits here. https://www.ahri.com.au/ahri-membership

🤳 Connect with us


Connect with AHRI on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
Connect with Liz on LinkedIn


How to craft DEI strategies that stick with Liz Griffin

In this episode, we explore the evolving role of HR and the expanding remit of people practitioners in today’s complex work environments.

Isa Notermans, Chief People Officer at Fleet Space Technologies and former HR leader at Spotify, Airtasker and Google, shares her insights on how HR can move beyond transactional functions to become trusted strategic advisors.

Listeners will gain practical advice on fostering collaboration across the business, leveraging data and storytelling to influence decision-making, and redefining HR’s role to drive both people and business outcomes.

Further learning and resources

Australian HR Capability Framework: https://bit.ly/4g4RJ8m
Position yourself for an HR leadership position with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3U1REKj

Learn how to overcome stakeholder resistance with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3MR1dro

Not yet an AHRI member? Sign up for resources, networks and learning opportunities to help you build careers that have an impact – https://bit.ly/3Vhu50o
Further reading/listening:

Learn more about Isa via this HRM profile article: https://bit.ly/4eMSHpA


Hear more about aligning your business strategy with your DEI initiatives in this podcast episode with Liz Griffin FCPHR: https://bit.ly/3B2qMU1


Hear more about how to take care of your own wellbeing as an HR practitioner with this podcast episode from Dr Adam Fraser: https://bit.ly/3AYK8cJ

Reframing HR's role with Isa Notermans

In this episode, we unpack the shift from viewing psychosocial safety as a compliance exercise to embracing it as a strategic imperative. 

Tanya Heaney-Voogt, a mentally healthy workplaces expert, shares how HR practitioners can influence and enable organisations to create environments where employees feel supported, engaged and safe to speak up.

Listeners will gain practical advice on demystifying complex psychosocial concepts, fostering open dialogue and adopting sustainable work design practices. By focusing on long-term cultural and behavioral change, HR practitioners can better support leaders, balance performance pressures and enhance both people and business outcomes.

Free resources

AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members, to access a range of free templates from Tanya, including a great 1 on 1 template and a 6-step change plan template.

Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Cited research

University of South Australia research which includes great proof-points for getting buy in psychosocial safety initiatives: https://bit.ly/4ffFzbS
Amy Edmondson's research into psychological safety: https://bit.ly/3DcnIW4
Michelle McQuaid's research into thriving work cultures: https://bit.ly/3Vz3Vq4
Professor Sharon Parker's research into work design: https://bit.ly/41wJVZe
Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report 2024:  https://bit.ly/3ZAuAEa

Further reading


 Comcare code of Practice: https://bit.ly/41BISH8
Tanya's books: Finding Equilibrium, Transforming Norm and Creating Space (coming soon: free download): https://bit.ly/3Df7s6U
Good versus bad stress (HRM article): https://bit.ly/3Bs64x4

HR's guide to building psychosocially safe workplaces with Tanya Heaney-Voogt

In the world of HR, change is often seen as a catalyst for innovation and growth. But HR leaders also need to champion stability without stifling progress. In this episode, we explore themes from Ashley Goodall’s latest book, The Problem with Change, which challenges the assumption that constant disruption is always beneficial for business.

Goodall draws on his extensive experience leading people and learning functions at Deloitte and Cisco, offering practical examples and fresh insights into how perpetual change can erode employee wellbeing and performance. This is a must-listen episode for HR and business leaders alike.

Show notes

Resources and learning

 can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers.  https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Learn how to manage change more effectively with  from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3Drj9Hw

Further reading

Explore Ashley Goodall's latest book: : https://bit.ly/4gNCMIp

Explore Ashley Goodall's book ', co-authored with Marcus Buckingham: https://bit.ly/4iLbKmr

 (MIT Sloan article) by Ashley Goodall: https://bit.ly/4iKYcre

Rethinking your business's approach to change with Ashley Goodall

This episode delves into the journey from HR leader to non-HR executive, exploring how to blend the strengths of HR expertise with the commercial and operational capabilities needed to lead organisations.

Chris Lamb FCPHR, former Deputy Commissioner of the New South Wales Public Service Commission, reflects on his four-year tenure in the role and shares key lessons from his transition to non-HR C-suite leadership.

Discover practical insights to help you prepare for a non-HR leadership position and unlock your potential for broader organisational impact.

SHOW NOTES

Further learning:

Give your HR leadership a point of difference by becoming a Certified HR practitioner: https://bit.ly/3MZnnre

Help to support HR leaders of the future or learn from a seasoned HR practitioner to prepare for your next step by signing up to AHRI's mentoring program (exclusive to AHRI members): https://bit.ly/3PSP2M7

Learn leadership and management essentials with this short course from AHRI: 
https://bit.ly/3U1REKj

Connect with your peers:

AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Follow AHRI on LinkedIn for more useful content: https://bit.ly/40Nu2wG

Moving from HR into executive leadership with Chris Lamb FCPHR

Conversations to inspire HR, a podcast from the Australian HR Institute.

Moving from HR into executive leadership with Chris Lamb FCPHR

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