Change and uncertainty seem inevitable. As organisations navigate global tariffs imposed by the US president, what other priorities should the C-suite address? How might an overreliance on AI affect career progression? Is it time to rethink effective workplace communication? And should we consider adopting body doubling to boost productivity?

CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Chief People Officer at One Advanced, Katie Obi, and Head of People and Culture at Hastings Hotels Group, Rob Rees.

Recorded: 04 April 2025


HR People Pod – Ep 21: Juggling core priorities | AI and progression | Communication | Body doubling

In this month’s CIPD in Ireland podcast, we spotlight artificial intelligence (AI) – a key theme at our upcoming Annual Conference on 15 May at the RDS. We revisit a standout moment from our Employment Law Conference with Ruth Kennedy, one of Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners, who shares a compelling case study on how AI is already delivering value in the public sector. Ruth explores the practical application of AI within Revenue – from driving efficiencies to enhancing the quality of service delivered to the public. She challenges listeners to rethink their approach to transformation, leaving us with a powerful takeaway: transformation isn’t about doing things faster, it’s about doing them better. So, how would you design what you do now if AI was there to support you?

Explore this year's CIPD Annual conference in Ireland 2025 programme and secure your place: 
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/cipd-annual-conference-in-ireland-2025-tickets-1095257818619

CIPD Ireland Podcast - AI in Action: A Case Study from the Revenue Commissioners

As we look ahead to some of the key themes for International HR Day 2025, this episode — recorded at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 — explores what organisations need to be doing in practical terms to ensure AI becomes a force for good. How are skill requirements expected to evolve over the medium to long term? What role should the profession play in helping organisations navigate change? And finally, is ‘pleasanteeism’ really a thing?

CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Roisin Walsh, Head of Workforce Capability and Inclusion at Civil Service in Ireland, Radha Barj, Co-Founder and CEO at Rythmik, David Ducheyne, Vice President of European Association for People Management (EAPM).

Recorded: CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, 7 November 2024

HR People Pod – Ep 22: Ethical AI | Future skill requirements | Supporting change | ‘Pleasenteeism’

Could the humble suggestion box make a comeback as the key to acquiring honest, off-the-cuff feedback? What risks do organisations face by ignoring or mismanaging employee voice? Is a gamified approach to performance management the future? And are employees staying faithful or taking part in ‘job polygamy’?

CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Caroline Roberts, HR director at The King’s Fund and associate non-executive director at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University NHS Trust, and Sarah Mason, chief people officer at SThree.

Recorded: 2 May 2025

HR People Pod – Ep 23: Suggestion boxes | Managing voice | ‘Gamifying’ performance | ‘Job polygamy’

L&D and OD often operate in silos – one focused on individual learning, the other on strategic and cultural change. But is this separation intentional, and can they truly be effective apart if they share the same goals for organisational growth and adaptation?

Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Natal Dank, Author of Agile L&D and Executive Director and Principal Consultant at PXO Culture; Jaimini Lakhani, Director at Lumiere; and Steve George, Head of Learning at CIPD — as we explore how greater alignment between L&D and OD can enhance collaboration and help future-proof workforce capabilities. 


Podcast 218: Bridging learning and organisational development

What’s the state of AI adoption across different regions around the world, and how are people professionals reacting to it? Where does the onus lie when it comes to skills development? How can people professionals support and develop employee resilience? And finally, what should be done about the rising trend of ‘stress bragging’?

CIPD Director of Profession, David D’Souza, is joined by Dr Adrian Waite, Head of Talent, Leadership and Organisation Effectiveness at Boehringer Ingelheim, in Dubai, and Alison Hodgson, Market Director – Ireland at CIPD.

Recorded: 16 May 2025

HR People Pod – Ep 24: International HR Day special

This week’s podcast marks International HR Day on 20 May, celebrating the vital role of the people profession. This year’s theme, “Humanify AI: Leading Change Together”, highlights how the people profession is uniquely positioned to guide organisations through rapid transformation by putting people at the centre of change.
It’s a perfect fit with the theme of last week’s CIPD Ireland Annual Conference— “Delivering organisational performance through people”. In this episode, we bring you insights from the conference stage, featuring Mary Connaughton, Professor Peter Cappelli, and Marie Toft.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Delivering organisational performance through people

How much should ‘policy compliance’ inform pay and bonuses? Apprenticeships are vital to building talent pipelines, but how welcome are upcoming reforms? Is rule breaking essential to breaking into new levels of performance? And how can you best manage the impact of long-term absences on the rest of your team? 

CIPD Head of Learning, Steve George, is joined by Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer, Europe at Smollan, Kevin Green, Chief People Officer at FirstGroup plc, and Francisca Beloso, Director of Inclusive Diversity at Alvarez & Marsal. 

Recorded: 30 May 2025

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HR People Pod – Ep 25: 'Tinkering with a system that doesn’t work' – Apprenticeships overhaul

A third of organisations are already using some form of AI or machine learning in recruitment and onboarding. As employers increasingly make use of AI to craft job specifications, screen candidates and streamline processes, what about job seekers? Is it unreasonable for job seekers to use the same technology to improve their chances?

Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Katie Noble, Talent Strategy Director at Omni RMS; Natalie Sheils, Founder and CEO at Talenaut; and Katie Obi, Chief People Officer at One Advanced — as we explore whether the growing number of organisations banning AI use by candidates are right to do so, or whether there is a more nuanced approach to consider?

Podcast 219: Dealing with AI use in recruitment and job applications

Bringing you more highlights from one of our most talked-about sessions at the CIPD Ireland Annual Conference – The CEO View on the people agenda for the future.

In this powerful panel conversation chaired by Professor Gina Quin, President National College of Ireland; Gillian Chamberlain (MD, Capita), Bernard Gloster (CEO, HSE), and Eamonn Crowley (CEO, PTSB) share honest insights on what it takes to lead organisations through rapid transformation, disruption, and opportunity.

From the fast pace of AI and tech adoption to the importance of trust, transparency, and adaptability, our panellists unpack the evolving role of leaders and the workforce in shaping a future-ready, mission-driven culture. With 160,000 employees under his remit, Bernard Gloster highlights the importance of clear communication and the impact of tech as an enabler – not a threat. Gillian Chamberlain calls for a mindset shift and openness to change, while Eamonn Crowley emphasises the direct link between employee engagement, trust and customer experience.

Tune in to hear this interesting dialogue of business leaders.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - The CEO View on the people agenda for the future

We’re the CIPD — the professional body for HR and people development. We are the voice of a worldwide community of more than 150,000 members committed to championing better work and working lives.

Podcast 219: Dealing with AI use in recruitment and job applications

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