Why People Still Matter: A Deep Dive into Modern HR with Sara Longley of SKF Group

HR Wellbeing, Burnout & The Hidden Cost of Being the “People Person”

In this powerful bonus episode of In The Mixx, host Gemma Downing sits down for a one-to-one chat with Dr Jo Burrell, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Ultimate Resilience, to unpack the reality of burnout, mental health, and emotional load faced by HR professionals today. Drawing on groundbreaking research and real-world experience, Jo shares why HR has become one of the most emotionally demanding professions, why so many HR leaders are silently struggling, and what urgently needs to change. This is an honest, data-led, and deeply human conversation about the people who are expected to look after everyone else — while often receiving very little support themselves. 🎧 What’s covered in this episode: * Dr Jo’s journey from NHS clinical psychology to founding Ultimate Resilience * Why workplace stress is often the root cause of mental health difficulties * The first-of-its-kind HR Mental Wellbeing & Burnout research * Shocking statistics around burnout, anxiety, depression, and attrition in HR * Early warning signs of burnout and why they’re so often ignored * The stigma HR professionals face when admitting they’re struggling * Why “self-care” alone isn’t the answer * The emotional and secondary trauma HR professionals absorb every day * How AI is removing admin but increasing emotional complexity in HR roles * Why supervision and structured support should be embedded in HR * Practical advice for HR professionals, leaders, and organisations * The importance of community, connection, and normalising vulnerability * Jo’s book The Little Book of HR Resilience and who it’s for 👥 Who this episode is for: * HR professionals at any level feeling overwhelmed or close to burnout * Lone HR practitioners carrying the emotional weight alone * People leaders and CEOs responsible for HR teams * Founders and leaders in SMEs without in-house HR support * Anyone interested in workplace wellbeing, mental health, and resilience * HR professionals considering leaving the profession — and wondering why 🔗 Connect with the guest Dr Jo Burrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jo-burrell-04901a96/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jo-burrell-04901a96/] Ultimate Resilience: https://www.ultimateresilience.co.uk/ [https://www.ultimateresilience.co.uk/] Jo will be speaking at a live panel hosted by In The Mixx and ACO Group on 18th March. Contact Gemma on LinkedIn below for details. 🔗 Connect with the host Gemma Downing-Mapp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/] MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/ [https://mixxos.com/] Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast [https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast] #InTheMixx #HRWellbeing #HRBurnout #MentalHealthAtWork #PeopleProfession #HRLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #Resilience #HRCommunity #LeadershipSupport #FutureOfWork

From Retail to Recruitment Leader: Jamie Burrows on Talent, Branding & Better Hiring

Welcome to the season finale of In The Mixx, hosted by Chris and Gemma of the MIXXOS Group. And we’re closing Season 1 with a bang — joined by none other than Jamie Burrows, founder of a recruitment training and coaching practice transforming how organisations develop their people and build high-performing teams. This episode dives deep into the realities of the modern recruitment and talent landscape, why human connection is becoming the biggest competitive advantage, and why many TA teams are unintentionally falling behind agency recruiters. Jamie brings a mix of raw honesty, hilarious storytelling, and practical frameworks you can actually use. 🔥 In this episode, Jamie breaks down: * How he went from retail, to being sacked, to becoming a top-billing recruiter and respected trainer * Why COVID reshaped recruitment by 15+ years overnight * The real differences between agency recruiters and internal TA — and why one is often more strategic * Why 2026 will reward recruiters who show up offline, not just behind a keyboard * The power of building “little black book” passive-talent pools * Why most job adverts are atrocious and how to actually write one that works * How internal teams can finally get buy-in from senior leadership for training * Why multichannel outreach (calls, voice notes, video, WhatsApp, direct mail) beats “spray and pray” * Jamie’s biggest pet peeves in talent right now — including terrible advert writing and hidden salaries * His top career advice: Seek forgiveness, not permission. As the In The Mixx hosts share their own COVID survival stories, client realities, and experiences with talent branding, this becomes one of the most relatable episodes yet — packed with guidance for anyone in hiring, HR, TA, or leadership. 👥 Who this episode is for * Talent Acquisition professionals * Internal recruiters navigating capacity and stakeholder challenges * Agency recruiters wanting to level up strategy * HR managers and people leaders * Recruitment founders * Anyone looking to improve how they attract, develop, or engage talent * Anyone interested in the future skills recruiters need in a world dominated by AI 🔗 Connect with the guest Jamie Burrows: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-burrows-training/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-burrows-training/] 🔗 Connect with the hosts Gemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/] Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/] MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/ [https://mixxos.com/] Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast [https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast] #InTheMixx #RecruitmentPodcast #TalentAcquisition #RecruitmentTraining #FutureOfWork #PeopleDevelopment #HRTalent #RecruiterLife #InternalRecruitment #AgencyRecruitment #HiringStrategy #CandidateExperience #2026Hiring #RecruitmentAdvice #MIXXOS

Leading With Heart: Navigating HR, Restructures & Resilience with Anita Scales

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with Anita Scales, HR Business Partner at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Anita opens up about her extensive HR career across industries including Formula One, aerospace, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and EV technology. She reflects on the evolution of her people-first approach, the emotional weight of leading difficult restructures, the importance of clarity and communication, and the ongoing battle between “heart vs. head” in HR. The conversation dives into: * Anita’s unconventional path into HR and what has kept her in the function for decades * The human impact of restructures, redundancies, and organisational change — and how to manage them with empathy * The personal toll HR leaders carry during turbulent periods * How to rebuild teams, morale, and culture after major organisational shifts * Why clarity in communication is the #1 tool in moments of uncertainty * The importance of grounding values, strong support systems, and knowing your “why” * The problem with current recruitment processes, AI-driven screening, and outdated interviewing methods * What companies really miss when they prioritise “tick-box hiring” over mindset and cultural fit * Career resilience, self-belief, and the honest reality of job-seeking at senior levels * The advice Anita gives her children — and the advice she gives every professional navigating their career This one is heartfelt, candid, and packed with wisdom for anyone who works in HR, leads teams, hires people, or has ever navigated change at work. ✨ Who This Episode Is For * HR leaders, HRBPs, talent partners & organisational development professionals * Recruitment consultants, in-house recruiters & talent acquisition teams * Senior leaders managing people through uncertainty * Candidates navigating the job market and hiring processes * Anyone interested in the human side of leadership, empathy, resilience & culture * Fans of behind-the-scenes insight from the world of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 🔗 Connect with the guest Anita Scales: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-scales-527129a3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-scales-527129a3/] Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team: https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/ [https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/] 🔗 Connect with the hosts Gemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/] Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/] MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/ [https://mixxos.com/] Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast [https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast] #InTheMixx #MIXXOS #Podcast #HRLeadership #MercedesAMGF1 #HRBP #PeopleAndCulture #OrganisationalChange #CareerDevelopment #RecruitmentInsights #ResilienceAtWork #EmpathyInLeadership #TeamCulture #F1Business #WomenInHR

Why People Still Matter: A Deep Dive into Modern HR with Sara Longley of SKF Group

In this episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with the brilliant and brilliantly human Sara Longley, People Experience Country Lead for the UK at SKF Group. With nearly 30 years in HR, Fellowship status with the CIPD, and experience across fire services, ambulance trusts, manufacturing, and more, Sara brings a rare blend of candour, compassion, and straight-talk practicality. This episode dives into the real side of HR — far beyond policies and procedures. Sara opens up about: * Her decades-long journey from receptionist to senior HR leadership * How HR has shifted from “tea & sympathy” to people experience * Why genuine conversations matter more than any competency framework * Change management inside an ever-evolving global manufacturing giant * The ethical backbone of modern HR: doing the right thing, even when it’s hard * Her take on AI in HR — from early scepticism to full-blown fan * The importance of dropping degree-fixation and hiring for behaviours * Why early-career HR pros still NEED those foundational skills * And the one neighbour who changed the entire trajectory of her life From the big cultural shifts in HR to the gritty realities on the shop floor, Sara shares stories that are equal parts inspiring, funny, and downright honest. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the HR curtain — this episode will be your new favourite. Who This Episode Is For * HR professionals at any stage of their career * People leaders navigating organisational change * Founders, hiring managers & business owners who want to understand HR beyond the buzzwords * Anyone curious about the future of HR, AI adoption, and the evolving people landscape * Listeners who love real talk, real stories, and zero sugar-coating 🔗 Connect with the guest Sara Longley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-longley-fcipd-104b8565/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-longley-fcipd-104b8565/] SKF Group: https://www.skf.com/uk [https://www.skf.com/uk] 🔗 Connect with the hosts Gemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/] Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/] MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/ [https://mixxos.com/] Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast [https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast] #InTheMixx #MIXXOS #SKF #HRLeadership #PeopleExperience #CIPD #HumanResources #ChangeManagement #ManufacturingHR #FutureOfWork #AIinHR #Leadership #PeopleFirst

Transparency, Fairness & The Future of Talent: A Deep-Dive with Alys Martin

In this episode of In The Mixx, hosts Chris and Gemma sit down with Alys Martin of Terrapinn — an experienced People leader known for championing transparency, fairness, and truly human-centred HR. Alys brings a refreshingly honest, no-nonsense perspective on what’s really happening inside HR and recruitment today. From broken interview processes and outdated hiring mindsets, to the rise of AI and the need for businesses to properly value their people, this one is packed with insight. Together, they dig into: * Alys’ unconventional career journey from publishing to TV, to startups, HR, leadership and Terrapinn * The critical importance of “human in the loop” when adopting AI * Why recruitment processes are failing candidates, and why bad hiring is disrespectful, lazy and expensive * The degree debate: why outdated criteria restrict talent and create bias * How businesses can slow down, think intentionally, and design thoughtful hiring strategies * The art of giving difficult news with clarity, compassion and courage * Psychological safety, vulnerability in leadership, and why “having it all together” is a myth * How compensation structures can promote fairness, inclusion and transparency * Why companies should ditch the “one-size-fits-all” reward model * Building progression frameworks for scaling teams (10 to 50+ employees) * The power of saying yes to opportunities early in your career * The biggest disruptor coming to HR (hint: it’s not just AI — it’s the changing nature of roles) * Why human connection is becoming more valuable than ever in a digital-first world Alys is sharp, candid, and deeply human — expect practical truths, relatable stories, and some serious reality checks for hiring managers everywhere. Who This Episode Is For * HR leaders who want to build people-first cultures * Founders and hiring managers scaling teams * Recruiters frustrated with broken, outdated processes * People & Talent professionals designing fairer pay and progression frameworks * Anyone navigating redundancy, feedback conversations, or leadership challenges * Professionals exploring how AI will reshape HR and the workforce 🔗 Connect with the guest Alys Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alys-martin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alys-martin/] Terrapinn: https://www.terrapinn.com/ [https://www.terrapinn.com/] 🔗 Connect with the hosts Gemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmadowning4/] Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismappsomnium/] MIXXOS Group: https://mixxos.com/ [https://mixxos.com/] Listen to In The Mixx on another platform: https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast [https://linktr.ee/inthemixx_podcast] #HRLeadership #PeopleFirst #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #HRStrategy #FutureOfWork #AlysMartin #Terrapinn #InTheMixx #MIXXOS #HumanResources #ScalingBusinesses #EmployeeExperience #AIandHR