Jan Lynegar, Director of Talent Acquisition and Organisational Development at Marston's PLC

Kim Knight, Deputy Chief People Officer

In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/] speaks with Kim Knight [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-knight-8693a07/], Deputy Chief People Officer at Coventry University, about her diverse HR career, including retail, FMCG, international organisations, and higher education. Kim shares her journey into HR, from starting at Sainsbury’s to senior HRD roles at organisations including Boots, ATS Euromaster, Northgate Vehicle Hire, and Loomis, before moving into the higher education sector. She explains why Coventry University stands out as a commercial, global education group and reflects on the significant challenges currently facing the sector. The conversation explores the growing impact of AI on productivity and performance, the importance of curiosity and adaptability, and why skills, rather than job titles, will be critical for the future of work. Kim also shares her perspective on well-being, generational expectations, and why HR reflects wider societal change rather than driving it alone. Throughout the episode, Kim offers practical advice for HR professionals, emphasising the value of strong relationships, commercial thinking, and having the confidence to speak uncomfortable truths. She reinforces the enduring importance of HR in helping organisations navigate complexity through their people. We hope you enjoy this episode! The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website. [https://www.actons.co.uk/thehrdtalks/]

Sharon Frost, Global People Director

In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Sharon Frost, Global People Director, whose career spans retail, entertainment, education, marketing, and health sciences. Sharon shares her journey from finance to HR, revealing how she’s led global teams, navigated private equity-backed growth, and doubled headcount during the pandemic - all while keeping people at the heart of business strategy. She discusses the importance of commercial thinking in HR, drawing on her finance background and cross-sector experience. Sharon explores the value of union engagement, the challenges of working with private equity, and the need for HR to act as a strategic business partner - not just a support function. She also reflects on the evolving role of middle managers, the impact of AI on HR efficiency, and the importance of treating employees like adults to build trust and accountability. Leadership, performance conversations, and generational expectations are central themes throughout the episode. Sharon explains how HR can empower managers to have meaningful conversations, and why avoiding feedback - positive or negative - creates a culture of silence. She also shares her views on ESG, employee well-being, and the future of HR as a commercially driven, people-focused discipline. Sharon offers bold, practical advice for HR professionals ready to lead with confidence and commercial clarity. We hope you enjoy this episode! Supplier shout-outs:  Gallagher [https://www.ajg.com/uk/] Sharon’s LinkedIn: Sharon Frost | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-frost-9239591a/] Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/] The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website. [https://www.actons.co.uk/thehrdtalks/]

Ceri Gott, Culture & Leadership Coach

In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/] interviews Ceri Gott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cerigott/], Culture & Leadership Coach, formerly Chief Growth & Culture Officer at Hawksmoor International. What happens when you blend the analytical mindset of a government economist with a passion for creating exceptional workplace cultures? Ceri Gott's remarkable journey from economic policy expert to Chief Growth and Culture Officer provides a masterclass in transforming organisations through people-centred leadership. In this thought-provoking conversation, Ceri reveals how her unconventional career path began with a simple phone call from her brother, inviting her to help preserve the special culture of his growing restaurant business, Hawksmoor. What followed was a 13-year adventure that saw the company expand from three London restaurants to thirteen establishments across seven cities in four countries, consistently ranking among the UK's top 100 employers. Ceri challenges us to rethink productivity as more than just time management, arguing that true workplace effectiveness comes from harnessing the complete combination of people's time, talent, and energy. She makes a compelling business case for kindness, revealing how seemingly "soft" cultural elements translate directly to improved cognitive function, innovation, and ultimately, financial performance. Organisations with strong cultures, she notes, outperform their counterparts by an astonishing 200%. The discussion explores practical strategies for creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute. Ceri shares insights from her experience translating Hawksmoor's strong UK culture to international markets, highlighting the crucial differences between high-context and low-context communication styles across different countries. For HR professionals seeking to advance their careers, Ceri offers wisdom that balances personal growth with professional development - from understanding your strengths and mitigating weaknesses to connecting with your values and vision. Her advice to "lean into data" while trusting intuition perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of analytical and empathic intelligence that has defined her career. Whether you're managing workplace culture, leading through change, or simply trying to create more meaningful connections with colleagues, Ceri's insights will transform how you think about the intersection of people practices and business performance. Listen now to discover how intentional leadership can create workplaces where both people and profits thrive. We hope you enjoy this episode! Supplier shout-outs:   Lorraine Copes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-copes/] / Be Inclusive Hospitality [https://bihospitality.co.uk/] Boardwalk Mentoring [https://boardwalkmentoring.com/] Hospitality Action [https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/] Ceri’s LinkedIn: Ceri Gott | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cerigott/] Ceri's Website: CERI GOTT [https://www.cerigott.com/] Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/] The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website. [https://www.actons.co.uk/thehrdtalks/]

Dr Jo Burrell, Clinical Psychologist & Co-Founder at Ultimate Resilience

In this special episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/] interviews Dr Jo Burrell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jo-burrell-04901a96/], clinical psychologist and founder of Ultimate Resilience [https://www.ultimateresilience.co.uk/].  She's also HR Magazine's number 11 most influential thinker [https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hr-most-influential-results/]! Jo shares groundbreaking research that exposes the hidden mental health crisis in HR. Drawing from a survey of over 1,400 HR professionals, she reveals how the expansion of HR responsibilities - from pandemic management to being the emotional dumping ground for workplace issues - has created unprecedented pressure without corresponding support systems. The mental wellbeing of HR professionals has reached crisis levels, with nearly half experiencing clinical depression and over 60% suffering from burnout. But who supports the supporters? "Everyone expects them to just cope," Jo explains, highlighting how HR professionals absorb distressing situations while maintaining the appearance of having all the answers. This expectation creates barriers to seeking help, with only 13% of respondents feeling adequately supported in their workplace. The solution may lie in clinical supervision—a structured support approach standard in psychology but revolutionary for HR. This regular, ongoing support provides a space for professionals to process the emotional toll of their work while developing skills and preventing burnout. Organisations implementing this approach are seeing it become their "fastest-selling service," suggesting a desperate need for this type of support. Beyond individual interventions, Jo advocates for a systematic, strategic approach to workplace wellbeing rather than "piecemeal, ad hoc" initiatives. She encourages HR professionals to connect with peers, emphasising the power of normalisation: "It's so powerful when you meet someone else experiencing something you might feel shame about." For leaders and organisations, the business case is clear: well-supported HR professionals demonstrate better mental health, reduced burnout, fewer absences, and greater retention. The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in HR wellbeing, but whether you can afford not to. Download the full HR Mental Wellbeing Survey at HR Mental Wellbeing Report | Ultimate Resilience [https://www.ultimateresilience.co.uk/hr-mental-wellbeing-report]. Find out more about HR Supervision services at HR Supervision | Ultimate Resilience | UK [https://www.ultimateresilience.co.uk/hr-supervision]. Supplier shout out: Gethin Nadin | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gethinnadin/] Jo’s LinkedIn: Dr Jo Burrell| LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jo-burrell-04901a96/] Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/]   We hope you enjoy this episode! The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website. [https://www.actons.co.uk/thehrdtalks/]

Jan Lynegar, Director of Talent Acquisition and Organisational Development at Marston's PLC

In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/] interviews Jan Lynegar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-lynegar-010003b4/], Director of Talent Acquisition and Organisational Development at Marston's PLC.  Jan shares her unique career journey, which began with aspirations to become a legal officer in the military. After transitioning to employment law, she eventually found her way into HR, holding significant roles at DFS, Lookers, Ralph Lauren, and now Marston's PLC. Throughout her career, Jan faced numerous challenges, including a battle with anxiety and depression, and a cancer diagnosis, which profoundly impacted her personal and professional life. Jan discusses her evolution from employment law to HR business partnering, emphasising the importance of understanding business models and strategic thinking. At Marston's, her role involves talent acquisition, organisational development, and driving cultural evolution within the company. She highlights the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, such as negative media headlines and rising costs, while also underscoring the importance of pubs in British culture. Marston's commitment to growth and innovation, along with a focus on people, culture, and engagement, is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Leadership and mental health are central themes in the conversation. Jan explains how leadership can significantly impact employee mental health and business performance. She advocates for vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, stressing the need for workplace policies that support employees during significant life events. Jan also offers advice for HR professionals, emphasising the importance of working in businesses where HR has a strategic role and the need for continuous learning and understanding of broader business and market trends. She believes in balancing commercial success with employee well-being. The discussion also touches on upcoming legislation and industry challenges, particularly the Employment Rights Bill and third-party harassment in hospitality. Jan shares Marston's involvement in the "It Stops With Me" campaign, which aims to address harassment in the industry.  We hope you enjoy this episode! Supplier shout-out:  The Burnt Chef Project [https://www.theburntchefproject.com/] Jan’s LinkedIn: Jan Lynegar | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-lynegar-010003b4/?originalSubdomain=uk] Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/] The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website. [https://www.actons.co.uk/thehrdtalks/]