HR Strategy in the Hot Seat

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• Team Climate with Sean Spurgin 22.05.2026 35min

  In this brilliant interview, Sean Spurgin, Learning Director at Elev-8 Performance joins Anwen Bottois, to share his journey into leadership development, the importance of team climate, and practical strategies for HR leaders to enhance organisational culture and performance.The conversation highlights the distinction between culture (the personality of an organisation) and team climate (the day-to-day mood), emphasising that while culture is challenging to change, team climate can be more easily influenced by leaders. The discussion also covers the significance of mindset, capability, and reducing friction in leadership roles, as well as the need for continuous performance conversations and psychological safety. The episode underscores the value of investing in leadership development to drive engagement and performance improvements.Key TopicsThe role of team climate in organisational culturePractical leadership behaviours for immediate impactThe importance of diagnosing capability gaps before trainingFind Sean on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/seanspurginThe Book: Dropping the C-Bomb: Why Team Climate Crushes Culture: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dropping-C-Bomb-Climate-Crushes-Culture-ebook/dp/B0FN4JV2MZFind Elev-8 Performance here: https://elev-8.co.uk/Find out more about more about Anwen Bottois here: https://expertservicesdirectory.com/directory/anwen-bottois/
• Hope is a Strategy with Ian B Pettigrew 24.04.2026 36min

  Most leaders underestimate how a simple shift in mindset can transform teams and organisations. Ian B Pettigrew’s powerful concept: hope isn’t wishful thinking, it’s a strategy that drives real change. If you’re tired of feeling stuck amid uncertainty, this episode reveals how leaders and HR professionals can harness hope to inspire resilience, foster trust, and create thriving cultures.Ian B Pettigrew, author of Hope is a Strategy, joins Anwen Bottois (your host and founder of Purple Sky Consulting) to share why hope is an active, learnable skill, not just a feel-good sentiment. He breaks down how hope influences everything from leadership to community building, backed by over 40 years of research. Discover how top organisations and community leaders are deliberately using hope to motivate action, even in the toughest times. We explore surprising insights from Gallup’s research, Templeton’s work on resilience, and why hope is contagious a force that can transform your workplace and beyond.You’ll discover:- The active psychology of hope, how it’s about pathways, belief, and taking action- Why many leadership strategies fail because they ignore hope or rely on toxic positivity- Practical tools and how HR can embed hope into culture, trust, and communication- How to avoid performative solutions and genuinely create an environment where hope flourishes- The lessons from global community projects in Ethiopia and Uganda, resourcefulness and hope in actionIn a world where organisations struggle with burnout, distrust, and change fatigue, the real opportunity lies in fostering hope. Without it, teams become disengaged; with it, they thrive. This episode is essential listening for HR leaders, managers, and anyone serious about creating positive, resilient workplaces. If you’re ready to see hope as a strategic asset not just a wish, tune in now.Ian B Pettigrew is a seasoned coach, leadership development expert, and author of Hope is a Strategy. His innovative approach draws on decades of research and real-world community projects, showing how hope can be deliberately cultivated to inspire growth, trust, and impact.Get ready to unlock the true power of hope because when it’s intentional, it can transform your organisational culture and your life.Find Ian B Pettigrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianpettigrewFind the Hope Tips here: https://hope.tips/Find out about the HR Strategy in the Hot Seat Podcast here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hr-strategy-in-the-hot-seat/Find out more about Anwen here:The website: purpleskyconsulting.co.ukLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach
• Low-Level Conflict in Organisations with Fiona Kearns 10.04.2026 31min

  Most organisational conflicts are invisible, and costly. Fiona Kearns joins Anwen Bottois (your host) to reveal how small, overlooked 'politeness' issues can escalate into toxic environments, affecting productivity and morale in ways leaders often miss. All impacting individual and organisational performance, critical for the HR Strategy.If you've ever wondered how minor disagreements snowball or why high-performing teams struggle with communication, this episode is for you. Fiona, a business psychologist with a tech and telecoms background, shows you how to spot the warning signs of low-level conflict and turn them into opportunities for stronger, healthier workplaces. You’ll discover:Why 'politeness' can be a form of avoidance and how to confront it effectivelyThe hidden power dynamics behind small frustrations and microaggressionsPractical action based on having more honest, low-stakes conversations that prevent bigger issues How to build a culture where feedback and conflict are seen as opportunities, not threatsActionable steps for HR and leaders to model open dialogue and strengthen team trust In an era where organisational health directly impacts profitability, ignoring small conflicts is a risk you can’t afford. Fiona explains why addressing the 'small stuff' can prevent costly disruptions, reduce turnover, and foster a more engaged, resilient workforce. Perfect for HR leaders, managers, and executives eager to create workplaces built on trust and transparency, because clear, honest conversations are the foundation of high performance. When you master the art of meaningful communication, you unlock extraordinary growth, innovation, and team cohesion. Tune in to learn how to turn polite avoidance into powerful leadership, because stronger conversations make stronger organisations. Fiona Kearns is a business psychologist specialising in leadership, organisational culture, and high-performance teams. She’s passionate about unpicking hierarchical barriers to create more open, human-centered workplaces. Find Fiona here:The website: kearnsconsultancy.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fionakearnsFind out more about Anwen here:The website: purpleskyconsulting.co.ukLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach
• What is HR Strategy? Part 2: Operating Strategically in HR 27.03.2026 20min

  What does it really mean to operate strategically as an HR leader?If you’ve ever felt stuck refining your impact, this episode unlocks six core behaviours and approaches that transform your role from tactical to strategic.Anwen Bottois, from Purple Sky Consulting, dives deep into the essential mindsets, relationships, and communication strategies that elevate HR from a support function to a key strategic partner.Discover how understanding the true problem, beyond surface issues, can make or break the success of your initiatives. She shares approaches, like analysing the system each solution operates within, and emphasises the critical role of stakeholder relationships in unlocking organisational change. Operating strategically isn’t about a single skill; it’s about cultivating a growth-oriented mindset across six key areas.Anwen’s insights help HR professionals assess where they stand, identify gaps, and develop a deliberate plan to elevate their strategic influence, plus she offers a self-assessment tool you can use immediately.This episode is perfect for HR leaders aiming to accelerate their development, solidify credibility, and become indispensable to their organisations’ success.If you’re ready to stop managing in chaos and start leading with vision and impact, tune in now and start transforming your HR approach today.Anwen Bottois is an HR strategist and leadership consultant known for helping HR professionals unlock their strategic potential through practical frameworks and leadership development. Get ready to reframe your mindset, build stronger relationships, and demonstrate impact like never before.Find Anwen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach/Find all episodes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hr-strategy-in-the-hot-seat/id1870588503
• What is HR Strategy? Part 1: Strategy Execution 13.03.2026 20min

  HR Strategy Insights: Executing and Operating StrategicallyIn this episode, Anwen Bottois shares her perspective on HR strategy, focusing on how HR functions can effectively execute strategy and what it truly means to operate as a strategic HR professional.Whether you're an HR leader or a professional looking to elevate your strategic impact, this discussion offers practical insights and frameworks to help align HR activities with overall business success.Anwen invites you to share your perspective on HR Strategy execution.Key topics- The relationship between HR strategy and overall business strategy- The importance of executing HR strategy effectively- Key components of HR strategy execution: development, translation, implementation, and review- The role of HR in shaping organizational direction through strategic solutions- How to evolve HR strategies based on lessons learned and organizational feedback- Skills, behaviors, and mindset required for HR to operate strategically- The significance of leadership involvement and communication in strategy initiatives- Reflecting on success and barriers to improve future strategic efforts- The transition from management to strategic leadership roles in HRTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to this solo episode and its purpose00:33 - Anwen introduces the concept of prompts for conversation and reflection01:08 - Her background and experience in HR strategy and leadership02:04 - Why HR strategy should be aligned with business strategy03:14 - The significance of understanding what HR strategy is and its core elements04:23 - The importance of HR being part of organisational shaping and growth05:49 - Focusing on strategy execution and how HR contributes06:50 - Key elements of HR strategy execution from development to review07:20 - Shaping the organization's direction through strategic solutions08:48 - Translating strategic priorities into day-to-day activities09:40 - The impact of change, engagement, and communication in execution10:58 - Implementing and supporting solutions effectively11:29 - Reviewing, learning, and iterating on strategy outcomes12:10 - Identifying gaps and adjusting HR actions accordingly13:08 - Engaging leadership and teams in ongoing strategic conversations14:33 - Celebrating successes and learning from barriers15:30 - The continuous evolution of HR strategies16:41 - A preview of the next episode focusing on operating strategically in HR19:04 - The speaker shares her personal journey and leadership development focus21:57 - Closing remarks and call to action for listeners to connect and engageFind Anwen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach/Find all episodes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hr-strategy-in-the-hot-seat/id1870588503
• Leading without Leaders with Danny Wareham 27.02.2026 35min

  Unlock the secret to truly impactful leadership: when the leader isn't in the room, culture takes over. Discover how aligning behaviour with your organisation's North Star can transform your company from the inside out. If you're tired of reactive decision-making, misaligned teams, and superficial values, this episode will nudge you towards creating a culture that drives real results even in complex, chaotic times.In this brilliant conversation, Anwen Bottois (your host) is joined by organisational psychologist Danny Wareham reveals why culture is often seen as an afterthought and how to shift it into a strategic advantage. You'll learn why traditional leadership models fall short in today’s volatile environment. Danny shares practical frameworks and mindset shifts, including the need to craft a compelling vision that guides alignment and behaviour. We break down the importance of a clear North Star that anchors behaviours, making tough choices easier and ensuring everyone is pulling in the same direction. Plus, hear why HR's role should go far beyond policies, becoming the strategic partner that shapes the culture your organisation needs to thrive.Failing to embed genuine purpose and aligned behaviours can lead to strategic drift, disengagement, and even societal harm. But by walking your talk and measuring impact through consistent behaviours, you'll unlock not only better business performance but a more positive societal footprint.This episode is perfect for HR leaders eager to future-proof their organisation, this episode fuels your leadership with actionable insights to walk your North Star, shape culture proactively, and navigate uncertainty with confidence. It’s time to shift from reactive to strategic.Find Danny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-wareham/On via his website: https://firgun.co.uk/Buy his new book: https://amzn.eu/d/07qLB0cwFind Anwen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach/Find all episodes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hr-strategy-in-the-hot-seat/id1870588503
• Culture for High Performance with Paula Brockwell 13.02.2026 26min

  In this episode of the HR Strategy in the Hot Seat, Anwen Bottois (your host) is joined by Paula Brockwell (the Employee Experience Project).Join us in unlocking the secret to transforming your company’s performance by redefining what culture (and culture work) truly means, going beyond just happy employees.You’ll discover why a focus on strategic behaviour and performance drivers is the missing piece in many organisations’ success stories. If you're an HR leader tired of chasing fleeting engagement metrics and ready to create a culture that actually powers results, this episode is your game changer.Paula Brockwell, an occupational psychologist and founder of the Employee Experience Project, reveals how organisations can shift from superficial employee happiness to cultivating the right environment for sustained high performance. She explains why culture is about much more than just feeling good, it’s about enabling teams to show up in the ways that directly impact business success.You’ll learn how to steer conversations with your executive team toward strategic behaviour, how to design cultures in line with your unique context, and why the idea of “creating happiness” can sometimes hold companies back.We break down concrete frameworks, like Paula’s driver model, which predicts 62% of observed behaviour within an organisation based on environmental cues. She shares actionable tactics for HR leaders to redefine their culture conversations, from understanding the real drivers of behaviour to managing the psychological contract effectively.Discover how leaders can shift from a comfort zone of mediocrity to a stretch zone that fosters growth, accountability, and true organisational agility.Struggling with resistance from leadership or feeling boxed in by outdated ideas? Paula’s insights empower HR professionals to influence beyond their traditional remit, encouraging proactive, performance-driven cultural strategies. Ignoring these principles risks stagnation, but embracing them opens the door to a resilient, high-performing workplace that aligns business goals with a healthy, sustainable employee experience.This episode is perfect for HR leaders, executives, and culture champions eager to go beyond surface-level engagement. This episode offers the tools to make culture a strategic lever for real results. If you want your organisation to thrive in a complex world, understanding and applying these insights will position you as a true driver of performance, a critical component of any successful HR Strategy.Find Paula on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulabrockwell/The EX Project website here: https://theexproject.com/The Paper Mentioned: Harness Your Culture for Performance: https://share.google/gYh51VHVVu7bWMyWrFind Anwen on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwen-bottois-leadership-coach/
• HR Leadership Mindset for Success with Tom Emery 30.01.2026 34min

  Welcome to the HR Strategy in the Hot Seat Podcast!In this first episode, I'm joined by Tom Emery for Hex Development and we are diving into a critical factor of success for HR Leaders, the mindset they bring and lead with. How HR Leaders show up influences how they organisation responds to them and how they best influence for maximum impact.Tom Emery, from Hex Development is a seasoned HR leader and consultant, and he shares his insights on the critical role of mindset in HR strategy. He emphasises the importance of viewing HR as an integral part of business strategy, the need for HR leaders to embrace their agency, and the power of curiosity and incremental influence. We discusses the shift from a service-oriented mindset to one focused on impact and innovation, and the necessity of learning from mistakes to foster a culture of growth. The conversation concludes with actionable takeaways for HR leaders to enhance their effectiveness and influence within organisations.You can find Tom Emery and Hex Development on LinkedIn. Here's the website.Thank you for joining the HR Strategy in the Hot Seat Podcast! I'm your host, Anwen Bottois, and my business is Purple Sky Consulting. I'm an HR Strategy and Leadership Coach and I specialise in Leadership Promotions. I love working with leaders and I really am enjoying working with HR Leaders to develop as strategic leaders.
• Trailer for the HR Strategy in the Hot Seat podcast 20.01.2026 2min

  Welcome to the Trailer for the BRAND NEW podcast: HR Strategy in the Hot Seat!