Podcast · Business

the HRD talks

by Actons Solicitors · English · Business

Nic Elliott, HR Director & Head of employment at Actons, and one of HR Magazine’s most influential practitioners talks to HR Directors and People Directors about their journey into HR, gets their insights into current trends in the world of work and takes their advice on the future of HR and how HR

New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 37 min
Latest: 3 Jul 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

3 Jul 2026 · 42 min

Linda Sleath, Group HR Director at Tayto Group

In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott speaks with Linda Sleath, Group HR Director at Tayto Group, the UK's largest family-owned snack manufacturer, and home of iconic brands including Tayto, Golden Wonder and Real Crisps. Linda shares her route into HR, moving from operational and manufacturing roles into people leadership, and reflects on a career working with some of the UK's most recognisable brands, including United Biscuits, Molson Coors, Boots, Topps Tiles and Tayt...

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Earlier episodes 19 most recent

S2 · E10 · 27 Jan 2026 · 26 min
Kim Knight, Deputy Chief People Officer
In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott speaks with Kim Knight, 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 stand...
S2 · E9 · 14 Nov 2025 · 31 min
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 fi...
S2 · E8 · 2 Oct 2025 · 49 min
Ceri Gott, Culture & Leadership Coach
In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Ceri Gott, 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 lead...
14 Aug 2025 · 45 min
Dr Jo Burrell, Clinical Psychologist & Co-Founder at Ultimate Resilience
In this special episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Dr Jo Burrell, clinical psychologist and founder of Ultimate Resilience. She's also HR Magazine's number 11 most influential thinker! 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 ...
S2 · E6 · 18 Feb 2025 · 31 min
Jan Lynegar, Director of Talent Acquisition and Organisational Development at Marston's PLC
In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Jan Lynegar, 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, includi...
S2 · E5 · 16 Jan 2025 · 27 min
Claire Cathcart, HR Director at Elevate Hub
In this episode (recorded at Foyles in London in December 2024, thanks to them!), Claire Cathcart, HR Director at ELEVATE, talks to Nic about her career journey. She initially studied media, then moved into HR, and worked across major corporates and the SME space! Claire talks to Nic about the ELEVATE Hub, a community of HR professionals designed to help them learn, feel supported, and develop in their careers. Nic asks Claire about trends she is seeing in HR—she explains that HR professional...
S2 · E4 · 12 Dec 2024 · 35 min
Nimira Kassam, People Services Director at PPL PRS
In this episode Nimira Kassam, People Services Director at PPL PRS Ltd talks to Nic, recorded at the PPL PRS offices in Leicester. Nimira shares her career journey, having initially studied accounting and finance, then moving into studying HR at degree level. Nimira talks about starting her career in banking ahead of securing her first HR focussed role. Nic asks Nimira about the challenges and opportunities working at a growing SME business, and her current role as People Services Direc...
S2 · E3 · 16 May 2024 · 39 min
Dawn Browne, People & Talent Director at Fuller's
In this episode Dawn Browne, People and Talent Director at Fuller’s talks to Nic as the podcast goes on tour, recording from the Hercules pub in central London! Dawn shares her career journey, having never intended to work in HR, starting out at British Airways, joining Quantas, then Compass Group, before joining Fuller’s 12 years ago. Nic asks Dawn about the leadership lessons she learned working with baggage handlers and cabin crew! Dawn talks about how she fell in love with Fuller’...
S2 · E2 · 4 Apr 2024 · 40 min
Neil Morrison, Group HR Director at Severn Trent
In this episode Neil Morrison Group HR Director at Severn Trent shares his career journey, from the NHS to Argos, through to Penguin Random House Publishing and then Severn Trent. Neil shares his thoughts on good work, the importance of creating jobs, and organisations looking after their workforce. Neil talks about how Severn Trent have sought to take 100,000 people out of poverty by providing employment or the skills to find jobs elsewhere. Nic asks Neil about the future of work...
S2 · E1 · 1 Feb 2024 · 27 min
Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health
In this episode Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health shares her career journey, including 20+ years at Tesco and working her way up to her current role at Westfield. Vicky shares her thoughts on the profession, ranging from “toilet rolls to disciplinaries” and explains her more strategic role as Director of People. Nic asks Vicky about their success winning best employer awards and the journey towards platinum Investors in People. Vicky and Nic also discuss the “co...
S1 · E9 · 4 Dec 2023 · 48 min
Karen Jewell, Director, HR and Organisational Development at Equip UK Technologies Ltd
In this episode Karen Jewell, Director, HR and Organisational Development at Equip UK Technologies Ltd shares her career journey from HR roles in the energy sector, to HR Director at Derby City Council, to leading the people strategy for the Rab and Lowe Alpine outdoor apparel and equipment performance brands. Karen talks about her experience at Equip during COVID, taking brave decisions to continue buying and fulfilling orders where others couldn’t, and creating opportunities from the challe...
S1 · E8 · 12 Oct 2023 · 37 min
Pat Woodfield, Executive Group Director, Business Strategy, People & Culture at YMCA Robin Hood Group
In this episode, Pat Woodfield, Executive Group Director, Business Strategy, People & Culture at YMCA Robin Hood Group shares her career journey from executive personal assistant, to HR Manager, to COO and CEO roles, to Executive HR positions. Pat talks about the great work the YMCA is doing, including their new site in Newark, the Malt Cross music hall, and the famous caves of Nottingham! Nic talks to Pat about the changing nature of the people function and what People & Culture ac...
S1 · E7 · 18 Aug 2023 · 45 min
Charlotte Coore (Head of People & Culture at 200 Degrees) & Zoe Ogden (People Director at Impression)
In this episode, recorded back in March 2023 on International Women’s Day, Charlotte Coore, Head of People & Culture at 200 Degrees Coffee and Zoë Ogden, People Director at Impression share their career journey in HR and experience working in rapidly growing SME businesses. Zoë and Charlotte talk about the differences between working in larger corporates and smaller SMEs and the challenges of working in a standalone HR role. They also share the challenges of being female and...
S1 · E6 · 20 Jul 2023 · 26 min
Adam Dilks, Group People Director at Nightcap Plc
In this episode Adam Dilks, Group People Director at Nightcap Plc shares his career journey in HR from a training scheme at Tesco, to his current role helping Nightcap achieve its goal of becoming the leading late night bar group. He claims it’s not just about the cocktails! Adam tells Nic about the entrepreneurial approach at Nightcap, led by Sarah Willingham (ex-dragon’s den,) and how they are focusing on delivering their belief that “everyone deserves a great night out”. Adam...
S1 · E5 · 4 Jul 2023 · 34 min
Ben Horner, HR Director at Boots UK & ROI & NO7
In this episode Ben Horner HR Director, Boots UK & ROI and No7 shares his experience from nearly 20 years at the company. Nic talks to Ben about his transition from the Boots legal team to the role of HR Director and the challenges he faced taking on that role during a global pandemic! Ben shares a variety of initiatives Boots have introduced relating to menopause and disability, designed to support their team members and customers alike. Ben shares his advice for HR profession...
S1 · E4 · 21 Jun 2023 · 35 min
Maria Hawley, Director of People at Fisher German
In this episode Maria Hawley, Director of People at Fisher German LLP, shares her journey from selling underwear on a market stall, to a career in nursing, through to building a successful career in human resources, working at law firm Nabarros, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, and eventually her current role as Director of People. Nic and Maria also discuss Maria’s recent success winning “HR Leader of the Year 2023” at the British HR Awards, and the importance of Maria’s team in support...
S1 · E3 · 25 May 2023 · 42 min
Andrew Stephenson, Chief People Officer at Equiniti
In this episode Andy talks to Nic about his journey from selling TVs in Currys into the People Director roles at some of the UK’s most recognisable brands. Andy shares his views on how the world of work has changed post COVID and how employers must adapt to new ways of attracting, developing and retaining talent. Nic talks to Andy about building successful teams and the importance of transparency in the area of reward and career progression. Andy discusses his work in the area of customer e...
S1 · E2 · 20 Apr 2023 · 31 min
Jane Rawden, People Director at Teal Transformations Ltd
In this episode Jane shares insights with Nic from her wide experience, having worked at Babcock, in professional services, Awbery Management and Bistrot Pierre. Jane contrasts her experience of working “in-house” as a People Director with a role operating as a consultant supporting a diverse range of clients. Nic and Jane discuss the importance of leadership and openness, and consider the new world for employers post COVID, where expectations have been reset and things have become cha...
S1 · E1 · 29 Mar 2023 · 58 min
Sarah White, People & Culture Director at Staffline plc
In this episode Sarah White, People and Culture Director at Staffline plc, shares her experience of working at BAE Systems, Boots, Carlsberg and most recently Staffline, who currently engage approximately 40,000 workers every day across the UK and Ireland. In a comprehensive review of the world of work, Nic and Sarah discuss the importance of leading people well, shaping a people strategy, and creating a culture of success. Sarah also shares the challenges of the recruitment sect...

About the HRD talks

the HRD talks is a English business podcast from Actons Solicitors. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Actons Solicitors
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 37 min
Latest episode: 3 Jul 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1679782334

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