In this podcast, our Founder and MD Louise Kennedy and her guests share real-world stories behind the processes to humanise HR. <\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a small business without a HR team looking for guidance, a large business in need of specialist support, or even a student wanting to find out more about HR careers, this podcast will give you direct access to the real world of HR.<\/p>\n Take your first step into the real world of HR with the podcast trailer, where HR expert Louise Kennedy explains her mission and what’s to come in the podcast.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/4xLzbsjCqAgzIFmmgLM979<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Are you ready to step into the real world of HR?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How can the way we are treated at work influence our productivity?<\/p>\n In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by FCIPD and MBA Business Coach & Mentor, Dulcie Swanston.<\/p>\n Dulcie has over 20 years\u2019 experience in the FTSE 100\/250 with powerhouses like Bass and Mitchells & Butlers Plc, and she’s not just a Master Executive Coach, but also a Business Mentor across sectors like retail and pharmaceuticals globally. Founder of Tea Break Training Ltd and ‘The 52 Project’, author of ‘It\u2019s Not Bloody Rocket Science’, and a voice on BBC, Dulcie stands out as possibly the only Fellow of the CIPD with an MBA, a post-graduate in Employment Law, and also a qualified nightclub bouncer! On the podcast, Dulcie shares how scientific research can help us to understand how to build better relationships, lead with authenticity and adapt for growth. Louise and Dulcie cover the science behind emotional intelligence and how it links to productivity at work.<\/p>\n Spotify: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/67qCCPpbgCRlC4LrcVGdzE?si=78-l4o6CRJiO-HWXXBnL_g<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The cost-of-living crisis affects us all, but how does it affect us in the workplace?<\/p>\n In this episode of Real World HR, host Louise Kennedy is joined by committed social justice advocate; Alison Dunn.<\/p>\n Alison has been the Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2012 and has led the independent charity to support hundreds of thousands of people in the North East and maximise household income, resulting in approximately \u00a384m of financial gains over a ten-year period. Under her leadership, the charity has undergone significant growth, increasing turnover from \u00a31.4m to over \u00a35.8m, growing a workforce of more than 220 staff members, and supporting around 70 volunteers each year.<\/p>\n In this episode, Louise and Alison chat about the challenges that people and employers face in the cost-of-living crisis. They talk about the services that are available to people and how companies can work with their employees and prospective employees to help ease the repercussions of the challenges we face in today\u2019s societal issues.<\/p>\n Spotify: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/5ys4rwrq3W7Rq2gRhwGES7?si=f682899bba47427c<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In our latest podcast episode of Real World HR we are joined by Tom Chapman from The Lions Barber Collective. Tom is an absolute trailblazer in the industry, and the self-acclaimed busiest barber in the world has made it his mission to propel the stigma of mental health among men into the mainstream.<\/p>\n After a decade working at Toni & Guy, Tom founded his own hair studio in 2011. After losing a friend to suicide, he quickly realised that the salon and barbers provided a safe environment in which he could openly talk to his clients. In 2015 The Lions Barber Collective was founded, with a group of international Barbers now at its core that educate and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.<\/p>\n Spotify: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/mv3hcz64<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Tune in and join Team Oculus HR as we discuss hot topics and trending talking points within the world of HR.<\/p>\n In this brand-new episode, we delve into the subject of team culture.<\/p>\n Can you put into words what your company culture is?<\/p>\n Sometimes it\u2019s difficult to grasp the true feeling of the workplace but defining your workplace culture is important to allow efficiency and passion to grow within the team.<\/p>\n Join us as we touch on offering benefits to staff and how to avoid grievances within your company, recruiting, and how this all links back to the culture of the company.<\/p>\n Ready to step into the Real World of HR?<\/p>\n Spotify: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/3zsy2tds<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Health is a verb not a noun – it\u2019s something that you need to work on, not something you have. On the latest episode of Real World HR podcast, we are joined by the Health Hacktivation doctor, Dr Alka Patel.<\/p>\n As a doctor, coach, speaker, author, and podcaster, Alka\u2019s mission is to help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and self-care by giving you the latest information on health and technology practices. She\u2019s passionate about helping people live better and longer lives.<\/p>\n Tune in and listen to Dr Alka\u2019s guide to living with longevity, impact, vitality, and energy.<\/p>\n Spotify: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/yc42u5xw<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n What is the key to scaling a multi-million-pound business? People.<\/p>\n Steve is the Founder and Group CEO of recruitment company Samuel Knight International, Steve has scaled his business to a global success, earning multiple awards and employing over 100 people.<\/p>\n On the podcast, we explore what it takes to scale a business with this success whilst prioritising people to build happy, high-performing teams.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/2asrc4h7<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Open people\u2019s hearts so that they change their minds.\u2019<\/p>\n An amazing quote on how we can tackle unconscious bias from our latest podcast guest.<\/p>\n In season two, episode four of Real World HR, we are joined by Kelly Charles-Collins \u2013 all the way from sunny Florida!<\/p>\n Keynote speaker and author Kelly is passionate about revolutionising the way leaders and employees address the issues of justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.<\/p>\n Within this, Kelly advocates building conversational workplace cultures, which she unpacks on the podcast.<\/p>\n The discussion is fascinating and enlightening. Listen now: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/5n7y4p7d<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In this episode of Real World HR Louise Kennedy is joined by Julie Turnbull and looks at the impact that mindset has on workplace culture and business growth.<\/p>\n Julie Turnbull is a transformational life and business coach who is passionate about empowering teams and leaders to create a high energy culture to drive performance. She is also an accredited coach of the Unbreakable Mindset Framework.<\/p>\n Listen to the episode for insights on\u2026<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/44pajexk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n To mark Oculus HR\u2019s 10th<\/sup> birthday, we recorded a special episode looking back on the past decade.<\/p>\n A big thank you to Sophie Milliken for putting me in the hot seat and interviewing me about my journey in business.<\/p>\n On the podcast we:<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/0XM68QWJimCtNIlHmO2rIb?si=B-oi9owbQ_SUUnxK6ixNpQ&nd=1<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n To kick off season two of Real World HR, Team Oculus HR are back to discuss on trend HR topics, along with what\u2019s been going on in our world since we last recorded a podcast together. Our discussions include: a recent rise in cases of grievances and dismissals and how HR support in this area; getting your policies and procedures in place and aligning these with your culture; supporting employees\u2019 mental health and wellbeing; the introduction of menstrual leave in Spain and what this means for HR in the future; how performance management supports employee satisfaction and retention; our thoughts on the four-day working week.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/3oGgufEtOgarOwTfu1MZ1l<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n To grow a successful business, leadership and development are two key areas that you need to get right.<\/p>\n In this episode of the Real World HR podcast, host Louise Kennedy is joined by culture change, behavioural and people expert Sarah Callender<\/a>, to dive into the leadership debate.<\/p>\n Sarah is COO at Duo Global Consulting, where she works with growth focused businesses to lead and navigate strategic change. As part of this, Sarah is passionate about effective leadership and runs initiatives to support ambitious leaders to make a positive impact.<\/p>\n The discussions in this episode include the qualities of effective leaders; performance management and planning techniques; and how to encourage continuous development.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/5GM2Pi5OffhHEKkwkCX7gE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Developing a culture that works for your business and its people is not as easy as it seems. So much hinges on company culture \u2013 including employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity.<\/p>\n In episode five of the Real World HR podcast, host Louise Kennedy is joined by founder and creative director at Rowen Homes, Alice Hall<\/a>. Alice exited her first business, Pink Boutique, after scaling it to \u00a325 million turnover, and has carried lessons from this business into building the rapidly growing Rowen Homes.<\/p>\n When building her businesses, Alice has prioritised people. She feels passionately that companies should invest in creating an excellent culture. After all, we spend so much of our lives at work.<\/p>\n In this episode, Alice shares her business journey and lessons learnt, along with tips for businesses to implement to develop a collaborative, creative, and engaging culture.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/0CfMFk1HH7MY0NMH2Vs4m8<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most vital wheels in the cog for business growth is an effective recruitment strategy. This doesn’t just include getting talent into your business, but retaining it too.<\/p>\n Episode four of the Real World HR podcast features talent acquisition expert Sam Spoors<\/a>. Sam is an award-winning entrepreneur. With her business Talentheads, she provides specialist support on talent and recruitment.<\/p>\n In a competitive market, with businesses already facing the \u2018not enough hours in the day\u2019 problem, Sam is a big advocate of correctly positioning your employer brand and having an ingrained talent strategy in your business \u2013 so you get the right hire every time and build a team that is just as invested in your business as you are.<\/p>\n This episode features Sam’s expert advice on what businesses can do to stand out, attract the right candidates, and enhance their talent acquisition strategy.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/4NAgn5TOJJaWuR7q0knnm1<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n At some stage in their life, everyone will experience a deterioration in their mental health.<\/p>\n Many will also be affected by substance misuse, which also has a massive impact on working life.<\/p>\n On episode three of the Real World HR podcast, we\u2019re joined by Occupational Health expert John Devitt<\/a> to discuss these pertinent issues of mental health and substance misuse in the workplace. In his role as CEO at Recovery4Life, John specialises in offering support with sensitive, complex health and wellbeing issues such as drugs and alcohol.<\/p>\n John believes in the importance of personal enterprise in recovery and advocates reducing the stigma associated with substance misuse and mental wellbeing in the workplace.<\/p>\n We open up the discussion in this episode, with John sharing invaluable advice for businesses and individuals to find and offer support.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/1cux5f3uzC172rP6FBcHuE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Menopause affects 100% of people. That\u2019s right \u2013 it\u2019s the least exclusive club on the planet.<\/p>\n With this being the case, why is menopause still not part a concrete feature of the wellbeing at work agenda?<\/p>\n Join us for episode two of the Real World HR podcast, where we investigate this and more with menopause educator Sharon MacArthur<\/a>. Sharon\u2019s own lived experiences of the menopause ultimately ended up with her suffering from symptoms that could have killed her.<\/p>\n With her business Miss Menopause, Sharon is on a mission to educate HR professionals, managers, and working women to change this.<\/p>\n We discuss why menopause is something to be managed, not just endured, and how we can all do more to break the taboo around menopause in the workplace.<\/p>\n Listen now: https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/6MvDRP72FHYhGgKmXKjuoj<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Ever dreaded having an awkward conversation with an employee or your manager? Or lost sleep worrying about a situation you\u2019re in at work?<\/p>\n The first episode of the Real World HR podcast will equip you with solutions to face these issues.<\/p>\n Join HR expert and host Louise Kennedy as she shines the spotlight on her team at Oculus HR<\/a>. The team share their journeys and why they love working in HR.<\/p>\n Then there’s the best bit – going beyond the HR handbook to discuss some standout, real life stories from their HR world. And there’s some gems!<\/p>\nTRAILER – STEP INTO THE REAL WORLD OF HR<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nEPISODE 004: DULCIE SWANSTON: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEADERSHIP<\/h2>\n
\nEPISODE 003: ALISON DUNN: THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS<\/h2>\n
\nEPISODE 002: MEN\u2019S MENTAL HEALTH \u2013 TOM CHAPMAN: THE LIONS BARBER COLLECTIVE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nEPISODE 001: CREATING A WINNING WORKPLACE CULTURE \u2013 TEAM OCULUS HR<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS02 E06: DR ALKA PATEL: HEALTH IS EVERYONE\u2019S BUSINESS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS02 E05: STEVE RAWLINGSON \u2013 SEIZING OPPORTUNITY AND SCALING A MULTI-MILLION-POUND BUSINESS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS02 E04 \u2013 KELLY CHARLES-COLLINS \u2013 TACKLING UNCONCIOUS BIAS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS02 E03 – JULIE TURNBULL – THE IMPACT OF MINDSET ON WORKPLACE CULTURE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nS02 E02 \u2013 10 YEARS OF OCULUS HR<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nS02 E01 – TEAM OCULUS HR: ON TREND IN HR<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS01 E06 – SARAH CALLENDER: LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS01 E05 – ALICE ROWEN HALL: COLLABORATIVE COMPANY CULTURE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS01 E04 – SAM SPOORS: STRATEGIC TALENT ACQUISITION<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS01 E03 – JOHN DEVITT: EFFECTIVE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS01 E02 – SHARON MACARTHUR: MANAGING MENOPAUSE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nS01 E01 – TEAM OCULUS HR: BEYOND THE HR HANDBOOK<\/strong><\/h2>\n