HR Voices Podcast

Episode 83: Living Your Legacy – The Impact You Leave at Work and Beyond
 
Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Louise Camby, Speaker and Legacy Advocate
 
What will people remember about the way you worked, led and made them feel?
 
Legacy is often something we think about at the end of a career or life. But in this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Louise Camby to explore a different perspective: we are creating our legacy every day.
 
Louise shares the personal story behind preserving the legacy of her grandfather, composer, arranger and conductor Johnny Douglas, whose work included The Railway Children and music for well-known animated television series. Her experience led her to think more deeply about what legacy really means — not only personally, but in our careers, leadership and workplaces.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
What it means to consciously live your legacy
Why legacy isn’t reserved for famous people or senior leaders
How everyday behaviours and interactions shape how we are remembered
The impact leaders and managers leave on their people
How good leadership can influence someone long after they have left a workplace
Why making employees feel heard and valued matters
Knowledge transfer and succession planning when employees leave or retire
How organisations can retain valuable knowledge and experience
The importance of planning for the transition into retirement
How individuals and businesses can create meaningful legacy projects
Why capturing stories, experiences and knowledge matters for future generations
 
Louise explains that leadership legacy can be found in something as simple as understanding how individuals in your team work best, valuing their contribution and helping them grow.
 
Louise’s Top Three Tips
 
1. Capture the stories
Take the photos, document the stories and preserve the experiences that matter.
 
2. Pass on your knowledge
Think about knowledge transfer and succession planning so valuable lessons and experience aren’t lost when people move on.
 
3. Create a legacy project
Combine something you enjoy or are good at with a cause or purpose that matters to you.
 
Key Takeaway
 
Your legacy isn’t created by one defining moment.
 
It is built through the small choices you make, the way you lead, the knowledge you share and the way you make people feel every day.
 
🎧 Whether you’re an HR professional, HR consultant, business owner, leader or simply thinking about the impact you want to have, this episode will encourage you to consider the legacy you’re already creating — and the one you want to leave.
 
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes?
Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
 
#HRVoices #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Legacy #HumanResources

Host: Mary Asante Guest: Vicky O'Farrell, Founder of Queen of Behaviours
Every workplace interaction has an impact.
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by human behaviour expert Vicky O'Farrell to explore how our everyday behaviours influence workplace culture, leadership, employee engagement and team performance.
Together, they discuss why HR professionals, managers and business leaders need to look beyond policies and procedures and focus on the human side of work. From understanding the ripple effect of our actions to creating psychological safety and responding rather than reacting, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone who leads or works with people.
In this episode, we cover:
Why workplace culture is built through everyday behaviours
The ripple effect of how leaders and colleagues show up
What it's really like to be on the receiving end of your behaviour
Why psychological safety starts with self-awareness
The importance of understanding the experiences behind people's opinions
How to pause before reacting and have better workplace conversations
Practical ways HR professionals and leaders can create more respectful, people-focused workplaces
Vicky's top tips
✔ Ask yourself, "What's it like to be on the receiving end of me?"
✔ Remember that behind every opinion is a human with a lifetime of experiences.
✔ You don't need to react at the speed in which you receive—pause, reflect and then respond.
This episode provides practical insights to help HR professionals, managers, leaders and business owners better understand human behaviour, build stronger workplace relationships and create positive, people-centred cultures where individuals and teams can thrive.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#HRVoices #HumanBehaviour #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleManagement
 

Episode 81: Building a Future-Proof HR Consultancy – Key Lessons from Episodes 72, 73, 74 and 80
Host: Mary Asante
What does it take to build a successful, sustainable and future-proof HR consultancy in today's rapidly changing business environment?
In this special recap episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante brings together the key insights from four recent episodes covering employment law, LinkedIn, consultancy growth and HR audits.
Drawing on expert discussions with Amanda Trewhella, Meg Hudson and Tania Harland, Mary explores the common themes emerging across the HR consulting profession and what independent HR consultants need to focus on to thrive.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Employment Rights Act 2025 and what the upcoming employment law changes mean for employers and HR consultants
✅ Why staying ahead of employment law developments creates opportunities to support clients proactively
✅ How LinkedIn can help HR consultants increase visibility, build credibility and attract new clients
✅ The importance of content, connections and conversations in growing a consultancy business
✅ The most common challenges HR consultants are facing right now, including pricing, positioning, client acquisition and retainers
✅ Why HR expertise alone is not enough when running a consultancy business
✅ How HR audits can identify risk, strengthen client relationships and generate strategic advisory opportunities
✅ Using HR audits to support compliance, improve people practices and create ongoing consultancy work
✅ Building a consultancy that is proactive rather than reactive
Key Themes
Across these four episodes, one message stands out:
Successful HR consultants combine technical expertise with visibility, commercial thinking and proactive client support.
The consultants who thrive are not simply those with the most HR knowledge. They are the ones who:
Stay ahead of change
Build strong professional networks
Communicate their value clearly
Create meaningful conversations with clients
Identify opportunities to add value and solve problems
Questions to Consider
As you listen, ask yourself:
How prepared are your clients for the Employment Rights Act 2025?
How visible are you to your ideal clients?
Are you building your consultancy strategically or reacting to opportunities as they arise?
When did you last conduct an HR audit with a client?
What steps are you taking to future-proof your consultancy business?
Mary's Key Takeaways
✔ Stay ahead of employment law and workplace developments
✔ Build visibility consistently through LinkedIn and networking
✔ Think like a business owner, not just an HR practitioner
✔ Focus on creating value and solving client problems
✔ Use tools such as HR audits to strengthen relationships and uncover opportunities
Featured Episodes
This recap brings together key insights from:
Episode 72: Employment Rights in 2025 – What Employers Need to Know
Episode 73: How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your HR Consultancy Business
Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business)
Episode 80: HR Audits – The Hidden Opportunity for HR Consultants and Their Clients
🎧 Whether you're an HR consultant, HR leader, people professional or business owner, this episode provides practical ideas to help you build a stronger, more sustainable consultancy and deliver greater value to clients.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#HRVoices #HRConsultant #HRConsulting #HRLeadership #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentRightsAct2025 #LinkedInForBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #HRAudits #HRCompliance #PeopleProfessionals #HRStrategy #HRCommunity #HRIndependents #SmallBusinessGrowth #ConsultingBusiness #FutureOfWork #HumanResources #BusinessGrowth #PeopleManagement

Episode 80: HR Audits – The Hidden Opportunity for HR Consultants and Their Clients
Host: Mary AsanteGuest: Tania Harland, Founder of HR Diagnostics
What exactly is an HR audit, and why should every HR consultant have one in their toolkit?
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Tania Harland, founder of HR Diagnostics, to discuss how HR audits can help organisations reduce risk, improve compliance, and create opportunities for business growth.
With major employment law changes on the horizon, including the Employment Rights Act 2025, now is the perfect time for employers to review their HR practices and ensure they have the right foundations in place.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ What an HR audit is and why it matters
✅ The difference between an HR audit, health check and compliance review
✅ Common HR and employment law risks employers overlook
✅ How audits help identify gaps in contracts, policies and processes
✅ The impact of the Employment Rights Act 2025
✅ Why HR audits are a valuable business development tool for consultants
✅ Using audits to build credibility, strengthen client relationships and create additional revenue opportunities
Tania's Four-Step HR Audit Framework
Assess – Review current HR practices and documentation
Identify – Highlight compliance gaps and risks
Evaluate – Prioritise actions based on business impact
Remedy – Create a practical action plan
Key Takeaway
An HR audit is more than a compliance exercise. It provides a clear picture of where an organisation is today, highlights potential risks, and creates a roadmap for improvement.
For HR consultants, it can also be a powerful way to demonstrate value, build trust and uncover opportunities to support clients more strategically.
Tania's Top Tips
✔ Don't wait for a crisis before reviewing your HR practices
✔ Use data and evidence to guide conversations with clients
✔ Treat every audit as the start of a longer-term partnership
🎧 Whether you're an HR consultant, business owner, HR leader or people professional, this episode offers practical insights into reducing risk and strengthening your people practices.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#HRVoices #HRAudit #HRConsultant #HRCompliance #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentRightsAct2025 #HRLeadership #PeopleProfessionals #BusinessGrowth #HRStrategy

Episode 79: What We’ve Learned About Wellbeing at Work
Mental Wealth, Financial Wellbeing, Psychological Health and Men’s Health
Host: Mary Asante
Over the last four episodes of HR Voices, we have explored some of the most important wellbeing challenges facing today’s workplaces.
From mental wealth and leadership to financial wellbeing, psychological health, stress, remote working and men’s health, one message has consistently emerged:
People often struggle long before anyone notices.
In this special recap episode, Mary Asante brings together the key insights and practical lessons from Episodes 75–78, highlighting what HR professionals, business leaders, managers and independent consultants can learn from these powerful conversations.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ Why wellbeing is about far more than mental health alone
✅ The connection between mental health, financial wellbeing, physical health and workplace performance
✅ How stress, burnout and "drift" can develop quietly over time
✅ Why awareness alone is not enough to create meaningful change
✅ The emotional load carried by HR professionals, leaders and managers
✅ The impact of financial stress on employee wellbeing, productivity and engagement
✅ Psychological health in remote and hybrid working environments
✅ Why men’s health remains an important workplace conversation
✅ The role of managers in spotting early warning signs and creating supportive workplace cultures
✅ How isolation affects employees, leaders and independent consultants alike
✅ Why early intervention and meaningful conversations matter
 
Key themes from Episodes 75–78
Mental Wealth and Leadership Building strong support networks, recognising "drift" early, and understanding why leaders often struggle in silence.
Financial Wellbeing at Work The impact of money worries on employee wellbeing, mental health, productivity and workplace performance.
Psychological Health and Remote Working Managing stress, burnout, psychological strain and maintaining healthy boundaries in increasingly flexible workplaces.
Men’s Health at Work Breaking stigma, encouraging earlier conversations, supporting preventative healthcare and creating workplaces where people feel safe seeking help.
Key Takeaway
Wellbeing challenges rarely appear overnight.
Whether someone is experiencing stress, financial pressure, burnout, isolation, mental health challenges or physical health concerns, early support can make a significant difference.
The most effective workplaces are not those that wait for a crisis to happen—they are the ones that create environments where people feel able to speak up, seek support and have meaningful conversations before problems escalate.
Reflection for HR Professionals and Leaders
As professionals who spend much of our time supporting others, it is important to remember that wellbeing applies to us too.
Who supports the supporter?
Who notices when you disappear?
Who checks in on you?
Creating healthy workplaces starts with creating healthy support systems for ourselves as well as for those around us.
A simple reminder
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is:
📞 Pick up the phone.
🤝 Check in.
💬 Start a conversation.
You may be closer to support, clarity, change and recovery than you think.
🎧 Listen now and revisit the key lessons from Episodes 75–78 of HR Voices.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#HRVoices #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAtWork #MentalWealth #FinancialWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #PsychologicalHealth #MensHealth #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #HRProfessionals #PeopleProfessionals #HybridWorking #RemoteWorking #BurnoutPrevention #OccupationalHealth #WorkplaceCulture #HRCommunity #HRIndependents #PeopleManagement

Host: Mary Asante Guest: Dr Mani Khan, Occupational Health Assessments
In this special episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by occupational health specialist Dr Mani Khan to discuss one of the most important and often overlooked workplace topics: men's health.
While workplace wellbeing is now a regular part of organisational conversations, many men still delay seeking support for both physical and mental health concerns. This can lead to increased stress, burnout, long-term sickness absence, and in some cases devastating outcomes for individuals, families and employers.
Drawing on over 30 years of clinical and occupational health experience, Dr Khan shares practical insights into the health challenges affecting men today, the warning signs employers should recognise, and how managers, HR professionals and occupational health specialists can work together to support employees earlier and more effectively.
In this episode, we discuss:
Men's mental health in the workplace
Stress, anxiety and depression at work
Burnout and long-term sickness absence
Presenteeism and hidden signs of distress
Why men often delay asking for help
Suicide awareness and men's mental health
The role of occupational health in supporting employees
Building supportive workplace cultures
Psychological safety and employee wellbeing
Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace health
Cardiovascular health, diabetes and obesity
Prostate cancer awareness and prevention
Hybrid working, remote working and isolation
The importance of manager check-ins and early intervention
The Equality Act, reasonable adjustments and employee support
Health promotion and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace
Why this conversation matters
Many health conditions affecting men are preventable, manageable or treatable when identified early.
Whether it is stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions or prostate health, early conversations and proactive support can make a significant difference to both health outcomes and workplace performance.
For HR professionals, managers and business leaders, this episode provides practical guidance on recognising warning signs, creating supportive workplace environments and helping employees access the right support before problems escalate.
Dr Khan's key messages
Men's health challenges are more common than many people realise.
Regular health checks, healthy lifestyles and early intervention matter.
Good health, wellbeing and work are interconnected — supporting the whole person leads to better outcomes at work and at home.
A reminder for listeners
If something doesn't feel right, don't wait.
Whether you're concerned about your physical health, mental wellbeing, stress levels or burnout, seeking support early is one of the most important steps you can take.
🎧 Listen now and share with managers, HR professionals, business leaders, colleagues, friends and family.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#MensHealth #MensHealthWeek #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #OccupationalHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealth #Burnout #StressManagement #HR #PeopleManagement #Leadership #PsychologicalSafety #ProstateCancerAwareness #WorkplaceHealth #HRVoices

Episode 77: Psychological Health at Work – Managing Mental Health, Stress and Remote Working
 
Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Magnus Kauders, Occupational Health Assessments
 
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Magnus Kauders from Occupational Health Assessments for an important conversation about psychological health in the workplace, mental wellbeing, and the growing challenges facing employers, HR professionals and independent consultants.
 
Mary and Magnus explore the difference between mental health and psychological ill health, the role of occupational health, and why proactive support and early intervention matter more than ever in today’s hybrid and remote working environments.
 
The conversation also highlights the increasing emotional pressures faced by employees, managers and HR professionals, and why creating psychologically safe workplace cultures is essential for both wellbeing and business performance.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
Mental health vs psychological ill health
Stress, anxiety and depression in the workplace
When employers should involve occupational health
The role of HR professionals and line managers
Psychological safety at work
Mental health first aid and employee support
Stress risk assessments and employer responsibilities
The impact of remote and hybrid working on wellbeing
Recognising early signs of psychological distress
Why prevention and early intervention matter
Supporting employees before issues escalate
Isolation and loneliness in remote working
The importance of workplace culture and human connection
 
Resources mentioned:
 
HSE stress risk assessment guidance
Working Minds campaign resources
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
Mental Health First Aid training
 
Key message
 
Psychological health at work is everyone’s responsibility.
 
Creating supportive workplace cultures, checking in regularly, and addressing concerns early can make a significant difference to employee wellbeing, performance and long-term business health.
 
Key takeaway from Magnus
 
If your intuition tells you something is not right with someone, it is always better to ask:
“Are you okay?”
 
Small conversations and human connection can prevent much bigger problems later.
 
🎧 Listen now and share with HR professionals, managers, business leaders and anyone supporting people at work.
 
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes?
Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk

Episode 76: Financial Wellbeing at Work – Supporting Employees Through Financial Stress
 
Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Charlie Goodman, Good Money Guidance Ltd
 
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by financial wellbeing specialist Charlie Goodman to discuss one of the biggest workplace challenges facing employees and employers today - financial wellbeing.
 
With rising living costs, financial stress and increasing pressure on household budgets, financial wellbeing has become a major issue for HR professionals, business leaders and SME employers.
 
Mary and Charlie explore how financial stress impacts employee wellbeing, mental health, productivity and workplace performance, and what organisations can realistically do to support their people.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
Financial wellbeing and employee mental health
The impact of the cost of living crisis on employees
Why higher earners can still struggle financially
Financial stress in the workplace
How HR professionals and employers can support employee wellbeing
Workplace pensions and employee benefits
The importance of financial education and communication
Budgeting tools and financial wellbeing technology
Why employees often struggle to take financial action
The difference between information and behaviour change
Creating realistic financial wellbeing strategies for SMEs
 
Resources mentioned:
 
MoneyHelper
Money Saving Expert (Martin Lewis)
Pension Awareness Week
Workplace pension provider wellbeing resources
 
Key message
 
Financial wellbeing is not just about salary.
 
It is about helping employees build confidence, understanding and healthier financial habits through practical support, communication and accessible resources.
 
Charlie’s top tips:
 
Help employees understand the benefits and support already available
Keep financial wellbeing support practical and realistic
Make it easy for employees to access trusted information and tools
 
🎧 Listen now and share with HR professionals, business leaders and anyone supporting workplace wellbeing.
 
📩 Questions or future topic suggestions?
Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk

Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Mike Pagan
 
In this powerful Mental Health Awareness Week episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante welcomes back leadership speaker and Mental Wealth advocate Mike Pagan for a deeper conversation about isolation, drift, accountability and support.
 
Building on their hugely popular previous discussion on Mental Wealth (Episode 57), this episode explores what happens when capable people quietly become overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck — especially HR professionals, leaders and independent consultants who spend so much time supporting others.
 
Together, Mary and Mike discuss the emotional load many professionals carry, the hidden impact of hybrid and remote working, and why awareness alone is not enough without action and support.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
What “drift” looks like in practice
Why capable people can still become stuck
Isolation in leadership and remote working
The emotional pressure carried by HR professionals
Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
The difference between awareness and action
Accountability, routines and support structures
The importance of human connection and checking in
 
Mike’s top tips:
 
Prioritise self-care and check in with yourself regularly
Spend more time with people who energise and support you
Pick up the phone and check in on someone who may need it
 
🎧 A thoughtful and honest conversation about wellbeing, leadership, connection and the importance of not carrying everything alone.
 
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes?
Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.u

Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business)
What are HR consultants really struggling with right now — and what does it mean for how you grow your business?
Host: Mary Asante
In this solo episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante steps into the role of community voice and thought leader, sharing the most common questions she’s hearing from HR consultants right now — and, more importantly, what sits beneath them.
From winning consistent work to pricing with confidence, this episode goes beyond surface-level advice and explores the patterns, challenges, and mindset shifts shaping the HR consultancy landscape today.
In this episode, we explore:
Why visibility alone isn’t enough to win work
The real reason LinkedIn may not be working for you
Moving from hourly pricing to value-based thinking
When (and how) retainers can support sustainable growth
The importance of clarity in positioning and niche
How to stand out in a crowded HR consultancy market
Managing client expectations and avoiding constant reactivity
Setting boundaries to protect your time, energy, and business
Why this matters
Many HR consultants are busy, but not always building sustainably.
This episode highlights the key shifts needed to move from:
reactive to intentional
visible to valuable
busy to strategic
…and ultimately build a consultancy that is both profitable and sustainable.
Key takeaways
Be intentional, not just active — especially when it comes to visibility and networking
Focus on value, not just delivery — in both pricing and positioning
Protect your time and energy — boundaries are essential for long-term success
A note from Mary
“This episode is based on real conversations across the HRi community. If you’ve been asking yourself similar questions, you’re not alone.”
Get involved
Have a question, challenge, or topic you’d like us to explore?
📧 Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
About HR Voices
HR Voices is brought to you by HR Independents (HRi) — the UK’s professional body supporting independent HR and People professionals.
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your network and help more HR consultants build stronger, more sustainable businesses.