HR Leader Podcast Network
The HR Leader Podcast Network is a show about HR and people leadership, featuring conversations with leading figures in the field. Each episode explores new ideas and practical approaches for delivering more value to a business through its people. It addresses HR's biggest concerns and roadblocks, offering thinking that can shape tomorrow's workplaces. The series is aimed at inspiring listeners to engage with their people in new and innovative ways. It is produced in connection with hrleader.com.au.
Episodes
The 'getting disappeared' trend
According to one former CPO, the phenomenon of workers abruptly having to leave the workplace after raising issues or concerns is not as isolated as one might think or expect. Here, she unpacks why workers might be "disappeared" from a workplace, what it says about employers' thinking, and the impacts upon workforces across the market. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Dorais
Why is employee confidence on the rise?
New data suggests that workers are increasingly optimistic about the job market, are seeing greater vocational opportunities, and thus have less intent to stay with their current employers. What does this mean for employees and businesses alike? In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Gartner director analyst in HR Neal Woolrich to discuss Gartner's recently r
Navigating evolving employee expectations
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA), we unpack how employers and the HR function can better navigate shifting demands from the workforce in FY2026–27 and beyond. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back DLPA chief executive Karlie Cremin to discuss how workers are staying in jobs for longer (thereby amplifying the
Overcoming increasingly unsustainable workforce burnout
There is a perfect storm of workplace issues, from the need for productivity to the age of AI, that are driving worker burnout, presenteeism, and a range of other health issues. Against this backdrop, employers and HR teams must act swiftly to improve cultural health and avoid looming, unsustainable drop-offs in worker output, satisfaction, and happiness. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast,
The future of professional development
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA), we explore how and why skills are becoming increasingly more important than one's qualifications and what it means for how HR must view professional development moving forward. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back DLPA chief executive Karlie Cremin to discuss the extent to w
An HR perspective on AI as workforce transformation
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with ELMO, we explore AI as a workforce transformation from the perspective of the HR function. What does a tangible impact look like? And how ELMO's own journey shows HR teams how to reduce overwhelm, build capability, improve process design, and take on a more strategic role. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with ELMO global
A people-led approach to uplifting AI capabilities
Bolstering the technological proficiencies of staff has to be a collaborative process with the workers on the ground, rather than a top-down dictation, at a time of voluminous market change. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Grant Thornton head of digital capability and enablement Jemma Hirst about her background in L&D, what's inspiring large businesses
The Legal Brief: The golden rules of AI in the workplace
In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with Kingston Reid, we explore how HR professionals can harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while managing the legal and practical risks that come with it. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner Michael Stutley about the growing role of AI in workplace decision making, investigations, and people manag
Creating a competitive edge in the age of AI
New technologies are reshaping daily operations and processes, but – since every workplace has access to such tools – what will truly separate businesses from the pack is how they harness and grow their people. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with an organisational psychologist and the former head of strategic talent at the IMD Business School in Switzerland
Why AI implementation is the next level for strong teams
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, we unpack the imperative for HR to not only implement successful AI-inspired workflows but also get the most out of teams by having a stronger focus on the people within them. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Guy Fenton, Global Director at Deel, about getting AI implementation right. When done properly, AI becom
Performance is no longer a reliable indicator of capability
The reshaping of how people work raises myriad pertinent questions, including, and especially, how employers can and must use new technologies to elevate human potential rather than replace it. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Insight APAC people and culture director Elyse Philippi to discuss what it means to be a good and productive worker, how to vie
'Feel value in your role and bring it to the table'
Here, an award-winning HR practitioner reflects on the headline trends that will impact the vocational direction of the human resources function in FY2026–27 and why it is so important to put one's self forward as a leader in the workplace. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Heritage Real Estate director of people and culture Hayley Adcock, who won the Inn
Why relationship breakdown has become an emerging workplace risk
According to this award-winning HR professional, the next frontier in workplace wellbeing is shaping up to be how well workplaces manage the breakdown of relationships. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with The Separation Guide chief executive and co-founder Angela Harbinson, whose business won the Innovator of the Year – Best ESG Program at the inaugural HR
Old HR v new HR
Traditional designs for a business's HR function often lose sight of the problems they are trying to solve and fail to tie programs to commercial outcomes. Here, we explore the need to move towards more modern, holistic thinking about the role of HR and how best to succeed in FY2026–27 and beyond. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with We Are Charlotte founder
Building global workforces: Opportunities beyond domestic borders
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, the all-in-one payroll and HR platform for global teams, we unpack the imperative for Australian businesses to build global workforces and not be constrained by the domestic market. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel's Asia-Pacific mid-market director, Joji Kurosaki, about why businesses must be positioned fo
'HR cannot own culture alone'
In the post-pandemic workplace, when leaders appear more reactive and less inclined to challenge toxic employees, the costs to the business can be significant. To this end, culture must be a shared leadership responsibility. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Rise and Thrive Global founder Dr Catherine Plano about lessons from listening circles, key takeawa
What actually needs to change at work for AI to have a true impact?
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with ELMO, we reflect on the workplace shifts that must occur if business use of new technologies can meaningfully transition from experimental to foundational. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Inventium founder and organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber about how Australian workplaces are falling behind global count
HR's role in building real confidence and adoption with AI usage
In transforming a workplace's behaviours around technology and ultimately productivity and innovation, human resources teams have a real opportunity to partner with business leaders to help staff move out of the experimentation phase and make meaningful impacts. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Publicis Groupe ANZ and APAC chief talent officer Pauly Gr
'Happy people don't sue'
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Danny King Legal, we explore the increasing prevalence of employment disputes and how businesses must put culture, care, and communication at the centre of the employee experience. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Danny King Legal principal Danny King about her passion for employment law, the most common disputes bein
The workplace is not high school
Ensuring workers can meaningfully engage with colleagues and understand how best to communicate under pressure is a critical but oft-overlooked skill that HR must be on top of. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with communications and leadership specialist Leah Mether about what constitutes high school-like behaviour or communication at work, how and why it oc
Building the psychologically safe workplaces that employees want, expect, and demand
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with DLPA, we explore the fundamentals of building workplaces that are psychologically safe, cater to employees' holistic wellness needs, and understand that "if people don't want to be your employee, then the benefits [offered] are pretty meaningless". Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia
Navigating the implementation of period leave policies
With advocates pushing for reproductive health to have its own leave entitlements, businesses and their HR functions must consider both the benefits and trade-offs inherent with the potential introduction of such allowances for workers. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Probiotec Limited chief people officer Annalinde Nickisch about the push from unions a
Rapid AI adoption, psychosocial risks, and new workplace hazards
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia (DLPA), we explore the new and emerging risks and hazards for workplaces to contend with in times of technological change and what the HR function can do about them. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with DLPA chief executive Karlie Cremin about AI adoption-inspired psychosocial risks a
The shift towards practical work design
Redesigning traditional workplace structures to better accommodate idiosyncratic worker needs is nuanced, with no one-size-fits-all solution available. However, in an evolving professional and technological landscape, HR has a real opportunity to make a difference and ensure workers can focus on what truly matters. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with GumGum
The Legal Brief: Intractable bargaining and the shifting 'endgame' of enterprise negotiations
Longer negotiations, harder lines, and a new arbitration pathway offering relief from prolonged industrial deadlock – but not without cost. Once a rarely used mechanism, intractable bargaining workplace determinations are now arising more frequently where enterprise bargaining stalls and agreement proves elusive, bringing protected industrial action to a halt while transferring control over the re
Creating more caring leaders
With nearly one in two workplace leaders experiencing severe stress week to week, there is an urgent need to build leaders' sense of self and have them embrace self-care, so they are better placed to identify and support workers who are struggling themselves. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with R U OK? founding director and author Graeme Cowan about what hi
Ensuring workplace culture is fit for purpose
Ensuring the workforce is engaged does not simply bolster team culture; it also strengthens the collective focus on the business's objectives. Here, we unpack how to strike the right balance. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ensign Laboratories head of human resources Grant Wyatt about his journey in the HR space, concerns around workforce engagement, whe
Shifting leadership expectations in a changing working world
At a time when demands for productivity are greater than at any point in recent memory, human leadership is more important than ever. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Human Leadership Lab founder and chief executive May Samali about the evolving nature of leadership, leaders' cognisance of the need for human-centred approaches, whether workers retain the
The Legal Brief: The rise of AI advocates and trends in collective employee claims
More claims. More complexity. Higher stakes. How AI and rising civil penalties are reshaping workplace litigation and what employers need to do to keep pace. In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with national law firm Kingston Reid, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner James Parkinson about two emerging trends currently reshaping the conduct of wo
Why work should be treated as a public health issue
Work is a social determinant of health – given how much time we spend in the workplace, it is one of the most consistent and powerful influences on our holistic wellbeing. To this end, how we view responsibility for our health and work can and should be reconsidered. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with organisational psychologist, researcher, and leadership
Talent attraction and retention in a rapidly changing landscape
With more generations in the workforce than ever before and against the backdrop of myriad technological and sociocultural changes, hiring the right staff is more difficult than ever. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Blue Connections IT chief people and operations officer Cassandra Eastham about having pivoted her career from biochemistry to using people
Thinking outside the box when hiring
In the age of AI, "it can be very hard to ascertain the person behind the CV". Here, one CEO outlines her four-step process to recruitment to help leaders and HR pivot in a shifting landscape. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Virtual Headquarters chief executive Emma Davison about her background as a physio, what she learnt from that vocation in becoming
How the HR and change management functions can work together better
Oftentimes, HR doesn't understand what the change management function does. Better appreciating its purpose and working more collaboratively with that function will ultimately benefit the entire workplace. In this week's episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with 437 Consulting director and founder Sudesh Dahiya about her background as a programmer and what it taught her a
How this CEO navigated his role while experiencing mental health challenges
Here, Richie Poulton reflects on the need for better top-down approaches when it comes to managing workplace wellness, the importance of leading by example, and how HR departments and C-suite executives can show greater care and empathy for their staff, particularly in the current climate. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Instantia CEO Richie Poulton abo
How play helps restore psychological safety
Workplaces across the board can, at times, trigger fear responses from workers. Here, we reflect on how incorporating play into not only the processes but also the mindset of the workforce can both bolster and maintain optimal levels of psychological safety for staff. In today's episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Culture Hero founder Dara Simkin about how and why p
Standing still isn't an option in a changing working world
This week on The HR Leader Podcast, in a special episode produced in partnership with LinkedIn, we explore how professionals and leaders can make sense of how working life is evolving and better support their staff in building skills, confidence, and agency in the age of AI. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LinkedIn Chief Economic Opportunity Officer Aneesh Raman about his varied and storied care
The Legal Brief: Why psychosocial safety is now central to workforce change
In this week's The Legal Brief, a special episode produced in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, we explore how psychosocial safety is now central to how Australian regulators assess organisational competence and leadership, and what this means specifically for those within the HR function. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner Liam Fraser about how psych
HR as an enterprise value driver
People are the most important part of any business, and to that end, the HR function can and must play a role in driving value, in its myriad forms, for businesses. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with consultant Jane Edgar (who has served in senior HR roles in numerous major Australian businesses) about the importance of HR's role as an enterprise value driv
Payday Super and HR's role in getting the business ready
The Payday Super reforms are coming, but, troublingly, nearly half of Australian organisations are not properly aware of, or do not fully appreciate, how the new frameworks will impact them. Here, we unpack how HR can not only prepare their businesses for the looming changes but also implement practical strategies to ensure smooth processes moving forward. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast,
AI's impact on recruitment (and how HR can respond)
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, we explore the shifting hiring landscape in the age of AI, and how employers and HR professionals alike can find and implement efficiencies. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel head of talent acquisition Alan Price about how the recruitment landscape has evolved in the last year or so, the significance of such
The Legal Brief: Developments in enterprise bargaining for HR
In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with Kingston Reid, we unpack the recent changes to the bargaining landscape, lessons learnt for employers, and what will constitute best practice in the ever-changing industrial relations environment in 2026. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner Brad Popple about his background as a trade union official and why
The horizons of AI implementation: Starting with the 'low-hanging fruit'
With entry-level roles and role redesign flooding the AI transformation discourse, one expert reflects on what the next few years could hold. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Carlos Tse speaks with Gartner advisory director Jonathan Tabah (pictured), who reflects on how the AI transformation is unrivalled among technological revolutions, why AI is losing on "human touch" but winning
Why workplaces must do more skin cancer screening
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with MoleMap, we unpack the prevalence of skin cancers among workers across the country and the duties incumbent upon employers to take a holistic approach to wellbeing. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with MoleMap chief business officer Jaime Schell about the work of the specialist provider, why it is so essential for Australi
How HR can better advise managers on team interactions
Often, team members will provide feedback to managers that the latter doesn't agree with, or vice versa. For the HR function, such disconnection provides an opportunity to turn conflict into connection. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with EMA Consulting principal consultant Ming-Lyn Hii about her work in implementing lawful and reasonable management action p
Managing high-emotion workplaces
In workplaces where staff are exposed to higher levels of emotional distress from clients, the pressures upon HR are amplified. Here, we unpack how to manage those pressures and better support the workforce. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Resolve Divorce human resources manager Rebecca Kennedy about what it's like to manage the HR function of a family l
Performance management is out, personal growth is in
While employers absolutely have the right to manage the performance of staff members, more tailored approaches to the development of individuals that take into account idiosyncratic needs and skill sets are perhaps more fit for purpose in 2026 and beyond. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Electro Consulting chief executive and principal Shevonne Joyce abou
Why reshoring is critical for Australia's productivity, economy, and sovereignty
Reshoring – the process of bringing manufacturing, production, or services back home – may well be critical in ensuring that Australia and its workforce are more resilient, skilled, and sustainable. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Steve Kuper, lead of Momentum Media's defence and aerospace brands, about his background as a government staffer and his care
The Legal Brief: Lessons from end-of-year festivities and HR priorities for 2026
For many HR teams, the real challenges of the year emerge in January. In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, we examine the workplace risks and legal pressures HR professionals are facing as they return from the summer break – and what this means for compliance, culture and decision making in 2026. Host Jerome Doraisamy i
How big corporates can navigate leadership change and maintain culture
Leadership transitions can be challenging, but also an opportunity for the C-suite and HR team to prioritise the maintenance of workplace culture, company values, and worker engagement. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraismy speaks with BDO Melbourne managing partner Jason de Boer to discuss his background in professional services, the workforce changes and leadership and c
How HR can have a greater impact in 2026
The year 2026 could well bring "an absolute schism" between old ways of working and new approaches for human resources, one professional says, while arguing that HR needs to find new and better ways to have a real impact moving forward. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back author and middle management expert Rebecca Houghton to discuss what a car accident t
AI's 'unprecedented' upending of the workforce
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, we explore the extent to which artificial intelligence has revolutionised the global workforce and what that means moving forward. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel head of policy Nick Catino about the company's recent research into how AI has upended workforces globally, how Australian businesses are leading
Rethinking happiness in the hybrid workplace
Feelings of fun and happiness play a significant role in offsetting the stressors and rigours of working life. Here, an Auckland-based academic dives into the need for businesses to get creative in ensuring staff engagement and the critical role that HR must play in doing so. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with University of Auckland Business School Associat
The borderless workforce (and how Aussie businesses are winning global talent)
In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced in partnership with Deel, we explore how cross-border recruitment has changed workforces across the board and why businesses Down Under are thriving amid talent shortages. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deel country lead in ANZ Shannon Karaka about the company's work and why it's so motivating, why global workforces are increasingly cri
The Legal Brief: The Chandler v Westpac decision, and the future of remote working
Workplace flexibility is increasingly under the spotlight in 2025, with a recent Fair Work Commission decision raising the stakes for employers. In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced by HR Leader in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, we unpack the commission's recent decision to grant an employee a permanent work-from-home arrangement. Host Jerome Doraisamy
Idiosyncratic wellness issues faced by men in the workplace
Today (19 November) is International Men's Day. Here, we unpack the myriad challenges faced by men across the board and what employers need to do to better cater to those specific needs. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with former banker and self-described "manbassador" Tim Hewson, who is now the founder of mental health charity Mongrels Men and Betterment Co
The psychology behind the employee trust gap with AI
In the face of worker uncertainty about not just how to embed and utilise new and emerging technologies, but also why such changes are necessary, it is incumbent upon businesses to create comfort for employees to learn and thrive. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Qualtrics global chief people officer Julia Anas about the work she undertakes, the increasin
The evolving role of leaders in a time of change
Businesses that can bring their workforce on the journey of change and can recognise what the constants are versus points in time are the ones that will remain resilient. HR has a huge role to play in navigating such processes and in shaping leadership approaches. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with NetApp executive vice president, chief administrative offic
The Legal Brief: What you need to know about the FWO v Woolworths & Coles case
In the inaugural episode of The Legal Brief, produced in partnership with national workplace law firm Kingston Reid, host Jerome Dorasaimy speaks with Kingston Reid Partner Christa Lenard to unpack this recent landmark decision from the Federal Court, which has reshaped a practice many employers across Australia have relied upon for decades – using contractual remuneration set-off clauses to balan
Don't wait for permission to drive change
If HR professionals are to meaningfully enable and drive innovation and strategic growth, they cannot sit around and wait for the opportunity. HR must demonstrate that it offers more than just processes and performance improvement plans and that it can drive commercial outcomes. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with bolttech group chief people officer Scott Au
Is AI costing us human relationships?
In the age of AI, concerns remain that artificial intelligence is coming at the cost of genuine human interaction. Against this backdrop, it is incumbent upon HR teams and professionals to ensure that AI is both an enabler of business success and helps prevent the acceleration of disconnection or disenchantment in the workplace. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welco
The urgent need to improve workers' financial wellbeing
Financial stress continues to put downward pressure on workplace productivity. As a result – and in the face of broader market challenges – ensuring financial wellbeing must be a key priority for the HR function at this critical juncture. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with MoneyGPS co-founder and chief executive George Haramis and Howden head of employee be
Driving meaningful reform across the business
According to this chief people officer, it is "such an exciting time" to be in HR, given the opportunities to collaborate and consult, and be authentic and approachable, when driving business reform that is fit for purpose in the current climate. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Hoyts Group chief people officer Jodi Paton about her background in sports ps
Creating safe, inclusive environments for all employees
In the current climate, catering to the idiosyncratic needs and perceptions of all staff across generations – and ensuring they feel safe and included – is an ever-present challenge for HR. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Konica Minolta Australia head of people and culture Gabrielle Stevens about her personal and professional investment in helping people
Personalising the employee journey at scale
In an age where employees are increasingly demanding a sense of purpose and belonging in the workplace, it is incumbent upon businesses and their HR teams to ensure that all staff feel seen and heard. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Insight people and culture director in APAC, Elyse Philippi, about how she always wanted to be in a job where she could hel
Being open-minded about the shifting landscape
Amid myriad professional, technological, economic, and sociocultural changes, it is essential that HR professionals face such shifting sands with an open mind, which will allow, one chief people and culture officer says, for greater creativity, collaboration, and innovation. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation chief peo
The growing risk of 'moral injury'
Moral injury is a term that came about in the 1990s, but in years to come, such workplace hazards could well be among the more prominent concerns for employers to address. Here, a leading researcher explains why. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraismy speaks with Associate Professor Wendy Bonython, the associate dean of learning and teaching in the faculty of law at Bond Un
Rethinking social media policies following the Lattouf v ABC proceedings
The unlawful termination of journalist Antoinette Lattouf by the national broadcaster, which resulted in high-profile proceedings in the Federal Court, has shone a spotlight on workplace policies for social media use by employees, and the need for such frameworks to be fit for purpose. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with McCabes principal Melini Pillay about
How 'downward envy' is impacting your workplace
While workplace jealousy has always existed in various forms, the trend of "downward envy" – that is, leaders feeling envious of their employees, for myriad reasons – is a relatively new phenomenon, and one that can have deleterious impacts upon staff. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Monash Business School PhD candidate Sabreen Kaur about her research in
Going from CPO to CEO
Late last year, the chief people officer for Gilchrist Connell was announced as the national law firm's new chief executive – a role she assumed in July. Here, she reflects on her vocational experience and details how coming from an HR background and wearing "many, many hats" lends well to leading a large legal practice. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with G
The implications for primary carer parental leave from a recent Fair Work case
A recent Fair Work decision noted that a primary carer doesn't have to be the sole carer in order to receive primary carer parental leave. Here, a senior lawyer unpacks the decision and what it means for employers and lawyers moving forward. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Meredith Kennedy, a special counsel at national law firm Maddocks, about her work
How can businesses 'earn the commute' with RTO mandates
Here, we explore the need for business leaders and workplaces to "earn the commute" of their staff members returning to the office, including by way of imbibing a common purpose of the broader approach. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Canon Oceania director of people and finance David Field about his remit at Canon, how he has found the transition from technical legal specialist to having a big
Why Aussie talent is pickier than ever
Here, a senior HR adviser reveals the non-negotiables driving Australian candidates, why outdated recruitment tactics backfire, and how to fix hiring in a market where flexibility and respect reign supreme. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Kace O'Neill speaks with Gartner's senior HR principal, Jasleen Kaur, about why Australian talent prioritises work/life balance over pay, how outd
Destigmatising cancer in the workplace
Almost all Australians know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or will have been diagnosed themselves. However, our workforce has a long way to go when it comes to having open, supportive conversations about workers who fall ill. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Publicis Groupe chief talent officer in APAC and ANZ, Pauly Grant, about her journey t
Does your business need fractional leaders?
For many businesses, employing fractional professionals – who are highly committed and engaged – to lead can be the way for those entities to deal with the myriad market challenges they face. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy sits down with The CFO Centre group chief executive Sara Daw to discuss her professional journey and embrace of greater flexibility and variety
Rethinking coaching and PD for your workforce
In an age of information overload, bringing things back to basics and ensuring workforces are getting the fundamentals right is essential to ensuring healthy, happy and productive staff. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Rodney Cottam and Chris Paterson from Run Rocket Run about their journeys in the corporate, armed services, and professional sporting wor
From pink suits to progress
What did this HR partner do when she walked into her first defence event in her early 20s, wearing a bright pink suit, and realised she was the only woman in the room? In this special episode of The HR Leader Podcast, produced by our sister brand, Defence Connect, we explore this question and much more. In the premiere episode of The Progress Report, produced by HR Leader's sister brand, Defence C
Tackling inclusion dilemmas: Former AFL boss's game plan for divided workplaces
Former CEO of an AFL side turned ethical leadership expert Matt Finnis unpacks the habits of inclusive workplaces, strategies for navigating polarising debates, and why transparency is non-negotiable in 2025. Formerly CEO of St Kilda Football Club and corporate lawyer and now CEO at Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, Matt Finnis spoke to HR Leader journalist Kace O'Neill to discuss key themes
The risky business of RTO mandates: Why forced office returns threaten talent and productivity
The fierce debate over flexible work arrangements shows no signs of slowing down, thrust into the spotlight by the recent Australian federal election and high-profile corporate mandates. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, Host Kace O'Neill sits down with Neal Woolrich, director in Gartner's HR Advisory team, to navigate the complex terrain of post-pandemic work. Woolrich, drawing on his uni
'Rushed' reforms: Inside NSW's controversial workers' compensation shake-up
The NSW government's proposed overhaul of the workers' compensation scheme has ignited fierce debate. In this recent episode of the HR Leader Podcast, host Kace O'Neill sits down with Chantille Khoury, partner and practice group leader for workers' compensation at Law Partners, to dissect the draft reforms and their potentially seismic impact. Khoury details how the reforms would devastate support
Worrying post-COVID workplace trends
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, working life has changed significantly. Now, research is starting to identify certain professional and environmental trends that businesses need to be on top of. In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by the founding board director of R U OK?, Graeme Cowan, to discuss why uncertainty is so prevalent in workplaces in the curre
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