You don't have to be an expert in everything to be an outstanding leader; but you do need the right mindset.

Today, you'll hear from Fay Wallis, host of the HR Coffee Time podcast.

A show dedicated to helping HR professionals grow their confidence, influence and leadership impact.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

1. What makes HR Coffee Time unique and why it resonates with HR professionals

2. Common challenges HR and people leaders face as they move into senior roles

3. The myths and misconceptions holding HR professionals back from leadership positions

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. 1. You don't have to be an expert in everything.

      • "They'll hold themselves back from doing it, or if they get the role, they'll go into a bit of a tailspin of panic."

   2. You may have to implement decisions that you fundamentally disagree with.

      • "They can't publicly say, 'Okay everyone, it's back to the office. I completely disagree with the CEO and the rest of the senior leadership team...'"

   3. I want to help HR professionals feel confident stepping into Chief People Officer roles.

      • "There's a lot of mystery around the role, and that, of course, equals fear around the role."

Check out these resources:

• HR Coffee Time Episodes:

  • Episode 115: Why negotiation skills can help your HR career & how to develop them, with Simon Duncan

  • Episode 35: Helping teams thrive with personal user manuals

  • Episode 144: A new chapter for HR Coffee Time – here's what's happening

• Book mentioned: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

• Websites:

  • Main site: https://brightskyhr.co.uk/
  • The Essential HR Planner: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/
  • Reach out directly to Fay Wallis if you'd like a copy of her personal user manual.
  • Connect with Fay on LinkedIn: Fay Wallis

I want to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth.
You're heading into 2026 (or whatever next year is depending on when you're tuning in) with questions, uncertainty and if you're honest ….. fatigue.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

1. 3 Insights I Couldn't Ignore

2. Understanding Your Narrative Arc

3. The Importance of Evidence-Based Inclusion and Consistency

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Your plan for next year is a logical step from what you've been doing

   • "Your body of work, however large or however small is going to reveal insights about your preferences, your successes and therefore what you should do next."

2. You need a method to keep you focussed

   • "The only reason we gather evidence is to support or undermine claims, assumptions and hypotheses."

3. Being consistent will make you remarkable

   • "They weren't the most knowledgeable. They weren't the loudest. They were the ones who stayed consistent."

Check out these resources:

• Dr. Jonathan's Thesis – See show notes for link to p166 and Appendix 3, outlining the process of reviewing and analysing work.

• Ask Dr Jonathan – An AI-powered version of the podcast and inclusion strategies.