People First: A Lotus People Podcast
Welcome to People First – a Lotus People podcast. In a world that’s constantly evolving, People First is here to empower today’s people-centric leaders to navigate these ever-changing times. We’re excited to share stories, build a community, and learn from one another.
Join hosts Sophie Thomas and Sinead Connolly, leaders of the award-winning recruitment agency Lotus People, as they engage with remarkable people leaders. Together, they dive into the heart of leadership and discuss the challenges and opportunities that shape today’s workplace. Expect candid conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories from leaders who are making a real difference.
Episodes
29 episodes
Unpacking Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving Workplace with Kate Drew, Chief People Officer at Madison Group Enterprises
In this episode of People First, we sit down with Kate Drew, Chief People Officer at Madison Group Enterprises, to dive deep into the world of leadership in the ever-changing workplace. With over 20 years of experience in the HR space,...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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42:36
Building a People-First Culture: A Conversation with Chantelle Williams, Head of People & Culture at LSKD
In this inspiring episode of the People First Podcast, we sit down with Chantelle Williams, the newly appointed Head of People and Culture at LSKD, to dive into her unique journey through the world of people leadership. Chantelle share...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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53:40
Empowering Teams: Ali McNiven on Authentic Leadership and Employee Engagement at Healthy Land and Water
This episode is a must-listen for leaders who are passionate about fostering authenticity and accountability within their teams.Ali McNiven, the Executive Manager of People and Culture at Healthy Land and Water, brings her extensi...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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45:09
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Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership: Insights from Larissa Parker of The Lottery Corporation
Join us for an insightful conversation with Larissa Parker, Culture and Diversity Lead at The Lottery Corporation, as we delve into the essentials of building inclusive cultures and effective leadership.Larissa brings a wealth of ...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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1:08:16
Transformational Leadership: Ria Leason on Driving Change and Fostering Innovation
This episode is essential listening for leaders and professionals eager to understand the dynamics of transformation and innovation in today's fast-paced business environment.Ria Leason, Executive Leader across People, Operations ...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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1:08:16
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Unleashing Potential: Matt Kershaw on Human-Centric Leadership and Building Trust
This episode is a must-listen for leaders at all levels who are passionate about empowering their teams and driving human-centric leadership.Matt Kershaw, Executive Leader – People, Transformation & Performance,former Global H...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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1:06:02
Building Trust and Leading with Growth: Insights from Nicola Young, Head of P&C APAC & Japan at Cognizant
This episode is a must-listen for any leaders and aspiring leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern people management.Nicola Young, the Head of P&C for APAC and Japan at Cognizant, brings her extensive experience...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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51:37
Season 2 Episode 8: On social change, why diversity and inclusion is a crucial brand differentiator and doing business with heart with Lyndal Hamwood
This episode is a must-listen for any employees or employers wanting to learn more about what they can do to create a diverse, inclusive, and engaged workforce. Lyndal Hamwood is the founder of (ide)ate studio, a DEI consultancy wo...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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46:19
Season 2 Episode 7: On for-purpose career paths, taking accountability for your own growth, and how even the most senior amongst us get imposter syndrome
I adored this conversation - Anat Hassner is an incredibly impressive Chief People Officer at a large Australian non profit. A PHD in change management, time spent in academia and a hugely successful corporate career which has seen...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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42:04
Season 2 Episode 6: On moving to the other side of the world, personal growth & all things working in recruitment
Today I am very excited to take this episode inside the Lotus People Sydney HQs. My guests today are Chloe Jones and Iona Colville. Chloe is a temporary recruitment consultant here at Lotus and Iona has recently been promoted to Divisional Mana...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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41:37
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Season 2 Episode 5: On the importance of investing in your career, learning to say no and how to turn your side hustle into a full time gig!
I LOVED chatting with Rachael - I think this is an amazing podcast for anyone in our EA community, but good for all!Rachael has had an impressive Executive Assistant career supporting executives across London, Dubai and Melbourne. After ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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47:40
Season 2 Episode 4: On lessons in leadership, being courageous in your career and in business and the importance of self reflection in order to be happy with Ez Khan
After an unplanned hiatus, When Work Isn’t Work is back! We sat down with the gorgeous soul that is Ez Khan! Ez is a star of the recruitment industry, an entrepreneur with endless creative ideas and someone who has been courageous ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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42:46
Season 2 Episode 3: On mindset shifts, maintaining high-performance, and battling burnout
This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about hanging onto to the Christmas break zen into the new year. An expert in neuroscience, high performance and burnout prevention, I hung on every word that Vanessa Bennett had to s...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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50:20
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Season 2 Episode 2: On authenticity at work, the importance of connection and not letting life happen to you
I loved this chat! Natalie is such an impressive human - she has been a CEO of a tech start up, Chief People Officer, hosts her own podcast, has just started a big new role within government, has started a number of side hustles, and is also st...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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45:29
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Season 2 Episode 1: On understanding what’s important to you in your career and life, how much sales has changed and why a recession can be an opportunity with Abbie White, Founder of Sales Redefined.
Abbie is a force of nature. After a highly successful corporate career in sales, Abbie founded her own consultancy focusing on educating businesses and effective selling and why “sales” isn’t a dirty word. This is a must-listen to anyone in bus...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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44:38
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Mental Health Series 4: On the importance of genuine corporate social responsibility, why we need to do more & managing your energy to prevent burnout.
I loved this conversation with Josh - he is a high energy, passionate advocate for mental health awareness, diversity (and representation) and inclusion and openly shares his journey living with ADHD and as part of the queer community. As self ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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55:05
Mental Health Series 3: On the importance of education around workplace mental health awareness, preventing burnout and how the conversation has shifted post pandemic with counsellor, Sinead Newman
In this episode, I am joined by Sinead Newman, a mental health first aid practitioner, counsellor and business owner. Sinead has had an impressive career dedicated to supporting people and businesses in managing their mental health...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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57:53
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Mental Health Series 2: On hormones, the female cycle, neurodivergence and why we should be talking about these topics in relation to work and mental health with Laura Hopes
It's Mental Health Awareness Month!I am excited to share that we are doing a 4 part mini-series to raise awareness for mental health month in Australia.For our second episode, we are welcoming back Laura Hopes to the podcast! Ou...
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1:03:25
Mental Health Series 1: On managing success and wellness, workplace burnout and a birdseye view into the businesses with the best people-first initiatives with Michelle Barrett and Eva Child
It's Mental Health Awareness Month!I am excited to share that we are doing a 4 part mini-series to raise awareness for mental health month in Australia. For our first episode, I am thrilled to welcome our very own Eva Chil...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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45:49
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Episode 10: On women in media, why University isn’t always the best path, trusting your instincts, and pursuing your passions with Bek Day, podcaster & journalist
I LOVED this conversation! Bek is as warm and hilarious as she is intelligent! Bek Day is a successful freelance writer and journalist and a podcast host of amazing podcast - I Swear I Never on news.com.au.
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54:50
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Episode 9: On squeezing the juice out of life, pivoting and shifting in business and the power of consistency in recruitment and in life with Sean Anderson, CEO/ Founder @ Hoxo Media
On today's episode of When Work Isn't Work, we welcome Sean Anderson, CEO and Founder of Hoxo Media!An episode that will be of particular interest to anyone within the recruitment industry, this was a great chat with Sean. He embodies pe...
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55:27
Episode 8: On employee wellbeing, mental health at work, preventing workplace burnout and pivoting from corporate to a start up with Danielle, Founder @ Pioneera
Today, my guest is Danielle Whitford from Pioneera - Pioneer is a start-up tech business who have created technology to identify burnout before it happens!Adopted by some of Australia’s biggest businesses, Danielle and the...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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53:37
Episode 7: On creating an online presence, understanding people's passions, and having a flexible working environment with Luke Shepherd, Recruitment Lead @ Hubspot
My guest for today's episode is Luke Shepherd, the recruitment team lead at Hubspot, an American software business. Luke has embraced the new way of working and leverages his strong personal brand online to recruit the best talent for Hub...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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43:56
Episode 6: On tech start-ups, people-centric leadership, and the importance of remote working with Alex Hattingh, Chief People Officer @ Employment Hero
My guest today is the incredible Alex Hattingh, Chief People Officer of Employment Heroes, and a passionate advocate of people-first leadership and the future of remote working. In this conversation, Alex and I talked about how happy emp...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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34:21
Episode 5: On surrendering, living courageously, and overcoming imposter syndrome with Dr Margie Warrell, Leadership Coach
My guest today is the best selling author, podcaster and TedX speaker, Dr Margie Warrell.A global authority on living bravely, Dr Margie joined me from the States to discuss topics that she has dedicated her career to; courage and brave...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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31:07
