When it comes to mastering the art of human resources, our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition invests above all in communication – and one facet in particular.

Richard Dickson, HR director at James Cowper Kreston, emphasizes to Host Nicky Acuna Ocana, the importance of teaching teams how to listen – truly absorb – the needs and experiences of those around them.

It bridges gaps (especially intergenerationally) and promotes healthy workplace environments in which everyone feels they have a voice and valid lived experience.

You’ll also learn from Richard which tools have proved most critical as he has navigated a career full of change and challenge across multiple sectors – and helped others to do the same.

He shares the ups and downs of managing through the pandemic (a focus on health and wellbeing proved key) as well as some of the personal highlights from a long, very robust career.

Effectively managing people, our guest says, comes down to staying human-centred and prioritising the common desires, differences and growth that we as individuals all share.

Find out how mentorship from fellow leaders, a talent for leveraging processes and a passion for cultivating the best in others have formed the heart of an illustrious career.

Says Richard: “Having a culture of being friendly and treating everyone with respect goes a long way.”