In this episode, I’m joined by Sharon, founder of Best Self Coach, whose story is powerful, personal, and packed with insight. From being one of the only families of colour in her school to finding true inclusion at London Business School, Sharon shares her journey to discovering emotional intelligence as her superpower — and how that shaped her path into coaching and leadership.
We explore why EQ is essential in leadership, how asking the right questions can create real impact, and what it means to bring your whole self to work. Sharon also reflects on her experience of being sacked for being pregnant, and the resilience she built from it. She talks about the quiet power of mentorship, the value of self-awareness, and why we should all aim to be the biggest, boldest version of ourselves.
This one’s honest, reflective and full of practical advice.
In the next episode, Amy Morris , UK and European MD at Oakleaf Partnership, is joined by Karen Richardson—former HR leader turned Executive Coach and Psychotherapist.
Together, they explore the challenges of leadership, setting boundaries, building authentic confidence, and navigating career pivots with purpose. Karen shares candid reflections on burnout in HR, the power of coaching, and why playing to your strengths might just be the key to long-term fulfilment.
In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Kangis, founder of EKCoaching, to talk all things communication, confidence and leadership.
From navigating your inner critic to owning your voice with clarity and conviction, we explore why strong relationships, adaptive leadership and self-awareness are key to stepping fully into your role. We also touch on social media, feedback, and why empathy still beats AI.
A thoughtful and energising conversation — have a listen
Amy Morris is joined by Emma Serlin—founder of London Speech Workshop, communication expert, and passionate advocate for authentic leadership.
In this deeply reflective conversation, Emma shares the pivotal moment she realised she only had one life—a shift that sparked bold personal growth and a fresh approach to leadership. From surviving a viper bite in India to embracing imperfection, Emma offers rich insights into the courage it takes to lead with vulnerability.
We explore:
🔹 Why giving yourself permission to be imperfect unlocks potential
🔹 How to navigate conflict with confidence and grace
🔹 Equipping others with the tools to show up as their true selves
🔹 Reframing fear, failure, and self-doubt as pathways to progress
Emma's approach to communication is both empowering and practical—perfect for anyone looking to lead with more impact, clarity, and humanity.
Sam is a Leadership Energy Coach who primarily coaches people helping professionals to make the most of their energy.
She uses her unique coaching model The Change Flywheel,' to support them to be the leaders that they want to be. Sam is a coach mentor and trainer and is committed to helping coaches to hone their skills to be fully present with their clients.
Sam has a wealth of experience working with diverse groups of people, initially in the education sector and now as a coach. She draws on her innate ability to connect with others supporting them to maximise energy, minimise chaos and create momentum for meaningful change.
For more information visit: https://www.oakleafpartnership.com/podcast/
HR Pulse Podcast: Pay Transparency & the EU Pay Directive
In this episode of the HR Pulse Podcast, Alex Wright, Senior Manager at Oakleaf Europe, speaks with Joel Thompson, Global Head of Reward – Financial Services, about the evolving landscape of pay transparency following the implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive in June 2023.
Together, they explore the directive’s implications for businesses, from compliance challenges to its impact on talent attraction, retention, and reward strategies. Joel shares expert insights on how organisations can adapt to the new regulations, promote pay equity, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.
Don’t miss this essential conversation for HR and reward professionals navigating the future of pay transparency.
For the first time on Women of Impact, I’m joined by a male ally, Will Peachey, who has spent his career actively supporting women in leadership. His journey began at Capgemini, where he saw talented individuals being overlooked due to rigid processes. This sparked a deep commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces—where diverse talent isn’t just acknowledged but actively progressed.
In this conversation, Will shares the practical steps that drive real change. From setting clear recruitment objectives to building strong networks and mentorship opportunities, he highlights how businesses can take a more structured, evidence-based approach to gender equity. We also explore the value of career breaks—why they should be seen as a strategic advantage rather than a setback.
He also reflects on the challenges of being an ally—how to offer meaningful support without overstepping, and the importance of vulnerability in advocacy. His insights reinforce why being intentional about mentorship and sponsorship is key, particularly in male-dominated industries like technology.
This episode offers a fresh perspective on what real allyship looks like in practice and why progress requires both individual action and systemic change.
In this episode, I'm joined by Suzie Ruffley, Global Head of People & Sustainable Culture at Foresight Group.
Having dedicated over 20 years to the field of Human Resources, Suzie has spent the last 8 years playing an integral part at Foresight Group contributing to the company's remarkable growth, people strategy and development.
Suzie has dual MSc's in Occupational Psychology and Coaching Psychology and has carried a passion for human capital throughout her career.
In this episode, we’ll explore strategies for balancing a demanding job with personal life, building emotional resilience, goal setting and generally keeping well.
For more information you can connect with Holly on LinkedIn.
In this episode of Oakleaf’s Women in Leadership podcast, Sue Conder shares her inspiring career journey. Starting in Grantham Library, her interest in psychology sparked a passion for leadership and human behaviour.
Sue’s career spans management consultancy, consumer goods, finance, and coaching. As one of 7% of female partners at Arthur Andersen, she navigated a male-dominated culture with resilience, confidence, and strengths shaped by her dyslexia. “Once you know your strengths, people relax around you,” she shared.
She discussed imposter syndrome, undervalued communication styles, and the “hidden tax” of collaboration on women’s careers. Sue’s advice: build a “personal boardroom” of mentors and prioritise impactful relationships for growth.
This conversation offers practical insights for women aspiring to lead in challenging environments.
In this episode, Holly Hesketh speaks to Kellie Nedelcoux, Founder of Career & Parenthood, an organisation dedicated to tackling systemic challenges and bias in the workplace surrounding parental returners.
Career & Parenthood is committed to empowering women returning from maternity leave to re-engage with their careers and thrive, while also supporting all parents to feel valued, included, and able to pursue fulfilling careers.
Holly and Kellie explore some of the common challenges parents face when returning to work and discuss actionable steps organisations can take to better support them.
In this episode of HR Pulse, Nina Parson, Director of Psychology at PAM Group, provides her insight into how organisations can support neurodivergent colleagues and break down barriers to create an inclusive environment.
Nina, a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society, has extensive experience working across various industries with individuals from entry level to C-suite.
She discusses how organisational culture, leadership, systems, and processes can sometimes work against neurodivergent employees and shares her experience of how different minds can collaborate effectively, fostering knowledge, innovation, and creativity.
In this episode Holly is joined by Sally Spicer, Co-Founder of Talent Included. Sally has over 20 years of experience in placing senior finance and accounting executives and led large-scale business and culture transformation programs, all while witnessing the critical impact of gender inequality in the workplace.
As the former Global Head of D&I for an international recruitment firm, Sally now leads Talent Included on a mission to make every workplace accessible, equitable, and inclusive. Hear on the importance of diverse hiring and how to create environments where everyone can thrive.
Connect with Sally on LinkedIn LinkedIn
Connect with Holly on LinkedIn
In this latest episode, Amy Morris had the pleasure of speaking with Amanda Rajkumar, Board Member and Global CHRO, who shared her journey from psychology graduate to global HR leader.
Amanda reflects on building resilience, gaining impactful skills, and learning to balance her ambitious drive with adaptability.
She offers insights into navigating diverse work environments, fostering trust and flexibility, and the critical role of mentors in shaping her career.
From her early days as a "workhorse" to today's balanced, community-driven approach, Amanda's advice is clear: leadership is about setting a positive example, valuing diverse perspectives, and always seeking growth.
In the latest episode of her podcast, Amy Morris, UK and European Managing Director at Oakleaf Partnership, sat down with Suzie Ruffley, Global Head of People & Sustainable Culture and Managing Director at Foresight Group LLP.
Suzie shared how her psychology background has shaped her leadership approach, emphasising the importance of balancing being a people person with setting boundaries. They discussed the immense value of coaching, which Suzie believes is essential for identifying development needs and surrounding yourself with the right people to succeed.
Suzie also highlighted how people often stay within their comfort zones, focusing only on strengths, which can limit overall growth. The conversation touched on the importance of feedback in building the right culture, the value of investing in your network, and understanding how different environments impact your personal development. Suzie also shared her decision to step away from social media to regain focus and discussed how her family inspires her mindfulness and inclusivity.
It was an insightful discussion, full of valuable takeaways for personal and professional growth. Be sure to tune in for more!
In this episode, Amy Morris has the pleasure of speaking with Yvonne, an early high achiever who shares her journey through various roles and experiences. Starting in a role that seemed to fit her profile, Yvonne faced challenges with office politics and her first encounter with imposter syndrome. This led her to seek a more purpose-driven path, which brought her to the higher education space and eventually, coaching.
In her leadership roles, Yvonne's imposter syndrome resurfaced, compounded by her cultural background that emphasized respect for elders. Overthinking and holding back became obstacles she had to overcome, learning to differentiate between her personal identity and the responsibilities of her role.
Emphasising the importance of self-investment, Yvonne advocates for mentorship, seeking support, and maintaining open communication with others. She also practices positive intelligence to navigate her personal and professional challenges.
Join us as Yvonne shares her invaluable insights and lessons learned, encouraging others to follow the "breadcrumbs" and embrace personal growth opportunities.
Visit Yvonne's website cornerstonecoaching.co.uk
In this episode, Alex speaks with Anwen Bottois, a Leadership Development Coach who transitioned from a generalist career—where she reached the level of Associate HR Director— to focusing on enhancing both established and aspiring leaders. Passionate and engaging, Anwen provides insights into why she made the move, and what good leadership looks and feels like.
Enjoy this episode
You have the power to decide how people see you.
In this episode, you'll hear from your host Holly, and guest Leslie Rogers on how to be strategic when it comes to your personal brand.
You will learn how to identify your unique brand and become your own brand manager.
For more information, visit https://www.oakleafpartnership.com/the-op-academy/
The Young Professional: Episode 2 – Giving & Receiving Feedback
Why do we worry so much about feedback?
In this episode Holly, and Dr Alex Morris look a little deeper at our discomfort with both giving and receiving feedback to shift our mindset and embrace this as a crucial ingredient for our personal and professional growth.
Brought to you by the Oakleaf Academy, The Young Professional series is designed to unlock your full potential and elevate your career.
Hosted by HR professional Holly Hesketh, each episode features expert guests to explore various aspects of career development, success, and beyond.
Join us for relaxed yet insightful discussions that bring fresh perspectives and actionable insights to help you thrive in your profession.
Visit oakleafpartnership.com/academy to find out more.
In this episode of the Women of Impact podcast, host Amy Morris, MD – Europe and UK for Oakleaf Partnership engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Melanie Oakley, a distinguished leader with an impressive background in HR and culture development.
Melanie's unique journey began when she opted for a less conventional path, joining a startup instead of pursuing a traditional career. Driven by her keen interest in corporate culture, she found inspiration in Jim Collins' "Built to Last," which led her back to university to obtain her master's degree.
Throughout her career, Melanie has demonstrated adaptability and resilience, navigating significant industry changes and balancing personal responsibilities. She successfully co-founded an HR services company, proving her ability to learn and grow from challenges.
Melanie shares valuable insights on effective leadership, emphasising the importance of a clear vision, strong communication, and teamwork. She highlights key aspects such as decision-making, acknowledging mistakes, and celebrating wins while prioritising self-compassion.
Melanie highlights the significance of resilience and clear goals, drawing from her personal experiences, such as adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She supports maternity coaching and fostering inclusivity to help individuals thrive. Inspired by "The Wizard of Wallaby Wallow," Melanie encourages gratitude, self-acceptance, and living authentically. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership and overcoming obstacles in the workplace.
Neurodiversity is all around us—in our classrooms, homes, and workplaces. In this episode Holly explores the nature of neurodiversity with guest Tania Martin on why it is so important we understand neurodiversity, what some of the challenges are around this topic and what practical steps we can put in place both at a personal and organisational level to ensure everyone can thrive.
Brought to you by the Oakleaf Academy, The Young Professional series is designed to unlock your full potential and elevate your career.
Hosted by HR professional Holly Hesketh, each episode features expert guests to explore various aspects of career development, success, and beyond.
Join us for relaxed yet insightful discussions that bring fresh perspectives and actionable insights to help you thrive in your profession.
Visit oakleafpartnership.com/academy to find out more