What does it really take to lead a successful HR team in today’s fast-changing world?
In this episode of The Plumm Pod, Georgia sits down with Lauren McDonough, Head of People at Soho House, to reveal the realities of building high-performing HR teams.
From creating psychological safety to managing burnout and leading with authenticity, Lauren shares practical insights and personal lessons every HR professional needs to hear.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why HR leaders must lead by example (and why most don’t)
How to create a culture of trust and psychological safety within your team
The power of diversity of thought in driving real innovation
Why personal development and getting uncomfortable are non-negotiable for growth
If you want to be a better leader or build a team that thrives, this conversation is a must-watch.
👉 Subscribe for more conversations on HR, leadership, and mental health.
Chapters
00:00:00 – Welcome to The Plumm Pod
00:02:26 – Was HR Always the Plan?
00:04:55 – The Reality of HR Careers
00:07:01 – How Hospitality Changed My Leadership Style
00:08:45 – Inside Soho House’s People Team
00:09:56 – Leading by Example as an HR Leader
00:11:32 – How We Invest in Our HR Team
00:14:37 – What I Look for When Hiring HR Talent
00:17:53 – Why Discomfort Is the Key to Growth
00:19:56 – Managing Change & Building Trust
00:21:27 – The Biggest Shift in My Leadership Style
00:23:06 – Creating Psychological Safety for Teams
00:24:53 – Balancing Business Goals & People Needs
00:28:30 – Protecting HR Teams from Burnout
00:32:44 – The Truth About Being ‘Busy’ vs ‘Productive’
00:36:18 – Managing Different Personalities Effectively
00:38:55 – The Untold Emotional Load of HR
00:41:14 – Advice to My Younger Self
