Ready to transform your HR operations?

Download Deel’s free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://shorturl.at/Y1ySB

Why do toxic workplaces thrive, and how can leaders turn them around?

In this HR L&D Podcast episode, we’re sitting down with Dr Mary-Clare Race, a workplace psychologist and leadership expert, to uncover the psychology of toxic cultures and the strategies that transform them into thriving, inclusive environments.

From her PhD research to leading DE&I initiatives for companies like Barclays, GSK, and Unilever, Dr Race explains why harmful behaviors persist, how to rebuild belonging, and why empathy, resilience, and self-awareness are the hallmarks of great leadership.

She shares practical ways to hold leaders accountable, strengthen workplace connection, and use AI as a tool to support human-centered coaching.

Whether you’re in HR or lead a team, this conversation delivers actionable insights for creating healthier, more productive workplaces.

Dr Mary-Clare Race’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mary-clare-race-b59a602/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

(00:00) Why Human Resources Matter Most

(01:46) Introducing Dr Mary-Clare Race

(04:00) The Psychology of Workplace Toxicity

(06:06) The “Toxic Triangle” Explained

(07:48) Turning Toxic Cultures Into Thriving Ones

(10:40) Why DE&I Slips During Economic Pressure

(13:16) The Backlash Against DE&I

(15:12) Building Belonging Through Human Connection

(16:45) Remote Work’s Impact on Toxicity

(18:27) The Connection Crisis at Work

(22:19) Do Playground Bullies Become Business Leaders?

(26:25) How Early Experiences Shape Leadership Styles

(28:56) Empathy, Resilience & Self-Awareness in Leadership

(31:46) Micro-Coaching Moments for Busy Leaders

(33:30) Leading Multi-Generational Workforces

(36:42) Supporting Caregivers and Working Parents

(39:26) AI in Coaching and Leadership Development

(43:45) Final Advice for HR Leaders

Ready to transform your HR operations?

Download Deel’s free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://www.deel.com/resources/ai-in-hr-global-organizations/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-theroleofai-jun25_platfpod_all&utm_content=engage_platfpod_sponnewsletter_theroleofai-dedicated-hr_en

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, host Nick Day sits down with executive coach and author Michael Wenderoth to explore what it really takes to get promoted in today’s corporate world.

Michael is the author of the bestselling book Get Promoted and host of the 97% Effective podcast. He shares actionable strategies for advancing your career without compromising your values.

From navigating power dynamics and office politics to building influence and mapping organizational power, this conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders, L&D professionals, and ambitious professionals who feel stuck despite doing great work.

If you’ve ever wondered why top performers don’t always rise and what you can do to change that, this episode is for you.

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

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(00:00) How Power, Politics & Influence Drive Promotions

(03:19) Why HR Needs More Power Inside Organizations

(05:40) The Story of “Matt” & Why Top Talent Gets Ousted

(11:32) Redefining Power as a Neutral Force

(15:44) Using “The Rock, The Map, The Snowball” to Get Unstuck

(21:00) What Power Maps Reveal That Org Charts Don’t

(25:12) How Oversharing & Being “Too Authentic” Can Backfire

(34:32) How HR Can Shift Culture Without Creating Toxicity

(38:21) The Real Reason People Leave Their Jobs

(41:56) Rethinking Leadership in a Hybrid & AI-Driven Future

(46:45) Why Michael Named His Podcast “97% Effective”

(49:58) Bold Advice for HR Leaders, Promotions & Game of Thrones

Ready to transform your HR operations?

Download Deel’s free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://www.deel.com/resources/ai-in-hr-global-organizations/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-theroleofai-jun25_platfpod_all&utm_content=engage_platfpod_sponnewsletter_theroleofai-dedicated-hr_en

What does it really take for an HR leader to make the leap to the boardroom?

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Andrea Wareham, former Chief People Officer at Pret A Manger and now a Non-Executive Director (NED) across multiple organizations. With 20+ years of experience shaping people strategy at one of the UK’s most iconic brands, Andrea breaks down the real blueprint for HR leaders who want to operate at the highest level of business.

Whether you're an aspiring CHRO or already operating at senior level, this episode will give you the tools to expand your impact, build influence, and shape the future of business from the top down.

Listen now and unlock your path to board-level leadership.

Andrea’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawareham/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

(00:00) Preview

(01:28) Introducing Andrea Wareham

(05:39) Why HR Leaders Belong in the Boardroom

(10:37) Managing Pressure and Building Trust at Executive Level

(13:54) Becoming a Public-Facing People Leader

(15:09) Pret’s People-First Philosophy

(18:23) The People Lens Boards Are Missing

(21:34) What It Really Takes to Become a Non-Executive Director

(25:03) How to Add Value as an NED

(31:07) Why NED Roles Are So Rewarding

(35:23) How HR Leaders Can Start Building Board Influence

(38:40) Driving Board Diversity Through HR Perspective

(41:12) Top Tips for Aspiring NEDs

(46:29) Advice for Future HR Leaders

Ready to transform your HR operations? Download Deel’s free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://www.deel.com/resources/ai-in-hr-global-organizations/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-theroleofai-jun25_platfpod_all&utm_content=engage_platfpod_sponnewsletter_theroleofai-dedicated-hr_en

What does it really mean to build human-friendly workplaces in a world increasingly shaped by AI?

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Kate O’Neill, internationally recognized tech humanist, futurist, and author of What Matters Next.

Together, they explore how HR leaders can navigate rapid technological change while preserving human values, purpose, and culture.

Whether you're grappling with AI integration, cultural transformation, or just trying to stay ahead, this conversation is your blueprint for leading with intention.

Listen in and discover how to shape the future of work—without losing your soul.

Kate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateoneill/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

(00:00) Preview

(02:51) Introducing Kate O’Neill

(04:06) Redefining HR in the Age of Tech

(07:53) Framework for Future-Focused Leadership

(13:00) The Key to Smarter Decision-Making

(17:51) Why Data Alone Isn’t Enough for AI and Automation

(22:41) Building Human-Ready Workplaces

(30:59) Navigating AI Bias

(34:32) Netflix Case Study

(36:48) Levi’s Pandemic Pivot: Human-Centered Digital Transformation

(42:17) The Real Purpose of Technology

(46:42) How HR Can Lead with Meaning in an AI World

(49:22) Why Responsible Tech Belongs in HR

(50:34) One Action to Improve the Future of Work

This episode is sponsored by ‘Deel: Your Forever People Platform’.

Managing a global team is complex. Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance—all in one place. That’s why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_hr-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-preroll-h125script_en

How LinkedIn Built a Culture That Scaled to 4,000 Employees | Steve Cadigan on HR, AI & the Future of Work

What happens when your product is recruiting… but your biggest challenge is hiring?

In this powerful episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer, to unpack how he helped scale the company from 400 to 4,000 people by building culture as a competitive advantage.

Steve shares never-before-heard strategies from his time at LinkedIn, including:

• Why employee loyalty now depends on learning, not tenure
• How job fluidity is reshaping leadership models
• Why high turnover might actually be your secret weapon
• How companies like Tesla and Prudential are using AI in creative, people-first ways
• What the future of HR really looks like in an AI-accelerated world

Whether you're a CHRO, people leader, or just curious about the shifting world of work, this is a masterclass in modern HR.

Website: http://stevecadigan.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/

Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

(00:00) Traditional Retention Strategies Are Broken

(03:09) Rethinking HR

(03:49) LinkedIn’s Culture as a Strategic Advantage

(08:21) Talent Hacking & Building Career Mobility

(12:59) Rethinking Recruitment

(18:46) The New Workforce Psychology

(24:15) Why Learning Is the Future of Loyalty

(28:32) The Remote Work Reckoning

(34:12) AI’s Potential in HR

(39:05) Using AI to Empower Career Growth

(41:15) Value of Human Skills in an AI World

This episode is sponsored by ‘Deel: Your Forever People Platform’.

Managing a global team is complex. Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance—all in one place. That’s why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_hr-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-preroll-h125script_en

What if the key to transforming your culture, retaining top talent, and driving inclusion isn’t another DEI initiative.

But a better mentoring strategy?

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Lisa Fain, CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence and co-author of Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring. Together, they unpack how mentoring, when done right, can become the most powerful tool in your leadership and talent strategy.

Lisa shares practical frameworks for building high-impact mentoring programs, avoiding the “pair and pray” trap, and designing mentorships that thrive across differences in identity, background, and culture. You’ll learn why mentoring is especially crucial for Millennial and Gen Z retention, how to train mentors for success, and what most companies get wrong when trying to scale mentoring initiatives.

If you’re serious about creating a more inclusive, engaged, and future-ready workforce—this episode is your blueprint.

Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Connect with Lisa Fain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazfain/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

(00:00) Intro

(01:35) Meet Lisa Fain

(04:06) Coaching vs. Mentoring: Key Differences

(08:23) Using Mentoring to Attract & Retain Talent

(10:55) Mentorship as a Practical DEI Strategy

(12:55) Building High-Impact Mentoring Programs

(20:52) Common Mistakes in Mentorship Program Design

(27:02) How to Build Trust and Openness in Mentoring

(30:31) Making Mentorship Inclusive and Accessible

(33:46) How to Start a Mentorship Program

(37:39) One Piece of Advice for HR Leaders

(41:32) The Future of Work & Mentoring

This episode is sponsored by ‘Deel: Your Forever People Platform’.

Managing a global team is complex. Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance—all in one place. That’s why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_hr-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-preroll-h125script_en

What if one-third of the skills in your job description are already outdated?

In this episode, Nick Day sits down with Cole Napper, VP at Lightcast, to explore how AI, shifting demographics, and rapid skill disruption are reshaping the workforce. They dive into what HR and L&D leaders must do now to stay ahead, why degrees are losing ground to skills, and how proactive companies are gaining the upper hand.

If you’re serious about future-proofing your talent strategy, this conversation is essential.

Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Connect with Cole Napper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colenapper

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

Resources:

The Rising Storm Report: https://lightcast.io/resources/research/the-rising-storm

The Speed of Skill Change Report: https://lightcast.io/resources/research/speed-of-skill-change

The Risk Outlook Reporthttps://lightcast.io/why-lightcast/risk-outlook

Thanks for listening folks – I look forward to bringing you the next episode of the HR L&D Podcast real soon!

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(02:29) Skill Change Since 2021

(05:58) The AI Job Boom

(07:13) Green & Cyber Skills Rise

(08:25) STEM Disruption Explained

(11:20) Trade Skills in Decline

(13:17) Rethinking Workforce Strategy

(15:53) Degrees vs Vocational Paths

(18:52) Skills vs Credentials

(21:50) Cutting Through Talent Noise

(23:39) Two Labor Markets

(25:01) Smarter Job Descriptions

(27:29) Why Workers Fear AI

(30:56) Building Learning Cultures

(33:43) Workforce Risk Outlook

(36:11) Industries Most at Risk

(39:51) How Lightcast Helps

(42:18) Cole’s Bold Prediction

This episode is sponsored by ‘Deel: Your Forever People Platform’.

Managing a global team is complex. Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance—all in one place. That’s why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_hr-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-preroll-h125script_en

What if the key to better DEI, culture, and leadership wasn’t external, but internal?

In this powerful episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Aiko Bethea, leadership coach, equity consultant, and founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, to explore why transformational leadership starts with self-awareness, rest, and deep curiosity.

Forget checking boxes, Aiko breaks down why DEI is an outcome, not a skill, and how HR leaders can drive real change by shifting their mindset and behaviors first.

Whether you’re a CHRO, people manager, or HR professional looking to build inclusive workplaces, this episode is packed with actionable strategies on:

• How to lead with vulnerability
• The coaching stance that transforms team dynamics
• Rest and wellness as leadership tools
• Critical curiosity and belief excavation
• Creating psychological safety from the top down

If you're ready to move from surface-level inclusion to real, sustainable impact, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

RARE Coaching & Consulting Website: https://www.rarecoaching.net/

Connect with Aiko Bethea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aikobethea/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Thanks for listening folks – I look forward to bringing you the next episode of the HR L&D Podcast real soon!

(00:00) Meet Aiko Bethea & RARE Coaching

(03:45) Why DEI Is Not a Skill

(07:28) The Power of Self-Awareness

(11:06) Critical Curiosity and Excavating Beliefs

(14:39) The Coaching Stance: From Control to Curiosity

(18:01) Listening for Connection, Not Just Understanding

(21:15) Wellness, Rest, and the Leadership Equation

(25:06) Breaking the Hustle Culture in HR

(28:48) Anchoring Into Values and Accountability

(32:11) How Leaders Can Create Psychological Safety

(35:27) Internal Work Before External DEI Change

(38:04) Aiko’s Book: Anchored, Aligned, and Accountable

(40:50) Advice for HR Leaders and Organizations