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We Need to Talk About...
Everything is changing! Hosted by Felix Mitchell and Louise Fraser, We Need to Talk About… brings together HR and AI. In one feed, we explore how growing businesses are evolving people practices and adopting AI to meet new expectations, new ways of working, and rapid change. Expect honest conversations with HR leaders, tech experts, and scaling SMEs using AI to enhance human capability. No hype, just real solutions for real businesses. New episodes every Thursday.
Episodes
- We Need to Talk About...
Building Sustainable High Performance with Bianca Errigo
Bianca Errigo, founder and CEO of HumanOS, joins Felix to explore why workplace wellbeing initiatives fail and how to create sustainable high performance. From…
- We Need to Talk About...
The Ethics of AI in Recruitment with Sam Dhesi
Sam Dhesi, CEO of Popp, joins Felix to discuss the ethical implementation of AI in recruitment. From navigating the EU AI Act to avoiding bias in hiring…
- We Need to Talk About...
The Psychology of Resilient Leadership with Jo Matkin
Former CEO Jo Matkin joins Felix for a raw conversation about the hidden psychological toll of leading through change. From managing sleepless nights and…
- We Need to Talk About...
Keeping Humanity at the Heart of Change with Nicki Auret
Chief People Officer Nicki Auret joins Felix to discuss how HR leaders can navigate unprecedented workplace transformation while keeping people at the centre…
- We Need to Talk About...
From Admin to Strategic: How HR Can Actually Drive Revenue with Marie Krebs
Felix Mitchell sits down with Marie Krebs, founder of People Stories and one of the UK's leading HR voices, to explore how People Functions can move beyond…
- We Need to Talk About...
From Gold Medals to Great Teams: What Olympic Coaching Teaches Us About Leadership with Mehdi Kori
Join Felix Mitchell as he speaks with Mehdi Kordi, the most successful track cycling coach in history, who's guided athletes to 9 Olympic medals and 15+ world…
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Humans, Meet AI: A New Era of Work with Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice
Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, joins Felix Mitchell to explore how AI is reshaping the workplace. From digital workers to human creativity, this episode dives…
- We Need to Talk About...
Can You Really Teach Great Leadership? With Lewis Morgan
What makes a truly great leader, and what’s HR’s role in getting them there? Felix Mitchell chats with Lewis Morgan, SVP at Atrium Underwriting and shadow…
- We Need to Talk About...
Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: Lessons in L&D with Richard Album
In today’s episode, Felix Mitchell chats with Richard Album, Director of Development and Culture at Watson Farley & Williams. They explore why culture is much…
- We Need to Talk About...
Bias, Brains & Better Hiring: Rethinking Recruitment with Pete Cooper
In this episode, Felix Mitchell chats with Pete Cooper – author of Better Human Blueprint and finalist at the Business Book Awards 2025 – about why traditional…
- We Need to Talk About...
The Sunny Side of HR: Empathy, Impact and Leadership with Derrick Perkins
In this episode, we’re joined by Derrick Perkins, HR Manager at Harvest Sherwood and former leader at Amazon and Delta, to explore the bright side of working…
- We Need to Talk About...
Why Your Interviews Might Be Letting You Down – And What To Do About It with Robert Newry
Interviews are broken – and candidates are beating the system with AI. In this episode of We Need To Talk About HR, host Felix Mitchell is joined by Robert…
- We Need to Talk About...
Beyond Perks: The Personalised Employee Experience with Carol Paddison
In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR, Felix Mitchell sits down with Carol Paddison, co-founder of Fractional Human Resources, to discuss why HR needs to…
- We Need to Talk About...
DEI Under Fire: Why Companies Are Retreating & What Comes Next with Rocki Howard
Since 2020, we've seen companies pledge millions to DEI initiatives, only to now watch them backpedal at record speed. What's really going on? In this episode…
- We Need to Talk About...
The Missing Piece of Inclusion: Why Belonging Starts with Connection with Jackie Handy
Is the secret to workplace inclusion less about policies and tech and more about genuine human connection? In this episode, Felix Mitchell speaks with…
- We Need to Talk About...
Bridging the Gap: How to Close the Space Between Intention and Impact at Work with Steve Weiner
In this episode of We Need To Talk About HR, Felix Mitchell is joined by facilitator and advisor Steve Weiner to explore why conversations at work so often go…
- We Need to Talk About...
Beyond Burnout: Supporting Mental Health at Work with Kelly Baynham
Burnout is a growing challenge, but how can organisations truly support their people? In this episode, Felix and Kelly discuss what burnout looks like, its…
- We Need to Talk About...
Navigating Change: HR’s Role in Times of Uncertainty with David Landman
HR leaders today are transformation specialists, technologists, and change-makers. In this episode, Felix Mitchell speaks with David Landman, former Goldman…
- We Need to Talk About...
AI in HR: 2025 and Beyond – A Conversation with Simon Mounsey
AI in HR is no longer just an experiment—it’s becoming reality. In this episode, Felix Mitchell speaks with Simon Mounsey, Chief People Officer at Agilisys…
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HR & Operations: The Ultimate Business Partnership with Roger Turvey
What makes a great HR and Operations partnership? In this episode, Felix sits down with Roger Turvey, Operations Director at Paragon Customer Communications…
- We Need to Talk About...
Leading Through Change: The Leadership Playbook for Uncertain Times with Agata Bryszewska
Change is constant, but great leadership makes all the difference. In this episode, Felix Mitchell is joined by Agata Bryszewska to explore what it takes to…
- We Need to Talk About...
Why Recruitment is Broken – and How to Fix It with Erica Perry Briody
Recruitment hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years, but should it? In this episode, Felix Mitchell is joined by Career Talent Acquisition Leader, Erica…
- We Need to Talk About...
Building a Culture That Drives Business Success: A Deep Dive with Brita Ohlin
In this episode of We Need to Talk about HR, host Felix Mitchell sits down with Brita Ohlin, Chief People Officer of Consafe Logistics Group, to explore how…
- We Need to Talk About...
How AI is Reshaping HR: The Future of People Strategy with Albert Loyola
AI is transforming HR—but how do we navigate the change? In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR, Felix Mitchell is joined by AI and HR expert Albert…
- We Need to Talk About...
Job Hunting in a Tough Market: Lessons from 600 Applications with Nick Bilotta
In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR, Felix Mitchell chats with Nick Bilotta, Learning Experience Manager at Discord, about his challenging 8-month job…
- We Need to Talk About...
Talent vs. Skills: Why Human Capabilities Still Matter in the Age of AI with Daron Moore
In this episode of We Need to Talk about HR, Felix Mitchell is joined by talent development strategist Daron Moore to discuss the importance of prioritising…
- We Need to Talk About...
The Secrets of a Successful Chief HR Officer: Insights with Tom Emery
In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR, Felix Mitchell chats with Tom, founder of Hex Talent and author of People, People. They dive into the challenges…
- We Need to Talk About...
Building an Employer Brand That Sticks: Lessons from High-Growth Businesses with Saqi Sheikh
Hiring and retaining top talent remains a key challenge for SMEs, especially those in high-growth phases. In this episode, Felix chats with Saqi Sheikh, Chief…
- We Need to Talk About...
Climbing the AI Mountain: Guiding HR Through Technology Transformation in 2025 with Alan Walker
AI is reshaping the workforce, but are HR teams ready? Felix Mitchell talks to Alan Walker, co-founder of Udder, about how HR leaders can embrace AI, overcome…
- We Need to Talk About...
Radical Transparency: Building Trust and Driving Change with Rachel Cox
In this episode, Rachel Cox, Chief People Officer at Low Carbon Contracts Company, dives into the power of transparency in leadership. From overcoming fears of…
- We Need to Talk About...
Purpose That Sticks: How to Build Mission-Driven Organisations with Olivia Parrish
In this episode, Felix welcomes Olivia Parrish, HRBP at Wealth Wizards, to discuss the power of purpose in organisations. Together, they explore how to embed…
- We Need to Talk About...
Cracking the Boardroom: Insights for Aspiring Chief People Officers with Susan Steele
In this episode, Susan Steele, former Chief People Officer turned board member and venture partner, shares her journey from HR leadership to the boardroom. We…
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Lessons in Leadership, Luck, and Building Trust: A Conversation with Michael Tobin
In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR, host Felix Mitchell sits down with Michael Tobin—former CEO, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author—to explore…
- We Need to Talk About...
Modern Leadership: Partnership, Transparency, and Navigating Challenges with Sarah Barillaro
In this episode, Felix Mitchell is joined by Sarah Barillaro, Chief People Officer at 3Play, to discuss the evolution of leadership. They explore the value of…
- We Need to Talk About...
Building Cultures of Excellence: Insights from Jeff Standridge
In this episode, Felix chats with Jeff Standridge, bestselling author and innovation leader, to explore the critical role of HR in shaping organisational…
- We Need to Talk About...
Mindful Leadership & Code-Switching: Insights with Erica Woods
Join Felix Mitchell and leadership coach Erica Woods as they explore the art of mindful leadership, the power of code-switching, and how to build trust within…
- We Need to Talk About...
Breaking the Fairness Trap: Balancing People, Morality, and Leadership with Ben Tyrer
Join us as Ben Tyrer, former Chief of Staff & current COO at Grantify, shares his journey from hospitality to tech and leadership. We dive into why fairness…
- We Need to Talk About...
Automation, AI, and the Future of Lean Teams with Joe Bast
Explore how automation and AI are reshaping HR and business processes. From lean teams that punch above their weight to the human side of automation, this…
- We Need to Talk About...
Revolutionising HR Tech with Karl Klevan
In this episode of We Need to Talk About HR, Felix Mitchell chats with Karl Klevan, Head of People Enablement at Papirfly. Together, they explore the…
- We Need to Talk About...
Flipping the Script on Recruitment: A Masterclass with Angela Cheng-Cimini
Join host Felix Mitchell as he sits down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO at Harvard Business Publishing, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about…
- We Need to Talk About...
Navigating Life’s Toughest Moments: Transforming Employee Support with Katie Lynch
Katie Lynch, CEO of Apiary Life, shares how her company supports employees during major life events. From tackling practical challenges like paperwork to…
- We Need to Talk About...
Scaling People Operations in PE-Backed Companies with Claire Williams
Join us for an insightful conversation with Claire Williams, Chief People and Operations Officer at Ciphr. Claire shares her journey from HR practitioner to…
- We Need to Talk About...
Building Clarity, Curiosity, and Connection in the Workplace with Renuka Iyer
In this episode, we’re joined by Renuka Iyer, the EVP and Chief People & Culture Officer at Pharma, to discuss how organizations can foster civil…
- We Need to Talk About...
Future-Proofing Leadership: Navigating AI and Human Skills with Sarah Touzani
In this episode, we welcome Sarah Touzani, CEO and co-founder of Waggle AI, an innovative platform transforming leadership coaching. We dive into the evolving…
- We Need to Talk About...
Redefining the Role of HR in the Boardroom with Kerri O'Neill
Kerri O'Neill, Chief People Officer at Ipsos UK, joins us to discuss HR’s evolving role in the boardroom and beyond. From the increasing influence of the Chief…
- We Need to Talk About...
Building Trust in Teams: Navigating Unconscious Bias, Ego, and Intentional Listening with Fergal McDonnell
In this episode, we dive into the essentials of building trust within teams, examining the role of ego, unconscious behaviours, and the power of intentional…
- We Need to Talk About...
Innovative Talent Sourcing: A New Era of Recruitment with Ellie Dinter-Nethercott
In today’s competitive recruitment landscape, traditional hiring approaches often fall short in securing top talent. Join us as Ellie Dinter, Head of Sourcing…
- We Need to Talk About...
The Power of Listening: Elevating Leadership Through Intentional Listening with Rachel Peck
In this episode of We Need to Talk about HR, we dive into the often overlooked yet critical leadership skill of listening. Join us and Rachel Peck, founder of…
- We Need to Talk About...
Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Louise Brown
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical conversation about neurodiversity in the workplace. Host Felix is joined by Louise Brown, Non-Executive…
- We Need to Talk About...
AI's Impact on the Workforce: Navigating Change with Susan Youngblood
In this episode, we delve into the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on the workforce with special guest Susan Youngblood, Chief People Officer…
- We Need to Talk About...
Unlocking HR's Impact in Fast-Growth Companies with Morgane Hamilton
In this episode, we chat with Morgane Hamilton, Head of HR at Africa Specialty Risks, about the critical role HR plays in fast-growth companies. From being…
- We Need to Talk About...
Embracing Career Transitions: Lessons from Law to HR with Mike Jacobson
In this episode, we chat with Mike, VP of People at Steno, who shares his unique journey from defense attorney to HR leader. We explore the often unplanned…
- We Need to Talk About...
The Future of L&D: AI, Consolidation, and the Power of Custom Learning with Ted Blosser
Felix chats with Ted Blosser, CEO of WorkRamp, about the evolving landscape of learning and development (L&D). They explore the future of AI in L&D, the rise…
- We Need to Talk About...
The CPO's Role in Leading Transformation: Beyond HR's Traditional Boundaries
In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) in driving organizational transformation, particularly in the context of…
- We Need to Talk About...
Building Transparent Cultures: A Conversation with Adam Horne
In this episode, Felix welcomes Adam Horne, Co-founder of Open Org, to discuss the critical role of transparency in workplace culture and its broader…
- We Need to Talk About...
Merging Cultures: Post-Acquisition Strategies with Tanya Lightbody
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of merging company cultures after an acquisition. Our guest, Tanya Lightbody, shares her expertise on…
- We Need to Talk About...
How ESG and B Corp Certification Can Transform Your Business, with Paul Lewis
In this episode, we dive into the urgent and evolving role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in business, with a focus on sustainability. I'm…
- We Need to Talk About...
Navigating Leadership and Cultural Transformation in Smaller Organizations
Sheila discusses her transition from large corporations to a smaller organization, where she found the opportunity to make a more personal and significant…
- We Need to Talk About...
Unlocking Organizational Happiness with Lars Kure Juul
"Organizational happiness is where high performance lives, where retention lives, and where customer satisfaction thrives." - Lars Kure Juul on the importance…
- We Need to Talk About...
Transforming HR in Action: Part 1 of 3 of Pick Everard's EDI Journey
In the first episode of this unique three-part series on Pick Everard's DEI journey, Felix and Group People & Culture Director, Elizabeth Hardwick-Smith…