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HR Hacks & Halos

HR Hacks & Halos

By: Jivan Dempsey
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 "We're changing company culture - one episode at a time!" With an alarming £23.6 billion lost each year in productivity through high absenteeism, low morale, stress and mental health issues, a revolving door of high turnover and potential brand damage, its time to change workplace toxicity, call out bad behaviours and let's make our workplaces happier and more productive places to be! Featuring a mix of solo content and guest interviews with workplace experts why not grab a coffee and join me, Jivan Dempsey, and prepare for thought-provoking conversations and revealing stories from the Boardroom to the Shopfloor. There are some practical HR hacks to address workplace toxicity, elevate morale, improve mental health and productivity, and we'll polish a few HR halos as we empower and celebrate you driving positive change. This podcast is an essential resource for anyone interested in workplace culture and wellness. So put your headphones on and help us change company culture—one episode at a time!2025 Jivan Dempsey Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • How AI is Reshaping Roles and Redefining Job Security

    How AI is Reshaping Roles and Redefining Job Security
    Oct 12 2025
    Jivan looks at the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Drawing on insights from notable figures like Ulrika Johnson and Senator Bernie Sanders, she highlights the stark divide emerging between those empowered by AI and those at risk of being left behind KEY TAKEAWAYS AI is rapidly transforming the job landscape, with predictions that it could displace millions of jobs across various sectors, including fast food, teaching, accounting, and healthcare, within the next decade. The emergence of AI is creating a divide in the workforce, where some individuals are empowered and enhanced by AI, while others face uncertainty, exclusion, or replacement. Rather than outright replacing humans, AI is reshaping roles by taking over predictable tasks, allowing humans to focus on more complex and profound responsibilities, leading to what is termed the "great unbundling of work." The rapid integration of AI into the workforce may exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly for non-office workers, and could lead to broader societal issues such as social unrest and a breakdown of trust within communities. HR professionals need to adopt a strategic approach to AI integration by focusing on culture, inclusivity, and transparency, ensuring that all workers, including frontline and part-time employees, have access to digital upskilling and support as AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace. BEST MOMENTS "AI is rewriting the rules for work and taking away the future of our young people." "For young professionals, that means AI isn't going to take your job, but someone who knows how to use AI better probably will." "AI is handling the predictable, which means that it's freeing humans up to handle the profound." "The transition is going to be painful, uneven, and probably, in societal terms, unfair." "If AI is a new colleague, then non-knowledge workers deserve an introduction, not just a redundancy notice." HOST BIO Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. Please connect with her on Linked In: Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn Or send her an email at: jivan@fiverivers-consulting.com www.fiverivers-consulting.com HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    16 mins
  • Navigating Hypergrowth - With Dimitri Coumbias, CHRO, Finera PSP

    Navigating Hypergrowth - With Dimitri Coumbias, CHRO, Finera PSP
    Oct 5 2025
    In this episode, Jivan sits down with Dimitri Coumbias, CHRO at Finera, a rapidly growing fintech start-up. They delve into the challenges and opportunities that arise during periods of hypergrowth, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining company culture amidst rapid scaling. Dimitri shares insights on the intentionality required in hiring practices, the significance of preserving the organisation's cultural DNA, and the role of leadership in fostering a collaborative environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS As companies experience rapid growth, maintaining the essence of their original culture is crucial. Leaders must be precise when preserving the cultural DNA while allowing it to evolve naturally. In a hypergrowth environment, every hire must be intentional. A single bad hire can have significant ripple effects on team alignment and overall momentum, making it essential to prioritise cultural fit and alignment with company values. The active participation of the leadership team, including founders and C-suite executives, is vital in shaping and maintaining company culture. Their energy and vision help to keep the culture alive and aligned with the organisation’s goals. Embracing technology, particularly AI, can enhance job satisfaction by automating mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and fulfilling work. This can lead to increased engagement and retention. Regular leadership summits and open communication channels are essential for aligning the team with the company’s vision and values. This helps to ensure that as the organisation grows, everyone remains connected to the core purpose and culture. BEST MOMENTS "Every hire has to be intentional because of the impact they're going to bring." "Culture doesn't stand still, especially during hypergrowth. It either gets shaped deliberately or it drifts accidentally." "We're looking at an array of candidates that can add value based on skill." "You have to ensure that every hire lands, and once they do land, the production can assist with and generate the impact." "Be really thoughtful with your hiring. Build leadership muscle." GUEST BIO Dimitri has more than a decade of global HR leadership experience across fintech, technology, oil & gas. He has led teams through M&As, rapid scale-ups, and cultural transformations. Dimitri started in law but quickly found his passion in people and culture, building a track record of aligning HR strategy with business growth across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, he’s focused on shaping modern HR practices that drive performance, inclusion, and trust while advising CEOs and leadership teams on the people's side of scaling businesses. dimitrisc@finera.com www.finera.com HOST BIO Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which cost her a job she'd loved. Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. As a seasoned HR consultant, she offers bespoke consultancy to help companies navigate transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn jivan@fiverivers-consulting.com www.fiverivers-consulting.com HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR
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    48 mins
  • The Dual Approach to Effective Networking

    The Dual Approach to Effective Networking
    Sep 28 2025
    Jivan investigates the often daunting topic of networking, transforming it from a source of anxiety into a powerful tool for career and business advancement and, importantly, personal branding in a physical and digital world. She shares insights on how effective networking can unlock hidden job and business opportunities by fostering meaningful connections. Jivan emphasises the importance of reframing networking as a two-way exchange focused on curiosity and genuine interest in others, rather than a transactional endeavour. KEY TAKEAWAYS A significant percentage of jobs are filled through networking rather than traditional job applications. Building connections can help you tap into the hidden job market and increase your chances of landing opportunities. Every interaction contributes to your personal brand. Engaging in conversations, sharing insights, and being visible in your industry helps shape how others perceive you and can lead to career and business advancement. Instead of viewing networking as a daunting task, approach it as an opportunity to connect, listen, and learn from others. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting contacts. Networking should be about giving rather than taking. Offer value in your conversations, whether through sharing insights, resources, or making introductions, to create goodwill and memorable interactions. Both online and in-person networking have unique advantages. Use virtual platforms to connect globally and maintain relationships, while leveraging face-to-face interactions to build trust and create memorable moments. BEST MOMENTS "Networking isn't just about awkward events, small talk or collecting business cards. It's one of the most powerful tools you have for shaping your career." "Most jobs aren't filled because someone has applied cold through some kind of job board. They're filled through networks, through recommendations, through referrals." "When people build a brand about themselves, they actually are projecting their own satisfaction and therefore they feel more confident and they feel more employable." "Networking is not about take, take, take. It's about connecting, being curious, listening, and finding some common ground." "The more you do, the less scary it's going to feel. And before you know it, your network isn't just a list of names." Email info@fiverivers-consulting.com for a copy of our FREE guide "Networking Like A Pro" HOST BIO Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. Listeners are drawn to her honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke HR services to help companies navigate HR that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. Let's connect: Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn Email: jivan@fiverivers-consulting.com www.fiverivers-consulting.com HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    21 mins
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