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

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

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, host Nick Day is joined by Dr. Robin Hills, a globally renowned expert in emotional intelligence and the founder of EI4Change. With over 500,000 learners in 195+ countries, Dr. Hills breaks down why EQ still beats AI, how leaders can build true resilience, and the practical tools HR professionals need to embed emotional intelligence into workplace culture.

Whether you're leading global teams, hiring future talent, or navigating difficult conversations, this episode offers fresh insights into how emotions drive performance, and why kindness, awareness, and adaptability are the new leadership superpowers.

If this episode helped you reframe leadership and performance through the lens of emotional intelligence, don’t forget to like, comment, and share with your HR & L&D network!

Learn More about Dr. Robin’s Work

• Website: https://ei4change.com
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robinhills
• Free Book: https://courses.ei4change.info/courses/free-book
• Free Course: https://courses.ei4change.info/courses/mindfulness

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) Why Emotional Challenges Are Universal

(01:22) Meet Dr. Robin Hills

(02:58) What Human Resources Really Means

(04:54) Emotional Intelligence vs Emotional Quotient

(09:39) The Role of Empathy in Leadership

(14:57) A Real Case Study: Transforming Low EQ Scores

(19:11) How Robin Approaches Research & Feedback

(22:59) Neurodiversity, Language, and Emotional Inclusion

(26:10) Why AI Will Never Fully Replicate EQ

(30:34) What Mindfulness Really Means in the Workplace

(33:56) Teaching EQ Across Cultures: Surprising Similarities

(36:38) Cultural Sensitivity and the Power of Words

(43:08) Intuition as a Leadership Sense

(45:11) Learn More from Dr. Robin Hills

This episode is sponsored by Deel. Master global HR with our essential guide. Discover the secrets to effective global HR management with our exclusive guide. Perfect for HR teams aiming to expand globally.

Get Free Guide Now: https://www.deel.com/resources/scale-global-hr/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-scaleglobalhr-feb25_all_all&utm_content=engage_all_sponnewsletter_scaleglobalhr-sponnews400-hr_en

In this special compilation episode of the HR L&D Podcast, we “Enter The Vault” with host Nick Day — a signature segment where top HR and L&D leaders share their most powerful insights on leadership, growth, and the future of work.

From emotional intelligence and trust-building to vulnerability and human-centered leadership, these timeless lessons reveal what truly matters in today’s ever-evolving workplace.

Whether you're an HR professional, a people leader, or simply someone passionate about creating better work environments, this episode offers a masterclass in wisdom from those shaping the future of how we work.

🔑 Discover:

– What defines great leadership today

– How to lead with empathy and authenticity

– Why self-awareness is a game-changer

– The future mindset of successful workplaces

– And so much more

🎧 Step into The Vault — and walk away inspired to lead with intention.

Featured Guests:

• Curtis Bateman, Senior Vice President, FranklinCovey
• Bryan Adams, CEO & Co-founder, HappyDance
• Kahina Ouerdane, Chief People Office, WorkLeap
• Vivian Acquah, DEI Consultant, Amplify DEI.
• Jeff Dewing, CEO, Cloudfm Group

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/

Of course, if you are an HR or L&D professional listening to this podcast and you have an HR, HRIS or L&D related vacancy that you would love some specialist HR recruitment support with – please also get in touch with me! I would love to help show you what a great HR recruitment experience feels like! You can reach out to me directly at nick@jgarecruitment.com or give me a call – 01727800377.

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

(00:00) Intro

(02:01) Managing Change, Culture and Communications

(05:20) How To Elevate Employer Brand

(07:02) Balancing Technology w/ Humanity in Talent Management

(10:20) Integrating Empathy and Tech in DEI

(19:15) Universal Advice to HR Leaders

This episode is sponsored by Deel. Master global HR with our essential guide. Discover the secrets to effective global HR management with our exclusive guide. Perfect for HR teams aiming to expand globally.

Get Free Guide Now: https://www.deel.com/resources/scale-global-hr/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-scaleglobalhr-feb25_all_all&utm_content=engage_all_sponnewsletter_scaleglobalhr-sponnews400-hr_en

—————————————————————————————————————————

What if the key to a high-performing team isn't management—but coaching?

In this episode, Nick Day sits down with Jeff Dewing, CEO of Cloudfm Group and best-selling author of Doing the Opposite, to explore why traditional leadership is broken—and how to fix it.

Jeff shares 10 transformative strategies that go beyond buzzwords, offering real-world examples of how he's built a culture rooted in autonomy, trust, and psychological safety. From mandating school pick-ups (yes, really) to leveraging AI and AR to empower teams, this is a masterclass in modern leadership.

Topics Covered:

• Why “managers” are outdated—and what to do instead
• The 3 things every employee truly wants (and it's not salary)
• Creating cultures that grow people—even if they leave
• Using AI and AR to solve real operational challenges
• Embedding wellbeing and resilience into your company’s DNA

Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or team manager, this episode will shift how you think about work, leadership, and what it takes to truly engage your workforce.

Press play to learn why doing the opposite just might be the smartest thing your company can do next.

Check out Jeff's Book

Doing the opposite: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doing-opposite-lessons-building-success-ebook/dp/B08TT82XJ5

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 Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdewing/

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

Of course, if you are an HR or L&D professional listening to this podcast and you have an HR, HRIS or L&D related vacancy that you would love some specialist HR recruitment support with – please also get in touch with me! I would love to help show you what a great HR recruitment experience feels like! You can reach out to me directly at nick@jgarecruitment.com or give me a call – 01727800377.

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

00:00 Intro

02:58 Meet Jeff Dewing

03:21 Why Leaders Should Coach, Not Manage

05:29 How to Turn Managers Into Coaches

07:34 Creating Clear Career...

This episode is sponsored by Deel.

Master global HR with our essential guide. Discover the secrets to effective global HR management with our exclusive guide. Perfect for HR teams aiming to expand globally.

Get Free Guide Now: https://www.deel.com/resources/scale-global-hr/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-scaleglobalhr-feb25_all_all&utm_content=engage_all_sponnewsletter_scaleglobalhr-sponnews400-hr_en

—————————————————————————————————————————

How do we move beyond DEI checkboxes to create truly inclusive, thriving workplaces?

In this episode, Nick Day sits down with Vivian Acquah, a leading DEI consultant at Amplify DEI, to explore how companies can build cultures of belonging, empathy, and inclusion that drive real business impact.

Vivian challenges the traditional "HR" mindset, advocating for a shift toward People & Culture—where leaders take ownership of inclusion and employees feel truly valued. She shares how Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming DEI training, why empathy is the missing ingredient in leadership, and what organizations must do to make diversity efforts stick.

She also answers a critical question: Why do so many DEI initiatives fail? From budget constraints to leadership buy-in, Vivian reveals the biggest obstacles—and how to overcome them.

If you're an HR leader, executive, or someone passionate about workplace transformation, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you turn DEI strategies into lasting cultural change.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on leadership, workplace culture, and the future of DEI!

—————————————————————————————————————————

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 Vivian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianacquah/

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

Of course, if you are an HR or L&D professional listening to this podcast and you have an HR, HRIS or L&D related vacancy that you would love some specialist HR recruitment support with – please also get in touch with me! I would love to help show you what a great HR recruitment experience feels like! You can reach out to me directly at nick@jgarecruitment.com or give me a call – 01727800377.

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

—————————————————————————————————————————

(00:00) Introduction

(01:18) Why HR Should Be Replaced with “People & Culture”

(03:45) The Importance of Work Culture

(05:13) Empathy in DEI & Workplace Inclusion

(09:20) Talent Attraction & Retention Challenges

(10:55) Virtual Reality in DEI

(16:43) Why VR is the Most Effective DEI Training...

Today’s HR L&D podcast is brought to you by Deel, the all-in-one global-first

people platform.Master global HR with Deel’s essential guide, perfect for HR teams aiming to expand globally.

Get Free Guide Now: https://www.deel.com/resources/scale-global-hr/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-scaleglobalhr-feb25_all_all&utm_content=engage_all_sponnewsletter_scaleglobalhr-sponnews400-hr_en

As AI transforms the workplace, how do we ensure technology enhances, rather than replaces, human connection? In this episode, Nick Day sits down with Kahina Ouerdane, Chief People Officer at WorkLeap, to explore the balance between AI, leadership, and human-centered talent management.

Kahina shares why she rejects the term "human resources", how WorkLeap uses tech to build more engaged and high-performing teams, and why onboarding, performance management, and leadership still require a personal touch.

She also tackles a key question: Can AI truly drive culture, trust, and inclusivity? While AI improves efficiency, there are things it can’t replace—like real conversations, emotional intelligence, and human intuition in leadership.

If you're in HR, leadership, or just curious about the future of work, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on AI, HR, and workplace culture! 🚀

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 Bryan: https://linkedin.com/in/bryanadams1

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

Of course, if you are an HR or L&D professional listening to this podcast and you have an HR, HRIS or L&D related vacancy that you would love some specialist HR recruitment support with – please also get in touch with me! I would love to help show you what a great HR recruitment experience feels like! You can reach out to me directly at nick@jgarecruitment.com or give me a call – 01727800377.

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

(00:00) The Human-Tech Balance in HR

(01:23) How WorkLeap Is Redefining Talent Management

(03:18) Human-Centered Leadership

(06:30) The Role of Technology in Workplace Culture

(09:24) How AI and Employee Engagement Tools Enhance HR

(12:09) The Future of Onboarding in a Remote-First World

(16:51) Why Performance Management Still Needs a Human Element

(19:17) Where AI Excels in Talent Management

(25:40) Is AI Enhancing or Replacing Creativity?

(28:50) The Impact of Remote...