76. How to grow faster with ’real’ HR- with Louise Kennedy MD of Oculus HR

In this episode of the Practical Leadership Podcast, I chat with Louise Kennedy, the dynamic Managing Director of Oculus HR. Louise has built her career around 'real' HR, moving beyond the typical transactional functions to create meaningful, growth-oriented HR strategies.

We dive deep into her journey, from her early days in manufacturing to establishing her award-winning HR consultancy. Louise shares how Oculus HR supports businesses of all sizes, focusing on creating robust cultures and sustainable growth.

We explore several key models and methods that Louise and her team use to transform HR from a back-office function to a pivotal component of business success. One of the standout programs discussed is the "Rising Stars" program, designed to identify and nurture high-potential employees, ensuring they are equipped to lead the company forward.

Louise emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing employee personal challenges, promoting emotional intelligence, and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. Her insights on how to prioritize personal well-being for success are particularly resonant, as she believes that a leader's health and balance are crucial to their effectiveness.

Join us as we uncover the secrets behind 'real' HR and how it can drive your business to new heights.

Key elements from the episode

1. Understanding employee personal challenges

• • "You don't know what people have gone through before they come to work. For instance, we had an employee whose wife was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and it significantly impacted his work life." (17:22)
  • Louise stresses the importance of recognising the personal challenges employees face and creating a supportive environment to help them manage these challenges effectively.

2. Empowering employees' leadership role

• • "We implement emotional intelligence assessments and training, focusing on self-confidence, resilience, and optimism to build better leaders." (11:13)
  • Louise talks about how developing emotional intelligence in leaders is crucial for fostering a respectful and effective work environment, which in turn empowers employees to take on leadership roles confidently.

3. Inside a 'rising star' program

• • "Our Rising Stars program identifies high-potential employees and supports their development through emotional intelligence training, mentorship, and project assignments." (13:50)
  • This program is designed to cultivate future leaders by providing structured growth opportunities and aligning their development with the company’s strategic goals.

4. Prioritise personal well-being for success

• • "Nourish your body and nurture your soul. Over the past 18 months, I've incorporated yoga, walking, and other activities into my routine to become the best version of myself." (22:37)
  • Louise underscores the importance of personal well-being, advocating for practices that enhance physical and mental health as foundational to professional success and leadership effectiveness.

This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples that illustrate how HR can be a driving force in business growth. Don’t miss out on Louise Kennedy’s invaluable insights into creating a thriving, people-centric organisation.