HR Coffee Time

Do you ever leave a leadership meeting wishing you’d said something – only to replay it later and think, “Why didn’t I speak up?”
In this solo episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay explores why speaking up in leadership meetings can feel so daunting (even when you know you have something valuable to contribute). She shares practical, realistic ways to build confidence in those moments.
This episode is especially for HR and People professionals who find themselves second-guessing their ideas, worrying about being challenged, or holding back because the meeting feels high-stakes or fast-paced. Drawing on her coaching experience, Fay unpacks strategies to help.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why imposter feelings often show up more strongly in leadership meetings – and why that doesnotmean you do not belong there
How your nervous system plays a big role in confidence, and simple ways to feel calmer and more grounded in the moment
Breathing, grounding, and physical techniques you can use before and during meetings
The different kinds of value you bring to leadership conversations – beyond having the “perfect” answer
Why you do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact
Practical strategies to make speaking up feel more manageable, including:
Setting a small, realistic goal for your contribution
Shaping meetings in advance so you are not waiting for the “right moment”
Using professional phrases that buy you thinking time
How to zoom out and remember that one meeting does not define your credibility
Why confidence grows through familiarity and practice – not by forcing yourself to be someone you are not

Useful Links
Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
Visit Fay’s website
The Essential HR Planner website
Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR Leadership Programme

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes
Ep 86: How to stop other people taking credit for your ideas in meetings
Build Your Professional Skills - HR Coffee Time Podcast...

The start of a new year is the perfect moment to pause and think differently about goal setting, especially when you work in HR or a people role where expectations, pressure and emotional load can be high.
In this episode, Fay Wallis shares her Triple Win Framework, a practical way to set goals that help HR and people professionals deliver real organisational impact, build career momentum and protect their wellbeing at the same time.
If you want goals that feel motivating, aligned and supportive of your long-term success, this framework offers a clear place to start.
You’ll Hear about:
The Triple Win Framework explained
Choosing impactful HR goals
Aligning goals to organisational strategy
Career-enhancing skills that matter
Why wellbeing must be a goal

Useful Links
The Build Your Professional Skills Playlist
Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
Learn About Fay'sInspiring HR Leadership Programme
Learn More AboutThe Essential HR Planner

Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!
Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.
Mentioned in this episode:
Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
Build your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.
Inspiring HR
Learn More About HR Coffee Time's Sponsor - Personio
Personio

Before we all sprint into 2026, I wanted to create this bonus episode to encourage you to pause and reflect on the year that's just passed. In it, I work my way through the 10 'Look Back to Look Forward' questions from the Essential HR Planner and share my own honest answers - including the achievements I'm proud of, the challenges I faced, what I learned, and the moments that shaped my year both personally and professionally.
This episode includes reflections on expanding the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, navigating the realities of running a business, experimenting with video, taking a long break from the podcast, and working through some unexpected moments of vulnerability along the way. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you'll feel encouraged to complete the exercise yourself and head into 2026 with more clarity and intention.

Helpful Links
The Essential HR Planner
The free HR Leadership Impact Assessment
Read the full blog version of my reflections
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Learn more about theInspiring HR Leadership Programme

Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!
Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

Mentioned in this episode:
Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
Build your confidence, credibility, influence, and strategic impact by joining The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.
Inspiring HR

5 Brilliant HR Books That Deserve a Spot Under Your Christmas Tree!
If you work in HR and you’re not sure what to ask for this Christmas – or you’d love to buy a thoughtful, genuinely useful gift for an HR colleague – this episode is for you.
Fay Wallis shares five brilliant HR book recommendations she’s read this year. Each one supports HR professionals in a slightly different way – from building resilience and confidence, to shaping culture, developing better people practices, and setting yourself up for a successful year at work.
All of the books recommended are practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real HR challenges.
Book Recommendations from This Episode
The Little Book of HR Resilience: Practical Strategies for Busy People Professionals – Dr Felicity Baker & Dr Jo Burrell
The HR Confidence Playbook: The essential guide to being seen, heard, and respected in HR - by Kirsty Baggs-Morgan
Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead - by Laszlo Bock
Let’s Talk Culture: The conversations you need to create the team you want - by Shane Michael Hatton
The Essential HR Planner – by Fay Wallis

Useful Links
Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
Visit Fay’s website
Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme

HR Coffee Time Episodes to Listen to Next
Ep 35: Helping Teams Thrive with Personal User Manuals
Ep 123: Avoid Burnout - How to Spot Signs Of Stress & Take Action (with Dr Jo Burrell)
Ep 146: Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People Officer: (with John Scrooby)

Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!
Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.
Mentioned in this episode:
Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
Build your confidence,...

What’s the best way to land your first Chief People Officer or CHRO role?
In this episode, Fay Wallis breaks down the four most common routes that real CPOs have taken to step into the top people leadership job for the very first time. You’ll also hear short clips from several CPO guests who generously shared their stories and insights.
You’ll hear about:
Four routes into first CPO roles
Internal discussions leading to job title changes
Being headhunted by executive recruiters
Strengthening your LinkedIn profile
Applying directly for senior HR roles
Preparing for high-level interviews
Pitching for promotion with a business case

Useful Links
Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
Visit Fay’s website
Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
Buy a copy of The Essential HR Planner

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes
Ep 31:3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next job
Ep 106:7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR career
Ep 149: The CPO Job Application That Worked, Strategic vs Operational HR, and Why Compassion Matters (with Funmi Onamusi):
Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/149/
YouTube link:https://youtu.be/n-zYslILExc?si=dIJFbWDgo2SWlcUz
Ep 154: Step-by-Step Career Advice to become a successful CHRO/CPO (with Nicola Lyons):
Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/154/
YouTube link: