What happens when workplaces stop avoiding difficult conversations and start leaning into them?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with HR consultant, facilitator, workplace investigator, and founder of HR Butter, Kate Bacchus.

Drawing on decades of experience across operational industries, leadership development, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution, Kate shares practical insights into human behaviour, communication, resilience, and the growing importance of critical thinking in the workplace.

From workplace mediation to leadership capability and the impact of AI on human connection, this conversation explores the skills leaders and organisations need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

What You'll Learn

• Why difficult conversations are often the key to growth

• How facilitation helps teams navigate conflict and rebuild trust

• What Kate means by "human friction" and why it matters

• The risks of outsourcing too much thinking to technology

• How leaders can build resilience without expecting people to be invincible

• Why curiosity is one of the most important leadership skills

• The role emotions play in workplace culture and performance

Key Takeaways

• Most workplace issues grow when they're avoided

• Human connection and communication remain critical leadership skills

• Curiosity leads to better decisions and stronger relationships

• Resilience is about recovery, not simply enduring pressure

• Organisations perform better when leaders create space for honest conversations

About Kate Bacchus

Kate Bacchus is the founder of HR Butter and an experienced HR consultant, facilitator, workplace investigator, and leadership adviser. With more than 25 years of experience across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, she helps organisations navigate complex people challenges, develop leaders, and build healthier workplace cultures.

Why This Episode Matters

As technology accelerates and workplaces become increasingly complex, the ability to communicate, think critically, navigate conflict, and build meaningful human connections has never been more important. This episode provides practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners who want to create stronger workplaces and better conversations.

Resources

• Kate Bacchus, CMHRNZ | LinkedIn

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What does it take to build a workplace where people genuinely belong and can do their best work?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Evan Bateup, Partner and Chief People & Inclusion Officer at KPMG New Zealand.

Drawing on a non-traditional career journey that spans operations, change, sales, marketing, and people leadership, Evan shares practical insights into leadership, inclusion, culture, and the role HR can play in creating meaningful impact.

From belonging and organisational culture to commercial HR, leadership capability, and the future of work, this conversation explores what it takes to create environments where both people and businesses can thrive.

What You'll Learn

• Why inclusion is about more than diversity metrics

• The role belonging plays in engagement and performance

• How HR can become a true strategic business partner

• Why curiosity is one of the most valuable leadership traits

• The difference between leadership principles and leadership certainty

• How organisations can create environments where people flourish

• Why commercial understanding is critical for modern HR leaders

Key Takeaways

• Great leaders create the conditions for others to succeed

• Belonging drives engagement, performance, and retention

• HR creates the most value when it's deeply connected to the business

• Curiosity and humility are critical leadership skills

• Strong cultures are built through everyday behaviours, not statements on a wall

About Evan Bateup

Evan Bateup is Partner and Chief People & Inclusion Officer at KPMG New Zealand. With experience spanning operations, sales, marketing, change, and people leadership, he is passionate about helping organisations create cultures where people feel valued, included, and empowered to contribute at their best.

Why This Episode Matters

As organisations navigate rapid change, evolving workforce expectations, and emerging technologies, leaders need to create workplaces where people feel connected, supported, and able to thrive. This episode provides practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to build stronger cultures and more inclusive organisations.

Resources

• Evan Bateup | LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do organisations build talent when the skills they need take years to develop?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Kim Milne, Chief People Officer at Elf Group, including AB Equipment and Speirs Finance Group, to explore apprenticeships, leadership, workforce development, and the future of skilled trades in New Zealand.

Drawing on her experience across operations, people leadership, governance, and industry training, Kim shares practical insights into developing talent from the ground up, creating career pathways, and helping technical specialists transition into leadership roles.

From attracting young people into trades and supporting women in operational industries to workforce planning and leadership development, this conversation highlights the importance of investing in people for the long term.

What You'll Learn

• Why apprenticeships remain critical to New Zealand's workforce future

• How organisations can identify potential before technical skills exist

• The leadership challenges faced by technical specialists moving into management

• Why customer skills matter just as much as technical expertise

• How businesses can attract more women into trades and operational roles

• The importance of workforce planning and knowledge transfer

• Why commercial understanding strengthens people leadership

Key Takeaways

• Great talent is built, not simply recruited

• Attitude and potential often matter more than existing skills

• Leadership requires a different skill set than technical expertise

• Investing in apprenticeships creates long-term organisational success

• The future of work still relies heavily on skilled people and human connection

About Kim Milne

Kim Milne is Chief People Officer at Elf Group and serves on the boards of MITO and Christchurch Boys' High School. She is passionate about apprenticeships, workforce development, leadership capability, and creating career opportunities across trades and operational industries.

Why This Episode Matters

As New Zealand faces ongoing skills shortages and changing workforce demands, organisations need practical strategies to attract, develop, and retain talent. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders, HR professionals, educators, and business owners committed to building the workforce of the future.

Resources

Kim Milne | LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.