How do you handle complex workplace issues without escalating risk, cost, or conflict?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Aston Moss — a highly experienced HR and employment relations expert with over 30 years’ experience across New Zealand and Australia.

From major organisations like Briscoe Group, Fonterra, SkyCity, NZ Post, MIT and Woolworths, to now leading his own consultancy Principled, Aston shares practical, real-world insights into handling employment relations challenges, mediations, investigations, and strategic HR decisions.

This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, leaders, and business owners who want to approach people issues with clarity, confidence, and commercial awareness.

What You’ll Learn

• How to approach employment relations issues early to avoid escalation

• The key difference between positions vs interests in mediation

• What makes an effective workplace investigation

• Why apologies matter — and how to get them right

• Lessons from industrial relations and collective bargaining

• How to balance employee needs with organisational realities

• The future of HR capability and the risks emerging in the profession

• Where AI fits into HR — and where human judgment is essential

Key Takeaways

• Early intervention in employment relations leads to better outcomes

• Mediation is about understanding, not “winning”

• A genuine apology can unlock resolution faster than process alone

• Strong investigations rely on clear scope and objectivity

• HR professionals need deeper capability in employment relations

• AI can support efficiency — but accountability stays with people

About Aston Moss

Aston Moss has spent over 30 years helping organisations navigate the complexities of people and performance. He has worked with some of New Zealand’s most recognised brands across both sides of the Tasman, operating at the intersection of HR and commercial leadership.

As Principal Consultant at Principled (NZ), Aston works directly with leaders, individuals, and organisations on employment law challenges, workplace investigations, mediations, and strategic HR decisions.

His approach is straightforward: cut through complexity, focus on what matters, and deliver practical, sustainable outcomes.

Resources & Links

• https://www.principled.co.nz/

• Connect with Aston Moss on LinkedIn

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Episode Summary

What does it actually mean to thrive at work — and what gets in the way?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Carly Orr, Chief People Officer at Tower Insurance, to explore leadership, authenticity, and what it takes to create environments where people can genuinely do their best work.

With a non-traditional career spanning television, communications, and HR, Carly brings a fresh and practical perspective on leadership. From directing the 6 o’clock news to shaping people strategy in financial services, her journey challenges the idea of a linear career path and highlights the value of diverse experience.

This conversation dives into what sits beneath the surface of culture, how leaders influence behaviour (often unintentionally), and why real conversation still matters more than ever.

What You’ll Learn

• What it really means to thrive at work — beyond surface-level engagement

• How a non-linear career path can strengthen leadership capability

• Why trusting your gut matters in decision-making under pressure

• How to be solutions-focused while still understanding the rules

• What sits beneath the surface in culture and team dynamics

• The leadership behaviours that can create silence or unlock honesty

• Why video and real conversation cut through more than polished messaging

• How to lead with authenticity and courage

Key Takeaways

• Thriving at work starts with creating space for people to be themselves

• Great leaders balance instinct with experience and judgment

• Culture is shaped by everyday behaviours, not just strategy

• Silence in teams is often a leadership signal, not a people problem

• Real, human conversation drives connection and performance

• There’s no single path to leadership — diverse experience is a strength

About Carly Orr

Carly Orr is Chief People Officer at Tower Insurance, with a career that spans media, communications, and HR.

Starting as a receptionist at TV3, Carly spent 18 years in the television industry, moving into production and directing the 6 o’clock news at TVNZ before transitioning into corporate roles in organisational design and internal communications.

She later moved into the finance sector, combining her expertise across HR and communications to shape people strategy and leadership capability.

Carly is known for her authentic, courageous leadership style and her ability to help leaders create meaningful connection and performance in the workplace.

Why This Episode Matters

If you’re a leader or HR professional wanting to build stronger teams, create real engagement, and lead with authenticity, this episode offers practical insight grounded in real experience — not theory.

Resources & Links

• Carly Orr | LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HR Unlocked with Lisa Oakley is a leadership conversation series where thoughtful HR and business leaders share lived experience on people, risk, culture, and compliance. It is designed for business owners, senior leaders, and HR professionals across Australasia to learn from real decisions and leadership judgment. The show is a platform to honour the contribution of leaders willing to share their experience.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.