Podcast
HR on the offensive
Real voices. Fresh thinking.
The HR on the Offensive podcast launched in March 2020 to explore insights from LACE Partners’ first whitepaper, challenging HR to ‘step out of the shadows’ and become a strategic driver of competitive advantage.
Since then, it’s grown into a platform for fresh thinking on all things HR—from hybrid working and inclusive hiring to reimagining performance culture.
We’re joined by senior HR leaders and LACE experts, sharing real-world experiences and bold ideas shaping the future of the people function.
Is HR facing a silent mental health crisis?
If you’ve ever asked yourself who’s looking out for the people who look after everyone else, the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast dives straight into that question. Chris Howard is joined by clinical psychologist and Ultimate Resilience co-founder Dr....
Why merging HR and IT could be the key to unlocking AI’s full potential
What happens when two of the most culturally distinct functions in a business—HR and IT—are brought together under a single umbrella? This was the topic of a recent article from The Wall Street Journal titled Why Moderna Merged Its Tech and HR Departments. This...
Can HR play a role in driving business transformation?
What does it really take for HR to become a driving force in business transformation? In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris Howard and founder of LACE Partners, Aaron Alburey, dive into findings from our latest research into HR’s role in...
How can you build trust in AI and future-proof your HR strategy?
AI is transforming the world of work at speed—but with great potential comes a need for clarity, accountability, and smart, human-centred decisions. That’s why we developed the TRUSTED AI framework at LACE Partners: a practical, values-led model to help organisations...
How can you optimise your payroll function for the future?
When you think of payroll, it’s easy to imagine a simple process: work, get paid, repeat. But behind that straightforward cycle lies an intricate network of operations, systems, and strategy that most employees—and many businesses—rarely see. In this episode of the HR...
How can you unlock the full value of your HRIS?
Struggling to get the most out of your HR tech investment? You’re not alone. In the latest episode of HR on the Offensive, host Chris Howard, plus fellow LACErs Ffion Bennett, and Louise Brown delve into “Less Stress Part Three,” a continuation of our Less stress...
How can AI enhance productivity and transform the future of work?
In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, host Chris Howard is joined by LACEr Gemma Ryall and guest Neil Carberry, CEO of the REC, for a great conversation about how can AI enhance productivity and the changing world of work. They explore the...
Is AI the key to transforming the workplace?
What if AI didn’t just reshape jobs, but reshaped how we think about work itself? Many organisations are rethinking the way that work get's delivered, whether that's through skills-based approaches or changes in strategic workforce planning. AI is central to...
How can HR solve the business efficiency paradox?
In today’s evolving business climate, efficiency can no longer be synonymous with cost-cutting and headcount reduction. In our opinion, that's an outdated view risks undermining both performance and resilience. In our latest whitepaper The efficiency paradox, we...
The global skills map: Navigating cultural nuances in talent acquisition
Navigating the evolving world of global talent acquisition is no easy task—it's complex, fast-moving, and full of unexpected challenges. That’s why this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris and Pavan Bilkhoo speak to Monika Lubczak-Pufelska, author of...
How to modernise your workforce strategy to tackle skills gaps
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report for 2025 highlights a massive transformation in the global job market and workforce strategy. An estimated 170 million new jobs will be emerging in the next decade, alongside the displacement of around 92 million roles....
How can HR strategically address the impact of rising NICs?
What do you do when your business is hit with rising costs, regulatory changes, and mounting pressure to deliver more with less? In this episode of HR on the Offensive, Chris is joined by Simon Fowler, CEO at Empowering People Group, to discuss how HR leaders can...
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