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It's The People, Stupid! Talking all things HR.

It's The People, Stupid! Talking all things HR.

By Cream HR

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business. We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Please review us now: www.podchaser.com/ItsThePeopleStupid
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It's The People, Stupid! Kindness Matters

It's The People, Stupid! Talking all things HR.Feb 16, 2022

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38:21
It's the People Stupid, Capricious Minds!

It's the People Stupid, Capricious Minds!

In this month's episode we were excited to be joined by Emma Keeble, founder of Anchor People and provider of bespoke wellbeing training and Mental Health First Aid courses. Emma and Katy discuss why it is important that employers offer support around mental health, how they can do this now, and both Emma and Katy share their own challenges in this area.


It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Katy, Emma and Fin for their work on this episode!

Nov 17, 202338:09
It's The People, Stupid! - Let It Go

It's The People, Stupid! - Let It Go

In this episode, Katy caught up with national business owner Duncan Foster, Managing Director of Choices Health Clubs. Delegation is a topic that comes up frequently for us when working alongside our clients. Many managers are prone to micromanagement; some find relinquishing control of a key project difficult, while others may find the prospect of delegating work to be a daunting prospect. Unfortunately, learning to 'let go' is absolutely key in a business. Duncan gives some fascinating insights into his personal experiences, and to why he feels that learning to let go is an absolute must for business leaders. Take a listen now for some brilliant advice and guidance.


It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Duncan and Katy for their work on this episode!


Oct 27, 202339:56
It's The People, Stupid! - Stand By Your Team.

It's The People, Stupid! - Stand By Your Team.

In this month's episode we welcome Louise Fleming, CEO and Sarah Clark, Front Of House & Business Development Manager of The Hub at St Mary's in Lichfield. They shared their expertise on managing their teams - with the additional challenges posed by being a small organisation with many roles to perform, a not-for-profit business in the Arts sector and with a hospitality section. We reckon most of our listeners can relate to some if not all of their challenges. Take a listen now for some brilliant advice and guidance.


It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Katy, Louise, Sarah and Fin.

Sep 29, 202346:11
It's The People, Stupid! - A Crazy Little Thing Called Marketing.

It's The People, Stupid! - A Crazy Little Thing Called Marketing.

In this month's episode we welcome John Heeler, Director of Straightforward, a design and marketing Agency. John has been a director for over 20 years and helped thousands of organisations develop a brand and market their services.  Listen in for John's thought son where to begin marketing your business, creating a USP and the future of marketing.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Katy, John and Fin.

Aug 24, 202320:25
It's The People, Stupid! Times they are a-training!

It's The People, Stupid! Times they are a-training!

In this month's episode we welcome Jerry Sutton, an inspirational trainer with over 30 years' experience of training and several more years' experience of being Anthony's elder brother. What Jerry doesn't know about training isn't worth knowing. Hear Jerry share some of his more challenging experiences alongside some expert tips on ensuring your training session is engaging, purposeful and most importantly - good value for money!

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Anthony, Jerry, Fin and Katy.

Jul 28, 202327:26
It's The People, Stupid! - Live and Let DEI

It's The People, Stupid! - Live and Let DEI



In the latest episode of our podcast series It's The People, Stupid!, Anthony discussed the benefits of a robust DEIB strategy with Dan Cohen, co-founder of Mixxyl, an AI-powered system capturing and analysing diverstiy and inclusion analytics.

Statistics around the benefits to a business for being more diverse and inclusive are self-evident, with diverse workforces 70% more likely to capture new markets, 35% more likely to outperform their competitors and gender diverse companies are 15% more likely to see higher financial returns. Anthony and Dan dig in and check out the reasons for this phenomenon.


It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR. In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Anthony, Dan and Fin.

Jun 15, 202339:35
It's The People, Stupid! We don't need no legislation!

It's The People, Stupid! We don't need no legislation!

In our latest episode, Anthony talked to colleague and employment law guru, Lita Kirwan to discuss all things legal. They kick off by discussing the requirements on new business owners in regards to legal responsibilities. They move on to acas and discrimination and finish on looking at what changes might be on the horizon for employment legislation. No matter the size of your business, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

It's the People, Stupid! is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR. In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We will provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Anthony, Lita, Katy and Fin.

May 26, 202346:41
It's The People, Stupid! - A Different Kind of Pension

It's The People, Stupid! - A Different Kind of Pension

Our Director, Anthony Sutton, describes pensions as 'not the sexiest of benefits'. This may be true, but that doesn't preclude them from being possibly the most crucial employment benefit there is. I mean, how would you otherwise afford those Caribbean cruises in your retirement?

Anthony sat down with Pete Hykin, co-founder of Penfold, to discuss good and bad practices for employers and employees when it comes to their pension.

Apr 27, 202339:04
It's The People, Stupid! Let's Get Visible!

It's The People, Stupid! Let's Get Visible!

In this episode, Anthony sat down with Cream HR's very own Toby Day to discuss the upcoming International Day of Trans Visibility on March 31st. We spoke about some of the challenges facing Trans people in the workplace and society in general, and also discussed ways in which employers can be more inclusive.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR. In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Anthony, Toby and Fin.

Mar 17, 202324:37
It's The People, Stupid! Every Pound You Take

It's The People, Stupid! Every Pound You Take

In this episode we sat down with Ian Gardner, Client Director at Breslins. Ian has a huge wealth of financial experience with businesses of all sizes, so we decided to have a chat with him about employers' financial responsibilities. Anthony and Ian spoke about new tipping legislation, the importance of consulting with professionals and appropriately rewarding employees.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR. In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Anthony, Ian, Toby and Fin.

Feb 16, 202340:19
It's the People, Stupid! You're the job that I want!

It's the People, Stupid! You're the job that I want!

In this, our inaugural episode of 2023, we look at the topic of recruitment and how to capitalise on these key months. It was an absolute pleasure to be joined by recruitment guru Angela Cripps, owner of Recruiting Gym. With over 30 years of experience in the industry and having worked with hundreds of companies in over 25 countries, she is perfectly positioned to provide some valuable ideas on how you can get recruitment right and implement an effective recruitment strategy right away. Take a listen now!
It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR. In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business. We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.
Thank you to Angela, Anthony, Katy and Fin.
The eagled eyed amongst you may have spotted we have moved from book titles to song titles. Enjoy!
Jan 26, 202343:20
It's The People, Stupid! Far From The Office Crowd

It's The People, Stupid! Far From The Office Crowd

In this episode we are excited to welcome Anthony Ackers, founder of Mountain Boardroom. Ant and Ant discuss the importance of working on your business rather than just in it. Anthony A shares with us his passion for the outdoors and tells of its power when it comes to switching off and thinking clearly and freely.

Anthony is a business and mindset strategy coach and has extensive experience of the corporate world as well as the great outdoors. Combining his 2 passions he founded Mountain Boardroom 3 years ago and has helped numerous business owners and leaders achieve fantastic breakthroughs in their organisations. Take a listen now!

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR. In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to both Anthonys, Katy and Fin.

Nov 09, 202234:12
It's The People, Stupid! Full Steam Ahead!

It's The People, Stupid! Full Steam Ahead!

In this episode two Cream HR colleagues chat all things OD&D. Katy Foster, senior HR consultant at Cream HR and Anthony Sutton, Director of Cream HR chat about a lesser known but nonetheless substantial role of HR teams - Organisational Design & Development (OD & D).  They talk about the opportunities presented to organisations that recognise the value of proactive HR as well as reactive, and they talk about why and how HR must have an equal place at the table when it comes to business planning.  Take a listen now! 

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR. In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Anthony, Katy and Fin.

Oct 28, 202231:10
It's The People Stupid! Hard Times!

It's The People Stupid! Hard Times!

In this episode we welcome Sarah Longlands, Chief Executive for the Centre for Local Economic Strategy (CLES). Sarah holds a PhD in Urban Studies and was formerly director of IPPR North. She discusses their innovative approach to tackling the cost of living crisis with their employees and shares some invaluable ways businesses as a a collective can tackle the societal challenges we face. We also welcome Katy Foster, senior HR consultant at Cream HR who shares some fantastic ideas on how employers can make a difference in a way that is relevant, affordable and achievable.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Anthony, Sarah, Katy, Fin and Toby.

Sep 12, 202235:51
It's The People, Stupid! Planet of the Interns

It's The People, Stupid! Planet of the Interns

In this episode we welcome Ian Robinson, Director of Chilli Information Solutions.  Ian joins Anthony to share his experience of hiring interns.  They discuss the difference between apprentices, interns and graduates and how, particularly in the software industry, interns can bring huge benefits to a business.  They also discuss what's in it for the intern and consider some top tips on getting the process right.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now.  Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Ian, Toby, Katy and Fin.


Aug 03, 202236:55
It's The People, Stupid! The Trainer In The Rye

It's The People, Stupid! The Trainer In The Rye

In this episode we welcome Jessica Gould, Director of Retail Operations at Warrantywise to talk about training.  They discuss the importance and challenges of training your best employees, how to convince a more cynical boss of its value and where to get started.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now.  Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Jessica, Katy and Fin.

Jul 05, 202245:23
It's The People, Stupid! Much Ado About Everything!

It's The People, Stupid! Much Ado About Everything!

In this episode we welcome Sharon Stevens-Cash, Director of Gravity Digital Ltd to talk about all things leadership. She shares her path to a leadership role, the challenges she's faced and continues to face being at the top and her and Anthony discuss strategies for coping in a leadership role.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now.  Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Sharon, Katy and Fin.

Please review us now: https://www.podchaser.com/ItsThePeopleStupid

Jun 08, 202237:42
It's The People, Stupid! Of Mice and Mental Health

It's The People, Stupid! Of Mice and Mental Health

In this episode we welcome Dr Anna Hooper, a clinical psychologist in the NHS, to discuss mental health in the workplace. After considering why it's so important to get this right, Dr Hooper shares her advice on spotting the signs of poor mental health and provides some great advice on how to support with improved mental health.
It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now. Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business. We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.
Thank you to Anna, Katy and Fin.
Jun 08, 202243:38
It's The People, Stupid! My home office and other locations

It's The People, Stupid! My home office and other locations

In this episode we welcome Kazal Ahmed, Head of Operations at Redbrain to talk about the challenges and opportunities posed by remote working. Anthony and Kazal discuss strategies for making hybrid working work, how to retain and build culture and look at some of the benefits of remote recruitment. It's clear Redbrain are a caring as well high performing tech-enabled business and this is evident in how Kazal tells the story of redbrain's lockdown successes.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now.  Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Kazal, Katy and Fin.

Please review us now: https://www.podchaser.com/ItsThePeopleStupid



(Formerly known as It's The Podcast, Stupid!)


Apr 07, 202236:11
It's The People, Stupid! Women at Work

It's The People, Stupid! Women at Work

In this episode we welcome Kate Turner, Partner & HR Director at JCW Group to discuss women at work.  Having just achieved a 50/50 male/female work force, JCW are well placed to advise here on how to attract and retain female talent at work.  Hear her advice for those thinking of making similar changes and listen to the impact some of their changes have had.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now.  Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Kate, Katy and Fin.

(Formerly known as It's The Podcast, Stupid!)

Mar 09, 202234:31
It's The People, Stupid! Kindness Matters

It's The People, Stupid! Kindness Matters

In this episode we welcome Emma Keeble, Group Director of People and Coach and Mentor, Chris Everard to discuss the importance of kindness at work. We discuss whether kindness has a place at work, can it be measured and provide some tips to employers on how they can bring kindness into work.

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now.  Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Emma, Chris, Katy and Fin.

(Formerly known as It's The Podcast, Stupid!)

Feb 16, 202238:21
It's the People, Stupid! The Importance of Being Active

It's the People, Stupid! The Importance of Being Active

In this episode we welcome Duncan Foster, MD of Choices Health Clubs, to look at some frightening statistics around inactivity in the workplace and poor health outcomes. We discuss how managers can help support physical health and well-being amongst their teams, how employees themselves can make a positive change in their lives and how mental and physical health are intrinsically linked.  

It's the People, Stupid, is Cream HR's podcast series talking all things HR! In this podcast series we will be speaking with directors, managers, HR professionals and other experts on a range of different topics affecting the workplace now.  Establishing and maintaining a high performance workplace culture is key for enabling companies to be successful in business.  We hope to provide our listeners with new ideas on developing employee engagement, improving performance and successful people management.

Thank you to Duncan, Katy and Fin.

(Formerly known as It's The Podcast, Stupid!)

Jan 19, 202239:59