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When a neurodivergent employee feels comfortable enough to let their employer know about their diagnosis, the way a manager responds is the key to building trust and a pathway for productive collaboration in a neurodiverse workforce. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, Neurodiversity Trainer Aisling Smith shares her practical advice to help coach managers on what it takes to support neurodivergent employees at the moment of disclosure and beyond. Further learning: Aisling Smith's HR Toolkit: https://neuroempowerment.co/hr#hr-toolkitAHRI Course – Performance Management for Neurodiverse Workplaces: https://bit.ly/4hkOJXA Further reading: Article – 3 considerations when responding to neurodiversity disclosures: https://bit.ly/4cXSL77Article – The cost of neurodiversity concealment at work: https://bit.ly/4ycON3d Connect: Follow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42bZnZE87Connect with Narelle Hooper on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4cskpIqConnect with Aisling Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisling-smith-neurodiversity/AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPBNot yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4eST9pd

In this special live episode, recorded at AHRI’s National Convention and Exhibition in Brisbane, Belinda Casson MAHRI, Chief People Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, takes listeners behind-the-scenes of talent development in the Australian Public Sector. Managing over 6000 staff across Australia and 120 overseas posts, Casson brings a wealth of experience. She shares some of the innovative L&D initiatives her team has devised to equip the next generation of HR leaders with the skills they need to understand the political landscape and thrive at the senior levels of HR in the Commonwealth. Further learning Talent Management Course: https://bit.ly/3U1HfkB HR Certification – Ready to take your HR career to new heights? Complete our online quiz: https://bit.ly/45y34L5 Further reading AHRI Article – Belinda Casson MAHRI profile: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s CPO on embracing complexity in HR: https://bit.ly/4wAPe5GAHRI Article – How HR can turn the tide on a looming C-suite executives turnover crisis: https://bit.ly/45D8gNH Connect: Follow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42bZnZE87 Connect with Narelle Hooper on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4cskpIq Connect with Belinda Casson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-casson-8731057/AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPB Not yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4eST9pd

The future of work doesn't loudly announce itself. It slowly creeps into organisations, showing up in the dilemmas that make their way into your inbox, your IR case load or your exec papers. In this episode, Narelle Hooper speaks with Reanna Browne, an academically-trained futurist with an HR background, about her practical four-question framework designed to help HR teams work through complex dilemmas showing up in our work today, such as how to combat employees' ‘cognitive surrender’ and re-anchor the irreplaceable value of human judgment. Further learning Attend AHRI's National Convention and Exhibition to hear more from Reanna in her keynote address. Register now: https://bit.ly/4p9wEiUAI & HR: Embedding Responsible AI - Shaping Workforce & Culture course: https://bit.ly/4gZ86ae Further reading AHRI Article – 10 strategic prompts to help your business assess the downstream risks of AI: https://bit.ly/4vhGgcPWharton @ Work research article – Thinking Fast, Slow, Artificially: AI and Your Brain: https://bit.ly/3QJBl6p Connect: Follow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42bZnZE87Connect with Narelle Hooper on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4cskpIqConnect with Reanna Browne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reannabrowne/AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPBNot yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4eST9pd

The career ladder has long been the dominant metaphor for professional ambition, but what if there's another way? In this episode, host Narelle Hooper speaks with Elatia Abate, former Vice President of HR at Dow Jones and globally renowned futurist, about why the ladder is shrinking, what comes next and how HR professionals can design a career that they love in one of the most uncertain periods in the history of work. Further learning Attend AHRI's National Convention and Exhibition to hear more from Elatia in her keynote address. Register now: https://www.ahri.com.au/events-and-networking/nceLearn more about redesigning the future of work with AHRI's Contemporary Workforce Redesign Course: https://www.ahri.com.au/certification-and-training/short-courses/contemporary-workforce-redesign Further reading Looking for ways to "future prepare"? Download your guide to the HR employment landscape in 2026: https://www.ahri.com.au/articles/4-trends-shaping-the-hr-employment-landscape-in-2026Before you make your next career move, consider these six questions: https://www.ahri.com.au/articles/questions-hr-ask-before-next-career-move Connect: Follow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42bZnZE87Connect with Narelle Hooper on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4cskpIqConnect with Elatia Abate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elatiaabate/AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPBNot yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4eST9pd

Leaders today are juggling more than ever, from complex regulation to rising cost pressures and evolving employee expectations. When overwhelm sets in, the most effective HR support often means getting back to basics. In this episode, Pete Shepherd, executive coach and founder of Human Periscope, unpacks foundational habits and useful frameworks for early career HR practitioners looking to build confidence in coaching leaders through overwhelm. Further learning Management and leadership essentials course: https://bit.ly/3Pvg0NlHaving difficult conversations course: https://bit.ly/4wAfMFk Further reading AHRI members can read Pete Shepherd's contributions to the cover story for The HR Agenda. Not yet an AHRI member? Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4eST9pd Connect: Follow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42bZnZE87Connect with Narelle Hooper on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4cskpIqConnect with Pete Shepherd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petershepherd3/AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPBNot yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4eST9pd

AI is no longer a peripheral tech topic; it is a fundamental governance challenge colliding with leadership at the highest levels. In this episode, we move beyond the hype to examine how generative AI is reshaping the core pillars of business: accountability, risk management and strategic decision-making. Joining host Narelle Hooper is Shirley Chowdhary, an experienced board member and former CEO with a deep background in international leadership. Shirley provides a leader's view on the emerging governance risks that senior HR leaders must navigate to remain strategic partners to the leadership team and board. Further learning AHRI course: AI & HR: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant : https://bit.ly/4muFMxcAHRI course: Embedding Responsible AI: Shaping Workforce Planning & Culture Course: https://bit.ly/4vCZ8oc Further reading Read AHRI's article '7 questions to help HR navigate the new AI governance frontier': https://bit.ly/4dM13AfRead Shirley's AICD article referenced in the article: https://bit.ly/4dMgtVb Connect: Follow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42bZnZE87Connect with Narelle Hooper on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4cskpIqConnect with Shirley Chowdhary on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Otd7ftAHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPBNot yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4oSwaNn

Get ready for the new season of Let's Take This Offline. Hosted by business journalist Narelle Hooper, this season features conversations with leading HR and business thinkers on the most pressing and emerging issues shaping the profession today. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. SHOW NOTES Connect: Connect with Narelle Hooper on LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/narellehooperFollow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahri/AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13848256/Not yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://www.ahri.com.au/ahri-membership

Work design isn’t just about dividing tasks and streamlining processes – it’s about shaping how people experience their work: the meaning they find and the autonomy they have. In the age of AI, this takes on new urgency. As technology reshapes work, organisations must choose whether to let jobs become narrower and more transactional, or redesign them to drive motivation, resilience and performance. In this episode, Professor Sharon Parker – Director of the Centre for Transformative Work Design at Curtin University – shares how HR leaders can apply evidence-based work design to create healthy, meaningful roles and ensure people remain at the centre of transformation. SHOW NOTES Further learning AHRI's contemporary workforce redesign short course: https://bit.ly/4hVCh0r AHRI's organisational design short course: https://bit.ly/49K5Wrh Sharon Parker's SMART work design model: https://bit.ly/4991zGb HRM article featuring Sharon Parker's research: https://bit.ly/3WMcmyL Sharon Parker's book Transformative Work Design: https://bit.ly/47LZptB Connect: Connect with Sharon Parker on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4qTOczSFollow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LIdUXZAHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPBNot yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4oSwaNn

Skills shortages, shifting employee expectations and the rapid rise of AI are transforming how we think about work. For HR leaders, the challenge is not just to keep up – but to stay ahead. In this episode, Kate Bravery, Mercer’s Global Advisory Solutions and Insights Leader and co-author of Work Different: How to Win in the People Age, explores how HR can turn disruption into opportunity. Kate shares insights on navigating shifting talent markets, reimagining the employee value proposition, and redesigning work for the age of AI. If you’re ready to think differently about the future of work – and the role HR can play in shaping it – this conversation will help you to make this shift. SHOW NOTES Further learning: AHRI short course: Employee value proposition: Attracting the best talent: https://bit.ly/48WoswrAHRI short course: Contemporary workforce redesign: https://bit.ly/4ojYqb3AHRI short course: Workforce planning foundations: https://bit.ly/4onPYb6AHRI short course: Workforce planning advanced: https://bit.ly/3Ju2BSKExplore Kate's book: Work Different: 10 Truths for Winning in the People Age: https://bit.ly/438ut5t Connect: Connect with Kate Bravery on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/48V6D0KFollow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LIdUXZAHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPB Not yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners.

Credibility with the C-suite is built over time through commercial fluency, disciplined inquiry and a deep understanding of how people strategy drives business performance. In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to be seen as a trusted advisor at the executive table. Joining us are two exceptional leaders from Mirvac. First, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM – former CEO and Managing Director of Mirvac, and now Chair and Board Member with INSEAD, Rio Tinto, the Australian National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, Macquarie Group, and The Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work. She’s joined by Ben Morris MAHRI, Mirvac’s Group Head of HR. Together, Susan and Ben unpack the practical skills and behaviours that help HR practitioners build credibility and influence with the C-suite – and share insights into how HR can enhance its strategic impact in the boardroom. Show notesRelated AHRI learning: HR Certification – https://bit.ly/4qoPtipThe Strategic HR Leader short course – https://bit.ly/47IUQ4oLeadership and Management Essentials – https://bit.ly/42XC9aHMicro-credential: Business Strategy and Culture Leadership – https://bit.ly/3J3E0nH Connect with AHRI and our guests: Join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge – exclusive to members for access to bonus content and discussions – https://bit.ly/3JxmZSRFollow AHRI on LinkedIn – https://bit.ly/43kLXf9Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM – https://bit.ly/4oDaRhVBen Morris – https://bit.ly/48JnfbJ

Many employees are quietly cracking, according to new research. Beneath the surface of professionalism and productivity, one in two Australian workers report they’re struggling to hold it all together. The drivers are complex, from the rising cost of living to poorly managed change, but the consequences are clear: declining wellbeing, lower engagement and higher risk of burnout. In this episode, Dr Michelle McQuaid joins host Tani Jacobi CPHR to unpack the latest research on quiet cracking and what HR and business leaders can do to strengthen resilience, civility and trust in uncertain times. Michelle shares evidence-based insights into how psychosocial hazards, AI adoption and global volatility are reshaping how people feel and perform at work – and how leaders can respond with both humanity and rigour. SHOW NOTESLearning: Explore AHRI’s micro-credential in health, safety and wellbeing: https://bit.ly/3WKSYSyShort course: Driving engagement and performance during change – https://bit.ly/4qiHFywShort course: Implementing wellbeing initiatives – https://bit.ly/471SHAF Further reading: Explore Dr Michelle McQuaid’s research on wellbeing and performance: michellemcquaid.com/research Connect: Connect with Michelle McQuaid on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chellemcquaidFollow AHRI on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ahriAHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: linkedin.com/groups/13848256

The Australian HR Institute has some fantastic guests lined up for season five of Let's Take This Offline, including Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Benjamin Morris, Dr Michelle McQuaid, Professor Sharon Parker and Kate Bravery. Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode. AHRI members can gain access to exclusive bonus content. Become a member today so you don't miss out: www.ahri.com.au/ahri-membership

Most leaders agree that culture drives performance – but too often, it's reduced to a values exercise rather than a measurable, strategic asset. The reality is that negative workplace behaviours are among the strongest predictors of attrition, reputational damage and productivity decline. And in many cases, the warning signs are visible long before the damage becomes public. In this episode, we’re joined by Charlie Sull – a globally recognised expert in corporate culture and AI. As co-founder of CultureX and a regular contributor to MIT Sloan Management Review, Charlie draws on one of the world’s largest workplace culture datasets to help organisations decode what’s really happening inside their walls – and take action where it matters most. He shares why culture must be measured and managed with the same rigour as financial or operational performance, and how AI is transforming the way we understand workplace dynamics. Thank you to HR Partner for sponsoring this season. If you want to explore a simple HR solution that streamlines your HR admin, you can book a demo today: https://bit.ly/4dAYxug SHOW NOTES Learning: Learn how to understand the basics of generative AI for HR with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/40221k4Explore CultureX's thought leadership and culture champion profiles: blog.culturex.com Connect: Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4kTMV8HConnect with AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4kAaLWJAHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers and access bonus content. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

In a world of constant disruption, HR leaders are being asked to help people build the mindsets needed to navigate change. In this episode, leadership expert Richard Gerver — a former award-winning principal turned advisor to global organisations like Google and Deloitte — shares how HR can lead with curiosity, create psychological safety and offer stability during times of uncertainty. This conversation offers a taste of what Richard will expand on at AHRI’s National Convention and Exhibition in Sydney this August. Thank you to HR Partner for sponsoring this season. If you want to explore a simple HR solution that streamlines your HR admin, you can book a demo today: https://bit.ly/4dAYxug SHOW NOTES Learning opportunities: Get your ticket to AHRI's National Convention and Exhibition to hear more from Richard: https://bit.ly/4dUw42MSign up to AHRI's short course to learn how to identify the change lifecycle steps required to effectively manage change using effective change management model and frameworks: https://bit.ly/3Ti5mHYExplore Richard's books: Change, Learn to Love it, Learn to Lead it; Simple Thinking; Education: a Manifesto for Change; and Creating Tomorrow's Schools Today. Connect: Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3FR2YF0Connect with AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4kAaLWJAHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers and access bonus content. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Engaging with the board is a critical skill for HR leaders — but navigating board dynamics isn’t always straightforward. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Juliet Bourke, a global authority on human capital, inclusive leadership and governance. With experience advising hundreds of organisations — including Apple, the UN and BHP — and a decade as a Deloitte Partner, Juliet brings rare insight into what boards expect from HR. Whether you’re board-facing now or preparing for the future, this episode will help you sharpen your strategic edge. Thank you to HR Partner for sponsoring this season. If you want to explore a simple HR solution that streamlines your HR admin, you can book a demo today: https://bit.ly/4dAYxug SHOW NOTES: Learning opportunities: Give your HR leadership a point of difference by becoming a Certified HR practitioner: https://bit.ly/3MZnnreTransition from operational responsibilities to visionary leadership with AHRI's Strategic HR Leader short course: https://bit.ly/4kpDqxL Learn how to overcome stakeholder resistance with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3MR1dro More resources: Green shoots for change in the boardroom report (Deloitte, 2023): https://bit.ly/3ZOP397Read DrJuliet's book: Which Two Heads Are Better Than One? : https://bit.ly/4mLIIoWThe value of HR leadership at a board level (HRMOnline by Samantha Martin-Williams): https://bit.ly/4kql5AR Connect: Follow Dr Juliet Bourke on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3T8f5R0 AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers and access bonus content. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu