The HR Issue

Every organisation has a culture – but the ones that get it right don’t leave it to chance.  In this episode of The HR Issue, Kylie Terrell sits down with Naz Wilson, Group Culture & Enablement at Funlab, to explore what it takes to intentionally build a culture where people can connect, contribute and perform at their best.  Drawing on 19 years at Funlab, Naz shares how culture comes to life across the employee experience – from recruitment and onboarding to feedback, recognition and the everyday moments that bring people together. He explains why culture belongs to everyone, how giving people greater autonomy can unlock performance, and why recognition is one of the most powerful – and underused – tools available to leaders.  They also explore how Funlab creates connection in a hybrid world, why a little intentional friction can sometimes make work better, and why engagement isn't about chasing a single score or initiative.  The HR Issue is proudly powered by Reward Gateway | Edenred, the employee engagement platform helping organisations connect recognition, reward, wellbeing, benefits and communication in one place.   For more information visit rewardgateway.com 

In today's workplace, for the first time in history, up to five generations are working side by side. But how much of what we believe about generational differences is actually true?In this episode of The HR Issue, Kameel Martin is joined by social researcher, futurist and generational expert Ashley Fell to explore the myths, misconceptions and realities shaping today's workforce.Together, they discuss how different generations communicate and consume information, where common ground exists, how organisations can navigate an increasingly complex information landscape, and what leaders can do today to prepare for the workforce of tomorrow.Whether you're leading a team, shaping workplace culture or planning for future talent, this episode offers practical insights for building a more connected and future-ready organisation.The HR Issue is proudly powered by Reward Gateway | Edenred, the employee engagement platform helping organisations connect recognition, reward, wellbeing, benefits and communication in one place.For more information visit rewardgateway.com

In this episode of the HR Issue, Kylie Terrell sits down with Ben Alexander, former Wallaby and co-founder of Running for Resilience, to explore his journey from professional rugby to purpose- driven leadership. Ben shares the challenges of transitioning out of elite sport, the lessons he’s learned about resilience and how those experiences inspired him to create Running for Resilience. We discuss why resilience isn’t about pushing through, the importance of community and what individuals and organisations can do to foster healthier, more connected workplaces.The HR Issue is proudly powered by Reward Gateway | Edenred, the employee engagement platform helpingorganisations connect recognition, reward, wellbeing, benefits and communication in one place.For more information visit rewardgateway.com

In this episode of The HR Issue, host Kylie Tyrrell is joined by Claire de Carteret, Managing Director, APAC at Gallup, and Kylie Green, Managing Director APAC at Reward Gateway | Edenred. Drawing on Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report and Reward Gateway | Edenred’s Workplace Engagement Index 2026, they explore the disconnect between leadership perceptions and employees’ experiences, why managers are critical to closing the gap, and how meaningful conversations, effective recognition and human connection can improve engagement and performance.Explore Gallup’s research: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspxRead Reward Gateway | Edenred’s Workplace Engagement Index: https://www.rewardgateway.com/au/resource/workplace-engagement-indexThe HR Issue is proudly powered by Reward Gateway | Edenred, the employee engagement platform helping organisations connect recognition, reward, wellbeing, benefits and communication in one place.For more information visit rewardgateway.com

High performance in one role doesn’t automatically prepare someone to lead a team. So why do organisations continue promoting people into management withoutteaching them how to manage? In this episode of The HR Issue, host Kameel Martin speaks with Sebreena Cronin, Founder of Cronin Consulting, about the rise of the “accidental leader” and the challenges new managers face when transitioning from individual contributor to people leader. Drawing on leadership research and her experience leading global people strategy at 3M, Sebreena explores managing former peers, delegation, imposter syndrome, feedback and trust. She also shares practical ways organisations can support new managers through training, mentorship, recognition and regular check-ins.Access Sebreena new manager workbook and resources: https://www.croninconsulting.com.au/resourcesThe HR Issue is proudly powered by Reward Gateway | Edenred, the employee engagement platform helping organisations connect recognition, reward, wellbeing, benefits and communication in one place.For more information visit rewardgateway.com

Many organisations invest heavily in employer branding, EVP development and communication strategies, yet employees still feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and uncertain about where they're heading.In this episode, Kylie Terrell sits down with Mark Puncher, Founder and CEO of Employer Branding Australia, to explore why employer brand, culture and internal communication can no longer operate as separate functions.Together, they discuss what happens after an EVP launches, why communication is about far more than sending messages, and how organisations can create genuine connection in an era of constant change, AI disruption and information overload.The conversation explores the role culture plays in driving business outcomes, how recognition brings values to life, and why the organisations thriving today are those creating employee experiences people can genuinely believe in.The HR Issue is proudly powered by Reward Gateway | Edenred, the employee engagement platform helping organisations connect recognition, reward, wellbeing, benefits and communication in one place.For more information visit rewardgateway.com

In our exciting season finale, Nebel welcomes Kellie Nedelcoux, Founder of Career and Parenthood, and Cecilia Crossley, Founder of Uplifting People and From Babies with Love, to share their insights on the intricate world of career transitions. Together, they delve into the pivotal moments that shape professional paths and how HR changemakers can foster a supportive culture that embraces employees through their personal journeys. 

Featuring guest Joanne Lockwood, Founder of SEE Change Happen & Inclusion Bites Academy, this episode explores the essential shift from mere inclusion towards cultivating genuine belonging within organisations. Nebel and Joanne unpack clear strategies for embedding inclusive values into workplace culture, a renewed focus on positive people experiences and the real impact of leadership training on team retention and engagement. 

In this episode, Nick Court, CEO at The People Experience Hub, joins Nebel to discuss the critical role employee voice plays in shaping company culture.  The conversation defines what true listening looks like and highlights practical strategies to move beyond metrics and genuinely harness feedback.