The HR Issue

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

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. 

 Nebel speaks with Carolyn Shepherd, Founder & Lead Consultant at Emmeline AI and HR Most Influential Thinker 2025, about the transformative power of AI in the workplace. Carolyn discusses the need to challenge conventional mindsets and for leaders to adopt a growth-oriented approach that reduces friction and empowers employees. Together they explore how organisations can leverage AI not just to boost productivity, but also to cultivate a vibrant culture of collaboration and innovation. 

Kicking off season 2, Nebel Crowhurst is joined by Perry Timms, Chief Energy Officer at PTHR and HR Most Influential Thinker 2022 for an insightful episode looking at the crucial need to align Employee Value Propositions with evolving employee beliefs and expectations, as well as the challenges facing HR in delivering this against a backdrop of shifting priorities and technological advancements. 

Looking back at Season One with Chris Britton and introducing our new host for Season 2: Nebel Crowhurst.