Episode
152 | How to Prove HR’s True Value: Lessons From a Chief People Officer (With Leah Carnegie)
- Podcast
- HR Coffee Time
- Published
- Aug 29, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3071
- Processing state
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Summary
How do you prove the true value of HR so the business takes you seriously – and appoints you as Chief People Officer? In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Leah Carnegie, Chief People Officer at Lottoland. Leah shares her journey from VP of People to CPO, explaining how she made sure HR wasn’t just seen as a support function but as a vital business partner. As part of our special CPO/CHRO series – where each guest answers the same nine listener-chosen questions – Leah becomes the 7th CPO to share her story. Along the way, she offers candid insights into job titles, the mindset shift from “doing” to “thinking,” and the emotional weight of senior HR roles. You’ll hear Leah’s thoughts on: The moment she realised HR had to be at the top table – and how she secured her seat The difference between VP/Director roles and the remit of a CPO Why business acumen is non-negotiable for HR leaders How coaching skills, feedback, and psychological safety underpin her leadership style The emotional challenges of the role – and the wellbeing practices that help Practical advice for aspiring and first-time CPOs Whether you’re aiming for a CPO/CHRO role, or want to build confidence and influence in your current one, there’s plenty of inspiration to take from Leah’s experience. Useful Links Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn Visit Fay’s website Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme Connect with Leah Carnegie on LinkedIn Disruptive HR resources and HRBP workshops IDEO podcast Hyper Island Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes Episode 78: 5 Tips to Get Useful Feedback at Work to Help Your HR/People Career Episode 99: How Mediation Skills Can Help You Resolve Conflict at Work (With Pete Colby) Episode 53: Why Coaching Skills Can Help Your…