# 158 | 3 Simple Ways to Build Better Business Acumen in Your HR Role

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hr-coffee-time-4106816/158-3-simple-ways-to-build-better-business-acumen-in-your-hr-role
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hr-coffee-time-4106816/158-3-simple-ways-to-build-better-business-acumen-in-your-hr-role.md
Podcast: [HR Coffee Time](https://stenobird.com/podcast/hr-coffee-time-4106816)
Published: 2025-11-21T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/158
Audio file: https://op3.dev/e/episodes.captivate.fm/episode/676ae348-056a-42ed-816f-aec8af4dff66.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/hr-coffee-time-4106816/episodes/158-3-simple-ways-to-build-better-business-acumen-in-your-hr-role
Duration seconds: 1170

## Resource

If the idea of improving your business acumen feels intimidating, this episode will help make it feel achievable and clear. Host, Fay Wallis, breaks down what business acumen really means for HR and why it has nothing to do with being “naturally commercial” and everything to do with curiosity, awareness and understanding how your organisation works. To make building business acumen feel even more practical, Fay brings in insights from three recent Chief People Officer guests: Kanika Mehra, Jane Beeston and Dotty Day. Although each appeared on the show to share their experiences of becoming a CPO, their advice applies to every stage of an HR career. By the end, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps you can start using straight away. And one of the three tips might surprise you. Ready to make business acumen feel less daunting? It’s simpler than you think. You’ll hear about: What business acumen really means Why curiosity beats expertise Understanding customers and service users Getting involved outside HR Learning from Finance colleagues Questions to ask your finance team Ways to grow confidence with numbers Useful Links Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn Visit Fay’s website Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR leadership development programme Learn more about The Essential HR Planner Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights (Audio version) Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights (Video version) Ep 148 with Jane Beeston: Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity (Audio version) Ep 148 with Jane Beeston: Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity (Video version) Ep 151 wit…

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## Transcript

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