# Episode 83 From Operational HR to People Director - the Power of Authenticity with Helen Cook

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unstuck-unstoppable-7112840/episode-83-from-operational-hr-to-people-director-the-power-of-authenticity-with-helen-cook
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unstuck-unstoppable-7112840/episode-83-from-operational-hr-to-people-director-the-power-of-authenticity-with-helen-cook.md
Podcast: [Unstuck & Unstoppable](https://stenobird.com/podcast/unstuck-unstoppable-7112840)
Published: 2026-06-12T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://unstuck-unstoppable.captivate.fm/episode/episode-83-from-operational-hr-to-people-director-the-power-of-authencity-with-helen-cook
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/cca9aafd-a796-4d41-b1df-a275acd9f70e.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/unstuck-unstoppable-7112840/episodes/episode-83-from-operational-hr-to-people-director-the-power-of-authenticity-with-helen-cook
Duration seconds: 1763

## Resource

What does authentic leadership really look like in practice? In this episode Sarah sits down with former client Helen Cook, an experienced People Director, to discuss her career journey from hospitality into HR leadership, the lessons she's learned about confidence and career progression, and how coaching helped her gain clarity at an important point in her career. Helen shares a refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, including navigating self-doubt, balancing ambition with family life, and staying true to yourself in senior roles. This is a thoughtful conversation for anyone who wants to lead with confidence without feeling they need to become someone they're not. In This Episode Finding a career that aligns with your strengths and values Building a successful career in HR and people leadership Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome Leading authentically rather than copying others Balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities Lessons learned from stepping into senior leadership roles Why leadership isn't a race The value of coaching during career transitions Developing confidence and self-awareness as a leader What it means to be unstuck and unstoppable Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Helen and her career journey 02:15 – From hospitality into HR: finding the right career path 04:30 – Key career turning points and leadership progression 07:00 – Discovering a leadership style that feels authentic 09:45 – Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome 12:20 – Balancing leadership responsibilities and family life 14:50 – Why leadership isn't a race 17:10 – The challenges of stepping into senior leadership 19:40 – Reaching a career crossroads and seeking coaching 22:15 – What coaching helped Helen uncover 24:30 – Building confidence and trusting your…

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