Can We Have a Word?

About Can We Have a Word?

’Can We Have a Word?’ is the Kara Connect podcast hosted by CEO Tobba Vigfusdottir – because better conversations create better workplaces. In each episode, we sit down with HR leaders and other people managers to explore how open dialogue, smarter support, and fresh ideas can improve workplace wellbeing and bring out the best in people. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast. If you want to support your employees’ mental health and wellbeing, get in touch with Tobba and the Kara Connect team. If you’re creating a culture where conversations lead to real change, we’re here to help.

Publisher

Kara Connect

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Apr 2025

Latest episode

14 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

27 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Jul 2026

   Episode 27 - How KP Snacks Fosters Inclusive Wellbeing for a Diverse Workforce - with Martin Power

   Welcome to another episode of Can We Have a Word?, where we explore how open dialogue, smarter support and fresh ideas can shape healthier, more resilient workplaces. Our guest today is Martin Power, Employee Health and Wellbeing Manager at KP Snacks. With two decades’ experience in occupational health across local government, manufacturing, emergency services, and food production, Martin has played a pivotal role in creating environments where wellbeing, mental health and colleague engagement are regarded as business-critical for success. In this episode, Martin discusses what drives his passion for workplace health, his journey from occupational health to broad wellbeing strategy, and the evolution of wellbeing cultures. We examine how line manager capability, communication strategies and inclusive support networks can help organisations create safe, supportive, high-performing teams. Listeners will hear actionable examples of how to build a wellbeing culture that extends beyond compliance and truly supports a diverse workforce. Martin shares honest reflections on the challenges and opportunities of wellbeing leadership, the impact of mental health trends, and the realities of supporting a frontline operational workforce. HR leaders, people managers, and wellbeing professionals will gain practical ideas for empowering teams, engaging managers, and sustaining wellbeing momentum in the face of ongoing workplace change. Discussion highlights: How Martin’s personal and professional journey shaped his commitment to improving employee health and wellbeing The shifting focus of employers towards prioritising wellbeing as a business imperative, not just an HR function The critical role of line managers in driving employee wellbeing and job satisfaction The prevalence and impact of mental health challenges at work, now matching traditional issues like musculoskeletal problems Strategies for supporting a diverse, dispersed workforce—particularly in operational and manufacturing settings The creation and impact of employee networks, such as those for men’s mental health, neurodiversity, and generational support The importance of internal communications and ongoing signposting to wellbeing resources and benefits The evolution of mental health first aiders into broader wellbeing champions, tailored to site-specific needs The value of coaching managers to recognise burnout, support returns to work, and engage effectively with colleagues Why it matters for organisations to create space for honest feedback, adapt their approaches, and acknowledge when the answer is “no” Upcoming workplace wellbeing challenges, including supporting colleagues through menopause and addressing intergenerational issues The importance of basic wellbeing foundations, such as sleep, and self-care for wellbeing leaders themselves This episode offers practical, people-centred insights from someone who has helped shape award-winning wellbeing cultures. Martin’s experience provides a roadmap for organisations seeking to nurture trust, inclusion, and sustained wellbeing in a changing world. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast. About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.

2. 

   22 Jun 2026

   Episode 26 - From EAP to Engagement: How Vodafone Transformed Employee Wellbeing - with Kate Fitzmaurice

   Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how open dialogue and smarter support can create healthier workplaces. Our guest today is Kate Fitzmaurice, Head of Internal Communication and Employee Engagement at Vodafone Ireland. With over 15 years’ experience in culture and communications, including roles at TikTok and HubSpot and leading mental health initiatives in Ireland, Kate brings a clear-eyed and practical perspective to workplace wellbeing - viewing it through the lens of communication and engagement. This episode offers valuable lessons on building an effective, responsive wellbeing strategy in large organisations. Kate shares Vodafone’s journey of moving beyond traditional supports, simplifying access to care, and fostering trust around wellbeing solutions. Listeners will gain practical ideas on shaping culture, making wellbeing accessible, and embracing new technology while keeping people at the heart of every solution. Discussion highlights: Why clear internal communication is central to successful wellbeing initiatives Lessons learned from piloting and scaling wellbeing platforms across different workplaces and cultures The practical challenge of helping employees find and access support as simply as possible How to reduce duplication and confusion around support offerings Strategies to streamline partnerships and clarify mental health resources The importance of feedback loops: involving even the “reluctant” employees to ensure genuine uptake and improvement Removing barriers to access for frontline and non-desk colleagues through technology and visual guides The distinct impact and user experience differences between Employee Assistance Programmes and new wellbeing platforms Understanding engagement statistics and qualitative feedback as key indicators of what works—and what doesn’t Navigating the challenge and opportunity of AI, digital transformation, and inclusivity in employee experiences Kate’s reflections on trust, organisational culture, and practical steps for personal wellbeing This episode is packed with actionable ideas for HR leaders, internal comms professionals, and anyone aiming to create a culture where wellbeing is accessible, trusted, and truly part of the employee experience. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast. About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.

3. 

   21 Apr 2026

   Episode 25 - Rethinking Workplace Trauma and Wellbeing - with Francine Watson

   Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Francine Watson, executive coach, researcher, and expert in leadership and workplace wellbeing. With a decade of experience at Barclays shaping global wellbeing strategy, and senior roles at KPMG and Mercer, Francine brings deep insights on the interplay between leadership, organisational culture, and employee health. Her current academic research focuses on trauma in the workplace, with practical recommendations for leaders aiming to truly support their people through challenging times. In this episode, Francine shares how wellbeing has evolved from isolated initiatives to a core strategic priority, and why supporting managers with practical tools is more important than ever. Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of workplace trauma, why traditional responses sometimes miss the mark, and what organisations can do to foster genuine psychological safety. The episode is filled with actionable takeaways for HR professionals, wellbeing officers, and anyone committed to building healthier, more resilient teams. Discussion highlights: Francine Watson’s journey from consulting and culture change to executive coaching and workplace trauma research How crises such as the LIBOR scandal shaped her focus on leadership’s role in organisational wellbeing Evidence-based links between wellbeing, engagement, and performance - and why data matters for buy-in The importance of reframing wellbeing as a foundation for excellence, not just a support function Examples of trauma exposure far beyond “emergency” professions, including customer service, journalism, and healthcare Common pitfalls in organisational responses to trauma - including over-medicalising normal reactions and undervaluing peer support Practical guidance for managers in supporting staff after traumatic events: listen, respond proportionally, and act with care The “pause” approach for difficult conversations and why empathy and trust-building matter more than clinical expertise Shifts in management expectations, with a new emphasis on relational capability alongside technical skills The future of work with AI and bots: adapting skillsets, managing uncertainty, and retaining what is deeply human Why sustainable wellbeing requires system-wide thinking - not just programmes, but everyday leadership and cultural practices The central role of psychological safety in team health, and how to embed it at all levels of the organisation This episode offers a thoughtful look at how workplaces can better prepare for the realities of employee trauma and wellbeing, moving beyond policy to everyday human interactions. Francine’s insights help us re-examine our assumptions and put practical, compassionate support at the heart of modern work. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast. About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.

Who has been a guest on Can We Have a Word?

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Kristina Middleton
• Nic Elliott
• Kirsty Baggs-Morgan
• Andrew Stephenson
• Sharon O’Connor

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

60

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Can We Have a Word?

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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