HR Untangled cuts through the noise to bring real, relatable HR insights to business owners. From hiring headaches to untangling the law, we tackle the messy, meaningful side of managing people. No jargon—just honest talk, practical advice, and stories that make HR make sense.
HR Untangled
Claim This Podcastby Dawson HR
7 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
HR Untangled cuts through the noise to bring real, relatable HR insights to business owners. From hiring headaches to untangling the law, we tackle the messy, meaningful side of managing people. No jargon—just honest talk, practical advice, and stories that make HR make sense.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/1/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 11, 2026
Untangling People and Profit with Graeme Seavor
<p>In this episode of HR Untangled: Real HR Talk for Business Owners, we’re joined by Graeme Seavor, accountant and founder of Seavor Chartered in Carlisle, to tackle a critical question many business owners face: how do you balance people and profit?</p><p>Are employees really your greatest asset and if so, how do you manage that alongside rising costs, cash flow pressures, and the reality of running a sustainable business? We explore the often complex relationship between HR and finance, and why these two functions don’t always see eye to eye. From hiring your first employee to scaling a growing team, this episode dives into the real decisions business owners encounter every day. When is the right time to hire? How do you know if you can afford it? And what happens when your team size begins to impact profitability?</p><p>We also break down: The true cost of hiring (and why it’s more than just salary)</p><p>How to measure wages as a percentage of revenue and why it matters</p><p>Common mistakes like over-hiring or keeping roles you no longer need</p><p>How to balance capacity, efficiency, and growth in your business</p><p>When to restructure, outsource, or rethink your team setup</p><p>The impact of AI and automation on hiring and entry-level roles</p><p>Why managing people is often the biggest challenge for business owners</p><p>We also get honest about the emotional side of running a business responsibility, difficult decisions, and the pressure to keep both your team and your business thriving. Crucially, this episode reframes the idea that performance is purely about cost. Instead, we explore how combining strong HR practices with financial insight can lead to better decision-making, improved efficiency, and long-term success. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or reviewing an established team, this episode will give you practical, real-world insight into managing people while protecting your profit.</p><p>Tune in to learn how to:</p><p>Decide when (and when not) to hire,</p><p>Manage your biggest cost and your people more effectively,</p><p>Make confident, commercially sound HR decisions</p><p>Subscribe to HR Untangled for straightforward, no-nonsense HR advice that helps your business grow sustainably.</p><p>This is a <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCeHdiCAsXr9l6-TPmNPK6Dg" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> @HerdsMedia </a> podcast production</p>
May 11, 2026
Lets Untangle performance management in your business
<p>In this episode of HR Untangled: Real HR Talk for Business Owners, we dive into one of the most critical and often misunderstood areas of people management: performance management from probation through ongoing employment.</p><p>What does good performance actually look like? And how do you tell the difference between someone who can’t do the job versus someone who won’t? We unpack the essential distinction between capability and conduct, and why getting this right is key to managing performance effectively.</p><p>From day-one onboarding to structured probation reviews, we explore how to set employees up for success with clear expectations, consistent feedback, and honest conversations — even when they’re uncomfortable. Because too often, managers avoid difficult discussions until it’s too late. </p><p>We also break down: </p><p>Why probation periods matter more than ever (especially with changing employment rights)</p><p>The importance of regular check-ins, documentation, and evidence-based decisions </p><p>How to create a fair and supportive process that focuses on improving performance not exiting employees </p><p>Common pitfalls managers make (and how to avoid them)</p><p>Practical tips for handling underperformance, including informal conversations and formal processes</p><p>How performance management can actually boost retention, engagement, and team culture</p><p>Plus, we discuss real-world challenges like managing neurodiversity, navigating team dynamics, and balancing business needs with employee wellbeing because performance isn’t just about output, it’s about people. </p><p>Whether you’re a business owner, HR professional, or people manager, this episode will give you clear, practical strategies to manage performance with confidence, fairness, and impact.</p><p>Tune in to learn how to:</p><p>Set clear expectations from the start, have honest, effective performance conversations</p><p>Build a culture of accountability and growth</p><p>Subscribe to HR Untangled for straightforward, no-nonsense HR advice that helps your business thrive.</p><p>This is a <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCeHdiCAsXr9l6-TPmNPK6Dg"> @HerdsMedia </a> podcast production.</p>
April 2, 2026
Untangling High‑Performing Teams: An HR Guide to What Really Works
<p>What really makes a high‑performing team and why do so many businesses get it wrong?In this episode of HR Untangled, Helen sits down with Scott Smith of People Spark Solutions for a lively, insightful and surprisingly relatable conversation about what high performance actually looks like in today’s unpredictable workplace.Together, they break down the biggest myths around high‑performing teams, including the assumption that “good skills = great performance,” and explore why psychological safety, personal connection, and purpose are now the real drivers of team success.Scott shares eye‑opening real-world examples from his leadership development work across the UK and Ireland—covering everything from generational differences and evolving workplace expectations to accidental managers, burnout, and the dangers of relentless pressure. You’ll hear why one‑to‑ones are the golden thread of high performance, how to give feedback that actually lands, and what happens when managers avoid the tough conversations (spoiler: nothing good).Expect stories about giraffes, pub‑based onboarding, ultra-marathons, and learning to embrace the “silly moments”—all woven into a genuinely practical guide for building teams that perform and stay healthy.Whether you're a business owner, line manager, HR professional or someone trying to untangle the messiness of team culture, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put into action straight away.If you want to get in touch with your own HR Issues that need untangled get in touch we want to hear from you. This is a <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCeHdiCAsXr9l6-TPmNPK6Dg"> @HerdsMedia </a> Podcast Production.</p>
7 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is HR Untangled?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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