On this podcast, you'll hear from incredible guests who have built double unicorns, are world-class scientists, innovators, angel investors, VCs, performance mindset gurus, CEOs and founders taking their companies global.
These guests don't hold back. Listen in to learn what they really think about talent, culture, and why getting the people piece right is make-or-break for success.
Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone striving for growth, this podcast is for you. Get ready to soak up game-changing strategies as we get real about people-powered success.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeremie Brecheisen from Gallup, who has spent over 15 years helping leaders understand what truly drives high performance.
We talked about strengths, leadership and why some cultures thrive while others stall. We also explored why so few CHROs move into CEO roles, how HR can get closer to the customer and where AI genuinely adds value rather than becoming a trend we feel obliged to follow.
A few threads that stayed with me:
• The commercial advantage of leaning into strengths
• The common mistakes leaders make around performance
• How HR can shift its identity from cost to value
• Where data and AI actually move the needle
• What aspiring CHROs should focus on next
If you’re interested in the future of HR, AI, leadership or culture, this one is for you.
27 Oct 2025
Cecily Motley - Future of Work Founder & Co-Founder of Harriet
Ever tried to roll out AI in HR and hit the wall of “we’re too busy for that”?
In this week’s People & Pioneers - The Podcast (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), I spoke with Cecily Motley (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), co-founder of Harriet (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), about why AI isn’t here to replace HR, it’s here to free it.
Cecily’s path has been anything but predictable. From the art world to building a global fashion business, to now leading an AI platform reshaping how teams work. What I loved most was her honesty about the experience: the wins, the missteps, and the emotional flak jacket she’s had to wear building from zero.
We talked about:
🎙 How Harriet HQ uses AI to remove admin and free up strategic capacity
🎙 Reframing AI fear into augmentation
🎙 Building emotional resilience as a founder (“the emotional flak jacket”)
🎙 Real-world examples of AI in action
🎙 Cecily’s personal AI stack and where HR should start
Her line that stuck with me: “We’re not taking work off your desk. We’re taking the boring stuff off your desk.”
It’s a great reminder that the future of HR isn’t less human, it’s more focused. And the leaders who get that balance right will build the leanest, most valuable teams of all.
29 Sept 2025
Tamir Aldad, MD, MBA - CEO of Mindful Care
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tamir Aldad, an addiction psychiatrist turned founder of Mindful Care, which offers same and next-day in-person or online therapy and mental health care.
We talk about his journey from academia into entrepreneurship, the patients whose lives were changed by timely intervention, and why suicide prevention and awareness of warning signs matter more than ever.
Tamir shares the lessons he’s learned along the way - from finding mentors who push you with constructive criticism, to making the tough leadership calls when a team member isn’t the right fit.
And, of course, we look ahead: the role AI might play in mental health, why it can never replace human therapists, and Tamir’s vision for making mental health resources more accessible to all.
It’s a conversation about courage, timing, and the real impact of building something people truly need.
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For helpline/resources in the US:
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+ Support): Call 1-866-488-7386
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org (https://us-east-2.protection.sophos.com/?d=988lifeline.org&u=aHR0cHM6Ly85ODhsaWZlbGluZS5vcmcv&p=m&i=NjYxNTg1MTE0YTBhZDMwODgyYjk2MThj&t=MnBtMXl2ZkI4UHFSdUh2cklUQUJTaGR2Y0I1ZW5BU0FtakYraUowalhWQT0=&h=a8afad45a0fd42d79d6beb7a52bd8819&s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVYDPWc2F0PgFEUFrIh5yhe-)
Mindful Care: https://www.mindful.care/
In the UK:
UK: Samaritans 24/7 helpline – free to call (Tel: 116123) or visit Samaritans.org
UK: Shout – visit giveusashout.org or text 85258 for 24/7 support
If you or anyone you know is at risk of harm, please seek professional help immediately. In urgent situations, contact emergency services.
Who has been a guest on People and Pioneers - The Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Elliot Schouten
Eleanor Ford
Luke Shipley
Nigel Taberner
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
17
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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host host the show. Published by Geraldine "G" Butler-Wright.
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