HR Engage Podcast 5f1f4i

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, Jonathan sits down with Hayley Fielding, Head of People and Culture at Tunstall Australasia, whose journey into HR didn’t start in a boardroom — it started in a campervan. 🛻 From leading teams in retail and healthcare to becoming an executive HR leader, Hayley’s story is a masterclass in learning by doing, backing yourself, and building real impact in people’s lives at work.  Jonathan Mamaril dives deep with Hayley on:  How leadership experience translates into HR success 💼 Why performance management is more powerful than policies 📈 The hidden dangers of “single point of failure” roles 🚨 Why HR shouldn’t be solely responsible for workplace culture 🎭 The value of networking, taking real holidays, and trusting your team 🌴 Raw, funny, and filled with sharp advice for early career professionals and seasoned HR leaders alike — this episode is about embracing the messy, human side of human resources.

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, Jonathan Mamaril sits down with Nathan Bryant, HR Manager at Nauru Airlines, for a refreshingly honest and insightful deep dive into what it really means to lead in today’s evolving HR landscape. Nathan’s journey spans from stacking shelves on night shift to steering HR strategy across borders — and in this conversation, he unpacks it all. From industry pivots to building HR departments from scratch, navigating workplace resistance, and why he thinks people are puzzles that strategy alone can’t solve. You’ll hear: Why jumping industries made him a better leader How HR can shift from “hire and fire” to strategic partnership The silent toll of burnout (and how not to bring it home) What junior HR pros should actually be doing to find their niche Why authenticity, upskilling, and prioritising family matter more than ever Packed with practical wisdom, candid advice, and a few curveballs (yes, we’re talking gaming, Tolkien, and cat mansions), this episode sets the tone for the kind of real, frank conversations HR Engage is here to deliver.

Welcome to this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, with Jonathan Mamaril. Today, Jonathan talks with Sonya Law — an accomplished HR leader, leadership coach, and wellbeing advocate. 🌟 Sonya shares her inspiring journey from studying IT and ing to becoming a respected voice in human resources and leadership. With a career spanning mining, education, and organisational transformation, she brings unique insights into the evolving role of HR as the custodians of culture and the thermometers of business health. 🌍 Sonya discuses why self-care is crucial for sustainable leadership 💆‍♀️, how wellbeing initiatives need to move beyond simple compliance ✅, and why "progress over perfection" is the new standard for success. Packed with career advice, leadership wisdom, and plenty of humour — including why managing a boardroom sometimes feels a lot like managing a kindergarten 🏖️👶 — this conversation is a must-listen for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone ionate about building better workplaces.

In this edition of the podcast, Jonathan sits down with the Rod Francisco, a HR leader with a diverse background that spans from his early career in the military to strategic roles in the resources sector and local government. Rod shares his journey of transitioning from the army to human resources, where he developed his ion for leadership, culture, and values. He offers insights into the simplicity of effective HR practices and how these can drive business success. Rod also discusses his role as the Queensland State President for the Australian Human Resource Institute (ARRI), where he's been instrumental in reinstating the Queensland State Conference and expanding regional networks. Throughout this engaging conversation, Rod emphasises the importance of culture over industrial relations as the foundation of HR, shares valuable advice for early career professionals, and highlights the essential collaboration between HR and finance. Whether you're new to the HR field or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to think differently about HR strategies and leadership.

Welcome to the HR Engage Podcast with Jonathan Mamaril, in this episode of Jonathan sits down with renowned HR leader Mark Linley, whose career spans over two decades across diverse industries including aviation, retail, corrections, and immigration. Mark brings rich insights from his 12 years in Dubai, where he managed regional HR operations for organisations with workforces exceeding 220,000 employees. With experience leading HR functions in some of the world’s top 50 companies, Mark discusses what it means to be a bold, ideas-led HR leader—and why mastering commercial drivers is essential for HR professionals at every level. From pushing through early career doubts to advocating for cross-functional learning and coaching the next generation of HR leaders, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways, global perspective, and inspiring moments. 

In this episode of the HR Engage, host Jonathan Mamaril is ed by Oloff Visser, a seasoned executive with an impressive career across South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. From industrial relations and legal negotiations to large-scale change management and business transformation, Oloff’s journey is packed with wisdom for HR professionals at every stage of their career. Jonathan and Oloff discuss what it really means for HR to add value, why understanding how a business makes money is critical, and how trust, communication, and subtle leadership can transform organisations. Whether you're looking for career inspiration or practical advice on leading people and culture, this conversation is one not to miss.

Welcome to this edition of the HR Engage Podcast, with Jonathan Mamaril.  In this edition of the podcast, Jonathan talks with Paula Holden, a seasoned leader in HR and people & culture, with nearly 30 years of experience across executive leadership, board directorships, and workforce strategy. This episode explores Paula’s diverse career journey—from her early days in HR to her current role as Chief People Officer at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Listeners will gain insights into mentoring, strategic HR leadership, and the evolving landscape of workplace culture. Paula shares her thoughts on the challenges of hybrid work, the impact of AI on HR, and why HR professionals must secure a seat at the decision-making table. This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone ionate about building better workplaces and stronger teams. 

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, Jonathan Mamaril is ed by Samantha Pickering, Chief Operating Officer at Queensland Computers and a 40 Under 40 award recipient. With a career spanning diverse industries—from early childhood education to automotive sales and HR leadership—Samantha brings a wealth of experience in people management, leadership development, and workplace culture. Together, they discuss the power of mentorship, the balance between compliance and culture in HR, and the challenges of managing a multi-generational workforce. Samantha shares her personal journey, offering practical advice for HR professionals at all levels. Tune in for a compelling conversation filled with valuable insights on navigating change, fostering employee engagement, and shaping the future of HR.

🚀 Welcome to the HR Engage Podcast! Today, we sit down with Roseta Jacobs—a powerhouse in HR, learning & development, and workplace transformation. From growing up in apartheid South Africa to breaking barriers in corporate leadership, Roseta shares her inspiring journey, insights on workplace diversity, and why learning & development is the key to change. 🔹 What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ How Roseta's early life shaped her leadership approach 🌍 ✅ The role of HR beyond policies—fostering growth & inclusion 🏢 ✅ Why challenging the status quo is the best thing for HR 🚀 ✅ The BIGGEST challenges in HR today & how to tackle them 💡 📌 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 🎬 01:20 - Roseta’s journey: From apartheid to HR leadership 🌍 10:45 - Learning & development: The most underrated HR function 📚 18:30 - The importance of diversity, inclusion & belonging 💡 28:15 - HR’s biggest struggles & future trends 🔮 35:50 - Roseta’s advice for early-career HR professionals 🚀 42:10 - Final thoughts & words of wisdom 💬 🔥 Don’t miss out! Hit LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & drop your thoughts in the comments! Produce by: www.practiceproof.com

In this episode of the HR Engage podcast, Jonathan Mamaril talks with Natasha Hydon. For those who work in government, whether local or state, Natasha probably needs no introduction. Her career spans decades and industries, with a central focus on connection—whether it’s people, systems, or ideas. From Melbourne to Mount Isa, Natasha’s journey is rich with lessons on adaptability, leadership, and the evolving role of HR in addressing modern challenges like psychosocial safety and hybrid work environments. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with insights, stories, and practical advice! Reach out to Jonathan at www.southgeldard.com.au

In this edition of the podcast. Jonathan sits down with Dave Madeley, an accomplished HR Manager and People & Culture Leader, for an insightful discussion that challenges traditional HR perspectives. Drawing from his unique background in law enforcement and extensive international experience, Dave brings a refreshing philosophy to HR management. He advocates for HR as a vital business function, offering an alternative to the conventional crisis-management approach often seen in industrial relations. Dave's diverse experience spans local government, private enterprise, and international markets, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on effective people management strategies. Jonathan at: www.southgeldard.com.au

In this episode of the HR Engage Podcast, Jonathan Mamaril talks with Nicole Hall.  Nicole has had an incredible career journey, pivoting from economics and investments into senior HR roles across industries like mining, construction, and government. Most recently, she’s been driving people and culture initiatives in a retirement living company. In this episode, she shares her unconventional path into HR through remuneration and benefits, her fascination with industrial relations (what she calls "the dark arts"), and her vision for HR's future in navigating evolving workplace challenges. Plus, she reveals how her work with Seven Minds is redefining investigations through a comionate, culture-first approach. Reach Jonathan at www.southgeldard.com.au

Welcome to the first episode of the HR Engage Podcast with Jonathan Mamaril! In this debut episode, Jonathan is ed by Kerine Nightingale, a highly experienced HR professional with a remarkable consulting background. Kerine dives into her career journey, sharing how being "thrown into the fire" early on helped her develop a fearless approach to tackling challenges, which became a cornerstone of her success in HR. She also offers valuable insights into navigating the HR landscape, including practical advice on working with organisations where HR is genuinely valued and has a meaningful seat at the decision-making table. This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals and anyone curious about thriving in the world of human resources. Tune in again in two weeks for the next episode in the series! For more information or to connect with Jonathan Mamaril, visit South Geldard Lawyers.