How to become a strategic HR Leader | Interview with Ian Pilbeam

Season #3 Episode #18

“You’re great at being tactical, but you're not very strategic.”

If you’ve ever heard those words—or said them to yourself—this episode is for you.

Join me in conversation with Ian Pilbeam, CEO of The HR Dept, as we explore what it really takes to step out of the day-to-day and step into the boardroom as a trusted strategic advisor. Drawing from Ian’s own evolution from tactical HR to strategic leadership, we uncover what’s needed for HR professionals to lead with impact in a post-Covid world.

🧠 What We Cover:

  • 💼 The real role of HR beyond policies and procedures

  • 🧭 How to raise your profile as a strategic HR leader (and get C-suite buy-in)

  • 🌱 Wellbeing in the workplace—and how HR can influence it from the top down

  • 🧘‍♀️ The mindset shift from firefighting to future-shaping

  • 💡 The link between emotional intelligence training for HR teams and strategic influence

🎯 This One’s for You If:

  • You’re an HR leader navigating the pressures of post-pandemic workplace wellbeing

  • You want to shift from doing to leading—and be seen as a valuable strategic asset

  • You’re ready to create meaningful impact without running yourself into the ground

💬 Want to Empower Your HR Team to Lead with Emotional Clarity?

Our emotional intelligence training for HR teams helps transform reactive, overstretched professionals into grounded, present, and strategic leaders.

👉 Book a clarity call today and discover how to unlock your team’s full potential.