In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern and Trina Sunday, CEO of ReimagineHR, delve into the transformation needed in HR. They tackle the role shift from “policy police” to proactive partner, discuss skills gaps, and explore how design thinking and human-centered approaches could reinvent HR to support both organizational goals and employee well-being. Tune in to discover why HR’s reputation needs reimagining and how forward-thinking leaders can lead the charge.

HR is more than a set of rules; it’s the heartbeat of a truly thriving workplace. In this Lead to Soar episode, Michelle Redfern chats with ReimagineHR’s CEO, Trina Sunday, about shifting HR from being the “policy police” to an essential strategic partner. Together, they dig into how human-centered practices like design thinking can elevate HR’s role, create more meaningful connections, and support growth that benefits both employees and leadership.

 

Episode Highlights:

  • Why HR Needs Reimagining: Trina explains that HR’s “policy police” reputation often undermines its credibility. The function frequently finds itself torn between advocating for leaders or employees, resulting in a perceived lack of alignment and strategic value. The Dual Role of HR: Michelle and Trina discuss the unique challenge HR faces in balancing the needs of both employees and leadership. This “dual loyalty” requires HR professionals to demonstrate social intelligence, transparency, and consistency to foster trust on both sides.
  • Modern Skill Requirements for HR: To thrive in today’s environment, HR must master new skills, including data analysis, digital literacy, business acumen, and values-based decision-making. The need to focus on employee experience design and inclusivity is also highlighted.
  • Barriers to HR Transformation: Limited budgets, outdated perceptions, and a lack of digital resources hinder HR’s ability to drive innovation. Additionally, traditional HR education often fails to equip practitioners with the modern skills necessary for impactful leadership.
  • The Role of Design Thinking in HR: Both Michelle and Trina advocate for using human-centered design to tailor HR practices to meet diverse employee needs effectively. However, they acknowledge that this is rarely part of traditional HR training.

Leadership Call to Action:

  • Clarify HR’s Purpose: If you’re in leadership, consider redefining HR’s role in alignment with long-term strategy.
  • Get Insights, Not Just Surveys: Encourage HR to go beyond surveys and actually listen to employees to understand their evolving needs.
  • Invest in HR Skills That Matter: Business acumen, data literacy, and human-centered design aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential.

Listen in to this episode to see how HR can redefine its role to become the beating heart of organizational growth and wellbeing.

Link to Episode

Michelle Redfern on LinkedIn

 

You Might Also Like…

Celebrating Impact: 100 Women Gala 2024

Celebrating Impact: 100 Women Gala 2024

This year marks the 11th anniversary of the 100 Women Gala Dinner, where we celebrated $211,005 in funding being gifted to five impactful projects! These initiatives will benefit over 323 women and girls across Australia and Cambodia, focusing on needs from healthcare and arts education to anti-trafficking efforts and cultural mentorship. Among the inspiring recipients are Homeless Healthcare, The Warrior Woman Foundation, Big hART, Free To Shine, and Ember Connect. Through the dedicated support of our members, we are creating positive change and a promising future for women and girls worldwide!

read more

HR’s Secret Weapon: Leveraging Data and Storytelling for Greater Influence

In this episode of Reimagining HR, “HR's Secret Weapon:...
Read More

Fixing Broken HR Processes: Lean Thinking for HR Teams

Struggling with broken HR processes? In Episode 28: Fixing...
Read More

HR in Cambodia and Australia: Same Same or Different?

HR in Cambodia and Australia: Same Same or Different? Are...
Read More

Beyond Borders: The Power of Human Connection in Leadership

Beyond Borders: The Power of Human Connection in...
Read More

The Growing Trend of HR Outsourcing: What it Means for HR

Read More

Reimagining HR in Divisive Times

"Reimagining HR in Divisive Times" dives into the biggest...
Read More

“If Leaders aren’t Listening. They aren’t Leading.” on Voices of Gender Equity

Prefer to LISTEN? Head to Spotify Workplaces weren’t...
Read More

HR Trends for 2025: Part 3 Organisational Tactics

In "HR Trends for 2025: Part 3 Organisational Tactics," we...
Read More

HR Trends for 2025: Part 2 Shifting Dynamics

In Part 2 of our "HR Trends for 2025" series, we explore...
Read More

HR Trends for 2025: Part 1 Technological Transformation

In the latest episode of Reimagining HR: HR Trends for...
Read More