Before we all sprint into 2026, I wanted to create this bonus episode to encourage you to pause and reflect on the year that's just passed. In it, I work my way through the 10 'Look Back to Look Forward' questions from the Essential HR Planner and share my own honest answers - including the achievements I'm proud of, the challenges I faced, what I learned, and the moments that shaped my year both personally and professionally.

This episode includes reflections on expanding the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, navigating the realities of running a business, experimenting with video, taking a long break from the podcast, and working through some unexpected moments of vulnerability along the way. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you'll feel encouraged to complete the exercise yourself and head into 2026 with more clarity and intention.

1. The Essential HR Planner
2. The free HR Leadership Impact Assessment
3. Read the full blog version of my reflections
4. Connect with me on LinkedIn
5. Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.

Inspiring HR

Learn More About HR Coffee Time's Sponsor - Personio

Personio

5 Brilliant HR Books That Deserve a Spot Under Your Christmas Tree!

If you work in HR and you’re not sure what to ask for this Christmas – or you’d love to buy a thoughtful, genuinely useful gift for an HR colleague – this episode is for you.

Fay Wallis shares five brilliant HR book recommendations she’s read this year. Each one supports HR professionals in a slightly different way – from building resilience and confidence, to shaping culture, developing better people practices, and setting yourself up for a successful year at work.

All of the books recommended are practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real HR challenges.

1. The Little Book of HR Resilience: Practical Strategies for Busy People Professionals – Dr Felicity Baker & Dr Jo Burrell
2. The HR Confidence Playbook: The essential guide to being seen, heard, and respected in HR - by Kirsty Baggs-Morgan
3. Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead - by Laszlo Bock
4. Let’s Talk Culture: The conversations you need to create the team you want - by Shane Michael Hatton
5. The Essential HR Planner – by Fay Wallis

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s website
3. Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme

1. Ep 35: Helping Teams Thrive with Personal User Manuals
2. Ep 123: Avoid Burnout - How to Spot Signs Of Stress & Take Action (with Dr Jo Burrell)
3. Ep 146: Lessons in HR Leadership: How to Succeed as a Chief People Officer: (with John Scrooby)

Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Learn more about the...

What’s the best way to land your first Chief People Officer or CHRO role?

In this episode, Fay Wallis breaks down the four most common routes that real CPOs have taken to step into the top people leadership job for the very first time. You’ll also hear short clips from several CPO guests who generously shared their stories and insights.

You’ll hear about:

• Four routes into first CPO roles
• Internal discussions leading to job title changes
• Being headhunted by executive recruiters
• Strengthening your LinkedIn profile
• Applying directly for senior HR roles
• Preparing for high-level interviews
• Pitching for promotion with a business case

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
• Buy a copy of The Essential HR Planner

• Ep 31:3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next job
• Ep 106:7 types of posts to share on LinkedIn that will help your HR career
• Ep 149: The CPO Job Application That Worked, Strategic vs Operational HR, and Why Compassion Matters (with Funmi Onamusi):
• Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/149/
• YouTube link:https://youtu.be/n-zYslILExc?si=dIJFbWDgo2SWlcUz
• Ep 154: Step-by-Step Career Advice to become a successful CHRO/CPO (with Nicola Lyons):
• Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/154/
• YouTube link:https://youtu.be/tdqjSSbKMmM?si=WpaKhorECI5-ieFk
• Ep 147: How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider insights (with Kanika Mehra):
• Audio link:https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/147/
• YouTube link:https://youtu.be/R31JrBpT490?si=fikKsO8dJBahIRpx

Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.

Inspiring HR