Hi Reader,
Have you ever heard the phrase “Christmas in July”?
I first learnt it from my friend Catherine Erdly, who’s a retail expert. She explained that in retail, July is when Christmas really begins – because if you're not planning your festive stock, campaigns, and events now, it’s already too late.
And ever since then, it’s stuck with me.
It’s been on my mind again this week – partly because I need to get cracking with the designs and activities for the 2026 edition of The Essential HR Planner (yes, already!)… and partly because this week’s newsletter feels like its own little Christmas in July moment.
Diving into the Christmas theme even more… A Christmas Carol shows us how powerful it can be to learn from the past, present and future.
So today, I’ve wrapped up four wonderful things to share with you – all from 🎙️HR Coffee Time podcast guests – that speak to each of those timeframes. I hope they bring you a little inspiration and joy, wherever you are on your HR journey.
🎁 From the past: Dr Jo Burrell – and her brilliant new book
You might remember Jo from Episode 123 of 🎙️HR Coffee Time, where she shared expert advice on spotting signs of stress and preventing burnout.
She’s just released The Little Book of HR Resilience – a calming, practical guide full of helpful tools to protect your wellbeing at work. It’s beautifully designed, easy to dip in and out of, and would make a thoughtful gift (to yourself or another HR colleague).
🎥 I shared a quick video walk-through of the book on LinkedIn here if you'd like to learn more about it.
🎁 Also from the past: Claire Cathcart – with a magazine you’ll actually want to read
After joining me on Episode 76, Claire has gone from strength to strength – launching the ELEVATE Hub membership, being named one of the most influential people in HR, and most recently, creating her own HR magazine.
It’s been described as “The Vogue for HR” – full of fresh thinking, real stories and inspiration. And the best bit? It’s completely free – Claire just asks you to cover the postage.
📮 You can request your copy here, and read my LinkedIn post about it here.
🎁 In the present: Funmi Onamusi – and her work supporting future leaders
This week’s HR Coffee Time guest is Funmi Onamusi, Chief People Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
In episode 149, she shares her inspiring and non-traditional path into HR leadership, and advice on how to become an impactful CPO. (You can listen to the episode in your favourite podcast app, or watch the video version on YouTube).
Funmi is also the founder of The Breaking Hundred Circle, a Community Interest Company that equips women from minority ethnic communities to overcome structural barriers and lead with confidence. It’s a brilliant initiative to check out and support.
🎁 Looking to the future: could this HR role be your next step?
Nicola Lyons, Group CHRO at Getlink, will be joining me on 🎙️HR Coffee Time soon – and when she mentioned a maternity cover vacancy for a Head of HR in her team, I offered to share it with you.
It’s a 12-month role for an experienced HR Manager, based in great offices in Paddington with some travel to a smaller team in Folkestone. You’d be joining a vibrant and diverse team in a high-profile business – a brilliant opportunity if you’re exploring what’s next. Here are the full details.
✨ And finally…
Two weeks ago, I said goodbye to the latest cohort of the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme. After nine weeks together, it’s always hard to say farewell – but such a joy to watch everyone’s progress.
Here’s just a little of the feedback they shared with me:
“It has given me my self-belief back.”
“I have loved the nine weeks. I have grown and learnt so much.”
“This was by far the best course I’ve been on.”
Half the places for the next cohort (starting Wednesday 10th September) have already been booked – but there’s still space if you’d like to join us. You’ll find all the details here
If you've already booked your place, I can't wait to welcome you into the cohort.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend – and a little head start on December too 🎄
Best wishes,
Fay
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