169 | A Brilliant Example of What ‘Being Strategic’ in HR Actually Looks Like (with Harriet Mewis)

Have you wondered what ‘being strategic’ actually looks like? In this episode, you’ll hear a real, step-by-step example of what being strategic can look like in your day-to-day work.

Host, Fay Wallis, is joined by Harriet Mewis, Head of People and Development, who shares how she spotted a small pattern in employee behaviour – and used it to uncover a much bigger issue affecting the business.

What makes this conversation so powerful is how practical it is. You’ll hear how being strategic doesn’t require a big budget, a senior job title, or complicated frameworks. It starts with curiosity, observation, and asking thoughtful questions.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a much clearer sense of how you can apply this way of thinking in your own role – in a way that feels realistic and achievable.

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction with guest host Sarah Archer

[01:00] Why “being strategic” can feel vague and frustrating

[01:24] Introducing Harriet and her approach to strategy

[02:14] What being strategic actually means in practice

[03:02] Beginning of the interview with Harriet & Fay

[04:18] Defining what ‘being strategic’ means

[05:48] Why you can be strategic in any role

[07:22] Harriet’s example of being strategic in her role

[21:30] Learning about other departments & building trust

[23:39] Becoming an ‘apprentice’ for the day

[27:35] Introducing Lean Six Sigma thinking

[34:46] Harriet’s book recommendation

[37:12] Final reflections & close

Useful Links from This Episode

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Connect with Harriet Mewis on LinkedIn
• Connect with Sarah Archer on LinkedIn
• Listen to Sarah’s Podcast – Unstuck & Unstoppable
• Learn about Fay’s Essential HR Planner
• Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
• Take Fay’s freeHR Leadership Impact Assessment.

Helpful Episodes to Listen to Next

• Ep 166:The Biggest HR Strategy Mistake – And How to Fix It, with Dean Corbett
• Ep 164:Becoming More Strategic as an HR Team – 3 Ways OKRs Can Help
• Ep 163:3 Ways to Prove You’re Strategic in Your HR Leadership Job Interview
• Ep 108:HR Leadership – How to Create a Powerful One-Page Strategy, with Dr Max McKeown
• Ep 98:HR Insider Insights – How to Create a Powerful People Strategy for an SME, with Kelly Vincent

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