153 | Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – What It Involves & How to Succeed (With Lorna Bains)

What does it really mean to be a fractional Chief People Officer (CPO) or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) – and could it be the right next step in your career?

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Lorna Bains, a hugely experienced HR and business transformation leader who has thrived as a fractional CPO for the past seven years. Lorna lifts the lid on what the role involves, why more organisations are choosing fractional HR leadership, and the habits and practices that help her succeed.

As part of the special CPO/CHRO series – where each guest answers the same nine listener-chosen questions – Lorna becomes the 8th CPO to share her story. She also offers down-to-earth advice on handling imposter feelings, building your network, and remembering that you don’t need all the answers to succeed.

You’ll hear Lorna’s thoughts on:

• What makes the fractional CPO role different
• The team structures and “scaffolding” that allow fractional leadership to work
• Why building strong networks and communities is crucial
• The skills, habits, and practices that have most helped her succeed
• How to stay future-focused and “look around the corner” as a strategic HR leader
• Handling the biggest challenges of the role

Whether you’re curious about the growing trend of fractional HR leadership, considering the CPO/CHRO path, or simply looking to strengthen your own impact as an HR professional, you’ll find plenty of insights and encouragement in this conversation.

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
• Visit Fay’s website
• Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
• Lorna’s website:Vilo Consulting
• The Personal Boardroom framework (by Zella King)

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Networking:

• Episode 11:Networking – The Three Most Important Networks for Your Career
• Episode 15:How Networking Can Help Your Career
• Episode 16:How to Become More Confident About Networking
• Episode 101:How to Build Confidence With Networking for HR Career Success (With Yvonne Walsh)

Personal Board:

• Episode 21:The 8 People Who Will Set You Up for Career Success (With Sharon Peake)
• Episode 90:How a Personal Board Can Help Solve Your Challenges at Work

Imposter Syndrome:

• Episode 36:Four Simple but Powerful Techniques to Banish Imposter Syndrome (With Joanna Lott)
• Episode 107:The Impact of Imposter Syndrome at Work & How to Tackle It Head-On (With Aoife O’Brien)

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