156 | Why Chief People Officers Need Strong Networks (And How to Build Yours), with Nebel Crowhurst

Why do Chief People Officers need strong networks — and how can you build one that truly supports you?

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Nebel Crowhurst, who’s featured on the HR Most Influential list several years running and has held senior roles with Virgin, River Island, Roche, and Reward Gateway.

Nebel talks about the realities of being a CPO — the highs, the pressures, and how she protects her wellbeing — along with brilliant advice on building your own community of support (even if you find networking uncomfortable).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The key differences between being an HR Director and a Chief People Officer.
• How to protect your boundaries and wellbeing in a demanding role.
• What it means to be a business leader, not just a functional one.
• How to reframe networking into “building your community.”
• Practical tips for creating and nurturing a supportive network.

Nebel also explains her move into fractional CPO work, what it involves, and why this model is becoming increasingly popular in growing organisations.

🎧 Listen next:

• Ep 11: Networking – the three most important networks for your career
• Ep 16: How to become more confident about networking
• Ep 90: How a Personal Board can help solve your challenges at work
• Ep 153: Inside the Fractional CPO/CHRO Role – what it involves and how to succeed

📚 Resources & Links:

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Connect with Nebel on LinkedIn
• Fay's website
• Nebel’s website
• Nebel’s LinkedIn article:The Rise of The Fractional CPO
• Emotional Intelligence qualification mentioned: EQ-i 2.0 (via MHS Assessments)
• HR Leaders Unconference

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