Episode 237 - How Joe Kitson Helps Private Equity & Venture Capital Firm

It's one thing for employers to say that they want to help improve employee mental health, but another thing entirely to actually make it happen. Today, I am joined by Tobba Vigfusdottir, CEO and Founder of Kara Connect, a customised mental health and wellbeing platform for employees.  Tobba has an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Washington in Seattle and a B.Ed. from the University of Iceland; both focused on cognitive psychology. Tobba has, throughout her career, focused on the problem of access to help and support. Her experience as a local politician brought forward the systemic problems people face in getting the proper support to get better. Tobba established an online speech therapy company before establishing Kara Connect. She sits on the National Theatre board and the Science and Technology board appointed by the Minister of Innovation. Before entrepreneurship, Tobba was an elected city councillor in Reykjavík for 12 years, a political Advisor to the Minister of Education and a project manager for a women’s entrepreneurial program. In a wide-ranging interview, Tobba and I discussed these topics: ✅ The role leadership plays in creating a mentally healthy workplace culture. ✅ What Kara Connect does and how it helps organisations improve workplace wellbeing. ✅ The main or most common mental health and wellbeing challenges in workplaces today. ✅ Ineffective ways companies try to address these challenges. ✅ Approaches that actually work when it comes to supporting mental health and creating healthier workplaces. ✅ What has worked well in terms of business growth and getting the word out about Kara Connect. ✅ And much more. You can find the podcast discussion on the Get More HR Clients website and on the Podcast: A Better HR Business LinkedIn page. You can also find the 'A Better HR Business' podcast on all the main podcast players, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Feel free to tag in or share the show with any friends who are busy growing an HR-related business (recruitment, employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, HR admin, etc). Website: www.karaconnect.com. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobba-vigfusdottir-17022411/  For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast  HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Consulting Services For HR Software And Consulting Firms: Consulting Services. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more.

6 Mai 25min

Employment lawsuits in the U.S. remain a problem. A recent survey found that 37% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) had faced an employee lawsuit in the past year. While large corporations have legal teams at the ready, small businesses often depend on a single, dedicated HR professional juggling everything. That’s why Adam Daines, Founder and CEO of ADDA, didn’t just observe the AI revolution in HR - he and his team created MyHRAlly: a secure, closed AI platform built specifically to empower HR teams in small and mid-sized businesses. AI isn’t here to replace people. It’s here to relieve HR teams from the flood of administrative tasks, so they can focus on what truly matters: fostering trust, driving innovation, and enabling growth within their organizations. In a wide-ranging discussion, Adam and I talked about: ✅ The challenge of pricing HR consulting, especially with unpredictable employee relations. ✅ How employees today are more aware of their rights, thanks to online resources and legal advertising. ✅ The complexity of delivering HR services across multiple states with different employment laws. ✅ MyHRAlly, the AI-driven HR platform Adam and his team developed. ✅ Why AI in HR should support - not replace - the human element. ✅The role of strategic partnerships in scaling MyHRAlly. ✅ And much more. You can find the podcast discussion on the Get More HR Clients website and on the Podcast: A Better HR Business LinkedIn page. You can also find the 'A Better HR Business' podcast on all the main podcast players, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Feel free to tag in or share the show with any friends who are busy growing an HR-related business (recruitment, employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, HR admin, etc). Website: www.addainfusion.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adam-daines-0b83291b/ For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast  HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Consulting Services For HR Software And Consulting Firms: Consulting Services. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more.

30 Apr 44min

Why do soft skills matter more than ever? As AI automates more tasks, human skills - like communication, creativity, and teamwork - are becoming the new gold standard, at work and beyond. But how do we actually measure and develop these skills meaningfully and at scale? Deeper Signals, a personality assessment platform built by psychologists, blends rigorous psychometrics with intuitive tech to democratize self-awareness. Their AI doesn’t replace human judgment - it augments it. Think of it as a smart coach: offering personalized insights, guiding hiring, and shaping development. As Reece Akhtar, CEO & Co-founder, shared on A Better HR Business podcast: “We started in a bedroom during COVID. Now, over half a million assessments later, we’re helping global enterprises align people, culture, and strategy - with data, not gut feel.” In a wide-ranging discussion, Reece and I talked about: ✅ How Deeper Signals is bridging the gap between scientific rigor and user-friendly design. ✅ Why Reece believes soft skills are the new superpower in the age of AI. ✅ The challenge of building tools that work for HR, employees, and managers. ✅ How Deeper Signals stands out in a space full of both serious and “fun” assessments. ✅ Product evolution: What guides their roadmap and what they’ve learned building for scale. ✅ Why education and thought leadership play a key role in their customer strategy. ✅ Expanding their assessment library, deepening AI capabilities, and tracking big shifts in HR tech. ✅ And much more. You can find the podcast discussion on the Get More HR Clients website and on the Podcast: A Better HR Business LinkedIn page. Website: www.deepersignals.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/reeceakhtar For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast  HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Consulting Services For HR Software And Consulting Firms: Consulting Services. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more.

22 Apr 26min

Today’s workforce has grown up with digital education - they expect modern, relevant training to help them succeed, not as a perk, but as a given. Data shows that companies with strong learning programs see higher employee satisfaction, better retention, and improved customer outcomes. However, for companies with 50 to 500 employees, especially those growing fast or expanding product lines, building a full-scale L&D department isn’t always feasible. The challenge of providing effective training is real - and ignoring it is no longer an option. I talked with Luis Garcia, President and Co-Founder of PETE, about how personalized, scalable training solutions - covering everything from onboarding to compliance and technical upskilling - are not just helpful, but essential for long-term success. PETE Learning is an Orlando-based HR tech startup helping businesses streamline and optimize their learning initiatives, through its AI-led training platform. In a wide-ranging discussion, Luis and I talked about: ✅ The limitations of traditional training methods — and how AI is changing the game. ✅ How PETE’s AI algorithms deliver dynamic, scalable learning experiences. ✅ Why effective onboarding and continuous development are key to employee retention. ✅ Growth strategies through digital marketing and sales. ✅ The role of strategic acquisitions in expanding PETE’s offerings and strengthening its platform. ✅ How PETE leverages local networks and digital channels to scale its reach. ✅ And much more! You can find the podcast discussion on the Get More HR Clients website and on the Podcast: A Better HR Business LinkedIn page. Website: www.pete.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/luisegarcia For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast  HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Consulting Services For HR Software And Consulting Firms: Consulting Services. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more.

7 Apr 26min

Finding your niche can be the key to unlocking new opportunities - whether it's launching a side hustle, growing a business, or balancing passion with a full-time career. I had an inspiring conversation with Cecilia Clark, founder of Aphrodite HR, about how she carved out a unique space in HR while maintaining work-life balance. Her company specializes in supporting independent fertility practices, helping them navigate industry challenges and build sustainable teams. One of the standout aspects of Aphrodite HR is its specialized approach to the unique demands of fertility practices. Unlike other medical fields, fertility services operate on irregular schedules, dictated by the unpredictable nature of patient cycles. This creates distinct challenges in ensuring work-life balance for staff - something Cecilia and her team are dedicated to solving. In a wide-ranging discussion, Cecilia and I talked about: ✅ How and why she started an HR side business in such a specialized market. ✅ Strategies to prevent burnout and stay productive while managing a demanding career and business. ✅ Forming meaningful connections within the industry to unlock new opportunities and foster long-term partnerships. ✅ Using technology and automation tools to streamline daily tasks, improve efficiency, and scale operations effectively. ✅ Adapting services to meet client needs by understanding key challenges and delivering tailored solutions. ✅ How she markets and grows her business. ✅ And much more. Website: www.aphroditehr.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/clarkcecilia For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast  HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Consulting Services For HR Software And Consulting Firms: Consulting Services. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more.

25 Mar 18min

How Targeted HR Consulting Helps Construction & Manufacturing SME Firms - with Christian Hicks Website: www.targeted-hr.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/targeted-hr-consulting/  For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Consulting Services For HR Software And Consulting Firms: Consulting Services. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more.

12 Mar 13min

Nearly 14 years ago, while serving as an HR Director for a major Manchester charity, Niel Cope identified a gap in the market - local businesses lacking the right HR support and infrastructure. With a deep passion for helping organizations manage and develop their people, Niel took the leap, launching a business in the midst of a recession, with five kids, a big mortgage, and no clients. Today, that bold decision has grown into a thriving venture, making a real impact on businesses and their people. People Matters HR is now a growing company based in Bury, Greater Manchester, specializing in providing tailored HR and Health & Safety support to businesses of all sizes. In a wide-ranging discussion, Niel and I talked about: ✅ Identifying a market gap and launching an HR consultancy business. ✅ Balancing family responsibilities while transitioning to entrepreneurship. ✅ The impact of networking on People Matters HR’s early growth. ✅ Pricing strategies for client acquisition and business sustainability. ✅ Transitioning out of daily operations for long-term success. ✅ The role of branding and SEO in driving business growth. ✅ Expanding into leadership development beyond compliance work. Thanks, Niel! Website: www.peoplemattershr.co.uk LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nielcope For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Consulting Services For HR Software And Consulting Firms: Consulting Services. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more.

3 Mar 40min

Many business owners get stuck doing 'busy work' that could easily be delegated. These days, virtual assistants have become essential partners for HR business owners - helping businesses streamline operations, improve efficiency, and focus on growth. I recently spoke with my long-time and much-appreciated virtual assistant, Victoria Iancu, about how working with a virtual assistant can transform your business operations. In a wide-ranging discussion, Victoria and I talked about: ✅ The comprehensive services a virtual assistant (VA) can provide. ✅ Who the ideal client is for a VA. ✅ Common misconceptions about virtual assistants. ✅ Essential tips for first-time VA users. ✅ How to build an effective and productive working relationship. ✅ And much more. You can find the podcast discussion on the Get More HR Clients website. If you want to work with Victoria, here are her details: Victoria's website: www.JITLoop.com Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaiancu While you're here... After coaching hundreds of successful HR-related business owners around the world, we've seen some powerful, recurring themes: Every single HR business founder is different yet many follow generic pathways to business growth, many of which don't suit them or their business. Marketing and sales continue to evolve, particularly after Covid everything changed so quickly. Successful business owners keep an eye on what's working and what's not and then make measured improvements.  THE BIGGEST FACTOR: We find the most successful HR-related business owners take action, lots of action.  To help HR business owners with these three things, we've released a new growth resource: The HR Business Accelerator Group. SHOW NOTES:  For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast The A Better HR Business shares strategics, tactics, success stories, and more about marketing for HR consultancies and marketing for HR tech companies and how to get more clients. HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way The HR Business Accelerator Group. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more at www.getmorehrclients.com.

24 Feb 9min