158 | 3 Simple Ways to Build Better Business Acumen in Your HR Role
HR Coffee Time21 Nov 2025

158 | 3 Simple Ways to Build Better Business Acumen in Your HR Role

If the idea of improving your business acumen feels intimidating, this episode will help make it feel achievable and clear. Host, Fay Wallis, breaks down what business acumen really means for HR and why it has nothing to do with being “naturally commercial” and everything to do with curiosity, awareness and understanding how your organisation works.

To make building business acumen feel even more practical, Fay brings in insights from three recent Chief People Officer guests: Kanika Mehra, Jane Beeston and Dotty Day. Although each appeared on the show to share their experiences of becoming a CPO, their advice applies to every stage of an HR career.

By the end, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps you can start using straight away. And one of the three tips might surprise you.

Ready to make business acumen feel less daunting? It’s simpler than you think.

You’ll hear about:

  • What business acumen really means
  • Why curiosity beats expertise
  • Understanding customers and service users
  • Getting involved outside HR
  • Learning from Finance colleagues
  • Questions to ask your finance team
  • Ways to grow confidence with numbers

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