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

Useful Links

Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
Visit Fay’s website
Learn about Fay’sInspiring HR leadership development programme
Learn more aboutThe Essential HR Planner

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Audio version)
Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Video version)
Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Audio version)
Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Video version)
Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Audio version)
Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Video version)

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