Summary of Spotlight with Elsie Akinsanya

Summary

In this episode of "Spotlight with Elsie Akinsanya," host Angie interviews Elsie Akinsanya, a seasoned Human Resources leader and People Director at Lloyd's Bank. The conversation revolves around Elsie's extensive career, her insights on human capital management, and her experiences as a non-executive director.

Main Plot

Elsie shares pivotal moments in her career that shaped her approach to HR, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals beyond their data points. She highlights the transition from being an individual contributor to leading teams, which required her to focus on performance and the unique needs of team members. A significant turning point for her was the integration of data in HR practices, which she initially found intimidating but later embraced for its power to enhance decision-making.

Key Highlights

Elsie's role as a non-executive director allowed her to gain depth in executive compensation, which she felt was a gap in her experience.
She discusses the common challenges faced by executive leaders, particularly in a post-pandemic world, including maintaining workforce engagement and navigating hybrid work environments.
The importance of creating a safe space for leaders to express vulnerabilities and seek guidance is emphasized.
Elsie advocates for the use of technology as an enabler in coaching, highlighting how data synthesis can enhance coaching effectiveness without replacing the human element.

Notable Jokes and Reactions

While the conversation is largely professional, Elsie's light-hearted mention of being a "technophobe" adds a touch of humor, showcasing her relatable side. She also stresses the importance of fun in the workplace, suggesting that team meetings can include light-hearted discussions about personal experiences to foster connection.

Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals

Elsie encourages continuous learning, embracing change, and building a strong professional network. She acknowledges the natural human resistance to change but emphasizes the need to adapt and thrive in a dynamic work environment.

Featured Personalities

Elsie Akinsanya: Guest, People Director at Lloyd's Bank, HR leader, and trusted advisor.
Angie: Host of the "Spotlight" series.

Overall, the episode is an insightful exploration of HR leadership, emphasizing the blend of data-driven decision-making and the human touch necessary for effective management in today's fast-paced work environment.

Notable Quotes

— 15:21 — « Listening just being a very intentional listener is a critical quality of good coach because there are nuances that you hear when you're really listening with the intention to understand versus the intention to reply. »

— 18:04 — « Keep learning right I still today learn every day most of my emails start with please help me understand. »

— 18:41 — « Change is the new constant... as human beings nobody loves change. »

— 19:32 — « Build your network and I found that the power of your network you know it only when you need it. »