Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Has the Chance to Thrive - with Dr Lisa Cuthbert

What happens when a business is growing but the numbers aren't keeping up? For many SME owners, growth can feel like a constant balancing act between hiring people, managing cash flow, setting the right prices and making sure there is enough money left in the business. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Jennifer Power, Partner at Fitzgerald Power, to explore the financial side of growing and running an SME. Jennifer explains why planning before making a new hire is so important, including understanding the true cost of an employee, factoring in onboarding time and testing whether the business can still afford the hire if revenue falls below expectations. Louisa and Jennifer also discuss profit margins, pricing, paying yourself as a business owner, tracking non-billable time and the importance of understanding the real cost of the work you're doing. They explore tax compliance, VAT, the difference between accountants, tax advisors and financial planners, and why putting the right financial structures in place early can make running a business much easier. Jennifer also shares her advice on planning for retirement or an eventual exit, and why business owners should start thinking about their long-term financial goals much earlier than they might expect. The conversation ends with a powerful reminder of the human impact of business growth, as Jennifer reflects on Fitzgerald Power's expansion and the jobs and wider community impact created through that growth. ============= Jennifer Power is a Partner at Fitzgerald Power in the SME department. Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Jennifer has advised business owners on financial and taxation matters and has a particular passion for working with SMEs across a wide range of sectors. Jennifer specialises in outsourced, online financial services and works closely with companies to empower business owners and management through accurate, real-time financial information. She qualified as an Accountant and was admitted as a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2010. She also holds a Master’s in Strategic Management and Planning from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and a Bachelor of Business Studies from Waterford Institute of Technology. ============= www.woodviewhrm.comwww.thehumansideofbusiness.com ============= 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. =============

What really happens when an organisation has to change? Whether it's restructuring, new technology, a crisis or changing employee expectations, successful change isn't just about having the right strategy. It's about understanding the people affected by it. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Brian Bowden, an experienced C-suite HR leader, advisor and Non-Executive Director, to explore the human side of organisational change and employee relations. Brian shares lessons from more than 30 years in senior HR roles with Aer Lingus and Trinity College Dublin, including his experience navigating major periods of change, crisis and transformation. Louisa and Brian explore why people resist change, what might really sit behind that resistance, and why understanding the underlying concern can help leaders find a better way forward. They also discuss communicating change, managing cultural shifts, the impact of technology and AI, recruitment and retention, and why the people who remain after organisational change can face some of the biggest challenges. The conversation also explores employee relations, investigations, disciplinary processes and the growing impact of social media and WhatsApp on workplace relationships. From managing uncertainty to making difficult decisions, Brian shares why success isn't simply about delivering results, but about asking whether you did the right thing for the right reasons. ============= Brian Bowden is an experienced C-suite HR leader and advisor, and a Non-Executive Director. He spent over 30 years in senior HR roles with Aer Lingus and Trinity College Dublin, most recently serving as Chief People Officer at Aer Lingus from 2015 to 2023, where he led a 35-person HR team and advised the CEO, Board and Executive Team through periods of growth and crisis. Brian's expertise spans HR strategy, organisational restructuring, change management, employee engagement, industrial relations, performance and reward, pensions, dispute resolution including mediation, and governance and risk. He also holds a number of board roles, including Bus Éireann, where he chairs the Remuneration and People Committee and sits on the Audit and Risk Committee. He is a Chartered Director, holds an MBS in Human Resources Strategy, is a Fellow of the CIPD and an accredited mediator with CEDR. ============= www.woodviewhrm.com www.thehumansideofbusiness.com Guest: Brian BowdenHost: Louisa Meehan | Woodview HRM

What does it really take to lead people well? Whether you're managing employees, working with volunteers or leading a board, the fundamentals of good leadership remain the same: empathy, integrity, clear boundaries and a genuine understanding of the people around you. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber and President of Network Ireland, to explore the human side of leadership and what it takes to bring people together around a shared purpose. Karen shares why managing volunteers requires a different approach to managing paid employees, why empathy is one of the most underrated leadership qualities, and how giving people ownership and recognition can create a stronger sense of connection. Louisa and Karen also explore networking, confidence, imposter syndrome, the importance of peer networks, and why every skill can be learned if you're willing to practise. They discuss the growing role of AI in business and why technology should remain a tool rather than replacing the human connection that makes organisations work. From supporting people through difficult moments to building stronger boards, managing risk and preparing for an uncertain future, this conversation is a reminder that the human side of business is often the most important side. ============= Guest: Karen Ronan Karen Ronan is a dynamic and highly regarded leader with a proven track record in business and sports tourism, stakeholder engagement and economic development. As CEO of Galway Chamber and President of Network Ireland, she plays a key role in shaping business networks and supporting enterprise growth. She has been instrumental in driving national and regional strategies, with a strong focus on ESG and sustainable work practices. Her extensive background in project management and governance has helped foster valuable connections at local, national and international levels. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan | Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com www.thehumansideofbusiness.com ============= 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. =============

Redundancy is often seen as the end of a career. But what if it could become the beginning of something even greater? In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan is joined by Lorraine Bowen, CEO of The Entrepreneurs Academy, to explore how entrepreneurship can empower people to navigate career transitions, create new opportunities and build lasting impact. Drawing on more than 30 years' experience as an entrepreneur and business leader, Lorraine explains why entrepreneurial thinking is valuable for everyone—not just business owners. Together, Louisa and Lorraine discuss the support available to aspiring entrepreneurs, the importance of lifelong learning, and how organisations can help employees navigate periods of change with confidence. They also explore the Academy's award-winning workforce transition programmes, including New Beginnings, which helped employees facing collective redundancy gain new skills, start businesses and create employment within their own communities. Whether you're considering self-employment, supporting employees through organisational change, or simply looking to develop a more entrepreneurial mindset, this conversation is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories and valuable insights for leaders, HR professionals and anyone facing career transition. ============= Guest: Lorraine Bowen – CEO, The Entrepreneurs Academy Lorraine Bowen is the CEO of The Entrepreneurs Academy and a former creative-sector entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience. Over the past 13 years at the Academy, she has served as Head of Business Development and Head of Innovation and Impact before stepping into the CEO role four years ago. Collaborative and deeply engaged across Ireland's business and education ecosystem, Lorraine is committed to advancing equitable entrepreneurship that creates meaningful opportunities for people while delivering national economic impact. She has been an elected member of the Dublin Chamber Policy Council since 2022 and serves on its Labour Market Taskforce. The Entrepreneurs Academy is a national leader in entrepreneurship, enterprise and human skills education, delivering high-impact Start Your Own Business programmes, workforce transition programmes for employees facing redundancy, and specialised training in digital skills, customer experience, creativity and innovation. Working alongside SMEs, corporate partners and government agencies, the Academy has supported more than 120,000 learners nationwide through practical programmes that drive measurable business and employment outcomes. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan – Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com www.thehumansideofbusiness.com ============= 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. =============

Domestic abuse doesn't end when someone walks into work. In this episode of The Human Side of Business Podcast, Louisa Meehan sits down with Hayley Murphy, Outreach Co-ordinator with Bray Women's Refuge Outreach Services, to explore the often-hidden impact of domestic abuse and coercive control in the workplace. Hayley shares her experience supporting women and men through domestic abuse, navigating the court system, and rebuilding their lives after leaving abusive relationships. Together, Louisa and Hayley discuss the warning signs employers may notice, why post-separation abuse is often misunderstood, and how organisations can create workplaces where employees feel safe enough to ask for help. This conversation offers practical guidance for employers, managers and HR professionals on recognising abuse, responding with empathy, and creating workplace cultures built on trust, understanding and psychological safety. ============= Guest: Hayley Murphy – Bray Women's Refuge Outreach Services Hayley Murphy is an Outreach Co-ordinator with ANU Wicklow Domestic Violence Supports and Bray Women's Refuge, where she provides specialist guidance, advocacy and practical support to people seeking safety and justice. With more than 10 years' experience working within the legal system, Hayley has extensive knowledge of family law and the real-world impact these processes can have on victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Her work focuses on empowering individuals to access support, improve safety and navigate the justice system with confidence. Hayley is currently undertaking further studies in psychotherapy, strengthening her trauma-informed approach to supporting individuals experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control. ============= Host: Louisa Meehan – Woodview HRM www.woodviewhrm.com | www.thehumansideofbusiness.com =============== 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the trenches of people management. ===============