Best Susannah Marsden Podcasts (2025)

1
Anna Quinn: Heading up Student Services 33:00

5d ago33:00

33:00

My guest in this episode is Anna Quinn, Head of Student Services at the University of Northampton. In addition to leading her large team, Anna contributes to the strategic development of the University such as its bid for the University Mental Health Charter and work on student suicide prevention. She also talks in this episode about the work she h…

1
Why Retention Starts with Better Managers with David Hawthorne 43:49

13d ago43:49

43:49

Trends are everywhere, but translating them into real business impact takes more than reading a report. It takes HR leaders who understand their business and know how to turn insights into strategy. David Hawthorne, Chief People Officer at Anchor Point Management Group, shares how he brings 2025 HR trends to life by aligning people strategy with bu…

1
Gemma Kenyon: Directing Careers and Employability for Student Success 34:22

19d ago34:22

34:22

My guest in this episode is Gemma Kenyon, Director of Careers and Employability at City St George’s University of London. Gemma shares more about her role and how she has successfully directed and embedded a student employability and career focus into institutional life. We talk about how she and her team have gone about collaborating successfully …

1
Solving the Conundrum of International Distributed Teams with Alexandra Erman 42:32

27d ago42:32

42:32

Global teams give companies access to top talent and fresh perspectives, but managing them comes with challenges—time zones, cultural differences, and keeping everyone aligned. Alexandra Erman, Chief People Officer at BforeAI, knows what it takes to lead international teams successfully. In this episode, she shares how to foster connection across b…

1
Dr Brooke Storer-Church: Leading GuildHE 37:05

1M ago37:05

37:05

Dr Brooke Storer-Church is Chief Executive Officer of Guild HE which represents around 70 diverse institutions in the Higher Education sector. In this episode, Brooke reflects upon why diversity is so important to UK Higher Education, and talks about the way in which Guild HE is working to support and champion this part of HE . She also discusses h…

1
Putting a Human Touch on Data-Driven HR with Brittany Rohde 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

Being data-driven doesn’t mean sacrificing the human side of HR. Data can be used to guide decisions while keeping people at the center. Brittany Rohde, Head of People at Monarch Money, believes that HR can be both analytical and people-focused. She shares how to scale sustainably by using automation wisely, bringing employees into key decisions, a…

1
Leadership Reflections Mini-Series: Kerry Shepherd and Ben Tucker 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

Kerry Shepherd and Ben Tucker are founders and partners of the executive search firm, Minerva, sponsor of this Leadership Reflections Mini-Series. In our discussion, we explore some of the themes from earlier episodes of the mini-series and put those topics into the wider Higher Education leadership context of 2025. As professionals who have contac…

1
Discovering Your Leadership Voice with Susannah Robinson 39:03

2M ago39:03

39:03

What kind of leader do you want to be? Pause and really think about that. Or better yet, write it down on paper. Susannah Robinson, Founder and President of Partnership for Talent emphasizes the importance of defining your leadership vision. In this episode, she explains how self-awareness, trust, and consistency shape leadership and why your appro…

1
How to Break the Burnout Cycle with Brittany Fowler and Stephanie Smith 32:48

2M ago32:48

32:48

HR teams provide emotional, mental, and strategic support to their organizations, but who’s supporting them? As burnout among HR leaders reaches alarming levels, it’s clear that those responsible for employee well-being often struggle themselves. Recorded live at the 5th HR Superstars Summit, this episode features Brittany Fowler at Kickstarter and…

1
Leadership Reflections: Professor Pip Beard, Head of the School of Life Sciences, Keele University 29:36

3M ago29:36

29:36

Professor Pip Beard is Professor of Viral Pathology and Head of the School of Life Sciences at Keele University. Pip took her up post as Head of School following the initial part of her career in practice and subsequently in research institutes, and she continues to hold a national and international government advisory role in her professional fiel…

1
Stop the BS and Thrive at Work with Kelly Mackin 36:19

3M ago36:19

36:19

There is no magic formula for creating a happy and engaged workforce. Every employee has unique needs and values, and understanding those differences is the key to building thriving teams. Kelly Mackin, CEO of Motives Met, explains why a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement doesn’t work. Her firsthand experience in a toxic work environment insp…

1
Leadership Reflections: Jim Irving, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students & Governance) 41:41

3M ago41:41

41:41

My guest in this episode is Jim Irving, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students and Governance) at Southampton Solent University, who has developed his higher education career over the past 25 years across a series of progressively senior professional services posts. Jim reflects on his leadership path so far and delves into a range of topics including what …

1
Why Your Offsite Isn’t Working (Yet) with Jared Kleinert 36:40

3M ago36:40

36:40

All teams strive for stronger connections, better communication, and true alignment. Offsites can help make that happen—but only when designed with purpose. In this episode, Jared Kleinert, Founder and CEO of Offsite, shares what makes an offsite truly effective. He explains how to move beyond basic event planning and create experiences that deepen…

1
Leadership Reflections: Professor Randall S Whittaker, Principal & CEO 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

My guest in this episode of the Leadership Reflections mini-series is Professor Randall S Whittaker, Principal and CEO of Rose Bruford College, one of the UK's leading specialist performing arts Higher Education Institutions. As a renowned figure for his work on representation and diversity, Randall reflects upon his leadership journey including wh…

1
How to Lead From the Heart with Mark Crowley 45:42

4M ago45:42

45:42

How do you create a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and inspired to stay? Mark Crowley, author of Lead From the Heart and a pioneer in human-centered leadership, believes it starts with cultivating a culture of care. Drawing on groundbreaking research and decades of experience, Mark explains how emotions, trust, and belonging shape …

1
Leadership Reflections: Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor 33:46

4M ago33:46

33:46

My guest in this episode of the Leadership Reflections mini-series is Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University. In this episode, Shân shares more about her professional background and progressing her career through an educational development route and into senior leadership. With a prime motivation to want to see students flo…

1
REPLAY: Finding Solid Ground Amidst Burnout with Jim Marsden 38:10

4M ago38:10

38:10

Burnout isn’t a sign of overwork—it’s a sign of internal misalignment. In this replay episode, leadership coach Jim Marsden reframes burnout as a powerful signal to realign with your values and purpose. He shares advice on how to combat burnout by embracing curiosity, reconnecting with nature, and finding small but meaningful moments of perspective…

1
Erica Conway: Myth-Busting the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 39:04

4M ago39:04

39:04

My guest in this episode is Erica Conway, Chief Financial Officer at the University of Birmingham and Chair of the British Universities Finance Directors Group (BUFDG). In this episode, Erica offers insight into the role of Chief Financial Officer, and how she works in partnership with university colleagues and governors to enable the institution t…

1
Passing the Mic and Introducing Karina Young as Your New Host 34:56

5M ago34:56

34:56

This episode marks an exciting new chapter for HR Superstars as Adam Weber passes the mic to Karina Young, the new host and VP of People at 15Five. Adam reflects on his journey as the podcast's host, sharing highlights, lessons, and the incredible connections he’s made with HR leaders around the world. Karina steps in to share her vision for the fu…

1
Holly Duglan: Market Exit and Merger 32:57

5M ago32:57

32:57

Holly Duglan is a Registrar and Secretary who had a leading role in managing the market exit of Writtle University College and its merger with Anglia Ruskin University in February 2024. In this episode, Holly talks about what led to the decision to exit the market as an autonomous institution, the 'red lines' determined by the Board of Governors to…

1
REPLAY: Perfect Is the Enemy of Progress with Liesel Mertes 41:12

5M ago41:12

41:12

As we go into 2025, we must keep this in mind... Empathy isn’t a personality trait. According to Liesel Mertes, Founder of Handle with Care Consulting, it’s an essential workplace skill we need to hone. And at the same time, people who go through disruptions and hard times have to eventually return to the office and add value to the organization. T…

1
Vivi Friedgut: Life as Founder and CEO of Blackbullion 29:54

6M ago29:54

29:54

Vivi Friedgut is Founder and CEO of Blackbullion, the learning platform for students who want to gain control of their money. Vivi is recognised nationally as one of the top 10 tech influencers and in this episode she shares more about why she set up Blackbullion, how it has evolved and how she works with numerous institutions across the UK and bey…

1
How to Build a Multi-Generational, Multi-Cultural Team with Jignasha Amin 34:07

6M ago34:07

34:07

Your company’s mission and values can shape its culture globally. In this episode, Jignasha Amin, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at DISCO, shares how organizations can create a consistent and unified culture across different locations and generations by embedding core values into every part of the business. Jignas…

1
Retaining Top Talent Through the Power of Mentorship with Clint Pulver 30:21

6M ago30:21

30:21

How do you turn managers into mentors for a higher retention rate? Clint Pulver, Emmy Award Winner, Top Keynote Speaker, and #1 Bestselling Author, believes it starts with connection and setting high standards. Drawing from his research and over 11,000 undercover interviews, Clint reveals how having a “mentor manager” can be the secret to employee …

1
Revd Ian Worsfold: Chaplaincy in a Diverse HE Community 31:49

6M ago31:49

31:49

Reverend Ian Worsfold is Coordinating Chaplain at City St George’s University of London, who, with his team of chaplains from different faiths, play a central role in supporting the pastoral needs of the highly diverse student and staff body. In this episode, Ian discusses how the role of chaplaincy has evolved at the institution during the past te…

1
Building Trust with Founder CEOs and Elevating HR Leadership with Kelli Dragovich 28:19

6M ago28:19

28:19

How do you gain founders' trust and lead HR in high-growth companies? Kelli Dragovich, Former Chief People Officer at Pendo.io, believes it all begins with understanding who they are and what they care about. With over two decades of HR leadership, Kelli reveals how she’s built successful partnerships with visionary founders while navigating the co…

1
Amplifying Positivity in the Workplace with Claude Silver 31:44

6M ago31:44

31:44

In a world filled with cynicism, one force stands stronger: optimism. In this episode, Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, offers a refreshing perspective on amplifying positivity while steering clear of toxic positivity. She shares how an unexpected meeting with Gary Vaynerchuk led her to New York and to a role tasked with building "the…

1
Dr Monika Nangia: Diversifying Leadership in Professional Services 33:19

6M ago33:19

33:19

Dr Monika Nangia is Academic Registrar and Director of Student & Academic Services at Durham University. She is also leading The Power of Storytelling Project as part of the Higher Diversity Coalition. Data shows that ethnic diversity in professional services leadership - especially in student and academic services leadership - is concerningly low.…

1
How HR and Leadership Drive Culture Together with Jon Rosenson and Molly Perenic 33:43

7M ago33:43

33:43

Can a strong HR-COO partnership transform employee engagement and company culture? Jon Rosenson and Molly Perenic believe it absolutely can. As leaders at Expedient, Jon and Molly share how their close collaboration has led to a thriving work environment where employees are engaged and aligned with the company’s goals. They discuss the power of cle…

1
Secret #5: Share Your Impact to Instill Belief Across the Company 9:55

7M ago9:55

9:55

Share your impact to instill belief across the company. As an HR leader, you can inspire your team and create a culture of trust by consistently showcasing the meaningful work you're doing. In this episode, Adam Weber, host of HR Superstars, explores how the best HR leaders build company-wide confidence through transparency and storytelling. He sha…

1
Kelli Wolfe: Addressing Staff Burnout 31:07

7M ago31:07

31:07

Kelli Wolfe is Deputy Academic Registrar at the University of Roehampton. In this episode, Kelli talks about her role as Deputy Academic Registrar as well as the career path that led to it. She also shares background to her recent research entitled 'The Impact of High-Performance Work Practices on Employee Burnout Experience in UK Higher Education:…

1
Transforming HR into a Strategic Powerhouse with Andrew Bartlow 29:48

7M ago29:48

29:48

It’s time to speak the language of the business while elevating the HR professional. And to do this, there must be a mindset shift. As the CEO of People Leader Accelerator, Andrew Bartlow draws on his experience to reveal how HR leaders can shift from traditional roles to becoming strategic business partners. He breaks down the critical importance …

1
Secret #4: Activate Managers to Operationalize Work 12:15

7M ago12:15

12:15

While HR leaders often juggle many challenges, Adam Weber, Host of HR Superstars, suggests that effective people management is one of the most critical issues they face. Adam shares that strategic HR is not about doing everything yourself but about leveraging the power of your managers. He introduces the fourth secret from the top 5% of HR leaders,…

1
Dr David Gilani: Navigating Student Belonging and Engagement 35:49

7M ago35:49

35:49

Dr David Gilani is Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy at Middlesex University. In this episode, David shares more about his leadership of, and thoughts on, student engagement and what that means to support student success. He also reflects upon his own career path to date, and how and why the student engagement professional niche has become so…

1
Breaking the Cycle of Burnout and Boredom with Sherry Woosley 25:54

7M ago25:54

25:54

The key to retention lies in understanding why employees truly stay. In this episode, Adam Weber sits down with Dr. Sherry Woosley, Director of Analytics and Research at Elentra, to explore the surprising phenomenon of being "busy but bored" and how it impacts motivation and retention. Sherry explains the difference between meaningful engagement an…

1
Secret #3: Show Courage When Pitching Your Ideas 11:48

8M ago11:48

11:48

Ever felt like your career is stuck in a loop of rejection and frustration? @Adam Weber, Host of HR Superstars, offers insights for HR leaders facing constant roadblocks when pitching innovative ideas. In this episode, Adam shares the third secret of top HR performers:––how to show courage when pitching your ideas. Drawing on examples from his own …

1
Dr Diana Beech: Leading London Higher 31:19

8M ago31:19

31:19

Dr Diana Beech is the Chief Executive of London Higher, the largest representative body of its kind in England. In this episode, Diana shares more about the role of London Higher and the type of work that she and her team lead to support the success of HE. She also delves into her career path to date, including her time at the Higher Education Poli…

1
Tackling CEO Favoritism and Creating a Fair Workplace with Alex Seiler 35:45

8M ago35:45

35:45

Have you ever wondered if CEO favoritism can shape the culture of an entire organization? According to Alex Seiler, it definitely can. Alex, a seasoned Chief People Officer with over 15 years of global experience, shares the often-overlooked impacts of CEO favoritism on organizational culture and how it manifests in promotions, decision-making, and…

1
Secret #2: Moving Beyond Gut Instinct with Data-Driven HR 10:32

8M ago10:32

10:32

Can gut instinct alone guide strategic HR decisions effectively? Adam Weber doesn’t think so. In this episode, he discusses the second secret of the top 5% of HR leaders: the pivotal role of data and metrics in advancing bold initiatives. Adam highlights the transformation HR is undergoing, drawing parallels to the marketing industry's shift from i…

1
Akhil Yerneni & Claire Carter: Demystifying Executive Search 38:48

8M ago38:48

38:48

Akhil Yerneni and Claire Carter are both partners at the Executive Search firm, Anderson Quigley. In this episode, Akhil and Claire demystify the role of an executive search firm in relation to both permanent and interim roles for HE professional services and academic staff and, amongst other topics, offer advice on how and when to work with firms …

1
Improving Job Descriptions and Employee Retention with Wendy Sellers 30:49

8M ago30:49

30:49

A little bit of empathy makes a big difference in the workplace. In this episode, Adam Weber sits down with Wendy Sellers, known as "The HR Lady," to explore the power of empathy, the value of personality assessments, and the importance of clear communication. Wendy offers valuable insights into recognizing different personality styles and the ofte…

1
Secret #1: You must Speak the Language of Your Business 11:09

9M ago11:09

11:09

How do top HR leaders successfully pitch new ideas and gain executive buy-in? In this episode, Adam Weber reveals why the key lies in speaking the language of the business. Drawing from his experience with many HR leaders, Adam shares insights on tailoring HR strategies to align with overarching business goals. He explains the importance of underst…

1
Andrea Bolshaw: Being An Interim 28:01

9M ago28:01

28:01

Andrea Bolshaw is an Interim Registrar and Secretary. She started her Higher Education career as a Graduate Trainee, and subsequently carved out a career path through increasingly senior positions that took her to becoming a Registrar and Secretary in a permanent role. In 2023, she took a major professional decision to leave permanent employment an…

1
From Overwhelm to Excellence in Leadership with Anita Grantham 35:20

9M ago35:20

35:20

What if the secret to extraordinary organizational success lies in being playful and fearless? Anita Grantham believes it does. A leading people leader and Head of HR at BambooHR, Anita shares her unique approach to building a company that outperforms the market. Her journey to running HR at a top SaaS company is filled with lessons in embracing cu…

1
Empowering Leaders Through On-The-Job Coaching with Katie Burke 35:45

9M ago35:45

35:45

Is it possible to create a high-performance culture without losing the human touch? Katie Burke believes it is. On this episode, Katie Burke, former Chief People Officer of HubSpot, shares how her unique journey from media relations to chief people officer shaped her view on progressive people operations. Reflecting on her 11-year journey at HubSpo…

1
Shaping Company Culture Beyond Perks with Melissa Daimler 34:20

9M ago34:20

34:20

While many equate company culture with perks like ping pong tables and free food, Melissa Daimler challenges this superficial view and emphasizes the profound impact of well-defined behaviors and processes. In this episode, Melissa Daimler, Chief Learning Officer at Udemy, shares insight on creating a culture grounded in core values and constructiv…

1
Finding Balance Amidst Startup Chaos with Lee Rubin 34:44

10M ago34:44

34:44

How do you navigate shifting priorities during life’s big moments while maintaining team chemistry and a strong company culture? Lee Rubin, founder and CEO at Confetti, shares her insights as she prepares for maternity leave. In this episode, Adam and Lee discuss the balancing act leaders face during significant life changes. From reorienting prior…

1
Shaping a People-First Workplace in a Digital Era with Carmen Amara 31:49

10M ago31:49

31:49

As remote work has become the new norm, the role of managers in shaping the employee experience has never been more critical. Carmen Amara, Chief People Officer at Yelp, delves into the importance of empathy in management, especially amid the challenges introduced by the pandemic. With work and life increasingly intertwined, Carmen shares practical…

1
Three Behaviors to Cultivate as a Human-First Leader with Paul Wolfe 29:51

10M ago29:51

29:51

We’re all humans first and leaders second. In this conversation, Paul Wolfe, author of Human Beings First, shares how leaders can stay grounded in their humanity and cultivate deeper connections with the people around them. Paul invites leaders to implement three simple behaviors to help them create safe spaces for their teams. He discusses what it…

1
Trust: A Secret Weapon in the War for Talent with Eric Termuende 27:14

10M ago27:14

27:14

While HR leaders might be losing sleep over the pace of AI or the return to office debate, Eric Termuende shares that the real concern ought to be the talent crisis. Eric is a keynote speaker and bestselling author of Rethink Work. In this conversation, he reveals the root of the talent problem: a lack of trust between individuals and organizations…

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