From Party Poopers to Strategic Enablers

This Week in Talent – In high-pressure business environments, teams in TA, legal, risk, procurement, and finance often get unfairly branded as the “Party Poopers” — seen as blockers while others race ahead toward growth. But when done well, these functions aren’t the brakes — they’re the steering wheel. In this blog, Carrie Harding unpacks how strategic enablers shift the narrative by designing smarter systems, empowering teams, and aligning compliance with business outcomes. If you’re tired of being seen as the department of “no,” this one’s for you. Because playing by the rules shouldn’t mean slowing the game down — it should help you win it.

The New Face of Corporate Australia

This Week in Talent – Corporate Australia is made up of more than just employees. Temps, freelancers, contractors, consultants — we all play a part. But there’s still a lingering mindset that some contributions matter more than others, depending on employment status. This blog challenges that thinking. Because in a fast-changing world, value isn’t defined by employment status — it’s defined by impact. Whether you’re here for a project or the long haul, your work helps shape the organisation’s story. It’s time to drop the “us vs them” mentality and embrace a more inclusive way of working — where everyone belongs.

How the Best Work is Not Done in Isolation

This Week in Talent – If you look at a Venn diagram of the needs and drivers of Talent Leaders, Procurement Leaders, and Employee Relations, the overlap is surprisingly small, yet their alignment is critical to managing a successful contingent workforce. Talent focuses on speed and delivery, candidate experience, and securing the right skills. Procurement is driven by cost control, risk mitigation, and contract compliance. Employee Relations ensures adherence to labor laws, fair treatment, and risk management. Each function has its own priorities, but without collaboration, you risk inefficiencies, compliance issues, and missed opportunities. Carrie shares how a new approach achieved more with aligned goals and shared understanding.

A Talent Leader’s Guide to Self-Growth

This Week in Talent – In the final TWIT for March, Gary invites you to join the journey of transformation and personal development for career success. It’s time to have an honest conversation with ourselves – as Talent Leaders we need to evolve, or we might just go extinct (or not be as relevant – the less dramatic option!). We must never take for granted the role we as talent professionals all play in changing people’s lives and making their dreams a reality. AI has a place, but so does the right dose of human touch…now that’s the real magic!

Health, Wellbeing & Lovin’ yo-self

This Week in Talent – In this week’s contribution, I’d like to share with you the vulnerable version of Gary. My hope is that for those who read this walk away inspired, educated, mindful and empowered to be vulnerable. Most importantly, I would want you to know that it’s OK to be selfish by mastering self-care before you provide care for others. In my own personal experience, one of life’s most valuable lessons has been the prioritisation of one’s health and wellbeing.

Welcome Onboard!

This Week in Talent: Great onboarding isn’t just a checklist, it’s an experience that sets the tone for success. Gary Park explores how to design an engaging, human-centred onboarding process that fosters connection, confidence, and culture from Day 1. Discover practical tips, best practices, and real-world insights to create moments that matter for your new hires. Read on and get in (loco)motion for a great onbording process!