Episode 208: Why Being in HR is a Gift: Luke McClaran, Chief People Officer, Vitality

Episode 208: Why Being in HR is a Gift - Luke McClaran, Chief People Officer, Vitality Luke introduces how Vitality’s shared-value insurance model provides a unique platform for HR innovation. Their business purpose, to make people healthier and enhance their lives, drives both customer and employee experience, shaping Vitality’s ambition to create the healthiest, high-performing workforce.   Luke shares how Vitality equips managers to support employee wellbeing in a changing world of work. People practices are designed to meet wellbeing needs, while an AI enablement function partners with Learning & Development to deliver training and experimentation at every level. The result: employees are prepared for new technologies and ways of working, with health and wellbeing always at the centre.  Luke also reflects on Vitality’s diversity, equity and inclusion journey, highlighting examples including menopause support, and participation in the Race at Work Charter and 10,000 Black Interns programme. His call to action for everyone in HR? He urges HR professionals to embrace your influence, amplifying employee voices and transforming workplaces.  References: The Race at Work Charter - Business in the Community 10kBI Programme - 10,000 Interns Foundation   Thank you to HEX Talent & Development for sponsoring this episode     HEX is a people performance consultancy dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and organisations reach their full potential.   Founded by Tom Emery, HEX isn’t just another learning provider - they offer the complete package. Their services include deep individual and team coaching, leadership development, facilitation of team events, and broader HR consultancy.   With extensive C-suite experience and years of working with CEOs and senior leaders across multiple industries, HEX’s experts bring insight, challenge, and thought leadership to every engagement.   Their CHRO Impact Framework for developing high-performing senior leaders is tried and tested, forming the foundation of Tom’s Amazon best-selling book, People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a CHRO.   Above all, HEX brings passion, challenge, and joy to all their clients. Discover more by visiting hex-development.com   👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community    You’ll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.     Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world    And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn    Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?    Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth.    Our September Book of the Month is People People: Reach Your Full Potential as a CHRO, by Tom Emery.   It’s a refreshingly honest companion for any CHRO who’s ever wondered, “Am I truly making a difference?” Through the story of Joanna, a seasoned HR leader at a crossroads, it unpacks both the loneliness and potential of the role, guiding you through a CHRO Impact framework.   It’s not a dry leadership manual; it’s full of real-world tools you can bring straight into your leadership. If you’ve ever questioned your path, this book reminds you there’s a way forward - and it starts with purpose, courage and connection.   Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!