In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, Maya sits down with Lucy Adams, former Head of HR at the BBC and CEO of Disruptive HR, to unpack why so much of modern HR still feels stuck in compliance, process, and risk management instead of influence, credibility, and real business impact.
Lucy shares what she learned from leading HR at The BBC, one of the world’s most scrutinized institutions, why annual performance reviews have had their day, how employers are gaming salary transparency, and what employees should actually do when they are stalled on promotions, hit with surprise HR meetings, or dealing with a boss who keeps taking credit for their work.
In this episode:
[00:00:00] Intro to Workplace Weirdness + Lucy Adams introduction[00:01:00] Lucy Adams on her BBC roots and what it was really like leading HR there[00:03:00] Lucy’s third book and why HR leaders often struggle to be heard[00:05:00] Why Lucy launched Disruptive HR and where traditional HR goes wrong[00:07:00] The HR practice Lucy thinks should disappear: annual performance reviews[00:08:00] Lucy’s weirdest workplace moment begins[00:09:00] Traveling to dangerous reporting zones and hostile-environment training at the BBC[00:10:00] The terrifying mock gunman scenario and what it revealed about HR’s reputation[00:11:00] “Week in Work”: salary transparency laws and employers gaming pay ranges[00:12:00] Why vague salary ranges damage trust and candidate experience[00:13:00] BBC salary transparency: publishing top leaders’ exact pay[00:14:00] The downside of pay transparency and why Lucy still thinks it was worth it[00:15:00] Listener question: “I’ve been promised a promotion for years. What now?”[00:16:00] Lucy’s advice on asking for clarity without sounding threatening[00:17:00] Why managers need to feel there’s some jeopardy if they keep stalling[00:18:00] Maya’s take on visibility, ambition, and making your goals known[00:19:00] Listener question: surprise HR meeting with no explanation[00:20:00] How to respond to vague HR invites without spiraling[00:21:00] Why HR should give context before scheduling scary-sounding check-ins[00:22:00] Listener question: my boss keeps taking credit for my work[00:23:00] Lucy on why escalating too fast can backfire[00:24:00] Start with the direct conversation before going to HR or leadership[00:25:00] Closing thoughts, Lucy’s resources, and final wrap-up[00:26:00] End credits and subscribe reminder
Resources and Links:
Lucy Adams
· Website: https://disruptivehr.com/
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
· LinkedIn: Maya Kadar Kovalsky
Workplace Weirdness
· Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com
· Website: workplace-weirdness.com
· Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.