Your path to a people leadership role

The strategic opportunity

The pathway from HR specialist to influential business leader isn't always clear. Many professionals excel at core P&C functions but find themselves uncertain about developing the strategic and commercial capabilities needed for senior roles. Yet with organisations facing unprecedented people challenges, there's never been a better time to step up.

At The Next Step's recent Broadcasting Your Leadership Potential event, hosted at ARN Media, industry leaders shared insights about the evolving nature of HR leadership. While technical expertise remains valuable, organisations increasingly need leaders who can architect organisational systems, drive cultural transformation and translate people strategy into business outcomes.

Creating environments for success

While mastering HR domains is essential, true leadership demands a broader perspective. You need to understand how different organisational elements interconnect and influence overall business success.

"For us to do our jobs really well, we need to think about the organisational system," explains Angela Ewers, Chief People Officer at ARN Media. "You've got to have that system working well together, whether it's thinking about safety implications, employment law, psychosocial factors or health and wellbeing."

The key is understanding how different elements fit together to enable people to do great work. Look beyond individual HR processes to see how the whole organisational architecture supports business success.

Building commercial influence

When you understand business drivers, you can better shape people solutions. "It's not just about filling roles or managing performance," notes Katie Johnson, Director at The Safe Step. "What differentiates leaders is their ability to have business conversations and ask commercially-focused questions."

Start developing your commercial acumen by understanding revenue drivers, business models and strategic challenges. Frame HR initiatives in terms of business outcomes rather than just people processes.

Delivering drives credibility

Career progression starts with nailing the basics. Become known as someone who consistently delivers - who turns plans into action and solves problems effectively. When you reliably deliver solutions, people start coming to you with bigger challenges and opportunities.

This reputation for delivery creates opportunities beyond your immediate role. You'll find yourself invited into broader business discussions and trusted to lead major organisational initiatives.

Finding your authentic voice

Authenticity builds trust and creates lasting influence. Being genuine in your approach helps others connect with your message and understand your commitment to organisational success. Show vulnerability when appropriate - it's a strength that helps build deeper connections with your team and stakeholders.

While defensiveness towards feedback is natural, viewing it as an opportunity for growth is crucial. Share ideas openly, even if they're not fully formed. These conversations often spark important insights and demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt.

Leading through change

From AI to evolving workplace expectations, People & Culture leaders must help organisations navigate constant change. Angela emphasises looking beyond immediate challenges: "You've got to think about how you future-proof the business, ensure you've got the right skills for where you're heading and bring it all together so people can do great work."

Read widely, ask intelligent questions and remain curious. Stay informed about emerging trends in technology, workplace culture and business models. Your role is increasingly about helping the organisation adapt while maintaining focus on people outcomes.

Cross-functional leadership

Modern leadership requires strong partnerships across functions. Josh Keech, Head of Employment Relations & Safety at ABC, exemplifies this trend. 'When we're talking about key issues like psychosocial risk, senior leadership expects a united voice,' he explains.

Building relationships across functions helps you see the bigger picture and navigate complex organisational challenges more effectively.

Ben Kirkbride, Head of Health, Safety & Quality at Gamuda, emphasises that success comes from understanding different business perspectives. 'Technical expertise only gets you so far. The real opportunity lies in connecting with people across the organisation and having conversations you probably wouldn't have had previously.'"

Embrace the journey

"Just jump in and take opportunities when they're thrown your way," advises Angela. "Even if you don't think you can do it, have a go - what's the worst that could happen?"

While having a career plan is valuable, progress isn't always linear. The biggest growth often comes from embracing unexpected challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone. Look for opportunities to expand your experience, whether through new projects, cross-functional initiatives or industry involvement.

Building your support network

Leadership growth thrives on strong professional relationships. Build connections with peers who challenge your thinking and mentors who've walked your path. Remember that mentoring is a two-way street - the more you contribute to others' growth, the more you'll receive in return.

"Understanding where you want to go in your career is crucial," notes Chloe Jones, Senior Consultant at The Next Step. "But equally important is building relationships with people who can help you get there. That's why we focus on being more than just recruiters - we're career partners who understand both your aspirations and the changing business landscape."

A specialist HR recruiter can help you understand emerging leadership trends, identify gaps in your toolkit and connect you with opportunities that align with your career aspirations. They're also an excellent sounding board as you develop your leadership voice and professional brand.

Ready for the next step in your career?

The journey to influential leader starts with seeing beyond People & Culture processes to organisational and business impact. Focus on building commercial acumen, driving change and creating environments where people and business thrive.

Why not start today? Whether it's reaching out to a potential mentor, joining a cross-functional project or updating your development plan, taking action now moves you closer to your leadership goals. Your future as a People leader awaits.