A fun start given the title of this podcast, Armand opens with three disclaimers: he’s not changing the world, he doesn’t like the word ‘change’, and HR doesn’t have a social mandate. Rather, Armand begins, the CHRO's key responsibility is driving performance and profit for the business.

Armand demonstrates his performance and data-driven approach to HR, sharing the example of leading restructuring at AkzoNobel. Providing span of control as an example metric, Armand discusses his work moving the ratio from 6.6 to 8, delivering €150 million in structural savings whilst increasing both productivity and employee engagement.

Armand shares his passion for encouraging others to achieve what seems unachievable, and he challenges HR leaders to master data and evidence, and to aim for simplicity. Host Cecilia notes, leading a workforce of 32,000 people undoubtedly has societal impacts, and suggests that, in supporting others with such ambitions, perhaps Armand is changing the world, after all.

What actually drives progress for women in leadership? Encompass Equality's latest research

Thank you to Encompass Equality for sponsoring this episode.

Encompass is dedicated to creating better workplaces for women and building cultures where everyone benefits.

Powered by industry-leading research into women's lived experiences at work, Encompass turns real insight into targeted interventions that improve how people work together.

Their latest research, conducted with the FTSE Women Leaders Review and Chartered Management Institute, reveals what actually works and how to make change happen in your organisation.

Download your free report from Encompass Equality

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Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?  

Our book of the month for March is Don't Fix Women by Joy Burnford – a bold call to rethink how we approach gender equality in the workplace.

Joy challenges the narrative that women need to adapt or be "fixed" to succeed. Instead, she shines a light on the systemic barriers and cultural norms that need to change. Drawing on extensive research including the landmark Why Women Leave study, she demonstrates that the barriers women face aren't about women at all – they're about how work is structured, managed and experienced.

With published Gender Action Plans coming in next year, if you're thinking about root causes, want compelling data points for your business cases, and ideas for practical steps you can take, Don't Fix Women is the book to read. It's a timely read as we approach International Women's Day too.

Grab your copy – perhaps an International Women's Day gift for yourself or a colleague.

Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book.