Penny Haslam, Author at Bit Famous

How to say no at work

How to say no at work. Let’s face it, saying no isn’t always easy. Whether it’s a colleague, your boss or that overly enthusiastic friend trying to rope you into something, the pressure to say yes can feel overwhelming.

So, here’s my guide to navigating those tricky situations when you want to confidently say no.

Do you struggle to say no at work?
Some of us just can’t bear the thought of letting anyone down. Often we can find ourselves saying yes to a request just to keep others happy – even if it’s at the detriment of our own happiness or well-being.

This can stem from a strong need to be liked, conflict avoidance or even an ingrained habit of simply prioritising others’ needs above their own.

While it’s a trait rooted in kindness and collaboration – which is lovely – it can lead to burnout, resentment or being taken advantage of if left unchecked. So, what can you do if you are stuck in a cycle of saying yes when you don’t want to?

Beat the self-belief thief

Today, I want to talk about confidence thieves. You know – those people (or moments) that swoop in and swipe your self-belief right out from under you.
They’re real, persistent and they can strike at any time.
But don’t worry, I’ve got some great advice to help you spot them, protect yourself and even bounce back stronger.

What are confidence thieves?
Confidence thieves come in different forms. Sometimes it’s a person – a colleague, a boss or even a so-called friend – who makes a remark that cuts deep, making you question yourself.
Other times, it’s a situation, like a big presentation or an unexpected challenge that rattles your confidence.
And then there’s that little voice in your head, whispering things like, “Who do you think you are?” or “You’re not ready for this.”
Any of these can steal your self-belief if you let them.
It can happen so quickly. One small comment or a brief moment of doubt can snowball into a full-on confidence crisis.
These confidence thieves are lurking everywhere, sometimes where you least expect them.

Visible leadership mistakes and how to avoid them

Visible leadership mistakes and how to avoid them.
Visible leadership isn’t just about being present; it’s about genuinely connecting with your team, being approachable and staying engaged.

But let’s face it, even the best leaders can make mistakes – sometimes an attempt to be more visible can backfire, creating distance instead of connection.

In this blog, I’ll cover some of the common traps and share practical advice on how to avoid them. By the end, you’ll have the tools you need to build real, lasting connections that strengthen your leadership.

How to ask for feedback – dos and don’ts

How to ask for feedback – dos and don’ts. Feedback can be a brilliant work tool. When done right it promotes personal growth, builds confidence and strengthens relationships.
But before you jump in with a casual “How did I do?”, there’s a lot worth considering.
In my latest podcast episode, I share all my top tips on how to ask for feedback. Plus, a story about the worst piece of feedback I ever got during my time in TV – it still makes me wince! Have a listen and feel free to share it with your colleagues.

Get your people bragging, with brag books!

I’m excited to share a simple yet powerful tool that can help boost confidence, self-awareness, and productivity in the workplace: the brag book.
And yes, while the name might sound a tad cringey, this isn’t about showing off – it’s about recognising achievements, celebrating wins and empowering individuals to keep moving forward.
So, let’s dive into what brag books are, why they’re useful and how you can support your colleagues in creating and maintaining their own.

Public sector recruitment, a passion for shaping talent in Greater Manchester – Anna Foster-Ressel

Workplace Confidence Podcast – A passion for public service, shaping talent in Greater Manchester with Anna Foster-Ressel

In this episode, we chat with Anna Foster-Ressel, the energetic Senior Talent and Resources Manager and Strategic People Business Partner at Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Anna shares her passion for the public sector and how she’s on a mission to build diverse, inclusive teams that truly reflect the community.

Anna talks about wearing two hats – leading recruitment for both GMCA and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and why she believes hiring for values and behaviours beats experience every time. She and Penny dig into the challenges of public sector recruitment, including how to attract talent when you can’t compete on salaries, and why Anna’s approach is all about connecting people with purpose.

Inclusive recruitment, why two unconscious biases are better than one at BPP – Jen Hulme

Workplace Confidence Podcast – Inclusive recruitment, why two unconscious biases are better than one at BPP with Jen Hulme.

In this episode, Penny Haslam talks with Jen Hulme, a passionate talent acquisition leader at BPP, a leading UK provider of professional education in law, business, finance and healthcare.

Jen shares her fresh approach to recruitment, focusing on the art of recruiting rather than specialising in a single industry. She believes that by mastering recruitment skills, you can succeed across various sectors, making the process more dynamic and insightful.

Jen explains how BPP attracts top talent, especially from diverse backgrounds and emphasises the importance of aligning candidates with the company’s core values, such as being student-centric and embracing change. She also discusses the challenges of maintaining a personal touch in an increasingly automated recruitment world.

Empowering leaders at the College of Policing – Becs Riley

Workplace Confidence Podcast – Empowering leaders at the College of Policing with Becs Riley.

In this episode, Becs Riley, Senior Leaders Hub Manager at the College of Policing, shares her unique journey from working as a forensic shoe print specialist to leading initiatives that support senior leaders.

Becs explores the challenges of empowering leaders in policing, particularly the difficulty of shifting mindsets from focusing solely on operational tasks to taking on broader leadership roles.

Global HR challenges: the People At Work survey 2024 – Annabel Jones

Episode 8: Workplace Confidence PodcastWhere people professionals share the great work they doIn this episode, we sit down with Annabel Jones, Senior HR Director for International Sales & Marketing at ADP a global payroll and HR services provider. Annabel brings a wealth of experience from her diverse people career journey, including roles in the music industry, visual effects for blockbuster films …

Gender pay gap and workplace well-being at the NFU

Tackling the gender pay gap and promoting well-being at the NFU – Catherine Cooper

Workplace Confidence Podcast – Tackling the gender pay gap and promoting well-being at the NFU with Catherine Cooper.

In this episode, we chat with Catherine Cooper, Director of People at the National Farmers Union, who is on a mission to foster inclusivity and tackle the gender pay gap at NFU. Catherine brings her passion for people and culture to the forefront, sharing her strategies for supporting employees and members through challenging times like Brexit, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine.

Catherine discusses the NFU’s approach to closing the gender pay gap, focusing on empowering women, promoting flexible working and ensuring fair and unbiased recruitment.

She also opens up about her personal journey with confidence and imposter syndrome and how these experiences shape her leadership style today. From creating connection through “Tea Together” events to implementing agile working policies, Catherine is all about making sure everyone at NFU feels valued and supported.

Building a legacy, leading with empathy and purpose at Property Tectonics – Esther Brady

Workplace Confidence Podcast – Building a legacy, leading with empathy and purpose at Property Tectonics with Esther Brady. In this episode, Penny Haslam is in conversation with Esther Brady, Managing Director of Property Tectonics, a property and construction consultancy known for blending professional services with innovative software solutions.

Esther shares her journey from working on reception to leading the company, highlighting how her unconventional path and commitment to servant leadership have shaped her approach to business and people management.

Esther talks about the unexpected challenges she faced when her father, the company founder, passed away, thrusting her into the role of MD amidst personal grief and a shifting business landscape. She reflects on how these experiences boosted her confidence, driving her to lead with empathy, foster a strong workplace culture and ensure her team feels valued and supported.

How to lead smart people at Signature Discovery – James Edgar

How to lead smart people.

This became the topic of my conversation with James Edgar, Chief People Officer at Signature Discovery an outsourced provider of early-stage drug discovery services for biotech and pharma companies. Roughly 80% of his thousand colleagues have a PhD.

You can hear the conversation here:

According to James leading very clever people is both a “privilege and a challenge.” When you’re leading people who are experts in their field – brilliant minds in their own right – he says, “The pressure can feel different.”

This is because you aren’t just responsible for getting the job done. You’re responsible for creating an environment where their intelligence can truly shine.

Redefining success for women in law and leadership – Jane Ayaduray

Workplace Confidence Podcast – From accidental D&I leader to global change-maker with Jane Ayaduray.

In this episode, Penny Haslam is joined by Jane Ayaduray, Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion at a leading global law firm. Jane shares her unconventional journey into the world of diversity and inclusion, a path she stumbled upon by accident when she mistakenly applied for a job she didn’t realise was in D&I. From this unexpected start, Jane has forged a successful career championing diversity, equity and inclusion across multiple industries and continents.

Jane reflects on her diverse roles, from working in Singapore and Dubai with Standard Chartered to leading D&I at BNP Paribas and now in her current role, where she’s focused on fostering an inclusive culture and supporting senior women lawyers globally.

People centric business at P3 People Management – Charlotte Dean

Workplace Confidence Podcast – Building people centric businesses at P3 People Management with Charlotte Dean.

In this episode, Penny Haslam talks with Charlotte Dean, founder of P3 People Management, about her journey from the corporate world to supporting small and medium-sized businesses with their people strategies. Charlotte shares how she started P3 with a passion for working with companies that truly value their people and how her approach has evolved to focus on those who see their employees as more than just resources but as integral to their brand and success.

Charlotte discusses the importance of understanding a company’s culture and values and how she helps organisations become more people-centric by asking the right questions and encouraging curiosity. She emphasises the need for businesses to invest in self-awareness and personal development, not just for leaders but for all team members, to foster a workplace environment where everyone can thrive.

What is ESG? People, planet, purpose at Davies – Gillie Fairbrother

Workplace Confidence Podcast – What is ESG? People, planet, purpose at Davies with Gillie Fairbrother.

In this episode, Penny Haslam chats with Gillie Fairbrother, Global Responsible Business Officer at Davies a professional services and technology company. Gillie shares her unconventional journey from media and wellness into the corporate world, now leading ESG initiatives with a focus on making businesses more viable and sustainable.

Gillie describes her role as being an “air traffic controller” for responsible business practices across Davies and explains how she reframes ESG – often seen as a corporate buzzword – into something more tangible and relatable: People, Planet, and Purpose. She believes that this approach not only covers environmental sustainability but also addresses the financial and operational viability of the business.

Disrupting higher education and empowering people at UA92 – Ian Turner

Episode 1: Workplace Confidence Podcast – Disrupting higher education and empowering people at UA92 with Ian Turner.

In this episode, Penny Haslam speaks with Ian Turner, Chief of People and Place at UA92 (University Academy 92). Ian shares how UA92, co-founded by Gary Neville and the Class of 92 footballers alongside Lancaster University, is revolutionising higher education by focusing on social mobility and accessibility. With initiatives like the Make It For Real campaign, UA92 helps remove financial and logistical barriers, offering bursaries, tech support and even meals to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ian reflects on the rapid growth of UA92, from just 80 students in 2019 to around 1,400 today, driven by its mission to make education accessible for all. He discusses the challenges of scaling up in a traditional sector and how UA92’s culture of being “fired up,” deliberately different and inclusive guides their approach.

Penny and Ian delve into Ian’s career journey from sales to HR, highlighting his passion for developing people and fostering a culture where everyone is empowered to lead. Ian shares his approach to making HR more than just a transactional function, emphasising the importance of visibility, human connection, and embedding himself within the organisation.

Throughout the conversation, Ian offers insights on leading with empathy, overcoming imposter syndrome and creating a workplace where people feel valued and fired up. Tune in to hear how Ian is driving UA92’s mission forward, fostering a culture of inclusivity and passion and what it takes to be a visible, authentic leader in today’s evolving world of work.

The power of reflective practice

Do your people think, reflect and succeed? The power of reflective practice.
I’d like to introduce you to another free and straightforward idea that will supercharge professional life for you and your colleagues.
It’s called ‘reflective practice’ – also known as journaling or, in super simple terms, writing down your thoughts and writing down what you think about your thoughts.
It can have a surprisingly powerful impact.
The practice is commonly used by healthcare, education and social work professionals, but trust me, its’ benefits can transform any workplace.

Make listening your organisation’s superpower

What do meetings look like in your organisation? Is it just a few people speaking while most stay silent? Do people interrupt, talk over each other, pinch ideas, or mansplain?
Perhaps the culture is that the leaders or the most experienced have all the best ideas, and it’s everyone else’s job just to shut up and listen.
Create a thinking environment in your meetings
I’ve got some great tips and advice about listening for you to share with your colleagues. It’s all about consistently putting listening into practice to create more sustainably successful and productive meetings, where:
You tap into genuine creativity and fantastic ideas by making listening a priority.
People feel heard and positive about themselves because they’ve made genuine contributions and solved problems together.
As a leader, you’re seen as more coach-like, empathetic, and approachable.
So, as ever in the Workplace Confidence newsletter, it’s about the HOW. How do you create a culture of meetings where listening is a priority? I suggest these three ground rules, which you should explain to everyone at the beginning of each meeting.

Coming up on the Workplace Confidence Podcast

Coming up on the Workplace Confidence PodcastBonus episodeComing up on the Workplace Confidence Podcast. In this special bonus episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek at the incredible conversations we’ve lined up. Think of it as your first taste of the engaging and insightful discussions that are coming your way.Listen nowWorkplace Confidence PodcastListen to all episodesComing up on the Workplace …

Can you just say a few words?

Could you just say a few words please?
Ever been asked that, or had to ask it of someone else?
It’s for that moment in an office, when there’s a ‘leaving do’ – a team member is retiring, going on maternity leave, moving on to another department or a new job somewhere else – and it’s someone senior’s job to mark the occasion with a small speech-ette.
But it can fall a bit flat, can’t it? We’ve all witnessed it. The departing person feels unappreciated, the team are embarrassed. And you’ve missed an opportunity to communicate culture and to show how valuable your people actually are.
So let’s get on top of these moments as leaders, make the most of the chance to be visible and ultimately make them more meaningful.

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