HR in the boardroom, 5 ways to elevate your influence

HR in the boardroom, 5 ways to elevate you influence. While writing this I had HR leaders in mind because according to the CIPD, just 2% of businesses have an HR director as executive board members, even though workforce issues have such an influence on an organisation's success.

So, I'm dedicating today's newsletter to people professionals (or anyone who wants to strengthen their voice in this area,) with five practical ways to elevate your influence and impact this year.

Discover my programme: Impact, Influence and Confidence for HR Leaders

Watch the video video (4-mins): Five ways HR leaders can elevate their influence

Here are my five top tips:

1. Define what you want to be known for

What’s your expertise? What’s the thing people turn to you for? Maybe it’s staying ahead of the curve with AI in recruitment or cracking intergenerational workforce challenges.

You don’t need to be a global expert, just know enough to hold your ground and add value. Pick an area that excites you, stay curious and share your insights. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’re seen as the trusted go-to expert.

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Bit Famous works with businesses and organisations
to help them communicate with confidence.

By Penny Haslam

MD and Founder - Bit Famous

Workplace Confidence

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2. Connect HR to big business goals

Think like the CEO or CFO. What do they care about? Growth, market share, the bottom line? How does HR contribute to that?

So, if you’ve run a programme to retain senior women leaders, don’t just talk about “soft” benefits, share the financial impact. Has the work you've delivered saved 10X on recruitment costs? Brilliant.

How have you boosted team productivity? Practise discussing your commercial successes out loud. Do it in the car, in the shower - anywhere! Sure, it might feel a bit weird, but trust me, it works.

3. Lean on your network

Write a list of 10-12 people you can call upon for advice, support, or with whom you can just kick about ideas. These could be former colleagues, mentors or even a mate who always has a fresh perspective.

Then, keep in touch. It doesn’t need to be a big deal a coffee, a quick “how’s it going?” message will do. HR can be isolating, but your network can keep you sharp and supported.

4. Build (or rebuild) strategic relationships

Build New Relationships or reset existing ones. This isn’t about networking for networking’s sake, it’s about influence. Who are your allies in the business? The CFO? Sales Director? If you don’t already chat with them, start now.

Find common ground, it might be as simple as a quick phone call a chat over a coffee or dropping them a note to say, “Hey, saw this and thought of you.” People love that. And guess what? They’ll be more likely to back you and support you when it counts.

5. Check your mindset

Do you see yourself as the CEO or MD's right-hand person? You should! HR doesn’t just support the business—it shapes it.

Your insights into people are critical for driving success, so own it. Speak up in meetings, share your ideas confidently and remember—you’re not just at the table, you’re steering the conversation. Back yourself as much as you back others.

You’ve got this!

So, there you have it - five ways to elevate your influence over the next 12 months. Define your expertise, link HR to business goals, lean on your network, build those strategic relationships and embrace that leadership mindset.

Be confident. Be courageous. And drive value at the highest level.