In a recent episode of the HR business marketing podcast, A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Cecilia Clark, founder of Aphrodite HR, about helping independent fertility practices overcome industry challenges and build sustainable teams.
Cecilia‘s entrepreneurial journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when her former employer declared bankruptcy, leaving her and five dependent practices without HR support. Recognizing the opportunity, she founded Aphrodite HR to fill the gap, offering comprehensive HR services, from payroll management to employee relations.
Cecilia Clark
After a brief hiatus, Cecilia returned to her passion, and today, Aphrodite HR thrives by supporting independent fertility practices. Balancing a full-time job and her consulting business, Cecilia uses her HR expertise to address the unique needs of the fertility sector.
Aphrodite HR’s success is driven by its specialized approach to the unpredictable schedules and work-life balance challenges faced by fertility practices. This focus on the niche has helped Cecilia build a strong reputation within the industry.
With a network of over 13,000 LinkedIn connections in the fertility field, Cecilia connects the right talent to the right practices, showcasing the power of niche specialization in HR consulting.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Ceciclia and Ben talked about:
In a recent episode of the HR business marketing podcast, A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Christian Hicks, owner and founder of Targeted HR Consulting, about the HR challenges faced by construction and manufacturing companies.
Christian Hicks brings extensive expertise to Targeted HR Consulting, with PHR, SHRM-CP, and MBA credentials. He began his career in education and nonprofit leadership, where he developed his skills in designing HR systems that align with business objectives and drive growth.
Christian Hicks
Over the years, Christian has led the development and implementation of company-wide ATS and HRIS systems. He also played a key role in expanding an HR department during a significant growth phase, increasing the workforce from 180 to 300 employees while boosting revenue from $49M to $75M. His strategic improvements in recruitment, training, and retention efforts resulted in a 28.8% increase in employee diversity and an 8% reduction in turnover.
Christian’s proactive approach to HR helps companies adapt and thrive, whether they are experiencing growth, navigating downturns, or adjusting to shifting regulations.
Targeted HR Consulting is transforming HR management for industries like construction and manufacturing by tackling critical issues such as workforce retention and hiring shortages. The firm offers fractional HR services to smaller companies that cannot sustain a full HR department. With an in-depth understanding of the current market dynamics, Christian and his team focus on solving complex challenges such as supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages.
In particular, Christian has made it a priority to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in industries like steel, helping companies attract and retain qualified, diverse talent. Through strategic HR consulting, Targeted HR not only helps businesses navigate economic uncertainties but also fosters inclusive work environments and develops innovative solutions to improve talent acquisition and retention.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Christian and Ben talked about:
In a recent episode of the HR business marketing podcast, A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Niel Cope, CEO of People Matters HR, about his remarkable journey of transforming a solo HR consultancy into a thriving business recognized across the industry.
People Matters HR is a growing company based in Bury, Greater Manchester, specialized in providing tailored HR and Health & Safety support to businesses of all sizes.
Niel Cope
Niel Cope embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in 2011, departing from his role as a HR Director for a large charity in Manchester. Observing a gap in the market for HR services tailored to small businesses and charities, he decided to venture into the field independently.
Niel’s passion for helping businesses manage and develop their people laid the foundation for People Matters HR. With a mission to provide reliable HR support, the venture was born amidst the challenges of a recession, while balancing family responsibilities.
People Matters HR has adeptly diversified its service portfolio beyond foundational HR compliance to include leadership development and organizational consulting. This diversification was fueled by client demand for more comprehensive solutions that not only resolve immediate HR issues but also support long-term organizational growth. By integrating leadership training and development into their service offerings, People Matters HR ensures that organizations are equipped to handle the multifaceted challenges of business management.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Niel and Ben talked about:
In a recent episode of the HR business marketing podcast, A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Alice Ferretti, an accomplished HR business owner based in Washington, DC, and the founder of HumansR.
Alice Ferretti
Alice shares her journey of growing an HR consulting firm that specializes in helping small businesses manage their HR needs, from recruitment to employee retention. She discusses the importance of setting up HR processes to ensure employee satisfaction, and how consulting expertise can assist businesses in dealing with complex people-related challenges.
Alice Ferretti is an experienced HR leader with extensive experience guiding organizations through every stage of the employee life cycle.
From recruitment and onboarding to payroll setup and benefits management, Alice excels in optimizing HR functions to support business growth and enhance employee satisfaction.
As the Global Head of People and Culture, she played a pivotal role in scaling a company from 50 to 480 employees across 30+ countries, establishing a world-class People function and fostering a positive, productive work environment.
With a strong background in both non-profit and for-profit sectors, Alice is known for her data-driven approach, strategic problem-solving, and commitment to driving high employee retention and organizational success.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Alice and Ben talked about:
Wondering how to start an HR consulting business in 2025?
Yes, there’s a lot to consider but there’s a lot to be optimistic about too.
Now that the world has moved to hybrid work, there is a global market for new start-up HR consultancies to help employers get the best out of their workforce.
In today’s business world, prioritizing inclusivity drives diversity and fosters innovation. Mentorship plays a key role in career growth, while early, strategic marketing can set businesses on the path to success. Whether it’s refining services or using modern networking techniques, these elements are essential for building a sustainable and impactful business.
Karan Kapoor
In a recent episode of the HR business marketing podcast, A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Karan Kapoor, CEO of Vividh, about the challenges and opportunities of starting a diversity and inclusion consulting business and building inclusive workplaces.
Karan Kapoor is a dynamic leader with a unique blend of executive leadership and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) expertise. As the CEO of Vividh and an accomplished former D&I Manager/Lead, Karan has a deep understanding of fostering cultural change and driving key initiatives to advance the D&I agenda. His career spans multiple industries, including medical devices, FMCG, mobile games, and automotive, providing him with a rich, holistic perspective on navigating complex challenges and delivering innovative solutions.
Karan is passionate about championing diversity as a core driver of organizational growth and shaping inclusive company cultures. His journey highlights resilience and adaptability, overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome while transitioning into leadership roles. Karan thrives on connecting with professionals who share a commitment to fostering inclusivity and driving positive change in the workplace.
Vividh is dedicated to guiding organizations on their journey toward true inclusion, helping them build and retain the best diverse workforce possible. Born out of frustration with the lack of genuine progress in achieving inclusive cultures, Vividh aims to create meaningful, authentic change. With a strategic approach and years of expertise in developing inclusive roadmaps and impactful training, Vividh demonstrates that inclusion, when done right, remains critical and transformative for any organization. Vividh is committed to showing that real inclusion is not only achievable but essential for lasting success.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Karan and Ben talked about:
Luca Lotterio was a psychology student who gained diverse experience working in the restaurant industry while studying. He began his career in Edinburgh before relocating to Tenerife and later Romania. Luca has worked in various roles in the restaurant industry, including in the kitchen, on the floor, and in management. He has also spent time working in different seasons in the mountains and on the seaside, gaining a wide range of experience in the food and beverage industry.
The discrepancies observed in the hospitality industry and the inefficiency of traditional hiring methods that fail to bring in the right candidates were the triggers for Luca to co-found a business.
Restworld aims to enhance the matching of job demand and supply in the hospitality sector by addressing high worker turnover rates and improving working conditions for industry professionals.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Luca and Ben talked about:
In this podcast episode (see the video version on the Get More HR Clients website), Ben shares how, on a flight recently, he watched an episode of ‘Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares’, a formulaic but highly successful reality TV series in which world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay visits struggling restaurants to help them succeed.
Ben explains Ramsey’s business turnaround formula and the lessons we can learn when running an HR-related business.
While you’re here, check out the HR Business Accelerator . . .
The HR Business Accelerator helps people who run their own businesses in the broad ‘HR’ field and helps people who are getting ready to start their own HR business.
We’ve helped hundreds of HR consultants around the world to grow their own successful businesses – the HR Business Accelerator will help you too.
Want to launch your own consulting business in the broad Human Resources sector? Check out: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Services for resources.
ABOUT THE ‘A BETTER HR BUSINESS’ PODCAST
The A Better HR Business podcast looks at how consultants and tech firms in the broad Human Resources field grow their businesses; and how they help employers get the best out of their people.
In a recent episode of the A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Carolyn Shepherd, Founder and Mentor at Emmeline.AI, a personalised helpline dedicated to helping women understand and utilise Generative AI.
Carolyn Shepherd
Carolyn is a versatile HR professional with over 20 years of strategic and operational experience, specializing in GenAI applications, learning and development, and change management.
She collaborates with women in senior leadership roles, guiding them to harness Generative AI to enhance productivity, foster innovation, and dispel concerns about being left behind in the evolving landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Kitson Human Capital Solutions is an Indianapolis-based HR consulting firm with national and international experience. Its expertise includes talent management, cultural alignment, talent acquisition, people operations, executive, and fractional executive HR support.
Kitson Human Capital Solutions specializes in providing pivotal human capital solutions to private equity, venture capital, and other investor-backed companies seeking exponential growth through people management excellence.
In the discussion, Joe sheds light on the challenges faced during company mergers and acquisitions and discusses the crucial role of integrating cultures and managing talent for long-term success.
Joe also explains how fractional CHRO services can benefit companies, and delves into his approach for helping companies put strategic HR management into action.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Joe and Ben talk about:
Having departed the corporate realm, Suzanne now dedicates herself to guiding individuals and organizations in optimizing their Human Resources departments. She seamlessly blends established methodologies with creative thinking and humor, employing improv comedy as a unique tool for fostering leadership development.
Suzanne Lucas
Suzanne’s insightful articles have found a home in prestigious publications such as CBS News, Inc. Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and various other platforms. Recognized as a leading influencer in HR, you can explore her extensive archives at EvilHRLady.org or delve into her Tedx Talk titled “Forget Talent and Get to Work.”
Suzanne advocates for using improv techniques in HR training and development, making learning fun and interactive. Incorporating principles of improv helps build HR skills and flexibility in dealing with unexpected situations. Laughter enhances learning, and participation in activities forces people to think and come up with solutions.
Suzanne has created a thriving Facebook group called “Evil HR Lady” with over 32,000 HR members. The group focuses on becoming the best HR community on the internet, with strict moderation to maintain high-quality discussions and support for day-to-day HR problems.
Suzanne’s journey from corporate HR to freelance writing and consulting exemplifies the power of following your passion and building a successful career around it. Her experience as an expatriate and her transition to consulting while being a stay-at-home mom is truly inspirational.
In this episode, Suzanne shared her passion for HR and the challenges that professionals face, particularly in smaller companies with limited resources. Touching on her own career journey, she discussed her transition from freelance HR writing to speaking engagements and training, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience and understanding day-to-day HR issues.
In a recent episode of A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Shola Kaye, an award-winning communication, empathy, compassionate & inclusive leadership international TEDx & keynote speaker and trainer.
Shola Kaye
Shola, a multi-award-winning speaker, brings a wealth of expertise in empathetic communication, leadership, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With a background in high-pressure industries like investment banking and IT management consulting, Shola understands the challenges of making an impact without confidence and effective communication skills.
Having overcome her struggles as a non-naturally gifted communicator, Shola has become an internationally recognized speaker, delivering powerful presentations for clients like American Express and The United Nations. Featured in prestigious publications, she is committed to creating happier, more engaged, and equitable workplaces.
Shola’s personal experiences of feeling marginalized at work drive her mission to help individuals unleash their brilliance. Through keynotes, masterclasses, and collaborations with leadership teams, she fosters environments where everyone can contribute fully. Shola’s TEDx talk further explores the importance of inclusivity in the workplace.
Beyond her impactful keynotes, Shola extends her influence through training and coaching, working with a team of expert associates. Her approach aims to eliminate barriers, encouraging individuals to share their brilliance and contribute to workplace cultures that thrive on diversity and innovation.
In this episode, Shola shared her insights into the challenges and issues faced by organizations in different countries. Shola discussed the importance of inclusive leadership, outlined her approach to delivering services, and shed light on the types of organizations that seek her expertise.
Brent Pollington and his partner, Lorne MacInnes, established Express Employment Professionals – Vancouver Downtown in 2016. Brent, drawing from diverse work experiences, discovered that the most fulfilling aspect of being an Express owner lies in the ability to assist others. He consistently supports his team, ensuring they have the necessary tools to address challenges faced by job seekers and clients.
Brent Pollington
Service-oriented by nature, Brent approaches challenges with a helpful and selfless attitude, whether assisting clients with staffing and HR issues or helping associates secure positions with reputable companies.
Express Employment Vancouver is the natural choice for Vancouver businesses. They provide top employers with high-quality candidates through a straightforward process. The mission of Express Employment is to assist businesses in finding exceptional individuals and help job seekers discover companies that recognize and value their contributions. Express Employment understands that each business has distinct staffing needs, offering a range of flexible solutions to meet those requirements, including:
Permanent Placements: Assisting employers in finding suitable candidates for full-time, long-term positions.
Evaluation Hires: Aiding businesses in assessing candidates’ skills and qualifications before committing to permanent hiring decisions.
Temporary Placements: Supporting employers in filling short-term or seasonal staffing needs with qualified candidates.
Express Employment believes in cultivating enduring partnerships with clients, prioritizing relationships over transactions. As a grass-roots boutique agency, they are invested in long-term collaborations while being supported by a multi-billion-dollar international corporate giant. The experienced team of recruiters is dedicated to comprehending each business’s unique needs, offering market insights, and conducting wage reviews to facilitate informed hiring decisions.
In this episode, Brent shares his extensive experience and offers valuable advice on improving the attraction and retention processes for companies in Vancouver.
Business growth tips from the episode:
Offering free initial coaching sessions to potential clients can lead to long-term business relationships, as demonstrated by Brent’s success in generating just under $20,000 in advisory services this year.
Emphasizing company culture and mission in job postings is crucial to attracting top talent, as highlighted through Brent’s innovative use of AI technology in creating effective job descriptions and marketing strategies.
Providing value to potential clients without expecting immediate returns can lead to building trust and establishing a strong foundation for future collaboration, as emphasized by Brent’s approach to lead generation and nurturing.
In the most recent episode of A Better HR Business show, Ben spoke with Emma Djemil, founder of Be Unstoppable and the HR Club – the career development network for women in HR. Emma’s life mission is to empower women in HR, enabling them to recognize their inherent magic and leverage their strengths to transform work into a positive and fulfilling aspect of their lives.
Emma Djemil
Emma created The HR Big Meet to provide a unique and energizing experience for HR professionals. With a focus on empowering women in HR, the event aims to connect, inspire, and elevate everyone who attends. Plus, get ready to elevate your credibility by running effective events with Emma’s take on the benefits and challenges of hosting in-person events.
Emma didn’t stop at organizing events.
Be Unstoppable is Emma’s offering to provide HR professionals with the support and resources they need to cope with the challenges of the profession. Whether it’s 1-to-1 coaching or joining the HR club membership, Emma has carved out a space for professionals to find their most powerful, resourced, and unstoppable selves.
In this episode, Emma reveals her journey from disillusionment in traditional HR to launching services that address the holistic well-being of HR professionals. She shares insights on why it’s crucial to be authentic with your offerings, creating a community of like-minded individuals and her plans for the next HR Big Meet.
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