The Uncomfortable Truth HR Leaders Refuse to Face with Dr Hamira Riaz
This episode is sponsored by 'Deel.
Hire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickdayhr/
In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Dr. Hamira Riaz, chartered psychologist, clinical neuropsychologist, and behavioural strategist with over 25 years of experience, to challenge everything you think you know about HR, leadership, and what it means to truly evolve as a professional.
Dr. Hamira brings a rare outside-in perspective, having moved from clinical neuropsychology and high-performing executive coaching into the heart of global corporate HR functions. Together, Nick and Dr. Hamira explore why HR as a profession may be overdue for its most uncomfortable conversation yet and why facing that discomfort is the only path forward.
This conversation unpacks what meta-modern HR actually means and why the profession needs a paradigm shift, why behavioural science must underpin the HR function, how metacognition and self-awareness are the skills most HR leaders are missing, why tolerating darkness and uncertainty is a prerequisite for original thinking, the case for defensive pessimism over blind optimism, what makes us uniquely human in an age of AI, and the psychological tips every HR leader needs to thrive in 2026.
A must-listen for HR leaders, L&D professionals, and anyone who wants to think more boldly, lead more honestly, and show up better, even when the path forward isn't clear.
Connect with Dr. Hamira Riaz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamirariaz-innovativehr/
HRiazConsults website: www.hriazconsults.com
Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/
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Stay tuned for the next episode of the Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!
(00:00) Introduction and Sponsor Message
(03:06) Why "Human Resources" Feels Outdated
(04:46) From Neuropsychology to Corporate HR
(10:38) Meta-Modern HR and Metacognition Explained
(17:51) Managing Paradox and the HR Identity Crisis
(23:00) Where Behavioural Science Fits In
(29:33) Constructive Tension in Coaching Leaders
(36:14) Defensive Pessimism vs Blind Optimism
(44:08) Being the Antibody Inside Organisations
(48:26) Three Psychological Tips for Thriving in 2026
