Episode 158

full
Published on:

15th Jul 2025

Why HR Leaders Deserve a Seat in the Boardroom | Andrea Wareham

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What does it really take for an HR leader to make the leap to the boardroom?


In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Andrea Wareham, former Chief People Officer at Pret A Manger and now a Non-Executive Director (NED) across multiple organizations. With 20+ years of experience shaping people strategy at one of the UK’s most iconic brands, Andrea breaks down the real blueprint for HR leaders who want to operate at the highest level of business.


Whether you're an aspiring CHRO or already operating at senior level, this episode will give you the tools to expand your impact, build influence, and shape the future of business from the top down.


Listen now and unlock your path to board-level leadership.



Andrea’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawareham/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/


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(00:00) Preview 

(01:28) Introducing Andrea Wareham

(05:39) Why HR Leaders Belong in the Boardroom  

(10:37) Managing Pressure and Building Trust at Executive Level  

(13:54) Becoming a Public-Facing People Leader  

(15:09) Pret’s People-First Philosophy 

(18:23) The People Lens Boards Are Missing  

(21:34) What It Really Takes to Become a Non-Executive Director  

(25:03) How to Add Value as an NED  

(31:07) Why NED Roles Are So Rewarding  

(35:23) How HR Leaders Can Start Building Board Influence  

(38:40) Driving Board Diversity Through HR Perspective  

(41:12) Top Tips for Aspiring NEDs  

(46:29) Advice for Future HR Leaders  


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About the Podcast

The HR L&D Podcast
Empowering HR Excellence: Insights, Strategies, and Leadership 🌟📈🤝"🎧
🌟 Discover the future of HR with The HR L&D Podcast! 🎧 Get ready for actionable advice, innovative strategies, and transformative HR insights from top human resources industry leaders. 🌍

🔍 We dive deep into issues impacting people management, leadership, inclusion, wellbeing, employee engagement, DEI, and culture development. This show can be your key to optimising your knowledge to unlock the potential of your workforce and elevate company performance. If you're in HR, you can't afford to miss out! 🚀

🎙️ The podcast features interviews with top HR leaders shaping the people industry's future. Through agile, innovative, and strategic insights, the podcast offers listeners the capabilities, skills, and knowledge necessary to execute their HR goals. 🌐

👉 Subscribe now to unlock your HR potential! 💡
👉 Need HR Staff? Contact HR Recruitment Agency JGA Recruitment - www.jgarecruitment.com / info@jgarecruitment.com 📧
👉 Want to be on the show? Email: Nick@jgarecruitment.com 📤"

About your host

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Nick Day