Do leaders have to be loud? Can they authentic and kind? Can they lead with heart and head?
Hell No! Yes! and Yes!
Today's friend of Coffee with Kofi Nicki Auret, is the embodiment of quiet, kind, and impactful leadership. From her unconventional start to life in a quiet South African town,
Nicki's 30 year career has seen her make a world of difference to the Human Resources profession across South Africa, the UK, Asia, and the USA.
She is currently the Chief People Officer at a leading global bank within the emerging markets and is the Immediate Past Master of the delightful Company of Human Resource Professionals. Its values of Fellowship, Education and Charity are ones found at the core of Nicki's work.
Key takeaways:
Leadership Philosophy: Nicki's leadership is defined by her "4 A's": Authenticity, Agency, Allyship, and Advocacy. This framework is a direct response to a pivotal early career comment that she was "too nice" to be effective, which she has since proven wrong.
HR's Evolution: The HR function has transformed from an administrative practice to a strategic, commercial, and values-based advisory role. Nicki describes HR's modern purpose as the "organisational conscience."
Global Leadership: Leading across diverse markets requires balancing a few core global values with significant local autonomy. This approach builds trust and enables self-organizing systems, embodying the principle of Ubuntu ("I am because we are").
Purposeful Engagement: Nicki's involvement with the Company of HR Professionals was ignited by its supportive community during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Past Master, she pushed her own leadership boundaries and is now focused on the company's long-term legacy.
Episode resources:
Nicki Auret: www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-auret-a302a41
The Company of HR Professionals: www.hrprofessionals.org.uk
Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com