In this episode of the HRD Talks podcast, host Nic Elliott interviews Ceri Gott, Culture & Leadership Coach, formerly Chief Growth & Culture Officer at Hawksmoor International.
What happens when you blend the analytical mindset of a government economist with a passion for creating exceptional workplace cultures? Ceri Gott's remarkable journey from economic policy expert to Chief Growth and Culture Officer provides a masterclass in transforming organisations through people-centred leadership.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Ceri reveals how her unconventional career path began with a simple phone call from her brother, inviting her to help preserve the special culture of his growing restaurant business, Hawksmoor. What followed was a 13-year adventure that saw the company expand from three London restaurants to thirteen establishments across seven cities in four countries, consistently ranking among the UK's top 100 employers.
Ceri challenges us to rethink productivity as more than just time management, arguing that true workplace effectiveness comes from harnessing the complete combination of people's time, talent, and energy. She makes a compelling business case for kindness, revealing how seemingly "soft" cultural elements translate directly to improved cognitive function, innovation, and ultimately, financial performance. Organisations with strong cultures, she notes, outperform their counterparts by an astonishing 200%.
The discussion explores practical strategies for creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute. Ceri shares insights from her experience translating Hawksmoor's strong UK culture to international markets, highlighting the crucial differences between high-context and low-context communication styles across different countries.
For HR professionals seeking to advance their careers, Ceri offers wisdom that balances personal growth with professional development - from understanding your strengths and mitigating weaknesses to connecting with your values and vision. Her advice to "lean into data" while trusting intuition perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of analytical and empathic intelligence that has defined her career.
Whether you're managing workplace culture, leading through change, or simply trying to create more meaningful connections with colleagues, Ceri's insights will transform how you think about the intersection of people practices and business performance. Listen now to discover how intentional leadership can create workplaces where both people and profits thrive.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
Supplier shout-outs:
Lorraine Copes / Be Inclusive Hospitality
Ceri’s LinkedIn: Ceri Gott | LinkedIn
Ceri's Website: CERI GOTT
Nic’s LinkedIn: Nic Elliott | LinkedIn
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.
