Emma Taylor, Culture & Organisational Development Manager, and Laura Saunders, HR Manager from Pocklington-based Phoenix Software gave students a practical overview of how a local tech company encourages creativity and new ideas. They explained how trust, open communication and supportive leadership help employees feel confident to contribute and take on new challenges, showing how good relationships, teamwork and on-the-job learning can shape a positive workplace culture, a vital component for nurturing innovation and driving organisational success.

In a separate session, Georgina Hill (née Edwards, 95-04) Regional HR Director EMEA at global pharmaceutical company Abbott, shared insights from her experience across major organisations including Reckitt, Nestlé and Network Rail. She talked about how workplaces are changing from managing to motivating with wellbeing, flexibility, purpose and belonging becoming increasingly important to employees. She emphasised the importance of psychological safety for building trust in high-performing teams, explaining that when employees feel safe to voice ideas, ask questions and make mistakes without fear of judgement, they are far more likely to innovate, collaborate effectively and take the initiative.

Both talks linked closely to the BTEC Business Enterprise curriculum giving students practical ideas for their final project, where they must advise a small business in Pocklington on how best to motivate and develop staff into independent creative problem solvers. The sessions left them feeling better prepared and full of real-world examples to draw on.

Reflecting on the talks, Robin Crewes, Economics & Business Studies Teacher, said: “It was fantastic for our students to hear from people working at such a high level in HR. The insights they shared were incredibly relevant and have really helped our students understand how the theory they learn in class plays out in real businesses. It’s given them a huge boost as they begin their final project work.”

Want to know more about Pock Connects? Whether you’re a student curious about your next steps, or an OP or Pocklington School community member willing to share your expertise, Pock Connects is here to make those conversations happen and build a network that supports every Pocklingtonian at any stage of their career journey. If you would like to support our students through career talks, mentoring, or offering workplace insights, we would love to hear from you - your involvement makes a real difference. To find out more, contact the OP Office or join the Pock Connects group on LinkedIn.