#147 The HR Mistake Costing SMEs Millions - Elisia Coetzee

Does HR work for the employee or the employer?

Elisia Coetzee answers that one in a way most people do not expect. She works for what is right. When a client asks her to bend the advice to suit what is convenient, she gives the same answer every time and is willing to walk away from the engagement rather than put her name to advice that is wrong.

That same principle sits underneath the thing Elisia sees behind most business problems: avoidance. The behaviour an owner leaves because they hope it passes, the conversation pushed to next week because you’re too busy to deal with it. As Elisia puts it, inaction is also an action, usually one with a higher cost than the conversation it replaced.

In this conversation, we unpack why a lack of role clarity turns into he-said, she-said conflict that escalates fast, the practical way to walk into a conversation you have been dreading without ambushing the person across from you, and why Elisia would rather lose the work than give advice she does not stand behind.

If you have been avoiding something in your business longer than you would like to admit, this is the episode you need to hear now.

Mentioned in This Episode:
02:55 The 20-year working relationship that broke down until two people couldn't speak on the phone
05:58 Why inaction is also an action, and the cost most owners never count
22:02 The "you can't hit the dog three days later" rule for dealing with things early
22:48 The first move before any conversation you have been dreading
25:24 The sitting-on-a-nail analogy for staying somewhere that no longer fits
48:20 Why Elisia walks away from clients who ask her to bend the advice
1:05:58 The Google review from a client who found Strategic HR by asking AI
1:18:19 The four-word advice that changed how Elisia runs her business

About Elisia:
Elisia Coetzee is a Human Resources and Industrial Relations specialist with over 26 years' experience. She holds an MBA and postgraduate qualifications in Human Resource Management and Industrial Sociology, and is a qualified mediator, workplace investigator and executive coach. Elisia has spent the past 13 years consulting across a broad range of industries, with work focused on practical workforce strategy, employee relations, compliance, restructures and leadership development. Guided by her core value of True Grit, she has a particular interest in supporting Aboriginal Corporations, Aboriginal-owned businesses and NDIS providers to build strong, sustainable and culturally aligned workplaces.

Connect with Elisia:
Website: strategichr.com.au LinkedIn | Instagram

This episode is proudly sponsored by Cuppa Cartel.
To celebrate, our listeners and the Cuppa Familia can enjoy a special rate on all coffee beans using code TRBLC at checkout.

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About Tracy:
Tracy Fryer is a branding powerhouse, speaker, and founder of Design Studio Perth and Trace Designs Bespoke. She’s dedicated to helping business owners and creatives build brands that truly reflect their values, passions, and long-term vision. As the host of The Real Biz Life Chronicles, Tracy brings raw, insightful conversations that push entrepreneurs to embrace bold growth, develop strategic branding, and lead with unapologetic confidence. Her approach is refreshingly real-blending deep expertise with a passion for authenticity, creative excellence, and business success.

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