HR Engage Podcast
The HR Engage Podcast with your host Jonathan Mamaril. Join South Geldard Director and Head of the Employment Law team, Jonathan Mamaril as he speaks with HR teams and professionals about their journey into HR, why they are passionate about Human Resources, trends and challenges they are facing and what they believe is the future of HR. This is a podcast by HR people for HR people – if you are starting out in the HR space, have some curiosity in the area, or a an experienced HR professional and leader this podcast is for anyone involved in the HR space talking with people just like you! There might be a golden nugget of advice or a different perspective that will be helpful in your HR journey.
HR Engage Podcast
HR Engage Podcast with Trudi Liekefett
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Trudi Liekefett, Manager of People & Capability at Isaac Regional Council, joins Jonathan Mamaril for one of the most honest, wide-ranging, and deeply personal conversations we've had on the HR Engage Podcast.
Trudi's journey into HR was anything but planned. From studying law, to journalism, to completing an MBA — she fell into HR by accident while her husband was deployed to Afghanistan. What followed was a career built on variety, resilience, and the courage to keep saying yes — even when it meant starting over.
From her start at Rio Tinto's coal mines in regional Queensland, through a breast cancer diagnosis at 30, to stepping back into a more junior role to eventually lead the People & Capability function at Isaac Regional Council — Trudi's story is a masterclass in backing yourself.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why regional Australia is one of the most underrated career launchpads for HR professionals
- Being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at 30 — and the workplace support that changed everything
- Why taking a step back in your career is sometimes the smartest move you'll ever make
- The case for generalist experience over specialisation — especially early in your HR career
- Why burnout in HR is real — and the practical habits that actually help
- Why manager capability is the single biggest challenge facing organisations right now
- A controversial take — why HR and unions are actually working toward the same goal
- The evolution of HR from "protect the company" to strategic partner and wellbeing champion
- "Sometimes you need to do less to be more." — the quote that recently changed Trudi's life
- The power of mentorship and Women in Leadership programs at any stage of your career
- Rapid fire: Ocean's Eight, Mexico, a Las Vegas timeshare, and being a hardcore dance mum
Whether you're just starting out in HR, navigating burnout, or wondering if the variety in your career is an asset or a liability — this episode will leave you motivated, grounded, and ready to back yourself.
South Geldard Lawyers — HR & Employment Law Support: https://southgeldard.com.au/
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