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What does it really take for an HR leader to make the leap to the boardroom?

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Andrea Wareham, former Chief People Officer at Pret A Manger and now a Non-Executive Director (NED) across multiple organizations. With 20+ years of experience shaping people strategy at one of the UK’s most iconic brands, Andrea breaks down the real blueprint for HR leaders who want to operate at the highest level of business.

Whether you're an aspiring CHRO or already operating at senior level, this episode will give you the tools to expand your impact, build influence, and shape the future of business from the top down.

Listen now and unlock your path to board-level leadership.

Andrea’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawareham/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

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(00:00) Preview 

(01:28) Introducing Andrea Wareham

(05:39) Why HR Leaders Belong in the Boardroom  

(10:37) Managing Pressure and Building Trust at Executive Level  

(13:54) Becoming a Public-Facing People Leader  

(15:09) Pret’s People-First Philosophy 

(18:23) The People Lens Boards Are Missing  

(21:34) What It Really Takes to Become a Non-Executive Director  

(25:03) How to Add Value as an NED  

(31:07) Why NED Roles Are So Rewarding  

(35:23) How HR Leaders Can Start Building Board Influence  

(38:40) Driving Board Diversity Through HR Perspective  

(41:12) Top Tips for Aspiring NEDs  

(46:29) Advice for Future HR Leaders