How do organisations successfully align people, strategy, and communication to create meaningful change?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Samantha Ford, Chief People Officer, and Heather Phillips, Chief Strategy Officer at Awanui to explore the unique partnership between People & Culture and Strategy, and why organisational success depends on both functions working together.

Leading across one of New Zealand's largest healthcare providers, Samantha and Heather share practical insights into executive leadership, organisational strategy, digital transformation, workforce capability, communication, and leading through complexity in a highly regulated environment.

From building executive alignment and developing future leaders to AI, change management, collective bargaining, pay equity, and creating purpose-driven cultures, this conversation explores what it takes to lead organisations where strategy is translated into meaningful action through people.

The discussion also explores why communication is far more than simply sharing information, how leaders can create buy-in for organisational change, and why purpose, curiosity, and strong relationships remain essential leadership capabilities in an increasingly digital world.

What You'll Learn

• Why strategy and People & Culture should work hand in hand

• How organisations can successfully lead large-scale change

• Why communication is about understanding, not simply delivering messages

• The importance of bringing people with you through transformation

• How executive teams create alignment around long-term strategy

• Why purpose drives engagement and organisational performance

• The leadership capabilities organisations need for the future of work

• How AI and digital fluency are changing workforce capability

• Lessons from pay equity, collective bargaining, and stakeholder communication

• Why curiosity, adaptability, and relationship-building remain critical leadership skills

Key Takeaways

• Great strategy only succeeds when people understand and believe in it.

• Leadership requires clear communication, patience, and long-term thinking.

• Organisational change is most successful when leaders meet people where they are.

• Digital capability is important, but human connection remains a competitive advantage.

• Executive leadership is strongest when complementary perspectives work together.

• Purpose helps people stay engaged through periods of uncertainty and change.

• Commercial realities and people outcomes must be balanced through honest conversations.

• Strategy, culture, leadership, and communication are inseparable drivers of organisational success.

About Samantha Ford

Samantha Ford is Chief People Officer at Awanui, where she leads the organisation's national People & Culture strategy across leadership, organisational capability, workforce planning, employee relations, remuneration, and HR systems.

With experience across multiple industries, Samantha is passionate about developing leaders, modernising HR, leading organisational change, and building workplaces where people and strategy work together to achieve meaningful outcomes.

About Heather Phillips

Heather Phillips is Chief Strategy Officer at Awanui, leading enterprise strategy, corporate affairs, brand, communications, stakeholder engagement, and organisational transformation.

With a background spanning communications, digital strategy, corporate affairs, and executive leadership, Heather specialises in helping organisations create clarity, align people behind strategy, and build long-term organisational capability.

Why This Episode Matters

As organisations navigate AI, workforce transformation, increasing complexity, and rising expectations of leaders, strategy can no longer exist separately from people.

This episode provides practical insights into how executive teams can align strategy, communication, leadership, and organisational culture to create sustainable change. Whether you're an HR professional, executive leader, business owner, or people manager, Samantha and Heather offer valuable lessons on leading organisations through complexity while keeping people connected to purpose and performance.

Resources & Links

Awanui: https://awanuigroup.co.nz/

Connect with Samantha Ford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalouiseford/

Connect with Heather Phillips on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherphillipsnz/