How can leaders embrace AI and rapid change without losing the human connection that drives great workplaces?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Margo Thomas, Chief People Officer at Sime Motors, to explore leadership, trust, organisational culture, and the evolving role of HR in today's workplace.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience across education, banking, technology, manufacturing, distribution, and automotive, Margo shares practical insights into leading with authenticity, building high-trust teams, and helping organisations balance commercial performance with genuine care for people.

From leadership vulnerability and relationship building to AI, commercial acumen, career development, and the future of HR, this conversation explores why people professionals need to spend less time behind their desks and more time understanding the people and businesses they support.

The discussion also explores the importance of intuition in leadership, coaching future HR professionals, navigating difficult conversations with empathy, and why curiosity, courage, and connection remain some of the most valuable capabilities for the future of work.

What You'll Learn

• Why human connection remains HR's greatest strength

• How AI should enhance, not replace, leadership

• The importance of building high-trust relationships

• Why HR professionals need to spend time in the business, not just behind a screen

• How commercial understanding strengthens People & Culture leadership

• The value of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership

• Why curiosity and saying "yes" create career opportunities

• How to coach leaders through difficult conversations with empathy

• The importance of balancing policy with sound judgement

• Practical advice for building a successful HR career

Key Takeaways

• Great leadership starts with trust, authenticity, and genuine relationships.

• Technology should strengthen human connection, not replace it.

• HR creates the greatest value when it understands the commercial realities of the business.

• Strong leaders balance empathy with sound judgement.

• Curiosity and continuous learning accelerate career growth.

• High-performing HR professionals spend time where the work happens.

• Leadership becomes stronger when people feel trusted, supported, and challenged.

• Organisations succeed when people and business outcomes are considered together.

About Margo Thomas

Margo Thomas is Chief People Officer at Sime Motors, where she leads the organisation's People & Culture strategy across leadership, organisational capability, employee experience, and workforce development.

With more than 20 years of HR leadership experience spanning education, banking, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, distribution, and automotive, Margo is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing leaders, and creating workplaces where people feel connected, trusted, and empowered to succeed.

Why This Episode Matters

As organisations embrace AI, flexible work, and increasing workplace complexity, leaders face the challenge of maintaining meaningful human connection while delivering commercial outcomes.

This episode provides practical insights into how People & Culture leaders can build trust, strengthen leadership capability, and create workplaces where technology supports, rather than replaces, authentic relationships. Whether you're an HR professional, executive, business owner, or people leader, Margo offers practical advice for leading with empathy, commercial awareness, and purpose.

Resources & Links

• Sime Motors: https://www.simemotors.co.nz/
• Connect with Margo Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margo-thomas-567ba04/