Event Recap: Journey to CPO - Reflections from leaders in the Public and Third Sector
On November 6, 2024, Investigo's Public and Third Sector team hosted a thought-provoking event titled “Journey to CPO,” drawing together HR and Talent leaders across public and third-sector organizations. The event provided a rich platform for these professionals to glean insights from seasoned Chief People Officers (CPOs) who shared personal stories, career reflections and the wisdom they’ve accumulated in navigating their journeys. The speakers included Jane Cosgrove, CPO at the Financial Ombudsman Service; Cliff Morton, Interim Chief HR Officer at London Fire Brigade; and Ann Kiceluk, CPO at World Vision UK.
Here’s a closer look at the key discussions and takeaways from these remarkable leaders on their journey to CPO.
Opening Insights from the Investigo Team
The event kicked off with introductions from Charlie Donoghue and Yasmin Harris of Investigo’s Public and Third Sector team. Charlie provided an overview of Investigo’s recruitment solutions across permanent and interim roles and shared details on their brands: InX, an executive search firm; Caraffi, a talent advisory brand; Sigma Labs, focused on hire-train-deploy; and Definia, a consultancy arm akin to the Big Four. Yasmin elaborated on the specific coverage areas of the team, setting the stage for a day of knowledge-sharing and deep insights.
A Traditional Yet Inspiring Journey: Ann Kiceluk’s Path to CPO
Ann Kiceluk, CPO at World Vision UK, brought a traditional but impactful career story. She began as a management trainee and progressed through various HR roles, spanning sectors like Higher Education, Public Sector, and Not-for-Profit. Her journey, though traditional, underscored timeless qualities that have propelled her success:
Courage to Challenge – Ann emphasized the importance of bravery in HR leadership, particularly the willingness to “speak truth to power” and tackle complex issues without fear.
Strategic Vision – Staying “out of the weeds” is critical for a CPO. Ann urged HR leaders to periodically lift their heads and view the bigger picture, providing a visionary roadmap for their organisations.
Adaptability and Mobility – Progressing in HR often requires moving between roles or organisations. Ann advised against waiting for the “perfect opportunity” and instead actively seeking it out.
Networking – Ann pointed out that CPO roles can feel isolating, making it essential to stay connected with other leaders. She encouraged attending networking events to find solidarity and share best practice with peers.
Well-being – Personal resilience is a crucial component of CPO success. Ann shared that cycling is her go-to for balance, encouraging others to find their personal methods to recharge.
Audience Q&A with Ann delved into the question of staying “out of the weeds” by empowering her team to make decisions and trusting them to deliver without micromanagement. Her advice on career mobility included an average tenure of 5-8 years in each role, depending on sector and organisation size.
A Nontraditional Path with Purpose: Jane Cosgrove’s Story
Jane Cosgrove, who serves as CPO for the Financial Ombudsman Service, described her unconventional journey to HR leadership, marked by a relentless commitment to learning and problem-solving. Jane’s career path began in a law firm where she progressed from paralegal to roles in HR and executive management, often hearing she “wasn’t a proper HR person.” She carried this tenacity through multiple senior roles, ultimately leading her to the CPO role she holds today.
Jane’s key insights included:
Diverse Experience – Jane highlighted the value of gaining skills outside HR, such as in internal audit or financial management, to bring a well-rounded perspective to executive conversations.
Building Trust and Humility – A people-centric approach, especially in challenging times, was crucial for Jane. Building genuine relationships within her organisation has always been foundational to her work.
Knowing Your Strengths – Jane advised aspiring CPOs to “know your superpowers”—recognising personal strengths and finding organisational cultures that amplify them.
Simplification – One of her guiding principles is “simplification,” focusing on strategies that simplify HR operations for a better employee experience.
Jane’s audience Q&A covered mentorship’s importance, particularly in navigating the nuances of HR leadership. Jane emphasised that reaching out to peers for guidance can be invaluable and encouraged others to seek out mentors and industry connections, both online and in person. In reflecting on career challenges, Jane pointed out that mistakes often teach more than successes, urging attendees to embrace the lessons they bring.
A Reflective Journey: Cliff Morton’s Perspective
Cliff Morton, Interim CHRO at the London Fire Brigade, referred to himself as the “accidental CPO”! His path took him through several sectors, including government, consultancy and the Private Sector, giving him a holistic view of organizational structures. His four-part career journey illustrates the evolution of his skills and perspectives:
Flexibility and Curiosity – Cliff’s career began with an open-minded “18-month cycle” in roles ranging from organizational design to leadership training. This phase encouraged him to be open to learning and adaptable to new environments.
Private vs. Public Sector – Moving between sectors taught Cliff the value of holistic perspective and adaptability in tackling complex people issues.
The Hygge Years – Serving as CPO for a growing organization allowed Cliff to build an HR function from scratch, an experience that shaped his understanding of operational and strategic alignment.
Firefighting in London Fire Brigade – In his current role, Cliff faces unique challenges, including transforming a legacy culture within a highly visible public institution. He emphasised the need for situational awareness and resilience in this politically charged role.
Key lessons from Cliff’s reflections include:
Mentorship and Collaboration – Cliff credited his success to having multiple mentors and daily learning opportunities with colleagues, which allowed him to grow in skill and confidence.
Self-Awareness and Purpose – Cliff’s advice to aspiring CPOs is to “find your purpose and choose your path.” He encouraged HR professionals to discover what drives them and align it with their career trajectory.
An audience question regarding political navigation as a CPO sparked Cliff’s advice on patience and attentiveness, noting that HR leaders should be perceptive of organisational dynamics and avoid making hasty decisions in complex environments.
Developing Future HR Leaders
Throughout the event, the speakers collectively underscored a common theme: the journey to CPO is multifaceted, involving resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Many participants were inspired by the speakers' commitment to mentoring and supporting upcoming HR leaders. Recognising this need, Charlie and the Investigo team announced plans to launch a structured mentoring program, aimed at pairing seasoned HR professionals with aspiring leaders in the Public and Third Sectors.
Closing Reflections: Takeaways for Aspiring CPOs
The event provided a treasure trove of actionable advice for those eyeing CPO roles:
Take Calculated Career Moves – Progressing in HR leadership often means seeking roles across various organisations and sectors to gain a diverse skill set.
Develop Strategic Vision – CPOs need to constantly “look up from the desk” and avoid getting bogged down in daily tasks. Strategic foresight is what differentiates senior HR roles.
Prioritise Well-being – As Ann illustrated, finding a personal balance is essential for longevity in senior HR roles.
Invest in Mentorship – All speakers underscored the value of mentors, both in receiving guidance and giving back to the HR community. Building relationships with mentors or mentees enriches personal and professional growth.
Adopt a Learning Mindset – Whether through additional qualifications or learning on the job, continuous skill-building is necessary, especially in areas outside traditional HR.
The “Journey to CPO” event was a fitting reminder of the complexities of HR leadership and the dedication it requires. Investigo’s commitment to hosting events like this, paired with future mentoring opportunities, serves as a valuable resource for HR professionals striving to make a difference in their fields.
Connect with our public and third sector team today for a confidential discussion about your next role or hiring needs.
