Episode 253: HR's Opportunity to Fix the Meritocracy Myth – Rachel Cox, Global CPO at Maintel

What happens when we assume the best talent will naturally rise to the top? For Rachel, the idea of meritocracy misses a crucial point: people do not start from the same place. Across 25 years in HR, Rachel has challenged the systems and assumptions that can limit access to opportunity and in this episode explores why access needs to start earlier. Rachel also shares a powerful example of employing someone with a spent conviction. Rachel discusses her views on AI and future talent, the impacts of technology performing some of the tasks that once gave young people their first role, and how to ensure the next generation get early opportunities to learn and progress. Rachel's call to action for HR: be brave. It's a fitting end to a conversation about questioning the way things have always been done. Thank you to Staffbase for sponsoring this episode We're delighted that Staffbase is a headline partner this year at our flagship conference, How HR Leaders Change the World - Live!  Staffbase knows HR Leaders are the ones driving transformation at work, and they're here to help.  Their employee communications platform connects companies with their people, whether they're at their desk or out on the front line.  With tools that boost engagement, give employees a voice and align everyone around shared goals, Staffbase helps HR leaders create meaningful change and measure its impact. Want to learn more? Head to Staffbase.com and see what Staffbase could do for your organisation.