‘Can We Have a Word?’ is the Kara Connect podcast hosted by CEO Tobba Vigfusdottir – because better conversations create better workplaces.
In each episode, we sit down with HR leaders and other people managers to explore how open dialogue, smarter support, and fresh ideas can improve workplace wellbeing and bring out the best in people.
Our guest today is Martin Power, Employee Health and Wellbeing Manager at KP Snacks. With two decades’ experience in occupational health across local government, manufacturing, emergency services, and food production, Martin has played a pivotal role in creating environments where wellbeing, mental health and colleague engagement are regarded as business-critical for success.
Our guest today is Kate Fitzmaurice, Head of Internal Communication and Employee Engagement at Vodafone Ireland. With over 15 years’ experience in culture and communications, including roles at TikTok and HubSpot and leading mental health initiatives in Ireland, Kate brings a clear-eyed and practical perspective to workplace wellbeing - viewing it through the lens of communication and engagement.
Our guest today is Francine Watson, executive coach, researcher, and expert in leadership and workplace wellbeing. With a decade of experience at Barclays shaping global wellbeing strategy, and senior roles at KPMG and Mercer, Francine brings deep insights on the interplay between leadership, organisational culture, and employee health. Her current academic research focuses on trauma in the workplace, with practical recommendations for leaders aiming to truly support their people through challenging times.
Our guest today is Angela Steel, organisational psychologist and founder of SuperWellness, a workplace wellbeing consultancy. Angela brings deep expertise in designing and implementing wellbeing strategies that move beyond superficial programmes, focusing instead on meaningful, sustainable change for teams and organisations alike.
Our guest today is Dr. Susie Bennett, research fellow at the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow. Susie’s work examines the complex social, cultural, and workplace forces that shape male suicide risk, and the practical steps organisations can take to support men’s mental health and recovery. In this episode, Susie brings her experience from frontline research, sharing stories and evidence about why men remain disproportionately affected by suicide, the role of masculinity and culture, and how workplaces can create genuine psychological safety. The conversation is candid and deeply informed, offering HR leaders and people managers a nuanced perspective on addressing male mental health in organisational settings.
Our guest today is Mary Finn, founder and managing director of Connect4Work. Mary brings nearly three decades of experience supporting tech leaders, HR professionals, and teams to build more inclusive, well workplaces. Her work focuses on supporting disability, diversity, and positive mental health to boost ability, attendance, and retention. In this episode, we sit down with Mary for a practical conversation about absenteeism, burnout, and how companies can move from reactive to proactive support for employee wellbeing. Drawing on real cases and experience, Mary explains the early warning signs of burnout, strategies for timely intervention, and the value of strong return-to-work practices. We also examine the shifting dynamics of workplace mental health, the role of organizational culture, and why psychological safety is essential for teams to thrive.
In this compilation episode of Can We Have a Word? from Kara Connect, we bring together short guest clips that discuss the practical steps needed to secure leadership backing for wellbeing programs, the importance of data-backed business cases, and the real-world impacts on employee engagement and organizational performance. Our three guests (Sharon O’Connor, Martin Gillick, and Vivienne Horkan) share how data, culture, and open conversation drive lasting change - and why leadership support is the foundation for success.
Our guest today is Tom Curran, Senior Vice President of International Benefits and Wellbeing at Lockton, the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage. Tom brings a unique dual background in clinical healthcare and commercial strategy, shaped by years of advising organizations across sectors, including the NHS, Formula 1, and professional sports, on navigating the complex landscape of employee wellbeing. In this episode, Tom shares a thoughtful look at the realities of designing impactful wellbeing strategies, the limits of quick-fix solutions, and the importance of practical, human-centred decision-making. We delve into how organizations can move beyond “tick-the-box” wellbeing programs and embrace evidence-based approaches that meaningfully support their people.
In this compilation episode of Can We Have a Word? from Kara Connect, we bring together short guest clips that all point to the same simple truth: when people feel genuinely listened to, workplace wellbeing becomes more meaningful, more trusted, and more effective. Across different organisations, sectors, and leadership roles, the message is remarkably consistent. Wellbeing strategies work best when they are shaped by real conversations, followed by visible action, and supported by everyday listening, not assumptions or one-size-fits-all solutions.