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Meet the CIO’s | Hattie Roche | Inspire: Bristol

This interview is a part of the Inspire: Cities series – meet the Chief Inspiration Officers. Inspire: Cities is the local arm of the global movement from Inspiring Workplaces. Our mission is to change the world, with you, through the world of work. One workplace, city and community at a time. View the full list of Cities here.

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What does an Inspiring Workplace mean to you?

One where I’m constantly inspired to try, test and think of new ideas. They don’t have to be big ideas or changes but, when I’m inspired by something I’m constantly exploring – a workplace can do that to you too.

Do you have a personal purpose? A why? Something that drives you daily?

Yes, I want to know I’m having a positive impact on how people feel about coming to work every day. I want to know that what I’m doing goes towards that, even if some days they’re small steps.

What do you think is the top priority when it comes to people at work this year and why?

The future of work is on fast-forward. Really, we’re designing the future now, it’s everyone’s priority.

You’re a founding Chief Inspiration Officer for Inspire: Cities. What are you most looking forward to learning/ sharing with your local community?

I’m genuinely so excited to learning alongside my local community. So much of my work is global, it’s going to be amazing to spend time with a network closer to home. Bristol is a vibrant city full of innovation, it would be incredible to see Bristol leading the way in building world-class employee experiences too.

Tell us something about your city or the people that make it. Something the rest of us won’t know.

There’s a star on the roof of St. George’s, a bomb dropped there but didn’t explode!

Do you think in-person events will be valued more than ever before after the past 12-18 months?

I personally can’t wait to see and be around people again! I think we’ll crave the contact collaboration. When the time is right, I’ll be the first signing up to in-person events.

What are three areas of focus for organizations looking to improve the people experience?

Mental health and wellbeing
Flexibility/ hybrid working – getting it to a sustainable place
Purpose and values

What do you think is the most important quality in a leader?

Empathy.

What’s your go to productivity trick?

I set a timer on my phone for 20-minute sprints, my brain is so happy that I’m only working for 20 minutes that I tend to be in the stride by the time the alarm goes off!

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

My line manager in my first job out of uni told me that corporate politics was bullshit, being kind to people would get you everywhere you need to go.

Best place, (other than your own city) that you have ever visited?

I can’t have a favourite. Travel is my great love! But New York takes some beating…