Episode 3 of Work Truths: Off the Record Series 2 continues with a powerful conversation with Denise McMurray, Chief People Officer at the RSPB.

I found this conversation particularly rich as Denise brings both deep professional experience and a very personal understanding of imposter experiences. We talk about what it can feel like to move into a completely new profession, to take a step down in title and salary, and to question whether your previous experience really transfers – even when, to others, it clearly does.

We also explore the particular pressures that can come with working in the people profession, where complexity, constant challenge, and high expectations can make self-doubt even louder. Denise speaks openly about how confidence can be chipped away when you’re trying to do the right thing in difficult situations, and why psychological safety and self-compassion matter so much.

And if you’re a leader of people? There are some really practical reflections in this episode too as Denise shares why curiosity matters, why rushing to reassure someone can miss the point entirely, and how starting with “what went well?” can create a much better conversation.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn your place all over again or quietly wondered whether you were really equipped for the role you’re in, I think this episode will resonate.

What helps most when imposter thoughts show up — reassurance, evidence, or simply being listened to? Listen now to find out.

Guest Information

Denise is Chief People Officer at RSPB and a CIPD Fellow, with over 25 years’ experience across the Public, private and charity sectors, leading strategic HR and Organisational Development functions across complex organisations. She holds Master’s level qualifications in both Human Resource Management, Organisational Design and Development, Executive Coaching and Mentoring and is a qualified mediator, bringing a strong evidence-based, systems-thinking approach to people, culture and organisational performance.

Her career has been shaped by deep expertise in and passion for strategic HR, people and organisational development, employee experience culture transformation and large-scale change, with a passion for aligning people strategies, values and behaviours to organisational purpose and long-term outcomes. She has a track record of enabling transformation and change, developing high-performing and inclusive cultures, and strengthening organisational capability to deliver sustainable impact.

Denise’s Social Details:

https://www.rspb.org.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/🌻denise-mcmurray-chartered-fellow-cipd-454b662a/