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A decade ago, I sat at my Harry Potter desk under the stairs, redundancy papers in one hand and a comforting slice of cake in the other, reluctantly agreeing to "try" consulting for six months. Ten years, countless cups of coffee, and an embarrassing amount of cake later, Kate Underwood HR has evolved from that uncertain beginning into something truly special.

This anniversary episode takes you on the journey from corporate burnout to building a business that's transformed dozens of small companies. I share the pivotal moments that shaped my approach to HR – like the time I realised not every client is the right client (after one expected 24/7 access and another wanted me mediating family disputes over Christmas bonuses), or how the pandemic pushed us to work harder than ever while everyone else was baking banana bread.

The heart of my philosophy hasn't changed: small businesses deserve big business HR knowledge and tools without the eye-watering price tag. What has evolved is how I deliver it – through online training, fractional HR Director services, and innovative tech solutions that make compliance less scary and more practical. I've learned that while perfect policies matter, honest conversations matter more, and that recognition isn't fluff – it's what makes people stay.

To celebrate hitting double digits, I'm offering something special: a two-month free trial of Breathe HR (double the usual offer) available only in June 2025. After a decade of helping businesses organise their people data, automate processes and boost compliance, I'd love to help you experience the difference the right systems can make.

Thank you for being part of this cake-fuelled journey. Whether you're a long-time client, a new listener, or somewhere in between, you've helped create a business that makes HR less intimidating and more human. Subscribe to join us for the next chapter, where we'll explore AI in HR, welcome fantastic guests, and continue proving that HR with a twist of geek can actually be something you look forward to.

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Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on buzz@kateunderwoodhr.co.uk or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!