How Primark Grows Its Own Leaders: 5 Practical Takeaways for HR

How does Primark develop frontline leaders and help colleagues build careers within the business?

John D. Hadeed, Senior Vice President, People & Culture, US at Primark, joins Chris Rainey to share the career conversations, training and leadership habits behind its approach.

At the time of recording, John says more than 60% of Primark’s US store leaders had grown within its US business, with an ambition to reach 80%.

We explore 5 practical takeaways for HR, from preparing people for their next role to equipping managers to support colleagues when HR isn’t there.

5 TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE

→ Turn career ambitions into a plan

How conversations about potential, goals and mobility inform succession planning.

→ Make teaching part of the leadership job

What John learnt during 18 months alongside his predecessor.

→ Protect the time to learn

How Primark approaches onboarding, peer training and development away from the shop floor.

→ Explain what your values actually look like

Why “dynamic” needed a shared meaning across different cultures and languages.

→ Equip managers to support people when HR isn’t there

Why being people-first depends on how leaders show up every day.

🙏 Thank you to our series partner, Leapsome

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