Episode Details

How do you build a people strategy that supports one of New Zealand's most recognised global brands while staying true to its purpose?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Faye Restall, Chief People Officer at Les Mills International, to explore leadership, organisational culture, global people strategy, and how HR can create real commercial value.

Leading the People & Culture function for a business that reaches thousands of employees, over 100,000 instructors and 25,000 gym partners worldwide, Faye shares practical insights into building high-performing teams, developing exceptional managers, navigating AI, and keeping people connected to purpose in a rapidly changing world.

From leadership capability and employee engagement to business strategy, organisational development, AI adoption, and the future of work, this conversation explores how modern HR leaders can simplify complexity while helping organisations thrive. Faye discusses why management excellence matters just as much as leadership, how curiosity and continuous improvement create better outcomes, and why People & Culture should always be aligned to commercial priorities.

The conversation also explores how Les Mills has maintained a strong culture while expanding globally, the importance of balancing consistency with entrepreneurial thinking, and why creating meaningful employee experiences starts with understanding what the business is trying to achieve.

What You'll Learn

• How Les Mills maintains culture across a global organisation

• Why People & Culture strategy should align with business strategy

• The importance of management excellence alongside leadership capability

• Practical ways AI is improving HR and employee experience