HR as Coach: Capability or Conflict of Interest?
- Start: 9:15am
- End: 10:30am
- Duration: 1 Hours 15 Min
- Category: Network Events
- Region: Auckland
- Buddle Findlay
- Level 18, HSBC Tower, 118 Quay Street
- Auckland CBD 1010
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Please note, this morning event is the day after Labour Day! Only a couple of places remain, email [email protected] if you would like to be waitlisted
HR as Coach: Capability or Conflict of Interest?
Event Overview
Coaching has become an increasingly important part of how organisations develop leaders, and HR practitioners are often expected to coach as part of their role. But what are we actually doing when we say we are “coaching”?
In practice, coaching can easily become blurred with mentoring, advising, consulting, problem-solving or emotional support. At the same time, HR carries organisational responsibilities, desired outcomes and knowledge that can complicate the coaching relationship.
This one-hour Think Tank brings together an HR/Talent lens and a professional coaching lens to explore these tensions and what they mean in practice.
Together, we will examine:
• What coaching actually is, and how it differs from mentoring, consulting and counselling
• Why leader readiness and choice matter in creating an effective coaching relationship
• How HR can help leaders identify the type of development or support that will best serve them
• Where the boundaries of HR-as-coach might sit, and when coaching may or may not be the right intervention
We will also explore some of the everyday questions HR practitioners face: When are we genuinely coaching, and when are we mentoring, consulting or advising? When might HR's organisational responsibilities or desired outcomes compromise the coaching relationship? And how can HR maintain useful boundaries while still helping leaders grow?
Designed as a Think Tank rather than a skills workshop, this session creates space for collective sense-making among HR, Talent & Development, OD and L&D practitioners interested in the realities, boundaries and opportunities of coaching within organisations.
The final 10 minutes will be an open discussion, giving participants an opportunity to explore the questions and tensions raised during the session.
Format
9:15am Light morning tea & networking (15minutes)
9:30 Think Tank session (50 minutes)
10:20am Open discussion (10 minutes)
Presenters
• Raechel Ford: Leadership Coach
• Priyam Johnstone: HR & Change Practitioner
Pricing
HRNZ Member: FREE
HRNZ Student Member: FREE
Non-Member: $20.00
Please note our prices include GST. Payment is due at the time of registration by credit card only. If payment is not received, your registration may be cancelled.
To Register
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Please note: if you are NOT attending the event, you can no longer register on behalf of others.
For all queries relating to this event email [email protected]
Cancellations & Refunds
To receive a full refund cancellation must be received by HRNZ by email to [email protected] three working days before the day of the event.
Cancellations after this time and/or 'no shows' on the day will be payable in full.
Appropriate substitutions are welcome - please email [email protected] with their details.
Presenter Details
Raechel Ford
Raechel is an executive coach, leadership facilitator and coach trainer with more than 20 years’ experience working with senior leaders and organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. She is a Director of the International Coaching Community (ICC), serving on its Global Board, and is one of a small number of ICC Global Master Trainers worldwide. Raechel is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand. Before establishing her coaching and leadership practice, Raechel held CEO and senior executive roles across several New Zealand organisations. This combination of executive leadership and professional coaching experience informs her practical approach to leadership development and organisational change. Raechel holds a master’s level qualification in Adult Development and Developmental Coaching and works across executive coaching, leadership development, team coaching and coach capability development. https://www.raechelford.com/
Priyam Johnstone
Priyam is a senior people, culture, and change practitioner with experience across large organisations in Aotearoa and globally. She partners closely with leaders to build capability, strengthen culture, and support people through moments that matter. Priyam brings a balanced, human centred approach that aligns commercial outcomes with care, clarity, and good judgement. She is a Prosci certified Change Practitioner, received her coaching certification through the NeuroLeadership Institute, and has recently completed mediation training with the Resolution Institute. Priyam’s mahi and approach to leadership is shaped by her commitment as tangata Tiriti. As a member of the HRNZ Auckland Committee, she contributes to elevating the HR profession and champions inclusive, future focused leadership across the community.
Sponsor Details
Buddle Findlay
With thanks to our venue sponsor Buddle Findlay
Buddle Findlay’s experienced partnership brings energy and enthusiasm to New Zealand’s legal market. We are known for our strong focus on collaboration and building strategic and enduring relationships. A practical approach allows us to provide balanced advice within a broader commercial context and bring strategic thinking to legal problems.
