For over 20 years, I worked in HR roles across different industries including corporate, charity, FMCG and start-up. I’ve seen the full spectrum of people challenges and I built a career supporting businesses through it all, including restructures, employee relations issues, grievances, policy changes and leadership coaching.
I loved being part of a team. Knowing where I fitted in, when I’d be paid, when I could switch off, and who I could lean on when a tough case landed on my desk.
HR can be a lonely, but I was lucky. I built strong internal relationships and made lifelong friends in roles where that’s not always easy.
Then, like many others, I hit a crossroads when my in-house role was made redundant. I had a choice. I could apply for another permanent job, or I could see this as the nudge that I needed to do something I’d quietly considered for years.
I took the leap.
Popoki HR was born from both necessity and opportunity. I knew I wanted more flexibility. More choice over when, where and how I worked. I also knew there were businesses out there, especially smaller ones, that needed someone who could offer experienced, commercial HR advice without the jargon or overheads.
Since starting Popoki HR, I’ve supported brilliant organisations navigating everything from complex employee investigations to tricky restructures and sensitive people issues. I’ve coached leaders through moments of doubt, helped line managers grow in confidence, delivered training, mediated conflict, and breathed life into outdated policies.
It’s not always easy, as self-employment brings its own kind of pressure. There’s no IT team to call when the systems go down or colleagues to cover your inbox when you’re away. But working directly with clients, building trust, and solving real people problems is exactly why I started this HR consultancy in the first place.
I’ve never looked back.
Popoki HR lets me combine deep HR experience with real-world, hands-on support. I get to do work that matters, and I get to do it in a way that aligns with the life I want to lead.
If your business could use a dependable HR partner who brings experience, empathy and no-nonsense advice, let’s talk.