Episode Summary

What does it actually mean to thrive at work — and what gets in the way?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Carly Orr, Chief People Officer at Tower Insurance, to explore leadership, authenticity, and what it takes to create environments where people can genuinely do their best work.

With a non-traditional career spanning television, communications, and HR, Carly brings a fresh and practical perspective on leadership. From directing the 6 o’clock news to shaping people strategy in financial services, her journey challenges the idea of a linear career path and highlights the value of diverse experience.

This conversation dives into what sits beneath the surface of culture, how leaders influence behaviour (often unintentionally), and why real conversation still matters more than ever.

What You’ll Learn

• What it really means to thrive at work — beyond surface-level engagement

• How a non-linear career path can strengthen leadership capability

• Why trusting your gut matters in decision-making under pressure

• How to be solutions-focused while still understanding the rules

• What sits beneath the surface in culture and team dynamics

• The leadership behaviours that can create silence or unlock honesty

• Why video and real conversation cut through more than polished messaging

• How to lead with authenticity and courage

Key Takeaways

• Thriving at work starts with creating space for people to be themselves

• Great leaders balance instinct with experience and judgment

• Culture is shaped by everyday behaviours, not just strategy

• Silence in teams is often a leadership signal, not a people problem

• Real, human conversation drives connection and performance

• There’s no single path to leadership — diverse experience is a strength

About Carly Orr

Carly Orr is Chief People Officer at Tower Insurance, with a career that spans media, communications, and HR.

Starting as a receptionist at TV3, Carly spent 18 years in the television industry, moving into production and directing the 6 o’clock news at TVNZ before transitioning into corporate roles in organisational design and internal communications.

She later moved into the finance sector, combining her expertise across HR and communications to shape people strategy and leadership capability.

Carly is known for her authentic, courageous leadership style and her ability to help leaders create meaningful connection and performance in the workplace.

Why This Episode Matters

If you’re a leader or HR professional wanting to build stronger teams, create real engagement, and lead with authenticity, this episode offers practical insight grounded in real experience — not theory.

Resources & Links

• Carly Orr | LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HR Unlocked with Lisa Oakley is a leadership conversation series where thoughtful HR and business leaders share lived experience on people, risk, culture, and compliance. It is designed for business owners, senior leaders, and HR professionals across Australasia to learn from real decisions and leadership judgment. The show is a platform to honour the contribution of leaders willing to share their experience.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.