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Meet the team

Julia Crawford (FCIPD)

Managing Director

After doing an A-level in law, I initially wanted to study law at university. However, I realised that my memory wasn't good enough, so I decided to do business studies with a psychology degree instead in Canterbury, which I loved.

HR incorporates the law, business, and psychology, so it's a great fit.

Since then, I have been a learning junkie and studied for my professional qualifications and am now a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

I also completed a postgraduate certificate in the Psychology of Organisation Change, my Master's in HR Management, and, more recently, an apprenticeship in Coaching (plus a few others as well).

I have worked for various organisations in various industries, including the public sector, retail, manufacturing, and aviation.

I used to say I went into HR because I enjoy working with people. I laugh at that statement now because people can sometimes be very frustrating.

What I've learnt is that I love working with the challenges that people create. I enjoy understanding how people think (or try to) and helping to develop solutions to problems.

I have always wanted to run my own business, and I started People Pillar because I needed to be challenged. I wanted to work with smaller companies where I knew I could add value and make a difference.

I also wanted to have the flexibility to decide what work I did and, more importantly, who I worked with. It was important to work with business owners who shared my values, and we could also have some fun along the way.

I get to work with amazing clients while having the flexibility to spend time with my family. I take Ralph and Nelly out for walks every day and watch my daughter play football (unless it's raining—that isn't much fun!!).

Juggling all of that is hard, but I understand how important it is to get the right people into your business and keep them, as that ultimately makes your life easier.

My idea of heaven would be travelling somewhere warm (that I haven't been before), reading a good book, and if you add some cheese and red wine into the mix, then happy days!!

Siobhan Harnedy (Associate CIPD)

Head of Client Success

I’m a fixer!! I enjoy fixing problems and making life easier for people.

I have worked in HR for around 10 years now, and I have done all sorts of things, including employee relations, operational HR, and HR administration. Most of my experience has come from banking, Local Government, and the Arts.

I have my CIPD Level 7 qualification, but I also have an amazing knack for finding out information about people and making them feel at ease. Whenever I go to a networking event, Julia laughs at me as I come away knowing that someone is on their third marriage and their cat's name!!

I enjoy spending time off with my partner Stephen, daughter Olivia and stepson Adam, mainly on our boat (which is far less glamorous than it sounds). Much of my family time is spent fishing (on the boat), canoeing, swimming and generally exploring Kent.

Kelly Barrett

Business Operations Manager

I am a doer; I love getting stuck into projects and helping to make them a success.

I have over a decade of experience working as an Executive PA and an Office Manager and all the tasks that are associated at C-suite level. Also, I have extensive experience in Digital Marketing and Social Media marketing and management and business growth.

I love to learn new things and I’m a qualification Queen; I have a BA with honours, a degree with distinction, and several diplomas! And I’m also a qualified hypnotherapist. (Yep Geek!).

I live with my husband James and our two dogs (Coco & Luna), we love being outside and regularly get lost on long hikes. We have 6 children and 3 grandchildren, so Christmas can be very busy!

I am an adrenaline junkie when it comes to sports, I love anything that makes me feel alive (and scares me a little).

Laura Dixon

Growth and Partnerships Manager

I focus on building strategic partnerships, creating new business opportunities and helping businesses discover the value of great people practices.

I have had a very varied career, from working in Forensics to being a trained florist, but more recently I've built my career across sales and marketing, digital strategy and business development, working with businesses to grow through SEO, paid media, content marketing and relationship building.

At People Pillar my role supports sales and partnerships, combining commercial thinking with a genuine passion for connecting people and creating opportunities that benefit everyone involved.

I enjoy getting out from behind the desk to network, meet new people and build long-term relationships based on trust rather than hard selling. For me, the best partnerships are the ones that create real value for everyone.

Outside of work, you'll usually find me out running or spending time with my partner and our son, whether I'm training for my next challenge or simply enjoying being outdoors.

Lisa Johnson

HR Consultant

I've worked in HR for 30 years within travel and tourism, insurance and retail and would describe myself as a strong generalist.

With a degree in Psychology and HR qualifications under my belt, I love seeing businesses and people thrive and I know first-hand, how getting the people bit right is crucial for success.

I live with my partner, son and crazy cocker spaniel called Orson and spend my free time walking down the beach (I am obsessed with getting my 10,000 steps in a day), at the local gym or with my daughter who lives up the road.

I have travelled extensively (backpacking for a year), and love learning about new places and different cultures.There is so much more of the world to see and I look forward to more adventures in the future.

Helen Aisake

HR Consultant

I’m an experienced HR and Operations professional with a passion for people, good workplace culture and getting things done.

I bring a practical, people-focused approach to challenging situations, with a strong interest in employment law, employee relations and creating workplaces where people feel seen, heard and valued.

Outside work, I enjoy family (my incredible sons), travel (met and married in Fiji) music, ( any but all who know be will say The - one and only - Boss), learning (philosophy is my love and training to coach in Japanese way of approaching life) and making the most of life,with a healthy dose of humour along the way.

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