149 | The CPO Job Application That Worked, Strategic vs Operational HR, and Why Compassion Matters, with Funmi Onamusi

What makes a job application for the Chief People Officer role stand out, how do you balance being strategic and operational in HR, and why is compassion such an important leadership strength? In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Funmi Onamusi, Chief People Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Funmi shares her inspiring and non-traditional journey to becoming a CPO - including the bold, values-led approach she took when applying for the role, and the importance of carving out strategic thinking time once she got there.She also opens up about the pressure that can come with being a Black woman in senior leadership, and how she has channelled that pressure into role modelling compassionate leadership for others.Whether you're aiming for a CPO role, want to be more strategic, or become a more impactful leader, you’ll come away with practical ideas, honest reflections, and real-life insight into what it takes to lead well in HR at the highest level.Chapters From This Episode[00:00] Welcome and introduction to Funmi Onamusi[04:06] Funmi’s route to becoming a CPO[06:50] Funmi’s job application approach[09:03] How she prepared for the interview[13:33] The difference between the HR Director & CPO roles[18:45] Advice on how to move from operational to strategic[23:33] How the role was different to what she had expected[27:55] Maintaining mental wellbeing in such a demanding role[34:12] The skills, habits and practices that have helped her succeed[41:14] The biggest challenges Funmi has experienced as a CPO[49:56] Funmi’s advice for aspiring CPOs[56:52] Courses and qualifications that have been useful for Funmi[01:00:00] Final thoughts Useful LinksEnjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools, and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to learn more about Inspiring HR?Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, and sign up to join the next cohort, that starts on 10th September 2025.Inspiring HR