This week, I’m joined by Paula Stillman, Head of HR at Oxera — one of our favourite clients and long-time supporters of flexible and part-time working. Paula shares her career journey from retail to HR, how she found her calling in people and culture, and why she's so passionate about making the workplace more inclusive and adaptable for working parents.

🗂️ What We Cover:

• Paula’s unconventional path from pharmacy retail to HR leadership
• The emotional toll and growth from managing challenging people situations
• How she found purpose and alignment working at Oxera
• The evolution of Oxera from a 50-person office to a 300+ strong international firm
• Why flexible and part-time work needs more champions in leadership
• Building a values-led career that grows with you
• How Oxera creates a culture of longevity, learning and returners

💡 Key Takeaways:

Non-linear careers are often the most fulfilling. Paula’s path proves you don’t need a degree or a traditional route to thrive in leadership.

Kindness and fairness belong at every level of HR. Even tough conversations can be handled with empathy.

Culture comes from values and from people who live them. Oxera’s success is tied to its commitment to collaboration, integrity, and long-term growth.

Flexible work isn’t a perk, it’s a business advantage. Creating room for part-time roles and career returners builds better teams.

Long tenures start with opportunity. When people are given space to grow, they stay and thrive.

Whether you're early in your career or navigating leadership, this conversation is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pivot — and that purpose and flexibility can (and should) coexist.

🔗 Show Links:

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Connect with Paula here

Visit Oxera’s website here
Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!
Follow us on Instagram.

Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!