21 Jan 2025 Community

The Kirkwood Business Movement Spotlight Beanstalk HR

Yvette Whitwam, the founder of Beanstalk HR, is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in human resources and 30 years in management. Since launching her business two years ago, Yvette has supported organisations of all sizes, helping them build HR functions from scratch, revamp existing systems, manage complex employee relations, train and coach managers, and nurture workplace cultures for sustainable growth.

Reflecting on her journey, she explains, “I’ve been working in HR for 20 years, and in management for 30, and I’m CIPD Level 7 qualified. Since starting the business two years ago, I’ve had the privilege of supporting businesses of all sizes helping them build their HR functions from the ground up, revamping existing systems, managing complex employee relations, training and coaching managers, and nurturing their workplace cultures and employer value propositions for sustainable growth.”

The name Beanstalk HR itself reflects Yvette’s passion for sustainable development. She recalls, “The business name was conceived on a beach with my best friends, I’m passionate about sustainable growth, and the way the vines of a beanstalk support itself to enable it to reach higher just resonated with me.”

Her philosophy is deeply influenced by her time working in a worker cooperative, which instilled a strong foundation in value-based decision making. “I developed my approach to HR and people management there an organisation with a high threshold for values-based decision making, where peer review carried more weight than any ‘boss,’ and where collaboration and communication were KPIs,” she says.

One of the standout offerings of Beanstalk HR is “The Pod,” a membership programme designed to provide small and micro businesses with affordable access to dedicated HR support. Yvette explains, “The Pod enables small and micro businesses to have access to a dedicated HR partner without breaking the bank.”

Her expertise in employment relations and conflict management has made her an invaluable partner for leaders facing complex challenges. “I also have strong employment relations and conflict management skills and am particularly good at supporting leaders through complex employment relations challenges,” she notes.

Yvette is passionate about learning and applying her knowledge to benefit her clients. “My favourite days are spent out visiting clients or researching a topic to create new training or workshop material. I’m an absolute people geek, so soak up all the latest studies and apply them to my work,” she shares.

Conflict resolution is another area where Yvette excels. “I love conflict resolution (I’m mediation qualified), and my very favourite workday this year was when I delivered a values-based decision-making workshop and then facilitated a group discussion, where a leadership team and board of trustees had become split. Seeing them come together and be open to each other’s needs and ideas after they’d had a year of butting heads gave me a huge sense of achievement.”

Her drive to improve workplaces is deeply personal, stemming from her own experiences. “After a few horrendous experiences myself as an employee, I’m determined to help employers do better and take pride in the value I’m able to add,” she reflects. For Yvette, going above and beyond for her clients is simply part of the job. “Going above and beyond for my clients and their employees tends to reap rewards in itself I get a buzz from solving challenges and conflict,” she adds.

Outside of work, Yvette leads a fulfilling life filled with hobbies and family time. She plays for a local women’s cricket team, which Beanstalk HR also sponsors. “I play for a local women’s cricket team, who Beanstalk HR also sponsors, I’ve grown to love a game that I never thought I would play, and enjoy hanging out with my teammates doing daft stuff like wild swimming,” she says.

In addition, she volunteers with Riding for the Disabled and enjoys creative pursuits, such as creating lino prints, some of which were featured in Holmfirth Art Week. Looking ahead, she’s particularly excited about a family trip to Thailand in 2025. “My eldest son is at Uni now, and in future, he might not want to do family holidays anymore, so I’m really looking forward to spending this adventure with him particularly,” she says.

Family time and relaxation are also high on Yvette’s agenda. “Chilling out with my partner and two sons takeaway and a movie, a nice long walk, and lots of laughs with my best friends (and perhaps a few cheeky vinos to follow), cricket practice or a match (and perhaps a few cheeky vinos to follow),” she says with a laugh.

Yvette’s connection to The Kirkwood is another important part of her life. “I enjoy being able to give back to, and be associated with, a charity that’s so special to my family; and the networking events with other members are great,” she says.

She has a deep admiration for the hospice’s inclusivity and innovative ideas. “I knew quite a bit as family members have been patients, but I was surprised at the range of services provided, and the lack of public funding. What strikes me most though is what a positive, happy place the hospice is, and I’m really impressed by how The Kirkwood lives up to its values, particularly being inclusive, I’m blown away by the gender-neutral shop idea, for example,” she explains.

When it comes to social media, Yvette finds LinkedIn invaluable for business while preferring Instagram and Facebook for downtime. “LinkedIn for business and Instagram/Facebook for scrolling. I’ve never really gotten into TikTok, not cool enough, lol,” she says.

Through Beanstalk HR, Yvette Whitwam has created more than a business; she’s built a values-driven organisation that supports sustainable growth for companies and fosters better workplaces. Whether she’s resolving conflicts, coaching leaders, or preparing for her next cricket match, Yvette is driven by her passion for helping people thrive.