Round Table: Performance Management

Whether you’re navigating underperformance, trying to motivate a stretched team, or juggling the demands of hybrid working, keeping people on track is one of the toughest – and least talked-about – parts of leadership. 

Join Forum member and seasoned HR expert Louise Kennedy, Founder of Oculus HR, as she leads an open, honest discussion grounded in years of supporting leaders through the real-life challenges of managing people. Drawing on her frontline experience, she’ll guide a candid conversation about what effective, fair and confident performance management looks like when you’re already spinning plates. 

This round table is a true peer-to-peer space designed to help entrepreneurs step back, reflect and gain clarity on how to get the best from their teams without burning themselves out in the process. 

Our conversation will explore key themes such as: 

Turning Difficult Conversations into Productive Ones 
From early intervention to structured feedback, we’ll share practical ways to address issues before they escalate and how to communicate with confidence when they do. 

Setting Expectations That Actually Stick 
We’ll look at how to define clear roles, create accountability and ensure everyone understands what ‘good’ looks like, especially in fast-moving or evolving businesses. 

Supporting Your People While Protecting Performance 
We’ll explore how to balance empathy with accountability, recognise when someone needs support versus when boundaries need to be reinforced, and keep performance conversations grounded, fair and consistent. 

This round table is ideal for entrepreneurs who want a confidential, supportive space to talk openly about people challenges, learn practical strategies and build a healthier, more resilient performance culture.