Julie-Anne Sivajoti
Director, HR Strategy, Portfolio & Performance at BT Group
When I look back at my career, I realise that 2024 was a defining moment. I had been in HR for years, working particularly on the digital and product side of organisations, where the adoption of Agile ways of working had long been established.
I saw firsthand how Agile can transform product development – creating clearer priorities, streamlining workflows, and delivering better outcomes for customers. The more I observed this shift, the more I started to wonder: why weren’t we doing this in HR, too?
At that time, BT HR structured itself in line with the business, with each customer-facing unit having an e2e HR team outside of HR Services & Operations. Each team focused on a unique business area, often resulting in a disconnect from the bigger organisational picture.
We had valuable HR products and services, but we weren’t always thinking about them end to end, nor were we prioritising based on impact.
I felt strongly that we had the opportunity to make a positive change!
The inspiration behind Agile HR
I started exploring Agile in the context of HR and quickly realised its potential. It wasn’t just about moving faster – it was about working smarter.
What if we applied the same product mindset that worked so well in digital teams to our people solutions?
The concept of HR as a product fascinated me. What if we applied the same product mindset that worked so well in digital teams to our people solutions?
What if we prioritised based on real impact, co-created with employees, and continuously improved our services?
As I delved deeper, the Product Owner role in Agile HR stood out as a game-changer (read more about the HR Product Owner role). It offered a new way of thinking—one that emphasised clear prioritisation, value-driven decision-making, and breaking down silos to look at HR products holistically. This wasn’t just a framework; it was a philosophy that could help us transform how we supported our people.
Bringing Agile into HR Strategy
I wanted to upskill in Agile, but the software-focused learning wasn’t fit for purpose. That’s when I came across Agile HR Community. My learning journey included their Agile HR Certified Practitioner programme and continued into a masterclass of how to lead a whole Agile HR function through their Agile HR Strategy and Portfolio training.
I then started applying Agile principles in my work—experimenting with shorter planning cycles, continuous feedback loops, and closer collaboration across teams.
It quickly became clear that this wasn’t just a trend; it could be a fundamental shift in how we operated, if only we could get more of our HR colleagues au fait with the mindset and approach.
As BT HR moved towards a new people strategy and operating model, I was fortunate to be part of the discussions shaping its future. Agile ways of working became a central pillar, ensuring we were creating HR solutions that were aligned with business needs, adaptable to change, and truly valuable to employees.
A new role, a new responsbility...
Earlier this year, I was honoured to step into my new role as Director of HR Strategy, Portfolio & Performance. This role isn’t just about leading HR change; it’s about bringing together hundreds of HR professionals to build a modern, end-to-end, highly effective HR function.
Our ambition is clear: we want to prioritise what matters, work collaboratively, and create HR services that are designed for real impact. We are no longer just managing HR as a set of processes—we are treating it as a product that continuously evolves to meet the needs of our people and the business.
Building the future of HR together
What excites me most is seeing the mindset shift across the organisation!
HR is no longer a back-office function—we are a key player in driving business outcomes. And we’re doing it in a way that feels more human, more dynamic, and more meaningful. I feel privileged to be on this journey with so many talented colleagues.
The work we’re doing isn’t just about process improvements—it’s about shaping the future of work at BT. And while we still have a long way to go, I know that by embracing agility, staying open to learning, and working together, we’re building something truly exceptional.
HR is no longer a back-office function
I'm looking to hire Senior Portfolio Specialists
And what’s even more exciting… I am looking to hire amazing talent who can help us succeed! Initially, I am hiring Senior Portfolio Specialists – these individuals will be key to supporting the HR function through this transformation, partnering with senior HR leaders and their teams to adopt new ways of working and to build a portfolio that delivers value whilst ensuring collaboration.
- If would like to join our journey as a Senior Portfolio Specialist, you can find more information and apply here
