the story behind
the people team
We Are The People Team was founded by experienced people leaders who have spent their careers inside some of the world’s most recognisable brands and fast-growing creative businesses.
Having seen first-hand the impact commercially sharp people strategy can have, and the challenges businesses face when HR becomes a blocker rather than an enabler, they set out to build something different, grounded in real business experience.
We created We Are The People Team to offer a more modern and commercially driven approach to HR, acting as a founder’s inner circle and strategic partner, bringing clarity, direction and momentum to the decisions that shape your business.
Combining deep expertise with energy and clarity, we design bespoke people strategies that create strong foundations for growth, support transformation and accelerate business performance in a way that is practical and commercially aligned.
Built through experience supporting businesses in the moments that matter most.
Scaling. Transformation. IPO. Acquisition. Exit.
why we exisit
We believe HR should be commercially sharp, human and built around the realities of running a business; not slowed down by unnecessary process or red tape.
Too often, HR becomes a blocker rather than an enabler, creating friction instead of momentum. We exist to change that.
Through our work we bring pace, clarity and commercially focused thinking, helping businesses make better people decisions across the full employee lifecycle that drive performance and create long-term value.
meet the people
A core team, supported by a trusted network of Associates & Specialists when needed
nicola hammond
founder & people director
A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Nicola brings over 20 years' experience partnering with creative agencies and global brands, combining strategic HR, talent and commercial expertise. She supports founders and leadership teams through transformation, organisational change and growth, bringing clarity and commercially grounded people strategy to every partnership.
lucy sawyer
co-founder & people director
Lucy brings over 15 years' HR, talent acquisition and leadership experience partnering with global and high-growth brands. She specialises in supporting businesses through growth, change and transformation, whether scaling up, scaling down, preparing for IPO or navigating organisational change. Lucy brings energy, momentum and trusted expertise to every partnership.
We collaborate with a handpicked professional network of fractional HR leaders, ER specialists and training facilitators through to non-exec directors, leadership coaches and DEI specialists.
Trusted, experienced and well connected, we bring in the right expertise at the right time, extending our capability while staying tuned in to you and your business.
work with us
We're building a trusted network of commercially sharp HR partners, coaches and advisors to partner with us and our clients. If you're passionate about a more modern approach to HR and thrive in fast-moving, founder-led businesses, we'd love to hear from you.