Morna isn’t your typical Chief People Officer—she’s proof that you don’t need to be a “HR person” or even a stereotypical “people person” to lead a thriving Talent, People, and Culture Team. In fact, she proudly claims to be neither! With limited HR credentials and an introvert’s soul (peppered with a dash of frustrated extrovert), Morna is the embodiment of owning your destiny and rewriting the rulebook for what HR leadership looks like.
For nearly 20 years, Morna has grown with Stowe Family Law, starting out in an entry level accounts position and working her way to a seat at the top table, where she keeps people at the heart of the firm’s evolution. Under her leadership, the People team has flourished, sharing her mission of making work a truly great place to be from day one and people over policies. And yes, her best ideas do seem to strike while she’s on a sun lounger—her team loves the tidal wave of creativity she brings back from holidays!
At the core of everything Morna does is empowerment. She knows firsthand how transformative it is to feel truly empowered, delivering some of her best work in those moments—and she’s passionate about helping others find their spark, too.
Outside of work, Morna is Mum to Archie, the star of many of a lockdown Teams Call and when time allows she frees her inner extrovert onstage: most recently dazzling audiences as Sister Mary Julian in Sister Act (her team’s cheers were deafening!) and The Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q.
Whether she’s at a Board meeting (wearing leopard print of course), coaching junior lawyers on imposter syndrome, or treading the boards in Harrogate Theatre, Morna is a powerhouse of positivity, authenticity, and empowerment.
She believes work can—and should—be a great place to be. And if you’re lucky enough to hear her speak, you’ll walk away inspired to shake up your own playbook, too.
