Natalie
O'Hare

Who I help

SMEs. High-Growth Businesses. International Businesses setting up in the UK. Not-For-Profit. Public Sector.

How I help

Strategic HR advice. People partnership. Coaching. Compliance.

Sectors/Support

All sectors.

“Helping clients turn challenges into opportunities for growth.”

Natalie O’Hare is Client Services Director in our People team based in our Glasgow office. Leading and mentoring her team of HR leaders to enable them to support clients through complex employee relations cases, Natalie brings a balance of strategic insight and practical solutions. With almost 20 years’ experience in HR, including over a decade specialising in consultancy, she is valued by her team and clients for her approachable style, commercial mindset, and ability to deliver results that last. Whether working with a startup, a large corporate, or a public sector organisation, Natalie’s focus is always the same: building strong relationships, cutting through complexity, and equipping her team to help businesses create workplaces where people, and performance, can thrive. Natalie also sits on the Renfrewshire Chambers board as Vice President.

A career built on curiosity

“I’ve always been fascinated by why some teams thrive while others struggle, even when everyone involved is talented. Early on, I realised that so much of it comes down to leadership, communication, and culture. That curiosity pulled me into HR, because I wanted to do more than just observe – I wanted to shape better experiences at work.

Over the past 20 years I’ve worked my way from HR advisor to HR Director, and for more than a decade I’ve been focused on HR consultancy. I’ve worked with everyone from startups and family-owned firms to large corporates and public sector organisations, and every experience has reinforced my belief in the power of getting people management right.”

Listening first

“When I or any of my team start working with a new client, the priority is always listening first. Every business has its own unique challenges, ambitions, and people, so it’s important to take the time to understand what matters most to them. That genuine interest helps to build trust straight away. Clients often tell us that we feel like “an extension of their HR team,” and I think that’s because we never deliver generic advice. Everything my team and I do is tailored to the clients’ situation and the aim is to always get this right, so it means when tricky issues arise, they know they can rely on us for guidance that fits both their people and their business.”

Practical solutions, lasting results

“Clients often come to us when they feel stuck. Maybe a situation has escalated, or they’ve hit a barrier they don’t know how to get past. What I love most is that we are able to bring clarity and show them options they hadn’t considered. Seeing that shift from uncertainty to confidence is what keeps me motivated. It’s about more than solving the immediate problem. It’s about putting in place solutions that work in the long term and give leaders confidence in their next steps.”

Advice that goes beyond compliance

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions about HR is that it’s all about rules and restrictions. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. Effective HR is about enabling progress. Yes, compliance is essential, but the real value comes from helping businesses make smart, commercial decisions about their people. Whether that’s advising on a restructure, resolving conflicts, or helping leaders think differently about retention, our goal is to ensure HR always drives performance, not just paperwork.”

Finding confidence through uncertainty

“One of the most defining periods in my career was supporting clients through COVID. Businesses were under huge pressure, employees were anxious, and leadership teams needed clear, calm guidance. We worked side by side with clients to navigate furlough, safety protocols, and remote working. That experience reinforced the importance of empathy, adaptability, and decisive action. Today, I bring those same principles to every relationship, helping my team and our clients stay confident, even in the most uncertain times.”

What I bring to the table

“My strengths lie in communication, problem-solving, and commercial insight. I’m experienced in leading a team to navigate through complex people situations and deliver solutions that work for both the business and its employees. I’m approachable and easy to work with, which helps build trust quickly with my team and clients, and I always keep the bigger picture in mind. That combination means I can lead my team, so clients can count on us for advice that is not only people-focused but also aligned with their wider business goals.”

A holistic approach

“One of the things that excites me about being at AAB is the collaborative approach across the business. Clients don’t just get HR support in isolation. They can also get access to a wide range of expertise across health & safety, payroll, tax, business advisory, and more. That joined-up way of working means we can solve problems holistically and add real value. It also makes for a great working environment, where everyone is pulling in the same direction for the client’s benefit.”

Looking ahead

“HR is always evolving, and I believe the businesses that succeed are the ones that stay ahead of the curve. I’m particularly passionate about helping my team help clients think creatively about retention, finding ways to keep employees engaged and motivated that don’t just rely on costly measures. By thinking outside the box and anticipating future challenges, we can help our clients stay resilient and competitive. Ultimately, my role is about leading my team to build trusted partnerships and support clients to get the very best out of their people.”