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Why People Stay: Rethinking Talent, Work and Commitment



In a world that feels “heavier and harder”, what makes people choose to stay?

In this panel from the Engage Employee Summit, Megan Yawor, Head of Talent Management and Development at Knight Frank, and Caroline Jellyman, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, discuss how talent and retention have changed in the last five years. 

They explain why “squiggly” careers are replacing the traditional career ladder, and how to get people to own their own development instead of waiting for it to be done to them. They also talk about what happens when managers hoard talent or decide someone is “too good to lose”.

Caroline shares how Battersea is preparing new starters for the realities behind a joyful brand, and Megan explains why transparency, fairness and no “exception culture” are the shifts that will matter most. 

Listen for honest, practical ideas on giving people clarity at a time when they need it most, and why retention will always be about people, whatever the technology.

 

To register your interest for a free place at the 2027 Engage Employee Summit click here.

Megan Yawor

Megan Yawor

Knight Frank Head of Talent Management & Development
Megan Yawor is the Head of Talent Systems & Experience at Knight Frank, where she leads the design and delivery of end‑to‑end talent experiences that help people develop, grow, and perform at work. With a background in learning and development, talent systems, performance, and employee experience, she brings a practical, people‑first approach to shaping how talent practices work in reality. Her work spans career development, performance frameworks, and learning strategy, with a particular focus on clarity, consistency, and ensuring that people processes translate into meaningful behavior at work. Megan is especially interested in how organizations move beyond well‑intentioned design to create simple, inclusive talent experiences that genuinely change the way people work.
Caroline Jellyman

Caroline Jellyman

Battersea Head of Learning and Organisational Development
Caroline Jellyman is Head of Learning & Organisational Development at Battersea, where she leads the organisation’s approach to culture, capability and workforce development, helping shape a people‑experience that supports both organisational ambition and human‑centred growth.

She joined Battersea in 2021 and has held senior OD and learning leadership roles across the organisation, working closely with leaders and teams to evolve ways of working, build future skills and strengthen organisational culture through periods of change. Before joining Battersea, Caroline held senior people, learning and organisational development roles across the charity, technology and commercial sectors, bringing a blend of strategic insight and practical, people‑first leadership.

Caroline is particularly passionate about how organisations anticipate and adapt to shifting workforce needs – from evolving skills and digital capability to changing employee expectations. Her work is grounded in curiosity, compassion and a belief that people strategies work best when built around the real experiences, motivations and voices of employees.

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