21st Century HR

Over 170 Redefining Work episodes. A parade of inspiring guests. A global community I couldn't have dreamed of. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Fulfillment? Absolutely. But now, it's time to hit pause. Why? That's a fair question. I explain in this closing episode.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Laszlo Bock, co-founder of the Berkeley Transformative CHRO Academy, former people operations leader at Google and one of the most influential voices in HR. Laszlo shares his journey from shaping Google's data-driven HR practices to mentoring the next generation of CHROs. We dive into the power of data in decision-making, the importance of values-driven leadership, and the challenges of scaling culture in a growing organization. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on courage, culture, and the evolving role of HR.

On this episode of Redefining Work, Topaz Adizes, founder and CEO of The Skin Deep, explores the power of meaningful conversations to build trust and connection. From creating intentional spaces for vulnerability to the transformative practice of active listening, Topaz shares strategies for bridging divides in polarized times. He discusses how storytelling deepens relationships, even in professional settings, and offers practical insights for HR leaders looking to cultivate humanity and connection in the workplace. Discover how fostering authentic dialogue can transform relationships, enhance collaboration, and bring humanity back to work.

On this episode of Redefining Work, Lisa Bodell, founder and CEO of FutureThink, reveals how simplification is the key to unlocking innovation. From her groundbreaking exercises like “Kill the Company” and “Kill Stupid Rules” to strategies for embedding subtraction into company culture, Lisa offers actionable advice for leaders and teams looking to reclaim their time and focus on what matters most. Discover how simplicity can transform your work, boost creativity and foster a culture of curiosity.

Career transitions are rarely neat. They're messy, they're scary, and they often come with a hefty dose of uncertainty. But, as Angela Cheng-Cimini reminded us in this week's episode of Redefining Work, they're also essential if we want to grow, rediscover purpose, and live a life of intention. Angela, a soon-to-be former CHRO at Harvard Business Review, joined me for a candid conversation about transitions—not just in work, but in life.  She shared her journey of stepping away from a high-profile role to prioritize what really matters. Along the way, we dove into burnout, the importance of self-disruption, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply pause.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Rob Mac Giolla Phadraig, founder of SkillStack, a cutting-edge learning platform built around the power of storytelling. Rob shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind SkillStack, and the profound impact storytelling has had on his life and career. Tune in to discover how SkillStack is revolutionizing learning and development by harnessing the power of narrative to unlock human potential.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by J.P. Sanday, partner at Menlo Ventures. Throughout his career in private equity and venture capital, J.P. has gained a sharp understanding of market dynamics and early-stage growth. In this episode, we dive into his philosophy on scaling startups, assembling powerful teams and making the most of AI opportunities.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Rich Diviney, retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, author and founder of The Attributes. Throughout his 20-year career, which includes leading SEAL Team Six selection, Rich developed a deep understanding of leadership, team dynamics and human performance. In this episode, we dive into Rich's belief in the role of attributes over skills in determining success, his philosophy on building high performing teams and how mastering uncertainty takes performance to the next level.

In this episode of the LinkedIn Presents: Redefining Work podcast, host Lars Schmidt sits down with Ruben Harris, co-founder and CEO of Career Karma, to discuss the launch of OutRival, a no-code platform that democratizes access to AI across the enterprise. Ruben shares how OutRival empowers non-engineering teams to build AI-driven agents and solutions without technical expertise, reshaping how companies engage with customers and employees. They dive into the future of work, AI's role in personalization, and how OutRival is transforming workforce development for industries beyond tech.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Rusty Ralston and Jay Patil, co-founders of Swell Venture Capital. We dive into their unique approach to venture capital, centered around identifying visionary founders and helping them build exceptional teams. Rusty and Jay share their hands-on recruitment strategies, how they assess founders' potential, and the importance of a people-first investment philosophy. Listen in to discover how Swell VC is giving its portfolio companies a recruiting advantage and reshaping venture capital through a talent-driven lens.

There's something universal in the world of work that we've all encountered. You've written it, reviewed it, probably stressed over it. Yes, I'm talking about that staple of the corporate world: the resume. Now, I know you're probably thinking, "Really? The resume? That outdated piece of paper is still a thing?" And yes, it is—tragically. In this episode of Redefining Work Reports, host Lars Schmidt explores that antiquated hiring document known as the resume.

Today I'm sharing a very special bonus episode! Redefining Work is a part of a whole network of podcasts at LinkedIn–The LinkedIn Podcast Network. This month, their team launched a new show in partnership with iHeart Podcasts. It's called Let's Talk Offline and it is packed with actionable advice and engaging insight for early career development. This episode in particular feels valuable to anyone at any stage of their career: it's all about salary negotiation. More about Let's Talk Offline: Each week, LinkedIn's Gianna Prudente and Jamé Jackson Gadsden answer your unfiltered questions about work life, from negotiating pay to setting boundaries to navigating office friendships. Gianna – an early career development editor and resident Gen Zer – and Jamé – a community manager, workshop host, and millennial – get real about their own career experiences (spoiler: they're still figuring it out, too) and confide in expert guests who've been there, done that. Through it all, you'll learn what it takes to thrive in the early years of your career — without sacrificing your values, sanity or sleep. Listen HERE!

In this episode of Redefining Work, Lars Schmidt sits down with Kelly Scheib, Chief People Officer at Crunchbase, to explore how the company is transforming HR through innovative strategies. Kelly shares insights on spaghetti careers, a flexible benefits model, and how Crunchbase leverages AI to streamline processes while maintaining human connection. Learn how Crunchbase's people-first culture is redefining the future of work and the role of HR in tech companies. Topics covered: Crunchbase's "People Project Pool" and how it breaks down HR silos The Live Your Best Life flexible benefits program How Crunchbase integrates AI without losing human empathy Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging woven into people systems

This episode features the brilliant Laura Mae Martin, Executive Productivity Advisor at Google and author of "Uptime: A Practical Guide for Personal Productivity and Well-being." Laura's insights provide a fresh take on how to balance our intentions and actions in both professional and personal spheres.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Jeffrey Pfeffer, professor of organizational behavior at Stanford University and author of “Dying for a Paycheck.” We dive into the critical topic of employee well-being and explore the harmful effects of workplace stress and poor working conditions on employee health.

Today's episode was a deep dive into leadership, habits, and community with none other than Lan Phan. Lan is the founder of Community of Seven and the author of the book, Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life. Let's break down some of the key insights from our conversation.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Thai Randolph, media executive, entrepreneur and co-founder at Hartbeat. Join us as we dive into how Thai navigates the tricky world of creating value in today's fragmented media scene, her incredible story of raising one of the biggest private equity rounds as a Black woman CEO and how generative AI is shaking up the creative process.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Josh Bersin, global HR analyst and founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company. Josh dives into the transformation of the HR function from a transactional, administrative role to a more strategic, consultative powerhouse critical to business success. Tune in to discover how HR can lead the charge in shaping the future of work.

Explore the complexities of friendships at work. Are they essential for job satisfaction, or do they pose professional risks? Discover insights and personal experiences from the latest episode of LinkedIn Presents: Redefining Work - The Riff with AJ Thomas, Q Hamirani, and Lars Schmidt. This exploration of workplace friendships was not just a discussion but a deep dive into how these relationships shape our work lives. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, we covered the spectrum of this intricate topic. As always, we encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and think about how friendships influence your work life.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Kim Scott, author of the classic, “Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity.” People need to know that you care about them, but at the same time, you do them a disservice if you don't help them grow. Listen in to learn how to give — and receive — radical candor to help everyone on your team feel safe to grow.

Welcome to the latest special Redefining Work episode of The Riff, co-hosted by Lars Schmidt, AJ Thomas, and Q Hamirani. In this lively discussion, they dive deep into the world of non-linear careers, including personal anecdotes from their own experience, offering valuable advice for those navigating their professional journeys.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Kandi Wiens, University of Pennsylvania senior fellow and author of the new book “Burnout Immunity.” Find out how you can build resilience to burnout and learn to thrive at work.

In this episode of the Redefining Work podcast, host Lars Schmidt sits down with Vanesa Cotlar, VP of People and Culture at PolicyMe, to explore the transformative changes in HR. Vanesa shares her journey from a solo HR professional to leading a dynamic team, discusses the evolution and increased visibility of the HR field, and offers insights on building trust with the C-suite and mastering remote work.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Amy Schultz, global head of talent acquisition at Canva. We discuss Amy's career journey from LinkedIn to Canva, how Canva uses visual storytelling in its recruiting processes, and Amy's perspective on generative AI in recruiting.

Rocki Howard is a leading voice on building inclusive workplaces and the founder of Diversiology.io, an advisory and community firm that empowers SMBs to build high-performing, engaged, and inclusive cultures. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience for our Amplify Talent Community VIP webinar series. Rocki and I discussed various aspects of her recent entrepreneurial journey, the state of DEI today, the importance of intersectionality, and much more.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist at Canva and author of “Think Remarkable.” In this conversation, we go deep into the revolutionary significance of generative AI (including how he uses it in his daily life), how growth and grit are the keys to being remarkable, and so much more.

In this episode of Redefining Work Reports, I'm joined by Pat Wadors, Chief People Officer at UKG, who shares her extensive insights into the evolving role of HR in today's business environment. The discussion explores Pat's innovative approach to HR, emphasizing the strategic alignment of business goals with employee advocacy, the impact of technological advancements on HR practices, and the importance of resilience and continuous learning in leadership. Pat's deep experience and forward-thinking ideas provide valuable lessons for HR professionals looking to drive meaningful change and effectively navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Sergio Ezama, chief HR officer at Netflix. We examine Netflix's one-of-a-kind take on compensation, how the company is using generative AI and Sergio's advice for new chief people officers learning to build C-suite relationships.

In today's podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Molly Graham, who has been instrumental in shaping the tech landscape through her profound insights into people and organizational development. Molly is a powerhouse known for her roles at major tech firms like Facebook and Google, as well as her recent endeavors, such as founding Glue Club and &Then. Our conversation was a deep dive into her journey, her philosophy and lessons on growth and scaling, and her viral concept of "Giving Away Your Legos."

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Marcus Sawyerr, the visionary founder and CEO of EQ.app, and former president of Adecco Group X. We dig into Marcus' deep background in recruitment technology innovation, the power of community in recruiting, and AI's impact on recruitment and the broader world of work.

In a special live episode of the LinkedIn Presents: Redefining Work, I explore the evolving world of generative AI within Human Resources, featuring insights from Johannes Sundlo, a forefront thinker in HR technology. This episode was recorded live as part of the Amplify Talent Community Plus VIP Webinar series, where we host interactive workshops with leading thinkers across the HR, talent, and recruiting industries. As HR transitions into a more digital and automated era, this episode uncovers the transformative potential of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in streamlining HR processes and enhancing efficiency.

On this episode of LinkedIn Presents: Redefining Work, I'm joined by Martin Mignot and Sandra Schwarzer, two pivotal figures from Index Ventures who share the research, insights, and lessons behind their Scaling Through Chaos book and TeamPlan app.

In this special episode of LinkedIn Presents: Redefining Work Reports, I sit down with Shelby Wolpa to discuss insights from her 2024 Distributed Work: People & Practices Report.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Katelin Holloway, an influential figure in HR and investing who is a founding partner at Seven Seven Six, a venture capital investment firm. We explore her transition from HR to venture capital and why the HR skill set is so important when making investment decisions.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Donna Morris, executive vice president and chief people officer at Walmart. We discuss what it takes to simplify the lives of millions of workers, how the retail giant is revolutionizing workplace technology and why people remain at the nucleus of Walmart's business model.

In an enlightening conversation on the latest episode of the podcast, Lars Schmidt sits down with Elise Hu, a distinguished journalist, author, and podcast host, to delve into the evolving landscape of journalism, the pervasive influence of digital media, and the critical role of nonprofit news in maintaining a well-informed society. Their discussion also ventures into beauty standards, algorithms, and the future implications of generative AI, offering insights into Elise's thought-provoking book, 'Flawless,' and her dynamic, multi-faceted career.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by entrepreneur, hotelier and New York Times best-selling author Chip Conley to discuss the topic of his most recent book, “Learning to Love Midlife.” Find out how Chip is thriving in his midlife and how you can help your workforce and organization embrace the unique benefits and opportunities offered during this stage of life.

In a world where change is the only constant, the realms of work and career development are undergoing profound and exhilarating transformations. That's been a driving force in the evolution of the Redefining Work podcast over the last seven years.  It's led the podcast to this exciting new chapter of its evolution.  I'm thrilled to announce the Redefining Work podcast is now a part of the LinkedIn Podcast Network.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Josh Drean, work tech advisor, co-founder of the Work3 Institute and author of the upcoming book, “Employment Is Dead.” We discuss disruptive technologies and the future of employment models. Listen in to hear Josh's predictions for how work will evolve over the next five to 10 years, and what you can do now to prepare your organization to meet the future.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Dena Singleton, CHRO at Kajabi. We discuss learning priorities for HR leaders, the parallels between employee and customer experiences and what connection and belonging look like in today's workplace. Find out what Dena believes HR should focus on and why driving business results requires a distinctly human approach to work.

Summary In the premiere episode of the 11th season of the Redefining Work podcast, Lars introduces the new Amplify Talent Studio and previews the upcoming season. He mentions the range of guests lined up, including top business leaders and authors. Lars also announces the launch of the Amplify Talent Community and shares its evolution from HR open source and the Amplify Academy. He explains the freemium model of the community and highlights the features available to both free and premium members. Lars discusses the event-heavy nature of the community, the growth accountability space, and the exclusive learning content. He concludes by inviting listeners to join the community. Key Takeaways Season 11 of the Redefining Work podcast will feature a range of guests, including top business leaders and authors. The Amplify Talent Community is a growth community designed to help practitioners and emerging leaders succeed in the new world of work. The community offers both free and premium membership options, with various features and benefits. Premium members of the community have access to exclusive events, learning content, and local spaces to connect with peers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Season 11 Preview 03:02 Introduction to Amplify Talent Community 04:22 Components of the Amplify Talent Community 06:24 Benefits of Community Plus Membership 08:16 Exclusive Learning Content in the Community 09:46 Local Spaces in the Community 10:27 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Community

Join Amplify Talent Founder Lars Schmidt and discover the key to transforming your business in this special episode of Redefining Work. This episode delves deep into the art and science of hiring a Head of People who isn't just a fit for your company, but who will drive your business forward. We'll cover everything from understanding the hiring market, identifying the ideal candidate profile, leveraging innovative recruitment strategies, decoding their drivers and motivation, and mastering the interview process to ensure you find a leader who aligns with your company's culture and values. Whether you're a startup looking to build your team from the ground up or an established enterprise seeking to enhance your HR leadership, this video provides the tools and insights you need to succeed. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your business with the right HR leadership. Need help hiring a transformational head of people? Learn more about Amplify Talent's HR executive search services below. https://amplifytalent.com/hr-executive-search

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Laurie Tennant, principal of Norwest Venture Partners' People Advisory. We discuss the complexities and opportunities of leading a talent partner team in venture capital. Find out what Laurie learned about balancing the needs of people with the needs of the business while scaling portfolio companies.

Ready to explore how GPTs (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) are revolutionizing the field of Human Resources? In this must-watch episode of Redefining Work Presents: The Riff, Lars Schmidt and Q Hamirani delve into the dynamic world where artificial intelligence meets human resource management.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Dianna Langenburg and Debbie Green. We discuss their open-source racial equity toolkit and how HR practitioners can use it to drive equity at work.

This special episode of Redefining Work Reports introduces "Mastering HR Leadership in the New World of Work." This learning journey is tailored for aspiring and seasoned HR leaders keen on navigating the dynamic landscapes of modern workplaces. Learn all about this dynamic new course; including topics covered, guest instructors, and more in this special episode.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Jerry Colonna, founder and CEO at Reboot.io and author of “Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.” We discuss what it means to bring your whole self to work, how to become more self-aware, and why it's everyone's responsibility to dismantle negative social systems.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by bestselling author, global keynote speaker and work futurist Jacob Morgan. We discuss the topic of his new book, “Leading With Vulnerability,” the state of work today, what CEOs expect from their people and much more.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Mita Mallick, head of inclusion, equity and impact at Carta, co-host of the Brown Table Talk podcast and author of Reimagine Inclusion. We discuss the current state of DEI, especially in the U.S., and what it means to drive business impact through your DEI strategy.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I'm joined by Dr. Serena Huang, founder of Data With Serena, chief data officer at ABE.work and LinkedIn Learning instructor. We discuss all things people data — from aligning people analytics with a larger vision to using data to drive change for the better.

On this episode of Redefining HR, I'm joined by David Rogier, founder and CEO at MasterClass. We discuss lessons learned as a founder, how he's empowering businesses through MasterClass at Work and why education can also be entertaining.