HR Leaders

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Michael D'Ambrose, Board Director at SHRM and former EVP & CHRO at Boeing, about why traditional performance management is failing today's workforce. Michael exposes the flaws of annual reviews, rigid rating systems, and outdated HR processes that demotivate employees and prevent real growth. He shares how empowering managers with real-time feedback, flexibility, and practical leadership can transform company culture, drive business results, and create workplaces where people truly thrive.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Dina Yorke, VP Learning Excellence at Schneider Electric, about how AI is transforming workforce learning through personalization at scale. Dina shares how Schneider Electric is building a skills-based organization where employees drive their own development, supported by AI-powered learning pathways that adapt to individual needs. She explains how breaking down silos, enabling collaboration, and leveraging AI allows Schneider to upskill faster, keep content relevant, and prepare for future workforce challenges.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Alexander Nicolaus, Chief People Officer at Paysend and author of Startup Culture, about how to intentionally design company culture as you scale. Alex shares how his global career shaped his approach to building high-performing teams, why behavior-based hiring beats resumes, and how Paysend is scaling to a billion-dollar business with a lean team. He unpacks how founders can embed values from day one, use clear behaviors to drive performance, and avoid retrofitting culture after growth creates dysfunction.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jelena Djordjevic, Chief People Officer at Thumbtack, about building true business partnerships as a People leader in today's unpredictable world.Jelena shares how HR leaders can balance empathy with business rigor, navigate rapid change, and create real accountability at the leadership table. She also reveals how Thumbtack is approaching AI adoption with both excitement and caution, building a culture that's ready for the future.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Brandon Roberts, Group VP, People Analytics and AI at ServiceNow, about how AI is transforming talent management as we know it.Brandon shares ServiceNow's Four Point Plan for building AI-first organizations, highlighting how real-time skills data, agile workforce allocation, and reskilling are changing how companies attract, develop, and deploy talent. He explains how HR must build strong partnerships with IT, invest in AI fluency, and completely rethink talent management for the age of AI.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Hannah Awonuga, Founder & CEO of Illume Executive Consulting, about how to unlock executive potential through inclusive leadership and authentic executive coaching.Hannah shares the biggest challenges HR leaders face when developing senior leaders, and why inclusion must be more than a program, it must be a mindset shift. This episode will reshape how you think about power, privilege, and the future of leadership development.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we're joined by Quilco Hasemann, Chief People & Culture Officer at OUTFITTERY, to explore how HR can build better leaders by focusing on strengths, not weaknesses. Quilco shares what most companies still get wrong about people development, why culture is the true performance lever, and how experimenting with AI is reshaping HR operations. The conversation also dives into how leadership teams can work better together, and why now is the time to rethink development from the inside out.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we're joined by Keith Ferrazzi, Author of Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship and Founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, to unpack the 10 powerful shifts every leader must make to thrive in the age of teamship.Keith shares the core idea behind his book, why traditional leadership is broken, and makes a bold case for moving from command-and-control to a more co-elevating, collaborative way of working.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we're joined by Adam Lancaster AIECL, Founder & Chief Learning Officer at Alkemy, to unpack what it really takes to build effective leaders in high-growth, high-change environments.Adam shares powerful lessons from his time at Meta and Coupang, reveals the hidden struggles of first-time managers, and explains why L&D must shift from programs to conversations if it wants to drive business impact.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Liam Reese, Head of People at ClickOut Media, about how HR leaders can navigate the complexities of remote, hybrid, and in-office work. Liam shares practical insights on balancing performance with flexibility, building strong cultures in remote-first companies, and aligning executive vision with employee expectations. He also busts common myths about hybrid work and explains why your work model might be your most powerful talent attraction tool.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Ben Frost, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry, and Zoë Cannings FCIPD, Strategic HR Transformation Director at Oracle. Together, they explore how organizations must evolve their reward strategies to meet the needs of a changing workforce, balancing personalization, equity, and performance.From skills-based pay models to the strategic use of AI, Ben and Zoe reveal how HR can lead the charge in building fair, flexible, and future-ready reward systems.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Juan Pablo Velasquez, CHRO at Fyffes and author of the book Respectful Rebels, to explore the power of respectful rebellion in leadership, navigating polarities in organizational culture, and his insights from leading HR across global markets. Juan Pablo shares personal stories illustrating the value of curiosity, taking risks, and effectively challenging the status quo. The conversation explores how combining respect with rebelliousness can drive positive organizational change and impactful leadership.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Alim A. Dhanji, CHRO at TD SYNNEX to explore how companies can protect their most valuable asset: culture. As AI reshapes work, Alim explains why empathy, values, and leadership vulnerability are the ultimate differentiators.Drawing from his experience as CHRO and President at Adidas Canada, Alim shares a candid perspective on leading with courage, speaking the language of business, and creating workplaces where humanity still matter.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Sarnjit Kaur, Chief People Officer International at Cox Automotive Inc., to explore how HR leaders can transform data into board-level ROI.Sarnjit shares how HR teams can elevate people analytics from operational metrics to strategic insights, and how combining empathy with business acumen can unlock real impact.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Andy Biladeau, Chief Transformation Officer at SHRM , about how structured agility is redefining transformation in today's AI-driven workplace. Andy shares how SHRM is building future-proof systems, why the silos between HR, IT, and business are breaking down, and what it takes to lead through constant change without burning people out.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Mike James Ross, author of the book Intention: The Surprising Psychology of High Performers, about why intention-driven leadership is the secret to creating high-performing teams and meaningful employee engagement. Mike reveals how organizations often misunderstand high performance, how AI will transform HR, and why leaders must empower people to embrace risk and innovation.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Stephanie Werner-Dietz, Executive Vice President, Human Resources of ArcelorMittal, to explore how HR leaders can deeply connect with the business and drive people strategies that truly make an impact. Stephanie shares her experience moving from the tech sector into manufacturing, the power of immersing yourself in the frontline, and how building trust and credibility transforms HR's role in the business.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Ciprian Arhire, Global Head of People Programmes and Analytics at Entain, to explore how HR leaders can balance AI, data, and human connection in the age of digital transformation.Ciprian shares insights on simplifying HR tech stacks, building trust in AI adoption, and creating agile strategies that future-proof HR. He also shares why upskilling HR teams in data literacy and storytelling is critical for success.

In this special episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we bring you a powerful panel discussion hosted by Lynne Oldham, Chief People Officer at Dataiku, featuring talent leaders from Databricks, Omnicom Media Group, Eaton and Zapier.Together, they explore how AI is transforming talent acquisition and talent management, from predictive hiring and internal mobility to bias reduction and personalized candidate experiences.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Michael Fraccaro, Former Chief People Officer at Mastercard, to discuss the future of HR leadership, succession planning, and the balance between formal and moral leadership. Michael shares lessons from his nine-year tenure, including CEO succession, scaling culture globally, and building high-performing teams by empowering others.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Stephan Meier, Professor at Columbia Business School and author of The Employee Advantage, to explore how employee-centric strategies are reshaping the workplace. Stephan shares how behavioral economics, employee experience, and business strategy intersect, and why treating employees like customers creates competitive advantage.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education and former Dean of Apple University, to explore how learning, collaboration, and organizational culture intersect. Joel shares insights from building Apple University, why collaboration is a contact sport, and how to design learning experiences that foster trust, feedback, and innovation.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Carmen Barboza, PHR, CPCC, Chief Human Resources Officer at Crowell & Moring, to explore how clarity, curiosity, and courage are shaping the future of HR leadership.Carmen shares how her coaching background influences her leadership style, how she builds trust during uncertainty, and why direct conversations can transform workplace culture.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jenni Kovach, Chief People Officer, and Adam Luck, CISM CISSP, Senior Director at IGS Energy, to explore how HR and IT can co-create AI strategies that drive real employee value. They reveal how a human-first approach to AI governance, internal AI tools like ChatGPT, and cross-functional trust helped build engagement, not fear, around technology.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Helene Hasselskog, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sweco, to explore how leadership alignment, cultural awareness, and talent scarcity are shaping the future of engineering organizations.Helene shares Sweco's journey toward a joint leadership philosophy, the challenges of balancing performance with care, and how the company is navigating one of the toughest hiring markets in Europe.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Emilee F. DeMartino, International Chief People Officer for International Markets at McDonald's, about building a culture of care, leveraging technology to transform HR, and leading with empathy across a global workforce.Emilee highlights the importance of meaningful recognition, the role of predictive analytics in workforce planning, and how digital innovation is reshaping employee experience at scale.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Anisha Thomas, Head of People at Inscribe AI, about balancing empathy and strategic leadership in fast-growing startups. Anisha shares the emotional challenge of executing a reduction in force (RIF), leveraging AI agents for workforce efficiency and innovation, and discusses how transparent communication builds stronger trust within leadership teams. She also explores the evolving landscape of HR amid rapid technological advancements.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jeanette Winters, Chief Human Resource Officer at 8x8, about building resilient HR strategies that balance agility, transparency, and authenticity. Jeanette shares her unique insights on leadership consistency, the critical role of lifelong learning, and why transparency, especially in times of uncertainty, is essential for trust and engagement.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Neeraj Tandon, Head of People Insights and Analytics at Syngenta Group, to discuss how predictive analytics, cultural transformation, and employee insights are reshaping HR strategies. Neeraj shares impactful stories and practical approaches from his experience at Novartis and Philips, highlighting how analytics can dramatically improve employee retention, business outcomes, and overall organizational effectiveness.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Udayan Dutt, Vice President of HR at Reckitt, to discuss how leadership, culture, and employee wellbeing can coexist effectively in an entrepreneurial and high-performance environment. Udayan shares insights from his extensive HR career, detailing Reckitt's journey of cultural transformation and how key leadership behaviors drive sustainable growth and innovation.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Ying Li, Head of People Analytics at PepsiCo, exploring how organizations can leverage AI and data analytics to build powerful, skills-based organizations. Ying shares her unique journey from electrical engineering and data science into people analytics, highlighting practical methods to understand skill levels, measure skills agility, and strategically plan talent development.

In this episode of HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Amy Reichanadter, Chief People Officer at Databricks, to discuss how leadership, culture, and AI-driven insights are shaping the future of HR.Amy shares her journey from psychology to HR leadership, how she built Databricks' people strategy from the ground up, and why transparency, leadership development, and data-driven decision-making are key to maintaining culture in a hyper-growth environment.

In this episode, we sit down with Laurent Aufils, Chief People Officer at Orange Business, to discuss how HR leaders can play a strategic role in business transformation, why engagement is critical for success, and how AI is shaping the future of HR.Laurent shares his journey from finance to HR, the importance of aligning HR with business objectives, and how data-driven decision-making can drive workforce planning, talent retention, and leadership development.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan F. Kestenbaum, Managing Director of Technology Strategy at AMS, to explore the biggest trends in talent acquisition and AI's growing role in shaping the workforce.Jonathan shares his 2025 talent trends predictions, covering AI-driven hiring, the future of job applications, and how organizations can rethink recruitment in an AI-powered world. He also dives into why large action models (LAMs) will replace traditional workflows, the shift to skills-based hiring, and how AI is transforming the way companies attract and retain talent.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with DJ Campbell, MBA, SHRM-SCP, Chief HR Officer at Sanford Health, to discuss the changing landscape of leadership, workforce transformation, and how AI is shaping the future of HR.DJ shares insights on why leadership development is the #1 priority for organizations today, how AI is transforming workforce strategies, and why HR must focus on employee experience, trust, and transparent communication to drive engagement and retention.He also unpacks the role of AI in healthcare HR, how organizations can balance technology and the human touch, and why companies must adapt leadership styles to meet the evolving expectations of employees.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Jean Pelletier, VP, Digital Talent Transformation and Global Talent Acquisition at Schneider Electric, to explore how AI is reshaping talent mobility, workforce planning, and career development. Jean shares how AI-powered talent marketplaces are breaking down silos, democratizing career growth, and enabling a skills-based workforce.She also discusses how data-driven decision-making is changing HR, why internal hiring needs a transformation, and how HR leaders can future-proof their organizations by rethinking talent management.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Ian Wilson, VP of HR at Amazon, to discuss how great leaders cultivate resilience, drive innovation, and embrace continuous learning. Ian shares insights on Amazon's leadership principles, why curiosity and adaptability are essential for success, and how HR leaders can create a culture that fosters growth, agility, and execution.He also dives into how leaders can make smarter decisions faster, develop strong problem-solving skills, and maintain a customer-centric mindset, lessons HR professionals can apply to future-proof their organizations.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Donovan Mattole, CHRO at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, discusses how friendship, resilience, and trust play crucial roles in leadership and organizational success. Donovan emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships, fostering trust within teams, and maintaining a work-life balance through self-care and reflection. He also shares how leaders can create a culture of accountability and collaboration by prioritizing connection over control.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Lucrecia Borgonovo, Chief Talent and Organizational Effectiveness Officer at Mastercard, to explore how AI and a skills-first approach are transforming talent management and workforce agility. Lucrecia discusses how AI-powered talent marketplaces are driving internal mobility, how focusing on skills over roles expands talent opportunities, and the importance of preparing employees for emerging roles. She also emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing performance management and supporting employee wellbeing through personalized development strategies.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Stuart Martin, HR Executive at Lloyds Banking Group, to discuss the role of AI in reimagining work and transforming HR operations.Stuart dives into how generative AI is reshaping employee experiences, automating tasks, and addressing skill shortages. He also highlights the importance of creating scalable, agile systems to enhance productivity and personalization in the workplace.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we are joined by Jenny Griffiths, VP of AI Innovation at Oracle, and Alejandro Modarelli, Partner at KPMG, to explore how AI is transforming HR and driving workforce innovation.Jenny and Alejandro share insights on the adoption of AI in organizations, the importance of upskilling employees, and how to start small with AI use cases to achieve big results. They also discuss the role of HR in managing AI-driven workforce transformations, the rise of agents in automating repetitive tasks, and creating human-centric AI systems.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Andrea Illes, Global Head of People at Nokia, to discuss how HR leaders are navigating transformation, driving innovation, and balancing empathy with accountability in the workplace.Andrea shares how Nokia's My Growth Portal is empowering employees to take control of their careers, how AI and technology are reshaping HR, and why fostering resilience and authenticity is key for leadership success in today's rapidly changing landscape.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we're joined by Anindyo Naskar, Head of Learning and Leadership Development at Landmark Group, to explore how AI is transforming learning and development.Anindyo discusses how AI is reshaping training, why mindset shifts are critical for adoption, and how to balance automation with human intelligence. He also shares why co-creating solutions with partners is key to building future-ready organizations.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Laila Gillies, Head of HR at Hiscox USA, to explore her incredible journey in HR leadership and the evolving role of HR in shaping modern organizations.Laila shares insights on upskilling employees for the future, fostering a values-driven leadership culture, and the art of balancing accountability with empathy. She also discusses the importance of embracing innovation, empowering employees, and the role of HR in influencing lives at work.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Kristy Sundjaja, Chief People Officer at Taboola. Kristy S. shares her unique journey from engineering to HR leadership, highlighting how her technical background shapes her approach to transforming HR practices.She dives into the evolving role of AI in HR, the importance of scaling people operations, and how HR leaders can lead the way in adopting innovative technologies. Kristy also reflects on the significance of embracing vulnerability as a leader and balancing personal growth with professional ambitions.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Andy Molinsky, Professor of Organizational Behavior and International Management at Brandeis University. Andy dives into the art of breaking through comfort zones, sharing how to build resilience and foster cross-cultural relationships that lead to real impact.He reveals practical strategies to overcome psychological roadblocks, embrace a global mindset, and thrive in challenging environments. Andy also highlights how personalization and repetition can turn discomfort into lasting success.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Aurora Martinez Ramos, Chief Learning Officer at Keralty. Aurora shares her journey of leading with purpose in the healthcare industry, highlighting how aligning personal purpose with organizational goals fosters resilience and innovation.She dives into the importance of education and upskilling to address global healthcare challenges and the transformative role of AI in improving patient care and operations. Aurora also discusses how diverse leadership can inspire meaningful change and create lasting impact in complex industries like healthcare.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Alex Bailey, CEO and Cofounder of Bailey & French . Alex dives into the critical importance of human-centric leadership in the age of AI. She shares insights on keeping the “human switch” turned on, balancing technology with essential people skills, and fostering psychological safety to unlock innovation. Alex also discusses how purpose and authenticity are key drivers in creating meaningful, impactful workplace cultures.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Casey Bailey, Head of People at Deel. Casey shares how Deel's fully distributed team across 110+ countries thrives on trust, autonomy, and clarity.She dives into the importance of intentional hiring, hyper-localized compensation, and building a strong company culture in a fully remote environment. Casey also explains how HR leaders can balance global complexity with empathy, empowering teams to work asynchronously while maintaining engagement and high performance.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Steve Degnan, Advisor, Board Member, and Former CHRO of Nestlé Purina PetCare. Steve shares his unfiltered perspective on HR leadership, discussing the importance of resilience, embracing discomfort for growth, and transforming HR into a strategic powerhouse. He provides insights into balancing strategic business priorities with employee well-being and navigating challenges like hybrid work and tough organizational decisions. Steve also emphasizes the critical role of humor and grit in thriving as an HR leader.

In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Richard Letzelter, CHRO at Acino. Richard dives into the critical role of cultural adaptability and authentic leadership in shaping high-performing teams. He shares practical insights on balancing global business demands with people-centric strategies, fostering resilience in fast-changing environments, and taking deliberate career risks to unlock growth. Richard also discusses how leaders can cultivate self-awareness to harness their innate talents and drive meaningful impact.