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In this special TLO Ask a Recruiter episode, Leah Ova dives into the realities of senior-level hiring with Amy Lentz, Chief People Officer at Toms and the HR strategist behind Hack Your HR. Amy breaks down why the path to director, VP, and C-suite roles feels so different and how seasoned candidates can successfully position themselves for leadership roles. From networking that actually moves the needle to navigating salary expectations and switching industries later in your career, this conversation delivers practical, grounded guidance for anyone aiming for their next big step.
In this special episode of AI and the Future of Work, host Dan Turchin looks back on what 365 conversations have revealed about how AI is reshaping the way we work.What themes have emerged most consistently? Which ideas connect founders, researchers, and operators across industries? And what have these discussions taught us about the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent systems?Featuring Guests:Mark McCrindle, Founder and Principal at McCrindle - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13014260 Pradeep Menon, CTO at Microsoft - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13034974 Dave Kellogg, EIR at Balderton Capital - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16665133 Alex Buder Shapiro, Chief People Officer at Jasper AI - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17522593 Gary F. Bengier, Writer, philosopher, and technologist - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12934217 Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO at The Josh Bersin Company - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17863187 Bryan Power, Head of People at Nextdoor - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16837259 Dave Treat, Chief Technology Officer at Pearson - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17557154
Today's guest is Meghna Punhani, Chief People Officer at Eightfold AI. Eightfold AI provides an AI-powered platform for talent management, helping organizations optimize hiring, internal mobility, and workforce development. Meghna joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to discuss how HR leaders can adopt AI responsibly to enhance workforce capabilities and drive strategic impact. She also shares practical insights on reengineering HR workflows, leveraging AI for candidate screening and internal mobility, and building human-centered ethical guardrails for AI implementation. This episode is sponsored by Eightfold AI. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the 'AI in Business' podcast!
“AI might know more than you, but it doesn't know better than you,” says Dr. Gena Hoxha in today's episode.Gena is the Chief People Officer and Chief AI Officer at Ignitium, a provider of world-class Account-Based Marketing (ABM) programs for enterprise organizations. She holds a PhD in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University and seeks to help leaders pursue AI integration with foresight, not fear.In this conversation with Daniel and Peter, Gena shares her insights, predictions, and warnings about the current and future state of AI in the workplace.Tune in to learn:Why AI will democratize leadershipThe biggest blind spot leaders have around AIHow to address AI adoption pressure from senior leaders“AI is not going to transform anything,” Gena says. “You as a leader–you are going to be the transformation catalyst.”Learn more in this timely and lively conversation.Questions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at podcast@stewartleadership.com.In this episode::29 – Introduction: Dr. Gena Hoxha2:00 – Connecting AI and People8:54 – Identity as a Leader in the AI Era13:26 – AI as Mirror and Magnifier18:08 – Is AI Your New Team Member?23:16 – Using AI to Improve Leadership27:24 – Addressing AI Pressure from Senior Leaders33:22 – Embracing and Managing AI AdoptionResources:Dr. Gena Hoxha LinkedInIgnitiumGartner Hype CycleStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:3 Human Needs to Retain Every Employee6 Trends in Leadership and HR for 202510 Ways Our New AI Coach Can Grow Your Career10 Cool Things Leaders Can Do With An AI CoachAI-Powered Talent RetentionThe AI-Integration RoadmapStrategic Planning for Unpredictable Times3 Tips for Leading Through UncertaintyIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
Taylor and Melanie joined The Modern People Leader to unpack how HR teams can get out from under compliance chaos and admin overload to focus on business impact.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode270Sponsor Links:
In most industries, if you've got a solid idea, a few engineers, and a working prototype, you can at least get in the game. Professional sports is not one of those industries. When Jordy Leiser co-founded Jump with Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, he wasn't just building software — he was trying to rebuild the entire fan experience from the ground up, in a business dominated by legacy players like Ticketmaster. Four years later, his company is powering the digital backbone for teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and North Carolina Courage. In this episode, Jordy explains what it actually takes to break into a closed industry, why he reverse-engineers every funding round before he raises it, and the biggest mistake he refused to repeat as a second-time founder. RUNTIME 53:07 EPISODE BREAKDOWN (1:12) Breaking into pro sports, rebuilding fan experience, and reverse-engineering fundraising. (2:03) How Stella Connect (customer service) laid the foundation for Jump (customer experience for fans). (2:58) What Jump does today: a unified fan experience + data platform for teams. (4:11) The unusual founding plan: 3-4 years of R&D, designed to launch with an NBA franchise from day one. (5:46) Why sports is nothing like building a typical SaaS startup — more like a “car company” level of complexity. (6:48)The true barrier: a near-monopoly in ticketing that stops innovation cold. (7:59) Selling into a market where fans have low expectations — and why demand is obvious but still untapped. (9:54) Early customers as classic early adopters — every team already knows the pain points intimately. (11:25) The first hypothesis they had to kill: incumbents don't want to integrate or share data. At all. (12:32) Designing for the actual fan demographic: season ticket holders skew 50+, so “cutting-edge UX” isn't always the answer. (13:25) Jordy's advice to founders: get out of the building, talk to insiders, but keep your “child's mind.” (15:06) Sports as an industry you can't “hack into” — it works more like fashion or Hollywood. (17:31) Moments when he realized he was losing stakeholders — and why being “comfortable in the uncomfortable” is essential. (18:03) Early would-be partners who backed out, the impact on morale, and what they learned from those rejections. (19:45) Jump's origin as a “dynamic seating” idea — and why they had to build the entire platform instead. (21:03) The “invisible platform” ethos: why Jump melts into the background so teams can own the fan relationship. (23:10) Why NWSL teams and NBA franchises have surprisingly similar needs — and what that taught them about productizing. (24:36) Jordy's litmus test for platform vs. point solution: how many people in the org depend on you to do their job? (27:01) Seed to Series A timeline — and how the Timberwolves sale collapsing delayed everything by a year. (28:37HaHow Jordy processed a crisis that was public, sudden, and existential. (31:13) The Long Beach pier walk: the moment he decided to pivot the GTM to a crawl-walk-run strategy. (32:49) Effectuation theory, the “bird in hand,” and how it led to NCAA → NWSL → Timberwolves as a survival sequence. (34:39) What he had to unlearn from Stella Connect: stop zooming in — zoom way out to a 10–20-year vision. (37:05) The habit he kept: talent above all else — and why his first call was to a Chief People Officer. (38:45) Minimum viable people function for early founders: fractional HR > junior recruiter. (42:58) High performance without grind culture: intensity ≠ toxicity — and why durability matters more than speed. (45:40) Hiring from big tech: what's actually transferable, and the dangers of logo-blindness. (50:55) The one answer Jordy would need from a founder-CEO before he'd join their startup. LINKS Jordy Leiser Jump Alex Rodriguez Marc Lore Jump Series A announcement Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, Tony Shieh Effectuation — UVA Darden School of Business SUBSCRIBE
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Emilee F. DeMartino, SVP and Chief People Officer for McDonald's International Operated Markets, to explore how one of the world's biggest employers keeps a people first culture alive across more than 120 markets. Emilee shares how values like serve, inclusion, integrity, community, and family guide everyday decisions in a world of constant change.She breaks down how AI is fixing real problems for restaurant teams. Hiring that once took 3 days now takes 3 minutes, applications have nearly doubled, and managers get 5 to 6 hours back each week to focus on their crew and customers instead of chasing admin.If you care about building a workplace people actually want to be part of, this episode is worth your time. It shows what happens when culture is not a slogan but a system, and why teams that listen, learn, and adapt will always outrun the ones stuck in old habits.
This week, join guest host Patrick Haraden, from Lockton Companies in Boston, and his guest, Andrew Dawson, the Chief People Officer at BVI, as they explore the evolution of the human resources profession. Dawson first shares his unique path from the UK military and recruitment to eventually leading HR teams at major international pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The conversation heavily focuses on how the CPO role and leadership strategies have shifted in the wake of the pandemic, emphasizing the necessity of offering greater empathy and flexibility to accommodate employees' diverse home lives and work constraints. Furthermore, the discussion highlights that effective recruitment and onboarding are paramount for fostering long-term employee commitment, arguing that these processes must be tailored and authentic. Lastly, Dawson addresses the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), asserting that it will automate routine tasks, ultimately allowing HR professionals to focus on higher-level coaching and strategic partnership. McNamara Financial is an Independent, family-owned, fee-only investment management and financial planning firm, serving individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond for over 30 years. COME SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH A FIDUCIARY. http://mcnamarafinancial.com/
Join Bhavna Sawnani in conversation with Ena Rivera, Chief People Officer for Asia Pacific at Ipsos, as they explore what it takes to transform people teams into strategic, future-focused partners. Drawing on insights from Ipsos 2025 Empowering People Teams report, they discuss the shift from transactional HR to influencing organisational priorities and shaping long-term success. Ena and Bhavna talk about the importance of turning culture into observable behaviours, and why financial fluency and strategic courage are essential for earning credibility at the decision-making table. The conversation also looks at today's talent landscape, from the rise of skills-based hiring to the need for building capability within existing teams and creating meaningful, growth-oriented work environments that attract high performers. They touch on future readiness, the growing role of AI and the powerful combination of artificial and human intelligence in elevating impact across organisations. This episode provides strategic depth, practical guidance and a bold vision for how HR and People teams can lead organisations into the future: stronger, smarter and more human.
On this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Tim Pointer, Chief People Officer & Operating Partner at Three Hills, to explore the people-first strategies driving scalable, inclusive growth.From leading transformation across global teams to championing purpose-led cultures, Tim shares practical insights every leader needs to hear.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com
This is the audio version of the article which is featured on Group Dentistry Now's website. Andrea is President of Breaking Glass Inc., an HR Consulting Firm, a seasoned HR executive with over 30 years in various industries driving culture and engagements strategies. Andrea is the former Chief People Officer for Guardian Dentistry Partners (GDP) where she built the HR strategy and infrastructure during their rapid growth.
ABOUT THIS EPISODEToday's guest is Nicola Bettesworth, Defra Chief People Officer, Group Corporate Services, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I had the joy of meeting Nicola when she was looking for a leadership partner to work with her and her leadership team. We very quickly built our relationship, and have enjoyed a true partnership for a number of years. I greatly admire Nicola, her vision and her passion and am looking forward to her sharing her leadership story today.In our conversation Nicola shares and offers valuable insights into:Contribution and Community;How Everyone Matters, Everyone Counts;The importance of knowing who you are, and of choices;Making every single moment count.To connect with Nicola: Email her on: nicola.bettesworth@defra.gov.uk To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend:Go to my website: www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing, and to Louisa Penny of Penny Writing for the marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.
Live from The Hyderabad Public School, a private high school in India which features notable alums 1) Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, 2) Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen 3) former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga, 4) Fairfax Financial CEO Prem Watsa, and 5) Procter & Gamble CEO-designate Shailesh Jejurikar, it's an all-new Terrific Tuesday edition of Business Pants, featuring Analyst-Hole Matt Moscardi! On today's Lead Independent Turkey called November 25th, 2025: the Who Do You Blame? Game!Our show today is being sponsored by Free Float Analytics, the only platform measuring board power, connections, and performance for FREE.DAMIONCampbell's Places VP on Leave Following Viral 'Poor People' RantMartin Bally, Campbell Soup Company's vice president and chief information security officer: “"We have s--- for f---ing poor people. Who buys our s---? I don't buy Campbell's products barely anymore. Bioengineered meat — I don't wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer."He also allegedly made derogatory comments about Indian coworkers and – according to the recording – claimed he sometimes came to work under the influence of marijuana: "F---ing Indians don't know a f---ing thing," the voice on the recording says. "They couldn't think for their f---ing selves."The statement follows claims made by former Campbell's security analyst Robert Garza, who filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court alleging that Bally launched into an hour-long tirade during what was meant to be a discussion about Garza's salary.Campbell's: “We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it and the high-quality ingredients we use ... The comments on the recording are not only inaccurate—they are patently absurd.Campbell's also noted that Bally is not involved in food development. “Keep in mind, the alleged comments are made by an IT person, who has nothing to do with how we make our food,” the statement concluded.WHO DO YOU BLAME?The founding families:Voting power: (35%) Mary Alice D. Malone - 18% Bennett Dorrance- 15% Archbold D. van Beuren - 2%Board influence (76%): Mary Alice Dorrance Malone (61%; board member since 1990); Archbold Dorrance van Beuren (9%; wealth management); Bennett Dorrance (6%: bachelor's degree in art history from Princeton University and a master's degree in sustainable leadership from Arizona State University); Mary Alice Dorrance Malone Jr (accomplished equestrian, and a luxury fashion entrepreneur) MMInvestors: 11/18/2025 AGMAverage director support 98% (9 over 99%): 43% yes simple majority vote; regenerative agriculture program including pesticide reduction outcomes 11% yes; say on pay 99% yesAn unserious food board of 9 non-family board members:No food: Fabiola R. Arredondo (family investment trust); Howard M. Averill(former Time Warner CFO); Maria Teresa (Tessa) Hilado (former CFO Allergan); Grant Hill (NBA); Sarah Hofstetter (e-commerce sales); Marc B. Lautenbach (global shipping); Chair Keith R. McLoughlin (appliances); Kurt T. Schmidt (weed and pet food); CEO Mick J. Beekhuizen: 13 years with Goldman Sachs in roles including Managing Director in the merchant banking divisionAmerican pop-artist Andy Warhol for somehow making Campbell's Food company eternally relevant Q3 2025 Gender Diversity IndexLittle Movement on Boardroom Gender Diversity: 30% of Russell 3000 board members are women, a figure that has stayed within a narrow 30% to 30.3% range over the past five quarters.Percentage of Boards with 50% Women: Across the Russell 3000, 6% (175) of boards are composed of at least 50% women, while the remaining 94% (2,736) have less than 50% female representation.New Female Director Appointments Hit Record Low: 22.3% of new directors on Russell 3000 boards are women. This represents the lowest percentage recorded in the study (since Q12017)WHO DO YOU BLAME?The anti-DEI MAGA movementNominating Committees, specifically their Chairs MMPassive Investors (BlackRock, Vanguard, etc)The proxy experts: ISS, Glass Lewis, etc.Previous female board members who retired or died: if they were immortal maybe the numbers would be better?OpenAI announces shopping research tool in latest e-commerce pushOpenAI announced a new tool called “shopping research” that will generate detailed, in-depth shopping guides.The guides include top products, key differences between the products and up-to-date information from reliable retailers, OpenAI said.“With these new abilities, we can have shared prosperity to a degree that seems unimaginable today; in the future, everyone's lives can be better than anyone's life is now.”WHO DO YOU BLAME?The sycophants: open letter sent to the board of directors“We are unable to work for or with people that lack competence, judgement and care for our mission and employees,” the letter continues before demanding that “all current board members resign,” appoint “two new lead independent directors.”signed by a whopping 700 of the company's 770 employees — including CTO Mira Murati, who the board briefly named interim CEO only to be replaced just a few days later, and Altman's fellow cofounder Ilya Sutskever, who initially appeared to be one of the forces behind his ousterNew Initial Board (Nov 2023)Bret “Salesforce” Taylor (Chair), Larry “Epstein” Summers, and Adam “voted to fire him in the first place” D'AngeloNew Board Members (Mar 2024)Sue Desmond-Hellmann (former CEO, Bill “Epstein” & Melinda Gates Foundation); Nicole “Iran Contra” Seligman (former Sony GC); Fidji Simo (CEO of Instacart) MMThe wafflers: Ilya Sutskever and Adam D'AngeloNOT Helen Toner: Director of Strategy at the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology and Tasha McCauleySam:San Francisco, CA (Russian Hill): A historic mansion purchased for $27 million in 2020.San Francisco, CA (Adjacent Homes): Three adjacent houses purchased for $12.8 million each (totaling $38.4 million) in January 2024. These purchases appear to be consolidating a potential mega-compound next to his original Russian Hill home.Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Big Island): A large, 22-acre oceanfront estate, quietly purchased in 2021 for $43 million (later listed for $49 million in 2025). It features multiple houses, a private marina/beach, helipadNapa, CA (Ranch): A 950-acre ranch, reportedly purchased for $15.7 million in 2020.Kohl's names Michael Bender as permanent CEO after a turbulent year and sales declines. WHO DO YOU BLAMEAshley Buchanan: On May 1, 2025, Kohl's board terminated Buchanan “for cause” following an outside investigation overseen by its Audit Committee. The investigation found that Buchanan directed Kohl's to do business with a vendor founded by someone with whom he had a personal relationship. He also caused Kohl's to enter into a multimillion-dollar consulting agreement involving that same person. Crucially, he did not disclose this personal relationship, which was a violation of Kohl's code of ethics.Golden hello: $17m equity and $3.75m cashFormer director Christine Day: Shortly after Buchanan was fired, Day resigned, citing “lack of transparency” and governance concerns. Day said she was frustrated that not all board members were kept informed of risks and that decisions seemed centralized (“Michael ‘handles' everything … then ‘tells' everyone what the decision is”). Kohl's strongly disputed her characterization, saying her resignation was not “due to any disagreements” over operations or practices.Investors: chair Bender named interim CEO 4/30/25… AGM 5/14/2595% yes bender; 55% yes pay; 89% yes Prising; 92% average; new chair 91% John E. Schlifske (2011-, longest-tenured)Compensation Committee: “regularly and actively reviewing and evaluating our executive management succession plans and making recommendations to the Board with respect to succession planning issues”Chair Jonas Prising (2015-)Member Michael BenderMichael Bender, who was the Board Chair and sat on COmp Committee and director since 2019, was named interim CEO$1.475M/175% target up to 350%/$9.5M equity ($500k more than ashley) target/$200k aircraft (up from $180k for ashley)/$160k relocationone-time award of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) valued at $3,775,000The glass cliff: women and POC promoted to precarious leadership positions, such as the CEO or a board seat, during times of crisis, organizational turmoil, or poor performance MMMATTWatchdog group warns AI teddy bear discusses sexually explicit content, dangerous activities. This is the $99 Kumma bear made by FoloToy using OpenAI's service. OpenAI said it was suspending Folotoy for violations of usage of ChatGPT. WHO DO YOU BLAME?:Folotoy, who's founder and CEO Larry Wang calls himself “Chief Geek Officer” and has a background in child psychology and behavioral science… oh, wait, not, he has background in computer science and was founder of a tech telecomm company and was a software developer for insurance before that. But he's obviously qualified to do this: “Kumma, our adorable bear, combines advanced artificial intelligence with friendly, interactive features, making it the perfect friend for both kids and adults. From lively conversations to educational storytelling, FoloToy adapts to your personality and needs, bringing warmth, fun, and a little extra curiosity to your day.”OpenAI - obviously Sam Altman's commitment to “the benefit of humanity” stopped short of “sex advice from baby toys,” even though he says having kids of his own will help him not destroy humanity. I assume he's not getting Sammy Jr a Kumma bear? DROpenAI's board - obviously if they had fired Sam Altman, there wouldn't be sex bears using ChatGPT. But Helen Toner was forced out by the rest of the board, investors, and public pressure - she's since said, “But for years, Sam had made it really difficult for the board to actually do that job by withholding information, misrepresenting things that were happening at the company, in some cases outright lying to the board,” and that Altman gave them, “inaccurate information about the small number of formal safety processes that the company did have in place.” Perhaps Altman said, “no, that teddy bear didn't just say he loved oral sex, that's just a misinterpretation.”Microsoft - Satya, despite misgivings from Bill Gates, threw $10bn at OpenAI in January 2023. In November 2023, the board removed Sam Altman. Turns out Microsoft had released a version of ChatGPT in India that Altman sanctioned outside of safety protocols - the board should have signed off, but Altman lied to them and hid it. But rather than Microsoft pulling back the release and recognizing the damage it could do, they swooped in and “hired” Sam Altman 3 days after his firing. Their $10bn investment might have been the first cog in a sex bear wheel.I'm the Chief People Officer at Walmart. I always wake up to the same U2 song and watch the 'Today' show. That is Donna Morris listening to U2's “Beautiful Day”, the first thing she does is go online, she doesn't drink coffee but drinks Diet Coke (“I've just never been a hot drink type of girl, I guess. I try to limit myself to two Diet Cokes a day, although every once in a while, I sneak in a third.”), she likes buying cookbooks but doesn't use them. Not mentioned: Walmart's DEI rollback, the new CEO coming in, working for a family dictatorship, and any of her colleagues - as chief people officer, there are almost zero people mentioned. WHO DO WE BLAME FOR THIS EXISTING?Professional Conservative Snowflake Robby Starbuck - he claimed Walmart as his first “victory” after Trump's election in the DEI rollback. Post-Starbuck snowflake-ism, Morris might have had a job managing humans, but now her job is basically to send pink slips and make sure there aren't TOO many swastikas in the bathroom stall. A few is fine, but c'mon. So to pass the time, Morris is stuck giving interviews to Business Insider.Business Insider, who must have known Morris had the potential to give an insipid review of her day when this was her excuse for Walmart's DEI rollback: "When you talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, all in part, there can be communities, and often the largest communities, that step back and say, 'Geez, I'm not sure if I'm even actually included'," Morris explained of the decision. Which echoes… ROBBY FUCKING STARBUCK, who said to anyone who would listen: "This is the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America. This won't just have a massive effect for their employees who will have a neutral workplace without feeling that divisive issues are being injected but it will also extend to their many suppliers."Donna Morris, because as only we covered here when discussing the corporate move to blame the employees for every problem and getting fired, had this to say of her biggest red flag on an employee: “Nobody wants [to hire] a Debbie Downer. [Someone who is] constantly negative. You know they're going to show up [and] they're going to bring the problem, never the solution.” Literally, the JOB of HR is to field COMPLAINTS from employees about how their managers treat them - or is it too Debbie Downer to complain about racial discrimination of employees?Walmart's board - they must have signed off on Morris getting hired, right? Or a Walton? Someone somewhere thought this was a good idea? Take your pick:CFO of OpenAI Sarah Friar (who said OpenAI would need a government backstop, then clarified)Brian Niccol, the CEO of Starbucks who was given a golden hello, a golden parachute, and probably a golden shower, who just named to a “worst CEO” listThe current AND former CEO of WalmartSteuart Walton, who couldn't bother to even be named “Stuart” (he had to spell it with an extra “E”) with a claim to fame of marrying a Baywatch reboot actress, and Greg Penner, the son-in-law of a different Walton and snuck his way onto the board AND as co-owner of the Denver BroncosTom Horton, retired American Airlines CEO who was CFO of American for years right before they declared bankruptcy, but somehow is remembered for “restructuring” them instead of bankrupting them?Marissa Mayer - yes, that Mayer, formerly of YahooNot one, but TWO different consultantsRandall Stephenson, ex AT&T CEO, who, if I'm honest, seems to have actual integrity and I'm not sure why he's here, plus two DEI directors (because they're not white, so probably not qualified)
A CMO Confidential Interview with Evan Wittenberg, Chief People Officer of VuMedi formerly CPO of Ancestry and Box, Google's Head of Leadership Development, and a Saturday Night Live Page. Evan discusses why HR has become a much tougher position over the last 5 years, AI's negative impact on leadership development, and the similarities between marketing and HR. Key topics include: his belief that every function should have a dedicated people partner; why "the burden of proof" is often higher for marketers; why he always interviews for "learning agility;" and why "doing the job you are hired for is better for your career than trying for "the next job." Tune in to hear questions marketers should ask in an interview and a great behind the scenes story from SNL Season 18. **What HR Really Thinks About Marketing — Evan Wittenberg (CPO) on CMO Confidential**Four-time Chief People Officer Evan Wittenberg sits down with host Mike Linton to unpack the real relationship between HR and Marketing: decision rights, how DEI evolves, AI's impact on entry-level careers, why hybrid work threatens apprenticeship, and what great CMOs do differently at the exec table. Evan also shares hiring signals (what CPOs look for now), the right way to use engagement surveys, and a live-from-8H SNL story you won't forget. **Guest:** Evan Wittenberg — CPO (VuMedi; ex-Box, Ancestry, Pivot Bio; Google/Wharton leadership)**Host:** Mike Linton — former CMO (Best Buy, eBay, Farmers), CRO (Ancestry)**Chapters**00:00 – Welcome + sponsor message (Typeface)02:00 – Evan's background and today's HR reality03:30 – “Seat at the table” meets burnout and intractable problems04:40 – Inside the COVID pivot: who owned it and why HR took point06:10 – Should HR own cross-functional crises? Coordination vs. ownership07:10 – HR ↔ Marketing parallels: everyone has an opinion, few have the brief09:00 – Sponsor break (Typeface)10:00 – DEI after the backlash: belonging, equity, and business need11:30 – Pay parity and what still isn't fixed12:00 – AI's real risk: erasing entry-level ladders and craft-building13:30 – Hybrid work, lost apprenticeship, and how leaders must respond15:10 – “People are our #1 asset” (or not): how to actually tell16:10 – HR nirvana: solutions that serve both the company and the person18:00 – How HR sees Marketing: service vs. business driver21:10 – What great CMOs do: range (data ↔ creative) and business framing22:40 – At the exec table: problem → data → options → choice → execution24:20 – The higher burden of proof for HR and Marketing24:40 – Should Marketing have a dedicated HR/People partner?26:10 – What CPOs now screen for: learning agility28:00 – AI fluency: no tourists, hands-on only29:10 – Real collaboration vs. heroics and end-runs30:40 – Due diligence for candidates: decision rights & cross-functional buy-in33:00 – Extra interview questions worth asking (on both sides)34:10 – SNL cold open rescue: the Rob Schneider story38:30 – Career advice: do the job you have at 120%40:00 – Sponsor close + sign-offCMO Confidential, Mike Linton, Evan Wittenberg, Chief People Officer, CPO, HR strategy, Marketing leadership, DEI, diversity equity inclusion, belonging, employee engagement, pay parity, hybrid work, return to office, mentorship, apprenticeship, AI in HR, AI in marketing, entry-level jobs, recruiting, learning agility, collaboration, decision rights, org design, people partner, HRBP, Box, Ancestry, Pivot Bio, Vmed, Google leadership, Wharton, SNL story, Rob Schneider, executive team, business outcomes, brand vs performance, Typeface, marketing operations, C-suite leadership, career adviceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Elli shares how Vanquis combines purpose with people strategy, supporting customers historically underserved by mainstream banking, while building a culture that empowers colleagues to thrive. Elli reflects on the organisation's focus on financial inclusion, wellbeing and future skills, highlighting opportunities ahead for AI and technology to free colleagues for meaningful work, rather than replace them. Looking ahead, Elli shares her vision for the future of work: workplaces where people feel supported and empowered to grow. She reflects on the ongoing journey of inclusion and the role of leaders in responding to societal challenges, offering practical insights and inspiration for HR leaders to create positive change inside and outside their organisations. References: · Hey Girls – Social Enterprise tackling period poverty and providing sanitary products in workplaces · Women in Finance Charter– promoting gender balance in financial services Thank you to Peak PEO for sponsoring this episode Thank you to Peak PEO, your global employment and remote culture partner, for sponsoring this episode. Peak makes international hiring simple, helping organisations overcome the barriers of entity setup, compliance and admin so global growth becomes an opportunity, not an obstacle. With real human experts - not chatbots - they handle contracts, payroll, tax filings and more, giving you the freedom to focus on growing your business. Beyond compliance, Peak helps companies build remote cultures where global teams genuinely thrive. Their award-winning approach means they don't just advise from theory - they share what truly works in practice, supporting you to create strong connections, effective systems and brilliant employee experiences across borders. If you're ready to hire globally with confidence and build a thriving remote culture, visit www.peakpeo.com
Is your body screaming for help? Would you know if you're ignoring life-threatening symptoms? Well, my guest today, Marisa Peters, is a passionate advocate for cancer awareness. She shares how the hustle and bustle of life can mask serious health signs, and why it's critical to listen to our bodies. Marisa moved from a high-powered career as a Chief People Officer in the tech and entertainment industries to a late-stage rectal cancer diagnosis at 39. Marisa is now on a mission to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and empower others to take their health seriously. She's using her experience to educate and inspire, starting conversations that have been long overdue. If you're brushing off symptoms, thinking they're just part of life, this episode will inspire you to advocate for yourself and take action. You'll learn how to recognize the symptoms of colorectal cancer, why early screening is vital, and how one simple conversation can save lives. "Be seen, get screened, use your voice, and be your biggest advocate 'cause you know your body best.. " ~ Marisa Peters In This Episode: - Meet Marisa Peters - Marisa's journey from a corporate career to cancer survivor - The diagnosis and how it changed everything - Her shift in perspective after receiving the cancer diagnosis - Fighting for normalcy while battling cancer - Marisa's lessons on time, family, and self-care - The importance of being seen and speaking up about health - When should healthy people get colorectal cancer screening? - How to get involved and help spread the word About Marisa Peters: Marisa Peters is a producer, speaker, and author -- living today as a young-onset rectal cancer survivor. As a former Broadway vocalist and national anthem singer for major league sports, Marisa pivoted to the corporate stage, serving as a Chief People Officer inside entertainment and tech companies. Host of the podcast, From Carpools To Chemo, Marisa is using her voice in a new way by advocating for people to “Be Seen.” Her family launched the BE SEEN Foundation, which is on a mission to eradicate death by young-onset colorectal cancer after her successful treatment at UCLA Health. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beseen.care/ https://www.instagram.com/fromcarpoolstochemo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeSeenBuzz Website: www.beseen.care Podcast: www.beseen.care/podcast Where to find me: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb Website: https://jengottlieb.com/ My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb
Jessica Swank, Chief People Officer at Box, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about building an "org brain", preparing managers to lead teams of humans plus agents, avoiding agent sprawl and tech debt, and why every people leader needs to start experimenting with AI personally to stay ahead.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode269Sponsor Links:
If the idea of improving your business acumen feels intimidating, this episode will help make it feel achievable and clear. Host, Fay Wallis, breaks down what business acumen really means for HR and why it has nothing to do with being “naturally commercial” and everything to do with curiosity, awareness and understanding how your organisation works.To make building business acumen feel even more practical, Fay brings in insights from three recent Chief People Officer guests: Kanika Mehra, Jane Beeston and Dotty Day. Although each appeared on the show to share their experiences of becoming a CPO, their advice applies to every stage of an HR career.By the end, you'll walk away with clear, actionable steps you can start using straight away. And one of the three tips might surprise you.Ready to make business acumen feel less daunting? It's simpler than you think.You'll hear about:What business acumen really means Why curiosity beats expertiseUnderstanding customers and service users Getting involved outside HRLearning from Finance colleagues Questions to ask your finance teamWays to grow confidence with numbersUseful LinksConnect with Fay Wallis on LinkedInVisit Fay's websiteLearn about Fay'sInspiring HR leadership development programmeLearn more aboutThe Essential HR PlannerOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEp 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Audio version)Ep 147 with Kanika Mehra:How to Become a Successful Chief People Officer: Insider Insights(Video version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Audio version)Ep 148 with Jane Beeston:Skills That Shape a Great CPO: Communication, Coaching & Curiosity(Video version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Audio version)Ep 151 with Dotty Day:Could an Interim CPO/CHRO Role Be Your Perfect Career Option?(Video version) Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.Mentioned in this episode:Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.PersonioThe HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket:...
In this From the Vault episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro, to explore how curiosity, courage, and authenticity define modern leadership. Jenny shares her inspiring journey from executive search to startup builder to venture advisor, offering hard-won lessons from 25 years of helping founders scale with purpose. As someone who's helped launch companies from napkin sketches to successful exits, she reveals what makes great leaders, why culture must be built early, and how authenticity and communication can transform a business from the inside out. Together, they unpack the emotional highs and lows of startup life, how to lead through uncertainty, and the importance of saying “yes” to growth even when you're not fully ready. You'll hear about: Curiosity as a compass: How following her questions, not a plan, shaped Jenny's 25-year career in people and culture. The courage to say yes: Why leaning into challenge matters more than waiting until you're “ready.” The founder's formula: What separates successful startup teams from the rest and how self-awareness plays a vital role. The human side of scaling: Why alignment, communication, and connection are every company's secret weapons. Hiring with intention: How early people strategy can accelerate growth and prevent culture debt. Ego vs. conviction: How great founders balance strong beliefs with humility and collaboration. Authentic leadership: Why clarity is kindness and being yourself is the real competitive advantage. The future of workplace wellness: How benefits, belonging, and flexibility will shape the next era of people strategy. Mentorship and legacy: How sharing wisdom and lifting others creates lasting ripple effects in leadership. We talk about: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 The accidental path into people and culture 06:00 Learning to say yes and leading with curiosity 09:00 Lessons from building Nest Wealth from scratch 12:00 From venture capital to TouchBistro: redefining success 15:00 The patterns that define great founders and teams 18:00 Why startups should invest in people and culture early 23:00 How HR shapes growth and alignment 28:00 The role of communication in scaling companies 33:00 Ego, conviction, and collaboration in leadership 37:00 Authenticity and the importance of showing up as yourself 44:00 Rethinking benefits and wellness for a modern workforce 49:00 How strong cultures drive belonging and retention 50:00 Legacy and impact: mentoring future founders Connect with Jenny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennydoforno/ TouchBistro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchbistro/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/touchbistro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touch_bistro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TouchBistroiPadPOS/ Website: https://www.touchbistro.com/ Connect with Us LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, I sit down with Cass Pratt, Chief Human Resources Officer at Progyny, to explore how HR is evolving into a design discipline that blends human connection with AI-powered productivity. From building bots to boost employee experience to reshaping how we think about roles in an automated world, Cass shares an honest look at how she's bringing people along on a transformation journey—with curiosity, experimentation, and heart.We discuss her pivotal decision to say yes to opportunities beyond her comfort zone, the strategic shifts she's leading inside a fast-scaling company, and why the future of HR is about enhancing humanity, not replacing it. If you're wondering what leadership looks like when AI meets empathy, this one's for you.Key TakeawaysUnlearning expertise-dependence: Cass shifted from relying on experts to co-creating solutions with AI tools before engaging others.AI as a force for elevation: At Progyny, AI is used to give employees time back, not take roles away—enabling deeper focus on human-centric work.Low-code leadership: Cass, a self-described non-technical leader, built HR bots and reimagined policies through practical AI applications.Scaling culture through consistency: AI chatbots improved response times, standardized answers, and gave insight into employee concerns.Embedding experimentation: Teams are encouraged to ask, "What should I stop doing?"—sparking a culture of reinvention and initiative.Additional InsightsProgyny's “Super Fans” initiative reframes AI gains as an opportunity to deepen customer and employee relationships.Training is done in cohorts to build shared understanding and reduce AI anxiety.Cross-functional collaboration with junior team members—like the intern who built the HR bot—shows how innovation can come from any level.Cass uses AI to simplify and globalize complex frameworks like competency models, improving alignment across teams and geographies.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode Recap Cassandra Pratt shares how embracing discomfort led her to leap into healthcare, build a transformative HR function, and lead with AI—not to eliminate roles, but to elevate people and amplify their impact.02:37 – Guest Introduction: Cassandra Pratt Barry introduces Cass Pratt, Chief People Officer at Progyny, a fertility and family-building benefits company scaling rapidly with a human-first, tech-empowered culture.04:48 – Saying Yes to Growth Cass reflects on a missed opportunity that taught her the cost of saying no—and set her on a path to jump into unknowns with conviction.08:04 – Startup Lessons and Leadership Growth From 50 to 850 employees, Cass shares what it means to grow with a company and embrace mistakes as part of the journey.11:00 – Diving into AI Without a Tech Background Despite lacking technical skills, Cass threw herself into generative AI—learning by doing and discovering intuitive ways to drive value.13:10 – Unlearning the Expert Reflex Cass rethinks her default of turning to experts first—instead starting with AI to shape stronger ideas and bring others in as collaborators.15:13 – Redesigning Processes, Not Just Tools AI opened up opportunities to rethink workflows from scratch, not just automate existing inefficiencies.20:35 – Making AI Safe and Human Cass shares how transparent messaging, training, and cultural reinforcement helps ease AI anxieties and keep
How are CEO expectations for CHROs changing?Why are more CEOs looking for CHROs with non-HR backgrounds?My guests on this episode are Jennifer Wilson and Brad Warga, Partners and Global Co-Heads of the Human Resources Officers Practice at Heidrick & StrugglesDuring our conversation Jennifer, Brad and I discuss:Why CEOs are rethinking what great HR leadership looks like.Why CEOs are prioritizing candidates from strategy, finance, and other non-HR backgrounds.The growing expectation for CHROs to lead enterprise-wide AI strategiesThe widening gap between CHROs and their succession-ready direct reportsPractical and actionable career advice for aspiring CHROsConnecting with Jennifer and Brad: Connect with Jennifer Wilson on LinkedInConnect with Brad Warga on LinkedInRead the Chief People Officer of 2030 report by Heidrick & StrugglesEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader's Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
Dropbox didn't just adapt to remote work. It redesigned work itself. After the pandemic, Melanie Rosenwasser and her team joined forces with Dropbox's designers to study how people actually work and what they need to do their best thinking. Backed by data, they made the leap to their Virtual First operating model in which the vast majority of the workforce is remote and physical spaces are used primarily for planned team events. In this episode, Dart and Melanie explore how Dropbox leadership supported the move to work-as-a-product, how design thinking has fundamentally reshaped the people function, and what it takes to build human-centered systems at scale.Melanie Rosenwasser is the Chief People Officer at Dropbox and a key architect of its Virtual First model. She focuses on designing human-centered, high-impact ways of working.In this episode, Dart and Melanie discuss:- How Dropbox rebuilt its operating model- Why most companies misunderstand remote and hybrid work- The principles behind Virtual First- What happens when HR behaves like a product team- How clarity, norms, and intentionality replace meetings- The experiments that changed how Dropbox collaborates- How leadership transforms in a remote-forward world- Why work must be designed, not assumed- And other topics…Melanie Rosenwasser is the Chief People Officer at Dropbox, where she leads the global HR organization spanning People Operations and Tech, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Organizational Development, People Analytics, and Employee Experience. She is known for championing innovative talent practices, cultivating continuous learning cultures, and designing workplaces where people can do their best work. Melanie is a lecturer in Columbia University's Human Capital Management program and a key architect of Dropbox's Virtual First model.Resources Mentioned:Virtual First: https://experience.dropbox.com/virtualfirst Dropbox blog, Work in Progress: https://blog.dropbox.com/Connect with Melanie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanierosenwasser/ Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what's most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.
-AI AND LEADING THE CHANGE- Ken and Edgar open the discussion to AI adoption in businesses, exploring its implications for leadership and organizational strategy. What challenges come with implementing AI effectively and the need for a human-centered approach. Edgar and Ken pull from their True Alignment work to highlight common mistakes organizations make during adoption. The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Article by Kelly Jones, Chief People Officer, Cisco Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny
Growth tests the soul of every organization. As companies expand, consistency often replaces compassion—but CAVA proves you can scale without losing humanity. With 400 restaurants and 12,000 team members, CAVA has built a culture that's as grounded as it is consistent through a people framework rooted in heart, health, and humanity. In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Costanza, Chief People Officer of CAVA, to unpack exactly how they've done it—diving into their MVC framework (Mission, Values, and Competencies) that turns ideals into action. We explore their recognition systems like MVC Awards and Value Cards, the CCT Program that trains leaders as culture coaches, and Impact Plans that replace performance reviews with real-time growth. Kelly also shares how CAVA brings connection to life through the Love Button and Allies in Motion (AIM) programs, integrates culture across the employee lifecycle, and balances AI innovation with human warmth. This episode offers every CHRO a practical look at how to bring values to life, connect them to performance, and make culture come alive. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Gina Vargiu-Breuer, Chief People Officer and Labor Director at SAP, to explore how SAP is transforming into a truly skills-led, AI-powered organization. Gina shares how the company is reimagining its HR operating model by combining AI innovation with deep cultural roots, creating what she calls “human–AI power couples.”She discusses how SAP's transition from role-based to skills-based talent management is changing everything, from recruiting and learning to performance and mobility. Gina reveals how SAP defined a company-wide skills taxonomy of 800+ evolving capabilities, built adaptive learning journeys, and encourages employees to invest 15% of their time in continuous learning.With her authentic energy, Gina explains how culture, curiosity, and speed are fueling SAP's AI-first strategy, and why the future of HR depends on embracing technology without losing humanity.
In this enlightening episode, we engage with Sharne Fairbrother, a fractional Chief People Officer based in New Zealand, who specializes in unlocking leadership potential and building future-ready organizational cultures. Sharne discusses the concept of ontological leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's inner world to enhance leadership effectiveness. Together, we explore how this inside-out approach can lead to sustainable cultural change within organizations.You will learn the following:1. The definition of ontological leadership and its significance in shaping how leaders show up in their roles. 04:292. How shifting the focus from what leaders do to who they are being can drive deeper organizational change. 07:453. Practical strategies for embedding ontological principles into leadership development programs. 10:364. The crucial mindset shifts leaders must make to integrate ontology into their practices effectively. 16:295. The role of vulnerability in leadership and how it fosters collaboration and trust within teams. 21:30To get in contact with Sharne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharnefairbrotherThis episode is sponsored by Fantail Services Website:https://www.fantailservices.comOur podcast is sponsored by The Global Trends MagazineWebsite: https://www.gc-bl.org/global-trendsThe Outlier Project Website: https://theoutlierproject.co Ascend MeditationsWebsite: https://www.ascendmeditations.appChop AiWebsite: https://www.chopai.appMake sure to Catch us streaming on Roku and Amazon Fire TV on the Purpose Place Network.Also catch our Exclusive Members only content “Going Deeper Within” on the Lions Guide Academy.https://www.lionsguide.com/gdw
Hallie Condon, Chief People Officer at Chili Piper explores how the company uses AI to optimize employee experience in a fully remote, global environment. Hallie shares how Chili Piper empowers its workforce across 36 countries by intentionally building culture, leveraging automation, and fostering transparency through innovative decision-making processes. The conversation delves into the company's unique approach to onboarding, offboarding, and continuous feedback, as well as their commitment to democratizing input and encouraging experimentation. Hallie also discusses Chili Piper's focus on AI enablement, including launching an AI stipend and developing internal tools to streamline HR operations. Like this podcast? Rate us on Spotify or Apple or YouTube. Additional Information Culture Always Wins (Video) Gen AI Is Going Mainstream: Here's What's Coming Next The Big Reset Playbook: Organizational Culture & Performance Galileo: The World's Trusted Agent for Everything HR Chapters (00:00:04) - What Works: Cultivating a Remote Culture(00:00:49) - How It Works: Chili Piper's Remote Workforce(00:03:53) - Hibob and Automation: How Did That Implementation Go?(00:05:34) - HRS and HR Workflows Automated with HIBOP(00:09:16) - The Decision Memo Process(00:12:57) - Thrive: The Decision Memo(00:14:40) - Piper Jaffray on AI & HR Systems(00:19:42) - A Day in the Life: Best Practices(00:21:02) - What Works For Your Company?
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Amy Coleman, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Microsoft, to explore what it means to lead with humanity in the age of AI. After 25 years at Microsoft, Amy shares how HR's role is transforming, from managing processes to designing experiences that balance innovation and empathy.She discusses how Microsoft is navigating AI's impact on work, emphasizing trust, transparency, and inclusion as essential foundations. Amy explains why leaders must reframe AI as a tool for creativity and connection, not control - and how building psychological safety unlocks innovation across generations and geographies.From vulnerability and gratitude to rethinking leadership in uncertainty, Amy's perspective is a masterclass in staying human in a tech-driven world.
"There is no White Knight coming to save you." My former boss Lindsay Pattison said this to me recently, and it landed hard. Lindsay was global CEO of Maxus, part of Mark Read's core WPP team, running a global agency network at what she calls "200 miles an hour." At that speed, you don't have time to question whether you're going in the right direction. You just go. Until the day she realized: this pace was making decisions for her. So she did something radical. She chose to pause. Not because she had to. Because she wanted agency over what came next. The conversation we had about this decision is one of the most honest I've recorded. It's about: * What it really means to have agency when you're at the top (it's not what you think) * The responsibility that comes with leadership that nobody talks about * How to make massive life decisions without certainty * What happens when you stop running and start choosing This is exactly why I'm launching the new series Mojo Under Fire - conversations about the crucible moments that forge great leaders Remember to subscribe to be notified about new episodes. And please do rate & review this episode on Apple Podcasts. Hope you love it Richard
What if your next "perfect" hire is just a well-programmed bot? AI fraud is here, and it's quietly hijacking your hiring pipeline.
Welcome to NAA's Apartmentcast, the official podcast of the National Apartment Association. On this episode, we sit down with NAA's Director of Conference Education Programming Clark Ebbert, as well as Peter Lynch, Chief People Officer at Cardinal Group Companies and Emcee of NAA's Cultivate event, Feb. 17-18, 2026 in Nashville. They're joining today to talk about this unique, intimate and highly strategic event, where the education offerings are designed by rental housing leaders and are acutely focused on current issues and how to solve them, with the vibrant location serving as the perfect backdrop to grow your network with the next generation of senior leaders. Learn more and register for Cultivate!
Shannon Hobbs, Chief People Officer at BNY, joined us to unpack how the bank is scaling its early-career pipeline, flattening org design, and running a culture-first transformation.We discussed BNY's in-house AI hub “Eliza” (99% employee certification, 15k+ agents, 100 digital employees), plus practical advice for CHROs on building AI capability safely and at scale.---- How BNY is betting big on early talent (PDF): https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode267Sponsor Links:
“HR Heretics†| How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies
In this episode of HR Heretics, Kelli and Nolan interview Arnnon Geshuri, Chief People Officer at Snowflake and 8-year Tesla veteran, about building HR's strategic authority through data analytics, his automate-augment-human AI framework, and why he recruits economists and data scientists alongside traditional HR professionals.Support our Sponsor:Metaview is the AI platform built for recruiting. Check it out: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics* Our suite of AI agents work across your hiring process to save time, boost decision quality, and elevate the candidate experience.* Learn why team builders at 3,000+ cutting-edge companies like Brex, Deel, and Quora can't live without Metaview.* It only takes minutes to get up and running.KEEP UP WITH ARNNON, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINArnnon: linkedin.com/in/arnnongeshuriNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/—Snowflake: https://www.snowflake.com/en/-For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/—TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Intro(1:12) Three Key Lessons from Working with Elon Musk at Tesla(3:36) Why Snowflake: Reinventing the People Function(4:33) The Three-Pronged AI Framework: Automate, Augment, Human-Only(12:02) Sponsor: Metaview(19:45) Data Analytics as the Backbone of HR(24:00) Building the Winning HR Team Portfolio(27:08) Speed Through Imperfection: Fast Pilots and Iteration(29:00) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com
Welcome to Clio Con Clips 2025, recorded live from Boston and proudly sponsored by Clio, the world's leading legal technology company transforming the legal experience for all.On today's minisode, we talk to Marina Harris. She is the Chief People Officer at Clio, where she leads the company's global people and culture strategy. With a background that includes leadership roles at major organizations like Netflix and Wealthsimple, she brings deep expertise in scaling teams, fostering inclusive cultures, and driving employee engagement during rapid growth. At Clio, Marina focuses on sustaining a strong, people-first culture across a distributed workforce, advancing AI fluency among employees, and ensuring that diversity, inclusion, and belonging are truly embedded in the company's values and daily practices.So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Marina discussing:- Culture as a Foundation for Growth- Uniting Brilliance Across a Distributed Workforce- AI Fluency and Innovation in the Workplace- Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging as Lived Values- People Over Process: Hiring for Curiosity and Values FitConnect with Marina Harris here - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marina-harris-47ba74
Meet Kristina Madden, Co-Founder and Chief People Officer at Executive Career Upgrades, a dynamic force in executive coaching and career strategy. Kristina specializes in helping high-achieving professionals—Directors, VPs, and Executives—position themselves as market leaders, secure six-figure roles, command higher salaries, and maximize their professional and personal impact. Her expertise lies in mindset mastery, confidence, and the disciplined habits that drive real results.In this episode, Kristina shares the journey behind Executive Career Upgrades, the long hours and strategic work that often challenges even the most driven leaders, and the essential shifts she made in her relationship with herself and her habits. She dives into how intentional discipline, self-awareness, and alignment with your mission can transform both your career and your life. With her engaging energy, strategic insight, and real-world experience, Kristina delivers inspiration and actionable guidance for any leader ready to elevate to the next level.This conversation is packed with executive-level wisdom, practical strategies, and motivational clarity—perfect for anyone committed to showing up as the highest version of themselves and creating extraordinary impact.
As many as 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, with brains that process information, communicate, and work differently. Many have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other conditions they've hidden throughout their careers, masking to fit workplace norms. But creating environments where these individuals thrive isn't about expensive accommodations or special treatment. Instead, it's about designing work that helps everyone perform better. So how do you move beyond awareness training to actually embedding inclusion in daily operations, and how can this benefit everyone in the workforce? My guest this week is Pamela Kavanagh, Chief People Officer at Exogen. In our conversation, she shares practical strategies for creating workplaces where everyone can do their best work. In the interview, we discuss: What neurodivergence actually means at work Performance enhancers instead of reasonable accommodations Creating psychological safety for disclosure Small things that make big differences and help everyone. Embedding inclusion in everyday operations Making recruiting better for everyone Why eye contact shouldn't determine capability Making the business case to leaders AI and the future Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.
In this episode of 401(k) Roundtable, Rick Unser is joined by Andrew Biggs, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Mina Biggs, Chief People Officer at Hanson Professional Services. Together, they unpack the so-called "retirement crisis," exploring generational attitudes toward saving, the evolving structure of retirement plans, and how government policies like the SECURE Act 2.0 aim to move the needle. From the role of Social Security to the importance of workplace financial education, this episode offers practical insight for plan sponsors, HR leaders, and anyone navigating today's retirement landscape. The Real Retirement Crisis: Why (Almost) Everything You Know About the US Retirement System Is Wrong
How can culture become an operating system that drives business performance?Why does leadership behavior matter more than systems in driving culture?My guest on this episode is Paulo Pisano, CHRO, Booking Holdings & Chief People Officer, Booking.comDuring our conversation Paulo and I discuss:Why culture is an operating system and how it connects directly to business performance.The three levers that shape culture: behaviors, symbols, and systems—and how to align them with strategy.The importance of experimentation culture for AI adoption and innovation.Why HR leaders must understand business drivers first before designing their programs.How to position HR as "chief simplifiers" who reduce complexity rather than add to it.Connecting with PauloConnect with Paulo on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader's Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Geraldine Butler-Wright, Founder and Chief People Officer of RorCas and about scaling tech companies. Geraldine is also the host of the excellent "People and Pioneers" podcast, where she explores the human side of innovation and success. Here are other topics from our conversation: The Real Reputation of HR: HR shouldn't be a cost center stuck pushing paperwork. Tie your people practices to business impact. Ask: How does this initiative move the needle and help us win? Move beyond red tape and become a true strategic partner. Intentionality & Company Culture: Great culture starts with intentionality. Don't get lost in HR noise - focus on what really helps your business grow and brings people together with purpose, not just policies. Technology & High-Talent Teams: Small, high-talent teams powered by AI are the future. Automate admin, and double down on the moments only humans can deliver - quality service, empathy, and growth. Action & Iteration: Don't aim for perfect. Launch your podcast or idea, even if it's rough. Start with trusted people, keep learning, and let your work evolve. Action leads to clarity and confidence. Resilience & Entrepreneurship: Building a business is tough - don't let setbacks stop you. Give yourself time to process, then move forward. Progress is about grit, focus, and staying ready to learn and adapt. Geraldine's insights are a must-read for anyone looking to make HR a driver of business growth rather than just a function. Website: www.rorcas.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/headofpeoplegbutlerwright/ About The A Better HR Business Podcast The A Better HR Business shares strategies, tactics, success stories, and more about marketing for HR consultancies and marketing for HR tech companies, and how to get more clients. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don't miss future episodes. For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Get More HR Clients Business Growth Kit - Get More HR Clients Kit Launch your own business podcast: B2B Podcast Agency VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more at www.getmorehrclients.com.
In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane Groeneveld chats with Kelley Morse, Chief People Officer at Bullhorn, to talk about how HR is evolving and why authenticity, empathy, and connection are leading the way.Kelley shares how her experience across startups, biotech, and fintech shaped her people-first approach, and why she believes HR should be more about relationships and less about “policy policing.” From cross-functional team meetups to navigating mergers and acquisitions with compassion, Kelley explains how Bullhorn is helping employees stay connected, celebrate wins, and find meaning in their work. If you've ever wondered how to make your HR team a true strategic partner (or how to build deeper connections across your organization) this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
Why do Chief People Officers need strong networks — and how can you build one that truly supports you?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Nebel Crowhurst, who's featured on the HR Most Influential list several years running and has held senior roles with Virgin, River Island, Roche, and Reward Gateway.Nebel talks about the realities of being a CPO — the highs, the pressures, and how she protects her wellbeing — along with brilliant advice on building your own community of support (even if you find networking uncomfortable).In this episode, you'll learn:The key differences between being an HR Director and a Chief People Officer.How to protect your boundaries and wellbeing in a demanding role.What it means to be a business leader, not just a functional one.How to reframe networking into “building your community.”Practical tips for creating and nurturing a supportive network.Nebel also explains her move into fractional CPO work, what it involves, and why this model is becoming increasingly popular in growing organisations.
I'm thrilled to share some incredible insights from our latest podcast episode featuring Steve Blair, Chief People Officer at Fulcrum Collective. With nearly three decades of experience at iconic companies like Procter & Gamble, Ghirardelli, and Harvest Group, Steve has a wealth of knowledge on building purpose-driven cultures. Here are some key takeaways that you won't want to miss:Key Lessons and Ideas: • Culture as the Foundation: Steve emphasizes that culture isn't a side function but the very bedrock of any successful company. It's the compass guiding every decision, from hiring to client selection. • Authentic Core Values: Clear, authentic, aspirational, and unique values are crucial. They should genuinely reflect the company's identity and serve as a guiding lens for all business decisions. • Scaling Culture: Steve shares his experience scaling Harvest Group from 25 to nearly 300 employees across multiple locations. He highlights the importance of adapting culture to different geographies while maintaining core values. • Data-Driven Culture: Using HR metrics to measure culture and engagement can prove that a healthy culture scales effectively and positively impacts employees, clients, and customers. • Leadership and Culture: Immediate managers play a pivotal role in reinforcing culture daily. Their authenticity and alignment with company values are crucial for a cohesive work environment.Curiosities and Insights: • Unique Values: At Harvest Group, values like “journey” emphasized growth and joy in personal and professional development, making their culture stand out. • Cultural Adaptation: Opening an office in Tunisia required thoughtful integration of local cultural dynamics, proving that culture doesn't simply “lift and drop.” • WALLA Approach: Steve's leadership tool—Wonder, Ask, Listen, and Act—creates a reliable rhythm of engagement and responsiveness, leading to continuous improvement in employee satisfaction.Practical Tips: • Storytelling: Regularly sharing stories about living the company's values helps new employees quickly absorb the culture. • People Leader Lab: A monthly program to invest in and equip immediate managers, ensuring they embody the company's values and foster a strong culture. • Simplified Goal Setting: Steve's approach to goal setting includes four clear types: Deliver, Accelerate, Innovate, and Grow, making it accessible and effective.Personal Reflections: • Defining Success: For Steve, success is about helping people find meaningful, fulfilling work that aligns with their values. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of intentional leadership and culture.I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and inspire you to listen to the full episode. Steve's insights are not just theoretical—they're practical, actionable, and deeply rooted in real-world experience.Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive into the heart of what makes great companies thrive. And as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on building and sustaining a strong organizational culture.P.S. Don't forget to check out the full episode for more in-depth discussions and actionable strategies!Send us a textConnect with Kip on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kipknippel/Watch Bite-Sized Clips on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@capitalistculture/shorts
Andrew Golden, Chief People Officer at RetailNext, joined us on The Modern People Leader.We talked about how he's driving transformation, why HR and IT must partner more closely, the power of building lightweight AI solutions in-house, and why he's optimistic about the future of people teams.---- Sponsor Links:
In this episode, we sit down with Sara Choate, Chief People Officer at KPM CPAs & Advisors, to explore how intentional leadership development, community engagement, and programs like KPM Connects and Careers in Action are shaping the next generation of leaders. Tune in to hear how KPM is empowering employees to thrive at work — and give back to the Springfield community. Thank you to KPM CPAs & Advisors for sponsoring our 2025 Plugged In episodes! We are excited to share a look into your organization in this month's episode.
Most companies think connection is built in the office. Atlassian discovered the opposite. In this episode, I’m joined by Avani Prabhakar, Chief People Officer at Atlassian. Avani takes us inside Atlassian’s Team Anywhere model, which has redefined how 13,000 people across the globe work together. We unpack what really drives connection, how to structure your workday to avoid Zoom fatigue, and why Atlassian ditched PowerPoint altogether. If you’ve ever wondered what the future of work actually looks like in practice, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look. Avani and I discuss: The difference between “remote first” and “distributed first” work Why connection doesn’t come from sporadic office attendance Atlassian’s framework for intentional togetherness (ITG) How to design your workday to balance meetings, deep work, and collaboration Why Atlassian banned PowerPoint and moved to a written-first culture How asynchronous communication transformed decision-making The role of AI agents in HR and how non-technical teams built their own tools The four stages of becoming a strategic AI user Avani’s predictions for the future of work: asynchronous by default, AI collaboration, and focusing on how we work rather than where Key Quotes “Connection wasn’t built by sporadic office attendance. Real connection happens when you intentionally bring people together with a purpose.” “The future of work won’t be about where we work. It will be about how we work.” Connect with Avani on LinkedIn. My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is it so important to meet employees where they are—emotionally, professionally, and generationally? Deon MacMillan, Chief People Officer at Pax8, shares her approach to cultivating a dynamic, people-first culture amidst hypergrowth. Her leadership philosophy revolves around balancing high-tech innovation with high-touch human engagement. Highlights include: The need to honor each employee's current journey, using thoughtful development strategies, AI fluency, and a deep understanding of multi-generational needs. “Meeting them where they are” drives tailored learning paths, stronger engagement, and authentic brand ambassadorship from within. Navigating the tension between scaling a global organization and preserving its unique culture. From one-on-one rituals to employee listening programs, she focuses on creating alignment between purpose and performance. "Organizations that can balance hi tech and high touch will win". Connect with Deon on LinkedIn and visit Pax8.com to stay informed about the community. Timestamps: [08:28] Dispel the fear around AI [09:10] The 5 Generation Workforce [15:43] Developing talent around the globe [24:24] Leading Horizontally --- more --- If you want to master the art of audience engagement while learning how to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, this is the program for you. Twins Talk It Up is hosted by identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown, who share leadership communication strategies designed to help professionals embrace the power of their authentic voice. Together, we'll explore tips and tools to unlock the full potential of your voice, dominate every stage you step onto, and elevate your influence and value. Along the way, we'll crush goals and share plenty of laughs. Book a Free 15-minute discovery call: dsbleadershipgroup.com/schedule-a-call/ Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalkitup/ Community: facebook.com/groups/publicspeakingpoints Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup
Today's conversation is such a special one, and honestly, a huge honor. I had the chance to sit down with two incredible leaders from a company you've probably heard of (and maybe even ordered from): ButcherBox.In this episode, you'll hear directly from Mike Salguero, founder and CEO, and Eliza Jackson, Chief People Officer, about how they've woven the Enneagram into the DNA of their 200-person organization. From onboarding to manager development, the Enneagram isn't just a one-time workshop at ButcherBox; it's part of their shared language and leadership culture.We talk about:How Mike first discovered the Enneagram and why it resonated with him as a leader.The practical ways ButcherBox is integrating the framework into hiring, feedback, and team communication.What's surprised them most about using the Enneagram company-wide.The connection between self-awareness, organizational trust, and scalable culture.If you've ever wondered what it looks like when an entire company uses the Enneagram to build connection, accountability, and clarity at scale, this conversation is a must-listen.Tune in to learn how the Enneagram is shaping leadership and culture at one of the most mission-driven consumer brands out there.Learn more about ButcherBox and take advantage of their Fall sale ending 10/13: https://www.butcherbox.com/Have a request for a future episode? Drop a text here!
Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane! This week, I am talking with Jackie Rodriguez, Chief People Officer at Spanish Schoolhouse and Board Member for Women With Promise. How did Jackie get started in her career? What does Jackie share about how her teachers encouraged her growing up? What does Jackie share about the value of certifications? What does Jackie share about vulnerability and beingauthentic? What does Jackie share about leadership? What does Jackie share about building culture?What does Jackie share about “Women With Promise”?What advice does Jackie share to help others in theworkplace?…and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions. Interview resources:Favorite quote from Jackie:“We are very future minded because our customers are thefuture!” Connect with Jackie on LinkedInVisit Spanish SchoolhouseLearn more about Women With PromiseLearn more about the podcast host Bruce WallerCheck out Bruce's books Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the WorkplaceFind Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books) Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.Connect with Bruce on LinkTreeSubscribe to Bruce's Blog “Move to Inspire” Get relocation support for your next household goods orcommercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at bwaller@goarmstrong.com or visit The Armstrong Company
Let's be honest: this year has been a bit of a dumpster fire. Here at Red Wine & Blue, we've been hearing women in our community say they're not sure how to make a difference — at least, not without totally losing their shit.So we decided to tackle that question head-on with a brand-new podcast. It's simply called How To Not Lose Your Sh!t and it's hosted by our very own Katie Paris and LaFonda Cousin.Katie, our founder, has worked in political organizing for most of her career. LaFonda, our Chief People Officer, is a wellness expert and yoga teacher on a mission to reimagine self-care. Every week, they'll talk to experts and everyday women who are getting involved, building community, and feeling better in the process.You can listen to our first episode with special guest Heather Cox Richardson on October 1st, with new episodes every Wednesday after that. If you're already subscribed to the Red Wine & Blue podcast in your podcast player, you'll automatically see new episodes each week here in your feed.There are a lot of political podcasts out there already, and a lot of mental health and self-care shows too. What we want to do is reject that binary and explore how getting involved can actually be a form of not only caring for your community, but also yourself. We can't wait for you to join us on a journey through self-care, politics, community, and tackling this difficult moment… together.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA
Ever since last year's election, suburban women have had more questions than answers. How are we supposed to deal with the firehose of information that's coming at us all the time? Can we believe what we read in the news or on social media? And, most important of all, why is all of this happening?That's why we made “Okay, But Why.” Because these days, good information can be hard to find. And no matter what anyone says, facts are not political. If Americans all had access to the same information, we'd probably agree on a lot more than we think. These resources aren't going anywhere – you can still scroll back in your podcast feed to listen to old episodes, watch them on YouTube, or read about them on our website. You can send an episode to a friend and use it as a starting point for a meaningful conversation.Now that we all have a little better handle on why the news is so crazy, there's another pressing question to answer: how can we make a difference without losing our shit? So in that spirit, we're launching a brand-new pod that's simply called “How To Not Lose Your Sh!t.” It'll be hosted by Katie Paris, the founder of Red Wine & Blue, along with LaFonda Cousin, our Chief People Officer, yoga teacher, and wellness expert.Because let's be honest, we're all kind of losing our shit right now. But there are ways to feel better — and ways to make the world a better place — and it all starts with community.The trailer for our new pod will drop tomorrow and the first episode (with special guest Heather Cox Richardson) will come out on Wednesday, October 1st. If you're already subscribed to the Red Wine & Blue podcast, you don't need to do anything! New episodes will already be in your podcast player every Wednesday. And if you're not already subscribed, you can find us by searching for “How To Not Lose Your Sh!t” in your podcast feed.We can't wait to figure out how we can all make a difference without losing our shit… together.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA