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Final headline of the week contender: Man arrested after allegedly chugging Tabasco sauce and challenging others to a fight, 44% of working adults now believe having an active social media presence is more likely to hurt someone's career than help, Married CEO is in quite the awkward spot after being spotted on 'Kiss Cam' at Coldplay concert embracing his also married 'CPO'...Chief People Officer (ironically, current day corporate speak for 'head of HR')
“HR Heretics†| How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies
For today's essential Heretics 101 feature, Kelli and Nolan explore compensation testing, remote culture scaling, leadership transparency, and AI adoption challenges through the analytical lens of Christine Centa, HashiCorp's Chief People Officer.*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.coFor coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Support HR Heretics Sponsors:Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ✍️ Go to https://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.Metaview is the AI platform built for recruiting. 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. Check it out!KEEP UP WITH PETER, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINChristine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-centa-0a809b7/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/—HashiCorp: https://www.hashicorp.com/en—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction & Christine's Background(01:15) The Compensation Specialist to CPO Transition(02:26) Current Compensation Landscape & Market Data(04:00) The Midpoint Experiment(05:28) Equity Strategy & New Grant Structures(06:20) Going Public: Private to Public Transition(07:28) Sponsor: Planful | MetaView (10:27) Remote Work Philosophy & Scaling Challenges(11:53) The Connection Crisis(13:00) Leadership Dynamics: The Professor & Accountant(13:51) Transparency as Strategy(14:40) AI Strategy & Implementation Reality(16:00) AI in Recruiting: The Future Frontier(17:17) The AI Arms Race(18:00) The Work Behind the AI Dream(19:25) Preparing Teams for AI Future(20:09) 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
In this episode, co-host Mark Edgar connected with Margot Lackenbauer to learn more about her experience on-boarding as Chief People Officer with professional services firm BDO. Margot shares insights on the importance of focusing on building relationships, staying agile and the importance of understanding the language of the organization.In the episode we refer to Michael Watkins' book (from 1956!) The First 90 Days. You learn more here:https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-first-90-days-updated-and-expanded-proven-strategies-for-getting-up-to-speed-faster-and-smarter-revised-michael-d-watkins/10608694You can connect with Margot on LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/margotlackenbauerDon't forget …To sign up for our weekly newsletter foHRsight at http://www.futurefohrward.com/subscribe. Follow us on LinkedIn:Mark - www.linkedin.com/in/markedgarhr/Naomi - www.linkedin.com/in/naomititlemancolla/future foHRward - www.linkedin.com/company/future-fohrward/And on Instagram - www.instagram.com/futurefohrward/ Support the show
Helen Russell, HubSpot's Chief People Officer, believes the age of AI is making work more human, not less. In this episode, she shares how HubSpot is approaching our culture in the AI-first era, digs into relational intelligence and the human + AI workforce, unpacks how vision, empathy, and integrity are reshaping leadership—and why outcomes, not adoption, should guide how we measure success in the AI era.
Ready to transform your HR operations?Download Deel's free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://www.deel.com/resources/ai-in-hr-global-organizations/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-theroleofai-jun25_platfpod_all&utm_content=engage_platfpod_sponnewsletter_theroleofai-dedicated-hr_enWhat does it really take for an HR leader to make the leap to the boardroom?In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Andrea Wareham, former Chief People Officer at Pret A Manger and now a Non-Executive Director (NED) across multiple organizations. With 20+ years of experience shaping people strategy at one of the UK's most iconic brands, Andrea breaks down the real blueprint for HR leaders who want to operate at the highest level of business.Whether you're an aspiring CHRO or already operating at senior level, this episode will give you the tools to expand your impact, build influence, and shape the future of business from the top down.Listen now and unlock your path to board-level leadership.Andrea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawareham/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7(00:00) Preview (01:28) Introducing Andrea Wareham(05:39) Why HR Leaders Belong in the Boardroom (10:37) Managing Pressure and Building Trust at Executive Level (13:54) Becoming a Public-Facing People Leader (15:09) Pret's People-First Philosophy (18:23) The People Lens Boards Are Missing (21:34) What It Really Takes to Become a Non-Executive Director (25:03) How to Add Value as an NED (31:07) Why NED Roles Are So Rewarding (35:23) How HR Leaders Can Start Building Board Influence (38:40) Driving Board Diversity Through HR Perspective (41:12) Top Tips for Aspiring NEDs (46:29) Advice for Future HR Leaders
“HR has shifted towards partnering with the business as a trusted advisor to the executive team, as people have started to realise the value of human capital.” In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Linda Carroll, Chief People Officer of G8 Education, on driving business success through the development of your people.
Helen Russell, Chief People Officer at HubSpot, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about how HubSpot is fostering an AI-first culture, why belonging is so important right now, and what HR leaders can do to move fast without losing their humanity.---- Sponsor Links:
In this thought-provoking episode of the Cohesion Podcast, Miriam Connaughton (Chief People Officer at Simpplr) sits down with Gianna Driver, Chief People Officer at Lattice. A serial CPO with deep experience in the tech sector, Gianna brings a fresh perspective to one of HR's most persistent questions: how should we really be measuring employee experience and performance? With engagement scores stagnating for decades and workforces becoming more distributed and diverse, Gianna challenges conventional wisdom on employee engagement—and explores what might come next. Drawing on data, lived experience, and her people-first philosophy, she shares what she believes leaders should be measuring, and why metrics alone can fail to capture belonging, mental health, and true organizational health. From rethinking engagement surveys to navigating the risks and opportunities of AI in the workplace, this episode is packed with strategic insights and human nuance. If you're reimagining how to support and measure your people in a hybrid, high-change world, this conversation is for you. Topics Covered: Why employee engagement scores have flatlined for 20 yearsWhat HR teams might measure instead of—or in addition to—engagementHow hybrid and remote work reshape connection and cultureThe generational shifts redefining what employees value mostInsights from the disengaged: what outliers can tell usBalancing AI, analytics, and human empathy in employee experienceMoving from individual-level fixes to systemic, structural solutions Connect with Gianna Driver: LinkedIn Subscribe to get the latest conversations on employee experience, change leadership, and internal communications.
This episode is brought to you by our partner EndorsedIn this episode, Naomi Titleman connects with Jasmine Burns who is Chief People Officer of cyber-security firm Censys. They share insights on how to successfully navigate AI for the benefit of the organization and specifically HR teams by emphasizing the human elements.You can connect with Jasmine here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmineatcensys/This episode is brought to you by Endorsed ...Stop chasing headcount. Today's great companies focus on talent density – the share of A-players on your team. Endorsed.com was built to do just that. Endorsed's AI sourcing agent digs through every profile and résumé, matching each candidate to your exact hiring criteria.When your hiring managers say what they need, Endorsed delivers it – right away.No more endless screening or calibration meetings. Endorsed's AI surfaces only top fits, often shaving weeks off your hiring process.Raise your talent bar now. Visit endorsed.com/foHRsight to start your free trial and get 10% off.Endorsed.com: the AI Recruiting Platform for Building Talent Density at ScaleDon't forget …To sign up for our weekly newsletter foHRsight at http://www.futurefohrward.com/subscribe. Follow us on LinkedIn:Mark - www.linkedin.com/in/markedgarhr/Naomi - www.linkedin.com/in/naomititlemancolla/future foHRward - www.linkedin.com/company/future-fohrward/And on Instagram - www.instagram.com/futurefohrward/ Support the show
Ever wonder what it's like to build a coworking space outside the U.S. from scratch, in another language, with a whole new playbook? Joel Ballew is the Chief People Officer at Coventus Space in Barranquilla, Colombia, and he's not your average operator. He moved his family from Georgia to Colombia, sold his dream business, learned Spanish from the ground up, and launched what is now the largest privately held coworking space in a city of nearly 2 million people. In this episode, Joel shares the highs, the lows, and the “wait, you did what?” moments of creating a thriving, purpose-driven business in an emerging market. We talk about: The cultural and operational curveballs of launching a coworking space in Colombia—including why recurring payments aren't really a thing. How Joel built lead volume through WhatsApp, Instagram, and literal flyers on car windshields (and why it's working). What it takes to educate a market on coworking while creating a strong local brand. How his space combines private offices, day passes, event rentals, and even a coffee shop run by a third party. Why doing good while doing well isn't just a tagline—it's a business model that fuels impact and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned operator or dreaming of launching in a new market, this conversation is a masterclass in adapting, listening to your audience, and building community on your own terms. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Joel's LinkedIn profile Coventus Space website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube
Lenke Taylor joined us on The Modern People Leader to talk about her path from engineering to HR, and what it means to be a true business partner. We discussed how HR can lead alongside CEOs and CFOs, building high-impact teams, and how working in Europe has shaped her leadership approach.---- Sponsor Links:
What happens when you treat employee experience like a product? Neervi Shah Patel, Chief People Officer at Faire, joins the show to share how her team brings the same level of operational rigor and customer obsession to PeopleOps that product teams bring to user experience. From leveraging data to embracing transparency, Neervi breaks down how to build scalable, fair, and high-performing orgs—without losing the human side. If you lead people, run HR, or are scaling a team at a startup, this episode will shift how you think about the function. Key Takeaways – Think like a product team: Employee experience should be intentionally designed, tested, and iterated—just like a customer journey. – Rigor means relevance: Metrics, clarity, and outcomes matter—but rigor doesn't mean making HR transactional. – Fairness is a performance strategy: When employees believe the system is fair, trust increases—and so does performance. – Don't ignore the anecdotes: When stories and data diverge, it's a signal to dig deeper. Listening matters as much as measurement. – AI is now a must-have filter: Every HR tool Faire evaluates now gets assessed through the lens of its AI capabilities. Timestamped Highlights [02:26] Applying product discipline to PeopleOps [05:43] How Neervi's background in sales and consulting shapes her HR leadership [08:24] Why fairness and trust should drive policy—not just process [12:00] How manager messaging can build (or break) organizational trust [15:03] What data they collect—and how they make it useful across the employee lifecycle [21:11] Why every new HR tech tool must be AI-native moving forward Quote of the Episode "If it saves us three steps but makes it ten steps harder for the employee, that's not a win. We'd never do that for a customer—why would we do it to our people?" — Neervi Shah Patel Resources Mentioned – Faire: faire.com – Neervi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/neervishahpatel – Referenced (paraphrased) Jeff Bezos quote: “If data and anecdotes diverge, trust the anecdote—you may be measuring the wrong thing.” Pro Tips for Operators – Build in feedback loops at every employee lifecycle stage—onboarding, engagement, exits. – Require manager alignment and ownership in performance processes to avoid undermining fairness. – Don't sacrifice employee experience for operational ease—just like you wouldn't for customers. Call to Action If you're ready to run PeopleOps like a strategic business function, not a support team, share this episode with a fellow leader. And make sure you're subscribed to The Talent Tango for more conversations like this one.
Severine describes herself as an HR professional “by passion and by design”, sharing her impact in enabling consistent transformation - from accelerating talent planning for a workforce that's 80% Millennial and Gen Z, to evolving culture and embracing AI through innovative learning strategies. Severine summarises Sportradar's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging programme, for 4,000 employees across 80+ nationalities with a balance of global goals and local action, and is candid about industry challenges such as gender representation in both sport and technology. Asked for one wish, an action for all HR leaders, Severine calls on practitioners to help people be the best version of themselves, believing that enabling individuals to act from a place of abundance and balance can transform organisations and society step by step. References: Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams – Matthew Walker Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode What makes an organisation thrive in today's complex world? It's not just about strategy or financial results - it's about culture. This episode is sponsored by Kin&Co, a certified B Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Kin&Co believe that the most impactful organisations will cultivate thriving, human-centred cultures where people are motivated by purpose, resilience, and empowered to perform at their best. Drawing on cutting-edge behavioural science and an inclusive approach, Kin&Co help global organisations transform their cultures, sparking lasting behaviour change that drives measurable impact on strategy, people, and performance. Their new model for organisational change is shaped by deep experience in culture transformation. If you're intrigued, Kin&Co invites you to explore your own organisational culture with their free Thriving Cultures Diagnostic - a simple, insightful tool backed by behavioural science and inspired by nature. It provides a clear snapshot of your current culture and suggests practical actions to drive better behaviours, strategic shifts, and stronger organisational performance. To learn more and take the diagnostic, click here: Kin&Co
HR: part therapist, part referee, part corporate cleanup crew. This week, we're joined by Amy Lentz, Chief People Officer at TOMS and the creator behind HackYourHR, to answer the big question: what does HR actually do all day (besides read your Slack messages)? From her early days working for the Obama administration to landing at TOMS, Amy shares what it really takes to keep a workplace semi-functional. She also gets a front-row seat to some of the wildest corporate confessions we've ever collected and breaks down each scandal with her HR perspective. We dig into the secrets of anonymous feedback forms, the ethics of outing an STD at the office, and whether HR is quietly tracking your office romance. Plus, we debate job title upgrades, “Open to Work” etiquette, and whether you should ask for a raise while you're on a PIP. Go to https://cornbreadhemp.com/DEMOTED and use promo code DEMOTED for 30% off your first order Go to https://zbiotics.com/DEMOTED and use DEMOTED at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. We want to hear from you! Send in your Corporate Confessions, Dear Demoted questions, and Shout-outs right here: https://forms.gle/nJc667dUL65Xh63C6
Which skills really make the difference at the top of the HR profession?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, you'll meet the brilliant Jane Beeston, Chief People Officer at Colart. With nearly 40 years of experience in HR – spanning generalist roles, transformation, and international work – Jane has a huge amount of insight to share.We learn from her about the shift from HR Director to CPO, what the role really involves, and how she's built strong relationships with her CEO and board. Jane talks openly about the communication skills she's had to develop, how coaching training changed the way she works, and why staying curious (and occasionally sticking her nose into things!) has helped her make a bigger impact.Whether you're working towards a CPO role or simply want to grow in confidence and influence, there's plenty to take away from Jane's story.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Welcome & introduction to Jane[02:00] Jane's path to becoming a CPO[04:00] Why the CEO relationship really matters[07:00] What changes when you move into a CPO role[08:00] What a board does (and how to work with them)[10:30] How Jane improved her communication skills[12:00] Staying connected across a global team[14:00] Getting your message to stick across the business[15:00] Why coaching skills have made such a difference[16:00] How curiosity helps you grow and influence[18:00] Common challenges in the CPO role[19:00] How Jane approaches communication in practice[22:00] Looking after your wellbeing in a demanding role[24:00] You don't have to do it all alone[25:00] Advice for anyone who wants to be a CPO one day[27:30] Jane's experience of cross-functional projects[30:00] Prioritising what matters most[32:00] If you're stepping into a CPO role: own it![34:00] Courses and continuous learning that helped[36:00] Learning to work across different countries[37:30] Final thoughts and thank youUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay's websiteFay's HR leadership programme – Inspiring HR LeadershipConnect with Jane Beeston on LinkedInOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 53: Why Coaching Skills Can Help Your HR Career (and How to Develop Them) with Charlie WarshawskiEpisode 130: Build Managers' Confidence and Skills with the Coaching Two-Step with Jude SlaterEpisode 43: The One Thing That Will Boost Your Resilience Throughout Your HR Career with Tom ClearyEpisode 32:
Mein großes Danke geht heute an Britta Pinke, Geschäftsführerin und Chief People Officer der aixpedIT GmbH. Britta spricht mit mir über den Aufbau einer gesunden Unternehmenskultur im IT-Unternehmen. Sie bringt ihren fundierten Hintergrund in Gesundheits- und Kommunikationswissenschaften sowie Psychologie ein und berichtet, wie sie als Nicht-ITlerin mit sensiblen IT'lern spricht und ihnen hilft. Einige Aussagen von Britta im Podcast sind: „Die Schweigepflicht ist für mich elementar – nur wenn absolute Vertraulichkeit herrscht, öffnen sich die Mitarbeitenden wirklich.“ „Es ist kein Zeichen von Schwäche, sich Hilfe zu holen oder Themen anzusprechen. Im Gegenteil: Mehr Stärke gibt es eigentlich nicht.“ ----------------------- Und hier ein Link, wenn Ihr mehr über Britta wissen möchtet: Homepage: https://aixpedit.de LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britta-pinke-802859252/ ----------------------- Und mehr von Olaf Kaiser: www.linkedin.com/in/olafkaiser/ www.olaf-kaiser.coach/ www.ubega.de Direkt einen kostenfreien Termin mit Olaf buchen https://bit.ly/allgemeinen-termin-buchen
We were joined by people leaders from Glassdoor, Asana, and Upstart. We talked about the fragmented burnout and how it's hitting people differently, how performance expectations have shifted in the last 6-12 months, and more.---- Sponsor Links:
How to Create Psychological Safety in Your Team From Ego to Empathy: Reframing Executive Presence Episode 264 (Richard is based in South Africa) In this conversation with Richard Reid we explore: the true meaning of charisma and why it's more about how others feel than how you appear the role of psychological safety in building trust, influence, and innovation why self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership how emotional leakage can sabotage your message and your team culture strategies to reset your internal state between meetings for greater presence how leaders can communicate calm during crises through deliberate body language and speech the power of micro-habits to improve energy, confidence, and communication how reflection and journaling enhance resilience and leadership effectiveness practical routines to prevent burnout and show up as your best self how leaders can foster a growth mindset and create space for others to shine ----- About our guest, Richard Reid: Richard is the author of "Charisma Unlocked: The Science and Strategy to Captivate, Influence and Succeed in Business". He was Chief People Officer at a global law firm. He is from the UK and now lives in South Africa. Learn more about his Masterclasses and coaching at https://richard-reid.com/live-events/charisma-workshops/ ----- Key lessons from this conversation: Charisma is about how others feel, not how impressive you appear. Psychological safety is central to charisma and effective leadership. Charisma starts with self-awareness and managing your internal world. Reflective routines enhance emotional regulation and presence. Effective communication means seeing others as individuals, not objects. In a crisis, calm leadership is conveyed through body language and vocal control. Leaders need to be intentional with their energy and meeting schedules. Small micro-habits, like breathing or posture resets, have a big impact. True charisma is sustainable and rooted in authenticity, not performance. Teams thrive when members feel safe to express themselves and fail forward. ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We'll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more. Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He's fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success. Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills
Pola Karolczyk, General Counsel and Chief People Officer at Cowboy, joins Scott to share her dynamic legal journey: from competition law in Poland and US law firms, to regulatory work at Apple, and now building the legal and people functions at a fast-moving e-bike scaleup. Pola reflects on three powerful lessons, beginning with the need to ditch legal jargon and speak human. She learned early on that most people, especially in business, aren't interested in the mechanics of the law, just the outcome. This mindset has shaped her ability to communicate clearly, deliver pragmatic advice, and influence senior stakeholders across borders. She also highlights the importance of developing leadership and commercial skills outside the comfort zone of technical legal work, drawing on her experiences in Big Law, Apple, and now Cowboy. Pola's final lesson is one for ambitious lawyers: if you want to lead, don't wait for calm conditions. Join a scaleup, stretch yourself, and learn on the edge. Now wearing dual hats in legal and HR, Pola offers rare insight into what it means to shape culture and governance in parallel, and why reporting directly to the CEO matters. Guest Recommendation: • Podcast: Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu - Practical strategies for personal and professional growth About Heriot Brown: At Heriot Brown, we help lawyers find fulfilment in their careers. Beyond recruitment, we foster a thriving community of in-house legal professionals who share insights, experiences, and growth opportunities. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Lessons I Learned in Law, leave a review, or share it with someone navigating the leap into leadership.
Due to the US holiday, 4th of July, I am re-publishing one of our greatest hits and most popular episodes. The “Best of 2024” episode features sixteen don't miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who…So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode? Rhonda Morris, CHRO, ChevronJeffrey Pfeffer, Professor Stanford University and Author of 16 books including the “7 Rules of PowerKerrie Peraino, Chief People Officer at VerilyKevin Wilde, Executive Leadership and Talent Development Expert & AuthorKelly Monahan, Managing Director, Research Institute at UpworkDave Ulrich, Bob Eichinger, and Allan ChurchLybra Clemons, a C-Suite executive with experience leading talent, culture, and DEI Shaun Mayo, Chief People Officer, Arizona Cardinals Football ClubAmy Kates, Organization Design Expert, Consultant, Educator, and Author of Five BooksKevin Cox, Founder and President of LKC Advisory & Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South CarolinaJordana Kammerud, SVP & CHRO, CorningLucien Alziari, EVP and CHRO of Prudential Financial, IncGinger King, CHRO, Kohler Co.Tim Richmond, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, AbbVieStephanie Lilak, EVP & Chief People Officer, Mondelez InternationalPrasad Setty, Lecturer, Stanford GSB, Advisor, Former VP at Google, People Ops and WorkspaceEpisode 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.
Candor is easy to value and hard to operationalize. It takes more than writing "feedback" on a poster and hoping people magically feel safe being honest. In this episode, I talk to Valentina Gissin, Chief People Officer at Garner Health, about how her team institutionalizes candor and turns culture into lived behavior—not empty slogans.We dig into radical practices like publishing peer and upward feedback company-wide, cultural onboarding through case studies, and pushing back against the illusion of "culture fit" during hiring. Valentina also shares what she carried over (and what she left behind) from her time at Bridgewater, one of the most studied and controversial company cultures in corporate America.This conversation is a blueprint for any leader asking the hard question: how do we make our culture real at scale?Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Valentina on LinkedInCheck out Garner HealthSupport the show
Alejandro Reyes is a transformational HR and business leader with over 25 years of experience driving change and organizational effectiveness. He's currently the Head of the People and Transformation Practice at Cintana Education, where he leads strategic talent and cultural initiatives. Alejandro is also a trusted advisor for venture capital firms and the author of the upcoming book "Leading Organizational Transformation."Alejandro's expertise in change management and talent strategy has made him a sought-after advisor and thought leader in the business world.Alejandro's expertise spans human capital planning, M&A stabilization, organization development, executive talent management, change management, talent acquisition, and diversity and inclusion. He has held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell Technologies, Motorola, Laureate Education, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where he served as Chief People Officer for over five years. Alejandro is known for his track record of driving innovation, building high-performance cultures, and successfully leading organizations through complex transformations.In addition to his executive leadership roles, Alejandro is an author and a recognized thought leader in organizational strategy. His upcoming book, "Leading Organizational Transformation: Embracing Liberation, Vitality, and Expression to Build a Success-Capable Organization", is set to release in 2025. The book provides a comprehensive guide for CEOs and CHROs to drive long-term success through cultural and organizational transformation.Alejandro holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Metropolitan University in Mexico City and a master's degree in Robotics and Automation from Monterrey Institute of Technology. He is a Certified Diversity Executive and a sought-after speaker on leadership, organizational effectiveness, and business transformation.Ross and Alejandro talk about learning, connecting, sharing new perspectives, HR, the future of HR, transformation, understanding, mindset, delegation, commitment, ambition, figuring things out, conversation, influencing leadership and breaking barriers. The pair also discuss changing mindsets, blindness in leaders, helping leaders remove fear, leadership liberation, living for success, curiosity, reading different books, ego, reflecting, seeing things differently and new insights. Timecodes:00:22 Intro to Alejandro01:16 The 'Transform' event02:15 Thing which have stood out and resonated at Transform04:35 Extending the boundaries of Human Resources08:35 Getting through and reimagining bad habits11:25 Implementing new processes to big companies14:41 Compelling people over convincing them15:49 Driving factors to write a book19:22 Mindset and improving it24:04 Consciousness30:05 Struggling at an organisation and people thanking Alejandro33:15 Alejandro's challenges and liberation34:52 Permission to imagine35:52 Flow37:16 he last time A did something for the first timeConnect with Alejandro:LinkedInCintana EducationConnect with Ross:WebsiteLinkedInMoonshot Innovation
In this episode of “The Weekly Bioanalysis” podcast, our hosts, Dominic Warrino and John Perkins, sit down with two key leaders shaping the company's future — Maria Nelson, Chief Financial Officer, and Julie Deane, Chief People Officer — to discuss KCAS Bio's strategy for balancing rapid growth with an exceptional employee experience. Building on the previous conversation with Jeff Goddard, this episode dives deeper into how KCAS Bio has evolved its people operations and operational planning. Julie shares how private equity investment fueled a transformation in talent acquisition, creating a scalable, high-performing recruitment process that attracts thousands of candidates monthly while enhancing the KCAS Bio employer brand. Meanwhile, Maria explains the company's internal forecasting model, CURE (Capacity Utilization Resource Evaluation), which enables proactive workforce planning to meet client demands without compromising efficiency. Together, they reveal how KCAS Bio blends scientific excellence with business strategy to grow responsibly and maintain its strong culture.“The Weekly Bioanalysis” is a podcast dedicated to discussing bioanalytical news, tools and services related to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biomarker industries. Every month, KCAS Bio will bring you another 60 minutes (or so) of friendly banter between our two finest Senior Scientific Advisors as they chat over coffee and discuss what they've learned about the bioanalytical world the past couple of weeks. “The Weekly Bioanalysis” is brought to you by KCAS Bio.KCAS Bio is a progressive growing contract research organization of well over 250 talented and dedicated individuals with growing operations in Kansas City, Doylestown, PA, and Lyon, France, where we are committed to serving our clients and improving health worldwide. Our experienced scientists provide stand-alone bioanalytical services to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, animal health and medical device industries.
What if HR wasn't about red tape, but about trust, simplicity, and strategy?In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Chief People Officer and Culture Architect Kourtney Shelton, a seasoned HR executive and author of The HR Blueprint. Kourtney shares her refreshingly straightforward approach to HR, emphasizing the value of treating employees like adults, focusing on outcomes over policies, and building a culture of trust. From mentorship to strategic impact, this conversation will resonate with anyone who believes HR can and should be a powerful force for good inside an organization.Key takeaways:✨ Keep it Simple – Effective HR doesn't have to be complicated. Clarity beats complexity.✨ Trust Over Control – Treating employees like adults builds better culture and accountability.✨ Strategic Partner – HR belongs at the decision-making table, not just the compliance corner.✨ Mentorship Matters – Developing future leaders starts with investing in the ones we have today.✨ Legacy Thinking – Great leaders leave behind empowered people, not just polished policies.Connect with KourtneyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kourtney-shelton/Website: https://redstoneagency.com/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
In this episode of The Talent Tango, Amir sits down with Ashley Utz, Chief People Officer at Happy Money, to explore the complex task of rebuilding trust within organizations—especially during periods of change like layoffs, restructuring, or leadership transitions. Ashley offers a nuanced perspective on the differences between personal and organizational trust, shares frameworks like Covey's “Speed of Trust” model, and emphasizes the critical role of middle managers in trust-building. With timely insights and practical strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for HR and talent leaders navigating today's uncertain workplace climate.
How can you build your brand on LinkedIn while being true to who you are?Why should you be transparent about performance expectations with new hires?My guest on this episode is Melanie Naranjo, Chief People Officer at EthenaDuring our conversation Melanie and I discuss:What it's like to lead HR at an HR tech company and why Melanie recommends the experience to other HR professionals.How she built her personal brand on LinkedIn to over 60,000+ followers by being authentic and real. Melanie's advice on how to effectively partner with your CEO to drive the business forward.How being transparent about high-performance expectations—and consequences for poor performance—creates a culture of clarity and trust.How learning in public promotes accountability and builds network and community.Connecting with Melanie: Connect with Melanie Naranjo on LinkedInCheck out Melanie who is a frequent guest on Ethena's podcast, “We're Not Recording” hosted by CEO of Ethena, Roxanne Petraeus.Episode 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.
In this episode, I have a deep conversation with Dr. Tenia Davis who is redefining what it means to lead in Human Resources. As a distinguished HR executive with a stellar record of success, Tenia has left a lasting impact within the leadership ranks of globally recognized companies, including HBR Consulting, Raise, iManage, Johnson Publishing Company, and HARPO Productions - home of the Oprah Winfrey Show. Now serving as the Chief People Officer at NORC at the University of Chicago, Tenia continues to elevate the standards of operational excellence, talent acquisition, and company culture. Dr. Davis holds an MBA from Loyola University Chicago and a PhD from Benedictine University's Center for Values-Driven Leadership. You can learn more about Dr. Tenia on her website: https://www.theleadershipwise.com/. Her book - The Feedback Blueprint: Unlocking the Power of Constructive Insights - is available on Amazon.com. ******************************************** Want to learn how to scale your business to increase revenue, improve cash flow and maximize profits? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #teniadavisphd #servantleadership #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.
This podcast is proudly sponsored by RISER, your AI career companion. RISER is for everyone but given the horrific stats across the workforce, they are on a mission to empower every woman to rise higher in her career, one bold conversation at a time. As the world's first video-led career matchmaking app, we're proud to sponsor “In Her Shoes” and champion the stories of women who are breaking boundaries and rewriting the rules at work.This week on In Her Shoes, we're stepping into the world of beauty (and serious people power) with Victoria Foley, Chief People Officer at Beauty Pie. With nearly two decades of experience shaping people-first cultures at some of the UK's most beloved brands, Victoria knows a thing or two about building teams where everyone can thrive.We get real about what it takes to lead a modern workplace, to driving bold conversations about inclusion, wellbeing, and belonging. Victoria shares her journey from agency recruiter to CPO, her lessons learned in the trenches of retail and e-commerce, and how she's helping Beauty Pie's team bring their best selves to work every day.If you've ever wondered what it's really like behind the scenes at a disruptive beauty brand, or you're curious about how to create a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and celebrated this episode's for you.Tune in for honest insights, practical tips, and a healthy dose of inspiration from one of the industry's top people leaders.Follow our journey on IG: @inhershoes_podcastAnd if you're curious about RISER, the AI career companion behind this episode, here's the scoop: RISER is all about helping you take control of your career journey, on your terms. Think of it as your personal career sidekick, matching you with the right opportunities using smart AI, and letting you showcase your skills and personality through quick, video-first profiles. Whether you're prepping for interviews, looking to build your personal brand, or just want to connect with real people (not robots) behind the jobs, RISER's got your back. With curated resources, expert tips, and a community that actually cares, RISER makes your next career move feel a lot less daunting and a lot more you!Want that scroll stopping elevator pitch that will land you the interview? Create your 60 second pitch with our AI career coach for FREE now: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/riser-jobs-video-career-ai/id6476504113
Bienvenue dans cette série FORWARD, qui revient sur les moments clés de notre événement annuel qui réunit DRH et Directeurs Learning pour réfléchir ensemble aux nouvelles pratiques et aux évolutions du travail.Dans ce deuxième épisode, on s'intéresse à un enjeu central : la performance durable et l'engagement des collaborateurs.Avec nous pour en parler, Pegah Avokh , Directrice des Ressources Humaines France, Benelux et Europe du Sud pour JLL et Hugo Perrier, Chief People Officer de Partoo.Au programme de cet épisode :
Gemma inspires with bold insights on the future of work, challenging conventional thinking and championing a truly global perspective on equity. Drawing on her experience within a Japanese organisation, she reflects on one-size-fits-all approaches, revealing the power of cultural exchange to unlock innovation and drive progress. Gemma highlights the urgent need to tackle ageism and build intergenerational collaboration as workplaces evolve to meet shifting demographic realities. She shares how weaving equity into the fabric of everyday business (not relying on top-down mandates) has successfully advanced women into leadership roles. Reflecting on pressures in balancing career and family life, Gemma offers practical strategies for family-friendly workplaces and spotlights how the financial services sector is embracing inclusivity as a clear commercial imperative. Her closing message is a rallying cry: speak truth to power as the foundation for real change. Gemma calls on HR leaders to step forward with courage, start the brave conversations - even when the answers aren't yet clear - and lead transformation with honesty and impact. Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode What makes an organisation thrive in today's complex world? It's not just about strategy or financial results - it's about culture. This episode is sponsored by Kin&Co, a certified B Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Kin&Co believe that the most impactful organisations will cultivate thriving, human-centred cultures where people are motivated by purpose, resilience, and empowered to perform at their best. Drawing on cutting-edge behavioural science and an inclusive approach, Kin&Co help global organisations transform their cultures, sparking lasting behaviour change that drives measurable impact on strategy, people, and performance. Their new model for organisational change is shaped by deep experience in culture transformation. If you're intrigued, Kin&Co invites you to explore your own organisational culture with their free Thriving Cultures Diagnostic - a simple, insightful tool backed by behavioural science and inspired by nature. It provides a clear snapshot of your current culture and suggests practical actions to drive better behaviours, strategic shifts, and stronger organisational performance. To learn more and take the diagnostic, click here: Kin&Co
In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, Mark MacLeod sits down with Christine Song, a multi-time Chief People Officer with extensive experience in both established corporations and high-growth startups. They dive deep into the critical role of people and HR in scaling successful companies. Christine shares her journey from corporate HR to becoming a strategic partner for startup CEOs, offering a wealth of knowledge on building high-performance cultures, giving direct feedback, and balancing employee growth with business objectives.The conversation explores how HR has evolved from a back-office function to a key strategic role, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Christine emphasizes the importance of HR leaders earning their seat at the executive table by tying initiatives to business outcomes and being willing to have difficult conversations. She also discusses the challenges of scaling company culture, the need for honest communication about work expectations, and the value of investing in high-potential employees. Mark and Christine debate the merits of pushing people out of their comfort zones versus prioritizing employee happiness, offering valuable insights for leaders grappling with these tradeoffs.Listeners will gain practical advice on improving company communication, implementing effective coaching and talent development programs, and creating a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. The episode concludes with Christine introducing her new venture, Five to Nine Society, an exclusive network for elite operators and founders. Don't miss out on this compelling discussion - tune in now to elevate your leadership and people management skills!-------------------------------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/
What does it really take to become a successful Chief People Officer – and how can you prepare for the step up?In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay Wallis is joined by Kanika Mehra, an inspiring CPO with over 20 years of global HR experience. Having worked in fast-paced environments ranging from global giants like Amazon to scaling organisations going through rapid transformation, Kanika shares what helped her make the move into a CPO role – and what it's really like once you get there.From building commercial acumen and using data to tell compelling stories, to managing pressure, leading through change and staying true to your values – this conversation is packed with practical insights to support you on your own HR leadership journey.Chapters from This Episode[00:00] Introduction[02:12] Meet Kanika Mehra[02:25] How she got her first CPO role[03:23] The role LinkedIn played – and how to improve your profile[07:00] The differences between being a Head of People or HR Director vs a CPO[09:27] Making big decisions[14:02] Learning to lead without having all the answers[17:50] Developing confidence and decisiveness[22:51] Why business acumen is essential – and how to build it[27:45] Becoming confident with data and storytelling[33:12] Her biggest challenge as a CPO[34:03] Balancing employee experience with business priorities[37:59] Maintaining mental wellbeing in a high-pressure role[40:08] The importance of values alignment[42:38] Advice for anyone who'd like to be a CPO[45:41] Advice for first-time CPOs[49:57] Courses and books that have helped Kanika succeed[52:36] Wrap-up and other HR Coffee Time podcast episode recommendationsUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay's websiteConnect with Kanika Mehra on LinkedInBook Recommendations from the Episode(Book links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them.)My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future – Indra NooyiData-Driven HR: How to Use Analytics and Metrics to Drive Performance – Bernard MarrWorking Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon – Colin Bryar and Bill CarrExcellence in People Analytics – Jonathan Ferrar and David GreenOther Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 22: How to handle conflict at workEpisode 31: 3 little-known LinkedIn features which will help you get your next jobEpisode 35: Helping teams thrive with personal user manualsEpisode 47: Discovering your values to help your HR careerEpisode 106:
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.
They say your reputation precedes you, but what if the one that doesn't feel right? Or worse, what if it's misaligned and you're starting at a deficit? For many in HR, this feeling is a familiar one, which is why it's time to talk reputation management. In this exciting season finale, join guest host Kim Rohrer, co-host of HR Confessions, as she sits down with her friend and Workweek's Chief People Officer, Hebba Youssef. As a podcaster and the force behind a wildly successful online HR community, Hebba knows firsthand what it means to manage your reputation, both personally and publicly. Leaving the sugarcoating at home, Kim and Hebba get real about what it means to shape your reputation with employees and leadership, noting how they differ and the nuances that exist in these relationships. Hebba, remarks on the role of persuasion, a high emotional intelligence, and why making everyone happy is something you cannot and should not do. Plus, they dive into why CHROs might just be the best candidates for future CEOs. A candid, candor-filled conversation, this episode wraps up the season with a fresh take on how HR is evolving and how to make sure your reputation evolves with it.For more people-focused conversations like this one, join Oyster's People Builders community HERE. This podcast episode was produced by Quill.
Ever wondered what it really feels like to lead inclusion work when the world seems to be pushing back? In this episode, I'm sharing what came up at our recent executive roundtable in London - no recording, just a closed-door, honest conversation between inclusion and HR leaders who are doing the work and feeling the weight of it. From burnout and budget cuts to shifting language and peer support, this one's a reflective unpacking of where we are, what's changing, and what's still possible.Highlights:(01:02) Beyoncé and brave leadership? Yes please(04:11) Why Pride Month feels quieter this year(10:23) The tension between external comms and internal culture(17:52) Is DEI being quietly cut or rebranded?(22:14) The emotional toll no one talks about(29:08) Peer support isn't a ‘nice to have' Join the next roundtable:We're hosting our next Beyond the Backlash roundtable on Thursday 26 June 2025 in Manchester along with Global Recruitment Consultants Michael Page.Sign up HEREIf you're a senior HR Director, Chief People Officer, Head of DEI, Responsible Business lead, or hold a similar leadership role, and you'd like to join this session or a future roundtable in London, Manchester, or Birmingham, you can express your interest here.Join us to be part of the conversation shaping the next chapter of inclusive leadership.Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click HereConnect with us here:Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.ukLinkedIn: NgoziLinkedIn: ObehiAurora Company Profile 2024Book a Call here
Bethny Ricks is a CPO - a Chief People Officer. Today, I'm sharing a conversation I recently had with her about how to deal with and lead people well. During the episode, you'll hear about why it's important to be proactive instead of reactionary, learn how we move from being reactionary to proactive, and discover some of the tools we all need to have if we have people on our team. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Bethny:Website - https://www.bethnyricks.com/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Brandakin Social Media (https://www.brandakinsocialmedia.com/) - Maximize your social media presence and reach.
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.
On this episode of The Insurance Coffee House, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Paige Maissonet, Chief People Officer at Newfront Insurance, to discuss her journey from HR generalist to CPO and how she's helped shape one of the most forward-thinking cultures in insurance today.Paige shares her experience leading people strategy through massive growth, scaling Newfront from 150 to 800+ employees, and the company's bold mission to modernize insurance through technology without losing its human touch.She explains how a values-driven culture, DEI commitment, and team empowerment have become Newfront's competitive advantage. From custom tech platforms to employee ownership, Paige reveals how Newfront creates high-performance teams that care deeply about outcomes, and each other.Whether you're leading people, hiring, or considering a move into InsurTech, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to grow with purpose, build inclusive teams, and stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.Connect with Paige on LinkedIn, or visit Newfront to learn more. The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.
Bethny Ricks is a CPO - a Chief People Officer. Today, I'm sharing a conversation I recently had with her about how to deal with and lead people well. During the episode, you'll hear about why it's important to be proactive instead of reactionary, learn how we move from being reactionary to proactive, and discover some of the tools we all need to have if we have people on our team. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Bethny:Website - https://www.bethnyricks.com/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Brandakin Social Media (https://www.brandakinsocialmedia.com/) - Maximize your social media presence and reach.
This episode of Cruising Altitude features a conversation with Jess Harrah, Chief People Officer at KinderCare, a leading provider in early childhood and school-age education and care. Jess and host Nicole Alvino discuss KinderCare's commitment to supporting its 35,000 employees and nearly 200,000 working families nationwide. They explore the importance of employee engagement, the impact of offering childcare benefits, and the strategies KinderCare implements to maintain a positive work culture.Quotes“ We really depend on our center directors and our district leaders who are the local leadership to really be there. And again, we're a relationship business. So that doesn't mean be there and come into a center for an hour. It means literally sitting alongside teachers and center directors talking to them about what they need, when they need it, how they need it. Those little moments where our leaders are supporting their team and that kind of is really so critical to our culture of engagement.”"One of the things that we do and started almost 13 years ago now at KinderCare is we measure employee engagement. We have a close partnership with Gallup, so it is really important for us to hear from our team, and that is our teachers, our center directors. We do that annually through a survey and then we action on it.""Now what we're seeing is a lot more of our teachers who maybe wanna work 20 hours, maybe 15 hours, they may be going back to school. This may be a job for them that works well with their family responsibilities. And so really thinking about how we meet our team and our workforce where they are."Time Stamps[03:10] Meet Jess Harrah[04:17] Overview of KinderCare[07:40] Employee experience strategies in childhood education[12:05] Adapting to employee needs[13:42] Supporting working families[20:40] Leadership and personal insightsLinksConnect with Jess on LinkedInThank you to our friendsThis episode is brought to you by Firstup, the world's first intelligent communication platform. More than 40 percent of Fortune 100 companies use our platform to connect with their people, design and deliver personalized communications, and gain engagement insights throughout the employee journey. That's how they give their employees better experiences from hire to retire. Learn more at firstup.io
Is your HR tech stack fixing real business problems, or just fuelling the shiny object hype? With new HR technologies arriving faster than ever, many organisations are quick to jump on the next big thing. But in the rush to modernise, are we losing sight of the real business problems we're meant to be solving? In this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast, host David Green is joined by Matthew Brown, Director of Research, HCM at ISG, whose diverse career spans practitioner, former Chief People Officer, and now respected industry analyst. And together they tackle a fundamental question: Are we truly leveraging HR technology to create business value, or are we just keeping up with trends? Tune in and join them as they explore: Why the disconnect between HR and tech adoption persists, and how to bridge it The risks of adopting AI without clear business purpose Why data quality remains an overlooked but critical obstacle What HR tech vendors should be doing to ethically upskill their customers When reimplementation of existing systems may be a smarter choice than replacement How to distinguish genuine tech partners from transactional vendors If you're questioning whether your HR tech strategy is driving real results or just driving activity, this conversation, sponsored by HiBob, offers timely insight, practical guidance, and fresh perspective from both sides of the industry. HiBob is a fast-growing new leader in the HCM market. In fact, according to HR tech guru Josh Bersin, HiBob is one of the few SaaS companies that have successfully cracked the code on user experience. Josh Bersin says that Bob is not only feature-rich but genuinely enjoyable to use. Read his review of Bob--as an HR tech analyst and user--at www.hibob.com/davidgreen2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“HR Heretics†| How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies
This episode of HR Heretics explores executive search from both sides: being recruited and managing recruitment. Neil Frye, former CPO at Google and Dropbox, and current Chief People Officer at Dotmatics, sits down with Nolan Church and discuss withdrawal strategies, internal versus external search criteria, conscious leadership frameworks, style compatibility, and treating job searches like mutual acquisitions rather than one-sided selections.*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.coFor coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Support HR Heretics Sponsors:
A third of organisations are already using some form of AI or machine learning in recruitment and onboarding. As employers increasingly make use of AI to craft job specifications, screen candidates and streamline processes, what about job seekers? Is it unreasonable for job seekers to use the same technology to improve their chances? Join Nigel Cassidy and this month's guests—Katie Noble, Talent Strategy Director at Omni RMS; Natalie Sheils, Founder and CEO at Talenaut; and Katie Obi, Chief People Officer at One Advanced — as we explore whether the growing number of organisations banning AI use by candidates are right to do so, or whether there is a more nuanced approach to consider?
HR teams are moving from external hiring to internal impact. Will Howard, Practice Lead at McLean & Company, shares the latest research behind HR's shift in priorities, showing why retention and leadership now take the lead. David Hawthorne, Chief People Officer at AnchorPoint Management, brings a real-world lens to the data. He explains how to move from reactive to strategic, why data literacy matters, and how to rethink people leadership from the ground up. Together, they explore how HR can stay relevant by aligning with business goals and building the kind of leadership that drives results. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstars: Will Howard & David Hawthorne (01:30) What is McLean & Company's HR Trends Report (04:29) Will Howard breaks down the new data (09:52) Turning HR's reactive response into a proactive strategy (11:51) The risk of HR losing strategic ground (18:52) Data literacy as an opportunity for HR impact (27:12) Rethinking leadership and career paths Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Performance Review Playbook:(https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance) For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: here:https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Will Howard's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamjhoward/ David Hawthorne's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedhawthorne/ McLean & Company - https://hr.mcleanco.com/ Anchor Point Management Group - https://www.anchorpointmg.com/
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Tracy Sponenberg, founder and chief people officer at Tracy Sponenberg LLC. They dive into the often-overlooked topic of deskless or frontline workers, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in enhancing employee experience for this critical group. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of inclusive leadership and effective communication strategies, especially in a post-pandemic world where employee engagement is paramount. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to implement a listening tour to build trust with frontline employees. Discover why flexibility in roles and schedules is essential for enhancing employee experience. Explore strategies for leveraging technology, like AI and mobile solutions, to support deskless workers. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights on transforming your HR approach for frontline teams! Guest(s): Tracy Sponenberg, Chief People Officer, Tracy Sponenberg LLC
Nubank is the largest digital bank outside of Asia and one of the fastest-growing companies globally, recently surpassing 119 million customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Much of that growth has been fueled by an obsessive focus on customer experience. Now, Suzana Kubric and Jessica Matsumoto are bringing that same mindset to employees. In this episode, Dart talks with Suzana and Jessica about what it means to design HR as a product, why Nubank brought in PMs and designers from other disciplines to lead the effort, and how to lead an organization as it goes through this kind of transformation. Suzana Kubric is Chief People Officer at Nubank, where she's leading a transformation of HR into a product and design function. She brings a customer-obsessed lens to building employee experience at scale.Jessica Matsumoto is Senior Director of People Experience, Growth, and Culture at Nubank. She co-leads the People & Culture Product team, applying product thinking to reimagine how work is designed.In this episode, Dart, Suzana, and Jessica discuss:- How HR can be reimagined as a product team- Why employee experience needs more than policies and programs- What journey mapping looks like inside a 100-million-customer company- How designers and PMs are reshaping HR's role and process- What makes employees feel like true customers of work- The risks and rewards of building in the open- Why this shift changes not just what HR does, but what it is- And other topics…Suzana Kubric is Chief People Officer at Nubank, where she is leading a transformation of HR into a product and service design function. She is helping one of the world's fastest-growing companies redesign work to be as intentional and human-centered as its customer products.Jessica Matsumoto is Senior Director of People Experience, Growth, and Culture at Nubank. She co-leads the People & Culture Product team, applying product thinking and experimentation to the full employee lifecycle.Resources Mentioned:Nubank: https://nubank.com.brConnect with Suzana:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzana-kubric-8948b57/Connect with Jessica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-matsumoto-5a836620/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.
PLAN GOAL PLAN | Schedule, Mindful, Holistic Goal Setting, Focus, Working Moms
In this episode, I sit down with Erica Rooney—executive coach, speaker, and Chief People Officer—to talk about the hidden barriers that keep ambitious women feeling stuck. We dig into the idea of “sticky floors,” like perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and people-pleasing, and how they quietly hold us back from the leadership and life we want. Erica shares her SNAP method, a simple framework to help you shift out of those patterns and into intentional, courageous action. We also talk about the power of mindset, the importance of values alignment, and what it really looks like to create success on your own terms. If you've been feeling stuck at the edge of your next move, this episode will help you get unstuck and moving forward. Shop: Join the Plan Goal Plan Your Year. Sense The Possibilities Planner & Journal Connect with Erica: LinkedIn Website: https://www.ericaandersonrooney.com/ Connect with Danielle: Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com Facebook Group: Join Here Website: PlanGoalPlan.com
Go to https://cozyearth.com and use code HUMANHR for 40% off their best-selling sheets, pajamas, towels, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey? Let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.In this conversation, Traci Chernoff and Yolanda Slan delve into the critical topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). Yolanda shares her personal journey and passion for DE&I, stemming from her experiences as a woman of color with a hidden disability. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding DE&I, the importance of understanding diversity in a global context, and the role of bias in hiring practices. Traci and Yolanda emphasize the need to view individuals as unique rather than as part of a group, clarifying the distinction between DE&I and affirmative action, and expanding the definition of DE&I to include various aspects of identity and experience. Their discussion explores the difference between equity and equality, using relatable analogies to illustrate their points. They also stress on the importance of advocating for oneself while also recognizing the meritocracy in hiring practices. This topic challenges the misconceptions surrounding DE&I initiatives and highlights the need for organizations to focus on genuine inclusivity rather than superficial quotas. Their dialogue is filled with humor and insight, making this episode both informative and enjoyable that you wouldn't want to miss it. Chapters00:00 Introduction to DE&I and Yolanda's Background02:20 Personal Journey and Passion for DE&I04:48 Understanding Diversity in Global Contexts06:44 Misconceptions About DE&I in Business10:48 The Role of Bias in DE&I12:50 Clarifying DE&I vs. Affirmative Action15:20 The Importance of Individuality in DE&I17:19 Expanding the Definition of DE&I18:27 Equity and Inclusion in Practice26:11 Finding the Right Image for DEI Conversations27:39 Understanding Equity vs. Equality30:00 Different Modes of Transportation: The Equity Analogy32:30 Mind Your Business: Advocating for Yourself34:51 Meritocracy in the Workplace37:50 Challenging DEI Practices for ImprovementWe hope you enjoyed this episode with Yolanda Slan. If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, leave a comment if you're catching this episode on Spotify or YouTube.About Our Guest: Yolanda Slan is Televerde's Chief People Officer. She is an experienced human resources and employment leader with a record of success building and enhancing HR programs in both the private and non-profit sectors. She is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and she has a deep understanding of talent management strategies which has enabled her to create a positive impact in all of her past positions.Connect with Yolanda Slan here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/televerde?goback=%2Ecps_1237136210503_1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/televerde Blog: http://www.televerde.com/blog/ Website: http://www.televerde.com/ Connect with Traci here: https://linktr.ee/HRTraciDisclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Job market got you stuck? Executive Coach, former economist and Chief People Officer, Alisia Gill shares 5 hard truths every job seeker needs to know right now. With job confidence at its lowest since 2020, it's time for real talk about career pivots, LinkedIn strategy, and why "just-for-now" jobs might be your smartest move. Discover actionable steps to take control of your career trajectory, even when the future feels uncertain.Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodStay in touch with Alisia:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisiagill/Website: https://theeraofenough.com/
From the racquetball courts of junior college to the C-suite at Southwest Airlines—and now as CEO of Lionheart Children's Academy - Jeff Lamb's journey is a masterclass in unexpected opportunity, bold conviction, and servant leadership. In this episode, Jeff recounts pivotal moments that shaped his career—from working in the mailroom at Mesa Petroleum under T. Boone Pickens, to being mentored by Roger Staubach, and eventually leading people operations at one of America's most beloved airlines. Jeff unpacks how the intentionality behind career choices, culture building, and investing in people created lasting impact across companies. He also shares how his current role at Lionheart Academy brings together business excellence and faith-based mission—creating a scalable model for transformational early childhood education in partnership with churches. Whether you're leading a team, thinking through your next big move, or looking to build a values-driven organization, Jeff's story will inspire you to think differently about leadership, influence, and legacy. “Boone Pickens told me, ‘You can coach in the corporate world.' That changed my life.” - Jeff Lamb “If everyone's telling you the same thing, you don't need seven of them. The ability to respectfully disagree is a mark of real leadership.” - Jeff Lamb “At Southwest, when it came down to choosing between the customer and the employee—we chose the employee. And the financial results followed.” - Jeff Lamb This Week on The Wow Factor: How a failed attempt at junior college football redirected Jeff's path toward business Lessons learned working under T. Boone Pickens at Mesa Petroleum What it was like being mentored by Roger Staubach—and playing flag football with him Jeff's rise to Chief People Officer at Southwest Airlines and his time with Herb Kelleher and Colleen Barrett The power of presence, handwritten notes, and servant leadership in building culture Why Lionheart Academy is merging business and ministry to reshape early childhood education The challenge of regulated expansion across states—and why focus beats speed in scaling impact Jeff Lamb's Word of Wisdom:Pick a word. Pick a focus. Communicate clarity around it. For Jeff, that word this year is Unity—rooted in Philippians 2:1–2. In leadership and in life, clarity breeds direction. When everything's important, nothing is. Choose wisely. Connect with Jeff Lamb and Lionheart Children's Academy: Lionheart Children's Academy Website Lionheart Children's Academy Facebook Lionheart Children's Academy Instagram Lionheart Children's Academy CEO Jeff Lamb's LinkedIn Connect with The Wow Factor: WOW Factor Website Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook X (formerly Twitter)