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HR Leaders

Chris Rainey·846 episodes

BusinessManagementEducationSelf ImprovementExpert interviewsHR strategyAI at workCHRO conversationsStandalone episodesLeadership insights

Join host Chris Rainey on the HR Leaders Podcast, where he sits down with top Chief People Officers, CHROs, and leading HR experts to uncover the strategies, trends, and insights shaping the future of human resources. Each episode dives into best practices in people management, leadership challenges, and transformative HR innovations that impact both business success and society at large. Whether you're an HR professional or simply passionate about modern workplace strategies, this podcast delivers expert advice, real-world experiences, and the latest trends in HR, making it your go-to resource for all things human resources.

Why listen

HR Leaders gives HR professionals a practical way to hear how senior people leaders are handling AI, culture, talent strategy, recognition, and workforce change right now. Host Chris Rainey interviews CHROs, Chief People Officers, and HR specialists in direct, business-focused conversations that usually turn big workplace trends into concrete examples from companies like PepsiCo, Akamai, ABM, Celonis, and PMI. It is a strong fit for HR, people analytics, talent, learning, and executive leaders who want current ideas they can take back to their own organizations.

Episodes

16 min
May 27, 2026Episode 849
How Microsoft Is Keeping People at the Center of AI

In this episode of our On The Road series, we sit down with Amy Coleman, Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer at Microsoft, to explore how leaders can scale AI transformation without losing the human connection at the center of work.Amy reflects on stepping into the Chief People Officer role at Microsoft, the humility of becoming a beginner again, and why leaders do not need to pretend they have all the answers in moments of uncertainty. What matters is being honest, learning fast, and bringing people with you.Her message is clear: AI and humans cannot be separated. As work changes, HR leaders have to help people understand what is shifting, what still matters, and how AI can unlock more creativity, curiosity, innovation, and human potential.🎓 In this episode, we get into:Why leaders need to become beginners again in the age of AIHow recognition helps people understand why their work mattersHow Microsoft is thinking about human plus AI as work is reinventedWhy organizations cannot scale AI without bringing employees alongHow AI can unlock creativity, curiosity, innovation, and human potential🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

29 min
May 25, 2026Episode 847
How to Build a Future-Ready Talent Strategy in 2026

In this episode of our On The Road series, we sit down with Laura Mattimore and Lucia Suarez from Procter & Gamble to explore how one of the world’s most iconic companies is redesigning talent for the AI era.Laura leads global talent across P&G’s enterprise talent systems, including hiring, learning, leadership development, workforce planning, and talent strategy. Lucia leads talent development, talent management, analytics, insights, employee experience, and transformation within that broader talent agenda.Their message is clear: AI is not just a technology shift. It is a work, culture, skills, and employee experience shift. For P&G, the opportunity is not to replace the human, but to build around human plus AI, with HR playing a central role in redesigning how work gets done.🎓 In this episode, we get into:How P&G is redesigning talent strategy around human plus AIWhy HR must become the architect of future jobs and work designWhy frontline plant technicians must be designed for from the beginningHow P&G is building its own talent hub to support a build-from-within cultureHow AI can personalize upskilling, career paths, and employee experience at scale🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 min
May 21, 2026Episode 846
How to Make AI Actually Useful in HR

In this episode of our On The Road series, we sit down with Kalifa Oliver, Ph.D. Senior Director of Technology - People Analytics at Lowe's Companies, Inc. to explore why HR needs to stop chasing AI tools and start solving the right business problems.Kalifa now sits in technology, not HR, leading teams across engineering, product, analytics, and people data. That gives her a very different view of what HR transformation actually requires.Her message is clear: AI is not magic. It will only be useful if HR asks better questions, understands the problem it is trying to solve, and stops adding technology on top of broken or unnecessary work.🎓 In this episode, we get into:Why HR’s role is not being replaced, but radically transformedHow to redesign work before adding AI on top of broken processesWhy leaders do not want more data, they want to know what to do with itHow HR can stop chasing AI tools and start with the problem it needs to solveWhy AI should be treated like a child that needs to be taught, not a fully grown adult🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 min
May 19, 2026Episode 845
How to Turn Recognition Into Real Business Data (and reduce turnover)

In this episode of our On The Road series, we sit down with Jennifer Reimert, SVP, Consulting Practice at Workhuman, to explore how organizations can make recognition reach the people who are often hardest to reach: frontline and deskless workers.Jennifer spent 20 years as an HR practitioner and total rewards leader before joining Workhuman. She was also a Workhuman customer back when the company was Globoforce, using recognition to help bring two merged companies together when culture, identity, and belonging were under real pressure.Her message is clear: recognition cannot only work for people at a desk. If most of the work that defines your culture happens on the floor, in the field, in hospitals, in plants, in stores, or across customer sites, then recognition has to meet people where they actually work.🎓 In this episode, we get into:Why 4–6 recognition moments in a year can help reduce turnover by halfHow to build a recognition business case that speaks the language of the CFOHow to make recognition work for frontline workers who are not sitting at a deskHow recognition data can reveal skills, networks, high performers, and hidden talentWhy recognition needs to reach people through kiosks, text, physical cards, and manager-led moments🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 min
May 19, 2026Episode 844
How to Find the Future Leaders Everyone Else Is Missing (before they leave)

In this episode of our On The Road series, we sit down with KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Experience Officer at Workhuman, to explore how organizations can identify future leaders before they are already in the obvious succession pipeline.KeyAnna shares how Workhuman’s Future Leaders technology is helping companies spot the people giving off strong leadership signals across the business, including those who may not be visible through traditional talent reviews, manager nominations, or proximity to senior leaders.Her message is clear: the best future leaders are not always the most obvious names in the room. If HR can use better signals to see talent earlier, organizations can retain, develop, and invest in people before they walk out the door.🎓 In this episode, we get into:Why the most visible people are not always the best future leadersWhy managers need to become talent exporters, not talent hoardersHow proximity bias shapes who gets noticed, sponsored, and promotedHow AI can help HR spot future leaders earlier without replacing human judgmentHow better talent signals can help companies retain future leaders before they leave🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how Future Leaders helps HR teams identify rising VP+ talent earlier, build stronger succession pipelines, and develop the leaders your people already follow.✅ Learn how to spot Future Leaders with Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/future-leaders/?utm_source=hr-leaders&utm_medium=partner_share&utm_campaign=1213801944017821&utm_content=null&utm_term=na_events_whl-orlando_prospecting~null_hr-leaders-podcast-recordings_1x1_5.20.2026See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 min
May 18, 2026Episode 843
Why AI Will Change How People Get Paid (and what HR must fix first)

In this episode of our On The Road series, we sit down with Ken Wechsler, VP, Total Rewards at Akamai Technologies, to explore how AI is changing the conversation around rewards, recognition, performance, and the future of work.As a total rewards leader, Ken is now facing questions that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago: What is our AI strategy? What outcomes are we trying to drive? How will AI change productivity, performance, and how people are rewarded?His message is clear: AI skills alone should not automatically mean higher pay. The real question is whether AI helps people deliver better outcomes, raise performance, create more value, and help the business move forward.🎓 In this episode, we get into:Why the real question is not AI usage, but whether AI improves outcomesWhy AI is forcing rewards leaders to rethink how performance is measuredWhy being proficient in Gemini or Copilot should not automatically mean higher payHow Akamai is connecting recognition, trust, and performance in a remote-first companyHow rewards teams can use AI to move from manual analysis to strategic business partnering🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 min
May 14, 2026Episode 842
Why Recognition Data Is the New Leadership Signal for Future Leaders

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast On The Road, we sit down with Eric Mosley, Founder and CEO at Workhuman to explore how recognition data, AI, and human insight are changing the way organizations identify their future leaders.Eric shares how Workhuman’s new Future Leaders capability uses recognition data, performance data, and AI to identify the people most likely to rise into senior leadership roles years before they are officially promoted.And this is where it gets really interesting.Eric says the strongest signals are not coming from a traditional succession planning form. They are coming from the language people use about each other, the recognition moments that describe how work actually gets done, and the patterns that emerge across billions of human interactions.🎓 We get into:Why succession planning often feels too slow and bureaucraticHow recognition data can reveal hidden leadership potentialWhy deep, specific recognition creates better signals than surface-level praiseHow AI can identify future leaders two, three, or even five years earlyWhy companies need to retain and develop these people before competitors doWhy making work human still sits at the center of the entire strategy🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 min
May 13, 2026Episode 841
7 Culture Priorities Every HR Leader Must Get Right in 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast On The Road, we sit down with Jorge Quezada, MBA (He.Him.His), Vice President, Culture & Performance at Granite Construction, to unpack what happens when culture stops being treated as a soft initiative and starts being run as a business driver.Jorge explains why culture is the operating system of an organization, shaping how people think, act, interact, and bring the company’s mission, vision, and values to life every day.He shares how Granite is updating its culture for the next 100 years by preserving what makes the company strong, diagnosing what needs to change, and creating the conditions for people to grow, adapt, and perform.Most importantly, Jorge reveals why the future of culture belongs to leaders who stop copying best practices from other companies and start understanding what their own people, business, and operating system actually need.🎓 In this episode, Jorge discusses:How organizations can learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay relevantHow AI still depends on human adoption, better questions, and human thinkingWhy culture should be treated as the operating system that drives performanceWhy leaders need to diagnose their own culture before copying external best practicesWhy unleashing human agency starts with challenging limiting beliefs and building confidence through action🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 min
May 11, 2026Episode 840
Why Your People Don’t Speak Up (even when you ask them to)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast On The Road, we sit down with Khalil Smith, VP, Inclusion, Diversity, and Engagement at Akamai Technologies, to unpack what it really takes to build a performance culture where people trust each other enough to speak up, challenge ideas, and grow.Khalil explains why culture is not what leaders say they want, but what the organization actually rewards, and why silence is often the clearest signal that trust has broken down.He shares how leaders can build stronger cultures by creating trust, encouraging healthy disagreement, aligning systems with values, and making recognition and feedback feel honest, specific, and useful.Most importantly, Khalil reveals why the future of culture belongs to organizations that close the gap between what they say and what they reward, creating environments where people can challenge respectfully, perform boldly, and speak up without fear.🎓 In this episode, Khalil discusses:How culture is shaped through awareness, behavior, community, and systemsWhy recognition only works when it is grounded in honesty, specificity, and trustow leaders can create the conditions for employees to speak up and challenge ideasWhy healthy disagreement is essential for trust, performance, and better decision-makingWhy organizations must align internal reality with the values they communicate externally🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 min
May 8, 2026Episode 839
Why Your Culture Doesn’t Feel Safe Yet (and what leaders get wrong)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast On The Road, we sit down with Peter Andrew Danzig, Senior Advisor, Foundation Culture at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, to unpack what psychological safety really means beyond the buzzword.Peter explains why psychological safety is not a checklist, policy, or one-time initiative, but a belief system that has to be co-created, practiced, and reinforced through everyday behavior.He shares how leaders can build safer spaces by embracing healthy friction, operationalizing empathy, and creating room for challenge, accountability, apology, repair, and growth.Most importantly, Peter reveals why the future of culture belongs to organizations that stop treating safety as comfort, and start building environments where more people can speak honestly, move through conflict, and still feel seen, heard, and valued.🎓 In this episode, Peter discusses:Why psychological safety must be treated as a belief system, not a checklistHow healthy friction, challenge, and disagreement strengthen trust when handled wellHow rupture and repair can help organizations move through harm, conflict, accountability, and growthWhy neuroscience, identity, stress, and life outside work all shape how people experience safety at workWhy empathy, compassion, vulnerability, and perspective-taking need to be practiced, not just understood🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 min
May 6, 2026Episode 837
How HR Can Put People at the Center of AI Transformation

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast On The Road, we sit down with Julie A. Stone, Chief Learning Officer, Group VP at TTEC, to unpack what it really takes to bring AI into an organization without losing the human connection, trust, and coaching that actually drive performance.Julie explains why simply training people on AI tools is not enough, and how leaders must help employees understand where, when, and how AI fits into their actual work.She shares how TTEC is using AI to create more time for human coaching, improve guidance in the flow of work, measure coaching effectiveness, and give people safe spaces to practice, learn, and build confidence.Most importantly, Julie reveals why the future of AI transformation belongs to leaders who start with real business problems, bring people along transparently, and redesign work in a way that helps people perform better.🎓 In this episode, Julie discusses:Why AI training fails when people do not understand how to apply it in real workHow TTEC is using AI to create more time for human coaching, trust, and connectionHow safe practice environments can help managers and employees build confidenceWhy leaders need to measure behavior change, skill development, and coaching effectivenessWhy AI transformation requires trust, transparency, experimentation, and thoughtful work redesign🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 min
May 4, 2026Episode 836
How ABM Is Using AI Coaching to Support 100,000 Frontline Workers

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast On The Road, we sit down with Raúl J. Valentín, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer at ABM Industries, live from Workhuman Live Orlando 2026, to unpack what it really takes to lead a frontline workforce through constant change, AI transformation, and rising employee expectations.Raúl explains why the future of HR is not about choosing between people and technology, but designing systems where people and AI work together to make work faster, fairer, and more human.He shares how ABM is building resilience across a workforce of more than 100,000 team members by focusing on fairness, recognition, manager capability, and helping employees feel seen, heard, and valued wherever they work.Most importantly, Raúl reveals why HR leaders must stop waiting for perfect answers before taking action, and instead create safe ways to launch, learn, improve, and lead transformation in motion.🎓 In this episode, Raúl discusses:Why managers are the real unlock for culture, safety, learning, and workflow redesignWhy grit, resilience, and learning agility matter more than ever in the new world of workHow AI coaching can help managers build confidence and practice difficult conversationsHow ABM creates fairness and opportunity across a highly distributed frontline workforceHow CHROs can balance experimentation, ROI pressure, trust, and transparency when adopting AI🙏 Thank you to our partner, WorkhumanDiscover how Workhuman helps organizations turn recognition into real business impact, building stronger cultures, more connected teams, and better visibility into the people driving performance.✅ Learn more about Workhuman → https://www.workhuman.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

42 min
Mar 31, 2026Episode 835
How Talent Acquisition Is Being Completely Reinvented in 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Blair Bennett, Senior Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition at PepsiCo, to unpack how talent acquisition is being completely redefined in the age of AI, hyper-personalization, and constant change.Blair explains why simply adding AI tools into outdated recruitment models doesn’t work, and how PepsiCo redesigned its entire talent acquisition operating model to move faster, stay agile, and deliver better outcomes for both the business and candidates.She shares how the function is shifting from execution to strategy, enablement, and intelligence, embedding design thinking, talent intelligence, and co-creation with recruiters to build systems that actually scale.Most importantly, Blair reveals why the future of talent acquisition belongs to leaders who embrace uncertainty, collaboration, and continuous iteration, replacing command-and-control leadership with a model built around problems, not predefined answers.🎓 In this episode, Blair discusses: Why talent intelligence and external data are critical for future hiring decisions How hyper-personalized candidate experiences are becoming the new standard How leaders must shift from command-and-control to collaborative problem solving How PepsiCo restructured talent acquisition into strategy, enablement, and executionWhy adding AI to outdated recruitment models fails without redesigning the operating modelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

43 min
Mar 19, 2026Episode 834
Why Most New HR Leaders Fail in Their First 90 Days

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Stary, Vice President Global Head of People and Organisation and Internal Communications at Swisslog Healthcare. Sarah breaks down what it really takes to lead transformation in a complex global business. She explains why standardizing the basics, especially onboarding and recruiting, became a high-impact priority, how her team built global consistency with local nuance, and why too many leaders still get distracted by innovation before fixing the fundamentals.Sarah also shares a more important leadership lesson. Do not rush to prove your value in the first 90 days. Instead, she argues that credibility is built by listening, traveling, understanding culture, and making changes that fit the business you are actually in, not the one you just left. The conversation also explores clear communication, trust-building, team autonomy, shared services, AI adoption, and culture integration inside the broader KUKA group.🎓 In this episode, Sarah discusses: Why new HR leaders lose credibility when they move too fast before understanding culture How clear communication, in-person trust-building, and local dialogue accelerated buy-in for change How to balance global process consistency with local market realities, customs, and business needs Why standardizing onboarding and recruiting created outsized impact across a fragmented global organization How Swisslog Healthcare is thinking about shared services, AI adoption, product capability building, and values integration with KUKA🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

40 min
Mar 17, 2026Episode 833
Why Continuous Learning Is the Only Way to Stay Relevant in 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Frederic Patitucci, Chief People & Culture Officer at Philip Morris International, to unpack how one of the world’s largest organizations is transforming both its business model and its workforce capabilities at the same time.Frederic explains how PMI’s bold shift toward a smoke-free future forced the company to rethink its operating model, moving from a single-product cigarette business to a complex multi-category innovation company spanning consumer technology, healthcare, and new consumer experiences.He shares how this transformation required new skills, new operating structures, and a completely redefined company culture, including codifying the PMI DNA and embedding it directly into hiring, performance management, leadership development, and everyday decision-making.Most importantly, Frederic reveals why the future of HR lies in managing skills instead of jobs, preparing employees for the skills that are rising, and helping people avoid career dead ends before disruption makes those roles obsolete.🎓 In this episode, Frederic discusses:Why managing skills is becoming more important than managing jobsHow organizations can prepare employees for future skills before disruption hitsWhy culture had to be codified to integrate thousands of new leaders joining the organizationHow PMI embedded its cultural values directly into hiring, performance, and leadership systemsHow PMI is transforming from a traditional cigarette company into a smoke-free innovation companySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

45 min
Mar 10, 2026Episode 832
How to Protect Culture During Rapid Growth

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Andre Heinz, Chief People and Culture Officer at Celonis, to unpack what HR leadership really looks like inside a company scaling at rocket speed.Andre explains why growth has no mercy in fast scaling organizations, and why HR must constantly think two to three years ahead while still managing the intense operational demands of today. He shares how Celonis went from 800 to over 3,500 employees, and what it takes to build systems, culture, and talent strategies that actually scale with that kind of speed.Most importantly, he breaks down why HR must act as the guardian of organizational health, protecting the cultural DNA of the company while ensuring talent quality, operational efficiency, and leadership maturity keep pace with the speed of growth.🎓 In this episode, Andre discusses:Why HR must act as the guardian of organizational healthWhat it takes to scale systems without losing startup agilityHow to maintain a high talent bar during hypergrowth hiringWhy fast scaling companies must think two to three years aheadHow Celonis scaled from 800 to 3,500 employees without losing its culture🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 min
Feb 24, 2026Episode 831
How Much Can You Really Save with AI in HR?

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Carlo Steenvoorden, EVP HR People Services, Analytics & HR AI at KPN, to unpack how a 100+ year old telecom company is moving from legacy HR systems to a fully conversational AI powered employee experience.Carlo explains why KPN made a bold decision to declare that the future of HR interactions is conversational, with systems pushed to the back end and one intelligent interface in front. He shares how reducing human led HR queries from €15–20 per case to cents per prompt unlocked both massive efficiency gains and a better employee experience.Most importantly, he breaks down the real transformation behind the technology, from rebuilding HR team capabilities, to adopting product thinking, to deciding where AI belongs and where humans must stay firmly in the loop.🎓 In this episode, Carlo discusses:Why in-house AI development accelerated transformationHow hyper personalized learning replaces one size fits all trainingHow HR query costs dropped from €15–20 to cents per interactionWhy 25–35% of the HR team had to be renewed to move fast enoughHow KPN shifted from legacy HR screens to a single conversational interface🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 min
Feb 10, 2026Episode 830
The #1 Skills Mistake That Slows Big Companies Down

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Ilja Bitterling, VP Skills Intelligence & Performance Management at Deutsche Telekom, to unpack how large organizations can finally make skills data usable, trusted, and decision ready.Ilja explains why skills intelligence is not about inventories, but about creating a shared language that connects workforce decisions, performance outcomes, and future readiness. He breaks down how Deutsche Telekom moves from fragmented skill signals to clear, comparable insights leaders can actually act on.Most importantly, he shares why performance management and skills cannot live apart anymore, and how organizations that connect them move faster, allocate talent better, and avoid betting the future on outdated role assumptions.🎓 In this episode, Ilja discusses:Why fragmented skill data slows workforce readinessWhat it takes to make skills credible at enterprise scaleHow shared skill language improves mobility and planningWhy skills intelligence must support decisions, not documentationHow Deutsche Telekom connects skills and performance, not just roles🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 min
Feb 4, 2026Episode 829
Why Skills Expire Every 3 Years in Tech (and What HR Must Do)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Vincent Lecerf, Executive Vice President, Human Resources at Orange, to unpack how purpose, diversity, and skills become real business levers inside a fast moving telecom and technology environment.Vincent explains why serving communities is not brand marketing, it’s an operating model, from safer phones for children to digital education for seniors, and why HR must integrate DEI directly into strategy, governance, and incentives, not treat it as a side initiative.Most importantly, he shares how skills expiration, inclusive leadership, and AI acceleration are forcing CHROs to rethink reskilling cycles, leadership accountability, and how change happens with people, not to them.🎓 In this episode, Vincent discusses:How diverse teams drive innovation and inclusive AIHow Orange embeds DEI directly into business strategy and incentivesHow AI acceleration changes HR’s role from policy owner to skills architect Why skills expire in three years, not decades, and what HR must do about itWhy community service and inclusion strengthen brand trust and performance🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

16 min
Jan 29, 2026Episode 828
How Airbus Decides What AI Should and Shouldn’t Do

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Vincent Dupuis, Vice President HR Digital & AI at Airbus, to unpack how organizations should decide what to automate, what to augment, and what must be protected as AI reshapes work at scale.Vincent explains why augmentation, not replacement, is the real story of AI at work, using powerful analogies to show how AI should extend human capability, not hollow it out. He breaks down how Airbus thinks about freeing people from low value tasks, while deliberately protecting deep expertise, critical thinking, and safety critical knowledge.Most importantly, he shares why ethical governance, human in the loop learning, and robust knowledge roots are non negotiable in environments where quality, trust, and safety define success.🎓 In this episode, Vincent discusses:How automation should free time for higher value human workWhy augmentation beats replacement as the dominant AI modelHow Airbus embeds ethical AI governance before access is grantedWhy protecting deep expertise and critical thinking is essential for safetyHow Airbus decides which work should be augmented, automated, or protected🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 min
Jan 21, 2026Episode 827
How to Build a Skills-Ready Workforce in 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jayney Howson, SVP Global Workforce Skills & Talent Readiness at ServiceNow , to unpack why “talent readiness” has become a burning platform for companies trying to keep pace with AI, platform adoption, and customer transformation. Jayney shares how ServiceNow builds skills for both its 28,000 employees and the millions of practitioners who power ServiceNow implementations inside the world’s largest enterprises, including 85% of the Fortune 500.She explains how ServiceNow built ServiceNow University, an AI powered, hyper personalized learning platform designed around the concept of the “University of You”, where every learner’s journey adapts to their context, their role, their skills, and their career aspirations. Jayney breaks down why minimum viable duration, skills profiles, and embedded learning experiences are replacing traditional course catalogs, and why democratizing training (including making it free) unlocks capability at global scale.Most importantly, she shares why transparency, trust, and psychological safety matter more than ever as skills shift, roles evolve, and automation changes the nature of work, and why, if we do this right, the future of work becomes more human, not less.🎓 In this episode, Jayney discusses:How to embed learning into the flow of work and the flow of careerWhy democratizing training creates global talent pipelines at scaleHow ServiceNow University personalizes learning through AI and skills dataWhy learning must shift to minimum viable duration and assessment led experiencesWhy talent readiness became a burning platform for ServiceNow internally and externally🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 min
Jan 16, 2026Episode 826
Why AI Literacy Is Now a Business Skill Every Leader Needs

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with David Sperl, Head of HR for Advanced Visualization Solutions at GE HealthCare, to unpack how HR earns real business credibility by shipping outcomes, not PowerPoints, inside a heavily regulated, science driven environment.David explains why AI literacy must move from theory to hands-on practice, how microlearning and shared baseline tools help drive adoption, and why leadership advocacy is essential to scale change across technical, clinical, and commercial teams. He breaks down GE HealthCare’s four stages of AI adoption, how communities of practice create demand pull, and why unlearning outdated mental models is now harder than learning new ones.Most importantly, he shares why user experience and friction removal are the real unlocks for AI in HR and business, and why the future of change isn’t “change management”, it’s change agility.🎓 In this episode, David discusses:What HR learns sitting inside a complex, regulated product lifecycleWhy HR must understand the product, customer, and clinical contextWhy feedback loops beat annual talent cycles in innovation environmentsHow role clarity unlocks productivity across scientific and commercial teamsHow to build talent systems that match the speed of innovation, not bureaucracy🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

53 min
Jan 8, 2026Episode 825
How to Create a Neurodiversity-Friendly Workplace

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Kristen A. Pressner, Global Head of People & Culture at Roche, to unpack why neurodiversity may be the single biggest untapped advantage in the post-AI workplace.Kristen explains why most organisations are sitting on “free upside”, talented people already inside the business who are not thriving because work was designed for one type of brain. She shares why only ~25% of employees feel psychologically safe, and why the line manager is the biggest determinant of whether neurodivergent employees thrive or merely survive.Most importantly, she reframes neurodiversity away from labels and diagnoses, and toward practical, human questions, how do you work best, what gives you energy, and what conditions help you shine, and why asking those questions changes performance, engagement, and learning at scale.🎓 In this episode, Kristen discusses:Why creating brain-friendly environments is “free upside” in a post-AI worldWhy interest, urgency, and novelty, not importance, drive action for many peopleThe role of line managers as the single biggest differentiator in employee thrivingWhy neurodiversity is not about diagnosis, but about how brains process motivation, focus, and energyHow workplaces accidentally label potential as laziness when they misunderstand neurodivergent behavior🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

46 min
Dec 30, 2025Episode 824
Why Micromanagement Kills Performance (And What Works Instead)

Will Clive, Chief Human Resources Officer at LVT (LiveView Technologies), to unpack what it really takes to build high performing teams in fast growing, high pressure environments without burning people out or killing trust.Will breaks down why clarity beats control, and why the job of a leader is not to micromanage talent, but to make the destination so clear that teams can figure out the path themselves. He shares how outcome clarity, values driven leadership behavior, and removing low performance quickly are foundational to building real performance cultures.Most importantly, Will explains the hard trade offs leaders avoid, why keeping low performers quietly poisons teams, how recognizing and stretching top performers matters more than money alone, and why autonomy plus accountability is the only model that scales.🎓 In this episode, Will discusses:Why clarity of outcome matters more than controlling executionThe real cost of keeping low performers in high performance teamsHow recognition, stretch roles, and responsibility outperform money aloneWhy hiring for grit, learning ability, and hunger beats pedigreeHow leaders scale by trusting teams and removing roadblocks, not micromanaging🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

35 min
Dec 23, 2025Episode 823
Why Hard Work Still Beats Talent at Work

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Michael Burgess, Chief People Officer at Amey, to unpack what it really takes to build credibility, influence, and impact in HR when you don’t start with privilege, pedigree, or permission.Michael shares his journey from leaving school at 16 and working as a farm labourer, to becoming a CPO responsible for people, culture, safety, and operations at scale. Along the way, he explains why hard work consistently beats talent, and why enjoying the work itself is the most underrated driver of long-term performance.Most importantly, he breaks down a deeply practical view of modern HR, why getting the basics right earns you the seat at the table, why listening without action destroys trust, and how widening the talent pool through second-chance hiring, apprenticeships, and prison-to-work pathways is not charity, but smart, future-ready leadership.🎓 In this episode, Michael discusses:Why listening without action trains employees to disengageHow getting the HR basics right earns trust and credibility at the top tableWhy hard work and enjoyment of work outlast talent, ambition, and opportunityWhy HR fails when it overloads the business with initiatives instead of running a clear planHow Amey builds real career pathways through apprenticeships and prison-to-work programs🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 min
Dec 18, 2025Episode 822
Why Listening is the #1 HR Advantage

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jason Bloomfield, Global Head of Talent Acquisition Transformation at Ericsson, to unpack how a 149-year-old company is rebuilding HR by putting people before technology.Jason explains how a failed global HR tool rollout, what he openly calls the “tool of doom,” became the catalyst for a complete reset. Instead of adding more systems, Ericsson built a global feedback loop that turns employee sentiment into action, investment, and prioritised roadmaps.Most importantly, Jason shares why five-year plans no longer work, why the shelf life of strategy is now six months, and how HR, TA, and change leaders must build change agility, skills intelligence, and authentic empathy to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.🎓 In this episode, Jason discusses:Why authentic empathy will separate leaders in the AI eraHow a global feedback loop now drives roadmaps and prioritisationWhy Ericsson moved from technology-first to people-first HR designHow skills, AI, and internal mobility connect TA, learning, and retentionWhy five-year strategies are obsolete and speed matters more than certainty🙏‍ Thank you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

38 min
Dec 16, 2025Episode 821
The 6-Month Talent Roadmap Every HR Leader Needs

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Kristin Trecker, Chief People Officer at Visteon Corporation, to unpack what it really takes to build talent at the speed of disruption in a 100-year industry going through a 100-year change.Kristin explains why HR has to stop acting like an order taker and start operating like a product line manager, with a clear roadmap, clear customers, and a clear point of view. She shares how Visteon runs a six month product roadmap and pairs it with a capability and capacity plan, so talent decisions keep pace with the business.Most importantly, she breaks down the cultural shift behind it all, from calibrating performance around impact, to out-rewarding star performers, to rewriting HR’s role entirely, replacing “business partner” with performance coach, and building a team that can debate, challenge, and drive change without politics.🎓 In this episode, Kristin discusses:Why HR’s job is to improve the business through talent, not “support” itHow Visteon runs a six month product roadmap with a parallel talent capability planThe culture shift from performance to impact, and why calibration takes years to get rightHow to redesign roles using a 2 by 2 by 1 matrix (two outcomes, two metrics, one change)Why “business partner” is out, and HR must become performance coaches who drive real outcomes🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

47 min
Dec 9, 2025Episode 820
Why Hyper-Personalization Is the Ultimate HR Advantage in 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Ayaskant Sarangi, CHRO at Mphasis, to explore how HR is shifting from a support function to a business-first, tech-enabled growth engine. Ayaskant shares why HR leaders must deeply understand P&L, business language, and customer problems to earn a real seat at the table.He breaks down how Mphasis is using AI-powered hyper personalization across learning, internal mobility, onboarding, and performance. From their in-house TalentNext platform to a unified talent marketplace and AI-driven appraisals, Ayaskant explains how tech connects skills, projects, careers, and business demand into one continuous loop.If you care about the future of HR, this episode is essential. It shows how listening, personalization, and change orchestration are reshaping employee experience, why onboarding is now about assimilation, and how HR must become the conscious keeper of culture in an always-on change environment.🎓 In this episode, Ayaskant discusses:How internal talent marketplaces drive real mobilityWhy change orchestration is now a core HR capabilityWhy onboarding has shifted from joining to assimilationHow HR must build deep business and P&L understandingUsing AI to power hyper personalized learning and careers🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - atlas copilotMeet the AI-native adaptive learning platform that builds the course, teaches the skill, and proves the impact, while work is happening, not weeks later → https://www.atlascopilot.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 min
Dec 1, 2025Episode 819
How Lloyds Builds Leaders for the AI Era

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Sharon Doherty, Chief People and Places Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, to explore how Lloyds is preparing its leaders for a world where AI and culture change are happening at the same time. Sharon shares how Lloyds focuses on substance over noise and why leadership behaviour matters more today than ever.She breaks down how the company is helping senior leaders go all in on AI, using global learning trips, reverse mentoring, and safe spaces where executives can learn without fear. Sharon explains how AI, used well, can strengthen culture, improve feedback, and give people better insights instead of overwhelming them.If you care about leading people through constant change, this conversation is for you. It shows why purpose, honest leadership, and real learning are the foundations that keep a culture strong when everything else is moving.🎓 In this episode, Sharon discusses:How Lloyds develops leaders who are “all in” on AIThe three cultural “evergreens” every company must protectHow AI can supercharge culture, feedback, and personalisationHow purpose and honest leadership build trust during uncertaintyWhy reverse mentoring and “AI ninjas” change executive behaviour🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 min
Nov 28, 2025Episode 818
Inside McDonald’s Culture Strategy

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.🎓 In this episode, Emilee discusses:How AI cut hiring from 3 days to 3 minutesWhy candidate experience nearly doubled applicationsHow McDonald’s keeps its values alive across global marketsWhy listening and data shape the future of work at McDonald’sHow cultural norms help teams move faster and collaborate better🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 min
Nov 26, 2025Episode 817
How LEGO Is Getting Ready for 2026 (and What HR Must Copy)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Kent Frederiksen, Vice President and Head of Rewards at the LEGO Group, to unpack how one of the world’s most beloved brands is preparing for the EU’s 2026 pay transparency rules. Kent breaks down why this shift is far bigger than compliance and why it will fundamentally reshape how companies handle data, structure roles, build trust and communicate with employees.He shares LEGO’s six-year journey with global equal pay analyses and explains why the hardest part isn’t legislation but the organisational mindset shift. Kent reveals the hidden challenges most companies underestimate, including the operational burden, the cultural implications and what it really means to “prove” pay equity in a legally defensible way.Finally, he explores how pay transparency is forcing companies to move from secrecy to partnership, why trust is the real currency in this transition and what HR leaders should be doing right now to get ahead before regulations hit.🎓 In this episode, Kent discusses: How LEGO built six years of global equal pay scans Why structure and job architecture suddenly matter again The shift from company-owned pay data to employee-owned rights Why EU pay transparency will transform HR far beyond compliance Why trust and communication determine whether transparency works🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 min
Nov 24, 2025Episode 816
Why AI Fails Without Psychological Safety (and How to Fix It)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Raj Verma, Chief Culture, Inclusion and Employee Experience Officer at Sanofi, to explore how culture, trust and co-creation became the foundation of one of the most ambitious AI transformations in the industry. Raj breaks down why culture is a verb, not a vibe, and how Sanofi intentionally shaped behaviors and values to support AI at scale. He explains how Sanofi began its AI journey before the ChatGPT wave, driven by a visionary CEO and a bold ambition to become the first pharma company to use AI at scale. Raj details how recognition, inclusion, and data-driven insights became critical levers for building trust, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring AI adoption across 100,000+ employees worldwide. The conversation also dives into psychological safety, bias detection, global recognition platforms, and why culture, inclusion and employee experience must be tightly integrated if companies want AI to stick and deliver real transformation.🎓 In this episode, Raj discusses:Embedding psychological safety so employees felt safe adopting AILeveraging global data to detect bias and guide leadership decisionsCo-creating culture, EX and inclusion practices to make transformation stickUsing recognition and belonging to strengthen performance and engagementStarting Sanofi’s AI journey early and why culture had to be intentionally rebuilt🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 min
Nov 21, 2025Episode 815
The New Rules of Leadership in 2026 (and What You Must Stop Tolerating)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Frederic Patitucci, Chief People & Culture Officer at Philip Morris International, reveals the inside story of PMI’s decade-long transformation, from a traditional tobacco company to a science-driven, smoke-free business.Frédéric explains how PMI rebuilt its business model, operating model, and culture while navigating one of the most ambitious shifts in corporate history. He shares how the company co-created its cultural framework, PMI DNA, with more than 350 employees across backgrounds, levels, and regions, ensuring it wasn’t a top-down exercise but a true grassroots movement.From redefining values like We Care, Better Together, and Game Changers, to enforcing “license to operate” behavioral expectations, Frédéric shows how culture became PMI’s ultimate accelerator for radical change, responsible AI adoption, and leadership accountability.🎓 In this episode, Frédéric discusses:Why defining undesirable behaviors was essentialThe creation of PMI DNA, co-built with 350+ employeesThe “license to operate” and how culture drives accountabilityHow PMI uses culture as a first line of defense for responsible AI scalingHow PMI redesigned its culture during a massive business transformation🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 min
Nov 19, 2025Episode 814
How to Build a Responsible AI Ecosystem

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Michiel van Duin, Chief People Technology, Data and Insights Officer at Novartis to discuss how the company is building a human-centered AI ecosystem that connects people, data, and technology.Michiel explains how Novartis brings together HR, IT, and corporate strategy to align AI innovation with the company’s long-term workforce and business goals. He shares how the team built an AI governance framework and a dedicated AI and innovation function inside HR, ensuring responsible use of AI while maintaining trust and transparency.From defining when AI should step in and when a “human-in-the-loop” is essential, to upskilling employees and creating the first “Ask Novartis” AI assistant, Michiel shows how Novartis is making AI practical, ethical, and human.🎓 In this episode, Michiel discusses:Deciding where AI ends and the human beginsDeveloping “Ask Novartis,” the company’s HR AI assistantUpskilling HR with AI-first capabilities and new hybrid rolesBuilding AI governance and responsible-use frameworks at NovartisPartnering across HR, IT, and strategy to align AI with business goals🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 min
Nov 17, 2025Episode 813
The Blueprint for a Skills-Based Organization (SAP’s Model)

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 episode, Gina discusses:Building a human–AI partnership to power transformationEmbedding AI across recruiting, performance, and mobilityEncouraging employees to spend 15% of their time on learningThe company’s 800+ skill taxonomy and adaptive learning modelHow SAP is moving from role-based to skills-based talent management🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 min
Nov 14, 2025Episode 812
Why 90% of AI Projects Fail (and How to Fix It)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Eric Mosley, Founder, CEO, and Board Member at Workhuman to discuss how AI and recognition are reshaping the workplace. Eric reveals how companies can unlock hidden talent and reduce bias by combining AI with the human data hidden inside recognition moments.He explains why 80–90% of AI projects fail, not because of the technology, but because companies lack meaningful data to train their systems. Recognition, he says, provides a treasure trove of insight into real performance, collaboration, and potential.From the emotional power of gratitude to the measurable ROI of recognition, Eric paints a vision of the future where AI doesn’t replace humanity, it amplifies it.🎓 In this episode, Eric discusses:How recognition data fuels smarter, fairer AIWhy 80–90% of AI projects fail, and how to fix itThe emotional and financial ROI of gratitude at workHow AI can help uncover hidden talent and reduce biasReal examples of recognition improving retention and engagement🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

16 min
Nov 12, 2025Episode 811
How Microsoft Balances AI and Humanity in HR

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.🎓 In this episode, Amy discusses:Why gratitude and curiosity fuel innovationHow to balance high performance with empathyCreating psychological safety across global teamsHow AI is reshaping HR and leadership at MicrosoftWhy vulnerability builds deeper trust and motivation🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 min
Nov 10, 2025Episode 810
The Real Future of Managers in 2026 (and Why Most HR Teams Aren’t Ready)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Sandrine GIRSZYN, Chief Human Resources Officer Headquarters at AXA, about redefining the role of the manager in a fast-changing world. Sandrine explains how managers have become the crucial layer holding transformation, well-being, and performance together, and why HR must put them back at the center of organizational strategy.She shares how AXA is supporting more than 4,000 managers worldwide through a human-centered approach built on listening, co-creation, and trust. Rather than relying solely on AI or digital training, Sandrine reveals how in-person connection, community, and peer learning have become AXA’s secret to real development.From creating a “People Link” community to launching a global coaching platform, this episode is a roadmap for every HR leader trying to upskill managers while keeping the human touch alive.🎓 In this episode, Sandrine discusses:Offering real-time, human coaching, not AI substitutesHow in-person connection strengthens trust and capabilityHow AXA supports them through listening and co-creationBuilding a “People Link” community for peer learning and supportWhy middle managers are the most critical layer in transformation🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 min
Nov 7, 2025Episode 809
How IKEA Empowers 170,000 Co-workers (Without Losing Culture)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Alejandra Piñol, Deputy Chief HR Officer at IKEA, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic brands keeps its culture alive while transforming at global scale. Alejandra opens up about leading through rapid change and protecting the company’s unique values across more than 170,000 co-workers and 60 countries.She shares how IKEA empowers its frontline teams through trust and autonomy, and how simplicity has become the foundation of their HR transformation. Alejandra explains the importance of listening to co-workers, building leaders from within, and keeping people, not process, at the heart of every decision.From balancing consistency and local relevance to nurturing humility and belonging, this episode is a blueprint for scaling culture without losing your soul.🎓 In this episode, Alejandra discusses:Balancing global culture with local flexibilityBuilding humble, values-driven leaders from withinSimplifying HR so leaders can focus on people, not processProtecting IKEA’s values while scaling across 60+ countriesEmpowering frontline co-workers through trust and autonomy🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7 min
Nov 6, 2025Episode 808
How HR Can Lead the AI Revolution (Before It’s Too Late)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Josh Bersin, Global Industry Analyst and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, breaks down the AI revolution transforming HR and the workforce.Josh explains how AI is creating the era of the “Superworker” - empowering employees to do more, learn faster, and take on higher-value roles. He reveals why HR must lead the AI agenda, how to frame AI as a growth opportunity (not a threat), and what it takes to build a culture of continuous reinvention instead of one-time transformation.From rethinking job structures to designing intelligent employee experiences with digital agents, this episode uncovers what forward-thinking CHROs are doing to turn fear into curiosity and shape the human future of AI at work.🎓 In this episode, Josh discusses:How AI is creating the Superworker eraHow to build a culture of curiosity, not fearWhy HR must move from projects to continuous reinventionThe importance of framing AI as empowerment, not replacementThe impact of AI-driven agents like Galileo on employee experienceDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51 min
Oct 31, 2025Episode 807
Stop Hiring “Superstars” - They Might Be Office Vampires 🧛‍♂️

In this haunted edition of the HR Leaders Podcast, behavioral scientist and Founder & Host at Influencers: Jon Levy joins us to reveal the chilling science behind why some teams rise from the dead and others crumble into dusty skeletons.We explore what truly drives high-performing teams in a world where hybrid work can feel like a ghost town 👻Jon explains why organizations must stop obsessing over lone “superstars” and instead invest in glue people, belonging, and intentional connection.We also unpack how psychological safety, shared rituals, and team norms bring culture to life, and how to protect your organization from “energy vampires” that drain morale 🎃🎓 In this episode, Jon discusses:How belonging and trust fuel performanceWhy teams outperform superstar individualsRituals leaders can use to bring culture to lifeThe impact of glue people vs energy-drainersWhy hybrid work fails without intentional connectionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

45 min
Oct 23, 2025Episode 806
How AI Will Transform Recruiting by 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Anoop Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO at SeekOut, joins to discuss how AI is redefining recruiting, roles, and the future of work.Anoop shares his journey from Stanford professor and Microsoft executive to leading one of the fastest-growing AI talent platforms in the world. He explains how AI agents are already transforming recruiting - automating 70% of repetitive tasks - while freeing humans to focus on relationships, creativity, and strategy.He also unpacks how CHROs must prepare for a future where AI and humans collaborate as equals, why recruiters will evolve into true talent advisors, and how to experiment safely with AI to stay ahead of the curve.🎓 In this episode, Anoop discusses:How to use AI to make hiring faster and more humanHow AI agents are changing the recruiter’s role foreverWhy CHROs must redefine work before AI does it for themWhat the future of AI-human collaboration will look like in HRWhy every company should start experimenting with agentic AI nowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

47 min
Oct 16, 2025Episode 805
The Future of Work Is Human (and Here’s Why)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Sam Schlimper, Managing Director at Randstad Enterprise, shares how to reimagine work and unlock human potential in the age of AI.Sam explains why transformation shouldn’t start with systems or processes, but with people - their motivations, values, and sense of purpose. She discusses how AI can be a powerful catalyst for creativity and growth when designed with intention, and why the real challenge isn’t technology, but rediscovering what makes work meaningful for humans.The conversation dives deep into how to redesign jobs, rethink emerging talent, and rebuild organizations around joy, curiosity, and connection - not just productivity.🎓 In this episode, Sam discusses:Why joy and curiosity drive real performanceWhat sustainable transformation really looks likeHow AI can amplify, not replace, human creativityHow to rethink emerging talent for the next generationWhy work should start with people, not processes or toolsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

36 min
Oct 14, 2025Episode 804
How LinkedIn’s AI Hiring Assistant Is Changing Recruiting Forever

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Mark Lobosco, VP of Talent Solutions at LinkedIn, about the launch of LinkedIn’s new Hiring Assistant and how AI is transforming recruiting. Mark reflects on his 17-year journey at LinkedIn, where he leads global client-facing teams and helps organizations hire faster and smarter. He breaks down how AI is reshaping recruiting workflows, freeing recruiters from administrative work, and helping them find hidden talent with unprecedented precision. Mark also explains how LinkedIn built the tool responsibly, with transparency and trust at the core, and shares what’s next for recruiters as skills evolve faster than ever.🎓 In this episode, Mark discusses:Launching LinkedIn’s new AI-powered Hiring AssistantWhy AI fluency is the #1 skill for recruiters in 2025 and beyondHow trust, transparency, and change management drive adoptionHow recruiters save 4 hours per role and get 69% better candidate responsesWhy 70% of job skills will change by 2030 - and what HR leaders must do nowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51 min
Sep 29, 2025Episode 803
How HR Can Lead the AI Shift in 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Bryan Power, Head of People at Nextdoor, about leading through transformation, building a “founder’s mentality” culture, and why HR must take the lead on AI adoption. Bryan shares lessons from scaling Google, Square, and Yahoo before joining Nextdoor, where he helped navigate an IPO, COVID, and now AI disruption. He introduces Project NAI-BOR (Nextdoor Artificial Intelligence Building Operational Readiness), explains how to unleash safe experimentation, and why HR can’t afford to be a passenger in the AI shift. The conversation also covers mental health, hybrid work, and the next frontier of employee experience.🎓 In this episode, Bryan discusses:Mental health as today’s workplace injuryHow to manage the uncomfortable truths of hybrid workHow Project NAI-BOR helps HR lead AI adoption at scaleWhy a founder’s mentality creates urgency and frontline focusBalancing experimentation with structure in AI policy and rollout🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

35 min
Sep 24, 2025Episode 802
How AI Is Transforming Hiring (And Recruiters’ Real Role)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Heidi Barnett, President of Talent Acquisition at isolved, about how AI is reshaping recruiting and why candidate experience now matters more than ever. Heidi shares her journey from marketing into HR tech leadership and explains why the best recruiters today act more like growth leaders. She discusses the shift from sourcing to screening, why resumes are becoming obsolete, and how AI exposes broken hiring processes. The conversation explores how TA teams can reduce burnout, partner better with CHROs, and reimagine hiring from the ground up in the age of AI.🎓 In this episode, Heidi discusses:The shift from sourcing to screening in hiringWhy resumes and degrees are becoming less relevantHow AI frees recruiters to focus on human connectionHow CHROs can reduce TA burnout and drive hiring successWhy recruiters must now design marketing-style candidate experiences🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

33 min
Sep 22, 2025Episode 801
How Wingstop Turns Hourly Workers into 70% of Its Leaders

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Donnie Upshaw, Chief People Officer & Senior Vice President at Wingstop Restaurants Inc., about scaling one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands while protecting culture and developing frontline talent. Donnie shares how 70% of Wingstop’s general managers started as hourly employees, why the GM role is the most important in the company, and how intentional development, micro-learning, and recognition fuel growth. He also explains how Wingstop uses storytelling, internal podcasts, and community giving to connect 47,000+ team members worldwide.🎓 In this episode, Donnie discusses:Why 70% of Wingstop GMs started as hourly employeesWhy the GM is the single most important role in the businessHow to scale culture across 2,800 restaurants in 15 countriesBuilding connection through storytelling, recognition, and community givingUsing micro-learning, gamification, and mobile tools for frontline development🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

48 min
Sep 18, 2025Episode 800
How to Hire 55,000 People in 6 Years (And Not Break Your Company)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Elle Lebourg, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Hilti Group, about transforming TA to hire 55,000 people in six years while protecting culture and experience. Elle explains why classic change models fall short, how authentic communication sustains engagement, and why TA must adopt a product mindset. She shares how Hilti maps candidate journeys, balances global standards with local nuance, and keeps people, not tools, at the center of transformation.🎓 In this episode, Elle discusses:Using raw, authentic communication to build trust in transformationBalancing global standards with local cultural nuance in every marketRunning TA like a product team with journey mapping and key momentsWhy focusing on how people feel sustains change better than old modelsHiring 55,000 people in six years and what it takes to scale TA responsibly🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

43 min
Sep 15, 2025Episode 799
Why Your Recognition Strategy Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Experience (People) Officer at Workhuman, about reimagining recognition in the age of AI.KeyAnna shares how Workhuman is using AI to enhance - not replace - human connection, from just-in-time recognition to personalized career support. She explains why recognition must go beyond rewards, how to build cultures where people feel truly seen, and why strategic investment in recognition is a business imperative, not a nice-to-have.🎓 In this episode, KeyAnna discusses:The ROI of recognition and its cultural impactWhy recognition is more than just rewards and bonusesCreating just-in-time, personalized employee experiencesHow AI enhances human connection instead of replacing itWhy trust, authenticity, and care should anchor HR strategy🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

33 min
Sep 10, 2025Episode 798
How to Protect Culture During Rapid Growth (Most Companies Fail Here)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jon Caldwell, SVP & Chief People Officer at Valvoline Inc., about leading people strategy during rapid growth and transformation. Jon shares how Valvoline, a 160-year-old brand, has doubled its retail footprint and plans to nearly double again by 2030, all while maintaining a strong “family” culture. He explains the company’s grow-from-within model where 95% of managers start as technicians, the importance of scalable HR processes, and how traditions like the “Oil Olympics” reinforce teamwork and pride. The conversation highlights how culture, leadership, and data-driven HR fuel both business growth and employee success.🎓 In this episode, Jon discusses:Maintaining culture and inclusion while doubling store countHow 95% of leaders grow from technician to management rolesValvoline’s transformation into a pure-play retail growth businessUsing training, data, and scalable HR to prepare for 20,000+ employeesWhy traditions like the “Oil Olympics” and Family Reunion fuel engagement🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.