How can leaders build an AI-first mindset that drives real culture change?Why is AI adoption more about people than technology?My guest on this episode is Tina Gupta, SVP, Talent Management for New York Life Insurance.During our conversation Tina and I discuss:Why AI adoption is more about people than technologyHow New York Life is scaling AI across 12,000 team membersWhat happens when employees are empowered to innovate with AIWhy managers need to rethink their roles in an AI-driven worldConnecting with TinaConnect with Tina on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
How can you bring your best self to work while being strategically authentic?Why can being your authentic self backfire at work and in life?My guest on this episode is Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, International authority on talent and leadership and author of “Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated and What to Do Instead.”During our conversation Tomas and I discuss:Why being authentic is overrated The four traps leaders fall into when they decide “just be themselves.”How reputation, not self-perception, determines career successWhy you are always a work in progress and what happens when you stop evolving.Why feedback is the key to self awareness and personal growth. Connecting with TomasConnect with Tomas on LinkedInBuy and read, “Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated and What to Do Instead.”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.
How can organizations increase connection, collaboration, and performance while offering the flexibility employees desire?Why do leaders hold the key to making hybrid work more effective and impactful?My guests on this episode are Peter Cappelli and Ranya Nehmeh, co-authors of "In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work"During our conversation Peter, Ranya, and I discuss:Why hybrid work isn’t delivering on its promise for employees or organizations.What’s been lost in remote and hybrid workplaces - mentorship, culture, and career growth.What their research - contrary to popular belief - reveals about hybrid work and its real-world implementation.How leadership accountability is the key to making hybrid work.Clear rules and simple fixes HR can use to strengthen hybrid work.Connecting with Peter and RanyaConnect with Peter on LinkedInConnect with Ranya on LinkedIn Buy and read “In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work”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.
How can you spot a bad boss before it’s too late?What can good leaders learn from bad bosses?My guest on this episode is Mita Mallick, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author of “Reimagine Inclusion and now “The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses”During our conversation Mita and I discuss:What inspired Mita to write “The Devil Emails at Midnight,” and why bad bosses are such a universal concern.The empathy Mita has developed for bad bosses, and why anyone can fall into toxic leadership behaviors.How to spot early warning signs of a bad boss or toxic culture during the interview process—and why many candidates ignore them.Mita’s advice on surviving a bad bossHR’s role in addressing bad bosses and building an inclusive culture. Connecting with MitaConnect with Mita on LinkedIn or learn more about her at Mita’s websiteBuy and read “The Devil Emails at Midnight”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.
How can HR leaders embrace disruption to drive innovation?Why should your organization disrupt itself?My guest on this episode is Scott Anthony, Professor at Tuck, Senior Advisor at Innosight and author of “Epic Disruptions - 11 Innovations that Shaped the Modern World”During our conversation Scott and I discuss:The four critical questions every leader must answer about disruption:Why disruption casts three dangerous shadows: shifting power dynamics, status quo bias, and employee identity crisis - and how HR can address each one.Why organizations unintentionally accelerate technologies that threaten their own existence.Why the right strategic choices during disruption often look completely wrong at firstWhat HR leaders can learn from Florence NightingaleConnecting with ScottConnect with Scott on LinkedInBuy and read “Epic Disruptions”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..
How can you increase your self-awareness and improve your ability to lead and manage others?Why does emotional intelligence matter more than technical skills for a leader's long-term success?My guest on this episode is Margaret Andrews, author of “Manage Yourself to Lead Others,” Harvard Instructor, and Founder of The MYLO Center.During our conversation Margaret and I discuss:Why understanding and managing yourself is critical to effectively leading others.Why the best leaders help others "grow and glow."The difference between "culture takers" and "culture makers," and what really shapes organizational culture.Why managing up means taking responsibility for the partnership with your manager.How the "next level of you" concept drives personal continuous growth throughout your career.Connecting with MargaretConnect with Margaret on LinkedInLearn more about The MYLO CenterEpisode 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.
How can HR teams embrace AI to improve both productivity and quality?Why is building AI fluency critical for your career and organization?My guest on this episode is Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at ZapierDuring our conversation Brandon and I discuss:The AI fluency framework Zapier uses to evaluate both job candidates and team members.Why every role on Brandon’s People team and across Zapier is being rebuilt with AI at the core, and what this means for raising the talent bar in HR.How AI and automation are enabling Zapier’s People team to focus on more meaningful work which is driving engagement and enhancing careersWhy Zapier’s focus on “Talent Density” led them to raise compensation from the 50th to the 90th percentile.Why Brandon believes AI initiatives should go beyond saving time or money and instead focus on improving the quality of outputs.Connecting with BrandonConnect with Brandon on LinkedInLearn more about Zapier’s AI Fluency framework 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.
How can People Analytics shift from being a cost center to being a profit center?Why is it critical for HR leaders to transform workforce insights into concrete strategic initiatives?My guest on this episode is Cole Napper, VP Research, Innovation, & Talent Insights at Lightcast and author of People Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as a Business Asset”During our conversation Cole and I discuss:How generative AI is democratizing data-driven decision making in HR.Why Cole believes more People Analytics leaders could rise to the CHRO role in the next decade.Why people analytics teams need to intentionally link their work to tangible business outcomes.Why generative AI will disrupt traditional HR operating models.Why business acumen isn't just nice to have—it's the fundamental requirement for all HR professionals including people analytics. Connecting with Cole NapperConnect with Cole on LinkedInLearn more about Cole and his new book, “People Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as a Business Asset”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.
How can employees and bosses have honest conversations about what they want and need in their relationship?Why do employees have less than 30 days to build trust in the boss-employee relationship?My guests on this episode are with “Your Work Friends,” Francesca Ranieri, Founder & Head of Strategy, Frank & Mel Plett, Founder Cordelia Consulting. During our conversation Mel, Francesca, and I discuss:How their friendship grew into Your Work Friends—a consulting business and podcast.Why your boss relationship might matter more than your marriage.Why common myths about boss-employee relationships miss what workers and managers really want.What the "30-day cliff" is and why it mattersHow to create an HR strategy that results in changes employees can feel. Connecting with Francesca Ranieri & Mel Plett Connect with Francesca on LinkedInConnect with Mel on LinkedInLearn more about Reciprocal Work or listen to Your Work Friends podcast 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.
How does trust affect the CEO succession process?Why are CHROs often more critical than CEOs in shaping succession outcomes?My guests on this episode are Ani Huang, Senior Executive Vice President of the HR Policy Association and Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South CarolinaDuring our conversation Ani, Anthony, and I discuss:What first-time CHROs must know about CEO succession.Why trust between a CHRO, the board, and the CEO is critical for a successful succession process. How to give boards real exposure to top internal talent.How CHROs can help boards to assess internal vs. external talent objectively.Why CEO role profiles used for succession should be forward-looking and should evolve with strategy changes.Connecting with Ani Huang & Anthony Nyberg: Connect with Ani Huang on LinkedInConnect with Anthony Nyberg on LinkedInDownload the CEO Succession: 10 Pitfalls Boards Must Avoid—and the CHRO Practices That HelpEpisode 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.
How can a four day week increase productivity while reducing burnout?Why is a four day week working so well for over 300 companies and thousands of employees?My guest on this episode is Juliet Schor, Professor at Boston College and author of “Four Days a Week.”During our conversation Juliet and I discuss:Why, despite decades of labor-saving technology, Americans are working longer hours than ever before.Why rethinking “productivity” is only part of the business case for a four-day week.How work redesign is the key to unlocking both productivity and employee wellbeing.How four-day work weeks dramatically improve retention and make organizations an employer of choice.Real-world examples of four-day work week in tech startups to large manufacturing and even restaurants.Connecting with Juliet: Connect with Juliet Schor on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
How do you unlock the power of employee experience?Why is a people-first mindset so critical in modernizing HR?My guest on this episode is Assil Omar, VP, People Experience, AbbVie.During our conversation Assil and I discuss:Why we should embrace new opportunities as a way to reinvent ourselves and our careers.How AbbVie maintains a unique culture of purpose, performance, and careWhy HR practitioners must become students of both human motivation and organizational transformation to drive real impact.Why it’s important to start with the employee experience first when designing systems.Her advice to HR leaders who want to start a people experience teamConnecting with Assil: Connect with Assil Omar on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
How can differentiating talent result in real business impact?Why is asking the right questions in workforce analytics so critical? My guest on this episode is Mark Huselid, Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern UniversityDuring our conversation Mark and I discuss:Why most companies do not treat people data as rigorously as financial data—and why they should.The evolution from “critical roles” to “strategic work,” and why success now depends on pinpointing the specific work, not just the job titles, that drive results.Why most organizations over-invest in senior leaders and under-invest in developing early and middle career talentHow HR and people analytics teams can bridge the gap with business leaders to ask better questions, not just provide more data.Why AI and workplace data will offer powerful insights—but also introduce risks like bias and outdated assumptions.Connecting with Mark: Connect with Mark Huselid on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
How can AI unlock HR’s potential? Why is it important that HR leaders are agile now and in the future? My guest on this episode is Christy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.During our conversation Christy and I discuss:How her early career at Pepsi taught her the importance of servant leadership and shaped her approach to HRWhy it’s important for an organization to stay focused and never lose sight of why they exist.Why HR leaders need to be present and visible to build trust and hear real feedback from employees.Her optimistic view of AI as a tool for unlocking HR’s full potentialHer widely shared LinkedIn post “Letter to My Younger Self” and the five lessons she wishes she learned earlier in her HR career.Connecting with Christy: Connect with Christy Pambianchi on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
How do you create, shape, and strengthen your career brand?Why is showing up in the small moments is key to creating a strong presence?My guest on this episode is Lorraine Lee, Author of “Unforgettable Presence,” Keynote Speaker, Instructor at LinkedIn Learning and StanfordDuring our conversation Lorraine and I discuss:How she transitioned from her corporate career in tech to becoming an award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn instructor, and author.Why adopting a “CEO of your own career” mindset is essential for professional growthHow HR leaders build a strong, authentic presence on LinkedIn, even if you’re just starting out.How you can use her EPIC Career Brand Framework to achieve your career goals. How the “Think-Do-Feel Matrix” helps you prepare, understand, and connect with your audience.Connecting with Lorraine: Connect with Lorraine Lee on LinkedInLearn more about Lorraine or buy Unforgettable PresenceEpisode 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.
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.
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.
How can you create a people strategy that aligns to and drives your business strategy? What is a People P&L and why does your organization need one?My guest on this episode is Anita Graham, EVP & CHRO for Labcorp. During our conversation Anita and I discuss:Why taking initiative matters for your career and how early-career professionals can develop this skill.Why you should be intentional with your career choices but remain open to unexpected opportunities.How to build an aligned and high-performing HR leadership team.Why you need a 'People P&L' and the impact it can have on your business.Why you should think about your HR strategy in 3-5 year timeframes. Connecting with Anita: Connect with Anita Graham on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
How can you find your “green zone” and stay grounded during times of stress?Why does leadership quality matter — especially during transformations?My guest on this episode is Dianne Armstrong, President, Armstrong Performance ConsultingDuring our conversation Dianne and I discuss:Why leadership gaps matter and how overlooking poor leadership can cost organizations dearly.Why leadership development can be a significant driver of business transformation.What "green zone leadership" is and how leaders can stay grounded during times of organizational chaos.How chronic stress affects the brain, decision-making, and leadership behavior—and what leaders can do about it.The practical strategies HR leaders and executives can use to shift out of the "red zone" and into the "green zone."Connecting with Dianne: Connect with Dianne Armstrong on LinkedInLearn more about Armstrong Performance ConsultingEpisode 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.
What does it mean to be a business leader with HR expertise?How can you reinforce and shape a people-first culture at scale?My guest on this episode is Tim Hourigan, recently retired Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Home Depot. During our conversation Tim and I discuss:How a curiosity for the “people side” of the business changed the course of Tim’s careerWhy HR leaders should strive to be “business professionals with HR expertise,” not the other way aroundHow Home Depot’s iconic value wheel guides the company’s people-first cultureThe power of storytelling to build and reinforce company cultureWhy he believes as HR evolves in the future, we should not forget the “human” in human resourcesLearn more about Home Depot’s Culture:Learn more about Home Depot’s values, inverted pyramid, and three-legged stoolEpisode 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.