From pioneering parental leave strategies to 3 AM workout sessions, Warner Bros Discovery's SVP of People Donald Knight reveals how vulnerability, authenticity, and physical discipline shape exceptional leadership.
Donald joins Kelli and Nolan in a candid conversation about evolving HR, squandered DEI opportunities, and building lasting relationships in hyper-growth environments.
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KEEP UP WITH DIDIER, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN
Donald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldfknight/
Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/
Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:39) Donald's initial reluctance to join HR and his perspective shift
(02:32) Evolution of the HR profession
(04:06) Pushback against employee-centric HR practices
(07:22) The "war for talent" and its aftermath
(10:53) The focus on immutable traits in diversity initiatives
(14:05) Sponsor: Metaview
(15:17) Importance of company stances and differentiation
(19:15) Donald's paternity leave plan and its impact
(25:35) The recruiting process and its unexpected outcomes
(32:45) Donald's experience working with founders
(39:50) Donald's favorite interview questions and their rationale
(44:30) Donald's fitness journey and its importance
(49:20) Wrap
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