The Modern People Leader: Forward-Thinking HR 246 - How New York Life Is Using AI to Transform Careers: Joanne Rodgers (CHRO, New York Life)
Aug 8, 2025
Joanne Rodgers, the CHRO of New York Life, discusses her impressive 30-year journey from securities regulation to C-suite leadership. She highlights New York Life’s relationship-centric culture and the innovative use of AI tools, like the Eightfold platform, to boost career development and internal mobility. Joanne emphasizes the importance of HR leading in digital transformation and shares insights on supporting younger talent amidst AI anxieties. The conversation weaves together personal reflections and a vision for a future-ready workforce.
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Career Pivot From Regulator To CHRO
- Joanne joined New York Life after leaving securities regulation to help build a compliance function from scratch.
- Her internal moves into strategy and HR over 30+ years show how sponsors and a relationship-centric culture opened unexpected doors.
Legacy Meets Continuous Innovation
- New York Life pairs 180 years of history with continuous innovation to stay relevant.
- The company now emphasizes AI and tech to deliver seamless customer experiences.
Small-Company Feel At Scale
- New York Life feels small despite its size because relationships are deep and leaders make time to help others.
- That relationship-centric culture allows leaders to spot potential employees don't see in themselves.