Why Retention Starts with Better Managers with David Hawthorne

Trends are everywhere, but translating them into real business impact takes more than reading a report. It takes HR leaders who understand their business and know how to turn insights into strategy.

David Hawthorne, Chief People Officer at Anchor Point Management Group, shares how he brings 2025 HR trends to life by aligning people strategy with business goals. He breaks down how to scale leadership, strengthen culture, and improve retention in a high-growth environment, from hiring the right people and developing frontline managers into future executives. He also explains why HR can’t operate in a silo—and how becoming a true business partner starts with knowing how your company runs.

 

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: David Hawthorne

(02:18) David Hawthorne’s HR journey at Anchor Point

(05:57) Shift from hiring to leadership & retention

(09:16) Understanding business to boost HR impact

(18:34) Moving from tactical to strategic HR

(22:46) Leadership’s role in reducing turnover

(29:50) AI’s role in HR now and in the future

(40:09) The risk of not evolving in HR

 

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR 

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here:https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

David Hawthorne’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedhawthorne/

Anchor Point Management Group - https://www.anchorpointmg.com/