The Modern People Leader: Forward-Thinking HR

267 - BNY’s Big Bet on Early Careers — and How They Built 15K Agents & 100 Digital Employees: Shannon Hobbs (Chief People Officer, BNY)

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Nov 7, 2025
Guest
Shannon Hobbs
Shannon Hobbs, Chief People Officer at BNY, is leading a culture-first transformation in banking, focusing on early-career talent and innovative AI integration. She shares insights on scaling the analyst program from 500 to 2,000 members and emphasizes the importance of flattening organizational structures for cross-functional collaboration. Shannon introduces Eliza, BNY's in-house AI hub, highlighting its impressive stats: over 15,000 agents trained. Her practical advice for HR leaders centers on inclusive education and tying AI to talent development.
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ANECDOTE

Career Built Through M&A And Rotation

  • Shannon traced her HR path from benefits sales into major banks and through M&A roles that shaped her career.
  • She served at Citigroup/Smith Barney, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, American Century, GEICO, and then BNY.
ADVICE

Say Yes To Stretch Roles

  • Say yes to high-need roles and stretch assignments to build a broader skill set.
  • Develop skills outside your comfort zone to become more marketable and promotable.
ADVICE

Invest Heavily In Early Careers

  • Invest in early-career programs and give graduates meaningful work, not just administrative tasks.
  • Train managers alongside analysts so both groups learn to collaborate and deliver real business impact.
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