“Building People Capability” with Mel Steinbach, Chief People Officer at MasterClass
Jul 11, 2023
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In this episode, Mel Steinbach, Chief People Officer at MasterClass, shares her transition from executive search to CPO, the impact of LinkedIn on career management, the importance of building people capability, and the future of HR.
Building people capability aligns employee needs with company success.
Size doesn't determine success in building people capability; HR leaders must tailor approaches accordingly.
Deep dives
The Importance of Building People Capability
Building people capability is crucial for organizations because it creates a path for employees to excel and reach their full potential. By clearly communicating the expectations and the journey required for growth, organizations can empower employees to pivot and achieve excellence in their work. This commitment to building people capability involves not only setting expectations but also providing support and assistance to help employees reach their goals. When organizations prioritize building people capability, they align the needs of the employees with the company's success.
Transitioning from Executive Search to CHRO
Mel Steinbach, Chief People Officer at Masterclass, made a successful transition from executive search to the role of Chief People Officer. Although she enjoyed executive search and solving business problems through talent, she felt the need to explore other ways of solving business problems through people. Milliken, one of her search clients, offered her an opportunity to contribute strategic value as they prioritized talent acquisition. She made the leap and found her calling in corporate HR leadership, combining her expertise in talent acquisition and strategic planning to add value to organizations.
The Significance of HR Leadership in Different Sized Companies
The size of a company does not determine its success in building people capability. Whether it's a small startup or a large corporation, the focus remains on enabling employees to contribute their best to the organization. In smaller companies, every individual's role has a larger impact on achieving company objectives. HR leaders in these organizations must distill complex messages into simple behaviors that resonate with employees. In larger companies, effective HR leaders must communicate and ensure the understanding and adoption of behavior changes across a diverse workforce. Regardless of company size, the commitment to building people capability remains essential for success.
The Power of Learning and Development in Smaller Companies
Smaller companies offer HR leaders a greater opportunity to engage in impactful work. With fewer resources, HR leaders can immerse themselves in various HR functions and make a difference across the board. This hands-on experience and broader engagement enable HR leaders to have a more significant impact on employee development. The ability to shape and contribute to HR practices and initiatives becomes more accessible, making the work in smaller companies incredibly rewarding for those passionate about HR.
What does building people capability mean to you? Why is building people capability critical to the success of your organization?My guest on this episode is Mel Steinbach, Chief People Officer at MasterClassDuring our conversation Mel and I discuss:
How she transitioned from an executive search leader to a Chief People Officer
What she learned working for multinational companies as well as fast growing start-ups
Why building people capability is so critical to the success of a business
Why she believes LinkedIn has fundamentally impacted how people manage their careers
Why learning that is educational and entertaining is more engaging and impactful
