How People Analytics Empowers the Chief People Officer to Drive Value (an Interview with Dean Carter)

May 13, 2025

In this discussion, Dean Carter, former Chief People Officer at Patagonia and founder of Modern Executive Solutions, shares his insights on the transformative power of people analytics in HR. He reveals how his analytical awakening reshaped HR strategies and emphasizes the need for HR to lead with data. Dean explains the impact of renaming his team to 'Insights and Outcomes' and advocates for reclaiming workforce planning as a strategic lever. Plus, he highlights the success of Patagonia's four-day workweek in enhancing productivity and employee well-being.

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ANECDOTE

Dean's Analytics Awakening

Dean Carter transitioned to head of HR at Sears and was introduced to People Analytics by CEO Eddie Lampert.
This was a pivotal moment that shaped his commitment to embedding data at the heart of HR strategy.

ADVICE

Focus on Insights and Outcomes

Distill people analytics into a single insight that drives outcomes rather than overwhelming with data.
Rename teams to "Insights and Outcomes" to clarify their role in delivering business impact.

ANECDOTE

Data-Driven Retention Grants

Sears used data analytics to optimize retention grant amounts, saving money and retaining more employees.
This precise data-driven problem solving illustrates the power of people analytics.

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HR is at a tipping point: lead with data or risk being led by others.

As organisations face growing complexity - from AI disruption to shifting stakeholder expectations - the role of HR is changing fast. Today’s Chief People Officers are expected to do more than care for culture - they’re expected to influence strategy, shape business outcomes, and back it all up with data.

In this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast, host David Green is joined by Dean Carter, former Chief People Officer at Patagonia, Sears, Fossil, and Guild, and now Founder and Chief Experience Officer at Modern Executive Solutions.

Dean has spent his career pushing HR beyond tradition, embedding people analytics at the core of strategy and helping organisations hire the next generation of transformative HR leaders.

Tune in, as they explore:

The story behind Dean’s analytics awakening, and how it reshaped his approach to HR

Why so many HR teams get stuck in “dashboard delivery”, and how to move toward insight and impact

How renaming his team to “Insights and Outcomes” changed executive expectations

The measurable business and human value of Patagonia’s four-day workweek

Why HR must reclaim workforce planning, and treat it as a strategic lever, not a finance function

Today’s Heads of People Analytics skillsets need to step into CPO roles

What separates data-driven HR teams that lead from those that react

This episode, sponsored by Worklytics, brings clarity and urgency to a conversation every people leader needs to hear. It is more than a call for better reporting - it’s a roadmap for turning HR into a strategic powerhouse.

Worklytics helps leaders understand how work actually happens with data-driven insights into collaboration, productivity and AI adoption.

By analysing real work patterns - from meetings to tool usage - they empower teams to work smarter, not harder.

And here’s something special: Worklytics is offering Digital HR Leaders listeners a complimentary AI adoption assessment to understand how your teams are really using AI - and where untapped potential lies. But don’t wait - spots are limited.

Learn more at worklytics.co/ai

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