Building LinkedIn’s Talent Engine with Steve Cadigan

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane Groeneveld sits down with Steve Cadigan, first Chief HR Officer at LinkedIn and author of Workquake. Steve shares his unexpected journey from a history major with zero interest in business to becoming a globally recognized HR executive. From recruiting at Esprit to scaling LinkedIn from 400 to 4,000 employees, Steve reflects on the lessons learned across industries and continents. He offers powerful insights on human-driven work and leadership, talent strategy, and what it really takes to build systems from scratch in fast-moving environments. For leaders who want to invest in their people and create stronger teams, this episode offers a fresh perspective.

Key Takeaways: 

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast

01:27 Meet Steve Cadigan: Leadership Expert and Talent Strategist

02:09 Steve's Early Life and Career Journey

08:26 Building a World-Class Company Culture at LinkedIn

11:42 The Dynamic Nature of Modern Careers

16:26 The Role of AI in Talent Management

24:21 The Power of Human Connection in Career Growth

29:12 Journey of Self-Discovery

29:38 Parental Expectations and Personal Fulfillment

30:48 Value and Career Choices

31:31 Career Week Controversy

33:00 The Gig Economy and Self-Awareness

36:02 The Importance of Diverse Experiences

37:29 Adapting to Rapid Change

40:40 The Future of Learning and Work

44:00 The Role of AI in Talent Development

52:18 Creating Inspiring Work Environments

56:15 Conclusion and Contact Information