The future of work is already here, so why does HR still feel stuck in the past?
Despite rising expectations, many HR teams are still relying on outdated tools like annual surveys, rigid change models, and compliance-first programs. The result: employee experiences that feel transactional instead of inspiring.
In this episode, Loren Blandon joins Karina Young to talk about how HR can finally catch up to the way people actually work today. Loren is a Future of Work Strategist and Fractional HR Executive with nearly two decades of experience across industries.
Loren shares why HR should borrow from marketing and brand building, how she rebuilt learning teams with human-centered design, and the importance of creating programs employees are proud to talk about outside of work. She and Karina also dig into how to get past "check-the-box" approaches, why HR leaders need to put the employee at the center of every decision, and how grassroots energy often drives change more effectively than top-down mandates.
For HR leaders carrying more responsibility than ever with limited resources, this episode is a call to bring creativity, empathy, and courage to the way we design work and to step confidently into the future that's already unfolding.
Join us as we discuss:
(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Loren Blandon
(02:21) Loren's path from psychologist to HR leader
(03:41) Why traditional change models no longer work
(05:19) What HR can learn from top consumer brands
(08:52) Breaking free from compliance-first HR mindsets
(10:45) Designing learning programs people actually want
(14:06) The role of AI in today's HR function
(17:11) Addressing fear and uncertainty across every career stage
(23:53) Using influencers to amplify culture and learning programs
(27:26) The future of employee listening powered by AI
(31:40) Practical ways HR teams are using AI today
(37:00) Advice for HR leaders stepping into new roles
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.
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Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/
Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee
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 Loren Blandon's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenblandon/