Directionally Correct, A People Analytics Podcast with Cole & Scott cover image

Directionally Correct, A People Analytics Podcast with Cole & Scott

Latest episodes

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Mar 30, 2025 • 1h 6min

#118 - Sonali Kumar - How to Break into People Analytics in 2025

Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect In this enlightening episode of "Directionally Correct," host Cole sits down with Sonali Kumar, a fresh people analyst and podcast host, to unravel her unconventional journey from studying criminal justice to becoming a beacon in the field of people analytics. Sonali shares her personal tale of career pivots driven by a quest for meaningful impact and strategic growth in the HR analytics domain. Together, they explore the shifting dynamics in people analytics, especially as AI reshapes required skill sets. Sonali offers fresh perspectives on balancing technical and non-technical skills, emphasizing the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement in today's data-driven landscape. Listeners will gain insights into Sonali's unique approach to building a personal brand, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her fervor for continuous learning. The conversation also touches on the future of the workforce and the challenges of breaking into new fields in an ever-evolving job market. Whether you're a budding data enthusiast or an established professional navigating career changes, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice from two leaders in the analytics space. Anthropic is giving all their employees the same job description The next great resignation is coming - Lightcast Gen AI machine learning algos are destroying human created ones
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Mar 23, 2025 • 1h 3min

#117 - Dr. Roxanne Laczo - Has People Analytics Lost Its Way? Bring Back Validity

Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Join us on this episode of Directionally Correct, a People Analytics Podcast, hosted by Cole & Scott, as we dive deep into the world of people analytics with our special guest, Roxanne Laczo, Head of People Analytics at Cloudflare. In this enlightening conversation, we uncover the nuances of video meetings and the social dynamics they entail, explore the vibrant yet evolving cultural landscape of Austin, and discuss the art of jaywalking. Roxanne shares her journey to Austin, a city close to her heart but she finds increasingly overrated due to rapid modernization. We touch upon Austin's iconic spots like 6th Street and the evolving nature of the famous South by Southwest festival. Beyond Austin's metamorphosis, we dive into the essence of people analytics, discussing the intersection of theoretical foundations and technology in effectively measuring employee dynamics. Roxanne emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational psychological principles over a mere focus on technology and dashboards. She passionately conveys the need for integration of various assessments in people analytics for meaningful insights. Adding a lighter note, Roxanne humorously detours into her experiences with rodeos and her unforgettable encounter with Mike Tyson at an airport. We wrap up with insights from her teaching experience at UT Austin, where she creatively engages students with zookeeper job analyses and cognitive analysis exercises. Whether you're an analytics enthusiast or just curious about the changing pulse of Austin, this episode offers a rich blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes. Don't miss it! Scott gets petty about agreeableness via meta-analysis The thesis of politics of smell went viral and why Anthropic’s economic index of how people use AI in their jobs
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Mar 16, 2025 • 60min

#116 - Jennifer Hanniman - HR Tech Voices Episode with PeopleInsight

Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Welcome to the inaugural episode of HR Tech Voices on Directionally Correct, where Cole & Scott sits down with Jennifer Hanniman, Vice President of Professional Services at PeopleInsight. In this engaging episode, Jennifer delves into the essentials of people analytics, discussing how PeopleInsight aids companies between 500 and 5,000 employees in their analytics journey. She highlights the importance of moving beyond spreadsheets and the challenges smaller companies face in building analytics infrastructures from scratch. Jennifer offers insights into the consultative model of PeopleInsight, emphasizing a partnership approach that ensures clients not only receive analytic tools but also know how to leverage them effectively. The conversation explores the nuanced role of AI in analytics, touching upon data privacy and security, especially concerning GDPR compliance. Listeners will get a glimpse into Jennifer’s personal journey, including her life in the Netherlands, insights into AI's influence on organizational structures, and the need for trust and data integrity in analytics. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of HR technology and people analytics. Cole got recognized as a Top 20 people analytics influencer The number of truly exceptional people per million How rumors spread through networks Reinventing the organization for GenAI and LLMs
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Mar 9, 2025 • 1h

#115 - Dr. Sandra Loughlin - The Data, Tasks, & Skills Needed for a Skills-Based Future

Dr. Sandra Loughlin, Chief Learning Scientist at EPAM Systems, shares her expertise on people analytics and skills-based hiring. She dives into the fascinating connection between the human microbiome and mental health, even discussing innovative treatments like fecal transplants. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of skills-based hiring, emphasizing the importance of data in aligning skills with organizational needs. With humor, they touch on career perceptions, face-to-face interaction benefits, and the ethical dilemmas of employee monitoring.
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Mar 2, 2025 • 58min

#114 - Dr. Holly Lam - Bridging the Chasm Between People Analytics & the Business

Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Welcome to Directionally Correct, the insightful people analytics podcast hosted by Cole & Scott. This episode features Holly Lam, Senior Director of People Analytics and Insights at Cencora, sharing her experiences and insights into the evolution of people analytics. Join us as Holly discusses the significance of psychological safety in team performance, the challenges and opportunities within workforce planning, and the impact of AI on the future of work. From her early career influences to her transition between roles, Holly provides a wealth of knowledge on thriving in the competitive landscape of people analytics. To stay connected with our podcast for more episodes like this, subscribe to our Substack newsletter, watch us on YouTube, or listen on your favorite app. Listener support is vital, so consider becoming a patron through the link in our show notes. Thank you for your support! Crossing the Illusion of a Chasm Unlikely the main conclusion of project oxygen is true Will workers take a pay cut for remote work The augmented workforce by Scott Reida
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Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 15min

#113 - Dr. Jim Henderson - What is the Future of Higher Education? LIVE with Louisiana Tech University President

Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Join us in this episode of 'Directionally Correct,' hosted by Cole & Scott, as we dive into an enriching conversation with Dr. Jim Henderson, President of Louisiana Tech University. Dr. Henderson shares his insights on the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence and how it can reshape learning environments. He discusses his personal experiences and the significance of comprehensive exams, touching on the value of creativity and innovative thinking in education. Throughout the episode, Dr. Henderson also reflects on the unique culture at Louisiana Tech, emphasizing the family-like atmosphere and the importance of resilience and adaptability in both academic and professional settings. Learn about the university's strategic framework and how it aims to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Don't miss this insightful exploration of education, leadership, and the potential of AI to enhance human creativity and problem-solving. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of technology and academia, and how these themes are influencing the future of work and learning. Scott’s new publication on high potential talent Does AI make you smarter? Is a college still a positive career symbol? Academic article abstracts have become unreadable
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Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 21min

REPLAY #31 - Dr. Max Blumberg - The Renaissance Man Round Two

Help support the podcast Your support will help the podcast cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Thank you for your support!
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7 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 6min

#112 - Marc Effron - The Science of Talent, 8 Steps to High Performance, & One-Page Talent Management

Mark Effron, President of the Talent Strategy Group and author of 'Eight Steps to High Performance,' shares his journey from political consulting to HR influencer. He discusses simplifying HR practices to boost organizational performance and connects Muay Thai's discipline to effective talent management. The conversation dives into authenticity in an AI-driven world and critiques traditional HR models. Mark also touches on adapting leadership styles and the impact of remote work on employee dynamics, offering insightful, actionable advice throughout.
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Feb 2, 2025 • 1h

REPLAY #48 - Dr. Rob Stilson - NLP & The Mighty Ducks Problem

Help support the podcast Your support will help the podcast cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Thank you for your support!
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Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 17min

#111 - Cole and Scott - Sprinkle XGBoost On It, New Year New You, In-Person Weirdness

Directionally Correct podcast has a NEW sponsor One Model! Check them out here: https://www.onemodel.co/directionallycorrect Help support the podcast Your support will help the podcast cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Thank you for your support! Welcome to this episode of Directionally Correct, a people analytics podcast with your host Cole & Scott. With no guest today, Cole steers a lively conversation exploring the role of AI in modern decision-making and its interaction with established organizational structures. The episode delves into the ethical implications and potential of AI solutions in addressing workforce management challenges. With a playful banter reminiscent of Generation Z culture, Cole reflects on the young generation’s engagement with the podcast and their relationship with evolving technology. The episode unfolds as Cole and his co-host cover a broad spectrum of topics, from AI surpassing human judgment in strategic decisions to the intriguing prospect of using AI for scouring scientific literature for inconsistencies. They even take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about personal evolutions during their twenties and the relative stasis in personality development post-thirty. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with humor, insight, and a sprinkle of nostalgia, as the hosts share their candid opinions about the world of people analytics, AI technology, and personal growth. If you're passionate about understanding the intersection between technology and human expertise in organizational settings, this is an episode you won't want to miss!   Approximately one in seven scientific papers are fake Personality and PE Fit at work The algo and the org chart ChatGPT, can you take my interview Keith McNulty - Can a horse do math?

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