Directionally Correct, A People Analytics Podcast with Cole & Scott

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 Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com! This engaging episode of the people analytics podcast "Directionally Correct" features Cole and special guest Dr. Gina Thoebes, VP of Organizational Performance at the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team. Gina shares insightful strategies on leadership development within high-stakes environments, drawing from her extensive experience in the NFL and her previous roles at the Cleveland Clinic and Macy's. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, capabilities, and versatility in leaders and how sports and business office leaders share this focus on continuous improvement. The conversation uncovers the role of science and data in leadership coaching, emphasizing staying grounded in evidence-based practices and mindful approaches. Gina also explains her unique position within the Cardinals as a pioneering VP role and the significant demand for effective leadership development programs. They delve into the role of people analytics in modern HR, exploring the potential shift towards generative AI and its transformation in HR functions. Besides professional insights, the episode offers personal anecdotes and humorous accounts from Gina’s diverse career journey, making for an informative yet entertaining discussion. This episode is a comprehensive mix of leadership lessons, practical applications, and forward-thinking strategies for professionals eager to advance in analytics and organizational performance roles. You can find Gina's website: stellapolarisexecdev.com here

Kristin Cullen-Lester, a professor at Ole Miss and co-editor of 'The Social Capital Imperative', joins Greg Pryor from Connected Commons to discuss the vital role of social capital in organizations. They unravel the differences between human and social capital and emphasize how network analysis can boost organizational strategy and team dynamics. Real-world case studies, including an astronaut's crisis and Johnson & Johnson's response to COVID-19, showcase the transformative power of strong relationships. The conversation also touches on humor in technology mishaps and nostalgia from college experiences.

Craig Starbuck, the Founder and CEO of OrgAcuity, joins the Directionally Correct podcast for our latest HR Tech Voices episode of 2025. If you like what you hear in this episode, check out OrgAcuity here: https://www.orgacuity.com/ 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, hosted by Cole and Scott, where we sit down with Craig Starbuck, the insightful co-founder and CEO of OrgAcuity. Craig shares his journey from engineering to people analytics, emphasizing the power of employee voice and the formation of OrgAcuity to revolutionize employee listening and people analytics. Discover the nuances of workplace dynamics, leader effectiveness, and how predictive data can drive organizational success. We explore the innovative use of AI and network analytics to enhance decision-making and foster actionable insights. From discussing the barriers of traditional feedback to unveiling the role of social capital, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at how OrgAcuity is reshaping the HR landscape and making sophisticated analytics accessible to all organizations.

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 Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com! Welcome to an engaging episode of Directionally Correct, a podcast dedicated to people analytics. Join our host as he sits down with the insightful Scott Reida from Amazon Web Services to delve into a myriad of topics transforming the workforce landscape. This episode kicks off with a humorous anecdote about feline interruptions before diving into the crux of the conversation - the Rule of 72 and its implications for workforce skill obsolescence. Scott explains this rule's origin in finance and fascinatingly applies it to people analytics, offering insights into how job roles evolve over time with skill replacement becoming a necessity. The discussion meanders through intriguing topics, including the use of machine learning models like GPTs in predicting talent hub success, drawing parallels to traditional linked data sharing in the people analytics space, and innovative ways to stay ahead in the field. The conversation explores the intriguing intersection of AI advancements, productivity, and salary structures, touching upon the theory of how AI might lead to job equality in pay scales. Tune in for a vibrant chat that not only educates but also enlivens the understanding of contemporary challenges and innovations in people analytics.

Yuyan Sun, Head of People Analytics at Motive, shares her compelling journey from a small village in China to a leader in her field. She discusses the evolution of people analytics, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of human behavior. The conversation also touches on the challenges of building credibility in analytics, the transformative power of AI, and the importance of storytelling in data presentation. Additionally, Yuyan provides insights into diversity and inclusion within executive roles, urging a focus on resilience in promoting workplace equity.

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 engaging episode of Directionally Correct, hosted by Cole & Scott, we dive into the world of executive development and coaching with guest Ingen Fitzhugh, Head of Executive Development and Coaching at AWS. Ingen shares her unique insights into the evolution of leadership development, drawing on her extensive experience to discuss the challenges and strategies involved in nurturing leadership at all organizational levels. We venture beyond the corporate lens, as Ingen recounts amusing personal anecdotes about the intelligence of crows and her experiences growing up in the San Juan Islands. This episode takes listeners on a journey through the dynamics of leadership, the role of coaching, and the ever-important human connection in remote work settings. Join us for this episode, which balances humor, personal stories, and professional insights, offering listeners valuable perspectives on how to enhance their leadership skills and navigate the modern workplace. Myth of the Hawthorne Effect How Much Do We Trust Remote Managers? Gen AI and Shifting Work Patterns

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 episode of Directionally Correct, host Cole engages with Angela Le Mathon, the fractional Chief AI Officer and former VP of People Data and Analytics at GSK. They discuss the evolving role of AI in people analytics, the complexities of managing diverse teams, and the importance of storytelling in data interpretation. Angela shares her experiences with deploying AI solutions in HR, discusses cultural influences on her approach to leadership, and explores the challenges of translating complex data into actionable strategies for CHROs. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, including Angela's Francophone upbringing and her journey across different countries, shaping her unique perspective in the analytics space. Attraction Selection Attrition doesn't work right? Wrong. Meta-analysis of faking on personality tests No one has cracked AI for analytics

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 episode of Directionally Correct, join Cole as he engages in a lively conversation with Kris Saling, the Director of Talent Innovation at the U.S. Army. Kris shares her fascinating journey from starting a food blog at the Pentagon to leading talent innovation efforts in the military. Discover how she integrates her love for data and analytics into effective talent management strategies. Learn about Kris's accidental yet impactful career path in the Armed Forces, her insights on fostering creativity and innovation within a structured environment, and the challenges of implementing people analytics in the U.S. Army. Kris also dives into her book "Data Driven Talent Management," offering listeners a practical guide to establishing people analytics programs. Whether you're interested in military careers, data analytics, or talent management, this episode provides valuable insights into how innovative thinking can transform traditional systems. Tune in and gain a whole new perspective on the intersection of data, talent, and military service. Scott Reida - Evaluating talent hubs using AI Social contract with layoffs and offshoring Are our list of biases holding us back?

Mark Huselid, a Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics, and Alec Levenson, Director at USC's Center for Effective Organizations, dive into global workforce analytics. They discuss the evolution beyond North America, tackling worldwide challenges in talent management and legal standards. Expect insights on integrating diverse analytical fields, the ACAI model for effective decision-making, and the importance of bias awareness in research. With anecdotes that blend humor and serious analysis, they illuminate the rich tapestry of workforce dynamics.

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 episode, we discuss One Models’ new AI Agents product release that is shared exclusively on Directionally Correct!  To book a demo with One Model to see their new AI Agents release, scan this QR code or go here to see their Directionally Correct webpage! _________________ Welcome to another episode of Directionally Correct, a podcast dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of people analytics. Hosted by Cole and Scott, this episode features Chris Butler, the founder and CEO of One Model, as part of the HR Tech Voices series. Join us as we delve into the future of people analytics with Chris, who shares innovative insights into AI agents and their transformative impact on HR technology. In this episode, Chris discusses his journey from sailing boats in Australia to pioneering HR analytics. He highlights the evolution and challenges faced in people data systems, explaining how One Model aims to revolutionize this space. Chris provides a unique perspective on leveraging AI for enhanced productivity in HR functions and presents a vision of a future where AI integrates seamlessly into enterprise systems, offering tools that automate complex processes. Listen as Chris elaborates on One Model's sophisticated AI strategy, emphasizing the role of enterprise AI in reshaping how organizations interact with data. The conversation extends to potential implications for HR teams and the importance of security and governance in this evolving landscape. Whether you're in the HR tech field or simply curious about cutting-edge analytics, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking discussions. For those interested in seeing these AI capabilities in action, Chris invites listeners to explore their designated demo page for a deeper dive into One Model's offerings. Tune in for a riveting discussion and glimpse into the future of people analytics with Chris Butler, only on Directionally Correct.