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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Apr 27, 2025 • 55min

#122 - Nelson Spencer - Building AI Agents & The Original Moneyball

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 another engaging episode of Directionally Correct, where hosts Cole and Scott delve into the fascinating world of people analytics with Nelson Spencer, founder and CEO of efora.io. Nelson shares his insights on how AI is reshaping the landscape of HR, transforming everything from skill development to workplace dynamics. In this episode, Nelson discusses the importance of having a strategic approach to integrating AI in HR processes, emphasizing the potential benefits and challenges. He introduces the concept of skill stacking as a powerful method for personal and professional growth, encouraging a mindset shift to adapt to the ever-evolving technological advancements. The conversation also touches upon the societal and professional impacts of AI, including the need to reassess how organizations hire and evaluate talent. Nelson's unique background in sports analytics and his experiences with major league teams offer listeners a rare perspective on innovative thinking and the importance of frameworks in decision making. Join us as we explore these exciting themes with Nelson, offering both a glimpse into the future of work and practical advice for navigating this transformative era. Whether you're in HR, a people analytics enthusiast, or just curious about the future of AI, this episode provides valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions. Criterion related validity of prehire work experience Psychology of aesthetics creativity and art Marc Effron - Delusions of employee development
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Apr 20, 2025 • 53min

#121 - Jenny Dearborn - How to be an Insight-Driven CHRO

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 Cole in a riveting episode of Directionally Correct, where he sits down with Jenny Dearborn, the Chief People Strategy Officer at BTS and renowned author of The Insight Driven Leader. Explore the fascinating transition from a beekeeping enthusiast to a leading mind in HR analytics. In this episode, Jenny shares her unique journey from being a high school drama teacher to rising through the ranks in sales and becoming a leading CHRO with a strong analytics background. Dive into the nuances of HR's role in the business world, as Jenny discusses her latest book and the importance of insight-driven leadership. She emphasizes the need for HR to align closely with CEOs and business goals by using data to predict and measure leadership performance. Hear her thoughts on the disconnect between CHROs and CEOs, the impact of AI in employment decisions, and the evolving dynamics of HR technology. With an exploration of HR best practices and engaging anecdotes, this episode offers listeners a wealth of knowledge on how to leverage data for effective people management. Whether you're an HR professional or simply interested in leadership and analytics, this episode promises insights on elevating organizational performance and developing a strong learning culture. How training impacts a company's bottom line Effron - HR vs HR DOL publishes best practices for using AI for employment decisions Lilly (Movie Release) The Insight Driven Leader (pre-order now)
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Apr 13, 2025 • 1h 20min

#120 - Dr. Steve Hunt - Talent Tectonics, Quality of Hire, & Grunge Music

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, join host Cole as he dives into a robust conversation with Steve Hunt, the founder of i3 Talent and author of Talent Tectonics. Steve shares his unique journey from the grunge scene in Seattle to becoming a significant voice in the HR and people analytics landscape. Steve discusses his latest book Talent Tectonics, exploring the seismic shifts in the workforce brought on by digitalization and demographic changes. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, reshaping how we approach talent management in a fast-evolving workplace. Listeners will find a rich discussion on the purpose of work, the complexities of measuring employee performance, and the role of technology in creating adaptable learning environments. Steve also reflects on historical and ongoing shifts in labor markets and the importance of HR metrics in driving organizational success. This episode promises valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of work and effective people analytics strategies. Is the relationship to job performance and personality curvey? Who is the human in the loop - Amit Mohindra Measuring L&D effectiveness using Kirkpatrick or Philips
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Apr 6, 2025 • 1h 3min

#119 - Cole and Scott - The Paradox of Critical Thinking

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, hosts Cole & Scott takes listeners on a journey through a variety of intriguing topics—even without a guest. Tune in to hear tales from morning commutes, including a possible sighting of Jeff Bezos. Cole also delves into the heart of people analytics, exploring the balance between technology, like AI, and maintaining critical thinking skills. Listeners will gain insights into celebrity encounters in unexpected places and the cultural landscape of where you live. You'll also hear a deep dive into the validity of training programs and the controversial issues surrounding them. The discussion includes insights into idea generation and the adoption of innovative thoughts, particularly in the context of diverse networks. Are you merely loafing through life or building something lasting with your ideas? Stay tuned as Cole addresses these questions and more, all while maintaining an engaging and entertaining approach that keeps listeners coming back for more. Cole’s book People Analytics comes out in July LLMs are only capable of recombinatory innovation We talk about validity in science but do we have a consistent definition? How GenAI influences critical thinking What LLMs do people actually use Why so many leadership trainings fall short
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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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