

HR Leaders
Chris Rainey
Join host Chris Rainey on the HR Leaders Podcast, where he sits down with top Chief People Officers, CHROs, and leading HR experts to uncover the strategies, trends, and insights shaping the future of human resources. Each episode dives into best practices in people management, leadership challenges, and transformative HR innovations that impact both business success and society at large. Whether you're an HR professional or simply passionate about modern workplace strategies, this podcast delivers expert advice, real-world experiences, and the latest trends in HR, making it your go-to resource for all things human resources.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 36min
Inside the 2025 Deloitte Human Capital Trends Report
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Kyle Forrest, U.S. Future of HR Leader at Deloitte. Kyle unpacks key insights from Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report, based on responses from 13,000+ professionals across 90 countries. He explains how leaders can navigate tension between human and business outcomes, why 40% of work is wasted on non-value tasks, and how organizations are rethinking the role of managers, AI, and workforce experience. If you’re leading transformation or planning for the future of work, this episode is your roadmap.🎓 In this episode, Kyle discusses:How to balance agility and stability in today’s workforceThe importance of redefining manager roles in the AI eraHow leading companies are redesigning EVP to align with automationWhy organizations must reclaim capacity by removing non-value workWhy cross-functional, boundaryless teams will shape the future of work🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 22, 2025 • 42min
How Twitch Connects Culture, AI, and Community Across Teams
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Lauren Nunes, Chief People Officer at Twitch. Lauren breaks down how Twitch is intentionally building a mission-driven culture while supporting employees and streamers alike. From Amazon-powered AI tools to flash mentoring programs and creator-employee connections, Lauren shares how Twitch is shaping the future of work with empathy, innovation, and purpose. This episode is a masterclass on blending community, business impact, and scalable support at one of the world’s most iconic platforms.🎓 In this episode, Lauren discusses:The role of weekly all-hands and employee-led guilds in reinforcing cultureUsing Amazon’s AI tools to remove admin and support employees at scaleHow Twitch connects creators with internal teams to strengthen communityWhy HR should build culture like a product—intentional, tested, and evolvingHow Twitch empowers employees through flash mentoring and self-service systems🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 17, 2025 • 31min
How to Balance AI and Human Touch in Talent Acquisition
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Seán Delea, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at Greenhouse Software. Sean breaks down how Greenhouse is rethinking the recruiting experience with the help of AI, without losing the human touch. From AI-generated scorecards to candidate personalization via “My Greenhouse,” Sean explains how recruiters can manage a 121% spike in applications without being overwhelmed. He also shares his own journey from Cork to leading Greenhouse’s global recruiting, and what makes their ATS stand out in a crowded space.🎓 In this episode, Sean discusses:Why human oversight is still essential despite automationHow AI-generated scorecards and interview questions streamline hiringHow “My Greenhouse” personalizes the application journey for candidatesThe real impact of a 121% increase in applications and how AI helps manage itWhy Greenhouse’s ATS prioritizes candidate experience alongside recruiter efficiency🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 57min
How to Turn People Strategy Into Profit Strategy
Jamie Durling, Vice President of Human Resources for DOLCE&GABBANA, shares his insights on aligning people strategy with profit strategy. He discusses how HR leaders can influence financial performance by understanding productivity metrics. Durling emphasizes building values-based cultures and fostering strong HR-finance relationships to facilitate better business decisions. He also touches on navigating M&A, workforce planning, and the importance of HR's role in driving organizational profitability, making a compelling case for HR's impact on the bottom line.

Jul 10, 2025 • 43min
How to Design a Career-Led Culture Like L’Oréal
Emily Chiverton, HR Director at L'Oréal for the UK & Ireland, is passionate about building purpose-led careers. In this conversation, she shares her journey through L'Oréal and the importance of aligning personal passions with work for greater fulfillment. Emily discusses the innovative Brandstorm competition, which inspires young talent and offers career exploration. She emphasizes that modern career growth is shaped more by fluid paths than traditional ladders, urging HR to focus on nurturing meaningful career experiences from day one.

24 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 42min
How to Use AI to Deliver Personalized Learning at Scale
Ryan Laverty, CEO of Arist, is transforming workplace learning through AI with a focus on delivering personalized, engaging experiences to employees. He discusses how leveraging tools like SMS and Microsoft Teams boosts engagement to over 95%. Ryan emphasizes the importance of AI in scaling learning, making it accessible to all employees, especially those who typically miss out. He also shares insights on the challenges of deploying training, the shift from traditional learning methods, and how effective collaboration can enhance AI solutions in business.

Jul 3, 2025 • 46min
How to Build Better Teams Through Smarter Recruiting
Join Daniel Chait, CEO of Greenhouse Software, and Lewis Brown Jr., VP of Talent Management at Comcast, as they dive into the transformative power of recruitment. They discuss why great hiring is a key tool for managers and how confident hiring leads to better feedback loops. The conversation also draws fascinating parallels between sports and the job market, and the challenges of cutting through the noise of AI-driven applications. Learn how authentic connections can enhance hiring as they navigate the new landscape of talent mobility.

9 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 47min
How to Fix Performance Management in 2026
In this discussion, Michael D'Ambrose, Board Director at SHRM and former CHRO at Boeing, delves into the pitfalls of traditional performance management. He argues that annual reviews and rigid rating systems can demotivate employees. Instead, Michael emphasizes the need for real-time feedback and empowering managers with flexibility, which fosters trust and drives engagement. He also highlights the importance of empathy in employee support and transforming toxic workplace cultures into collaborative environments.

12 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 48min
How to Build AI-Powered Learning Pathways
Dina Yorke, VP of Learning Excellence at Schneider Electric, discusses how AI is reshaping workforce learning. She highlights the importance of a skills-based organizational framework where employees control their development. By breaking down silos and promoting collaboration, Schneider Electric accelerates upskilling. Dina emphasizes that AI personalizes learning and keeps content relevant, providing tailored pathways for diverse learning styles. She also touches on embracing career risks and fostering psychological safety to enhance personal and professional growth.

Jun 19, 2025 • 54min
The Culture Architect: Scaling People, Culture & Leadership
In this discussion, Alexander Nicolaus, Chief People Officer at Paysend and author of Startup Culture, shares insights on intentionally designing company culture for scaling success. He reveals why behavior-based hiring surpasses traditional resumes and discusses how early culture building is crucial to avoid issues later. Topics include the importance of empathy in leadership, the 'bar raiser' hiring approach for high-performing teams, and how equity distribution can align employee performance with company growth. Nicolaus emphasizes fostering a growth mindset to prevent burnout and enhance collaboration.