HR Leaders

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Alim A. Dhanji, CHRO at TD SYNNEX to explore how companies can protect their most valuable asset: culture. As AI reshapes work, Alim explains why empathy, values, and leadership vulnerability are the ultimate differentiators.Drawing from his experience as CHRO and President at Adidas Canada, Alim shares a candid perspective on leading with courage, speaking the language of business, and creating workplaces where humanity still matter.🎓 In this episode, Alim discusses:How vulnerability builds stronger leadersHow resilience is formed through adversityWhy mental health conversations start at the topWhy culture matters more than ever in the AI eraWhy HR must understand business strategy and finance🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - OracleLearn how CHROs can help their organization embrace GenAI and lead change. Grab your free Ebook: https://www.oracle.com/uk/human-capital-management/chros-embracing-genai/?source=:ad:dd:op:dg:a_emea::RC_WWMK240725P00026:HRLeaders_Direct_HCM_FY25Q4_EmbracingGenAIebook_Panel_C360&SC=:ad:dd:op:dg:a_emea::RC_WWMK240725P00026:HRLeaders_Direct_HCM_FY25Q4_EmbracingGenAIebook_Panel_C360See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging talk, Sarnjit Kaur, Chief People Officer International at Cox Automotive Inc., dives into the transformative power of HR data for board-level decision-making. She highlights the need for HR to align analytics with business strategies and emphasizes empathy as a crucial leadership trait. The conversation covers building a culture of psychological safety, the significance of employee feedback, and the importance of leadership development in fostering engagement. Sarnjit also advocates for a blended learning approach to enhance competency in today’s evolving workplace.

Andy Biladeau, Chief Transformation Officer at SHRM, dives into the future of HR in an AI-driven world. He discusses the crucial need for structured agility to foster innovation without burnout. Andy emphasizes breaking down silos between HR, IT, and business for smoother collaboration. He elaborates on real-time change management and the transformative effects of AI on organizational design and skills development. This insightful conversation highlights how HR can strategically adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Mike James Ross, author of 'Intention: The Surprising Psychology of High Performers', shares insights on harnessing intention-driven leadership to form high-performing teams. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding high performance and emphasizes the need for empowering employees to embrace risk and innovation. Mike also delves into the transformative role AI will play in HR, highlighting how fear often stifles creativity. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and resilience in the workplace.

Stephanie Werner-Dietz, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at ArcelorMittal, shares her unique transition from the tech sector to manufacturing. She emphasizes the critical need for HR to understand business dynamics and engage frontline workers. Stephanie discusses building trust through effective communication, the importance of immersing in business operations, and the balance between digital transformation and workforce needs. She also highlights the significance of scheduling reflection time for better decision-making and overall well-being in HR leadership.

Ciprian Arhire, Global Head of People Programmes and Analytics at Entain, shares his journey and expertise in HR transformation and people analytics. He discusses the importance of simplifying HR tech stacks and balancing AI with human empathy. Ciprian emphasizes upskilling HR teams in data literacy and storytelling as essential for success. He provides insights on creating agile strategies that prioritize employee trust and adapting to technological advancements, ensuring HR remains future-ready in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Join talent leaders Amy Reichenator, Diana Blanconi, Wendy Hirsch, and Tracy St. Deke as they discuss the revolutionary impact of AI on talent acquisition. They delve into the practical applications of AI, including predictive analytics for smarter hiring and bias reduction strategies. Personal anecdotes illustrate how AI enhances candidate experiences and manages talent effectively. With insights on the necessity of human oversight and the future of AI in recruitment, this panel provides a comprehensive look at embracing technology for better talent management.

In this insightful discussion, Michael Fraccaro, former Chief People Officer at Mastercard, shares his expertise on CEO succession planning and the evolving role of HR leaders. He emphasizes the importance of balancing formal authority with moral leadership and how vulnerability can be a strength. Michael also highlights the need to empower teams to avoid bottlenecks, stressing the significance of emotional intelligence in today’s changing landscape. Additionally, he reflects on the critical balance between work and personal life, advocating for intentional pauses and rejuvenation.

In this engaging discussion, Stephan Meier, a Professor at Columbia Business School and author of The Employee Advantage, delves into the intersection of behavioral economics and employee motivation. He challenges the myth of the purely rational worker, arguing that employees should be treated like customers to create a competitive edge. Stephan emphasizes the need for personalization in the workplace, why ping pong tables won't fix toxic cultures, and the importance of genuine connections among employees, all while advocating for a new customer-centric mindset in organizational culture.

In this engaging discussion, Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education and former Dean of Apple University, delves into the fascinating world of learning cultures. He reveals why collaboration should be treated as a "contact sport" and shares insights on building an effective learning environment at Apple. Joel also discusses the shift to asynchronous learning and the innovative use of AI for creating personalized learning pathways. His experiences highlight the importance of trust, feedback, and active engagement in driving organizational success.