HR Leaders

Bryan Power, Head of People at Nextdoor, has a rich background in HR leadership at Google, Square, and Yahoo. In this discussion, he emphasizes the urgency for HR to lead AI adoption through Project NEIGHBOR, advocating for safe experimentation and collaboration. Bryan tackles the mental health crisis as a workplace injury and the complexities of hybrid work, stressing intentional in-person interactions. He predicts a future where AI personalizes employee experiences and warns against complacency in the face of rapid technological change.

Heidi Barnett, President of Talent Acquisition Solutions at iSolved, has a rich background in marketing and HR tech. She discusses the transformation AI brings to recruiting, emphasizing the shift from sourcing to screening. Resumes are becoming less relevant as skills-based hiring takes precedence. Heidi explains how AI can alleviate recruiter burnout and enhance candidate experiences, likening job ads to performance marketing. Lastly, she underscores the importance of designers focusing on human connections amidst automated processes.

Donnie Upshaw, Chief People Officer at Wingstop, shares insights on transforming hourly workers into leaders, revealing that 70% of GMs originated from those roles. He highlights the importance of the GM position in the company's culture and success. Upshaw discusses innovative learning methods like micro-learning and gamification, and how storytelling fosters connection among over 47,000 employees. He emphasizes community giving and a visible career ladder as keys to growth and engagement within the organization.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Elle Lebourg, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Hilti Group, about transforming TA to hire 55,000 people in six years while protecting culture and experience. Elle explains why classic change models fall short, how authentic communication sustains engagement, and why TA must adopt a product mindset. She shares how Hilti maps candidate journeys, balances global standards with local nuance, and keeps people, not tools, at the center of transformation.🎓 In this episode, Elle discusses:Using raw, authentic communication to build trust in transformationBalancing global standards with local cultural nuance in every marketRunning TA like a product team with journey mapping and key momentsWhy focusing on how people feel sustains change better than old modelsHiring 55,000 people in six years and what it takes to scale TA responsibly🙏‍ 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.

KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Experience Officer at Workhuman, dives into the evolving landscape of employee recognition. She discusses the importance of transforming recognition strategies to focus on personalization and immediate acknowledgment. KeyAnna highlights how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human connections in the workplace. Plus, she emphasizes why trust and authenticity are crucial in HR practices. A fun twist includes light banter about HR decor, illustrating the need for creativity even in serious corporate cultures.

Jon Caldwell, SVP & Chief People Officer at Valvoline Inc., discusses leading people strategy during rapid growth. He reveals how Valvoline has doubled its footprint while preserving its strong family culture. With 95% of managers coming from technician backgrounds, Jon emphasizes the importance of internal growth. He also highlights the significance of scalable HR processes and engaging traditions like the 'Oil Olympics' in boosting team spirit. Together, these elements create a data-driven culture that fuels both business expansion and employee success.

Cathy Peterman, Chief People Officer for Tech, Product & Design at Wayfair, shares her unique journey from studying international conflict resolution to leading HR transformations. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and why focusing on transferable skills is vital in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape. With insights on balancing vulnerability and confidence, Cathy highlights how generative AI reshapes recruitment and employee growth. Her emphasis on resilience, curiosity, and critical thinking prepares leaders for the challenges of the AI-driven future.

In a riveting discussion, Adam Holton, Chief People Officer at GE HealthCare, shares insights on harnessing AI as a transformative force in HR. He highlights the need for HR leaders to adopt a mindset shift, illustrating how personalized learning and authentic leadership can drive success. Adam emphasizes the importance of embedding AI into everyday workflows and coaching, advocating for a culture of constant learning and adaptability. He argues that genuine leadership is about setting an example and fostering resilience, creating environments where innovation can thrive.

Wouter Durville, Co-Founder & CEO of TestGorilla, discusses the cutting edge of recruitment by introducing skills-based hiring that replaces outdated CVs. He shares how AI-driven assessments and video interviews enhance fairness and efficiency in hiring. Wouter highlights the growing demand for critical thinking and soft skills in a tech-focused work environment. He also emphasizes how collecting multiple data points can reduce bias, ensuring that talent discovery is more equitable and reflective of real job success potential.

Vince Molinaro, NY Times Best-Selling Author of The Leadership Contract, delves into the essential elements of effective leadership. He presents four key terms: decision, obligation, hard work, and community, demonstrating how these can reshape organizational culture. Vince emphasizes the need for clarity and accountability, especially during strategic shifts. He highlights the CHRO's vital role in cultivating a community of leaders and shares practical examples of how strong leadership can boost engagement and performance.