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
Dec 23, 2025 • 35min
Why Hard Work Still Beats Talent at Work
In this engaging discussion, Michael Burgess, Chief People Officer at Amey, shares his inspiring journey from a farm laborer to a leading HR figure. He emphasizes that hard work and enjoyment of work often surpass talent and opportunity. Michael highlights the importance of action-based listening in building trust and discusses initiatives like prison-to-work programs that expand the talent pool. He advocates for practical HR fundamentals and emphasizes leadership as a catalyst for meaningful change, showcasing how Amey develops real career pathways.
9 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 14min
Why Listening is the #1 HR Advantage
Join Jason Bloomfield, Global Head of Talent Acquisition Transformation at Ericsson, as he shares his expertise in revitalizing HR for a 149-year-old company. Discover how a failed global HR tool became a turning point for building a people-first culture. Jason highlights the importance of authentic empathy in leadership, the need for a global feedback loop, and why traditional five-year strategies are outdated. Dive into how skills intelligence and internal mobility can redefine talent retention in an AI-driven world.
26 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 39min
The 6-Month Talent Roadmap Every HR Leader Needs
Kristin Trecker, Chief People Officer at Visteon Corporation, dives into the transformative role of HR in the rapidly changing automotive industry. She emphasizes that HR must shift from a support role to acting as product managers, aligning talent strategies closely with business goals. Kristin discusses Visteon's innovative six-month capability roadmap, the need for performance calibration, and how HR should evolve into performance coaches. She also highlights the importance of a cultural shift towards rewarding impact and the essential leadership qualities for a tech-driven future.
13 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 47min
Why Hyper-Personalization Is the Ultimate HR Advantage in 2026
Ayaskant Sarangi, CHRO of Mphasis and a technology-savvy HR leader, discusses the transformative power of AI in HR. He explains how hyper-personalization can enhance employee experiences through tailored learning and internal mobility. Ayaskant emphasizes the importance of understanding business dynamics, stating that engaged employees drive client satisfaction. He redefines onboarding as a process of assimilation and discusses the role of continuous listening, tech innovations, and change orchestration in shaping HR's future.
6 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 14min
How Lloyds Builds Leaders for the AI Era
In this discussion, Sharon Doherty, Chief People and Places Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, delves into how companies can lead amid the AI revolution. She emphasizes prioritizing substance over show and the importance of purposeful leadership. Insights into global executive learning trips highlight real-world AI applications. Sharon introduces 'AI ninjas'—reverse mentors aiding leaders in their AI journey. The conversation underscores the need for trust and transparency in leadership, while stressing three cultural mainstays that keep organizations strong during times of change.
20 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 11min
Inside McDonald’s Culture Strategy
In this engaging discussion, Emilee F. DeMartino, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for McDonald's International Operated Markets, shares insights on nurturing a people-first culture across 120+ markets. She reveals how AI revolutionized hiring, slashing time from three days to just three minutes while doubling applications. Emilee also emphasizes the importance of values like integrity and inclusion, how listening shapes their approach, and the significance of cultural norms in enhancing collaboration and driving strategic growth.
5 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 12min
How LEGO Is Getting Ready for 2026 (and What HR Must Copy)
Kent Frederiksen, Vice President and Head of Rewards at LEGO, discusses the company's proactive approach to upcoming EU pay transparency rules. He emphasizes that transparency goes beyond compliance; it’s about building trust and ownership for employees. Kent reveals the challenges organizations face, such as messy data and needing a solid job structure. He shares insights on LEGO’s six-year journey in global equal pay analyses and why HR must shift to a partnership mentality to succeed in this new landscape.
15 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 10min
Why AI Fails Without Psychological Safety (and How to Fix It)
In this conversation, Raj Verma, Chief Culture, Inclusion and Employee Experience Officer at Sanofi, dives into the crucial intersection of culture and AI adoption. He emphasizes that culture is a verb and explains how intentional behavior shapes AI transformation. Raj discusses the significance of psychological safety, enabling employees to embrace AI tools without fear. He also highlights the role of recognition in fostering belonging and detecting biases, pointing out how these strategies contribute to a successful, human-centered workplace.
12 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 9min
The New Rules of Leadership in 2026 (and What You Must Stop Tolerating)
Frédéric Patitucci, Chief People & Culture Officer at Philip Morris International, shares insights on transforming PMI from a traditional tobacco company to a smoke-free, science-driven business. He discusses the co-creation of PMI DNA with over 350 employees, emphasizing accountability through defining undesirable behaviors. Frédéric explains how culture accelerates organizational change, drives responsible AI adoption, and embeds values into daily work. His vision highlights the importance of grassroots movements in reshaping corporate culture and leadership accountability.
7 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 16min
How to Build a Responsible AI Ecosystem
In this discussion, Michiel van Duin, Chief People Technology, Data and Insights Officer at Novartis, shares insights on building a human-centered AI ecosystem. He explains the collaboration between HR, IT, and corporate strategy to ensure AI aligns with business goals. Michiel reveals how Novartis developed the 'Ask Novartis' AI assistant and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a 'human-in-the-loop' approach for sensitive issues. He also discusses the need to upskill HR and build governance frameworks for responsible AI use.
