
HR Leaders
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.
Latest episodes

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.

Jun 17, 2025 • 46min
How HR Can Earn a Seat at the Executive Table
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jelena Djordjevic, Chief People Officer at Thumbtack, about building true business partnerships as a People leader in today’s unpredictable world.Jelena shares how HR leaders can balance empathy with business rigor, navigate rapid change, and create real accountability at the leadership table. She also reveals how Thumbtack is approaching AI adoption with both excitement and caution, building a culture that’s ready for the future.🎓 In this episode, Jelena discusses:Why hard conversations are the true job of HR leadersHow HR can build deep trust with CEOs and executivesBalancing empathy and business rigor in people strategyHow Thumbtack is approaching AI experimentation and adoptionThe importance of growth mindset and humility in adapting to rapid change🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Deel.Ready to streamline how you manage your global workforce? Book a demo today andsee how Deel can help improve your HR processes: https://www.deel.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hrleaders&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_hrleaders_podcast_hr-hrleaders-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-midroll-h125script_enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 43min
How to Build an AI-First HR Organization
Brandon Roberts, Group VP of People Analytics and AI at ServiceNow, shares his two-decade expertise in transforming HR through AI. He presents ServiceNow’s Four Point Plan, emphasizing real-time skills data and agile workforce management. Discussion centers on the need for HR to partner with IT, develop AI fluency, and rethink talent management for the AI landscape. Brandon also highlights the importance of reskilling HR teams and the cultural shift required to create AI-first organizations, ultimately enhancing employee experiences and driving efficiency.

Jun 12, 2025 • 50min
Why JUST Hiring DEI Leaders Won’t Fix Your Inclusion Problem
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Hannah Awonuga, Founder & CEO of Illume Executive Consulting, about how to unlock executive potential through inclusive leadership and authentic executive coaching.Hannah shares the biggest challenges HR leaders face when developing senior leaders, and why inclusion must be more than a program, it must be a mindset shift. This episode will reshape how you think about power, privilege, and the future of leadership development.🎓 In this episode, Hannah discusses:Why authenticity is critical to leadership influenceHow to create psychologically safe coaching spacesWhat HR gets wrong when working with senior leadershipReframing privilege and power as part of inclusive developmentHow executive coaching changes when inclusion becomes a non-negotiable🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Deel.Ready to streamline how you manage your global workforce? Book a demo today andsee how Deel can help improve your HR processes: https://www.deel.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hrleaders&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_hrleaders_podcast_hr-hrleaders-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-midroll-h125script_enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 10, 2025 • 40min
How to Build High-Performing Teams in 2026
Quilco Hasemann, Chief People & Culture Officer at OUTFITTERY, specializes in enhancing leadership through a strengths-based approach. He discusses how companies often mismanage people development and highlights the pivotal role of a strong company culture. The conversation delves into the necessity of AI experimentation in HR, the importance of leadership teams aligning in fast-paced environments, and how prioritizing psychological safety can transform team dynamics. Quilco promotes recognizing individual strengths as a pathway to greater collaboration and performance.

9 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 50min
Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship
Keith Ferrazzi, author and founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, explores the critical transition from traditional leadership to collaborative teamship. He discusses the ten shifts necessary for effective teamwork, emphasizing co-elevation over command-and-control. Keith highlights the importance of psychological safety and peer feedback for high performance. He shares insights on navigating AI's impact on team dynamics and reshaping HR strategies to enhance collaboration in today's workforce.

Jun 5, 2025 • 53min
How to Build Resilient Leaders in Fast-Paced Companies
Adam Lancaster, Founder & Chief Learning Officer at Alkemy, shares insights from his influential roles at Meta and Coupang. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness for first-time managers. The conversation highlights the shift in Learning & Development from programs to meaningful dialogues. Adam advocates for aligning HR with business goals and adapting strategies to dynamic environments. His practical tips for supporting new leaders in high-growth settings make this an engaging discussion on effective leadership.