

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

Jan 26, 2023 • 46min
The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World, with Dorie Clark
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Dorie Clark to discuss her book, The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. We also discuss how to create priorities with the future in mind, how to learn how to rethink failure and the importance of learning the art of strategic patience.Dorie Clark has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, and was recognized as the #1 Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards. Clark, a consultant and keynote speaker, teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School, and she is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine. A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, Clark has been described by the New York Times as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” A frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, she consults and speaks for clients including Google, Microsoft, and the World Bank.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro05:00 Dorie’s journey to starting her own business08:14 The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World13:14 The steps you can take to implement your long-term strategy19:55 How to create priorities with the future in mind24:42 How to learn how to rethink failure29:04 How to make the right kind of tradeoffs33:05 Learning the art of strategic patience41:25 The one thing you should take away from Dorie’s book44:56 Dorie’s parting piece of advice for the HR Leaders of tomorrowHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 24, 2023 • 40min
The Crucial Role HR Plays in Healthcare, with Angela Ryan
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Angela Ryan to discuss the crucial role that HR plays in healthcare. We also discuss the evolving role of the HR function and why you should see people and the organization as a duality and not a paradox.Angela Ryan is the Group Chief Human Resources Officer at IHH Healthcare. Angela joined IHH Healthcare Bhd (IHH) as Group Chief Human Resources Officer with 25 years of global HR experience and expertise in creating people-centered organisational, cultural and HR transformation. Prior to joining IHH, Angela was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources (Asia Pacific and the Middle East) at Fox Networks Group (The Walt Disney Company). Preceding this, she served for 11 years with GroupM (WPP Plc), a leading global media investment company, holding various leadership roles including Global Chief Human Resources and Talent Officer.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro01:50 Angela’s journey to Group Chief Human Resources Officer at HH Healthcare08:14 The evolving panorama of the healthcare industry13:35 HR in the healthcare industry18:35 The key HR issues facing healthcare right now22:05 How IHH is combatting talent shortages26:37 Why we should see people and organisations as a duality, not a paradox36:00 HR Leaders quick fire roundHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 20, 2023 • 37min
The Building Blocks of The LEGO Group's DE&I Strategy, with Lauren von Stackelberg
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Lauren von Stackelberg to discuss the building blocks of The LEGO Group's diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. We also discuss how to implement enterprise-wide DE&I, how to shift thinking from competition to collaboration in the DE&I space, and how The LEGO Group are translating DE&I work into its products and customer experience.Lauren is the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at The LEGO Group. She is an entrepreneurial Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) leader, founder, board member, and charity trustee with experience in complex, multinational environments across six continents in Consumer, Manufacturing, Technology, Travel and Financial Services. as well as being one of the youngest women ever to join the executive leadership team of a FTSE 250 company.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro00:58 Lauren's journey to Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at The LEGO Group04:07 How to implement enterprise-wide DE&I07:10 The building blocks of DE&I09:24 Laura’s key takeaways from LEGO’s listening tour15:00 How to shift thinking from competition to collaboration17:02 How to translate DEI work into your products and customer experience24:58 How to incorporate intersectionality into your DE&I work27:06 What Laura knows now that she wishes she did when she started29:10 HR Leaders quickfire roundHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 19, 2023 • 39min
Remote Work at Yelp: How a Fully Distributed Team is Changing the Game, with Carmen Whitney Orr
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Carmen Whitney Orr to discuss remote work at Yelp: how a fully distributed team is changing the game. We also discuss how Yelp has embraced remote work, how to leverage data to make people-first decisions and attracting and retaining top talent during periods of transition.Carmen Whitney Orr is the Chief People Officer at Yelp Inc. Carmen joined Yelp in 2022 to lead People Operations. She is an accomplished human resources executive with over 20 years experience helping employees and global organizations succeed. Prior to Yelp, Carmen served as Vice President of Global People Operations & Development at eBay. She was also a Human Resources Director at Home Depot where she provided strategic direction for a variety of operational and corporate functions. Carmen holds a B.A. in Spanish and International Relations from Colby College, an MBA in International Business from Bentley University, and is certified in Executive Coaching through Columbia University.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro01:58 Carmen’s journey to Chief People Officer at Yelp06:15 Yelp’s value-led purpose08:40 How Yelp has embraced remote work12:12 How to make people-first decisions15:09 Leading a team in a people-first culture19:52 The biggest challenge Carmen has faced in moving to a fully remote workplace26:16 Attracting and retaining top talent during periods of transition32:38 HR Leaders quickfire roundHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 12, 2023 • 46min
Inside Out: Championing The People First Vision, with Donald Knight
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Donald Knight to discuss the concept of inside out: champtioning the people first vision. We also discussed how to turn talent into competitive advantage, how Greenhouse Software are reimagining what it means to be a healthy organization, and the four stages of allyship.Donald Knight is the Chief People Officer at Greenhouse Software. He is a strategic HR Leader with over 14 years of experience leading people strategies with a focus on hiring, nurturing and optimizing talent at a global level. He has held a number of senior positions including SVP of People at Edelman and Senior Director of Human Resources at Equifax. He has a passion for building high-performance teams and strengthening company culture which has allowed him to drive change where it truly matters.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro05:39 How to turn talent into a competitive advantage09:32 Learn to unlock the potential of hiring12:14 What being people first actually means19:04 What it means to be a healthy organization23:42 How to create an inclusive hiring process26:20 How to optimize the potential of DE&I in your organisation30:09 The four stages of allyship38:20 The best way to engage people43:13 Donald’s parting piece of advice for the HR Leaders of tomorrowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 10, 2023 • 44min
HR Leaders: This is How You Influence the Business, with Jodi Weintraub
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Jodi Weintraub to discuss how to influence your business, as well as how to advocate for your organization’s needs and the ways in which Jodi thinks the role of HR is changing.Jodi Weintraub is the Global CPO at GroupM Nexus. She is a member of the executive committee and leads the global people strategy across 60+ markets. She spent most of her HR career in both established and start-up technology and professional services firms and focuses her energies on driving efforts that impact business outcomes.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro01:30 What you can learn from Jodi’s inca trail08:54 Change the way your employees think about career paths12:07 The one thing most managers don’t do14:13 How to prepare for difficult situations18:22 Learn how to take a step back26:05 How to advocate for your organization’s needs31:40 How the role of HR has changed34:17 How to lead through influenceHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 6, 2023 • 34min
How to Build a Sustainable Culture of Wellbeing, with Kathleen O'Driscoll
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Kathleen O'Driscoll to discuss how to build a sustainable culture of wellbeing, as well as the steps you can take to combine global strategy with local engagement when it comes to employee mental health coordination.Kathleen O'Driscoll is the current Vice President of Human Resources - Global Benefits, Wellbeing & HR Policy at Cognizant. Kathleen has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, with a focus on benefits and global finance. Prior to her current role, she were the Vice President of Business Group on Health, where she oversaw the strategic direction and development of the Global Institute. Kathleen has also held senior HR positions at Honeywell and Seton Hall University.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro03:05 Kathleen’s journey to Vice President HR, Global Benefits, Wellbeing and HR Policy at Cognizant06:15 Redefining the role of employee wellbeing10:09 The four dimensions of wellbeing12:40 The step managers can take to support employee wellbeing15:45 The importance of communicating benefits to employees18:15 How to decide what to dedicate your resources to23:19 How to balance global wellbeing strategy with local relevance28:19 Why is well-being no longer table stakes32:58 Kathleen’s advice for the HR Leaders of tomorrowHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 3, 2023 • 39min
How To Use The 'Power Of Yet' To Encourage Growth and Learning at Work, with John Ferguson
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by John Ferguson to discuss how to use the 'power of yet' to encourage learning and growth at work. We also discuss how to build transparent relationships in the workplace and the biggest challenges John has faced as a CHRO.John Ferguson currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for NASCAR, the American Auto Racing sanctioning and operating company that is best known for stock car racing. Before Nascar, John served in HR roles at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) in Washington, D.C. and most recently as Vice President of People & Culture. While at MSE, he led the HR function for six sports team properties, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals and Washington Mystics, four facilities, including Capital One Arena, and more than 2,500 employees.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro02:25 John’s journey to CHRO at Nascar07:33 Representation at Nascar11:01 How to use the 'power of yet' to encourage learning and growth at work15:48 How to build transparent relationships in the workplace21:39 How to create a culture of growth mindset in the workplace27:21 The biggest challenge John has faced as a CHRO30:51 How to build relationships in the workplace33:30 HR leaders quick fire round38:02 John’s parting piece of advice for the HR Leaders of tomorrowHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 15, 2022 • 32min
The Major Challenges Facing DE&I in the Workplace, with Felizitas Lichtenberg
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Felizitas Lichtenberg to discuss the biggest challenges facing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as how SumUp link their DE&I and ESG strategies to support education for unemployed youth and minority groups and her top advice for DE&I Leaders entering the role for the first time.Felizitas Lichtenberg is the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion (and working on Sustainability) at SumUp. She is an expert in systemic transactional analysis and change management. She has Eurasian roots and lived in Germany, USA, France and UK. Felizitas has a commercial background and experience in driving diversity and inclusion on a local and global level at Vodafone and most recently SumUp.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro02:40 Felizitas' journey to Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion (and working on Sustainability)08:13 How SumUp is linking its DE&I and Sustainability programs12:15 Think about how you communicate DE&I efforts16:08 The main challenges facing DE&I in the workplace18:34 The psychology behind OK positions24:40 The three things new DE&I leaders need to know29:44 Felizitas' parting piece of advice for the HR Leaders of tomorrowHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 8, 2022 • 38min
Walgreens Boots Alliance's Unapologetically Human Approach to Leadership, with Holly May
In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast I'm joined by Holly May to discuss how Walgreens Boots Alliance is creating an unapologetically human approach to leadership, and how Holly is using radical vulnerability to support mental health in the workplace.Holly May is the EVP & Global CHRO at the Wallgreens Boots Alliance. She is responsible for the strategy and direction of innovative global HR programs, policies and practices that support WBA’s business goals and initiatives and for ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all team members. Most recently, May served as Global Chief Human Resources Officer for Abercrombie & Fitch Co., managing all aspects of HR and ESG efforts across the company. She previously worked for Starbucks as Senior Vice President of Global Total Rewards and Service Delivery, responsible for consulting with the company’s board of directors and executive leadership team on the strategic direction of Starbucks’ global compensation and benefits portfolio. Prior to her time at Starbucks, May served in human resources leadership roles of increasing responsibility at ING, Voya Financial and Visa Inc., as an HR business partner and leading Rewards, DE&I and HR strategy.👉 Subscribe to HR Leaders: http://bit.ly/2wFkCEq🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform: https://art19.com/shows/hr-leaders-podcast👤 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisraineyhrEpisode highlights00:00 Intro04:08 Holly’s journey to EVP & Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance08:08 What looking after a "whole" employee actually means12:10 How to create an unapologetically human approach to leadership20:39 How to use radical vulnerability to support mental health in the workplace23:18 How Holly implements leading vulnerability in the workplace28:11 How to measure the success of your mental health programmes30:24 Why so many companies get communication wrong32:20 HR Leaders quick fire roundHead over to our website to access the resources mentioned in this episode: www.hrleaders.co/podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


