

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

23 snips
May 6, 2025 • 55min
How to Simplify Your HR Tech Stack
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.

10 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 42min
How AI Is Transforming Talent Acquisition
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.

30 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 39min
How to Plan CEO Succession the Right Way
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.

38 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 51min
How to Treat Employees Like Customers
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.

37 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 58min
How Apple Designed Its Learning 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.

13 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 42min
Coaching Tools Every HR Leader Needs in 2026
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Carmen Barboza, PHR, CPCC, Chief Human Resources Officer at Crowell & Moring, to explore how clarity, curiosity, and courage are shaping the future of HR leadership.Carmen shares how her coaching background influences her leadership style, how she builds trust during uncertainty, and why direct conversations can transform workplace culture.🎓 In this episode, Carmen discusses:How radical candor and trust fuel innovationLeading through uncertainty with transparencyWhy clarity is kindness in leadership communicationBuilding resilience through self-awareness and reflectionCreating safe, curious cultures with strong coaching practicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 32min
How to Launch AI in the Workplace
Jenni Kovach, Chief People Officer at IGS Energy, and Adam Luck, Senior Director and cybersecurity expert, dive into the world of AI in the workplace. They advocate for a human-first approach to AI governance, emphasizing comfort and voluntary adoption over mandates. The duo discusses building psychological safety during AI rollouts and the significance of cross-functional AI steering committees. They also reveal how internal tools, like ChatGPT, can enhance productivity and foster employee engagement amidst technological change.

Apr 3, 2025 • 39min
How to Lead Across Different Cultures
Helene Hasselskog, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sweco, is a leader in tackling the challenges of talent management in engineering. She discusses how Sweco is refining its leadership philosophy to bridge cultural gaps and balance empathy with performance. Helene highlights innovative strategies for addressing the talent shortage and fostering a cohesive culture amidst a decentralized organization. Their journey emphasizes shared values, mentorship, and the importance of aligning HR with business goals to navigate the complexities of global workforce dynamics.

Apr 1, 2025 • 33min
How McDonald’s Builds a Strong Workplace Culture
Emilee F. DeMartino, the International Chief People Officer for McDonald's, oversees HR for 750,000 employees across 15 markets. She discusses fostering a culture of care and the significance of meaningful recognition in the workplace. Emilee highlights the use of predictive analytics for optimizing workforce planning and shares insights on how digital innovations are reshaping employee experiences. Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and building strong community connections while navigating corporate challenges.

12 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 44min
How to Balance Empathy and Strategy in HR
Anisha Thomas, the Head of People at Inscribe AI, dives into the complex dance of empathy and strategy in HR. She discusses the emotional challenges of conducting reductions in force while maintaining transparent communication. Anisha illustrates how AI can enhance workforce efficiency and emphasizes the importance of trust within leadership teams. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of HR and the balance needed between innovative technology and the human touch in nurturing workplace culture.


