In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, I spoke with DJ Casto, Chief HR Officer at Synchrony, about the hidden costs of deprioritising employee wellbeing - and the immense benefits of making it a strategic priority.👉 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/chrisraineyhr/See Greatness Everywhere with EightfoldPowered by deep-learning AI, Eightfold’s unrivalled Talent Intelligence Platform shows you what you need, when you need it. Whether you’re finding or developing talent, their skills-driven approach backed by their unparalleled talent insights enables the outcomes you need to stay ahead. Explore the Platform: https://hubs.li/Q02jjSsT0Episode highlights00:00 - Introduction01:27 - Synchrony's focus on employee wellbeing06:15 - Supporting mental health beyond physical health08:08 - Challenges of remote contact centre work09:31 - How the 60-second brakes work12:03 - Integrating Thrive's approach into workflow13:43 - Customizable wellbeing solutions for each role15:32 - Building a diverse roster of wellbeing coaches17:36 - Making it easy and safe for employees to access coaches22:32 - Importance of confidentiality with outside partners23:59 - Taking a proactive approach to mental health25:46 - Becoming a better leader through parenthood28:44 - Rethinking parental leave policies31:45 - Precious bonding moments supported by the company33:08 - Providing support when parents return to work35:19 - Addressing childcare breakdowns with flexibility38:08 - Being open and agile with benefit innovations40:27 - Staying focused on serving employees' needsAbout HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Acclaimed Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson discusses productive learning from failures and mistakes. Explore different types of failures, the significance of speaking up, and creating a safe environment. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and hire resilient individuals.

Andrew Saidy, Vice President of Global Talent at Ubisoft, discusses the advantages of using a talent marketplace for organizations and employees, as well as the impact of skills on the employee lifecycle. The importance of leadership support for implementing a talent marketplace and the value of a talent marketplace in a hybrid work environment are also explored.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Andrea Archer, Senior Director of HR at Altria, shares hard-won lessons on driving progressive change in manufacturing, from empowering frontline staff to overhauling legacy leadership styles to better support mental health and wellbeing.👉 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/chrisraineyhr/See Greatness Everywhere with EightfoldPowered by deep-learning AI, Eightfold’s unrivaled Talent Intelligence Platform shows you what you need, when you need it. Whether you’re finding or developing talent, their skills-driven approach backed by our unparalleled talent insights enables the outcomes you need to stay ahead. Explore the Platform: https://hubs.li/Q02jjSsT0Episode highlights00:00 - Episode highlight00:50 - Andrea's career background and tenure02:15 - Evolution of the HR profession04:34 - Knowing the business deeply07:51 - Influencing leadership and showing value10:24 - Adopting hybrid work in manufacturing13:24 - Empowering frontline manufacturing staff18:32 - Supporting mental health and wellbeing22:32 - Transitioning to servant leadership25:35 - Adapting leadership style for the future30:24 - Keys to success for future HR leadersAbout HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Communication expert Matt Abrahams discusses strategies to speak successfully when put on the spot. He emphasizes the importance of spontaneous speaking and reframing small talk. The value of being interested in others and asking questions is explored, along with techniques for preparing to speak in front of a group. The impact of AI on communication is also discussed, including the need to balance AI with human connection.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Elena Gallo, VP HR at Paramount. She shares how their data-driven D&I strategy is increasing revenue, safety, and engagement. Hear insights on the business case for D&I, putting global initiatives into local action, responsible on-screen representation, and why this work requires patience alongside quick wins. Elena also advises organizations to stay curious rather than defensive on their own D&I journeys. Tune in to discover practical steps any business can take to foster equity.👉 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/chrisraineyhr/See Greatness Everywhere with EightfoldPowered by deep-learning AI, Eightfold’s unrivaled Talent Intelligence Platform shows you what you need, when you need it. Whether you’re finding or developing talent, their skills-driven approach backed by our unparalleled talent insights enables the outcomes you need to stay ahead. Explore the Platform: https://hubs.li/Q02jjSsT0Episode highlights00:00 - Episode highlight00:54 - The business case for investing in D&I03:34 - Practical D&I efforts at Paramount04:16 - Tailoring ERG topics locally05:44 - Challenges implementing global D&I06:50 - What diversity means in different cultures08:06 - Biggest challenge localizing D&I strategies10:01 - Getting leadership buy-in on long-term D&I10:51 - Collecting and analysing D&I data12:29 - Challenges getting clean HR data historically13:00 - Building trust to collect sensitive employee data13:36 - Regaining versus losing trust13:49 - Upcoming D&I priorities at Paramount14:05 - Connecting D&I and ESG commitments14:21 - D&I focus depends on company and sector17:00 - Representing diversity responsibly in content17:26 - Extending D&I expectations to partners18:15 - Importance of intentional inclusion across employee lifecycle20:01 - Key to enabling genuine inclusion20:44 - Elena's advice to others on the D&I journey21:18 - Where to connect with ElenaAbout HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Erica Keswin, Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author, to shed new light on employee engagement in today's diverse workplace.👉 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/chrisraineyhr/See Greatness Everywhere with EightfoldPowered by deep-learning AI, Eightfold’s unrivaled Talent Intelligence Platform shows you what you need, when you need it. Whether you’re finding or developing talent, their skills-driven approach backed by our unparalleled talent insights enables the outcomes you need to stay ahead. Explore the Platform: https://hubs.li/Q02jjSsT0Episode highlights00:00 - Episode highlight and introduction01:02 - Erica's Background in HR and Human Capital01:36 - Inspiration Behind "The Retention Revolution"03:01 - Work Evolution and Flexibility Post-Pandemic03:12 - Keeping Employees Connected in Hybrid Work Environments03:59 - The Importance of Human Connection in the Workplace06:07 - The Role of Intentional Connections in Innovation and Culture06:37 - Kevin Kniffin's Firehouse Study07:44 - From Old Ideas to New Beginnings in Workplace Dynamics07:55 - From Ladders to Lilypads12:22 - Developing Future Skills and Talent Mobility13:08 - Talent Mobility and Mentorship Programs in Siemens and Ubisoft14:09 - Change Management and Managerial Mindset Shifts15:31 - Elevating and Celebrating the Role of Managers17:53 - Recognizing and Rewarding Managers18:20 - L'Oreal's People Manager Town hall and Learning Development19:17 - Managerial Challenges and Opportunities for Connection19:39 - Practical Tools for Manager and Employee Engagement21:04 - Maintaining Humanity in Leadership and Management23:07 - Implementing Connection Strategies in Schools24:29 - Key Takeaways from Erica's Book26:48 - Vulnerability, Empathy, and Experimentation in Leadership27:31 - Connecting with Erica and Closing RemarksAbout HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Steven Van Cohen, a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author and Partner at SyncLX. Steven brings valuable insights from his extensive experience as a leadership consultant, particularly in the context of creating cohesive teams and addressing workplace loneliness.👉 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/chrisraineyhr/See Greatness Everywhere with EightfoldPowered by deep-learning AI, Eightfold’s unrivaled Talent Intelligence Platform shows you what you need, when you need it. Whether you’re finding or developing talent, their skills-driven approach backed by our unparalleled talent insights enables the outcomes you need to stay ahead. Explore the Platform: https://hubs.li/Q02jjSsT0Episode highlights00:00 - Episode Highlight00:23 - Welcoming Steven Van Cohen00:31 - Steve’s Journey in Leadership and HR Consulting03:26 - The Role of Pandemic in Workplace Dynamics04:52 - Addressing Workplace Loneliness06:45 - Awareness of Loneliness in the Workplace08:59 - The Science Behind Loneliness10:13 - Major Factors Driving Workplace Loneliness12:27 - Communication vs. Connection in Remote Work13:23 - Structured Time for Team Bonding15:50 - The ‘Boosters and Blockers’ Exercise16:23 - The Significance Effect in Leadership18:27 - Practical Examples of the Significance Effect20:31 - The Power of Recognition and ‘Crush Sessions’21:30 - Simple, Impactful Strategies for Connection23:34 - The Role of Energy and Emotions in Connection25:54 - Influencing Through Vulnerability28:23 - Effectively Communicating in Leadership30:08 - Promoting Collaborative Problem-Solving32:27 - Where to Grab a Copy of the BookAbout HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Geri Morgan, Chief People Officer at Intellum, about crafting a purpose-driven and personalized employee experience.👉 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/chrisraineyhr/See Greatness Everywhere with EightfoldPowered by deep-learning AI, Eightfold’s unrivaled Talent Intelligence Platform shows you what you need, when you need it. Whether you’re finding or developing talent, their skills-driven approach backed by our unparalleled talent insights enables the outcomes you need to stay ahead. Explore the Platform: https://hubs.li/Q02jjSsT0Episode highlights00:00 - Episode highlight01:30 - Geri's background in HR03:00 - What attracted Jerry to Intellum05:00 - Intellum's mission to improve learning07:00 - Importance of mission for engagement09:00 - Bringing values to life in the culture11:00 - Evolving needs beyond work schedule13:00 - Personalized wellbeing strategies15:00 - Supporting connections remotely17:00 - Technology enabling engagement19:00 - Preparing leaders for connections21:00 - Low-cost cultural connection activities23:00 - Emerging HR trends25:00 - Upskilling to address talent gaps27:00 - Incorporating AI thoughtfully29:00 - Advice for future HR leadersAbout HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Helen Russell, the Chief People Officer at Rivian. She joined us to share how Rivian successfully maintained its aspirational culture while experiencing explosive growth, scaling from 1,000 to over 16,000 employees in just a few years. Stay tuned for some fascinating insights!👉 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/chrisraineyhr/See Greatness Everywhere with EightfoldPowered by deep-learning AI, Eightfold’s unrivaled Talent Intelligence Platform shows you what you need, when you need it. Whether you’re finding or developing talent, their skills-driven approach backed by our unparalleled talent insights enables the outcomes you need to stay ahead. Explore the Platform: https://hubs.li/Q02jjSsT0Episode highlights00:00 - Episode highlight01:30 - Helen's background04:00 - Making the leap into startups06:00 - What is Rivian and the culture it embodies08:30 - Embedding culture into every process11:30 - Retaining culture while scaling rapidly14:30 - Hiring leaders fit for a scaling environment17:00 - The importance of first-principles thinking19:30 - Anticipating milestones to motivate teams22:00 - Balancing working in and on the business24:30 - Taking time to ensure strong hiring27:00 - Evolving HR in a startup environment29:30 - The personal challenges amidst hypergrowthAbout HR Leaders Podcast: Join Chris Rainey as he chats with the world's top Chief People Officers, CHRO’s and industry experts who share their experience, insights, lessons learned and how they are shaping the future of work for business and society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.