Future of HR

How can AI unlock HR’s potential? Why is it important that HR leaders are agile now and in the future? My guest on this episode is Christy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.During our conversation Christy and I discuss:How her early career at Pepsi taught her the importance of servant leadership and shaped her approach to HRWhy it’s important for an organization to stay focused and never lose sight of why they exist.Why HR leaders need to be present and visible to build trust and hear real feedback from employees.Her optimistic view of AI as a tool for unlocking HR’s full potentialHer widely shared LinkedIn post “Letter to My Younger Self” and the five lessons she wishes she learned earlier in her HR career.Connecting with Christy: Connect with Christy Pambianchi on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How do you create, shape, and strengthen your career brand?Why is showing up in the small moments is key to creating a strong presence?My guest on this episode is Lorraine Lee, Author of “Unforgettable Presence,” Keynote Speaker, Instructor at LinkedIn Learning and StanfordDuring our conversation Lorraine and I discuss:How she transitioned from her corporate career in tech to becoming an award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn instructor, and author.Why adopting a “CEO of your own career” mindset is essential for professional growthHow HR leaders build a strong, authentic presence on LinkedIn, even if you’re just starting out.How you can use her EPIC Career Brand Framework to achieve your career goals. How the “Think-Do-Feel Matrix” helps you prepare, understand, and connect with your audience.Connecting with Lorraine: Connect with Lorraine Lee on LinkedInLearn more about Lorraine or buy Unforgettable PresenceEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

Due to the US holiday, 4th of July, I am re-publishing one of our greatest hits and most popular episodes. The “Best of 2024” episode features sixteen don’t miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who…So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode? Rhonda Morris, CHRO, ChevronJeffrey Pfeffer, Professor Stanford University and Author of 16 books including the “7 Rules of PowerKerrie Peraino, Chief People Officer at VerilyKevin Wilde, Executive Leadership and Talent Development Expert & AuthorKelly Monahan, Managing Director, Research Institute at UpworkDave Ulrich, Bob Eichinger, and Allan ChurchLybra Clemons, a C-Suite executive with experience leading talent, culture, and DEI Shaun Mayo, Chief People Officer, Arizona Cardinals Football ClubAmy Kates, Organization Design Expert, Consultant, Educator, and Author of Five BooksKevin Cox, Founder and President of LKC Advisory & Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South CarolinaJordana Kammerud, SVP & CHRO, CorningLucien Alziari, EVP and CHRO of Prudential Financial, IncGinger King, CHRO, Kohler Co.Tim Richmond, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, AbbVieStephanie Lilak, EVP & Chief People Officer, Mondelez InternationalPrasad Setty, Lecturer, Stanford GSB, Advisor, Former VP at Google, People Ops and WorkspaceEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can you build your brand on LinkedIn while being true to who you are?Why should you be transparent about performance expectations with new hires?My guest on this episode is Melanie Naranjo, Chief People Officer at EthenaDuring our conversation Melanie and I discuss:What it’s like to lead HR at an HR tech company and why Melanie recommends the experience to other HR professionals.How she built her personal brand on LinkedIn to over 60,000+ followers by being authentic and real. Melanie’s advice on how to effectively partner with your CEO to drive the business forward.How being transparent about high-performance expectations—and consequences for poor performance—creates a culture of clarity and trust.How learning in public promotes accountability and builds network and community.Connecting with Melanie: Connect with Melanie Naranjo on LinkedInCheck out Melanie who is a frequent guest on Ethena’s podcast, “We’re Not Recording” hosted by CEO of Ethena, Roxanne Petraeus.Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

Anita Graham, EVP & CHRO for Labcorp, is a seasoned HR leader with experience guiding four Fortune 500 companies. She shares insights on the importance of a 'People P&L' in aligning HR strategies with business objectives. Anita emphasizes the necessity for early-career professionals to take initiative and remain open to opportunities. She discusses building a high-performing HR team and the significance of intentional career choices. Tune in to discover how proactivity and strategic alignment can drive organizational success.

How can you find your “green zone” and stay grounded during times of stress?Why does leadership quality matter — especially during transformations?My guest on this episode is Dianne Armstrong, President, Armstrong Performance ConsultingDuring our conversation Dianne and I discuss:Why leadership gaps matter and how overlooking poor leadership can cost organizations dearly.Why leadership development can be a significant driver of business transformation.What "green zone leadership" is and how leaders can stay grounded during times of organizational chaos.How chronic stress affects the brain, decision-making, and leadership behavior—and what leaders can do about it.The practical strategies HR leaders and executives can use to shift out of the "red zone" and into the "green zone."Connecting with Dianne: Connect with Dianne Armstrong on LinkedInLearn more about Armstrong Performance ConsultingEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

What does it mean to be a business leader with HR expertise?How can you reinforce and shape a people-first culture at scale?My guest on this episode is Tim Hourigan, recently retired Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Home Depot. During our conversation Tim and I discuss:How a curiosity for the “people side” of the business changed the course of Tim’s careerWhy HR leaders should strive to be “business professionals with HR expertise,” not the other way aroundHow Home Depot’s iconic value wheel guides the company’s people-first cultureThe power of storytelling to build and reinforce company cultureWhy he believes as HR evolves in the future, we should not forget the “human” in human resourcesLearn more about Home Depot’s Culture:Learn more about Home Depot’s values, inverted pyramid, and three-legged stoolEpisode Sponsor:Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How is AI redefining the way we learn? Why are simulations a powerful tool to close skill gaps?My guest on this episode is John Sangimino, Associate Director, Learning Design Center of Excellence at McKinsey & CompanyDuring our conversation John and I discuss:The three essential truths of learning design—and why all learning is experientialThe behavioral science behind why people don’t always apply new skills after trainingWhy behavior change is the true measure and outcome of impactful learningHow AI is impacting cognitive skills, judgment, and career capitalThe power of simulation-based learning—from VR scenarios to structured feedback exercises—as a way to close skill gapsHow to design useful and high-impact simulations that build key skills Connecting with John: Connect with John Sangimino on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can HR lead transformations that stick? Why are “soft skills” the new “power skills”?My guest on this episode is Laura Cushing, Chief People Experience Officer, Pacific LifeDuring our conversation Laura and I discuss:Why HR leaders need to be “comfortable, being uncomfortable” and how it can accelerate your career.How HR can play a critical role in defining the “from/to” of organizational transformation and drive business performance.How HR can utilize strategic workforce planning to create value and impact. Why she calls influence and other so-called “soft skills” true “power skills” that will define the future of work—especially in the age of AI.Connecting with Laura: Connect with Laura Cushing on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How will digital coaching impact the future of work?How can HR leaders leverage digital coaching to accelerate development?My guest on this episode is Anna Tavis, Department Chair, NYU, Human Capital Management & co-author, The Digital Coaching RevolutionDuring our conversation Anna and I discuss:How the four essential pillars of modern coaching—personalization, democratization, access, and scale have all accelerated through digital technology.Why coaching is evolving from an executive-only perk to an organization-wide resource powered by AI.Why AI coaching tools complement rather than replace managers, helping them better support their teams.Why organizations will start using coaching data for powerful insights that outperform traditional employee surveys.How L&D must shift from centralized approaches to personalized, in-the-moment learning experiences.Connecting with Anna:Connect with Anna Tavis on LinkedInLearn more about the NYC Coaching & Technology Summit 2025 (July 7 & 8)Episode Sponsor:Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.