Kelly Monahan, Managing Director at Upwork's Research Institute, and Christie Smith, Founder of The Humanity Studio, discuss the essence of 'Essential Leaders' in the evolving workplace. They describe 'gray collar' jobs, merging physical and digital skills, as key to future economic development. The conversation delves into the pitfalls of creating unrealistic 'unicorn jobs' and emphasizes the importance of employee agency and autonomy. They argue that leaders should focus on their teams' needs and effectively integrate AI into the human-centric work culture.

How can you build a culture where employees feel valued and heard? Why is acting on feedback critical to building trust and improving business performance? My guest on this episode is Carolyn Roach, Chief Human Resources Officer, XPODuring our conversation Carolyn and I discuss: How XPO aligns its HR strategy to support and drive business strategy.Why XPO's approach to listening, actioning, building trust, and recognition creates a culture where employees feel valued and heard.How XPO translates employee feedback into concrete action plans, creating a culture where team members know their voices drive real organizational change.How XPO is leveraging communications and recognition to strengthen their company culture.Carolyn's advice to HR leaders whose organizations are undergoing transformational change.Connecting with Carolyn: Connect with Carolyn Roach 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.

How will AI shape the future of hiring from a candidate and company perspective? How can AI to help us assess skills and human potential in the hiring process? My guest on this episode is Lindsey Zuloaga, Chief Data Scientist, HireVueDuring our conversation Lindsey and I discuss: Why she calls herself a techno-realist and what that means.Why it is a misconception that AI, not humans make the final hiring decisionsHow evaluating and testing AI tools can prevent falling prey to overhyped, ineffective solutions.The potential of AI to remove traditional biases in the hiring process.How focusing on potential and assessing skills over past experience can transform hiring practices.Connecting with Lindsey: Connect with Lindsey Zuloaga 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.

The “Best of 2024” episode features sixteen don’t miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders...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 DEIShaun 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 leaders

Why do HR leaders need to be talent mavens, employee advocates, and company defenders? How can you shift from a cost mindset to a return on investment mindset?My guest on this episode is Jackson Lynch, CHRO at Sunnova and founder of the “Talent Sherpa” newsletterDuring our conversation Jackson and I discuss: Why you need to meet the business where it is and not where you wish it would be.Why CHROs and CEOs need to be aligned on 'what good looks like' for an effective partnership.The three essential 'hats' HR leaders must wear: Talent Maven, Employee Advocate, and Company Defender.The role of business acumen in enabling HR leaders to predict outcomes and shape future work strategies.Why HR leaders need to shift from a cost to a return on investment mindset.Connecting with Jackson: Connect with Jackson Lynch on LinkedInLearn more or subscribe to Jackson’s newsletter, Talent SherpaEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

How can HR advocate and support their front-line leaders? Why is it a smart investment to develop your front-line leaders and team members?My guest on this episode is Monica Rothgery, Friend of the Frontline Leader, Speaker and Author of “Lessons from the Drive-Thru.”During our conversation Monica and I discuss: Monica's unique career journey at Yum Brands, progressing from restaurant manager to training leader to Chief Operating Officer for KFC in Thailand and the U.S.Her mission to help elevate, support, and develop front-line leaders across the worldThe importance of organizations developing management training programs that emphasize leadership, decision-making, and team empowermentThe critical role of face-to-face training and mentorship for frontline leadersHow HR leaders can ensure frontline leaders' voices are heard, even when they are not in the room. Connecting with Monica: Connect with Monica Rothgery on LinkedInLearn more about Monica and her work elevating front-line leadersEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

How can you balance the three roles of being an HR leader? What does it mean to be a servant HR leader?My guest on this episode is Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO, Board Director, AAPI Champion, & Keynote SpeakerDuring our conversation Angela and I discuss: How Angela transformed an experience early in her career into a lifelong leadership lesson.Why she believes the best HR leaders are technical experts, business focused and change agents.Her vision for "hyper-personalization" in employee experiences and how HR can practically implement this.Why she is passionate about paying it forward and helping others in their careers.Connecting with Angela: Connect with Angela Cheng-Cimini on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

Corey Keyes, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Emory University and author of "Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down," explores the concept of languishing, a state between depression and flourishing. He discusses the six domains of human excellence essential for wellbeing and the 'Five Vitamins of Flourishing.' Keyes emphasizes the importance of quality workplace relationships and how supportive environments can prevent emotional numbness, enhancing overall mental health and fulfillment.

How can your organization’s purpose drive culture change?In evolving your culture, how can you honor the past while embracing the future?My guest on this episode is Stacey Hoin, CHRO of Guardian Life who discusses why your company's purpose should be your north star and how it drives success.During our conversation Stacey and I discuss: How Stacey's willingness to bet on herself shaped her career trajectoryWhy Guardian defined its purpose as "Inspiring Well-Being" and how it drives their successHow Guardian invests in their customers' and colleagues' mental health and well-beingHow Guardian evolved its purpose, values, and leadership behaviors to honor its past while embracing its futureWhy empathy and compassion are core success factors for their colleagues' behaviorConnecting with Stacey: Connect with Stacey Hoin LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

What does it mean to be an AI-powered organization?How can AI help you to be a more strategic HR leader?My guest on this episode is Prasad Setty, Lecturer, Stanford GSB, Advisor, Former VP at Google, People Ops and Workspace.During our conversation Prasad and I discuss: How people analytics has evolved over the years and what’s nextWhat it really means to become an AI-powered organizationWhy you should view AI as your thought partner, not as your replacementReal life examples of how AI is helping HR to deliver more value to their organizationsWhy the future of HR will center on scaling human judgment, not replacing itConnecting with Prasad: Connect with Prasad Setty LinkedInEpisode Sponsor: Deeper Signals - Click here to get your free Core Drivers assessment and 14-day free trial! Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders