Digital HR Leaders with David Green

Thomas Otter, General Partner at Acadian Ventures, brings a wealth of experience from SAP and Gartner to discuss the evolving HR tech landscape. He highlights the distinction between genuine innovation and transient trends, noting that AI's practical applications often lag behind the hype. Otter advises HR leaders on integrating AI while emphasizing the importance of understanding workforce skills. He also shares insights on what makes HR tech startups attractive to investors and predicts transformative breakthroughs in recruitment and learning over the next five years.

Rob Etheridge, Managing Director and Global Head of Workforce Strategy and Insights at HSBC, shares insights on transforming people analytics. He discusses the evolution of people analytics from basic reporting to strategic support, emphasizing skills as a key priority in workforce planning. Etheridge reveals HSBC's innovative operating model that integrates actionable insights and employee listening. He also explores the balance between human and AI roles in the workforce, and the importance of a clear vision in delivering analytics-driven business value.

Mikael Wornoo, Co-founder of TechWolf and an AI and skills-intelligence expert, dives into the transformative impact of AI on workforce planning. He discusses the critical need for skills-based strategies in HR, emphasizing ethical concerns and the human side of AI adoption. Mikael reveals how reasoning models are reshaping workforce strategies and the importance of proactive CHROs in the AI conversation. He urges HR to use data-driven approaches for meaningful transformation while addressing the risks of deepening divides in knowledge work.

In this discussion, Ross Sparkman, Global Head of Workforce Planning at Nutrien and author with over 20 years’ experience at firms like Meta and GE, dives into the evolution of workforce planning. He reveals why traditional methods fall short today and how AI can be integrated effectively. Ross emphasizes the need for executive buy-in and the critical partnership between people analytics and strategic workforce planning. He also explores future-proofing the workforce and the importance of adaptability and skills development in this rapidly changing landscape.

What if the reason HR isn’t influencing strategy… is because it’s looking in the wrong direction? That’s the powerful idea Jenny Dearborn - Chief People Strategy Officer at BTS and co-author of The Insight-Driven Leader - unpacks with host David Green in this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast. Drawing on her experience as a senior HR leader in some of the world’s biggest companies, Jenny makes the case for a bold shift: from reactive, rear-view reporting to forward-looking, insight-driven action. Join them, as they explore: Why “data-driven” HR often falls short, and what insight-driven really means The risks of relying on outdated metrics that don’t influence business decisions What CEOs should be demanding from HR leaders How top organisations are transforming HR into a strategic, insight-generating function What it looks like when HR operates like a product organisation How CHROs can build trusted partnerships with CFOs and CIOs If you’re ready to unlock the true strategic potential of your HR function, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. This episode is sponsored by TechWolf. TechWolf helps enterprises get fast, accurate, and actionable skills data—without surveys. From identifying the skills your workforce has, to mapping what they need, TechWolf’s AI integrates seamlessly with your existing systems to turn messy data into strategic advantage.   Learn more at techwolf.com    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vincent-Pierre Giroux, Global Learning & Talent Development Director at Alstom, shares insights from his unconventional journey from engineering to talent development. He discusses the importance of reconnecting learning with business outcomes for real impact. Vincent-Pierre highlights how skills volatility is reshaping internal mobility and retention. He also emphasizes critical leadership qualities for navigating change, including curiosity and skills fluency. Practical advice on leveraging skills platforms and measuring ROI in learning makes this a must-listen for HR professionals.

What if the star performers you celebrated yesterday are the very people holding your organisation back today? That’s what Toby Hough, HR Director for Europe at HiBob, unpacks with host David Green in this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast - a must-listen for anyone rethinking how to build performance cultures that last. Join them, as they explore: Why definitions of high performance need to evolve as businesses grow Why traditional change management is no longer fit for purpose - and what should replace it How to build mental health and employee wellbeing into the foundation of performance What career paths and leadership may look like when people are managing both humans and AI systems Whether you’re scaling a business, supporting leaders through change, or preparing for the impact of AI on performance and careers, this episode is worth a listen.  This episode is sponsored by HiBob. HiBob is the all-in-one HCM platform built for HR leaders who need connected data, flexible workflows, and a user experience people actually want to use. Learn more by visiting hibob.com/davidgreen2025.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olena Bondareva, Global HR Director at airSlate, shares her insights on leadership and culture in times of crisis and rapid change. She discusses building a people strategy during the pandemic and the Ukraine war, emphasizing the importance of data-informed decision-making. Olena highlights identifying informal influencers within organizations, the vital skills of data literacy and human fluency for HR leaders, and practical AI applications to enhance HR functions. Her predictions for the future include fluid talent ecosystems and the necessity of building trust and adaptability.

Last week, Microsoft announced an update to its flexible work guidelines.  As Amy Coleman, Chief People Officer at Microsoft, explained: “We’ve looked at how our teams work best, and the data is clear: when people work together in person more often, they thrive – they are more energized, empowered, and they deliver stronger results.”   As such, I’m delighted that my guest on this week’s episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast is Dawn Klinghoffer, Global Head of People Analytics at Microsoft. As she explains in our conversation, Dawn and her team conducted the analysis that informed this decision - revealing a causal link between office presence and employee thriving.   In our conversation, Dawn and I discuss: What the data shows about the ideal balance between office presence and flexibility Why "moments that matter" are key to in-person collaboration and connection How Microsoft's people analytics team is evolving its composition and strategy in the age of AI The impact of deep vs. broad AI adoption on employee thriving How AI is transforming employee listening, from sentiment analysis to real-time feedback loops The creation of Microsoft’s new Analytics Innovation team—and what it signals about the future of HR This episode is packed with data-backed insights, practical examples, and a forward-looking perspective on how HR can lead through complexity and change. This episode is sponsored by HiBob. HiBob is the all-in-one HCM platform built for HR leaders who need connected data, flexible workflows, and a user experience people actually want to use. Learn more by visiting hibob.com/davidgreen2025.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, Dave Ulrich, co-founder of the RBL Group and a pioneer in modern HR, joins Dick Beatty, an esteemed professor, and Patrick Wright, a leading advocate for research-driven HR. They delve into the urgent transformation of HR in the age of AI and stakeholder capitalism. The trio emphasizes the necessity for HR to shift from activity to business impact, engage with external stakeholders, and proactively develop future leaders through innovative programs. Their insights offer a roadmap for HR to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.