Digital HR Leaders with David Green

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as they explore: Why “data-driven” HR often falls short, and what insight-driven really means The risks of relying on outdated metrics that don’t influence business decisions What CEOs should be demanding from HR leaders How top organisations are transforming HR into a strategic,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.

Kerry Dryburgh, Executive VP for People, Culture and Communications at BP, leads a monumental transformation at the company. She shares insights on leveraging AI and automation to enhance employee experiences, emphasizing a balance between accountability and development in performance culture. Kerry discusses essential future skills, the significance of authentic leadership, and the vital role of HR in navigating change. She also highlights BP’s commitment to diversity and skill development, ensuring a future-ready workforce amidst digital advancements.

David Barrett, CEO of Welliba, and Katarina Coppé, Chief Commercial Officer, dive into the evolution of employee listening. They explore why traditional surveys fall short and how AI and behavioral science can provide deeper insights. Listeners will discover innovative strategies for connecting employee data to business outcomes, navigating data privacy challenges, and enhancing HR's role as a strategic partner. Real-world examples from various industries illuminate the necessity of adaptive, data-driven approaches for improving workforce engagement and organizational success.

Brydie Lear, VP of People Analytics & Insights at Expedia Group, delves into the transformative power of people analytics. She highlights how industries vary in their approach to harnessing people data effectively. The conversation emphasizes that influence, rather than mere insights, is crucial for driving real change. Lear discusses using digital signals to monitor work flows and stresses the importance of prioritizing meaningful data amid a sea of information, all while enhancing employee productivity in a digital-first environment.