Digital HR Leaders with David Green

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.

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, a Professor of Economics at Oxford and co-editor of the World Happiness Report, dives deep into the importance of workplace wellbeing. He reveals how employee happiness is crucial for performance, retention, and recruitment, yet often overlooked. With insights from a vast dataset of 25 million workers, he discusses key drivers of workplace satisfaction and how AI can play a role in enhancing job fulfillment. Transforming wellbeing from a perk to a strategy is essential for organizational success.

Amy Baxendale, Global Future of Workforce Director at Arcadis, shares her insights on leading a skills-powered transformation. She discusses the triggers for Arcadis' shift to a skills-first model and the hurdles faced during implementation. The conversation highlights the importance of executive buy-in, governance, and tracking success beyond just ROI. Amy emphasizes a human-centered approach to foster inclusivity and cultural change, revealing unexpected lessons and how to adapt to rapid skill demand evolution.

Ravin Jesuthasan, a Senior Partner at Mercer and co-author of pivotal works on workforce transformation, joins Brian Fisher, Global Solutions Lead for Skills at Mercer, to explore the shift towards skills-based workforce planning. They discuss why traditional job roles are becoming outdated and how AI is reshaping skill demands. The conversation dives into aligning mindsets and skillsets for effective transformation, the importance of internal marketplaces, and how leading companies connect skills to ROI, empowering employee growth and agility in this fast-evolving landscape.