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How can HR lead with courage? How can organizations be both high performing and healthy? My guest on this episode is Pat Wadors, CHRO, Intuitive and author of “Unlock Your Leadership Story.” During our conversation, Pat and I discuss the following: Why HR leaders must have the courage to challenge decisions that compromise the organization’s or their own values, even when it puts their role at risk.What it truly means to build a healthy company, not just a high-performing one.How can you partner with the business, so they own the initiatives and not HRWhy HR needs to adopt a product mindset when designing employee experiences and strategic initiatives.Why should you have a “personal scorecard” that helps you navigate your career and personal life. Connecting with Pat: Connect with Pat on LinkedIn Learn more about Pat’s book Unlock Your Leadership Story. Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 leaders develop cultural agility? Why is cultural agility an essential skill in the age of AI? My guest on this episode is Paula Caligiuri, Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University, Co-Founder of Skiilify, and Best-Selling Author. During our conversation, Paula and I discuss the following: Why cultural agility is becoming a critical leadership capabilityHow leaders actually develop effectiveness across culturesWhy vulnerability, curiosity, and perspective-taking build trust and adaptability.How individual behavior shapes team dynamics more than formal authority.How organizations can intentionally design experiences to develop global leaders. Connecting with Paula: Connect with Paula on LinkedIn Learn more about Paula’s company, Skillify Check out my conversation with Paula on International Business Today podcast where we discuss The Future of HR Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 does active listening build a culture of trust? Why is the employee experience as important as the customer experience? My guest on this episode is DJ Casto, CHRO, Synchrony During our conversation, DJ and I discuss the following: How adopting an agile mindset and methodologies transformed Synchrony's approach to HRHow Synchrony bucked the “return to office” trend by listening to employee feedback and maintaining a flexible, performance-based work model.Why they created a frontline experience team to invest in and improve the employee journey and customer experience.How Synchrony uses active listening to co-create the employee experience and shape the culture. Connecting with DJ: Connect with DJ Casto on LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 “managing up” help you to have more impact and influence? Why is managing up a critical leadership skill for all HR leaders? My guest on this episode is Melody Wilding, author of “Managing Up”, keynote speaker, and executive coach. During our conversation, Melody and I discuss the following: The biggest misconceptions about managing up and why they are wrongWhy managing up is a core leadership skill that every HR leader needs to learnPractical tools and questions HR leaders can use to help clarify priorities and expectations with leaders.The four main communication styles leaders need to recognize to build trust and influence across the organization.How to structure upward feedback for your boss to ensure it lands diplomatically and productively. Connecting with Melody: Connect with Melody Wilding on LinkedIn Learn more about Managing Up and Melody’s work Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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.

The "Best of 2025" episode features fourteen don't miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who… So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode? Monique Herena, Chief Colleague Experience Officer, American ExpressWanda Wallace, Managing Partner, Leadership Forum & Darren Overfield, EVP, Coaching & Consulting at Kaiser Leadership SolutionsRiina Hellström, Founder, Agile HR CommunityDave Ulrich, Partner at The RBL GroupMarcia Avedon, 3X CHRO, Board Director, Human Capital Expert, and Executive CoachLisa Chang, EVP & Chief People Officer, The Coca-Cola CompanyChristina Norris-Watts, Head of Assessment & People Practices, Johnson & JohnsonAnita Graham, EVP & CHRO, LabcorpChristy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.Ani Huang, Senior EVP, CHRO Association & Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South CarolinaBrandon Sammut, Chief People & AI Transformation Officer, ZapierTina Gupta, SVP, Talent Management, New York Life InsuranceBrian Miller, Chief Talent and D&I Officer, Levi Strauss & CoJennifer Wilson & Brad Warga, Partners and Global Co-Heads of the Human Resources Officers Practice at Heidrick & Struggles Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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.

My guests on this special holiday episode are Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, Bill Baker, lead author and co-contributors to “Lives Lost and Leadership Found.” During our conversation, Ian, Lori, Bill and I discuss the following: The inspiration behind the book "Lives Lost and Leadership Found" and how personal loss can serve as a foundation for personal growth.The neuroscience behind grief: how loss rewires your brain and why that matters for leaders.What research reveals about the role of intentionality in healing after loss and becoming a stronger leader.The power of storytelling and reflection—why writing about a special someone can be transformative Connecting with Ian, Lori, and Bill: Learn more or buy Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons From Special Somebodies Connect with Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, and Bill Baker Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 differentiates the best HR leaders from the rest? Why isn’t enough to “know the business, you must love the business My guest on this episode is Marc Effron, President, Talent Strategy Group. During our conversation, Marc and I discuss the following: Marc’s career journey and what led him to co-author One Page Talent ManagementThe unforgettable advice that Marshall Goldsmith gave to MarcThe one question that will help advance your careerWhat differentiates the best HR leaders from the rest Connecting with Marc: Connect with Marc Effron on LinkedIn or at Talent Strategy Group Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 leaders redesign work to boost both engagement and well-being? Why is “fit for purpose” more important than “best practice” when it comes to designing work? My guest in this episode is Rachel Cooke, Founder of Lead Above Noise & Host of the Modern Mentor podcast. During our conversation Rachel and I discuss: Why today’s leaders are under greater pressure than ever before, especially with expanding spans of control and higher expectations.How leaders can increase engagement and embed wellbeing directly into how work actually happensThe importance of asking those closest to the work to redesign the workHow to create custom solutions for your team by seeking “right practices” rather than following industry “best practices.” Connecting with Rachel: Connect with Rachel Cooke on LinkedIn Learn more about Rachel and Lead Above Noise Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 does executive compensation shape company culture, performance and deliver shareholder value? Why should CHROs think of executive compensation as a communication tool? My guests in this episode are Ani Huang, President of Policy and Practice at the CHRO Association and Charlie Tharp, Senior Advisor for Research & Practice at the CHRO Association and the Center On Executive Compensation During our conversation Ani, Charlie, and I discuss: Why executive compensation is a strategic communication system that signals culture, priorities, and long-term value.How executive compensation aligns to the business strategy and drives long-term value.Why effective executive compensation starts with developing deep financial and business acumen.What builds fairness and transparency in pay systems.How executive compensation can impact the broader pay philosophy. Connecting with Ani and Charlie: Connect with Ani Huang on LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Tharp on LinkedIn Learn more about CHRO Association Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 learning into how work gets done? Why should organizations think of learning as a system, not as a function? My guest in this episode are Kati Clement-Frazier, Director, School of Leadership at DaVita and Michele Graham, President of Intel and Learn at Amplity During our conversation Kati, Michele, and I discuss: Why learning must be treated as an organizational capability, not a set of programs.How psychological safety and reflection accelerate meaningful learning and behavior change.Why “flow of work” learning is about team routines, relationships, and work design—not microlearning.Why the future of learning requires new metrics and new mindsets.Why compliance-driven cultures limit experimentation, agility, and capability building. Connecting with Kati & Michele: Connect with Kati Clement-Frazier on LinkedIn Connect with Michele Graham on LinkedIn Learn more about The Learning Forum’s CLO LIFT Initiative Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 organizations balance people, profit, and purpose? Why do the most effective HR leaders focus on both intention and impact? My guest in this episode is Michelle Nettles, Global Chief People and Legal Officer at ManpowerGroup During our conversation Michelle and I discuss: How HR leaders can balance people, profit, and purpose to drive performance and impact.What it means to be a values-driven leaderWhy organizations should be focusing on capabilities over credentials.Why human skills: curiosity, adaptability, empathy, will define the future of work.Why outdated work models and ideas will be challenged by the next generation of HR leaders Connecting with Michelle: Connect with Michelle Nettles on LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leader HR 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 are CEO expectations for CHROs changing? Why are more CEOs looking for CHROs with non-HR backgrounds? My guests on this episode are Jennifer Wilson and Brad Warga, Partners and Global Co-Heads of the Human Resources Officers Practice at Heidrick & Struggles During our conversation Jennifer, Brad and I discuss: Why CEOs are rethinking what great HR leadership looks like.Why CEOs are prioritizing candidates from strategy, finance, and other non-HR backgrounds.The growing expectation for CHROs to lead enterprise-wide AI strategiesThe widening gap between CHROs and their succession-ready direct reportsPractical and actionable career advice for aspiring CHROs Connecting with Jennifer and Brad: Connect with Jennifer Wilson on LinkedIn Connect with Brad Warga on LinkedIn Read the Chief People Officer of 2030 report by Heidrick & Struggles Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 belonging unlock performance? Why should we focus on activation, not empowerment to drive innovation? My guest on this episode is with Brian Miller, Chief Talent and D&I Officer at Levi Strauss & Co During our conversation Brian and I discuss: How belonging drives performance by creating cultures where people feel valued, heard, and stretched.Why he believes activation is more important than empowermentWhy believability is becoming a critical measure of modern leadership.How AI-driven talent analytics will unlock HR’s next big opportunity.What it means to intentionally build belonging, not just measure it. Connecting with Brian: Connect with Brian Miller on LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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 identify and reframe your limiting beliefs? Why is awareness not enough to get unblocked? My guest on this episode is with Muriel Wilkins, Founder & CEO of Paravis Partners and author of “Leadership Unblocked.” During our conversation Muriel and I discuss: Why leaders are often their own biggest obstacleHow limiting beliefs quietly undermine our leadership and how to spot themThe hidden blockers successful people carry and how they can stall your progressThe myth of “If I can do it, so can you”—and why true leaders meet people where they areMuriel’s practical three-step roadmap: uncover, unpack, and unblock your limiting beliefs Connecting with Muriel: Connect with Muriel Wilkins on LinkedIn Learn more about Muriel’s firm, Paravis Partners Order her newest book, Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential.

How can culture become an operating system that drives business performance? Why does leadership behavior matter more than systems in driving culture? My guest on this episode is Paulo Pisano, CHRO, Booking Holdings & Chief People Officer, Booking.com During our conversation Paulo and I discuss: Why culture is an operating system and how it connects directly to business performance.The three levers that shape culture: behaviors, symbols, and systems—and how to align them with strategy.The importance of experimentation culture for AI adoption and innovation.Why HR leaders must understand business drivers first before designing their programs.How to position HR as "chief simplifiers" who reduce complexity rather than add to it. Connecting with Paulo Connect with Paulo on LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders HR 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.