People Strategy Leaders Podcast

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Chief Human Resources Officer of Naviant, Tricia Shields. Trisha's passion for HR technology is rooted in its potential to revolutionize the employee experience. She advocates for the strategic use of technology to handle tasks that machines excel at, such as data processing and workflow automation. This approach allows HR professionals to dedicate more time to what truly matters: providing a human touch in their interactions with employees and managers. At Naviant, Trisha has been instrumental in digitizing documents and implementing workflow processing to deliver real-time information to the workforce. She shared how leveraging a platform like OnBase has been transformative in managing the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to performance management, with automated reminders and notifications keeping employees engaged and informed. Trisha stressed the importance of starting with digitizing processes and seeking out technologies that can cohesively address multiple HR challenges. She shared examples of how performance management systems and onboarding technologies have made a tangible impact on the employee experience at Naviant. However, Trisha also pointed out common pitfalls organizations encounter, such as investing in technology without adequate support or failing to align technology adoption with a clear talent strategy. Her advice to HR professionals is to take incremental steps in adopting technology and to partner with vendors who possess a comprehensive understanding of the HR landscape. To learn more about Tricia's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and Founding Partner of Gray + Miller Agency, Scott Miller Scott explored the intricate process of building a career that's not left to chance but is instead carefully crafted and steered by intention. He delved into the core principles that are outlined in his book, principles that are essential for anyone looking to navigate their professional path with purpose and clarity. Scott emphasized that understanding what you stand for is the bedrock of a deliberate career. It's about aligning your work with your core beliefs and ensuring that every step you take is a reflection of what matters most to you. To learn more about Scott's work, click HERE, HERE, and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Director of Total Rewards of Christian Care Ministry, Casey Sanders. Christian Care Ministry, a non-profit financial services organization with a workforce of 730 employees, has been under Casey's strategic leadership for six years. During the conversation, Casey illuminated the critical role of core values in shaping the culture of an organization. He described these values as the organization's heartbeat, influencing every interaction and decision within the workplace. Casey's tenure at Christian Care Ministry, including his experience as interim head of HR and as the owner of an HR and benefits consulting firm, has cemented his belief in the power of intentional culture. He stressed that culture is a dynamic entity, constantly evolving, and it's up to leadership to steer it in the desired direction. To learn more about Casey's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the President of Stefanie Krievins & Co, Stefanie Krievins. Stefanie tackled a topic that resonates with many of us: the challenges and inefficiencies of meetings. Stefanie pointed out a critical issue—meetings have become the go-to for decision-making, information gathering, and connecting, yet they often lack a clear purpose. Stefanie brilliantly addressed the shift in communication dynamics, noting how the simple, spontaneous interactions we once had in person are now scheduled meetings. She didn't shy away from discussing the limitations of virtual meetings, especially when it comes to brainstorming and innovation, underscoring the irreplaceable value of human connection. To combat the overuse of meetings for information gathering, Stefanie advocated for a structured management cadence that aligns with organizational goals and priorities. She suggested breaking down goals into manageable timelines and leveraging asynchronous communication for status updates, thereby reducing the frequency of meetings. To learn more about Stefanie's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Remote and Hybrid Work Consultant and Keynote Speaker, Chris Dyer. During the economic downturn of 2008-2009, Chris faced a pivotal moment in his career. With a significant portion of his business evaporating, he was on the brink of giving up. Instead, he chose to persevere and, through this challenge, identified seven key pillars that are essential for a thriving company culture: transparency, positivity, listening, uniqueness, recognition, measurement, and mistakes. Two pillars that stand out immediately are transparency and positivity. The interplay between maintaining a positive outlook and being transparent, especially during crises, is a delicate balance that can make or break a company's morale and performance. Chris shared that positive leadership isn't about ignoring problems or painting an unrealistically rosy picture. It's about focusing on what works and saying "yes" to new ideas. By studying successful team members and sharing their strategies, leaders can foster a culture of growth and innovation. This approach encourages employees to bring forward their best ideas, knowing they will be met with openness rather than resistance. To learn more about Chris' work, click HERE and HERE. Check out Chris' book, The Power of Company Culture, HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Director of Business Development and Marketing of Holzer Health System, Melissa Davis. With over 17 years of experience under her belt, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge from various healthcare settings, including acute hospital care, outpatient clinics, long-term care, and pharmaceutical marketing. At Holzer Health System, she's not just the marketing maestro; she's also the architect behind their employee communications programs. Melissa shed light on the monumental task of reaching a workforce of over 2300 employees across seven counties in southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. The diversity of this workforce presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring that every single employee receives critical information promptly, from the front desk to the frontlines. To learn more about Melissa's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Corporate Communications Professional at Nashville-based Ryman Hospitality Properties, Hannah Vincent. Ryman Hospitality Properties, a titan in the lodging and hospitality realm, is where Hannah has honed her expertise. Starting at the Grand Ole Opry, she climbed the ranks to the human resources department, where she discovered her zeal for fostering an exceptional employee experience. Now, as a corporate communications professional, Hannah champions employee engagement through a meticulously designed four-pronged internal communication strategy, with a spotlight on employee recognition. Hannah underscored the growing necessity for transparent and candid employer-employee dialogue. "In a burgeoning business like ours," she explained, "keeping our team informed and aligned with our vision and strategy is crucial for engagement and retention." Hannah's role was born out of the need to evolve beyond the existing PR-focused communication approach, allowing her to craft a more comprehensive strategy alongside her VP of brand communications. To learn more about Hannah's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder, Coach, Facilitator, Consultant, and Speaker of WorkJoy, Tina Robinson. Tina has a stellar background in corporate operations, technology consulting, and people leadership, Tina has carved out a niche in creating innovative coaching solutions tailored for organizations. Her partnerships with leading-edge companies like Fabletics, Fox Sports, National Wildlife Foundation, SAP, and Spotify speak volumes about her expertise. As a leadership coach for the UCLA Anderson Executive MBA program and a national speaker, Tina's credentials are further solidified by her academic achievements as an honors graduate from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Michigan. To learn more about Tina's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of Strategic Thinking Institute, Rich Horwath. One of the key takeaways from the conversation with Rich Horwath was the importance of focusing on expertise rather than solely on experience during succession planning. Rich, a strategic strategy facilitator, coach to executive leadership teams, bestselling author, and expert commentator on business strategy, emphasized the need to identify the 2 or 3 key skills and behaviors that drive expertise in a particular role. This approach ensures that the right competencies are being developed and recognized, setting the stage for a more effective succession process. Rich delved into the significance of taking a strategic look at succession planning and the use of talent scorecards. Rich explained that these scorecards are instrumental in evaluating an employee's technical capabilities, people leadership, and executive skills. By providing real-time feedback, talent scorecards serve as a valuable tool for both quantitative and qualitative evaluation, allowing organizations to make informed decisions about their future leaders. To learn more about Rich's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Speaker and Adviser to Business, and Future of Workforce and Leadership, Niki Avraam. Nikki is not just a legal entrepreneur; she is a trailblazer in leadership and workplace evolution. Her background in employment and discrimination law has seen her litigate high-profile cases and establish her law firm, Harvard Avraam Solicitors. Nikki's philosophy is rooted in challenging established norms across industries and instilling a sense of ownership in roles. She believes that by doing so, individuals can become architects of their careers and steer their organizations toward unprecedented success. Nikki delved into the concept of an ownership culture and its significance in organizations. Nikki explained that this culture is not confined to her organization but is a product of her journey and experiences working with different businesses. She advocates for individuals to have control, agency, and autonomy over their work, as well as the ability to shape their job roles in collaboration with the organization. This integration is crucial for individuals to feel significant and engaged, while also benefiting the organization. Nikki also discussed the importance of talent mobility and internal gigs in organizations. She stressed the need for employees to have the opportunity to explore different roles and functions within the company, as it diversifies their experience and makes work more enjoyable and challenging. She argues against the traditional mindset of staying in one role and instead advocates for a skill-based approach where employees can learn and grow in various ways. To learn more about Niki's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Executive Coach of Corporate Punk, Claire Croft. Clare Croft, the dynamic founder of Corporate Punk, is on a mission to revolutionize business performance through strategic conversations. With over two decades of experience, Claire empowers leaders to build high-performing teams and eliminate barriers that hinder organizational potential. During the discussion, Clare emphasized the importance of conversation in unlocking human potential for business success. She believes that leaders often overlook their own experiences and feelings when leading change, which can hinder their ability to effectively lead their teams. By starting with understanding the leaders' perspectives and emotions, they can develop empathy for their teams and approach change in a more humanized way. Claire highlighted three key factors that organizations that have successfully navigated change possess. Firstly, a belief in the capability of their people is crucial. Successful organizations recognize and tap into the potential already present within their workforce, rather than focusing on what they lack. Secondly, the relationship with time is important. Many organizations prioritize action over thinking, but Claire emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning and considering the impact of change before rushing into action. Lastly, starting small and building belief in the possibility of change is essential. Successful organizations begin with manageable changes and gradually expand from there. To learn more about Claire's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

In this episode of the People Strategy Leaders Podcast, host Sri Chellappa interviews Morag Barrett, CEO of Skye Team and author of "You, Me, We! Why We All Need Friends at Work". They discuss the importance of professional relationships for success in the workplace. Barrett emphasizes the need for trust, support, and understanding in these relationships, and the potential pitfalls of bias and political silos. She also highlights the need for strong relationships at all levels of an organization, including top executives. The discussion also covers the four key aspects of every relationship: reliability, dependability, caring, and trust. To learn more about Morag's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Laura Begg. Laura is a senior-level HR talent leader and coach who discusses the importance of having a talent philosophy and strategy in organizations. Talent strategy is the practical implementation of the talent philosophy. Laura explained that the strategy encompasses various aspects of talent management, such as hiring, onboarding, training, development, and compensation. The strategy should address gaps in workforce performance, behaviors, and communication, as well as prioritize specific talent needs based on the organization's business imperatives. Laura outlined the steps to creating a talent strategy. First, she suggests defining the organization's core values and culture. Next, assessing the current state of talent management practices and identifying talent priorities. Then, establishing guiding principles that reflect the organization's values and priorities. Involving stakeholders, including executives, professionals, and key employees, is crucial for ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Laura emphasized the importance of building a strong culture to attract and retain top talent. Leaders play a crucial role in promoting culture and engagement, and should be held accountable for being culture leads and creating innovation moments. A good onboarding process that focuses on engagement and helps new employees ramp up quickly is also significant. To learn more about Laura's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Laura Begg. Laura is a senior-level HR talent leader and coach who discusses the importance of having a talent philosophy and strategy in organizations. Laura, with her 20 years of experience in healthcare technology and a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology, brought a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Laura began by distinguishing between talent philosophy and talent strategy. She explained that a talent philosophy is a high-level statement of an organization's core beliefs, principles, and values related to talent management. It serves as a guiding principle for decision-making and actions regarding talent. Conversely, a talent strategy is the practical application of the philosophy, including the development of policies, practices, and decisions that align with the philosophy. When asked about the process of building a talent philosophy, Laura stressed the need for guiding principles on performance, behaviors, rewards, communication, and accountability. She emphasized the need for buy-in from all stakeholders and cautioned against relying solely on the HR team to develop the philosophy. Laura referenced a study published in the International Journal of Human Resources that explores the variation in talent philosophies. The study found that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and organizations can have different perspectives on talent, such as exclusive or inclusive, stable or developable. These perspectives can greatly impact recruitment and development strategies. To learn more about Laura's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of HRuprise, Rebecca Weaver. HRuprise is an employee advocacy organization that provides flexible independent HR for the new future of work. Rebecca, with over 20 years of leadership experience, has been instrumental in advising small businesses on building equitable HR practices and providing thought leadership on HR disruption. Rebecca started HRuprise as an Instagram account in response to the #MeToo movement, calling for HR professionals to reflect on their role in creating unsafe workplaces. This initiative has since grown into a full-fledged organization that supports employees and companies alike. Rebecca shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at the onset of the pandemic. This life-altering event, coupled with her husband, an emergency physician, moving out to protect their family while she underwent chemotherapy, led her to discover the concept of post-traumatic growth. Post-traumatic growth explores how some individuals manage to grow after experiencing trauma. Rebecca's journey through treatment and the pandemic made her reflect on how the pandemic has changed individuals and workplaces. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that work and home life are now blended, and leaders need to acknowledge their humanity and the humanity of their employees. To learn more about Rebecca's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of RecruitGyan, Neha Naik. AI has become increasingly accessible and is now impacting workplaces daily. Neha delves into how AI is revolutionizing HR functions, particularly recruitment and talent identification. AI is here to stay, while it may replace some jobs, it also provides an opportunity for upskilling. Neha believes that AI can take over the grunt work and administrative tasks, allowing HR professionals to focus on more meaningful interactions with candidates. Neha shares that AI has been particularly useful in improving the candidate experience, optimizing recruitment data, and reducing bias in the hiring process. However, she also discussed the potential biases that can arise when using AI in recruitment processes. AI may reject candidates based on factors such as test scores, education, or lack of a college degree, which can be biased against individuals who may still be qualified for the role. Neha emphasizes that the responsibility lies with the leadership team to ensure that AI is used as an enabler rather than a crutch. They should actively evaluate the data being fed to AI, conduct Q&A checks, and make informed decisions based on the AI's evaluations. She also highlighted the importance of human involvement in the recruitment process, as AI may not always make accurate judgments. To learn more about Neha's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Managing Director of Loftis Partners, Sally Loftis. Loftis Partners is a 100% woman-owned human resources consulting firm based in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. Loftis Partners specializes in human resources, organization development, and social justice. They work to co-create workplaces where humans feel valued through living wages and healthy human connections. Pay equity, as Sally explained, refers to ensuring fair and equal pay for employees within an organization, both at the individual and organizational levels. It involves examining whether employees in similar roles are being paid equally, regardless of gender, race, or other protected categories. The importance of organizations having a transparent pay framework that can withstand scrutiny and demonstrate that pay decisions are not influenced by unconscious biases was emphasized. Sally also pointed out that many companies have not updated their pay structures to keep up with the changing workplace dynamics, leading to salary compression and hindering their ability to attract and retain top talent. To learn more about Sally's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Managing Partner and Fractional CMO of Ethereal Innovations, Kurt Uhlir. As a dynamic and charismatic speaker on marketing and innovation, Kurt’s speaking experience includes speeches across the United States and Europe in addition to presenting at prominent industry events such as PPAI, GDC, the White House, and private company/team workshops. He advises leaders, from startup founders to private-equity-backed CEOs to the President of the United States. Kurt is a leading expert in disruptive technology and deliberate innovation. He is a hardworking and high-energy individual fueled by his passion for helping people accelerate their growth. Kurt’s recognized track record as a successful serial (and parallel) entrepreneur, angel investor, and strategic advisor allows him to help spectacular companies reach their next stage of growth. To learn more about Kurt's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Best-Selling Author, Futurist, and Keynote Speaker On Leadership, Employee Experience, and the Future Of Work, Jacob Morgan. Jacob Morgan is a trained futurist and one of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, the future of work, and employee experience. He speaks in front of tens of thousands of people each year and his content is seen over a million times a year. Jacob is the best-selling author of five books and he speaks at over 50 conferences a year. Jacob is the best-selling author of 5 books including his most recent, Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization which is coming out in October and can be found at https://thefutureorganization.com/leading-with-vulnerability/. Jacob provides advisory and thought leadership services to various organizations around the world, Jacob’s mission and passion is to create great leaders, engaged employees, and future-ready organizations and everything he does is based on those three pillars. To learn more about Jacob's work, click HERE and HERE. Check out Jacob's books HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Human Capital Business Strategist, SVP of Talent and People, Mark Coscarello. Mark believes in the significance of the three P's: potential, purpose, and play, and their role in enhancing talent management within organizations. Mark believes in the significance of purpose, highlighting the importance of employees understanding and connecting with the company's mission and vision from leaders across all departments is a crucial element in achieving this alignment. Work should be enjoyable and employees should have a positive and vibrant experience. When purpose, potential, and play are combined, employees are motivated and excited to come to work. The role of technology in driving engagement and facilitating meaningful conversations about potential and growth. To learn more about Mark's work and connect with him, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.