In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Michael D'Ambrose, Board Director at SHRM and former EVP & CHRO at Boeing, about why traditional performance management is failing today’s workforce. Michael exposes the flaws of annual reviews, rigid rating systems, and outdated HR processes that demotivate employees and prevent real growth. He shares how empowering managers with real-time feedback, flexibility, and practical leadership can transform company culture, drive business results, and create workplaces where people truly thrive.🎓 In this episode, Michael discusses:Why annual performance reviews demotivate employeesHow real-time feedback drives better results and engagementWhy HR must simplify performance management to stay relevantHow empowering managers to make smart exceptions builds trustThe danger of rigid rating systems like 5-point scales and 9-box grids🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Deel.Ready to streamline how you manage your global workforce? Book a demo today andsee how Deel can help improve your HR processes: https://www.deel.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hrleaders&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_hrleaders_podcast_hr-hrleaders-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-midroll-h125script_enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
--------
46:30
How to Build AI-Powered Learning Pathways
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Dina Yorke, VP Learning Excellence at Schneider Electric, about how AI is transforming workforce learning through personalization at scale. Dina shares how Schneider Electric is building a skills-based organization where employees drive their own development, supported by AI-powered learning pathways that adapt to individual needs. She explains how breaking down silos, enabling collaboration, and leveraging AI allows Schneider to upskill faster, keep content relevant, and prepare for future workforce challenges.🎓 In this episode, Dina discusses:Why skills-based learning beats rigid job titles in today’s marketBreaking silos to unlock organizational knowledge and expertiseHow AI helps keep learning content fresh, relevant, and adaptiveHow Schneider uses AI to personalize learning for every employeeHow calculated career risks unlock new personal and professional growth🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Deel.Ready to streamline how you manage your global workforce? Book a demo today andsee how Deel can help improve your HR processes: https://www.deel.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hrleaders&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_hrleaders_podcast_hr-hrleaders-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-midroll-h125script_enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
--------
47:35
The Culture Architect: Scaling People, Culture & Leadership
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Alexander Nicolaus, Chief People Officer at Paysend and author of Startup Culture, about how to intentionally design company culture as you scale. Alex shares how his global career shaped his approach to building high-performing teams, why behavior-based hiring beats resumes, and how Paysend is scaling to a billion-dollar business with a lean team. He unpacks how founders can embed values from day one, use clear behaviors to drive performance, and avoid retrofitting culture after growth creates dysfunction.🎓 In this episode, Alex discusses:Leadership habits that prevent burnout and sustain long-term resilienceWhy founders must build culture early rather than fixing dysfunction laterHow startups can intentionally architect culture using behavior-based principlesThe global people journey and lessons from leading teams across Europe and AsiaBuilding talent systems with bar-raiser hiring, performance management, and equity incentives🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Deel.Ready to streamline how you manage your global workforce? Book a demo today andsee how Deel can help improve your HR processes: https://www.deel.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hrleaders&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_hrleaders_podcast_hr-hrleaders-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-midroll-h125script_enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
--------
53:49
How HR Can Earn a Seat at the Executive Table
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jelena Djordjevic, Chief People Officer at Thumbtack, about building true business partnerships as a People leader in today’s unpredictable world.Jelena shares how HR leaders can balance empathy with business rigor, navigate rapid change, and create real accountability at the leadership table. She also reveals how Thumbtack is approaching AI adoption with both excitement and caution, building a culture that’s ready for the future.🎓 In this episode, Jelena discusses:Why hard conversations are the true job of HR leadersHow HR can build deep trust with CEOs and executivesBalancing empathy and business rigor in people strategyHow Thumbtack is approaching AI experimentation and adoptionThe importance of growth mindset and humility in adapting to rapid change🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Deel.Ready to streamline how you manage your global workforce? Book a demo today andsee how Deel can help improve your HR processes: https://www.deel.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hrleaders&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_hrleaders_podcast_hr-hrleaders-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-midroll-h125script_enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
--------
45:39
How to Build an AI-First HR Organization
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Brandon Roberts, Group VP, People Analytics and AI at ServiceNow, about how AI is transforming talent management as we know it.Brandon shares ServiceNow’s Four Point Plan for building AI-first organizations, highlighting how real-time skills data, agile workforce allocation, and reskilling are changing how companies attract, develop, and deploy talent. He explains how HR must build strong partnerships with IT, invest in AI fluency, and completely rethink talent management for the age of AI.🎓 In this episode, Brandon discusses:The future of talent managementTalent management in the age of AIWhy HR must reskill itself for the AI eraServiceNow’s Four Point Plan for becoming an AI-first organizationHow implementing AI requires the right mix of people and processes🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Deel.Ready to streamline how you manage your global workforce? Book a demo today andsee how Deel can help improve your HR processes: https://www.deel.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hrleaders&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_hrleaders_podcast_hr-hrleaders-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-midroll-h125script_enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join host Chris Rainey on the HR Leaders Podcast, where he sits down with top Chief People Officers, CHROs, and leading HR experts to uncover the strategies, trends, and insights shaping the future of human resources. Each episode dives into best practices in people management, leadership challenges, and transformative HR innovations that impact both business success and society at large. Whether you're an HR professional or simply passionate about modern workplace strategies, this podcast delivers expert advice, real-world experiences, and the latest trends in HR, making it your go-to resource for all things human resources.
UK