In this episode of the Built by People Podcast, Bert Somsin shares his unique career journey from a package handler at UPS to the Chief HR Officer at OnSemi. He discusses the challenges he faced during the Christmas rush at UPS, particularly in staffing and training drivers. Bert emphasizes the importance of change management and the need for data-driven solutions in HR practices. He reflects on the critical lessons learned from his experiences and offers valuable advice for future leaders in the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Bert started his career unexpectedly as a package handler at UPS.
• OnSemi operates in 33 countries with a workforce of 23,000.
• The Christmas rush at UPS presents significant staffing challenges.
• Bert implemented a new training program to address staffing needs.
• Change management is crucial when introducing new initiatives.
• Data-driven analysis is essential for effective HR solutions.
• Staffing levels directly impact safety and operational efficiency.
• First principles thinking helps in problem-solving.
• Planning for worst-case scenarios is vital in business.
• Integrity and consistency are key traits for success.

Chapters

00:00 Bert's Career Journey

01:39 Overview of OnSemi

02:14 Challenges at UPS During Christmas Rush

07:01 Overcoming Cultural Norms in Training

09:33 Importance of Staffing and Safety

11:57 Lessons Learned and Future Advice