Navigating Financial Vulnerability in the Workplace with Aflac’s Jeri Hawthorne

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo welcomes Bob Lockett, a seasoned HR executive with diverse experiences in various organizations.

Bob shares his career journey, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking, continuous learning, and loving where you work. He discusses using the scientific method to solve HR challenges and gives an example of improving customer service scores through creative, data-driven strategies at Harrah's casino.

Bob also elaborates on the significance of data in positioning HR as a true business partner and highlights common mistakes HR leaders make with data-driven decision-making. Drawing from his military background and West Point education, Bob reflects on how resilience, simplicity, and clear leadership intent have shaped his career and approach to HR.

00:16 Sponsorship Message from Previ

00:44 Meet Bob: A Journey Through HR

03:02 The Importance of Taking Risks in Your Career

03:45 Applying the Scientific Method in HR

04:59 Fantasy Football Model for Customer Service

09:35 Leveraging Data in HR

13:28 Evolution of the HR Business Partner Role

16:48 Lessons from West Point and Military Experience

21:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo welcomes Irene Hendricks, an HR executive with diverse experience in the field and currently at Vimeo. Irene shares her career journey across various industries and explains the evolution of Vimeo's people-first strategy, emphasizing the importance of a resonant culture across global markets. She discusses the alignment of HR strategies with company OKRs, effective cultural inclusivity practices, and how Vimeo's products enhance employee engagement. Irene also reflects on the lessons she's learned in building corporate culture, including the significance of employee input and adaptability in a competitive tech landscape, and offers parting advice to ensure a fulfilling career aligned with one's passions.

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host welcomes Lizzie Garner, an HR leader with a unique background in sales and business. Lizzie shares her career journey from Chase Retail Bank and Guaranteed Rate to her current role at ClearChoice, explaining how her business-first mindset has shaped her HR approach. She discusses the challenges and benefits of aligning HR priorities with business needs and offers advice to business leaders considering a career pivot to HR. Lizzie's parting advice emphasizes staying curious and asking deeper questions to better understand and support organizational goals.

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo interviews Nabeel Ahmed, an HR leader with an impressive 21-year career spanning multiple countries and top companies like Halliburton and Endlink Midstream. Nabeel shares his journey into HR, the importance of moving beyond 'having a seat at the table' to 'setting the table,' and the key competencies needed for this transition. He emphasizes the significance of business and financial acumen, relationship building, and influencing skills. Nabeel also talks about the evolving role of HR in strategic leadership over the next decade and offers encouragement and advice to aspiring HR professionals.

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo welcomes Ruchita Sharma, a seasoned HR executive. Ruchita delves into her unplanned yet fulfilling journey into HR, emphasizing how her financial background has informed her HR strategies. She discusses leading HR transformation projects across diverse cultures, stressing the importance of listening, alignment, and data. Ruchita also addresses the necessity of proving HR's business value, constantly evolving, and leveraging automation. Her parting advice includes understanding and adapting to technology and being prepared to make brave decisions.00:16 Sponsor Message: Financial Well-being with Previ00:45 Guest Introduction: Ruchita's Career Journey02:23 Leading HR Transformation Projects04:34 Earning a Seat at the Decision-Making Table06:02 Embracing a Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn Mindset07:27 Leveraging Automation and Evolving Employment Models11:13 Managing HR Operations Across Different Regions13:05 Parting Advice for HR Leaders

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo welcomes Jodi Armit, an HR executive with over 30 years of experience across various industries. Jodi shares her extensive career journey, highlighting crucial lessons learned from diverse roles in compensation, talent acquisition, and development. Jody emphasizes the importance of HR professionals understanding data and using it strategically, addressing workplace transformations from process-driven environments to purpose-driven work, and the significance of bridging communication gaps across generations. She also discusses key strategies for aspiring HR leaders, including understanding business numbers and trusting employees with critical information to foster commitment and drive success.

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave welcomes Lisa Hammond, the people leader at Veridigm. Lisa shares her unconventional career journey from a paralegal to a prominent HR executive, emphasizing the importance of taking career risks and the impact of crises on her leadership approach. She discusses her varied experience in both small businesses and large corporations and how it influences her problem-solving in HR. Lisa also addresses the need for HR professionals to understand business fundamentals and provides advice for women in leadership. She concludes with parting advice on aligning personal values with career goals and the significance of mentoring others in the HR field.

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo welcomes Livia, a seasoned HR executive, to discuss her dynamic career journey from investment banking to management consulting, and eventually to her current role in the people function at WellHub. Livia highlights the growing importance of workplace wellness, the necessity for personalized wellness programs across different regions and generations, and how digital tools and flexible wellness programs are shaping the future of workplace wellness. She emphasizes the strategic value of wellness programs in increasing employee engagement and retention, and shares practical advice for companies to create a supportive environment for their employees. The episode underscores the critical role of HR in fostering a culture of well-being and its tangible benefits for both employees and organizations.00:16 Sponsorship Message from Previ00:44 Meet Livia: Career Journey and Transition03:47 The Importance of Workplace Wellness05:47 Tailoring Wellness Programs for Diverse Needs08:17 Future Trends in Hybrid Wellness Programs10:00 The Strategic Value of Wellness Programs11:40 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice12:45 Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo welcomes Patrick Simmons, an HR executive with over 30 years of experience in compensation and benefits, currently at Ecobat. Patrick shares his career journey, emphasizing the importance of market pricing in developing pay programs while acknowledging its limitations. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities posed by pay transparency laws and offers insights into creating compensation strategies that span multiple countries and markets. Patrick's parting advice underscores the value of interpretation over observation and the need for intellectual rigor in decision-making.