For anyone starting a new job, creating a sense of connection, culture, and belonging from day one can transform what was once a routine orientation into a powerful, lasting experience. Two leaders at Vanderbilt University — Joanna Echols, senior director of operational optimization, and Chance Ryon, operations services and solutions manager — share their bold reinvention of the institution’s onboarding program. They discuss how to balance technology with a personal touch, pinpoint the moments that matter most for new hires, and build an inclusive experience that makes every employee feel welcome, prepared, and ready to contribute from the start.

This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires Sept. 1, 2026.

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