How does trust affect the CEO succession process?

Why are CHROs often more critical than CEOs in shaping succession outcomes?

My guests on this episode are Ani Huang, Senior Executive Vice President of the HR Policy Association and Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South Carolina

During our conversation Ani, Anthony, and I discuss:

• What first-time CHROs must know about CEO succession.
• Why trust between a CHRO, the board, and the CEO is critical for a successful succession process.
• How to give boards real exposure to top internal talent.
• How CHROs can help boards to assess internal vs. external talent objectively.
• Why CEO role profiles used for succession should be forward-looking and should evolve with strategy changes.

Connecting with Ani Huang & Anthony Nyberg:

Connect with Ani Huang on LinkedIn

Connect with Anthony Nyberg on LinkedIn

Download the CEO Succession: 10 Pitfalls Boards Must Avoid—and the CHRO Practices That Help

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can a four day week increase productivity while reducing burnout?

Why is a four day week working so well for over 300 companies and thousands of employees?

My guest on this episode is Juliet Schor, Professor at Boston College and author of “Four Days a Week.”

During our conversation Juliet and I discuss:

• Why, despite decades of labor-saving technology, Americans are working longer hours than ever before.
• Why rethinking “productivity” is only part of the business case for a four-day week.
• How work redesign is the key to unlocking both productivity and employee wellbeing.
• How four-day work weeks dramatically improve retention and make organizations an employer of choice.
• Real-world examples of four-day work week in tech startups to large manufacturing and even restaurants.

Connecting with Juliet:

Connect with Juliet Schor on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How do you unlock the power of employee experience?

Why is a people-first mindset so critical in modernizing HR?

My guest on this episode is Assil Omar, VP, People Experience, AbbVie.

During our conversation Assil and I discuss:

• Why we should embrace new opportunities as a way to reinvent ourselves and our careers.
• How AbbVie maintains a unique culture of purpose, performance, and care
• Why HR practitioners must become students of both human motivation and organizational transformation to drive real impact.
• Why it’s important to start with the employee experience first when designing systems.
• Her advice to HR leaders who want to start a people experience team

Connecting with Assil:

Connect with Assil Omar on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can differentiating talent result in real business impact?

Why is asking the right questions in workforce analytics so critical?

My guest on this episode is Mark Huselid, Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern University

During our conversation Mark and I discuss:

• Why most companies do not treat people data as rigorously as financial data—and why they should.
• The evolution from “critical roles” to “strategic work,” and why success now depends on pinpointing the specific work, not just the job titles, that drive results.
• Why most organizations over-invest in senior leaders and under-invest in developing early and middle career talent
• How HR and people analytics teams can bridge the gap with business leaders to ask better questions, not just provide more data.
• Why AI and workplace data will offer powerful insights—but also introduce risks like bias and outdated assumptions.

Connecting with Mark:

Connect with Mark Huselid on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can AI unlock HR’s potential?

 Why is it important that HR leaders are agile now and in the future?

My guest on this episode is Christy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.

During our conversation Christy and I discuss:

• How her early career at Pepsi taught her the importance of servant leadership and shaped her approach to HR
• Why it’s important for an organization to stay focused and never lose sight of why they exist.
• Why HR leaders need to be present and visible to build trust and hear real feedback from employees.
• Her optimistic view of AI as a tool for unlocking HR’s full potential
• Her widely shared LinkedIn post “Letter to My Younger Self” and the five lessons she wishes she learned earlier in her HR career.

Connecting with Christy:

Connect with Christy Pambianchi on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How do you create, shape, and strengthen your career brand?

Why is showing up in the small moments is key to creating a strong presence?

My guest on this episode is Lorraine Lee, Author of “Unforgettable Presence,” Keynote Speaker, Instructor at LinkedIn Learning and Stanford

During our conversation Lorraine and I discuss:

• How she transitioned from her corporate career in tech to becoming an award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn instructor, and author.
• Why adopting a “CEO of your own career” mindset is essential for professional growth
• How HR leaders build a strong, authentic presence on LinkedIn, even if you’re just starting out.
• How you can use her EPIC Career Brand Framework to achieve your career goals.
• How the “Think-Do-Feel Matrix” helps you prepare, understand, and connect with your audience.

Connecting with Lorraine:

Connect with Lorraine Lee on LinkedIn

Learn more about Lorraine or buy Unforgettable Presence

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

Due to the US holiday, 4th of July, I am re-publishing one of our greatest hits and most popular episodes.

The “Best of 2024” episode features sixteen don’t miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who…

So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode?

• Rhonda Morris, CHRO, Chevron
• Jeffrey Pfeffer, Professor Stanford University and Author of 16 books including the “7 Rules of Power
• Kerrie Peraino, Chief People Officer at Verily
• Kevin Wilde, Executive Leadership and Talent Development Expert & Author
• Kelly Monahan, Managing Director, Research Institute at Upwork
• Dave Ulrich, Bob Eichinger, and Allan Church
• Lybra Clemons, a C-Suite executive with experience leading talent, culture, and DEI
• Shaun Mayo, Chief People Officer, Arizona Cardinals Football Club
• Amy Kates, Organization Design Expert, Consultant, Educator, and Author of Five Books
• Kevin Cox, Founder and President of LKC Advisory & Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South Carolina
• Jordana Kammerud, SVP & CHRO, Corning
• Lucien Alziari, EVP and CHRO of Prudential Financial, Inc
• Ginger King, CHRO, Kohler Co.
• Tim Richmond, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, AbbVie
• Stephanie Lilak, EVP & Chief People Officer, Mondelez International
• Prasad Setty, Lecturer, Stanford GSB, Advisor, Former VP at Google, People Ops and Workspace

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can you build your brand on LinkedIn while being true to who you are?

Why should you be transparent about performance expectations with new hires?

My guest on this episode is Melanie Naranjo, Chief People Officer at Ethena

During our conversation Melanie and I discuss:

• What it’s like to lead HR at an HR tech company and why Melanie recommends the experience to other HR professionals.
• How she built her personal brand on LinkedIn to over 60,000+ followers by being authentic and real.
• Melanie’s advice on how to effectively partner with your CEO to drive the business forward.
• How being transparent about high-performance expectations—and consequences for poor performance—creates a culture of clarity and trust.
• How learning in public promotes accountability and builds network and community.

Connecting with Melanie:

Connect with Melanie Naranjo on LinkedIn

Check out Melanie who is a frequent guest on Ethena’s podcast, “We’re Not Recording” hosted by CEO of Ethena, Roxanne Petraeus.

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can you create a people strategy that aligns to and drives your business strategy?

What is a People P&L and why does your organization need one?

My guest on this episode is Anita Graham, EVP & CHRO for Labcorp.

During our conversation Anita and I discuss:

• Why taking initiative matters for your career and how early-career professionals can develop this skill.
• Why you should be intentional with your career choices but remain open to unexpected opportunities.
• How to build an aligned and high-performing HR leadership team.
• Why you need a 'People P&L' and the impact it can have on your business.
• Why you should think about your HR strategy in 3-5 year timeframes.

Connecting with Anita:

Connect with Anita Graham on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can you find your “green zone” and stay grounded during times of stress?

Why does leadership quality matter — especially during transformations?

My guest on this episode is Dianne Armstrong, President, Armstrong Performance Consulting

During our conversation Dianne and I discuss:

• Why leadership gaps matter and how overlooking poor leadership can cost organizations dearly.
• Why leadership development can be a significant driver of business transformation.
• What "green zone leadership" is and how leaders can stay grounded during times of organizational chaos.
• How chronic stress affects the brain, decision-making, and leadership behavior—and what leaders can do about it.
• The practical strategies HR leaders and executives can use to shift out of the "red zone" and into the "green zone."

Connecting with Dianne:

Connect with Dianne Armstrong on LinkedIn

Learn more about Armstrong Performance Consulting

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.