In this episode of LEARN, Alexi Robichaux, CEO and Co-founder of BetterUp, dives into the differences between digital transformation and human transformation in business, and why companies need to invest in employee learning, growth, and development at scale.

As we wrap up our inaugural season, we’re diving deep into what it takes to create and sustain a compelling corporate podcast. From unexpected challenges to surprising benefits, here are the top takeaways for aspiring podcasters.

In this episode of LEARN, Ted outlines seven key learnings from producing 37 episodes, discusses the nuanced balance between relationship-building and lead generation, and shares invaluable advice for setting realistic expectations for corporate podcasts. Whether you’re contemplating starting a podcast or looking to refine your current strategy, this season wrap-up is a must-listen.

Key takeaways:

- Be prepared for the significant time investment required for running a corporate podcast, as each episode can take around 5 hours from preparation to promotion

- Avoid using a podcast as a direct lead generation tool, focusing instead on building genuine relationships with guests, partners, and industry leaders

- Adapt and experiment with your podcast format and content to discover what resonates most with your audience, while remaining consistent in your efforts

Tune in to explore Ted’s top takeaways he learned from starting a podcast.

Resources:

- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/

- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

Episode highlights:

[05:54] Build great relationships through podcasting, be realistic

[06:56] Building brand, niche audience, and set realistic podcast goals

[10:20] Expressing gratitude

As organizations navigate the complexities of modern work environments, fostering continuous learning, transparent communication, and meaningful employee support becomes paramount.

"Learning shouldn't be a one-off event. It's about integrating ongoing education into the fabric of everyday work," says [Kathleen Pacini](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-pacini-phr-b115986/), Chief People Officer at [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/).

In this episode of LEARN, Kathleen delves into the limitations of one-time training solutions, the pressing need for ongoing learning, and her journey from accounting to HR. She shares insights into how Patreon motivates its workforce with learning stipends, the critical role of revamping onboarding processes, and maintaining transparency during uncertain times.

Key takeaways:

- Align your career path with your natural inclinations and strengths

- HR and People teams need to build lasting relationships with employees beyond just solving problems or managing benefits

- Continuous learning and development are key for employee growth and should be embedded in the day-to-day work

Tune in to explore how continuous development and a supportive workplace culture are vital for organizational success.

Resources:

- Kathleen Pacini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-pacini-phr-b115986/

- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/

- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/

- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

Episode highlights:

[04:25] Kathleen pivoted to HR after layoffs.

[06:44] Kathleen worked in various roles at Frontier telecom

[10:38] Understanding business is key to being effective

[14:40] Be honest with employees and share available information

[17:42] HR leaders need support during tough times

[22:33] Encourage ongoing learning and incorporate it daily

[24:42] Onboarding is pivotal for successful transition and productivity

[27:43] Embrace curiosity and go beyond the job description

Transitioning from a private to a public company comes with its fair share of challenges. And during this transition, it’s key to prioritize leadership and learning initiatives.

"Transitioning from a private to a public company required a significant shift in our operational approach. It’s crucial to regularly seek guidance from legal counsel and experienced CHRO peers to navigate this complex process smoothly,” says Becky Cantieri, CPO of SurveyMonkey.

In this episode of LEARN, Becky shares insights on transitioning from a private to a public company, navigating growth, learning initiatives at SurveyMonkey, integrating knowledge from internal leaders and external experts, and more.

Key takeaways:

- To foster a successful transition from private to public environments, you must seek experienced guidance from both legal counsels and CHRO peers

- Implement internal leadership training and external expert sessions to enhance business acumen and practical skills among employees

- Align your strategic agendas closely with the evolving needs of the business, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to external challenges and internal goals

Tune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore navigating leadership and learning initiatives within a corporate environment.

Resources:

- Becky Cantieri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-cantieri-85654a/

- SurveyMonkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/take-a-tour/?utm_source=socialteam

- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/

- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

Episode highlights:

[08:16] Operating privately allows transparency and long-term thinking

[09:49] Transitioning to a public company requires legal expertise

[12:52] Focus on business acumen, leadership, and data

[17:21] Align your agenda with the business needs

[21:08] Embraced challenges, growth with great team loyalty

[27:00] Enjoy teamwork and self-care for balance

As the workforce is consistently evolving, it’s critical to keep employees top of mind: cultivating a workplace that fosters intentional inclusivity, talent development, and active problem-solving.

And the number one way to do this is through data.

"Data is a powerful tool for any HR department. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the heartbeats of our organizations. By using this data, we can make informed, empathetic decisions that resonate with our employees,” says [Neervi Patel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/), Chief People Officer at [Faire](https://www.faire.com/).

In this episode of LEARN, Neervi discusses the future of HR through embracing empathy and leveraging deep data insights for a holistic employee experience, the importance of continuous learning and growth, and the power behind a hybrid workforce.

**Key takeaways:**

• Embrace a data-informed approach in HR to tailor policies and practices to the company's unique needs
• Foster an inclusive and intentional workplace by prioritizing individual employee well-being and leveraging a hybrid organizational structure
• Continuously pursue personal growth and career development by learning from a variety of sources

Tune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore how the future of HR can vastly improve the workplace.

**Resources:**

• Neervi Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/
• Faire: https://www.faire.com/
• Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/
• WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

**Episode highlights:**

[09:18] The power of strategic thinking

[15:36] Invest in learning cloud platform services

[20:39] Unique approaches for specific organizational needs

[24:22] Flexible office hubs prioritizing employee preferences

[27:49] Treat employees well, value humanity, and build connections

[30:36] Use data for employee insights

[32:42] Learn from everyone to elevate your trajectory

As the workforce is consistently evolving, it’s critical to keep employees top of mind: cultivating a workplace that fosters intentional inclusivity, talent development, and active problem-solving.

And the number one way to do this is through data.

"Data is a powerful tool for any HR department. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the heartbeats of our organizations. By using this data, we can make informed, empathetic decisions that resonate with our employees,” says [Neervi Patel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/), Chief People Officer at [Faire](https://www.faire.com/).

In this episode of LEARN, Neervi discusses the future of HR through embracing empathy and leveraging deep data insights for a holistic employee experience, the importance of continuous learning and growth, and the power behind a hybrid workforce.

**Key takeaways:**

• Embrace a data-informed approach in HR to tailor policies and practices to the company's unique needs
• Foster an inclusive and intentional workplace by prioritizing individual employee well-being and leveraging a hybrid organizational structure
• Continuously pursue personal growth and career development by learning from a variety of sources

Tune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore how the future of HR can vastly improve the workplace.

**Resources:**

• Neervi Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neervi/
• Faire: https://www.faire.com/
• Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/
• WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

**Episode highlights:**

[09:18] The power of strategic thinking

[15:36] Invest in learning cloud platform services

[20:39] Unique approaches for specific organizational needs

[24:22] Flexible office hubs prioritizing employee preferences

[27:49] Treat employees well, value humanity, and build connections

[30:36] Use data for employee insights

[32:42] Learn from everyone to elevate your trajectory

Technology is constantly evolving; organizations must embrace new tools or risk being left behind.

As a business, it’s critical to stay ahead of the game and adapt to the mega trends happening around us.

“You have to keep reminding your company that you're running out of time because we're all against the race of time when it comes to technology. And if you can't move fast, then you might as well not move at all,” says [Jeetu Patel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeetupatel/), EVP and GM of [Cisco (https://www.cisco.com/).

In this episode of LEARN, Jeetu shares the importance of creating global opportunities and how virtual interactions are reshaping our ability to work effectively, the mega trends shaking the tech industry, and powerful insights on cybersecurity.

**Key takeaways:**

- Embrace the hybrid work model by optimizing communication strategies to combine virtual and in-person interactions effectively

- Leverage AI and spatial computing by investing in these technologies to stay ahead in the evolving landscape

- Prioritize speed in business operations and adopt an approach that favors rapid iteration and data-informed decision-making

Tune in on your favorite podcast app as we explore the intersection of technology, collaboration, and security in today’s workforce.

**Resources:**

- Jeetu Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeetupatel/

- Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/

- AMP It Up by Frank Slootman: https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Unlocking-Hypergrowth-Expectations-Intensity/dp/1119836115

- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/

- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

**Episode highlights:**

[07:14] Embrace megatrends rather than resisting them

[14:10] AI regulation is crucial for societal progress

[23:21] The future of work is hybrid and remote

[28:55] Add in-person interactions into your remote work

[33:44] AI and spatial computing have transformative potential

[37:31] Maintain high intensity to beat the clock

The role of HR is rapidly evolving… and it’s no joke.

It can be a struggle to figure out the right steps to take, but that’s why Melanie is here.

To give you a how-to playbook on what to do to be a successful HR professional.

"I think we're in this really precarious period right now where HR managers are really being told to be super prescriptive... What we need to see more of is equipping HR managers with the tools they need to succeed, but not telling them how to do it,” says [Melanie Naranjo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-naranjo/), VP of People at [Ethena](https://www.goethena.com/).

In this episode of LEARN, Melanie shares with us the challenges that HR professionals face today, the importance of equipping managers with the right tools for performance management, and how to navigate the tough conversations around accountability and organizational culture.

Key takeaways:

- Being an influencer on LinkedIn requires actively listening to and understanding the challenges and experiences of your own employees

- Building empathy and remaining neutral when employees voice their concerns is key to genuine leadership development

- Actively listening and learning from employee experiences leads to better Compliance training

Tune in on your favorite podcast app as we offer guidance and resources for HR professionals to thrive in the changing landscape.

Resources:

- Melanie Naranjo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-naranjo/

- Ethena: https://www.goethena.com/

- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/

- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp

Especially when you’re constantly striving to improve and innovate.

Thats why we are here. To give you valuable tips on exactly how to do it.

“You need to do the research and you should do this research yourself. Don't outsource the research when you're looking at the next big products to build for your compound startup,” says Ted Blosser, CEO and co-founder of WorkRamp.

In this episode of LEARN, Ted shares the five biggest learnings from building a compound startup. From the importance of doing thorough research and nailing timing to setting up internal teams for success and achieving product market fit, Ted dives into valuable insights based on his own experiences at WorkRamp.

Key takeaways:

- Personally engage in in-depth research when considering new product ideas for your company to understand the opportunities and challenges

- Assess whether the market is ready for the product and if the customer base is conditioned and prepared to adopt it for ultimate success

- When building a compound startup with multiple products, set up dedicated teams for each product to ensure success.

Check out this episode on your favorite podcast app as we explore the cutting-edge concept of a compound startup and how it's shaping the future of work and learning.

Resources:

- Vision Pro: https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/

- Ted Blosser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedblosser/

- WorkRamp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workramp