Summary

In this episode of the Built By People Podcast, Melissa Leneis shares her extensive career journey in HR, highlighting her experiences across various industries and her evolution into a CHRO role. She discusses the importance of inclusion, community, and well-being in the workplace, and how these elements drive performance and engagement. Melissa reflects on defining moments in her career, the challenges she faced, and the legacy she hopes to leave as an HR leader. She concludes with valuable advice for future HR professionals, emphasizing the need for purpose, humanity, and a focus on talent investment.

Takeaways

• Melissa's career spans various industries including defense and technology.
• She was inspired to pursue HR after hearing a Disney HR leader speak.
• Inclusion and community are central to her HR philosophy.
• She transformed HR from transactional to enabling roles.
• Melissa's defining moment was realizing the impact of inclusion-based work.
• She introduced global family planning benefits and expanded parental leave.
• Leadership upscaling is critical for effective strategy implementation.
• Her legacy aims to make organizations and people better.
• She advises future HR leaders to lead with purpose and humanity.
• Investing in talent is essential for organizational success.

• Navigating the HR Landscape: Melissa Leneis' Journey
• The Power of Inclusion in the Workplace

• "Inclusion isn't just about representation."
• "Lead with purpose, but stay human."
• "Thank you very much for the opportunity."

Chapters

00:00 Melissa's Career Journey in HR

03:26 Defining Moments in Inclusion and Leadership

06:06 Challenges and Legacy in HR Leadership