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By WRKdefined
The podcast currently has 27 episodes available.
Neil Lenane walks us through a remarkable 37-year career, from managing claims to shaping HR strategy at Progressive Insurance. In his journey, he emphasizes influence, adaptability, and empathy as essential skills for creating a unified employee experience. Neil’s insights into offboarding, technology in HR, and career resilience redefine what it means to build intentional employee and customer experiences.
In this episode, we look at career paths, talent acquisition, HR challenges, Progressive Insurance, employee experience, growth mindset, claims management, talent management, offboarding, recruitment, customer experience, technology in HR, and the art of influence and adaptability in HR.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Neil Lenane's Career Journey
02:08 From College to Claims: The Unexpected Path
10:11 Growth and Learning in Claims Management
12:47 Transitioning to Progressive: Embracing Growth Mindset
16:10 Finding Purpose: The Shift to HR
18:15 Navigating the HR Journey at Progressive
20:39 Navigating Career Paths in HR
22:32 Building Employee Experience from the Ground Up
24:50 The Pillars of Employee Experience
26:07 Integrating Customer Experience into Employee Experience
28:02 The Importance of Offboarding
30:03 Transitioning to Talent Management
32:19 Challenges in Talent Management
34:50 Unexpected Realities of Recruiting
37:40 The Role of Technology in Recruitment
38:09 Future Aspirations in HR
40:58 Advice for the Younger Self
Connect with Neil Lenane here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neillenane/
William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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Craig Lutz, Director of Learning and Development at Gannett, explores the future of learning and development, emphasizing the transformative power of digital tools and AI. He highlights the shift from traditional classroom training to personalized, technology-driven learning strategies, underscoring the need for organizations to foster curiosity and adaptability among employees.
In this episode, we look at Learning and Development, Technology in Learning, AI in Education, Upskilling, Personalized Learning, Change Management, and Employee Development. Discover how to create effective learning strategies that align with the evolving demands of the future of work.
Key Takeaways:Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Learning and Development
03:01 The Evolution of Learning Approaches
05:53 Navigating Change in Learning Environments
08:49 The Role of Technology in Learning
11:54 Embracing AI and Upskilling
15:02 Fostering Curiosity and Agility in Learning
17:48 Understanding Learner Needs
21:09 Creating Personalized Learning Experiences
Connect with Craig Lutz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craiglutz/
Get your free copy of Workforce Agility for Dummies here: https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/resources/article/Workforce-Agility-For-Dummies-Cornerstone-Special-Edition/
Learn more about Cornerstone here: https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/
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Gabrielle’s career journey highlights the balance between confidence and humility as she oversees multiple HR functions at 1Password. From cultural insights and the power of coffee to navigating remote work security, Gabrielle reflects on leadership development, parental support, and the critical role of asking questions in team success.
In this episode, we look at cultural insights, HR, leadership, career journey, security, remote work, and parental support to understand the dynamics of Gabrielle’s professional growth and the evolving landscape of hiring in today’s remote-first world.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Cultural Insights and Language Barriers
02:59 The Role of Coffee in Daily Life
05:51 Introduction to Gabrielle and Her Role
09:05 Navigating Multiple Responsibilities in HR
12:05 Gabrielle's Journey to 1Password
15:01 Leadership Development Through Experience
17:56 The Transition from Camp to Corporate
20:59 The Importance of Parental Support
24:08 Using Questions to Guide Others
26:55 Career Progression at McKinsey
30:00 The Balance of Confidence and Humility
33:03 Leaving McKinsey for Industry
35:47 Hiring Strategies in a Growing Company
38:56 Addressing Security Concerns in Remote Hiring
42:04 Advice for the Younger Self
Connect with Gabrielle Caron, VP of Talent, DEIB & People Insights, here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-caron-5607ab13/
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Melissa Thompson, Head of Global TA at Ford Motor Company, shares her no-nonsense approach to improving the hiring process. From coaching hiring managers on interviewing to aligning decisions with business strategy, she gives actionable insights to reshape your talent acquisition process and boost team collaboration.
In this episode, we look at Melissa Thompson, Ford Motor Company, hiring process, communication, feedback, recruiters, hiring managers, and business strategy to provide a roadmap for HR leaders looking to align recruitment practices with business goals while elevating interview standards across the board.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Who is Melissa Thompson?
03:20 Transition from Technical to Automotive Industry
06:25 Differentiating Automotive Industry as a Technology Company
09:43 Implementing Different ATSs by Region
13:04 Managing High Volume of Applicants at Ford
16:22 Transition from Retail to HR
19:43 Working with Atlas Systems and Travelers Express
23:31 The Importance of Asking Questions and Seeking Feedback
24:30 Treating People with Respect and Creating a Supportive Environment
25:55 Promoting from Within and Addressing Succession Planning
26:53 Teaching Hiring Managers Effective Interviewing Techniques
28:17 Improving Hiring Manager Engagement and Feedback
29:37 The Importance of Specific Feedback in Art and Hiring
31:30 Creating a Collaborative and Supportive Environment in TA
32:57 Identifying Future Leaders and Succession Planning
34:44 Addressing Hiring Manager Behavior and Feedback
36:37 Leveraging a Recruiting Process Model and Training Hiring Managers
38:03 Encouraging Specific Feedback and Avoiding Biases in Hiring
39:25 The Importance of Clear Communication and Feedback in Hiring
40:22 Closing Remarks
Connect with Melissa Thompson here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcthompson1/
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In this episode, we look at Southwest Airlines, talent acquisition, company culture, candidate experience, internships, career guidance, and employee engagement. Greg Muccio highlights the importance of a people-first strategy, innovative ideas from employees, and creating awareness for career opportunities that ensure staffing success.
Key Takeaways:Connect with Greg Muccio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-muccio/
Sponsored by the great people behind Pillar
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Carina Cortez, Chief People Officer at Cornerstone On Demand, shares her HR career journey from an entry-level role at Visa to leading strategic initiatives at PayPal. Mentorship, continuous learning, and passion drive her success. Cortez emphasizes the importance of HR business partners focusing on strategic initiatives and creating positive employee experiences.
In this episode:
We look at the HR landscape, focusing on Carina Cortez, Chief People Officer, HR business partners, strategic management, employee experience, and internal mobility. Tune in for insights that can shape your career and transform your approach to HR.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:57 The Value of Mentorship and Continuous Learning in HR
05:54 The Shift from Personnel Departments to Strategic HR
09:00 Exploring Different Areas within HR to Find Your Passion
17:26 Carina's Entry-Level Role at Visa
20:20 The Role of HR Business Partners
23:33 HR's Focus on Providing Value
25:21 Increasing Engagement through Internal Mobility
30:55 The Importance of Taking Risks in Your Career
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinacortez/
Learn more about Cornerstone here: https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/
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We talk with Rachel Dalboth from The Talent Labs. Rachel shares her 25-year journey in talent acquisition, discussing her experiences at Nokia, Unilever, and now leading TA excellence at The Talent Labs.
In this episode, we look at the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, remote work strategies, HR tech innovations, talent management, rebranding efforts, and career growth. Rachel dishes on practical advice for HR professionals navigating the complexities of today's recruitment world.
Key TakeawaysConnect with Rachael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-dalboth-1a92423/
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We look Richa Gupta's career journey, exploring her humble beginnings and rise in HR. We discuss parenting, personal reflections, and HR leadership. We talk about the importance of treating employees uniquely, finding CEOs with intellectual humility, and fostering cross-functional communication in manufacturing.
We examine personal reflections, parenting, HR profession, treating employees differently, challenges of HR leadership, career journey, humble beginnings, support, caring, courageous, fearless, HR, manufacturing, CEO, intellectual humility, people and culture, cross-functional communication, operational efficiency
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Who is Richa Gupta
05:09 Treating Employees Differently in HR
08:07 The Importance of Reflection and Breaks in Career Growth
11:19 The Impact of Support in Career Success
12:46 The Qualities of an Effective HR Leader
15:36 The Diversity of the HR Profession
20:39 The Importance of Intellectual Humility in CEOs for HR
23:48 Cross-Functional Communication and Operational Efficiency in Manufacturing
26:14 The Transformation of HR as a Critical Function
35:30 The Role of HR in Strategic Decision-Making
38:26 Taking a Break and Exploring Possibilities
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We talk with Mandy Mekhail, Director of People and Chief of Staff at ClickUp about determination, family, and impact. Her story is inspiring (not cheesy) - a story that you can learn from. She opens up about her family, immigration, her role at ClickUp and self awareness.
Here's what we discuss:
Connect with Mandy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandymekhail/
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Chapters
00:00 Who is Mandy Mekhail
01:25 Is Cali breaking off into the ocean?
02:27 Mandy's Career Journey: From Teaching to ClickUp
05:37 The Importance of Passion, Potential, and Choices
15:35 Creating a Supportive and Collaborative Environment for Impact
16:53 Using Time Wisely for Growth and Learning
18:23 Drawing Inspiration from Personal Stories of Resilience
22:20 Developing Skills through Intentional Opportunities and Mentorship
41:45 Practitioner Video Intro Epidemic NEW.mp4
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In this episode we speak with Maggie Smith SVP, HR at Traliant on how she navigates company culture in the midst of multiple and ongoing acquisitions. We talk deeply about the challenges she has faced and the strategies that she has deployed covering the integrating compensation strategies, managing benefits, and soliciting employee feedback.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Company Culture and Acquisitions
09:59 Integrating New Culture and Employee Engagement
24:25 Journey to HR: From the Army to Boston
27:21 Discovering HR: Enlisting in the Army and Career Beginnings
30:42 The Role of Mentors in HR and Career Development
36:26 Challenges of Managing Compensation and Benefits in HR
45:47 Advice to Younger Self: Embracing Mistakes in HR
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The podcast currently has 27 episodes available.