Principal Office Hours

Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, host CT Leong welcomes Marcela Pizzi, Head of People and Communications at Atlas Renewable Energy. The conversation pivots around the essential role of cultivating a people-centric culture within an organization and how it can spearhead the company's drive to be a force for good. As the episode unfolds, Marcela shares the origin of Atlas Renewable Energy and how her role evolved beyond traditional human resources, focusing on inclusive, safe, and growth-minded work environments.

Marcela recounts the innovative strategies Atlas has employed from its inception to foster unity, diversity, and excellence - key pillars of the company's values. From implementing blind CVs and increasing women's representation in the energy sector to investing in community training and development, Pizzi narrates Atlas's commitment to "being a force for good" and leveraging cultural diversity for the company's expansion across LATAM regions and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• Atlas Renewable Energy is a pioneer in the clean energy sector, with a presence in multiple LATAM countries and focused on creating a people-centric, diverse, and safe work environment.
• Marcela Pizzi was the first HR hire at Atlas, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's culture to prioritize sustainable growth and employee well-being.
• The discussion centered around the importance of moving beyond viewing HR merely as administrative or 'soft' work, and into a strategic partnership integral to business success.
• Atlas Renewable Energy's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to their hiring processes, with initiatives such as blind CVs and insistence on a diverse candidate pool for all positions.
• The company's value system incorporates the principles of being united, excellence-driven, human, and constantly evolving, which weaves through every level of its business operations.

Chapters:

0:00

Building People-Centric Companies for Global Good

2:28

Building Atlas: A People-Centric Culture from Scratch

5:10

Driving Sustainable Energy Transition as a Force for Good

8:02

Embracing Diversity to Forge a Unified Identity

8:36

Debunking HR Myths and Embracing Strategic Partnership

12:04

Cultivating Inclusive Culture in Atlas's Evolutionary Journey

16:43

Fostering Inclusion Across Multinational Corporate Cultures

17:57

Implementing Diversity Without Quotas in Global Hiring Practices

23:05

Embedding Corporate Purpose and Values in Business Strategy

28:16

Connecting With HR Expert Marcela Pizzi for Social Good

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Marcela: linkedin.com/in/marcela-pizzi-56a32a15/

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Discover the relationship between customer obsession and employee retention in this episode featuring guest Sandra Scirpo. Learn how principles of customer loyalty and engagement can be applied to building an employee-centric environment. Explore the importance of clear communication, career pathing, and ongoing development in retaining and developing high-performing teams. Gain insights into bridging the gap between senior leaders and frontline employees and creating a culture of engagement. Join Dr. Jim and Sandra as they discuss practical strategies for building a loyal and motivated workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• The longer an employee stays with the company, the more they contribute to the organization, akin to a loyal customer base.
• A focus on execution is crucial in realizing the vision and strategy of an organization, which requires strong, well-developed teams.
• Identifying and addressing points of friction through consistent communication can aid in smoother execution and employee retention.
• Creating an employee-centric environment entails regular one-on-ones, clear career pathing, continuous learning opportunities, and encouraging self-advocacy among employees.
• Building high-performance teams involves understanding the 'why' behind employees' tasks, clear role responsibilities, and integrating fun and recognition into the work environment.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:33 Exploring Customer Loyalty and Engagement Strategies

02:35 Drawing Parallels Between Customer and Employee Retention

06:13 Effective Leadership and Talent Management Strategies

11:08 Practical Advice for Leaders at All Levels

22:28 Implementing Customer Retention Principles for Employee Centricity

27:37 Concluding Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Sandra Yang Scirpo: linkedin.com/in/sandrascirpo

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Scott Foster, superintendent of the Northland Pines School District, shares his strategies for attracting and retaining educators in a rural school district. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing the unique benefits of the area, providing support and mentorship for new hires, and creating a culture of trust and collaboration. Foster also discusses the district's focus on professional development and flexible pathways for career growth. By investing in their people and building a strong community, the district has been successful in retaining and developing top talent.

Key Takeaways:

• Employee retention in K-12 education is notably challenging, especially in rural settings, due to long hours, modest pay, and external pressures.
• The importance of the first 90 days: Onboarding and mentorship are critical in ensuring new hire success and satisfaction, leading to better retention rates.
• Community and support: Creating a welcoming, family-like culture and maintaining a supportive system around new hires strengthens retention and job satisfaction.
• Investing in people: Allocating resources towards professional development and individual career growth is crucial in building a successful district.
• Systematic adaptability: Programs and initiatives need to be systematically organized, yet tailored and adaptable, to support educators at varying career stages.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Employee Retention Challenges

00:35 Spotlight on K-12 Education: Strategies for Building a Retention Culture

01:06 Inside Northland Pines School District: A Success Story

03:05 Recruitment and Retention Strategies in Rural School Districts

08:35 Mentorship and Onboarding: Key to Retention

11:36 Classroom Effectiveness and Educator Support

16:46 Addressing Educator Burnout and Well-being

19:49 Investing in People: Professional Development and Growth

28:14 Building a Collaborative Culture and Leadership Pipeline

33:54 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Scott Foster: [email protected]

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Jim is joined by Federico Demarin, Chief People Officer at GroupM, to discuss the implications of short-term thinking on an organization's people strategy. They explore the importance of leadership with generosity and empathy, the need to challenge prevailing wisdom, and the role of emotional intelligence in creating an innovative culture. Federico shares insights on how to navigate the gray areas of leadership, build trust with executives, and balance short-term and long-term goals. Tune in to gain valuable advice on creating a high-performing team and driving strategic conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Perspective: Leaders must balance short-term results with a long-term strategic vision for their people, cultivating a culture that values diverse insights and innovation.
• Emotional Intelligence: Developing emotional intelligence is critical for leaders to manage personal reactions and create a safe space for open dialogue.
• Advocacy Is Key: HR and people leaders need to serve as advocates, ensuring the executive team recognizes and responds to front-line realities, connecting strategy and execution.
• Recruitment for Innovation: Hiring with an eye for behaviors that foster innovation and challenge the status quo is essential for long-term growth.
• Building Relationships: Fostering trust and open communication with both the executive team and employees at all levels is fundamental for HR leaders to effectively influence and implement people strategies.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

03:27 Navigating the Complexities of People Leadership

06:09 Advice for New Managers: Embracing Uncertainty and Learning

08:24 Debunking Leadership Myths and Fostering Innovation

15:16 Strategic Leadership: Balancing Short-Term Pressures with Long-Term Vision

17:36 Effective HR Leadership: Speaking Up and Managing Up

26:07 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Federico

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Federico Demarin: linkedin.com/in/federicodemarin

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Jim is joined by Allison Mairena, the Global VP of People at New Globe, to discuss the challenge of getting people ready to lead within organizations. They explore how New Globe's mission-driven approach helps attract, develop, and retain talent, and how they maintain connectivity and line of sight in a globally distributed environment. They also share best practices for manager enablement and the importance of managers understanding the business model. Tune in to gain insights on developing the next generation of leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• The vitality of integrating the organizational mission with employee development to create purpose-driven workforces.
• Emphasizing the shared responsibility of business leaders and HR in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
• Strategic use of asynchronous communication tools and meeting recordings to bridge time zones and maintain global connectivity.
• Education of new managers on company economics and policies to facilitate better decision-making and team guidance.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and intro

00:19 Meet Alison Mairena: Insights from a Global VP of People

01:27 Mission-Driven Leadership at New Globe

02:57 Bridging the Mission Gap Across Global Teams

05:02 Maintaining Connectivity in a Globally Distributed Team

06:31 Best Practices for Developing Effective Leaders

08:23 Manager Enablement and the Role of HR in Leadership Development

12:20 Wrapping Up: The Shared Responsibility of Developing Leaders

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Allison Mairena: linkedin.com/in/peoplexenthusiast

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

JD Peterson, CEO of Matheson, joins Dr. Jim to discuss getting people ready to lead. JD shares his insights from his experience in startups and scale-ups, emphasizing the importance of feedback, practice, and a support system. He highlights the need for personalized feedback, asking questions to prompt self-reflection, and delivering feedback in the moment. JD also stresses the value of creating opportunities for practice and building a support system for new leaders. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for developing effective leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• A Culture of Feedback: Emphasizing the need for continuous, timely, and personalized feedback is critical to grooming potential leaders and enhancing leadership skills.
• Practice as Progress: Leadership is a practice that must be honed over time, offering opportunities for trial and error and learning through hands-on experience.
• Supporting Success: Establishing a robust support system, including peer groups, mentorship, and accessible resources, significantly aids in leadership transition and development.
• Customer-Centric Leadership: The formative experience of working in customer service deeply shapes Peterson's leadership philosophies, underscoring the importance of being customer-obsessed and service-minded in all aspects of business, including talent strategy.

Chapters:

00:00 Show Intro

00:15 Introducing J.D. Peterson: A Leader's Journey

00:50 From Customer Support to CEO: J.D.'s Career Path

01:43 The Essence of Leadership: Lessons from the Front Lines

03:10 Building Teams with a Customer-Centric Approach

04:13 Mastering Leadership Transitions: Best Practices

04:45 The Art of Feedback in Leadership Development

10:29 Continuing the Conversation: How to Connect with J.D.

10:53 Closing Thoughts: The Servant's Mentality in Leadership

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with JD Peterson: linkedin.com/in/jdpeterson

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Jim interviews Kate Manahan, the Chief People Officer of Built, a software platform in the construction and real estate space. They discuss the importance of productive conflict and debate in building a high-performance team. Kate emphasizes the need for leaders to create a culture where team members feel comfortable challenging ideas and providing feedback. She also highlights the value of role modeling and putting the team first. Tune in to learn more about getting people ready to lead and creating a culture of collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of productive debate in building high-performance teams is key to unlocking the best ideas and solutions.
• Leaders should role model vulnerability and invite constructive criticism from their teams, as well as their peers.
• Creating a 'team first' mindset is crucial for effective leadership, prioritizing team needs and growth over personal agendas.
• The debate between remote vs. in-person work should be viewed with nuance and intentionality, focusing on relationship-building when in-person.
• Executing productivity should vary based on work context, emphasizing the necessity for deliberate actions and planning.

Chapters:

00:00 Show Intro

00:26 Getting to Know Kate: From Finance to Tech

01:12 Why Kate Chose Built: A Deep Dive into Decision Making

02:20 The Vision vs. Reality of Joining Built

03:55 Fostering Productive Conflict and Debate in Leadership

05:19 Cultivating Leadership and Team-First Mindset

08:18 Navigating the Hybrid Work Debate: Insights from Built

11:39 Wrapping Up: Building a Culture of Productive Confrontation

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Kate Manahan: linkedin.com/in/katemanahan

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Jim interviews Tami Rosen, Chief People Officer at Pagaya Technologies, about getting people ready to lead. Tami shares her best practices for leadership readiness, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and empowering team collaboration. She also discusses the balance between moving fast in a startup culture while still taking the time to think before acting.

Key Takeaways:

Emphasize the transition from focusing on problems to finding possibilities and driving change with a 'can do' attitude.

New leaders and contributors should be taught to harness the strength of their team through inquiry rather than providing immediate solutions.

Leaders cultivate better outcomes by encouraging input from team members, fostering a collaborative culture.

While fast-paced environments value speed, it's equally crucial to adopt thoughtful frameworks that allow for sustainable acceleration.

Chapters:

00:00 Show Intro

00:32 Meet Tammi Rosen: A Journey in People Leadership

01:56 Choosing Pagaya: A Mission-Driven Decision

02:57 Leadership Readiness: Best Practices Revealed

05:31 The Startup Dilemma: Speed vs. Thoughtfulness

06:36 Wrapping Up: Contact Info and Final Thoughts

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Tami Rosen: linkedin.com/in/tamirosen

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

The engaging leadership show welcomes Dr. Linda Adamson, superintendent of the Pacific Grove Unified School District, a region known for exceptional educational outcomes. This episode provides an insider look into Dr. Adamson's leadership ethos, focusing on the contribution of community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and mentorship in bolstering the district's success.

In the bustling world of educational leadership, few figures are as pivotal as school superintendents. Dr. Linda Adamson, the superintendent of Pacific Grove Unified, embodies the drive and innovation needed to steer a top-performing district. With her emphasis on tight-knit community values, high educational standards, and a holistic approach to student development, Dr. Adamson paints a picture of educational excellence that resonates beyond classroom walls.

Key topics explored include the handling of leadership challenges, particularly during the unpredictable times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vital role of technology and data in enhancing the learning experience. Dr. Adamson's commitment to maintaining strong lines of communication with her team of educators and her assertiveness in leveraging data for efficient student performance tracking, make for an enlightening discussion full of actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership in education extends beyond schools into engaging with the broader community to build a cohesive educational ecosystem.
• High standards, personalized attention, and focus on holistic development are cornerstones of success in educational institutions.
• Successful educational leadership involves developing trust, fostering strong relationships, being systems-minded, and using data effectively to drive instruction.
• The critical role of mentors and coaches in developing leadership qualities, and the value of seeking external perspectives for personal and organizational growth.
• The challenges of navigating education through the pandemic have led to long-lasting improvements in instructional approaches and technology integration.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction to the interview with Dr. Linda Adamson, superintendent of Pacific Grove Unified School District

0:03:44 The role of the superintendent in engaging the community and parents

0:05:30 Balancing time between engaging with schools, community, and school board

0:09:01 Transition from teacher to superintendent and the desire to impact student lives and create a sense of belonging

0:13:46 The importance of coaching and mentoring for growth

0:18:25 The importance of vulnerability and constructive criticism in coaching

0:22:21 Utilizing the expertise of the team and regular communication during COVID-19

0:26:44 Linda discusses the importance of being systems-minded and adaptable as a leader.

0:30:16 Linda advises aspiring leaders to stay true to themselves and their passion for making a difference.

0:32:43 CT Leong concludes the interview and thanks Linda for sharing her leadership insights.

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Linda Adamson: linkedin.com/in/linda-adamson-522963116

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Joseph Varner, Chief People Officer at Woodside Homes, shares his insights on building a culture of development within organizations. He emphasizes the importance of leadership commitment, fostering a growth mindset, continuous feedback, and change management. By aligning these pillars, organizations can drive employee engagement, reduce turnover, and create pathways for growth and advancement. Varner's approach involves executive buy-in, piloting initiatives, and creating feedback loops to ensure success. Ultimately, development is the key to attracting and retaining top talent and driving business success.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Commitment: Secure executive buy-in as the foundational step for any culture change or development initiative within an organization.
• Growth Mindset: Promote an environment that encourages diversity of thought and values potential development over fixed traits.
• Feedback Loops: Establish continuous, open channels of communication for employees to share experiences and suggest improvements.
• Change Management: Embrace the necessity to adapt organizational structures to pave the way for future success.
• Development as an Anchor: Leverage employee development as the primary tool to drive retention, reduce turnover, and foster a loyal workforce.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

03:28 Adapting to New Industries: Joseph's Approach

07:02 Building a Development Culture in the Home Building Industry

11:17 Creating Effective Development Strategies Across Teams

14:43 The Importance of Development in Employee Retention and Growth

20:58 Feedback, Communication, and Measuring Impact

26:26 Key Principles for Building a Development Culture

28:47 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Joseph Varner: linkedin.com/in/joseph-varner-pmp-1987043

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact