I Hate It Here

S7 E6: Strategic AF: What It Actually Means and Why It Matters with Morgan Williams


Listen Later

On today’s episode, you’re going to hear one word a million times…


And that is strategic.


Let’s be real, we’ve all heard the word “strategic” thrown around a million times, but what does it ACTUALLY mean? And why does it feel like everyone has a different definition? 


It’s probably because they do. 


Joining me today is the incredible Morgan Williams, CEO and founder of Peak HR. Morgan’s resume is basically the HR equivalent of a mic drop—she’s handled everything from massive layoffs to reopening retail stores for giants like Macy’s, Casper, and Topshop. 


She’s been in the trenches, and she’s here to help us unpack the myths, misconceptions, and realities of what it means to be strategic in HR.


Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your workforce? PI empowers organizations to align talent with business strategy, helping you drive results and build a culture where your people truly thrive. Transform how you hire, engage, and lead—visit predictiveindex.com to learn how you can create meaningful change in your organization today!


00:01:25 - Something Morgan is Interested in Right Now

00:04:52 - What Being Strategic Means to Morgan as an HR Leader

00:08:00 - Why the Word Strategic is Often Misunderstood in HR

00:14:58 - How to be Seen as More Strategic and Less Operational

00:22:11 - Why HR Teams Struggle to Align Their Work With Business Goals

00:30:37 - Making Sure Your Initiative Have Measurable Impact on Business Outcomes

00:34:50 - Skills That Will Make You More Strategic

00:33:30 - Barriers HR Leaders Face Trying to Implement Strategic Initiatives

00:43:00 - Key Differences Between Operational and Strategic Thinking in HR

00:46:24 - How HR Leaders Can Advocate for Resources to Execute on Plans

00:50:41 - Some of the Risks of Focusing TOO Much on Strategy


And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

 

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!


Follow Morgan:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganbwilliams/


Follow Hebba: 


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos


LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef


Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

I Hate It HereBy Hebba Youssef

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

42 ratings


More shows like I Hate It Here

View all
TED Radio Hour by NPR

TED Radio Hour

21,906 Listeners

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,337 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,581 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,168 Listeners

The Modern Manager by Mamie Kanfer Stewart

The Modern Manager

183 Listeners

Honest HR by SHRM

Honest HR

207 Listeners

SHRM All Things Work by SHRM

SHRM All Things Work

143 Listeners

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson by Higher Ground

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

12,843 Listeners

ReThinking by TED

ReThinking

614 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,405 Listeners

Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF by Vivian Tu

Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF

1,729 Listeners

Fixable by TED

Fixable

210 Listeners

HR BESTIES by HR Besties

HR BESTIES

562 Listeners

Becoming You with Suzy Welch by NYU Stern Professor Suzy Welch

Becoming You with Suzy Welch

92 Listeners

What We Spend by Audacy

What We Spend

627 Listeners