I Hate It Here

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


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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.


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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.

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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

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