Samantha Simmons is the Chief People & Internal Operations Officer for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). In this episode, Sam shares how the LPGA is navigating growth, performance, and culture in a rapidly changing world of sports and work. 

During this conversation, Samantha shared the people org’s strategic priorities and why their team is scaling impact, how the LPGA is investing in manager development and wellness, and why embracing collaboration is key to high-performing teams. Sam also reflects on the evolving employer-employee relationship, the role of autonomy, and the challenges of leading in a mission-driven, global organization.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssimmonsgpc/

Jim Rowan is a Principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP and the Head of the Artificial Intelligence Practice, where he leads the firm’s AI strategy across client services, alliances, innovation, and internal transformation. During this conversation, Jim shares his thoughts on the current and future state of Artificial Intelligence in the enterprise. He shares insights from Deloitte’s State of Generative AI report, including where organizations are seeing real ROI, why AI agents are generating so much interest, and what leaders should consider as they adopt these emerging technologies. 

Finally, Jim also reflects on the role of talent in the age of AI, how enterprises can build responsible strategies, the importance of using this time to scenario plan for the future and why the future of work will likely involve teams of humans and agents collaborating side by side.

Links

• State of Gen AI Report: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consulting/articles/state-of-generative-ai-in-enterprise.html 
• Jim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-rowan1/
• Carnegie Mellon Study: The Impact of Gen AI on Critical thinking https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2025/01/lee_2025_ai_critical_thinking_survey.pdf

Ty Beasley is the Chief Talent Officer at RSM, a leading professional services firm. During this conversation, Al and Ty spend time exploring the evolving world of talent management in professional services. 

Ty shares stories from his early career and offers insights into RSM’s approach to talent strategy—covering internal mobility, performance growth, and the role of skills in employee development. They also dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today, including how AI is transforming talent management and enhancing the employee experience.

Links

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-w-beasley/

Kelly Jones is the Chief People Officer at Cisco, where she is shaping the future of work and redefining HR in the age of AI. In this episode, Kelly shares insights from her recent blog post on the four transformative trends shaping HR in 2025, including hyper-personalized employee experiences, continuous learning, soft skills as power skills, and well-being as a business imperative. 

During this conversation, Kelly discusses the evolving role of HR leaders in driving AI adoption, fostering resilient workforces, and redefining leadership in a hybrid world of humans and AI. Finally, Kelly also offers practical advice for HR professionals on how to bring leaders along in change efforts and ensure people remain at the center of transformation.

Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellykjones/
• https://blogs.cisco.com/news/four-transformative-trends-shaping-hr-in-2025

Heather Dunn is the Chief People Officer at Brex, a modern day financial platform. In this conversation, Heather shares her insights from participating at Transform on the "Next Gen Leader" panel and how Brex is rethinking leadership development, prioritizing mindsets over traditional skill rubrics. 

During this conversation, Heather shares the company’s shift toward simplification, differentiated talent strategies, and how they’re supporting high-potential employees through top talent programs. Heather also offers a sneak peek into Brex’s evolving talent flywheel, and how the flywheel supports Brex’s employee value proposition in both attracting and retaining talent.

Links

• Heather Dunn's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hedunn/
• Transform: https://transform.us/

Tina Gupta is the SVP of Talent Management at New York Life Insurance Company, where she leads efforts to transform how employees develop and grow within the organization. In this episode of The Edge of Work, Tina shares insights into New York Life’s ongoing transformation and the role of talent in driving change. She discusses the company’s Career Hub initiative, which leverages AI to help employees navigate career growth, upskilling, and internal mobility. Tina also highlights the evolving role of managers, the importance of a connected talent strategy, and how AI is shaping the future of work.

Links

• Tina’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-gupta-4616b49/

Brian Elliott is the CEO of Work Forward and an expert in the workplace strategy space. In this conversation, Brian shares insights from his work with organizations on flexible work, the ongoing return-to-office debate, and how trust impacts productivity and adoption of generative AI. 

We also explore how companies are intentionally designing in-person gatherings and why aligning on outcomes—not just activity—is essential for success in the modern workplace. A timely, thought-provoking conversation on what it takes to lead and work effectively in 2025 and beyond.

Links

• Newsletter: https://theworkforward.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belliott/
• Transform: https://transform.us/

Betsy Summers is a Principal Research Analyst at Forrester Research, covering HR and the future of work. In this episode, Betsy joins host Al Dea to explore the rapidly evolving workplace landscape, from AI’s impact on jobs to the shifting role of HR as a strategic driver of business success. They discuss the challenges HR leaders face in adapting to AI, the growing demand for leadership and management skills, and how organizations can better align talent strategies with business needs. Betsy also shares insights from her research on skills intelligence, workforce planning, and the future of coaching in an AI-driven world.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyasummers/ 
• Forrester: https://www.forrester.com/analyst-bio/betsy-summers/BIO16384 

Jenny Wood is a former Google Executive and the author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. In this episode, Jenny shares her inspiring journey of launching the groundbreaking "Own Your Career" initiative at Google, a movement that empowered thousands of employees to take charge of their professional paths. 

During the conversation, Jenny shares some key career advice from the book including, including redefining traits like courage, influence, and authenticity to advance in a competitive workplace. Jenny also shares practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating office dynamics, and standing out through bold actions. 

Links

• Website: https://itsjennywood.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyilles/
• Book: https://itsjennywood.com/book

This week, we are live in Las Vegas with 4,000 other professionals across the HR and people ecosystem at the Transform Conference. In this episode, we share two of our interviews with leaders across the HR Ecosystem to find out what’s on their mind and what’s going on in the world of work. Listen in to this conversation to hear perspectives from Kyle Forrest (Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP) and Rebecca Stern (Senior Director, Leadership Development and Interim CLO, Udemy.)

Links

• Kyle Forrest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleforrest/
• Rebecca Stern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccastern12/
• Transform: https://transform.us/