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The Loneliest Job in the C-Suite | EP51
What happens when a leader known for her “stoic reputation” and strategic mind makes a bold career pivot everyone told her she couldn’t?
On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy has a full-circle moment with Caroline Werner - Chief People Officer at LogicGate and a leader Christy has been “fangirling” since their shared days at Korn Ferry. From intentionally building a network that opens doors to navigating the loneliness at the top, Caroline pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be the CEO of the people. She’s the leader who understands that business acumen is just as critical as the human element, and she’s not afraid to say that her job isn’t always about “loving people” - it’s about creating an environment where the right people can thrive.
They unpack:
Pivoting with Purpose: How Caroline broke into the tech industry after being told “no” and the power of “intentional networking” over collecting contacts.
The CHRO’s Tightrope: Why the Chief People Officer role is often the loneliest in the C-Suite and the constant balance of being approachable but not being everyone’s “bestie”.
Tradeoffs & Choices: Caroline’s core philosophy for navigating difficult decisions and why effective leadership isn’t about being liked - it’s about being respected and effective.
The Power of Presence: A raw look at learning to be fully present as a leader and why the way you make people feel is the ultimate measure of your impact.
Getting Unstuck: Embracing the reality that “nothing is forever,” whether you’re in a great season or feeling “stuck in the muck,” and how to learn more from your failures than your successes.
Legacy Over Likes: How to define and build your legacy from day one and the privilege and pressure that comes with shaping an organization’s culture.
If you’re a leader wrestling with tough calls, trying to pivot in your own career, or just want to hear from a leader who is as brilliant as she is real, this conversation provides a masterclass in leading with integrity and strategic grace.
Because true leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about showing up, being present, and making the hard choices that build a stronger tomorrow.
Chapters:
00:00:10 - A Full-Circle Moment and Fangirling Over a Past Mentor
00:01:25 - An Overview of LogicGate's GRC Platform
00:01:58 - Caroline's Multifaceted Role as Chief People Officer
00:03:09 - Navigating Career Progression and the Challenge of Being at the Top
00:06:54 - Pivoting from Professional Services to Tech
00:10:05 - Tips for Intentional and Effective Executive Networking
00:13:20 - Building Organizational Trust and Defining the Modern HR Team
00:19:24 - Managing the Stress and Reality of a People-Focused Role
00:21:55 - The Evolving Debate on Remote vs. In-Office Work
00:26:00 - Defining the Connection Between Leadership and Legacy
00:41:14 - Acknowledging Others and Enjoying the Journey
| Connect with Us |
Follow Caroline Werner:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-werner-0788513/
(Caroline Werner is a results-oriented Chief People Officer with a history of success in complex, high-growth global companies. She specializes in building high-performing HR teams and leading enterprise-wide transformations in areas like talent, culture, and employee experience. A trusted advisor to CEOs and boards, Caroline excels at guiding businesses through periods of disruption and expansion, ensuring their talent strategy aligns with key business outcomes.)
Follow Inside the C-Suite:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/
Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b
Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160
Want to be on the show or know someone who might?
Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
View all episodes
By WRKdefinedWhat happens when a leader known for her “stoic reputation” and strategic mind makes a bold career pivot everyone told her she couldn’t?
On this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy has a full-circle moment with Caroline Werner - Chief People Officer at LogicGate and a leader Christy has been “fangirling” since their shared days at Korn Ferry. From intentionally building a network that opens doors to navigating the loneliness at the top, Caroline pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be the CEO of the people. She’s the leader who understands that business acumen is just as critical as the human element, and she’s not afraid to say that her job isn’t always about “loving people” - it’s about creating an environment where the right people can thrive.
They unpack:
Pivoting with Purpose: How Caroline broke into the tech industry after being told “no” and the power of “intentional networking” over collecting contacts.
The CHRO’s Tightrope: Why the Chief People Officer role is often the loneliest in the C-Suite and the constant balance of being approachable but not being everyone’s “bestie”.
Tradeoffs & Choices: Caroline’s core philosophy for navigating difficult decisions and why effective leadership isn’t about being liked - it’s about being respected and effective.
The Power of Presence: A raw look at learning to be fully present as a leader and why the way you make people feel is the ultimate measure of your impact.
Getting Unstuck: Embracing the reality that “nothing is forever,” whether you’re in a great season or feeling “stuck in the muck,” and how to learn more from your failures than your successes.
Legacy Over Likes: How to define and build your legacy from day one and the privilege and pressure that comes with shaping an organization’s culture.
If you’re a leader wrestling with tough calls, trying to pivot in your own career, or just want to hear from a leader who is as brilliant as she is real, this conversation provides a masterclass in leading with integrity and strategic grace.
Because true leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about showing up, being present, and making the hard choices that build a stronger tomorrow.
Chapters:
00:00:10 - A Full-Circle Moment and Fangirling Over a Past Mentor
00:01:25 - An Overview of LogicGate's GRC Platform
00:01:58 - Caroline's Multifaceted Role as Chief People Officer
00:03:09 - Navigating Career Progression and the Challenge of Being at the Top
00:06:54 - Pivoting from Professional Services to Tech
00:10:05 - Tips for Intentional and Effective Executive Networking
00:13:20 - Building Organizational Trust and Defining the Modern HR Team
00:19:24 - Managing the Stress and Reality of a People-Focused Role
00:21:55 - The Evolving Debate on Remote vs. In-Office Work
00:26:00 - Defining the Connection Between Leadership and Legacy
00:41:14 - Acknowledging Others and Enjoying the Journey
| Connect with Us |
Follow Caroline Werner:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-werner-0788513/
(Caroline Werner is a results-oriented Chief People Officer with a history of success in complex, high-growth global companies. She specializes in building high-performing HR teams and leading enterprise-wide transformations in areas like talent, culture, and employee experience. A trusted advisor to CEOs and boards, Caroline excels at guiding businesses through periods of disruption and expansion, ensuring their talent strategy aligns with key business outcomes.)
Follow Inside the C-Suite:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiseman/
Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b
Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160
Want to be on the show or know someone who might?
Contact Form – https://forms.gle/B1fVXPSV6b3x3AsS9
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices