In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jenni Kovach, Chief People Officer, and Adam Luck, CISM CISSP, Senior Director at IGS Energy, to explore how HR and IT can co-create AI strategies that drive real employee value. They reveal how a human-first approach to AI governance, internal AI tools like ChatGPT, and cross-functional trust helped build engagement, not fear, around technology.🎓 In this episode, Jenni and Adam discuss:Why AI strategy must be human-first, not tech-firstHow to build psychological safety during AI rolloutsWhy optional adoption builds stronger engagementThe importance of cross-functional AI steering committeesHow internal AI tools are helping scale upskilling and productivitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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31:41
How to Lead Across Different Cultures
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Helene Hasselskog, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sweco, to explore how leadership alignment, cultural awareness, and talent scarcity are shaping the future of engineering organizations.Helene shares Sweco's journey toward a joint leadership philosophy, the challenges of balancing performance with care, and how the company is navigating one of the toughest hiring markets in Europe.🎓 In this episode, Helene discusses:Addressing the talent shortage in engineeringBalancing performance with empathy in leadershipAligning leadership around shared values and purposeCultural differences and leadership styles across bordersUpskilling, acquisitions, and internal development strategiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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39:04
How McDonald’s Builds a Strong Workplace Culture
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Emilee F. DeMartino, International Chief People Officer for International Markets at McDonald's, about building a culture of care, leveraging technology to transform HR, and leading with empathy across a global workforce.Emilee highlights the importance of meaningful recognition, the role of predictive analytics in workforce planning, and how digital innovation is reshaping employee experience at scale.🎓 In this episode, Emilee discusses:Balancing empathy with strategic decision-makingUsing predictive analytics for workforce optimizationCreating and maintaining a culture of care and recognitionHow digital transformation enhances employee experiencesThe role of meaningful community connections and partnershipsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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33:29
How to Balance Empathy and Strategy in HR
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Anisha Thomas, Head of People at Inscribe AI, about balancing empathy and strategic leadership in fast-growing startups. Anisha shares the emotional challenge of executing a reduction in force (RIF), leveraging AI agents for workforce efficiency and innovation, and discusses how transparent communication builds stronger trust within leadership teams. She also explores the evolving landscape of HR amid rapid technological advancements.🎓 In this episode, Anisha discusses:Building trust and rapport in leadership teamsLeveraging AI agents for enhanced organizational efficiencyBalancing empathy and strategic decisions in HR leadershipLessons learned from conducting a Reduction in Force (RIF)The evolving role of HR amidst rapid technological advancementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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44:02
How to Earn Employee Trust in 2025
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jeanette Winters, Chief Human Resource Officer at 8x8, about building resilient HR strategies that balance agility, transparency, and authenticity. Jeanette shares her unique insights on leadership consistency, the critical role of lifelong learning, and why transparency, especially in times of uncertainty, is essential for trust and engagement.🎓 In this episode, Jeanette discusses:Why consistency in leadership mattersIntegrating HR strategies directly into business objectivesMaintaining transparency and authenticity in uncertain timesThe power of lifelong learning in driving competitive advantageCreating meaningful connections to enhance employee engagementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join host Chris Rainey on the HR Leaders Podcast, where he sits down with top Chief People Officers, CHROs, and leading HR experts to uncover the strategies, trends, and insights shaping the future of human resources. Each episode dives into best practices in people management, leadership challenges, and transformative HR innovations that impact both business success and society at large. Whether you're an HR professional or simply passionate about modern workplace strategies, this podcast delivers expert advice, real-world experiences, and the latest trends in HR, making it your go-to resource for all things human resources.
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