Summary

In this episode of the Built My People podcast, Dina Perreault shares her unique career journey from the military to HR, discussing her current priorities, challenges in finding technical talent, and the importance of effective communication within organizations. She emphasizes the need for HR professionals to act as business partners and the role of AI in enhancing HR functions, while also addressing the significance of personal interaction in the workplace. Dina concludes with advice for HR professionals to focus on business impact and execution.

Takeaways

• Dina's career path transitioned from military to HR.
• Succession planning and talent pipeline are current priorities.
• Finding technical talent is a major challenge in HR.
• Repetitive employee questions can be demoralizing for HR.
• Creating an FAQ page improved employee communication.
• Quarterly management training helps reduce repetitive questions.
• Operational leaders are critical partners in HR.
• AI can assist but cannot replace human interaction.
• Effective communication is key to employee engagement.
• HR professionals should lead with business impact.

Summary

In this episode of the Build by People podcast, Billy Parsons shares his extensive career journey, highlighting his experiences in various sectors including healthcare and retail. He discusses the current challenges facing HR, particularly the impact of AI on workforce dynamics and the importance of maintaining a human element in HR practices. Billy emphasizes the critical role of effective communication within organizations to ensure that leadership ideas are effectively conveyed to all employees. He concludes with valuable advice for HR professionals on problem-solving and supporting their teams.

Takeaways

• Billy Parsons has 15 years of experience in healthcare and 12 years in retail.
• AI poses both opportunities and challenges for HR.
• Maintaining a human element in HR is crucial despite AI advancements.
• Operational challenges can hinder HR effectiveness, regardless of team quality.
• Effective communication is essential for organizational success.
• Leadership ideas often fail to cascade down to frontline employees.
• HR should focus on solving problems for employees.
• Billy emphasizes the importance of team success over individual success.
• Communication structures need to be solidified for better engagement.
• HR professionals should strive to free employees to focus on their passions.

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, Desiree Aprekuma shares her unexpected journey into HR, the challenges of managing remote teams, and the innovative tools and technologies shaping the future of human resources. She emphasizes the importance of creativity in problem-solving and the need for HR professionals to stay curious and adaptable in a rapidly changing environment. Desiree also discusses her aspirations for growth within her organization and offers valuable advice for fellow HR leaders.

Takeaways

• Desiree's career in HR began unexpectedly through a mentor's encouragement.
• Remote work presents unique challenges in team engagement and connection.
• Creativity and technology are essential for effective HR management.
• AI is a significant focus for improving HR processes and efficiency.
• HR tools like Workday are critical for managing people functions.
• Change management is vital when implementing new HR processes.
• Recruitment is a priority for Desiree's organization as they grow.
• Understanding both people and business metrics is crucial for HR leaders.
• Curiosity about employee stories enhances HR effectiveness.
• HR professionals should strive to have a seat at the leadership table.

Join us as we dive into the journey of Ram Palaniappan, CEO of Earnin, who transformed a simple idea into a groundbreaking financial wellness platform. Discover how Earnin is revolutionizing payroll by providing employees with instant access to their earnings, reducing financial stress, and enhancing productivity.

Learn about the future of pay and how continuous access to wages is reshaping the workplace. Tune in for insights on financial wellness, employee empowerment, and the evolving landscape of HR technology.

Key Points We Cover

• Ram's career journey from logistics to financial services.
• The inception of Earnin from a simple idea to a platform.
• How Earnin provides instant access to earnings.
• The impact of financial stress on employee productivity.
• The future of payroll as continuous and streaming.
• Benefits of Earnin for both employees and employers.
• The role of financial wellness in employee satisfaction.
• Earnin's approach to modernizing payroll systems.
• The importance of authentic leadership in HR.
• Advice for founders in HR tech: stay close to customers.

EarnIn is an app that gives you access to the pay you've earned - when you want it. Get paid for the hours you've worked without waiting for payday.

Summary

In this episode of the Built By People podcast, Nancy Hauge shares her unconventional journey from aspiring artist to a prominent figure in corporate HR. She discusses the transformative changes she has implemented in organizations, particularly through the adoption of new technologies and the elimination of outdated performance evaluations. Nancy emphasizes the importance of adapting to the evolving workforce dynamics, especially with the decline in birth rates and the rise of AI. She concludes with powerful advice for HR leaders about finding value in their roles and not settling for less.

Takeaways

• Nancy's journey began in the arts before transitioning to HR.
• She found a welcoming environment in Silicon Valley that encouraged authenticity.
• Technological advancements have allowed for significant changes in HR practices.
• Performance evaluations are outdated and detrimental to employee morale.
• The workforce is declining, presenting challenges for HR leaders.
• AI should be viewed as a solution, not a threat.
• HR must adapt to the expectations of millennials and Gen Z.
• Leadership requires navigating unpopular decisions for long-term success.
• Finding a supportive organizational culture is crucial for HR professionals.
• Improvisation has been key to Nancy's career success.

Summary

In this episode of the Built By People podcast, Shaunta Collier-Rankin shares her unique journey into human resources, emphasizing her focus on staff retention and growth. She discusses the challenges of navigating system implementations and the importance of having responsive HR tools. Shantae also highlights her aspirations for the future of her organization and offers valuable advice for aspiring HR professionals, stressing the strategic role of HR in business.

Takeaways

• Shaunta fell into human resources unexpectedly.
• Her top priority is staff retention and growth.
• Navigating system changes is a significant challenge.
• The HR platform is essential for employee lifecycle management.
• Responsive partners are critical for HR success.
• She hopes for a fully functional system in 12 months.
• HR is a strategic partner in organizations.
• Aspiring HR professionals should pursue their passion.
• HR professionals can bridge gaps between employees and supervisors.
• You have the power to make a difference in HR.

Summary

In this episode of the Built By People Podcast, Melissa Leneis shares her extensive career journey in HR, highlighting her experiences across various industries and her evolution into a CHRO role. She discusses the importance of inclusion, community, and well-being in the workplace, and how these elements drive performance and engagement. Melissa reflects on defining moments in her career, the challenges she faced, and the legacy she hopes to leave as an HR leader. She concludes with valuable advice for future HR professionals, emphasizing the need for purpose, humanity, and a focus on talent investment.

Takeaways

• Melissa's career spans various industries including defense and technology.
• She was inspired to pursue HR after hearing a Disney HR leader speak.
• Inclusion and community are central to her HR philosophy.
• She transformed HR from transactional to enabling roles.
• Melissa's defining moment was realizing the impact of inclusion-based work.
• She introduced global family planning benefits and expanded parental leave.
• Leadership upscaling is critical for effective strategy implementation.
• Her legacy aims to make organizations and people better.
• She advises future HR leaders to lead with purpose and humanity.
• Investing in talent is essential for organizational success.

• Navigating the HR Landscape: Melissa Leneis' Journey
• The Power of Inclusion in the Workplace

• "Inclusion isn't just about representation."
• "Lead with purpose, but stay human."
• "Thank you very much for the opportunity."

Chapters

00:00 Melissa's Career Journey in HR

03:26 Defining Moments in Inclusion and Leadership

06:06 Challenges and Legacy in HR Leadership

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People Podcast, Carolina Terrazas shares her inspiring journey in HR, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From being unexpectedly thrust into a leadership role to navigating international moves, Carolina emphasizes the importance of courage, resilience, and adaptability in personal and professional growth. She highlights transformative HR initiatives and the significance of understanding unique company cultures while adapting leadership practices. Ultimately, Carolina encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and the ability to unlearn in a rapidly changing world.

Takeaways

• Carolina's career in HR began unexpectedly but became a passion.
• A key mentor saw potential in Carolina that she didn't see in herself.
• Growth occurs when we are trusted to rise to the occasion.
• Courage involves moving forward despite fear.
• Transitions in her career taught Carolina resilience and empathy.
• Preparation for change is less about knowledge and more about confidence.
• Meaningful HR changes can have lasting impacts on employees.
• Adapting practices to fit unique company cultures is crucial.
• Curiosity and adaptability are essential in today's fast-paced world.
• The ability to unlearn and relearn is vital for success.

Chapters

00:00 Carolina's Journey in HR

03:37 The Impact of Trust and Leadership

05:26 Navigating Career Transitions

07:35 Driving Change in Organizations

11:53 Adapting and Evolving in a Changing World

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People Podcast, Liezl Tolentino shares her extensive career journey in HR, emphasizing the importance of coaching, self-care, and the impact of leadership during challenging times. She discusses her sabbatical, defining moments in her career, and the challenges she faced as an HR leader, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Liezl also highlights the significance of building confidence, minimizing self-doubt, and leaving a positive legacy in the workplace.

Takeaways

• HR can be a key driver in transformation and value creation.
• Taking a sabbatical can provide clarity and energy for future endeavors.
• Healthy selfishness is crucial for personal and professional well-being.
• Building trust with employees is essential during crises.
• Self-acceptance helps minimize self-doubt and negative self-talk.
• Practicing gratitude can rewire your brain for positivity.
• Leaders should focus on their strengths to build confidence.
• The legacy of an HR leader should be about positive impact.
• HR leaders have the privilege to make a significant impact on humanity.

Chapters

00:00 Liezl's Career Journey

03:41 The Power of Coaching

06:11 The Importance of Taking a Sabbatical

07:57 Defining Moments in HR Leadership

11:17 Overcoming Challenges as an HR Leader

15:51 Building Confidence and Minimizing Self-Doubt

15:57 Legacy and Impact as an HR Leader

17:39 Parting Advice for HR Leaders

Summary

In this episode of the Built By People Podcast, Leah Buckley shares her non-traditional career journey in HR, highlighting key influences and mentorship that shaped her path. She discusses critical decisions made during acquisitions, the importance of building business partner teams, and the challenges of making unpopular decisions for long-term benefits. Leah emphasizes the significance of implementing competencies and leveling in organizations and provides advice for early career professionals on valuing their voices and ideas.

Takeaways

• Leah's career journey in HR was non-traditional and exploratory.
• Key influences include her father and mentors from Target and Amazon.
• Navigating critical decisions during acquisitions can build trust.
• Building business partner teams provides essential support for leaders.
• Unpopular decisions can lead to long-term organizational benefits.
• Implementing competencies and leveling is crucial for employee growth.
• Foundational steps are necessary for successful HR initiatives.
• Early career professionals should value their voices and ideas.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in career development.

Chapters

00:00 Leah's Non-Traditional Career Journey

06:23 Navigating Tough Decisions in HR

12:28 Advice for Emerging Leaders

Summary

In this conversation, Heidi shares her extensive career journey in HR, detailing her rise from a content writer to CEO and now president of isolved Talent Acquisition. She discusses the challenges faced during a surge in job applications, particularly during mass layoffs in tech, and how her team adapted by implementing AI-driven solutions to streamline the recruitment process. Heidi emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in candidate applications and shares valuable lessons learned from her experiences, including the need for clear job ads and effective screening processes. She concludes with advice on leveraging AI effectively in recruitment.

Takeaways

• Heidi's career began in marketing and evolved into HR.
• She faced overwhelming job applications during tech layoffs.
• Quality of candidates is more important than quantity.
• AI tools helped streamline the recruitment process.
• Well-written job ads are crucial for attracting the right candidates.
• Candidate matching AI can surface the best fits.
• Understanding the job role is essential for effective hiring.
• Recruiting should be treated as a system, not a linear pipeline.
• Over-automation can lead to challenges in recruitment.
• Inputs to AI systems must be continuously refined.

Chapters

00:00 Heidi's Career Journey in HR

02:03 Navigating High Volume Job Applications

04:33 Implementing AI in Recruitment

07:04 Lessons Learned from Recruitment Challenges

10:08 Parting Advice on AI Utilization

Summary

In this conversation, HR strategic leader and VP of People at 15Five, Karina Young, shares her extensive experience in scaling tech organizations and the challenges faced in HR, including burnout and manager enablement. She discusses the importance of data in advocating for HR needs, the role of executives in program rollouts, and the significance of measuring HR impact through various metrics. Karina concludes with advice on making small, incremental changes for personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• HR burnout is unfortunately more and more common given shrinking team sizes.
• Karina uses data to advocate for the right balance with headcount.
• Executives must play a big role in the rollout of the manager enablement program to ensure their success.
• Peer-to-peer learning creates a cool community that drives continuous engagement.

• One small shift every day makes you better.

Chapters

00:00 Karina's Journey in HR

02:06 Addressing HR Burnout

04:07 Manager Enablement Challenges

06:41 Measuring HR Impact

08:42 Parting Advice for Growth

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People Podcast, Monet Williams shares her career journey from a student with a passion for people to a leader in organizational transformation. She discusses key influences that shaped her path, including her experiences at McKinsey and the Red Sox, and highlights the importance of understanding employee needs and community engagement. Monet emphasizes the significance of employee resource groups and the need for HR leaders to adapt to constant change in the workforce. She concludes with valuable advice for emerging leaders on facilitating change and making it easier for people to do the right thing.

Takeaways

• Monet describes herself as a 'people nerd'.
• Her early experiences shaped her career path away from engineering.
• She spent 11 years at McKinsey focusing on people and organization.
• Listening to concerns is crucial in high-stakes situations.
• Expanding customer bases can lead to meaningful change.
• Credibility can be a challenge when proposing new ideas.
• Change management requires addressing people's fears and uncertainties.
• Employee resource groups can enhance culture and retention.
• HR leaders should align ERGs with business impact.
• Facilitating change involves removing barriers for employees.

Chapters

00:00 Monet's Career Journey: From Student to Consultant

03:21 Key Influences and Career Shifts

06:11 High-Stakes Decisions and Change Management

09:07 Leadership Strategies and Employee Resource Groups

10:47 Future of HR: Adapting to Change

Summary

In this conversation, Jill Wrobel shares her career journey from being an actuary to becoming the CHRO of Brunswick Corporation. Jill discusses the challenges faced in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, especially during rapid growth periods. She outlines concrete steps taken to address these challenges, the impactful outcomes of their efforts, and offers recommendations for others looking to implement similar strategies in their organizations.

Takeaways

• Continuous improvement is critical for our internal workforce.

• Storytelling drives a culture of continuous improvement.
• Walk the walk, model the behaviors.
• Celebrate the wins and near misses.

• Lead with the heart in HR.
• It's an obligation to lead with authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 Jill's Career Journey in HR

03:11 Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement

05:59 Concrete Steps for Continuous Improvement

08:36 Impactful Outcomes of Continuous Improvement

11:18 Strategies for Driving Continuous Improvement

14:18 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, Sharon John shares her extensive career journey in HR, emphasizing the importance of total rewards and the impact of COVID-19 on compensation practices. She discusses her career-defining moments, the challenges of communication in a global context, and her aspirations for leaving a lasting legacy in HR leadership. Sharon advocates for transparent communication and the need for HR professionals to evolve into strategic partners within organizations.

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, Dallin Demke interviews Donna Brown, founder of Cultivation HR, who shares her extensive experience in HR and technology leadership. The conversation delves into the challenges HR professionals face, particularly in embracing AI while maintaining fairness and compliance. Donna discusses the operational demands on HR teams, especially in smaller organizations, and the potential of AI to alleviate some of these burdens. The discussion also covers the evolution of performance reviews and the importance of continuous feedback in modern HR practices. Donna emphasizes the need for HR to think creatively about resource allocation and partnerships to enhance their capabilities.

Takeaways

• HR professionals are challenged by balancing innovation with governance.
• AI can create capacity for HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
• Year-end HR activities are particularly demanding for small teams.
• AI's promise in HR is significant, but implementation is complex.
• Continuous coaching is becoming a viable alternative to annual performance reviews.
• AI tools can enhance learning and operational efficiency in HR.
• HR should leverage external partnerships to extend capabilities.
• The future of HR involves thinking beyond traditional staffing models.
• AI can help automate routine tasks, freeing up time for strategic work.
• HR must ensure ethical considerations are integrated into AI usage.

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, Bruce Nichols shares his unconventional career journey from the army to HR leadership roles across various industries. He discusses pivotal moments in his career, the importance of building lasting change within organizations, and the challenges of making unpopular decisions. Bruce emphasizes the need for HR leaders to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a human-centric approach. He concludes with valuable advice on humility and decisiveness in leadership.

Takeaways

• Bruce's career journey began unexpectedly after leaving the army.
• He transitioned from finance to HR through various roles.
• Building a centralized employee relations team was a significant achievement.
• Navigating unpopular decisions is part of effective leadership.
• Presence and engagement with employees are crucial for leaders.
• Understanding business fundamentals is essential for HR leaders.
• AI and technology should complement human interaction in HR.
• Humble decisiveness is key to effective leadership.
• Leaders must accept the consequences of their decisions.
• Building trust within teams is vital for long-term success.

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, Wendy Moore, founder of Eleve Talent, shares her career journey and insights into the challenges faced by HR professionals in today's competitive market. She emphasizes the importance of strategic hiring, role clarity, and compliance as startups scale. Wendy also discusses the critical role of technology and partnerships in HR, and the transformative impact of AI on the industry, advocating for its use to enhance the human experience rather than replace it.

Takeaways

• Wendy's career has always centered around helping people build.
• She emphasizes the intersection of technology and people in her work.
• Strategic hiring is crucial in a competitive market.
• Every hire must have a significant impact on the team.
• Role clarity is essential as teams grow to avoid confusion.
• Compliance infrastructure is vital for scaling teams effectively.
• Technology can help HR move fast without sacrificing quality.
• Partnerships with experts enhance HR capabilities.
• AI should be embraced to remove friction in HR processes.
• The future of HR lies in leveraging technology to enhance human connections.

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, Jim Miller, the Head of People at Ashby, shares his extensive experience in talent acquisition and human resources. He discusses his career journey, the challenges he faces in HR, particularly around headcount planning and growth, and the importance of internal partnerships in building effective HR strategies. Jim also offers valuable advice for aspiring HR professionals, emphasizing the need to be proactive in career development.

Takeaways

• Jim Miller has 25 years of experience in talent acquisition.
• He is currently the Head of People at Ashby, focusing on ATS technology.
• The company's top priority is organizing a company-wide offsite for remote employees.
• Jim faces challenges related to growth and headcount planning.
• He emphasizes just-in-time hiring based on business outcomes.
• Internal partnerships with product and engineering teams are critical for success.
• Transparency in compensation is essential for attracting talent.
• Jim wishes for faster feature development in HR systems.
• He aims to build a more specialized HR team in the future.
• Proactivity in career opportunities is key for aspiring HR professionals.

In this episode of the Built by People Podcast, Steve Browne shares his intentional journey in HR, discussing transformative practices that have reshaped workplace culture, accountability, and the integration of technology in human resources. He emphasizes the importance of listening, small manageable changes, and building a supportive network among HR professionals.

Key Takeaways

• Steve Browne has been in HR intentionally since college.
• He transformed the perception of HR from a 'black hole' to a human-centric function.
• Listening for three months before implementing changes was pivotal in his approach.
• Small changes can have a significant impact on workplace culture.
• Redefining accountability in HR can lead to better management practices.
• Being present with employees is crucial for effective HR leadership.
• HR professionals should embrace technology rather than fear it.
• Networking with HR peers can enhance professional growth.
• Sustainable change comes from manageable steps, not giant leaps.
• HR leaders need to prepare for labor shortages and technological advancements.

Chapters

00:00 Steve Browne's HR Journey

03:34 Transforming HR Culture

06:25 Redefining Accountability in HR

09:32 Embracing Technology in HR

12:18 Building a Supportive HR Network