Breaking the HR Mold: Vanesa Cotlar on Transforming HR and People Operations

On this episode of Redefining Work, I’m joined by Kim Scott, author of the classic, “Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity.” People need to know that you care about them, but at the same time, you do them a disservice if you don’t help them grow. Listen in to learn how to give — and receive — radical candor to help everyone on your team feel safe to grow.

Welcome to the latest special Redefining Work episode of The Riff, co-hosted by Lars Schmidt, AJ Thomas, and Q Hamirani. In this lively discussion, they dive deep into the world of non-linear careers, including personal anecdotes from their own experience, offering valuable advice for those navigating their professional journeys.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I’m joined by Kandi Wiens, University of Pennsylvania senior fellow and author of the new book “Burnout Immunity.” Find out how you can build resilience to burnout and learn to thrive at work.

In this episode of the Redefining Work podcast, host Lars Schmidt sits down with Vanesa Cotlar, VP of People and Culture at PolicyMe, to explore the transformative changes in HR. Vanesa shares her journey from a solo HR professional to leading a dynamic team, discusses the evolution and increased visibility of the HR field, and offers insights on building trust with the C-suite and mastering remote work.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I’m joined by Amy Schultz, global head of talent acquisition at Canva. We discuss Amy's career journey from LinkedIn to Canva, how Canva uses visual storytelling in its recruiting processes, and Amy's perspective on generative AI in recruiting.

Rocki Howard is a leading voice on building inclusive workplaces and the founder of Diversiology.io, an advisory and community firm that empowers SMBs to build high-performing, engaged, and inclusive cultures. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience for our Amplify Talent Community VIP webinar series. Rocki and I discussed various aspects of her recent entrepreneurial journey, the state of DEI today, the importance of intersectionality, and much more.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I’m joined by Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist at Canva and author of “Think Remarkable.” In this conversation, we go deep into the revolutionary significance of generative AI (including how he uses it in his daily life), how growth and grit are the keys to being remarkable, and so much more.

In this episode of Redefining Work Reports, I'm joined by Pat Wadors, Chief People Officer at UKG, who shares her extensive insights into the evolving role of HR in today's business environment. The discussion explores Pat's innovative approach to HR, emphasizing the strategic alignment of business goals with employee advocacy, the impact of technological advancements on HR practices, and the importance of resilience and continuous learning in leadership. Pat's deep experience and forward-thinking ideas provide valuable lessons for HR professionals looking to drive meaningful change and effectively navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

On this episode of Redefining Work, I’m joined by Sergio Ezama, chief HR officer at Netflix. We examine Netflix’s one-of-a-kind take on compensation, how the company is using generative AI and Sergio’s advice for new chief people officers learning to build C-suite relationships.

In today’s podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Molly Graham, who has been instrumental in shaping the tech landscape through her profound insights into people and organizational development. Molly is a powerhouse known for her roles at major tech firms like Facebook and Google, as well as her recent endeavors, such as founding Glue Club and &Then. Our conversation was a deep dive into her journey, her philosophy and lessons on growth and scaling, and her viral concept of "Giving Away Your Legos."