Why Your Recognition Strategy Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Experience (People) Officer at Workhuman, about reimagining recognition in the age of AI.KeyAnna shares how Workhuman is using AI to enhance - not replace - human connection, from just-in-time recognition to personalized career support. She explains why recognition must go beyond rewards, how to build cultures where people feel truly seen, and why strategic investment in recognition is a business imperative, not a nice-to-have.🎓 In this episode, KeyAnna discusses:The ROI of recognition and its cultural impactWhy recognition is more than just rewards and bonusesCreating just-in-time, personalized employee experiencesHow AI enhances human connection instead of replacing itWhy trust, authenticity, and care should anchor HR strategy🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jon Caldwell, SVP & Chief People Officer at Valvoline Inc., about leading people strategy during rapid growth and transformation. Jon shares how Valvoline, a 160-year-old brand, has doubled its retail footprint and plans to nearly double again by 2030, all while maintaining a strong “family” culture. He explains the company’s grow-from-within model where 95% of managers start as technicians, the importance of scalable HR processes, and how traditions like the “Oil Olympics” reinforce teamwork and pride. The conversation highlights how culture, leadership, and data-driven HR fuel both business growth and employee success.🎓 In this episode, Jon discusses:Maintaining culture and inclusion while doubling store countHow 95% of leaders grow from technician to management rolesValvoline’s transformation into a pure-play retail growth businessUsing training, data, and scalable HR to prepare for 20,000+ employeesWhy traditions like the “Oil Olympics” and Family Reunion fuel engagement🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Cathy Peterman, Chief People Officer for Tech, Product & Design at Wayfair, about navigating transformation, leading through change, and preparing the workforce for the AI era. Cathy shares her unusual path from studying international conflict resolution to leading HR at global brands, and how curiosity, resilience, and embracing discomfort have fueled her career. She discusses imposter syndrome, why transferable skills matter more than titles, and how generative AI is reshaping recruitment, performance, and learning at Wayfair.🎓 In this episode, Cathy discusses:Why imposter syndrome can actually signal growthBuilding careers around transferable skills, not rigid pathsPreparing engineers and employees for critical thinking in the AI futureHow Wayfair uses GenAI in performance, promotions, and talent acquisitionWhy leaders must balance vulnerability with confidence during transformation🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Adam Holton, Chief People Officer at GE HealthCare, about the mindset shifts HR leaders need to harness AI, personalize learning, and lead with authenticity. Adam explains why example matters more than instruction, why democratized learning is changing leadership, and how AI can act like a “superpower” for HR teams. The conversation covers embedding AI into coaching, rethinking processes instead of just automating them, and creating sticky adoption through daily use cases.🎓 In this episode, Adam discusses:Why sticky adoption requires integrating AI into routine tasksEmbedding AI into coaching and HR workflows for daily impactHow AI is transforming learning into personalized, scalable supportThe cultural mindset shift HR must lead to unlock exponential valueWhy authentic leadership is about example, not having all the answers🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Wouter Durville, Co-Founder & CEO of TestGorilla, about the rise of skills-based hiring and how AI is transforming recruitment. Wouter shares his entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind TestGorilla, and why traditional CVs are becoming obsolete. He explains how AI-driven assessments, resume scoring, and video interviews are making hiring more fair, efficient, and predictive. The conversation also explores the future of work, shifting skill demands, and why critical thinking and human skills matter more than ever in an AI-driven economy.🎓 In this episode, Wouter discusses:Why collecting multiple data points reduces bias in hiringWhy CVs and degrees are poor predictors of job successThe case for skills-based hiring and how to implement it properlyThe rising importance of soft skills and problem-solving in the AI eraHow AI-powered assessments and interviews improve fairness and efficiencyGet instant answers to any HR questions and global compliance in 150+ countries - at a speed of thought (Secure your 25% off): https://www.atlascopilot.com/offers/atlas-x-deelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Vince Molinaro Ph.D., NY Times Best-Selling Author of The Leadership Contract, about redefining leadership expectations and building a community of accountable leaders. Vince shares the four terms of leadership, decision, obligation, hard work, and community, and explains how organizations can embed these principles into everyday practices. He discusses how HR leaders can align executives during strategic shifts, strengthen leadership culture, and create the conditions for extraordinary performance.🎓 In this episode, Vince discusses:How to embed leadership expectations into HR and talent practicesWhy clarity, alignment, and accountability are essential in leadershipThe CHRO’s role in building a community of leaders during strategic shiftsPractical examples of how leadership culture change improves engagement and performanceThe 4 terms of leadership from The Leadership Contract: decision, obligation, hard work, and communityGet instant answers to any HR questions and global compliance in 150+ countries - at a speed of thought (Secure your 25% off): https://www.atlascopilot.com/offers/atlas-x-deelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Lucia Bucci, Divisional CHRO for Employer Services International (ESI) at ADP, about leading HR across 37 countries, embedding AI into people processes, and building future-ready teams. Lucia draws on her 25-year career across Europe and beyond to share how HR can stay relevant in an AI-driven future. She discusses automating repetitive tasks, using AI to support manager training, and upskilling HR teams to embrace technology. The conversation also dives into trust, authenticity, resilience, and why team engagement is the real driver of retention and performance.🎓 In this episode, Lucia discusses:Preparing HR teams for an AI-driven futureBalancing global consistency with local customizationBuilding trust, authenticity, and engagement as leadership pillarsUsing AI to automate repetitive tasks and streamline manager trainingLeading HR strategy across 37 countries for ADP’s international businessGet instant answers to any HR questions and global compliance in 150+ countries - at a speed of thought (Secure your 25% off): https://www.atlascopilot.com/offers/atlas-x-deelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we're joined by Vishal Thanki, Director of Talent & Culture at B&Q. Vishal shares how B&Q is intentionally building a multigenerational workforce that reflects its diverse customer base, while driving high performance across all levels.From gamified e-learning to pay parity, inclusive training programs, and real talk on what motivates Gen Z to Baby Boomers, this episode is a practical playbook for designing a workplace where five generations thrive together. If you care about performance, inclusion, and real HR impact, this one's for you.🎓 In this episode, Vishal discusses:Why engagement surveys drive better cultural decisionsHow to reflect customer diversity through your workforceHow store managers personalize support across generationsWhy B&Q invests in age-inclusive pay, upskilling, and leadershipHow B&Q creates an environment where everyone - from Gen Z to Boomers - can thrive🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - atlas copilot.Get instant answers to any HR questions and global compliance in 150+ countries - at a speed of thought (Secure your 25% off): https://www.atlascopilot.com/offers/atlas-x-deelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Will Leahy, VP of People at Greenhouse Software, about how AI is reshaping employee development and the democratization of coaching. Will shares how Greenhouse is leveraging AI tools like Kona and dynamic learning pathways to create personalized, in-the-flow training at scale while maintaining a strong remote culture. The conversation explores why the future of HR isn’t just about technology, it’s about using AI to amplify human connection, learning speed, and cultural cohesion in distributed teams.🎓 In this episode, Ryan discusses:How to build personalized training at scale in under 3 minutes with AIWhy traditional LMS models are too slow for today’s workforceHow AI can push learning to every employee, not just the top 5%Why organizational agility depends on real-time, adaptive L&DHow to meet learners where they are with SMS and Teams-based delivery🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Kyle Forrest, U.S. Future of HR Leader at Deloitte. Kyle unpacks key insights from Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report, based on responses from 13,000+ professionals across 90 countries. He explains how leaders can navigate tension between human and business outcomes, why 40% of work is wasted on non-value tasks, and how organizations are rethinking the role of managers, AI, and workforce experience. If you’re leading transformation or planning for the future of work, this episode is your roadmap.🎓 In this episode, Kyle discusses:How to balance agility and stability in today’s workforceThe importance of redefining manager roles in the AI eraHow leading companies are redesigning EVP to align with automationWhy organizations must reclaim capacity by removing non-value workWhy cross-functional, boundaryless teams will shape the future of work🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.