HR Data Labs

In this episode, David and Dwight continue their “AI-Off,” a deep dive into using AI development tools to automate everyday tasks and create custom applications for HR. They explore the concept of "vibe coding" with platforms like Replit and Base44, discussing how HR professionals can leverage natural language to build powerful tools without extensive coding knowledge. They cover the iterative dev...

Sarah Smart, founder of Horizon Human Resources and a seasoned talent acquisition (TA) leader, joins us this episode to discuss the transformational impact of AI on talent acquisition. We explore how AI is reshaping TA roles, from coordinators to sourcers, and make the case for a fundamental shift in how organizations structure and skill their recruiting teams for the future. Sarah also provides c...

In this special episode, David and Dwight introduce an interesting live experiment: the “AI-Off.” They’ll explore how modern AI developer tools are making it possible for anyone (regardless of their coding background) to build powerful, enterprise-level applications. Listen in as they brainstorm an HR use case and plan the process of turning a simple idea into a functional app in real-time. [0:00]...

In this episode, we welcome David Noe, host of the Speakeasy HR podcast and a fellow member of the WRKdefined podcast network. David Noe explains how HR leaders and managers can prioritize employee experience (EX) initiatives, even when everything feels urgent. We discuss how to improve EX without adding to already heavy workloads; the importance of effective manager training; and which small, sim...

Market Analyst Dr. Katherine Marie Jones joins us this episode to discuss the pervasive nature of artificial intelligence in the modern world of business. We explore how AI is more than just office automation—it's a force reshaping industries, creating new jobs while making others obsolete, and presenting HR with the critical challenge of upskilling or reskilling the workforce. Katherine also shed...

In this episode, we welcome back Sean Luitjens, VP of Product Strategy and Partnerships at Salary.com. Drawing from his recent conversations with over 20 WorldatWork affiliates, Sean shares his insights on the most pressing challenges and consistent messages from compensation practitioners on the front lines. He also unpacks the “mass confusion” caused by data overload and new compliance demands,...

In this episode, we welcome Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek, to discuss the critical need for developing speaker training programs for technical staff within an organization. Neil shares his personal story of struggling with public speaking as an engineer and how it inspired him to help other technical professionals improve their communication skills. He breaks down the common challenges...

In this episode, we welcome Prem Kumar, the CEO and co-founder of Humanly, an AI-powered hiring platform. We discuss how AI is reshaping the world of recruiting by improving speed, enhancing the candidate experience, and allowing for greater scalability without losing the essential human touch. Prem also discusses the importance of building trust with candidates through empathetic AI interactions,...

In this episode, we welcome Carlee Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Leadership Development and Organizational Effectiveness at Hyatt Hotels. We discuss how AI is reshaping leadership, growth, and coaching in the workplace. Carlee also explores the shift from generalized feedback to personalized, data-driven insights, and the importance of balancing AI tools with genuine human connection and empa...

In this episode, we welcome Stan Suchkov, Founder and CEO of Evolve, a next-gen learning platform. We discuss the transformative impact AI could have on the L&D sphere and explore the new opportunities generative AI created for everything from onboarding to employee assessments.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Stan! Today’s Topic: How AI is Transforming the HR and L&D Sphere [4:11] What New Opportun...

In this episode, we welcome Natalie Tincher, Founder of BU Style & Principal Style Strategist. We unpack the often-overlooked intersection of personal style, workplace culture, and inclusion. Natalie shares insights on how employee authenticity and appearance impact confidence and connection, how the shift to hybrid work is redefining professional norms, and how HR leaders can balance dress code p...

As Season 9 of the HR Data Labs podcast comes to a close, join David and Dwight for a reflective look back at the season’s episodes, guess, and key topics. They revisit their predictions from the Season 8 finale, evaluate hits and misses on trends like AI adoption and expected DEI shifts. Finally, they peer into the future, offering bold new predictions for what HR professionals can expect regardi...

Send us a text Amri B. Johnson, inclusion strategist and founder of Inclusion Wins, joins us this episode to discuss the tumultuous climate of DEI practices in today’s organizations and how companies can navigate toward more effective inclusion strategies.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Amri! Today’s Topic: Creating Anti-fragile Organizational Cultures [7:27] How to begin tackling DEI challenges Sh...

Send us a text Charlie Sull, Co-Founder of CultureX and Culture Researcher at MIT, joins us this episode to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we understand and measure corporate culture. He explains why traditional employee surveys fall short and how AI tools are providing new insights into what employees really think about their workplace culture. [0:00] Introduction...

Send us a text Charlene Li, author and analyst, joins us this episode to discuss proven strategies for safely and successfully rolling out AI solutions to employees within an organization. She also compares the roles of generative AI and AI agents in the workplace.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Charlene! Today’s Topic: Proven Strategies for Integrating AI in the Workplace [5:43] What are the bigge...

Send us a text Susan LaMotte, the founder and CEO of exaqueo, joins us this episode to discuss the intricacies of acquiring custom data for your organization, how to pull the most impactful insights from that data, and how to secure support (financial and otherwise) for data collection.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Susan! Today’s Topic: The Importance of Custom Data for HR and the Future of Bench...

Send us a text Michael Gomez, CHRO at Tasty Restaurant Group, joins us this episode to discuss what drives employee engagement and the steps organizations can take to boost their own employees’ engagement.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Michael! Today’s Topic: The Secret to Better Employee Engagement [3:21] What’s the “secret sauce” for better employee engagement? Understanding the interdependency...

Send us a text Sarah Katherine Schmidt, Vice President at Peoplelogic, joins us this episode to discuss why performance management fails so many employees today and how improving performance management increases employee engagement and retention. [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Sarah! Today’s Topic: Revolutionizing Performance Management for Today's Workforce [4:27] Why Sarah advocates for agile perf...

Send us a text Desiree Goldey, Director of Marketing at ZRG Partners and Founder of Do Better Consulting, joins us this episode to discuss how the disconnect between talent and HR teams impacts an organization’s employees, both current and future.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Desiree! Today’s Topic: Fixing the Disconnect Between Talent and HR Teams [4:32] How do we know there’s a disconnect betwe...

Send us a text Michael Ohata, leadership coach and former Big Four partner, joins us this episode to discuss building a resilient workforce through better talent management. He addresses the shortcomings of many organizations’ outdated talent management models, offers ideas for improvement, and speculates on how AI could enhance talent management. [0:00] Introduction ·       Welcome, Mike! ·     ...

Send us a text Christopher “CJ” Gross, CEO of Jabbar HR Solutions, CEO and Founder of Ascension Worldwide, and author, joins us this episode to discuss key takeaways from his book, What’s Your ZIP Code Story? CJ shares how our backgrounds shape workplace interactions, techniques for navigating difficult conversations, and practical approaches to addressing class bias in professional settings.  [0:...

Send us a text Danielle Bushen, Global Head of People & Culture Technology Strategy at Sanofi, joins us this episode to discuss HR data governance. She explains what “data governance” actually means, outlines common data governance challenges HR teams face, and offers practical first steps toward better governance practices.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Danielle! Today’s Topic: Demystifying HR Da...

Send us a text Isaac Cheifetz, Managing Principal at Catalytic1 Executive Search and Chief Mentor Recruiter at Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory, joins us this episode to discuss applying lean methodologies to talent acquisition.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Isaac! Today’s Topic: Applying Lean Methodology to Talent Acquisition [9:14] Is talent acquisition really broken? Examining pain points f...

Send us a text Ron Hetrick, Vice President of Staffing Strategy and Sr. Labor Economist at Lightcast, joins us in this episode to discuss the current labor shortage and its relation to shifting demographics in the workforce. He explores which industries are being hit hardest by labor shortages (and why), and he answers the question on many of our minds: can AI help solve this issue?  [0:00] Introd...

Send us a text Stefanie Krievins, President of The Change Architects, joins us to pick up topics that were left on the cutting room floor when she last guested on the show. In this episode, she discusses how executive upskilling and reskilling has changed in recent years, the true impact of executive coaching, and why change management doesn’t get the attention and investment it deserves.  [0:00]...