HR Leaders

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Andre Heinz , Chief People and Culture Officer at Celonis , to unpack what HR leadership really looks like inside a company scaling at rocket speed. Andre explains why growth has no mercy in fast scaling organizations, and why HR must constantly think two to three years ahead while still managing the intense operational demands of today....

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Carlo Steenvoorden , EVP HR People Services, Analytics & HR AI at KPN , to unpack how a 100+ year old telecom company is moving from legacy HR systems to a fully conversational AI powered employee experience. Carlo explains why KPN made a bold decision to declare that the future of HR interactions is conversational, with systems pushe...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Ilja Bitterling , VP Skills Intelligence & Performance Management at Deutsche Telekom , to unpack how large organizations can finally make skills data usable, trusted, and decision ready. Ilja explains why skills intelligence is not about inventories, but about creating a shared language that connects workforce decisions, performance...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Vincent Lecerf , Executive Vice President, Human Resources at Orange , to unpack how purpose, diversity, and skills become real business levers inside a fast moving telecom and technology environment. Vincent explains why serving communities is not brand marketing, it’s an operating model, from safer phones for children to digital educati...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Vincent Dupuis , Vice President HR Digital & AI at Airbus , to unpack how organizations should decide what to automate, what to augment, and what must be protected as AI reshapes work at scale. Vincent explains why augmentation, not replacement, is the real story of AI at work, using powerful analogies to show how AI should extend hum...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jayney Howson , SVP Global Workforce Skills & Talent Readiness at ServiceNow , to unpack why “talent readiness” has become a burning platform for companies trying to keep pace with AI, platform adoption, and customer transformation. Jayney shares how ServiceNow builds skills for both its 28,000 employees and the millions of practition...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with David Sperl , Head of HR for Advanced Visualization Solutions at GE HealthCare , to unpack how HR earns real business credibility by shipping outcomes, not PowerPoints, inside a heavily regulated, science driven environment. David explains why AI literacy must move from theory to hands-on practice, how microlearning and shared baseline to...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Kristen A. Pressner , Global Head of People & Culture at Roche , to unpack why neurodiversity may be the single biggest untapped advantage in the post-AI workplace. Kristen explains why most organisations are sitting on “free upside”, talented people already inside the business who are not thriving because work was designed for one ty...

Will Clive , Chief Human Resources Officer at LVT (LiveView Technologies) , to unpack what it really takes to build high performing teams in fast growing, high pressure environments without burning people out or killing trust. Will breaks down why clarity beats control, and why the job of a leader is not to micromanage talent, but to make the destination so clear that teams can figure out the path...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Michael Burgess, Chief People Officer at Amey , to unpack what it really takes to build credibility, influence, and impact in HR when you don’t start with privilege, pedigree, or permission. Michael shares his journey from leaving school at 16 and working as a farm labourer, to becoming a CPO responsible for people, culture, safety, and o...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jason Bloomfield , Global Head of Talent Acquisition Transformation at Ericsson , to unpack how a 149-year-old company is rebuilding HR by putting people before technology. Jason explains how a failed global HR tool rollout, what he openly calls the “tool of doom,” became the catalyst for a complete reset. Instead of adding more systems,...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Kristin Trecker , Chief People Officer at Visteon Corporation , to unpack what it really takes to build talent at the speed of disruption in a 100-year industry going through a 100-year change. Kristin explains why HR has to stop acting like an order taker and start operating like a product line manager, with a clear roadmap, clear custom...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Ayaskant Sarangi , CHRO at Mphasis , to explore how HR is shifting from a support function to a business-first, tech-enabled growth engine. Ayaskant shares why HR leaders must deeply understand P&L, business language, and customer problems to earn a real seat at the table. He breaks down how Mphasis is using AI-powered hyper personali...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Sharon Doherty , Chief People and Places Officer at Lloyds Banking Group , to explore how Lloyds is preparing its leaders for a world where AI and culture change are happening at the same time. Sharon shares how Lloyds focuses on substance over noise and why leadership behaviour matters more today than ever. She breaks down how the compan...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Emilee F. DeMartino , SVP and Chief People Officer for McDonald's International Operated Markets, to explore how one of the world’s biggest employers keeps a people first culture alive across more than 120 markets. Emilee shares how values like serve, inclusion, integrity, community, and family guide everyday decisions in a world of const...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Kent Frederiksen , Vice President and Head of Rewards at the LEGO Group , to unpack how one of the world’s most beloved brands is preparing for the EU’s 2026 pay transparency rules. Kent breaks down why this shift is far bigger than compliance and why it will fundamentally reshape how companies handle data, structure roles, build trust an...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Raj Verma , Chief Culture, Inclusion and Employee Experience Officer at Sanofi , to explore how culture, trust and co-creation became the foundation of one of the most ambitious AI transformations in the industry. Raj breaks down why culture is a verb , not a vibe, and how Sanofi intentionally shaped behaviors and values to support AI at...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Frederic Patitucci , Chief People & Culture Officer at Philip Morris International , reveals the inside story of PMI’s decade-long transformation, from a traditional tobacco company to a science-driven, smoke-free business. Frédéric explains how PMI rebuilt its business model, operating model, and culture while navigating one of the m...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Michiel van Duin , Chief People Technology, Data and Insights Officer at Novartis to discuss how the company is building a human-centered AI ecosystem that connects people, data, and technology. Michiel explains how Novartis brings together HR, IT, and corporate strategy to align AI innovation with the company’s long-term workforce and bu...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Gina Vargiu-Breuer , Chief People Officer and Labor Director at SAP , to explore how SAP is transforming into a truly skills-led, AI-powered organization. Gina shares how the company is reimagining its HR operating model by combining AI innovation with deep cultural roots, creating what she calls “human–AI power couples.” She discusses ho...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Eric Mosley , Founder, CEO, and Board Member at Workhuman to discuss how AI and recognition are reshaping the workplace. Eric reveals how companies can unlock hidden talent and reduce bias by combining AI with the human data hidden inside recognition moments. He explains why 80–90% of AI projects fail, not because of the technology, but b...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Amy Coleman , Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Microsoft , to explore what it means to lead with humanity in the age of AI. After 25 years at Microsoft, Amy shares how HR’s role is transforming, from managing processes to designing experiences that balance innovation and empathy. She discusses how Microsoft is navigati...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Sandrine GIRSZYN , Chief Human Resources Officer Headquarters at AXA , about redefining the role of the manager in a fast-changing world. Sandrine explains how managers have become the crucial layer holding transformation, well-being, and performance together, and why HR must put them back at the center of organizational strategy. She shares...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Alejandra Piñol , Deputy Chief HR Officer at IKEA , to explore how one of the world’s most iconic brands keeps its culture alive while transforming at global scale. Alejandra opens up about leading through rapid change and protecting the company’s unique values across more than 170,000 co-workers and 60 countries. She shares how IKEA empo...

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Josh Bersin , Global Industry Analyst and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company , breaks down the AI revolution transforming HR and the workforce. Josh explains how AI is creating the era of the “Superworker” - empowering employees to do more, learn faster, and take on higher-value roles. He reveals why HR must lead the AI agenda, how to frame AI as a growth opp...