Graham Abbey is a dynamic leader and organizational development expert, currently serving as Chief Executive at Farleigh Performance and a Professor in Practice at the University of Bristol. With over two decades of experience spanning corporate HR, consulting, and academia, Graham has helped numerous organizations, from global corporations to mid-sized businesses, address complex leadership and performance challenges. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of how organizations function as complex ecosystems, where success depends on navigating interconnected systems rather than following linear processes.Graham’s expertise lies in transforming organizational culture, improving leadership capabilities, and fostering team performance.Topic Discussion SummaryThe Power of Narratives: Exploring how leaders can craft impactful narratives while aligning them with individual experiences within the organization.Empathetic Leadership: Emphasizing the role of empathy in fostering deeper connections and understanding diverse perspectives among team members.Organizations as Ecosystems: Redefining organizations as living, interconnected systems that require adaptive leadership and contextual awareness.The HARD Framework: Introducing a performance model centered on Higher Purpose, Autonomy, Relationships, and Disruptive Learning.Empowering Purpose and Collaboration: How defining a purpose narrative enables autonomy and inspires diverse innovations.Performance Formula: Insights from Tim Galway's "inner game" philosophy—performance equals potential minus interference.Agency and Self-Organization: A call for a new organizational “operating system” that fosters self-direction, balance, and purpose.Podcasting Reflections: Sri’s journey of learning, transparency, and trust in storytelling through his podcasting endeavors.

Introduction:Meet Keri Higgins Bigelow, Founder and CEO of Living HR. Since 2009, she has been dedicated to humanizing workplaces by aligning business strategies with talent and culture. Keri is also an advocate for advancing women in corporate roles through her co-founded group, Fair League, and she frequently speaks at HR and business events.Key Achievements:Co-founded Fair League to promote women in leadership.Hosts "Work Now Plus in the Future" series and Disrupt HR events.Member of Forbes Human Resources Council, recognized by various business journals and HR accolades.Main Discussion Points:The New Employee-Employer Contract:Post-pandemic, traditional contracts are outdated. Employees now seek autonomy, flexibility, and a greater sense of purpose in their work.Systemic Workplace Issues:Keri highlights the disconnect between the traditional 9-to-5 workday and modern life demands, leading to inefficiency and employee dissatisfaction.Outcome-Based Work:Moving away from time-based work models to focus on results and performance. Advances in AI make it possible to complete tasks faster, pushing for a shift in how work is measured.Challenges Across Industries:Time-based models still dominate industries like retail. Keri proposes an "Uberization" of work schedules, giving employees flexibility to choose shifts with varied pay structures.Loneliness in Remote Work:Remote work can lead to isolation. Keri stresses the need for intentional efforts to foster community through virtual tools and social channels, as implemented at Living HR.Employee Accountability:Employees should take ownership of their career growth. While employers provide resources, it’s up to the individual to invest in their development.Flexibility for Performance:Flexibility at work should be earned based on performance. Transparency and mutual accountability form the foundation of the new employee-employer contract.Leveraging Technology:Companies should use data-driven tools to objectively track engagement and performance, moving beyond subjective evaluations.Closing Thoughts:Keri envisions a new, healthier workplace culture focused on outcomes. She invites listeners to connect with her on Living HR’s LinkedIn and join their Chief People Officer collective.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of livingHR, Keri Higgins-Bigelow. Keri explores the evolving employer-employee relationship, particularly post-COVID-19. Keri emphasizes the need for a new contract that prioritizes autonomy, flexibility, and outcomes-based work over traditional time-based metrics. They discuss the challenges of maintaining community in remote work settings and the role of technology in tracking employee engagement. Keri underscores the importance of trust, clear expectations, and empathy in fostering a productive and satisfying workplace culture.To learn more about Keri's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder of Happy Companies, James Lawrence. James Lawrence has over 25 years of leadership experience, James discusses the creation of Happy Companies, an AI-enhanced coaching platform aimed at improving manager effectiveness and workplace culture, especially in hybrid and remote settings. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people and culture over short-term profits, the challenges of managing remote teams, and the need for continuous leadership development. James also highlights the role of data in driving organizational change and fostering a supportive work environment.To learn more about James' work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the CEO of Griffin Resources, Michelle Griffin. Michelle underscores the strong correlation between employee happiness and their performance at work. She asserts that when employees are fulfilled and engaged in their roles, they tend to perform better, work more efficiently, and go above and beyond their job descriptions. This fulfillment often stems from working for organizations aligning with their values and career aspirations. Michelle references the adage, "If you do something you enjoy, you never work a day in your life," to illustrate the importance of passion in the workplace.To learn more about Michelle's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Author, Speaker, and Advisor, Ben Afia. Ben emphasizes that a strong alignment between brand and culture is essential for delivering a consistent and authentic customer experience. When employees understand and embody the brand values, it translates into every interaction they have with customers, creating a cohesive and trustworthy brand image. Your brand is a promise to your customers, setting expectations about the experience they will have with your company. Your organizational culture is how you deliver on that promise, encompassing the behaviors, attitudes, and values of your employees.Aligning brand and culture not only enhances customer experience but also boosts employee engagement. When employees feel connected to the brand, they are more motivated and committed to their work. A well-aligned brand and culture ensures that customers receive a consistent and positive experience, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty. Employees who resonate with the brand values are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to the organization.To learn more about Ben's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the CEO of the Association for Project Management, Adam Boddison. Adam discussed how project management extends beyond its technical roots to play a crucial role in strategic execution. Adam emphasized that project management should not be viewed as a niche specialty but rather as a set of tools and techniques that can significantly enhance a leader's ability to implement strategy effectively. He pointed out that the misconception of project management as overly technical often prevents leaders from fully appreciating its value in driving major change.Adam delved into the reasons why many strategic initiatives fall short of their intended impact. Adam highlighted a shift in leadership roles, with leaders increasingly tasked with delivering substantial change. This shift necessitates a strong command of project management skills to ensure successful strategy execution. He discussed the concept of "projectification" in leadership, noting that the focus on leadership development programs has sometimes overshadowed the critical importance of execution and management skills.To learn more about Adam's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Human Resources Director, Tina Greer. Middle management often finds itself in the corporate shadow, outshone by the allure of top leadership and the frontline hustle. Yet, as Tina explored, these managers are the linchpin of any organization, directly influencing frontline teams and shaping the customer experience. It's high time we spotlight their pivotal role and prioritize their development.The crux of the conversation centered on strategies for cultivating a strong middle management cadre. Tina underscored the critical need for senior management to support this endeavor actively. She highlighted essential skills for middle managers, such as problem-solving, effective feedback, communication, and relationship-building, all of which have a direct impact on employee retention.To learn more about Tina's work, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the SVP, Talent, and CHRO of Harvard Business Publishing, Angela Cheng-Cimini. Angela shared her extensive knowledge gained from 30 years across various industries, including consumer product goods, professional services, and nonprofits. With her strong background in HR venture advising, Angela brought a wealth of information on the transformative power of personalizing the employee experience to the table.Angela underscored the significance of understanding and catering to the individual needs of employees. She drew parallels between the personalized experiences offered by giants like Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify, and how such personalization can be mirrored in the workplace to create a tailored employee journey. The demand for hyper-personalization is not just a trend; it's a growing necessity.Angela highlighted the various dimensions of the employee experience, from recruitment to offboarding, and the importance of personalization at each of these touchpoints. She dispelled the myth that personalization requires advanced technological tools, asserting that organizations already have the data they need to create a more personalized experience for employees.To learn more about Angela's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Author, Speaker, Mentor, Trainer, and Podcast Host of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata. Drawing parallels between professional athletes and their coaches, Andy explained the critical role of mentors in guiding and training professionals. Andy emphasized that mentorship is not exclusive to the early stages of a career; even seasoned professionals can benefit from the fresh perspectives and wisdom a mentor brings. The concept of a "team of mentors" particularly resonates, as it suggests a more dynamic and multifaceted approach to mentorship, where different mentors address various aspects of one's professional journey.To learn more about Andy's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder of Sand & Salt Escapes, Max Schneider. Burnout is a term we hear often, but what does it truly look like? For Max, it was a harrowing experience marked by anxiety attacks and physical manifestations like shingles. The root cause? There is a misalignment between his personal values and his work. This internal conflict, coupled with a disregard for the importance of rest, led him down a path of mental and physical exhaustion.As a consultant with over a decade of experience, Max has witnessed the unique pressures that leaders face. They absorb the emotional weight of their teams, striving to meet high expectations while navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. This relentless pursuit of performance can be a one-way ticket to burnout, affecting not just the individual leader but the entire organization.Max's advice to companies is unequivocal: prioritize the well-being of your talent, especially your leaders. It's not about superficial perks; it's about a fundamental shift in how we support high performers. Engaged employees who feel cared for are less likely to leave, making well-being a strategic investment.To learn more about Max's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Speaker, Author, Coach, and Educator, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Ruth is not only the Chief Learning Officer and an Associate Professor of Education in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine but also a former Assistant Dean of Mentoring and Executive Director of the Mentoring Academy. Her contributions to Forbes and Psychology Today, along with her weekly show and podcast, have made her a central figure in conversations about success and achievement.Ruth's accolades are numerous, including her recognition on the Thinkers 50 Radar List, which names 30 influential thinkers globally, and as a semifinalist for the Forbes 50 Over 50 list. With a plethora of publications in prestigious journals and an upcoming book, "Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," she is a wellspring of knowledge on mentorship and leadership development.To learn more about Ruth's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of Two Rivers Partners, Barbara Spitzer. One of the most significant shifts Barbara discussed is the transformation occurring within the corporate sphere. The younger generations are exerting unprecedented pressure on corporate governance and leadership, demanding a level of transparency and authenticity previously unheard of. Companies are now expected to make public statements and take action on social issues that align with their values, and this expectation extends beyond mere words to genuine, impactful deeds.Barbara underscored the importance of considering the ramifications of corporate decisions on a wide array of stakeholders. It's no longer just about shareholders; employees, customers, and the community are all part of the equation. This holistic approach to decision-making is crucial for companies that want to thrive in a world where social consciousness is on the rise.To learn more about Barbara's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Chief Human Resources Officer of Naviant, Tricia Shields. Trisha's passion for HR technology is rooted in its potential to revolutionize the employee experience. She advocates for the strategic use of technology to handle tasks that machines excel at, such as data processing and workflow automation. This approach allows HR professionals to dedicate more time to what truly matters: providing a human touch in their interactions with employees and managers.At Naviant, Trisha has been instrumental in digitizing documents and implementing workflow processing to deliver real-time information to the workforce. She shared how leveraging a platform like OnBase has been transformative in managing the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to performance management, with automated reminders and notifications keeping employees engaged and informed.Trisha stressed the importance of starting with digitizing processes and seeking out technologies that can cohesively address multiple HR challenges. She shared examples of how performance management systems and onboarding technologies have made a tangible impact on the employee experience at Naviant.However, Trisha also pointed out common pitfalls organizations encounter, such as investing in technology without adequate support or failing to align technology adoption with a clear talent strategy. Her advice to HR professionals is to take incremental steps in adopting technology and to partner with vendors who possess a comprehensive understanding of the HR landscape.To learn more about Tricia's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and Founding Partner of Gray + Miller Agency, Scott Miller Scott explored the intricate process of building a career that's not left to chance but is instead carefully crafted and steered by intention. He delved into the core principles that are outlined in his book, principles that are essential for anyone looking to navigate their professional path with purpose and clarity.Scott emphasized that understanding what you stand for is the bedrock of a deliberate career. It's about aligning your work with your core beliefs and ensuring that every step you take is a reflection of what matters most to you.To learn more about Scott's work, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Director of Total Rewards of Christian Care Ministry, Casey Sanders. Christian Care Ministry, a non-profit financial services organization with a workforce of 730 employees, has been under Casey's strategic leadership for six years. During the conversation, Casey illuminated the critical role of core values in shaping the culture of an organization. He described these values as the organization's heartbeat, influencing every interaction and decision within the workplace.Casey's tenure at Christian Care Ministry, including his experience as interim head of HR and as the owner of an HR and benefits consulting firm, has cemented his belief in the power of intentional culture. He stressed that culture is a dynamic entity, constantly evolving, and it's up to leadership to steer it in the desired direction.To learn more about Casey's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the President of Stefanie Krievins & Co, Stefanie Krievins. Stefanie tackled a topic that resonates with many of us: the challenges and inefficiencies of meetings. Stefanie pointed out a critical issue—meetings have become the go-to for decision-making, information gathering, and connecting, yet they often lack a clear purpose. Stefanie brilliantly addressed the shift in communication dynamics, noting how the simple, spontaneous interactions we once had in person are now scheduled meetings. She didn't shy away from discussing the limitations of virtual meetings, especially when it comes to brainstorming and innovation, underscoring the irreplaceable value of human connection.To combat the overuse of meetings for information gathering, Stefanie advocated for a structured management cadence that aligns with organizational goals and priorities. She suggested breaking down goals into manageable timelines and leveraging asynchronous communication for status updates, thereby reducing the frequency of meetings.To learn more about Stefanie's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Remote and Hybrid Work Consultant and Keynote Speaker, Chris Dyer. During the economic downturn of 2008-2009, Chris faced a pivotal moment in his career. With a significant portion of his business evaporating, he was on the brink of giving up. Instead, he chose to persevere and, through this challenge, identified seven key pillars that are essential for a thriving company culture: transparency, positivity, listening, uniqueness, recognition, measurement, and mistakes.Two pillars that stand out immediately are transparency and positivity. The interplay between maintaining a positive outlook and being transparent, especially during crises, is a delicate balance that can make or break a company's morale and performance.Chris shared that positive leadership isn't about ignoring problems or painting an unrealistically rosy picture. It's about focusing on what works and saying "yes" to new ideas. By studying successful team members and sharing their strategies, leaders can foster a culture of growth and innovation. This approach encourages employees to bring forward their best ideas, knowing they will be met with openness rather than resistance.To learn more about Chris' work, click HERE and HERE.Check out Chris' book, The Power of Company Culture, HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Director of Business Development and Marketing of Holzer Health System, Melissa Davis. With over 17 years of experience under her belt, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge from various healthcare settings, including acute hospital care, outpatient clinics, long-term care, and pharmaceutical marketing. At Holzer Health System, she's not just the marketing maestro; she's also the architect behind their employee communications programs.Melissa shed light on the monumental task of reaching a workforce of over 2300 employees across seven counties in southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. The diversity of this workforce presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring that every single employee receives critical information promptly, from the front desk to the frontlines.To learn more about Melissa's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Corporate Communications Professional at Nashville-based Ryman Hospitality Properties, Hannah Vincent. Ryman Hospitality Properties, a titan in the lodging and hospitality realm, is where Hannah has honed her expertise. Starting at the Grand Ole Opry, she climbed the ranks to the human resources department, where she discovered her zeal for fostering an exceptional employee experience. Now, as a corporate communications professional, Hannah champions employee engagement through a meticulously designed four-pronged internal communication strategy, with a spotlight on employee recognition.Hannah underscored the growing necessity for transparent and candid employer-employee dialogue. "In a burgeoning business like ours," she explained, "keeping our team informed and aligned with our vision and strategy is crucial for engagement and retention." Hannah's role was born out of the need to evolve beyond the existing PR-focused communication approach, allowing her to craft a more comprehensive strategy alongside her VP of brand communications.To learn more about Hannah's work, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder, Coach, Facilitator, Consultant, and Speaker of WorkJoy, Tina Robinson. Tina has a stellar background in corporate operations, technology consulting, and people leadership, Tina has carved out a niche in creating innovative coaching solutions tailored for organizations. Her partnerships with leading-edge companies like Fabletics, Fox Sports, National Wildlife Foundation, SAP, and Spotify speak volumes about her expertise. As a leadership coach for the UCLA Anderson Executive MBA program and a national speaker, Tina's credentials are further solidified by her academic achievements as an honors graduate from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Michigan.To learn more about Tina's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of Strategic Thinking Institute, Rich Horwath. One of the key takeaways from the conversation with Rich Horwath was the importance of focusing on expertise rather than solely on experience during succession planning. Rich, a strategic strategy facilitator, coach to executive leadership teams, bestselling author, and expert commentator on business strategy, emphasized the need to identify the 2 or 3 key skills and behaviors that drive expertise in a particular role. This approach ensures that the right competencies are being developed and recognized, setting the stage for a more effective succession process.Rich delved into the significance of taking a strategic look at succession planning and the use of talent scorecards. Rich explained that these scorecards are instrumental in evaluating an employee's technical capabilities, people leadership, and executive skills. By providing real-time feedback, talent scorecards serve as a valuable tool for both quantitative and qualitative evaluation, allowing organizations to make informed decisions about their future leaders.To learn more about Rich's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Speaker and Adviser to Business, and  Future of Workforce and Leadership, Niki Avraam. Nikki is not just a legal entrepreneur; she is a trailblazer in leadership and workplace evolution. Her background in employment and discrimination law has seen her litigate high-profile cases and establish her law firm, Harvard Avraam Solicitors. Nikki's philosophy is rooted in challenging established norms across industries and instilling a sense of ownership in roles. She believes that by doing so, individuals can become architects of their careers and steer their organizations toward unprecedented success.Nikki delved into the concept of an ownership culture and its significance in organizations. Nikki explained that this culture is not confined to her organization but is a product of her journey and experiences working with different businesses. She advocates for individuals to have control, agency, and autonomy over their work, as well as the ability to shape their job roles in collaboration with the organization. This integration is crucial for individuals to feel significant and engaged, while also benefiting the organization.Nikki also discussed the importance of talent mobility and internal gigs in organizations. She stressed the need for employees to have the opportunity to explore different roles and functions within the company, as it diversifies their experience and makes work more enjoyable and challenging. She argues against the traditional mindset of staying in one role and instead advocates for a skill-based approach where employees can learn and grow in various ways.To learn more about Niki's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Executive Coach of Corporate Punk, Claire Croft. Clare Croft, the dynamic founder of Corporate Punk, is on a mission to revolutionize business performance through strategic conversations. With over two decades of experience, Claire empowers leaders to build high-performing teams and eliminate barriers that hinder organizational potential.During the discussion, Clare emphasized the importance of conversation in unlocking human potential for business success. She believes that leaders often overlook their own experiences and feelings when leading change, which can hinder their ability to effectively lead their teams. By starting with understanding the leaders' perspectives and emotions, they can develop empathy for their teams and approach change in a more humanized way.Claire highlighted three key factors that organizations that have successfully navigated change possess. Firstly, a belief in the capability of their people is crucial. Successful organizations recognize and tap into the potential already present within their workforce, rather than focusing on what they lack. Secondly, the relationship with time is important. Many organizations prioritize action over thinking, but Claire emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning and considering the impact of change before rushing into action. Lastly, starting small and building belief in the possibility of change is essential. Successful organizations begin with manageable changes and gradually expand from there.To learn more about Claire's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

In this episode of the People Strategy Leaders Podcast, host Sri Chellappa interviews Morag Barrett, CEO of Skye Team and author of "You, Me, We! Why We All Need Friends at Work". They discuss the importance of professional relationships for success in the workplace. Barrett emphasizes the need for trust, support, and understanding in these relationships, and the potential pitfalls of bias and political silos. She also highlights the need for strong relationships at all levels of an organization, including top executives. The discussion also covers the four key aspects of every relationship: reliability, dependability, caring, and trust.To learn more about Morag's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Laura Begg. Laura is a senior-level HR talent leader and coach who discusses the importance of having a talent philosophy and strategy in organizations. Talent strategy is the practical implementation of the talent philosophy. Laura explained that the strategy encompasses various aspects of talent management, such as hiring, onboarding, training, development, and compensation. The strategy should address gaps in workforce performance, behaviors, and communication, as well as prioritize specific talent needs based on the organization's business imperatives.Laura outlined the steps to creating a talent strategy. First, she suggests defining the organization's core values and culture. Next, assessing the current state of talent management practices and identifying talent priorities. Then, establishing guiding principles that reflect the organization's values and priorities. Involving stakeholders, including executives, professionals, and key employees, is crucial for ensuring alignment with organizational goals.Laura emphasized the importance of building a strong culture to attract and retain top talent. Leaders play a crucial role in promoting culture and engagement, and should be held accountable for being culture leads and creating innovation moments. A good onboarding process that focuses on engagement and helps new employees ramp up quickly is also significant.To learn more about Laura's work, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Laura Begg. Laura is a senior-level HR talent leader and coach who discusses the importance of having a talent philosophy and strategy in organizations. Laura, with her 20 years of experience in healthcare technology and a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology, brought a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.Laura began by distinguishing between talent philosophy and talent strategy. She explained that a talent philosophy is a high-level statement of an organization's core beliefs, principles, and values related to talent management. It serves as a guiding principle for decision-making and actions regarding talent. Conversely, a talent strategy is the practical application of the philosophy, including the development of policies, practices, and decisions that align with the philosophy.When asked about the process of building a talent philosophy, Laura stressed the need for guiding principles on performance, behaviors, rewards, communication, and accountability. She emphasized the need for buy-in from all stakeholders and cautioned against relying solely on the HR team to develop the philosophy.Laura referenced a study published in the International Journal of Human Resources that explores the variation in talent philosophies. The study found that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and organizations can have different perspectives on talent, such as exclusive or inclusive, stable or developable. These perspectives can greatly impact recruitment and development strategies.To learn more about Laura's work, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of HRuprise, Rebecca Weaver. HRuprise is an employee advocacy organization that provides flexible independent HR for the new future of work. Rebecca, with over 20 years of leadership experience, has been instrumental in advising small businesses on building equitable HR practices and providing thought leadership on HR disruption.Rebecca started HRuprise as an Instagram account in response to the #MeToo movement, calling for HR professionals to reflect on their role in creating unsafe workplaces. This initiative has since grown into a full-fledged organization that supports employees and companies alike.Rebecca shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at the onset of the pandemic. This life-altering event, coupled with her husband, an emergency physician, moving out to protect their family while she underwent chemotherapy, led her to discover the concept of post-traumatic growth.Post-traumatic growth explores how some individuals manage to grow after experiencing trauma. Rebecca's journey through treatment and the pandemic made her reflect on how the pandemic has changed individuals and workplaces. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that work and home life are now blended, and leaders need to acknowledge their humanity and the humanity of their employees.To learn more about Rebecca's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder and CEO of RecruitGyan, Neha Naik. AI has become increasingly accessible and is now impacting workplaces daily. Neha delves into how AI is revolutionizing HR functions, particularly recruitment and talent identification. AI is here to stay, while it may replace some jobs, it also provides an opportunity for upskilling. Neha believes that AI can take over the grunt work and administrative tasks, allowing HR professionals to focus on more meaningful interactions with candidates.Neha shares that AI has been particularly useful in improving the candidate experience, optimizing recruitment data, and reducing bias in the hiring process. However, she also discussed the potential biases that can arise when using AI in recruitment processes. AI may reject candidates based on factors such as test scores, education, or lack of a college degree, which can be biased against individuals who may still be qualified for the role.Neha emphasizes that the responsibility lies with the leadership team to ensure that AI is used as an enabler rather than a crutch. They should actively evaluate the data being fed to AI, conduct Q&A checks, and make informed decisions based on the AI's evaluations. She also highlighted the importance of human involvement in the recruitment process, as AI may not always make accurate judgments.To learn more about Neha's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Managing Director of Loftis Partners, Sally Loftis. Loftis Partners is a 100% woman-owned human resources consulting firm based in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. Loftis Partners specializes in human resources, organization development, and social justice. They work to co-create workplaces where humans feel valued through living wages and healthy human connections. Pay equity, as Sally explained, refers to ensuring fair and equal pay for employees within an organization, both at the individual and organizational levels. It involves examining whether employees in similar roles are being paid equally, regardless of gender, race, or other protected categories.The importance of organizations having a transparent pay framework that can withstand scrutiny and demonstrate that pay decisions are not influenced by unconscious biases was emphasized. Sally also pointed out that many companies have not updated their pay structures to keep up with the changing workplace dynamics, leading to salary compression and hindering their ability to attract and retain top talent.To learn more about Sally's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Managing Partner and Fractional CMO of Ethereal Innovations, Kurt Uhlir. As a dynamic and charismatic speaker on marketing and innovation, Kurt’s speaking experience includes speeches across the United States and Europe in addition to presenting at prominent industry events such as PPAI, GDC, the White House, and private company/team workshops. He advises leaders, from startup founders to private-equity-backed CEOs to the President of the United States.Kurt is a leading expert in disruptive technology and deliberate innovation. He is a hardworking and high-energy individual fueled by his passion for helping people accelerate their growth. Kurt’s recognized track record as a successful serial (and parallel) entrepreneur, angel investor, and strategic advisor allows him to help spectacular companies reach their next stage of growth.To learn more about Kurt's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Best-Selling Author, Futurist, and Keynote Speaker On Leadership, Employee Experience, and the Future Of Work, Jacob Morgan. Jacob Morgan is a trained futurist and one of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, the future of work, and employee experience. He speaks in front of tens of thousands of people each year and his content is seen over a million times a year. Jacob is the best-selling author of five books and he speaks at over 50 conferences a year.Jacob is the best-selling author of 5 books including his most recent, Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization which is coming out in October and can be found at https://thefutureorganization.com/leading-with-vulnerability/. Jacob provides advisory and thought leadership services to various organizations around the world, Jacob’s mission and passion is to create great leaders, engaged employees, and future-ready organizations and everything he does is based on those three pillars. To learn more about Jacob's work, click HERE and HERE.Check out Jacob's books HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Human Capital Business Strategist, SVP of Talent and People, Mark Coscarello. Mark believes in the significance of the three P's: potential, purpose, and play, and their role in enhancing talent management within organizations. Mark believes in the significance of purpose, highlighting the importance of employees understanding and connecting with the company's mission and vision from leaders across all departments is a crucial element in achieving this alignment.Work should be enjoyable and employees should have a positive and vibrant experience. When purpose, potential, and play are combined, employees are motivated and excited to come to work. The role of technology in driving engagement and facilitating meaningful conversations about potential and growth.To learn more about Mark's work and connect with him, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Christal Maxwell. Christal Maxwell, an Executive Human Resources Officer with extensive experience in enhancing workplace functionality. Christal presses the issue of burnout and the significance of mental health in the workplace, with a specific focus on the role of career development in fostering well-being at work.Organizations and individuals can prioritize career development as a solution to burnout. Crystal highlights the connection between career development and personal growth, encouraging individuals to be adaptable and acquire transferable skills to expand their career opportunities. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellpa, talks with the CAS Controller of KWC CPAs, Kira Wissman. KWC is a team of accountants and advisors all dedicated to the founding principle of providing quality personal service. They are committed to helping you reach your financial goals by providing innovative accounting solutions to today’s complex problems. KWC CPAs' strong client relationships are built on the knowledge and responsiveness of their service teams. They take the time to understand you and your organization. KWC principals are active members of each service team, combining the personal attention of a small firm with the expertise and resources of a large firm. As your trusted advisors, they anticipate and plan for opportunities to drive your success. Quality personal service is the priority of each KWC team member.To learn more about Kira's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Owner of Pula, Mercy Karuga. Pula is an agricultural insurance and technology company that designs and delivers innovative agricultural insurance and digital products to help smallholder farmers endure yield risks, improve their farming practices, and bolster their incomes over time.Pula is reimagining agricultural insurance to protect smallholders worldwide. At Pula, they are radically restructuring insurance, using technology and parametric insurance to insure the previously unbanked, uninsured, untapped market of 1.5 billion smallholders worldwide.Pula partners with organizations across multiple value chains, from agriculture to renewable energy including Fortune 500 companies, global NGOs, microfinance instructions, research institutions, and governments to help provide households the protection they need in an increasingly unpredictable climate.To learn more about Mercy's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Dr. Stephen Barden. Dr. Stephen Barden (DProf) is a coach-mentor and author specializing in identifying, assessing, and developing top-level leaders and organizational cultures. He turned to coach-mentoring after 15 years in senior management, including ten years as CEO in the media and technology sectors.Dr. Stephen Barden, DProf, is a specialist in organizational leadership and strategy. He works with board-level leaders to help them and their successors develop and initiate strategies that benefit and sustain the entire organization. His practice has worked with clients in Europe, the USA, the UK, and Africa.To learn more about Stephen's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Vice President of Walker Advertising, Kimberly Williams. With more than 35 years of expertise, Walker Advertising remains the nation’s leader in connecting Hispanic injury victims to attorneys looking to grow their practice. Their team of expert media buyers and planners ensure that their advertising strikes a balance between branding and direct response.Walker Advertising's mission is to bridge the gap between a law firm's need to grow and an underserved community's need for trustworthy legal services.To learn more about Kimberly's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the CMO of JMMB Group Jamaica , Kerry-Ann Stimpson. JMMB Group is a financial institution with a core of love, that honors each person and provides opportunities for individuals to fulfil their financial goals and dreams. JMMB Group believes that there is greatness in every human being; and in the power of unconditional love to release that greatness in people. It is what still motivates them to this day to honor each person and to have the best interest of all at heart.Kerry-Ann Stimpson as the CMO has lots to share about everything she's learned over her more than 20 year marketing career. She loves sharing about internal marketing, employee advocacy, marketing strategy, social media marketing, business communication strategy, and how to navigate the ever-evolving field of marketing.To learn more about Kerry's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the of Titan Management, Katherine McCord. Catherine McCord is a multi-talented individual, known for her love of animals, philanthropy, and as the founder of Titan Management, a company established in 2014 with the aim of promoting inclusion. She also hosts two shows, Career Launch Live and Super Mania Show, and has been a speaker at various events and organizations. For Catherine, inclusion means creating a healthy and natural work environment where everyone has equal opportunities and psychological safety. To ensure inclusivity, involve diverse voices in the design process of procedures, products, and processes. Highlighting the importance of inclusive communication, such as providing various formats and highlighting different aspects, to ensure everyone can access and understand information.To learn more about Catherine's work, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with leadership strategist, culture change expert, keynote speaker, and award-winning author, Dan Pontefract. For 20 years, Dan held senior roles at SAP, TELUS, and Business Objects leading corporate culture change, leadership development, employee experience, and overall performance improvement. He has the on-the-ground experience to improve your leadership and corporate culture. Indeed, the future of work is now. A renowned leadership keynote speaker, Dan has presented at four different TED events and delivers roughly 50 keynotes per year.To learn more about Dan's work, click HERE and HERE.Check out Dan's books HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder of Compliance Podcast Network, Tom Fox. Over the past 15 years, Tom has been a General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. He is now an Independent Consultant, assisting companies with anti-corruption, anti-bribery compliance, and international transaction issues. He specializes in bringing business solutions to compliance problems.In addition to his blog and podcast, he is a columnist for Corporate Compliance Insights and a Contributing Editor to the FCPA Blog. He is a well-known and frequent speaker on compliance and ethics issues, social media use, and corporate leadership. Tom is both the Voice of Compliance and Compliance Evangelist.To learn more about Tom's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Administrator of Center for Bioethics and Research, Chinonso Adolphus Ugwu. The Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR) which now includes the West African Bioethics Training Program (WAB) was established in 2004 through a grant from the Fogarty International Center(FIC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with the overarching goal of building bioethics capacity in West Africa. It does this by combining modern bioethics with the exploration of the religious, socio-cultural, and colonial heritage of West Africa and uses the result to engage in bioethical inquiry and contribute to the global discourse on bioethics.The practical avenues to achieve this are through promoting awareness of bioethics within the health research community, offering postgraduate training in bioethics, and providing training and support to research ethics committees in West Africa. The establishment of the Bioethics program was led by Professor Clement Adebamowo, who galvanized the nascent bioethics community in Nigeria to take advantage of emerging global opportunities in bioethics. The program was established in response to a variety of developments in biomedical research and bioethics locally and internationally. The program started with a cross-sectional survey of biomedical researchers in West Africa to document the need for training, advocacy, and building awareness of research ethics. The respondents were quite enthusiastic about the prospect of such a program and quickly came together to implement it.To learn more about Chinonso's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri's work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Matt Peopsel. Matt was a struggling manager turned capable leader and talent optimization expert. Matt studied the psychology of leadership and performance while earning his PhD in the process. He continued to rise through the corporate ranks and steadily expanded his influence as a leader. Leadership is a capability that can be studied, applied, and cultivated. As leaders, we each progress through the stages at our own pace based on our intention, practice, and experience.To learn more about Matt and his work, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri and his work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with Ronan Finnegan, Co-Founder of SpaceBands. SpaceBands are wearable technology that keeps your staff safe. SpaceBands detect multiple hazards effortlessly and collate data so that you can make informed decisions about your workplace safety whilst prompting staff to action wellness at work.To learn more about Ronan's work, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Sri and his work at Engagedly? Check out his website at https://engagedly.com/.

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Founder of Ascent Management Consulting, Kevin Herring. Ascent Management Consulting believes that engagement is the single biggest reason behind stellar team performance. This is why they host a 90-Day Turnaround Workgroup to boost teamwork and performance from employees and see dramatic performance breakthroughs as a result. That's not all: they also offer courses in Turnaround HR Skills and a Workshop to turn excellent HR into a high-impact business solution.To learn more about Kevin's work, click HERE.If you think you’d be a great guest on our show, apply here. Want to learn more about Sri’s work at Engagedly? Check out their website at https://engagedly.com/. 

Your host, Sri Chellappa, talks with the Principal and CPO at RE:Focus HR Solutions, Tony Scida. RE:Focus helps leaders and HR teams build the optimal workplace and employee experience. They use decades of experience in human capital strategy, culture change, and business transformation to help redesign your people practices and refine your vision and culture to support great experiences for your team and customers. They apply a performance coaching model to help leaders and HR professionals effectively partner in building the context and culture for a better employment experience at all touch points.To learn more about Tony's work, click HERE.If you think you’d be a great guest on our show, apply here. Want to learn more about Sri’s work at Engagedly? Check out their website at https://engagedly.com/. 

Your host, Sri Chellappa talks with Coach Ram, a LinkedIn Top Voices for Careers for 2023. Coach Ram is an executive in learning and organizational development. He emphasizes the importance of building a learning organization that adapts to changing needs, challenges the status quo, and constantly innovates. He stresses the need for a shared vision and engages employees emotionally invested in the organization's purpose, rather than individual goals. Coach Ram encourages a culture of experimentation, and taking risks to learn and grow as a team, and shares examples of innovative ideas generated through bottom-up communications, and crowdsourcing content. He also discusses the potential of AI to enhance human capabilities and the importance of creating a culture of learning that is crucial in fast-changing times.To learn more about Coach's work, click HERE.To learn more about Page Industries, click HERE.If you think you’d be a great guest on our show, apply here. Want to learn more about Sri’s work at Engagedly? Check out their website at https://engagedly.com/.