Future of HR
The Future of HR is the only podcast whose mission is to inspire the next generation of HR Leaders. In each episode, JP Elliott interviews successful HR executives and thought leaders who share their career journeys, lessons learned, and advice on how to take our field and your career to the next level. If you are a next-gen HR leader looking to fast-track your career, this is the podcast for you.
“The Five Questions Every Leader Should Be Asking” with Dave Stachowiak, Host of the Coaching for Leaders podcast
How can two simple words, “How so?” unlock a deeper conversation with any leader?
Why is consistency more important than intensity when building new leadership habits?
My guest on this episode is Dave Stachowiak, Host of the Coaching for Leaders podcast.
During our conversation, Dave and I discuss the following:
Why most "questions" aren't really questions.How defining success in advance makes behavior change measurable.Why high achievers are especially prone to feeling like they've failed.Why pushback when you go more coach is often a green light, not...“How to Have the Best Meetings Ever” with Rebecca Hinds, author of “Your Best Meeting Ever” and leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work.
How can we redesign our culture by redesigning our meetings?
Why do well-designed meetings allow for more time for individual and value-added work?
My guest on this episode is Rebecca Hinds, author of “Your Best Meeting Ever” and leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work.
During our conversation, Rebecca and I discuss the following:
Deciding what deserves to be a meeting (and what doesn’t) is one of the most important decisions leaders can make.How poorly designed meetings become signals of bus...“Ask Me Anything” with JP Elliott, Future of HR and hosted by Anne Gotte, SVP Global Talent & Organization Effectiveness, Mondelēz International
Over the past 180 episodes, I've only been the one getting interviewed twice. I continue to get requests and questions from you saying, "JP, we'd love for you to answer more questions. We want to get to know you better. We've got some questions we would love you to answer." So, that is what I am doing today. This is a special Ask Me Anything episode.
I am joined by my brilliant friend, Anne Gotte, who's the Senior Vice President, Global Talent and Organizational Effectiveness for Mondelēz International. Anne was kind enough to say, "Hey, JP, I w...
“The Power of Employee Well-Being” with Mark C. Crowley, a pioneer in workplace leadership, speaker, and bestselling author of Lead from the Heart.
How can organizations make employee well-being a leadership responsibility, not just an employee responsibility?
Why is belonging the number one driver of employee well-being?
My guest on this episode is Mark C. Crowley, a pioneer in workplace leadership, speaker, and bestselling author of Lead from the Heart and The Power of Employee Well-Being.
During our conversation, Mark and I discuss the following:
Why leading with the heart is often misunderstood as being "soft" in business settings.How pulse surveys, when paired with real accountability...“What Works in Executive Coaching (And What Doesn't)” with Brian Underhill, Founder and CEO of CoachSource
How can organizations use coaching to build leadership capability?
Why should every organization have a clear executive coaching strategy?
My guest on this episode is Brian Underhill, Founder and CEO of CoachSource
During our conversation, Brian and I discuss the following:
How the executive coaching industry evolved and matured over the past few decades.How organizations can design disciplined, scalable coaching systems that drive measurable behavior change.Why coaching works best when it is aligned to the talent strategy.How team coaching can improve...“Why HR Must Lead With Courage” with Pat Wadors, CHRO, Intuitive and author of “Unlock Your Leadership Story.”
How can HR lead with courage?
How can organizations be both high performing and healthy?
My guest on this episode is Pat Wadors, CHRO, Intuitive and author of “Unlock Your Leadership Story.”
During our conversation, Pat and I discuss the following:
Why HR leaders must have the courage to challenge decisions that compromise the organization’s or their own values, even when it puts their role at risk.What it truly means to build a healthy company, not just a high-performing one.How can you pa...“Why Cultural Agility Is a Leadership Advantage” with Paula Caligiuri, Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University, Co-Founder of Skiilify, and Best-Selling Author.
How do leaders develop cultural agility?
Why is cultural agility an essential skill in the age of AI?
My guest on this episode is Paula Caligiuri, Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University, Co-Founder of Skiilify, and Best-Selling Author.
During our conversation, Paula and I discuss the following:
Why cultural agility is becoming a critical leadership capabilityHow leaders actually develop effectiveness across culturesWhy vulnerability, curiosity, and perspective-taking build trust and adaptability.How individual behavior shapes team dynamics more than formal authority.How organizations can intentionally design...“Shaping Culture: Why Active Listening Beats Annual Surveys” with DJ Casto, CHRO, Synchrony
How does active listening build a culture of trust?
Why is the employee experience as important as the customer experience?
My guest on this episode is DJ Casto, CHRO, Synchrony
During our conversation, DJ and I discuss the following:
How adopting an agile mindset and methodologies transformed Synchrony's approach to HRHow Synchrony bucked the “return to office” trend by listening to employee feedback and maintaining a flexible, performance-based work model.Why they created a frontline experience team to invest in and improve the employee journey and cust...“HR's Guide to Managing Up & Building Influence” with Melody Wilding, author of “Managing Up”, keynote speaker, and executive coach
How can “managing up” help you to have more impact and influence?
Why is managing up a critical leadership skill for all HR leaders?
My guest on this episode is Melody Wilding, author of “Managing Up”, keynote speaker, and executive coach.
During our conversation, Melody and I discuss the following:
The biggest misconceptions about managing up and why they are wrongWhy managing up is a core leadership skill that every HR leader needs to learnPractical tools and questions HR leaders can use to help clarify priorities and expectations with lea..."Best of 2025" featuring the top insights and moments of Future of HR podcast in 2025
The "Best of 2025" episode features fourteen don't miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who…
So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode?
Monique Herena, Chief Colleague Experience Officer, American ExpressWanda Wallace, Managing Partner, Leadership Forum & Darren Overfield, EVP, Coaching & Consulting at Kaiser Leadership SolutionsRiina Hellström, Founder, Agile HR CommunityDave Ulrich, Partner at The RBL GroupMarcia Avedon, 3X CHRO, Board Director, Human Capital Expert, and Executive CoachLisa Chang, EVP & Chief People Officer, The Coca-Cola CompanyChristina Norris-Watts, Head of Assessment & People Practices, Johnson & JohnsonAnita Graham, EVP & CHRO, LabcorpChristy Pam...[Special 2025 Holiday Episode] Lives Lost and Leadership Found with Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, Bill Baker, lead author and co-contributors to “Lives Lost and Leadership Found.”
My guests on this special holiday episode are Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, Bill Baker, lead author and co-contributors to “Lives Lost and Leadership Found.”
During our conversation, Ian, Lori, Bill and I discuss the following:
The inspiration behind the book "Lives Lost and Leadership Found" and how personal loss can serve as a foundation for personal growth.The neuroscience behind grief: how loss rewires your brain and why that matters for leaders.What research reveals about the role of intentionality in healing after loss and becoming a stronger leader.The power of storytelling and refl...[Greatest Hits] "High Performer's Mindset" with Marc Effron, President, Talent Strategy Group
What differentiates the best HR leaders from the rest?
Why isn’t enough to “know the business, you must love the business
My guest on this episode is Marc Effron, President, Talent Strategy Group.
During our conversation, Marc and I discuss the following:
Marc’s career journey and what led him to co-author One Page Talent ManagementThe unforgettable advice that Marshall Goldsmith gave to MarcThe one question that will help advance your careerWhat differentiates the best HR leaders from the restConnecting with Marc:
Conn...
“Redesign Work to Unlock Wellbeing and High Performance” with Rachel Cooke, Founder of Lead Above Noise & Host of the Modern Mentor podcast.
How can leaders redesign work to boost both engagement and well-being?
Why is “fit for purpose” more important than “best practice” when it comes to designing work?
My guest in this episode is Rachel Cooke, Founder of Lead Above Noise & Host of the Modern Mentor podcast.
During our conversation Rachel and I discuss:
Why today’s leaders are under greater pressure than ever before, especially with expanding spans of control and higher expectations.How leaders can increase engagement and embed wellbeing directly into how work actually happensThe...“The Future CHRO’s Guide to Executive Compensation” with Ani Huang, President of Policy and Practice at the CHRO Association and Charlie Tharp, Senior Advisor for Research & Practice at the CHRO Association and the Center On Executive Compensation
How does executive compensation shape company culture, performance and deliver shareholder value?
Why should CHROs think of executive compensation as a communication tool?
My guests in this episode are Ani Huang, President of Policy and Practice at the CHRO Association and Charlie Tharp, Senior Advisor for Research & Practice at the CHRO Association and the Center On Executive Compensation
During our conversation Ani, Charlie, and I discuss:
Why executive compensation is a strategic communication system that signals culture, priorities, and long-term value.How executive compensation aligns to...“How Learning Creates Competitive Advantage” with Kati Clement-Frazier, Director, School of Leadership at DaVita and Michele Graham, President of Intel and Learn at Amplity
How can you build learning into how work gets done?
Why should organizations think of learning as a system, not as a function?
My guest in this episode are Kati Clement-Frazier, Director, School of Leadership at DaVita and Michele Graham, President of Intel and Learn at Amplity
During our conversation Kati, Michele, and I discuss:
Why learning must be treated as an organizational capability, not a set of programs.How psychological safety and reflection accelerate meaningful learning and behavior change.Why “flow of work” learning is abou...“How the Best HR Leaders Balance People, Profit, and Purpose” with Michelle Nettles, Global Chief People and Legal Officer at ManpowerGroup
How can organizations balance people, profit, and purpose?
Why do the most effective HR leaders focus on both intention and impact?
My guest in this episode is Michelle Nettles, Global Chief People and Legal Officer at ManpowerGroup
During our conversation Michelle and I discuss:
How HR leaders can balance people, profit, and purpose to drive performance and impact.What it means to be a values-driven leaderWhy organizations should be focusing on capabilities over credentials.Why human skills: curiosity, adaptability, empathy, will define the future of work...“What CEOs Want from CHROs & HR” with Jennifer Wilson and Brad Warga, Partners and Global Co-Heads of the Human Resources Officers Practice at Heidrick & Struggles
How are CEO expectations for CHROs changing?
Why are more CEOs looking for CHROs with non-HR backgrounds?
My guests on this episode are Jennifer Wilson and Brad Warga, Partners and Global Co-Heads of the Human Resources Officers Practice at Heidrick & Struggles
During our conversation Jennifer, Brad and I discuss:
Why CEOs are rethinking what great HR leadership looks like.Why CEOs are prioritizing candidates from strategy, finance, and other non-HR backgrounds.The growing expectation for CHROs to lead enterprise-wide AI strategiesThe widening gap between CHROs and...“Belonging by Design: The New Equation for Performance” with Brian Miller, Chief Talent and D&I Officer at Levi Strauss & Co
How can belonging unlock performance?
Why should we focus on activation, not empowerment to drive innovation?
My guest on this episode is with Brian Miller, Chief Talent and D&I Officer at Levi Strauss & Co
During our conversation Brian and I discuss:
How belonging drives performance by creating cultures where people feel valued, heard, and stretched.Why he believes activation is more important than empowermentWhy believability is becoming a critical measure of modern leadership.How AI-driven talent analytics will unlock HR’s next big opportunity.What it...“Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential” with Muriel Wilkins, Founder & CEO of Paravis Partners and author, “Leadership Unblocked”
How can you identify and reframe your limiting beliefs?
Why is awareness not enough to get unblocked?
My guest on this episode is with Muriel Wilkins, Founder & CEO of Paravis Partners and author of “Leadership Unblocked.”
During our conversation Muriel and I discuss:
Why leaders are often their own biggest obstacleHow limiting beliefs quietly undermine our leadership and how to spot themThe hidden blockers successful people carry and how they can stall your progressThe myth of “If I can do it, so can you”—and why true leade...“Culture as Operating System: Connecting Strategy to Performance” with Paulo Pisano, CHRO, Booking Holdings & Chief People Officer, Booking.com
How can culture become an operating system that drives business performance?
Why does leadership behavior matter more than systems in driving culture?
My guest on this episode is Paulo Pisano, CHRO, Booking Holdings & Chief People Officer, Booking.com
During our conversation Paulo and I discuss:
Why culture is an operating system and how it connects directly to business performance.The three levers that shape culture: behaviors, symbols, and systems—and how to align them with strategy.The importance of experimentation culture for AI adoption and innovation.Wh...“How Google Builds Future-Ready Leaders” with Brian Glaser, VP & Chief Learning Officer at Google
How can you develop leaders that have future-ready skills?
Why is HR critical to rethinking leadership in the age of AI?
My guest on this episode is Brian Glaser, VP & Chief Learning Officer at Google
During our conversation Brian and I discuss:
Why leadership today requires curiosity, courage, and the willingness to be wrong.How Google uses next practices to develop leaders who can navigate unprecedented complexity.The role of HR in shaping culture and driving organizational reinvention.How AI can amplify human leadership skills instead...“New York Life's AI Blueprint: Mindset, Skillset, Toolset” with Tina Gupta, SVP, Talent Management, New York Life Insurance
How can leaders build an AI-first mindset that drives real culture change?
Why is AI adoption more about people than technology?
My guest on this episode is Tina Gupta, SVP, Talent Management for New York Life Insurance.
During our conversation Tina and I discuss:
Why AI adoption is more about people than technologyHow New York Life is scaling AI across 12,000 team membersWhat happens when employees are empowered to innovate with AIWhy managers need to rethink their roles in an AI-driven worldConnecting with...
“Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead)” with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, International authority on talent and leadership and author of “Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated and What to Do Instead.”
How can you bring your best self to work while being strategically authentic?
Why can being your authentic self backfire at work and in life?
My guest on this episode is Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, International authority on talent and leadership and author of “Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated and What to Do Instead.”
During our conversation Tomas and I discuss:
Why being authentic is overrated The four traps leaders fall into when they decide “just be themselves.”How reputation, not self-perception, determines career successWhy you are...“The Hidden Costs of Hybrid and Remote Work” with Peter Cappelli and Ranya Nehmeh, co-authors of "In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work"
How can organizations increase connection, collaboration, and performance while offering the flexibility employees desire?
Why do leaders hold the key to making hybrid work more effective and impactful?
My guests on this episode are Peter Cappelli and Ranya Nehmeh, co-authors of "In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work"
During our conversation Peter, Ranya, and I discuss:
Why hybrid work isn’t delivering on its promise for employees or organizations.What’s been lost in remote and hybrid workplaces - mentorship, culture, and...“What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses” with Mita Mallick, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author of “Reimagine Inclusion" and now “The Devil Emails at Midnight”
How can you spot a bad boss before it’s too late?
What can good leaders learn from bad bosses?
My guest on this episode is Mita Mallick, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author of “Reimagine Inclusion and now “The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses”
During our conversation Mita and I discuss:
What inspired Mita to write “The Devil Emails at Midnight,” and why bad bosses are such a universal concern.The empathy Mita has developed for bad bosses, and why anyo...“How to Lead Through Epic Disruptions” with Scott Anthony, Professor at Tuck, Senior Advisor at Innosight and author of “Epic Disruptions”
How can HR leaders embrace disruption to drive innovation?
Why should your organization disrupt itself?
My guest on this episode is Scott Anthony, Professor at Tuck, Senior Advisor at Innosight and author of “Epic Disruptions - 11 Innovations that Shaped the Modern World”
During our conversation Scott and I discuss:
The four critical questions every leader must answer about disruption:Why disruption casts three dangerous shadows: shifting power dynamics, status quo bias, and employee identity crisis - and how HR can address each one.Why organizations unintentionally accelerate technologies that threaten their own exis...“Manage Yourself to Lead Others” with Margaret Andrews, author of “Manage Yourself to Lead Others,” Harvard Instructor, and Founder of The MYLO Center.
How can you increase your self-awareness and improve your ability to lead and manage others?
Why does emotional intelligence matter more than technical skills for a leader's long-term success?
My guest on this episode is Margaret Andrews, author of “Manage Yourself to Lead Others,” Harvard Instructor, and Founder of The MYLO Center.
During our conversation Margaret and I discuss:
Why understanding and managing yourself is critical to effectively leading others.Why the best leaders help others "grow and glow."The difference between "culture takers" and "culture makers," and what really shap...“How to Build an AI-First People Team” with Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at Zapier
How can HR teams embrace AI to improve both productivity and quality?
Why is building AI fluency critical for your career and organization?
My guest on this episode is Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at Zapier
During our conversation Brandon and I discuss:
The AI fluency framework Zapier uses to evaluate both job candidates and team members.Why every role on Brandon’s People team and across Zapier is being rebuilt with AI at the core, and what this means for raising the talent ba...“People Analytics: From Cost Center to Profit Center” with Cole Napper, VP Research, Innovation, & Talent Insights at Lightcast and author of People Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as a Business Asset”
How can People Analytics shift from being a cost center to being a profit center?
Why is it critical for HR leaders to transform workforce insights into concrete strategic initiatives?
My guest on this episode is Cole Napper, VP Research, Innovation, & Talent Insights at Lightcast and author of People Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as a Business Asset”
During our conversation Cole and I discuss:
How generative AI is democratizing data-driven decision making in HR.Why Cole believes more People Analytics leaders co...“Reciprocal Work: Re-thinking the Boss-Employee Contract” with “Your Work Friends,” Francesca Ranieri, Founder & Head of Strategy, Frank & Mel Plett, Founder Cordelia Consulting.
How can employees and bosses have honest conversations about what they want and need in their relationship?
Why do employees have less than 30 days to build trust in the boss-employee relationship?
My guests on this episode are with “Your Work Friends,” Francesca Ranieri, Founder & Head of Strategy, Frank & Mel Plett, Founder Cordelia Consulting.
During our conversation Mel, Francesca, and I discuss:
How their friendship grew into Your Work Friends—a consulting business and podcast.Why your boss relationship might matter more than your marriage.Why co...“How to Avoid the 10 Pitfalls of CEO Succession” with Ani Huang, Senior Executive Vice President of the HR Policy Association and Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South Carolina
How does trust affect the CEO succession process?
Why are CHROs often more critical than CEOs in shaping succession outcomes?
My guests on this episode are Ani Huang, Senior Executive Vice President of the HR Policy Association and Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South Carolina
During our conversation Ani, Anthony, and I discuss:
What first-time CHROs must know about CEO succession.Why trust between a CHRO, the board, and the CEO is critical for a successful succession process. How...“Why the Four Day Work Week…Works!” with Juliet Schor, Professor at Boston College, author of “Four Days a Week: The Life-Changing Solution for Reducing Employee Stress, Improving Well-Being, and Working Smarter.”
How can a four day week increase productivity while reducing burnout?
Why is a four day week working so well for over 300 companies and thousands of employees?
My guest on this episode is Juliet Schor, Professor at Boston College and author of “Four Days a Week.”
During our conversation Juliet and I discuss:
Why, despite decades of labor-saving technology, Americans are working longer hours than ever before.Why rethinking “productivity” is only part of the business case for a four-day week.How work redesign is the k...“Unlocking the Power of Employee Experience” with Assil Omar, VP, People Experience, AbbVie
How do you unlock the power of employee experience?
Why is a people-first mindset so critical in modernizing HR?
My guest on this episode is Assil Omar, VP, People Experience, AbbVie.
During our conversation Assil and I discuss:
Why we should embrace new opportunities as a way to reinvent ourselves and our careers.How AbbVie maintains a unique culture of purpose, performance, and careWhy HR practitioners must become students of both human motivation and organizational transformation to drive real impact.Why it’s important to start wi...“Differentiating Talent for Strategic Impact” with Mark Huselid, Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern University
How can differentiating talent result in real business impact?
Why is asking the right questions in workforce analytics so critical?
My guest on this episode is Mark Huselid, Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern University
During our conversation Mark and I discuss:
Why most companies do not treat people data as rigorously as financial data—and why they should.The evolution from “critical roles” to “strategic work,” and why success now depends on pinpointing the specific work, not just the job titles, that drive resu...“The Future of HR: How AI Can Unlock HR's Potential” with Christy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.
How can AI unlock HR’s potential?
 Why is it important that HR leaders are agile now and in the future?
My guest on this episode is Christy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.
During our conversation Christy and I discuss:
How her early career at Pepsi taught her the importance of servant leadership and shaped her approach to HRWhy it’s important for an organization to stay focused and never lose sight of why they exist.Why HR leaders need to be present and visible to bui...“Becoming the CEO of Your Own Career” with Lorraine Lee, Author of “Unforgettable Presence,” Keynote Speaker, Instructor at LinkedIn Learning and Stanford
How do you create, shape, and strengthen your career brand?
Why is showing up in the small moments is key to creating a strong presence?
My guest on this episode is Lorraine Lee, Author of “Unforgettable Presence,” Keynote Speaker, Instructor at LinkedIn Learning and Stanford
During our conversation Lorraine and I discuss:
How she transitioned from her corporate career in tech to becoming an award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn instructor, and author.Why adopting a “CEO of your own career” mindset is essential for professional growthHo...[Greatest Hits] “Best of 2024" featuring the top insights and moments of Future of HR podcast in 2024
Due to the US holiday, 4th of July, I am re-publishing one of our greatest hits and most popular episodes.
The “Best of 2024” episode features sixteen don’t miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who…
So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode?
Rhonda Morris, CHRO, ChevronJeffrey Pfeffer, Professor Stanford University and Author of 16 books including the “7 Rules of PowerKerrie Peraino, Chief People Officer at VerilyKevin Wilde, Executive Leadership and Talent Development Expert & AuthorKelly Monahan, Managing Director, Research Institute at UpworkDave Ulrich, Bob Eichinger...“How Clarity and Trust Creates a High-Performance Culture” with Melanie Naranjo, Chief People Officer at Ethena
How can you build your brand on LinkedIn while being true to who you are?
Why should you be transparent about performance expectations with new hires?
My guest on this episode is Melanie Naranjo, Chief People Officer at Ethena
During our conversation Melanie and I discuss:
What it’s like to lead HR at an HR tech company and why Melanie recommends the experience to other HR professionals.How she built her personal brand on LinkedIn to over 60,000+ followers by being authentic and real. Me...“The People P&L: How HR Drives Business Success” with Anita Graham, EVP & CHRO for Labcorp.
How can you create a people strategy that aligns to and drives your business strategy?
What is a People P&L and why does your organization need one?
My guest on this episode is Anita Graham, EVP & CHRO for Labcorp.
During our conversation Anita and I discuss:
Why taking initiative matters for your career and how early-career professionals can develop this skill.Why you should be intentional with your career choices but remain open to unexpected opportunities.How to build an aligned and high-performing HR leadership...“Finding Your Green Zone: How Great Leaders Stay Grounded Under Stress” with Dianne Armstrong, President, Armstrong Performance Consulting
How can you find your “green zone” and stay grounded during times of stress?
Why does leadership quality matter — especially during transformations?
My guest on this episode is Dianne Armstrong, President, Armstrong Performance Consulting
During our conversation Dianne and I discuss:
Why leadership gaps matter and how overlooking poor leadership can cost organizations dearly.Why leadership development can be a significant driver of business transformation.What "green zone leadership" is and how leaders can stay grounded during times of organizational chaos.How chronic stress affect...
