How to Protect Culture During Rapid Growth (Most Companies Fail Here)
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jon Caldwell, SVP & Chief People Officer at Valvoline Inc., about leading people strategy during rapid growth and transformation. Jon shares how Valvoline, a 160-year-old brand, has doubled its retail footprint and plans to nearly double again by 2030, all while maintaining a strong “family” culture. He explains the company’s grow-from-within model where 95% of managers start as technicians, the importance of scalable HR processes, and how traditions like the “Oil Olympics” reinforce teamwork and pride. The conversation highlights how culture, leadership, and data-driven HR fuel both business growth and employee success.🎓 In this episode, Jon discusses:Maintaining culture and inclusion while doubling store countHow 95% of leaders grow from technician to management rolesValvoline’s transformation into a pure-play retail growth businessUsing training, data, and scalable HR to prepare for 20,000+ employeesWhy traditions like the “Oil Olympics” and Family Reunion fuel engagement🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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How to Build Confidence as a Leader in 2026 and Beyond
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Cathy Peterman, Chief People Officer for Tech, Product & Design at Wayfair, about navigating transformation, leading through change, and preparing the workforce for the AI era. Cathy shares her unusual path from studying international conflict resolution to leading HR at global brands, and how curiosity, resilience, and embracing discomfort have fueled her career. She discusses imposter syndrome, why transferable skills matter more than titles, and how generative AI is reshaping recruitment, performance, and learning at Wayfair.🎓 In this episode, Cathy discusses:Why imposter syndrome can actually signal growthBuilding careers around transferable skills, not rigid pathsPreparing engineers and employees for critical thinking in the AI futureHow Wayfair uses GenAI in performance, promotions, and talent acquisitionWhy leaders must balance vulnerability with confidence during transformation🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Why AI Is HR’s Superpower (and How to Use It)
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Adam Holton, Chief People Officer at GE HealthCare, about the mindset shifts HR leaders need to harness AI, personalize learning, and lead with authenticity. Adam explains why example matters more than instruction, why democratized learning is changing leadership, and how AI can act like a “superpower” for HR teams. The conversation covers embedding AI into coaching, rethinking processes instead of just automating them, and creating sticky adoption through daily use cases.🎓 In this episode, Adam discusses:Why sticky adoption requires integrating AI into routine tasksEmbedding AI into coaching and HR workflows for daily impactHow AI is transforming learning into personalized, scalable supportThe cultural mindset shift HR must lead to unlock exponential valueWhy authentic leadership is about example, not having all the answers🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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How AI and Skills-Based Hiring Are Replacing CVs
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Wouter Durville, Co-Founder & CEO of TestGorilla, about the rise of skills-based hiring and how AI is transforming recruitment. Wouter shares his entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind TestGorilla, and why traditional CVs are becoming obsolete. He explains how AI-driven assessments, resume scoring, and video interviews are making hiring more fair, efficient, and predictive. The conversation also explores the future of work, shifting skill demands, and why critical thinking and human skills matter more than ever in an AI-driven economy.🎓 In this episode, Wouter discusses:Why collecting multiple data points reduces bias in hiringWhy CVs and degrees are poor predictors of job successThe case for skills-based hiring and how to implement it properlyThe rising importance of soft skills and problem-solving in the AI eraHow AI-powered assessments and interviews improve fairness and efficiencyGet instant answers to any HR questions and global compliance in 150+ countries - at a speed of thought (Secure your 25% off): https://www.atlascopilot.com/offers/atlas-x-deelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The 4 Terms of Leadership Every Leader Must Follow
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Vince Molinaro Ph.D., NY Times Best-Selling Author of The Leadership Contract, about redefining leadership expectations and building a community of accountable leaders. Vince shares the four terms of leadership, decision, obligation, hard work, and community, and explains how organizations can embed these principles into everyday practices. He discusses how HR leaders can align executives during strategic shifts, strengthen leadership culture, and create the conditions for extraordinary performance.🎓 In this episode, Vince discusses:How to embed leadership expectations into HR and talent practicesWhy clarity, alignment, and accountability are essential in leadershipThe CHRO’s role in building a community of leaders during strategic shiftsPractical examples of how leadership culture change improves engagement and performanceThe 4 terms of leadership from The Leadership Contract: decision, obligation, hard work, and communityGet instant answers to any HR questions and global compliance in 150+ countries - at a speed of thought (Secure your 25% off): https://www.atlascopilot.com/offers/atlas-x-deelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join host Chris Rainey on the HR Leaders Podcast, where he sits down with top Chief People Officers, CHROs, and leading HR experts to uncover the strategies, trends, and insights shaping the future of human resources. Each episode dives into best practices in people management, leadership challenges, and transformative HR innovations that impact both business success and society at large. Whether you're an HR professional or simply passionate about modern workplace strategies, this podcast delivers expert advice, real-world experiences, and the latest trends in HR, making it your go-to resource for all things human resources.
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