Episodios

  • Brenda Kowske: Strategic Workforce Planning in the Age of AI

    Brenda Kowske: Strategic Workforce Planning in the Age of AI
    Mar 5 2025
    Boston Scientific is looking at workforce planning in an entirely new way. We got the rare chance to hear all about it from Brenda Kowske, their Senior Director of Talent Analytics and Workforce Planning.

    With 50,000 employees worldwide and a rapidly growing footprint, they’re navigating big challenges with fresh approaches.We talked with Brenda about how her team is breaking down traditional HR silos, integrating workforce planning into business decisions, and staying ahead of the curve with AI and skills-based planning.

    She’s been in this space for over a decade and brings a sharp perspective on what works—and what doesn’t.From creating global talent pods to using unexpected data like happiness indexes, Brenda walked us through how Boston Scientific is balancing data, technology, and strategy to make workforce planning a true competitive advantage.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Intro [0:00]
    • How AI is changing jobs, skills, and how teams are truly built [1:44]
    • Using location and happiness data to make better workforce choices [2:29]
    • The challenge of moving from job-based to skill-based planning [7:00]
    • How to keep workforce data private while still using it smartly [21:00]
    • Why Boston Scientific keeps workforce planning “always on” [24:30]
    • How AI could make it easier to help employees grow their skills [33:20]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation Overview
    • Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) – CSRD Information (European Commission)
    • Anaplan – Anaplan Official Website
    Connect with Brenda Kowske
    • Brenda Kowske on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

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    41 m
  • Navigating Trump’s DE&I Executive Orders: Clarity with Heather Bussing

    Navigating Trump’s DE&I Executive Orders: Clarity with Heather Bussing
    Feb 19 2025
    In this episode of Workplace Stories, we sit down with Heather Bussing, a California employment lawyer, to break down the recent executive orders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).

    Heather brings her sharp legal perspective, offering clarity on what these orders actually mean for businesses—especially those in the private sector—and how employers can navigate this complex landscape without overreacting.

    Heather is direct, no-nonsense, and refreshingly calm in the face of the confusion swirling around DE&I today. We dive into the details of the executive orders, what they really say (and what they don’t), and what companies can do to stay on the right side of the law while building a more inclusive workplace.

    One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the importance of staying focused on fairness and merit. Heather stresses that while the executive orders might stir up public debates, the real work for companies is about being transparent and fair in their practices, especially around hiring, promotions, and performance assessments.

    She also talks about the growing need to rethink the way organizations measure success in their DE&I efforts, focusing on meaningful change rather than just checking boxes.

    If you’re a leader or HR professional feeling the pressure to adjust your DE&I strategy, this episode is for you. Heather offers clear, actionable advice that will help you move forward with confidence.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (0:00) Introduction to Heather Bussing (and Why You Should Listen to Her)
    • (6:24) What Is an Executive Order?
    • (8:51) The DE&I Executive Orders and Their Focus on Federal Contractors
    • (15:03) Legal Impact vs. Cultural Backlash on DE&I Programs
    • (22:29) Why Fairness Should Still Be the Focus of DE&I Efforts
    • (26:48) Lightening the Mood with the Lightning Round
    • (30:48) Why You Should Do What You’re Already Doing
    • (35:20) Moving Forward: Maintaining DE&I Programs Amidst Change
    Connect with Heather Bussing
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

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    41 m
  • Simplifying Leadership: Coca-Cola’s Approach to Manager Effectiveness with Tapaswee Chandele

    Simplifying Leadership: Coca-Cola’s Approach to Manager Effectiveness with Tapaswee Chandele
    Feb 5 2025
    We sat down with Tapaswee Chandele, Senior Vice President of Global Talent Development and System Partnerships at Coca-Cola, to talk about what it really takes to help managers succeed.

    She’s direct, transparent, and refreshingly honest about the challenges leaders face today—and what companies need to do to make things simpler. From setting clear expectations to measuring what matters, Tapaswee breaks down the way Coca-Cola supports managers without overcomplicating the process.

    One of the huge takeaways for us was the idea of prioritization: cutting through the noise and focusing on just a few key things that actually move the needle. Tapaswee also shared some thought-provoking perspectives on culture, manager accountability, and why companies need to be intentional about the kind of leaders they develop and reward.

    Oh, and we got into how AI could be a game-changer for taking boring admin work off managers’ plates so they can spend more time on what actually matters—like leading their teams.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Intro [0:00]
    • How Coca-Cola Defines Manager Effectiveness [4:45]
    • Embedding Leadership into Culture and Processes [10:10]
    • Why Manager Effectiveness Is Declining [15:00]
    • Supporting Managers with Data and Feedback [21:00]
    • Using AI to Simplify Managerial Work [30:10]
    • Rethinking Leadership Roles and Rewards [38:00]
    • Measuring Manager Effectiveness at Coca-Cola [43:10]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Radical Candor by Kim Scott
    • BetterUp – A coaching platform focused on leadership and professional growth
    • Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum
    Connect with Tapaswee Chandele
    • Tapaswee Chandele on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

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    47 m
  • The Future of HR: Stacey Harris Shares the 2025 Trends You Can’t Ignore

    The Future of HR: Stacey Harris Shares the 2025 Trends You Can’t Ignore
    Jan 22 2025
    In 2025, the HR landscape is already transforming–quickly. With AI moving from hype to reality, workforce cultures evolving, and organizations pausing to get their data and systems in order, leaders face both big opportunities and bigger decisions.

    To truly make sense of it all, we sat down with Stacey Harris, Chief Research Officer at Sapient Insights Group, whose decades of experience as both a practitioner and industry analyst give her a grounded, data-backed perspective on what HR teams need to focus on right now.

    From the rise of personalization and the cultural barriers blocking internal mobility to the critical role of managers and why workforce planning is finally having its moment, Stacey gave us a clear-eyed view of where HR is heading—and what’s holding it back.

    She challenged us to think differently about what “engagement” truly means, the limitations of current AI applications, and why a company’s culture—not its tech—might be the biggest obstacle to success in 2025.

    If you’re ready to make sense of this rapidly changing landscape and get practical advice on how to navigate the year ahead, Stacey’s insights are the perfect guide.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Intro [0:00]
    • Meeting Stacey Harris [4:26]
    • 2025 Trends in HR Tech [7:08]
    • AI in HR: Hype vs. Reality [9:06]
    • The Data Problem and Internal Mobility Challenges [12:47]
    • Managers as Barriers and the Role of AI [18:00]
    • Rethinking Engagement and Personalization [23:54]
    • Workforce Planning’s Evolution [38:20]
    • Final Thoughts and Why Stacey Does the Work She Does [42:00]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Sapient Insights Group – Sapient Insights Group Website
    • Sierra-Cedar HR Systems Survey
    • Lightcast
    Connect with Stacey Harris
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    44 m
  • L&D Tech: What’s In and Out through an Investor’s Lens

    L&D Tech: What’s In and Out through an Investor’s Lens
    Jan 8 2025
    Most organizations waste money on L&D technology because they don’t think like investors. We sat down with Kimberly Williams, CEO of Absorb Software, to talk about her unique perspective on learning and development technology. As someone with a private equity background, Kimberly offers a fresh take on how investment thinking can shape smarter decisions in the L&D space.Our conversation covered everything from AI’s role in upskilling to trends driving workforce productivity. Kimberly shared practical advice for leaders making tech investments and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how organizations can align learning tools with real business outcomes.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • How Kimberly’s Background Ties L&D to Investments [2:41]
    • Major Trends Shaping People Tech [3:54]
    • AI’s Role in Upskilling and L&D Tech [6:07]
    • AI Integrating Learning Into Work [8:30]
    • If L&D Is Becoming More Strategic [10:20]
    • Corporate L&D as a Consultative Role [13:10]
    • Creating Measurable Value in L&D [15:20]
    • Exciting Investments in People Tech [28:00]
    • Evaluating Vendors’ Stability and Growth [34:40]
    • Lessons From Mistakes Were Made [42:52]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Absorb Software
    • Harvard Business Review – Article that touches on the “half-life of skills”.
    • "Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)" by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson
    • Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K)
    Connect with Kimberly Williams
    • Find Kimberly Williams on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    47 m
  • The Art of Finding and Growing Niche Skills with Cari Bohley

    The Art of Finding and Growing Niche Skills with Cari Bohley
    Dec 27 2024
    Cari Bohley, Vice President of Talent Management at Peraton, talks about solving real workplace problems by focusing on skills. From finding highly specialized talent in competitive markets to helping employees see clear career paths, Cari explains how tools like AI are changing the game. She shares what it takes to turn skills into a practical solution for hiring, retention, and engagement—especially in an industry where the stakes are high. Her story offers actionable insights for tackling challenges in hiring and L&D while proving the value of these efforts to leadership.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Cari’s role at Peraton and its mission-critical focus [0:00]
    • Metrics that make leadership care about skills [1:20]
    • How timing impacts a business case [2:00]
    • Using AI to hire in niche markets [7:07]
    • Boosting retention with clear career paths [13:10]
    • Skills as the foundation for hiring and growth [16:10]
    • Tailoring a business case for leadership buy-in [32:30]
    • What success looks like with skills tools [35:00]
    • Lessons from implementing too quickly [39:06]
    • Why Cari enjoys the “fun” side of HR [40:20]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Peraton
    • SeekOut
    • Constellation Research Supernova Awards
    Connect with Cari Bohley
    • Cari Bohley on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    42 m
  • The Existential Crisis of L&D with Albertsons’ Michelle Kay

    The Existential Crisis of L&D with Albertsons’ Michelle Kay
    Dec 23 2024
    What happens to an organization when learning and development disappears? It’s a question more leaders are facing as L&D teams shrink or are deprioritized, even as the demand for a skilled workforce grows.

    Michelle Kay, Head of Learning and Development at Albertsons, has a clear answer: the unique expertise of L&D is irreplaceable. Managing learning for over 355,000 associates across one of the nation’s largest grocery chains, Michelle demonstrates how L&D can be a driving force behind business success, even in the face of change and uncertainty.

    Michelle’s perspective blends optimism and realism as she tackles pressing challenges like AI integration, burnout, and evolving workforce expectations. She explores how L&D functions as a critical link between talent development and business needs, offering tools for long-term growth and innovation.

    Through her candid insights and stories, she shows how learning teams can remain relevant, impactful, and future-focused—despite the shifting dynamics of the workplace.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • How L&D can remain relevant in shrinking organizations [2:10]
    • How generative AI might reduce burnout and simplify work [12:00]
    • Balancing alignment and innovation in L&D leadership [17:22]
    • Why curiosity is key for navigating rapid change [21:00]
    • The unique skills L&D professionals bring to the table [25:55]
    • How to approach AI experimentation in a low-risk way [30:10]
    • What happens when L&D teams partner with AI for growth [33:30]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, AI voice generators):
      Explore ChatGPT | AI Voice Generators like ElevenLabs
    • Malcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point audiobook
    Connect with Michelle Kay
    • Michelle Kay on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
    Más Menos
    41 m
  • AI And Data Governance with Nick Hudgell

    AI And Data Governance with Nick Hudgell
    Dec 18 2024
    We had an incredible conversation with Nick Hudgell, Global Head of People Insights at Sanofi, about the transformative power of data governance and AI in HR. Nick shared how his team has built an infrastructure that connects disparate systems, improves data quality, and uses machine learning to unlock insights that genuinely improve employee experiences.

    From rethinking engagement surveys to launching AI-powered tools like the Sanofi Concierge, Nick made the case for why data is the backbone of innovation in people management.Nick also shared thought-provoking stories about breaking down resistance to change, balancing data privacy with innovation, and navigating the challenges of working in complex, multinational environments.

    We learned how his team collaborates across functions to streamline data, standardize definitions, and ensure technology is implemented in ways that actually work for employees. The practical examples he provided, from engagement programs to job architecture improvements, highlight the tangible results of getting the data right.

    We couldn’t have been more energized by Nick’s passion for making data governance approachable and impactful.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Why data governance is crucial for successful AI [1:10]
    • Using the house metaphor to explain strong data foundations [2:36]
    • Nick’s path from psychology student to HR leader [6:00]
    • How Sanofi integrates data governance with HR tech [10:24]
    • Steps to build an effective data governance framework [14:40]
    • Handling siloed HR tech and aligning it with company goals [18:20]
    • Measuring employee engagement program success with data [25:10]
    • What data-as-a-service means for HR's future [31:00]
    • Sanofi’s use of AI to analyze and act on employee feedback [47:00]
    • Why data governance is key to AI and growth [54:20]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Sanofi Concierge – AI-powered internal assistant tool supporting employees with personalized guidance.
    Connect with Nick Hudgell
    • Nick Hudgell on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
    Más Menos
    55 m