On this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle chats with Kerry Hecht, Founder and CEO of 10K Humans, to explore the powerful intersection of market research and HR. Drawing on decades in an empathy-driven research field and her experience as a small-business owner, Kerry explains how customer insights translate into people strategies: attracting the right candidates, strengthening engagement, and retaining talent. The conversation unpacks why validated feedback loops matter, how employee engagement correlates with customer satisfaction, and what to do about common pitfalls—stakeholder bias, “respondent fatigue,” and the gap between stated values and lived experience. Kerry highlights the rise of personalization at scale through data and technology, and offers practical ways HR can borrow from research playbooks—continuous listening, iterative refinement, and persona development (including AI-assisted personas) to bring workforce data to life. Whether you’re designing programs, influencing senior stakeholders, or steering change one “toothpick turn” at a time, this episode delivers actionable ideas to make organizations more human-centric and competitive.

Engagement In, Satisfaction Out: The HR-Customer Connection

In this first episode of Tactical & Practical Live, we delve deep into the business of sourcing with Frank Sprague of Blackboard. We talk about the importance of perseverance, research skills, and knowing your target audience. If you want to know what sourcing is all about and how it fits in with talent acquisition, we cover it here.

To view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7Id634oZxs

Learn more about the 2018 Strategic Talent Acquisition Conference: http://www.hci.org/sta-conference/2018

Tactical & Practical

Sourcing Great Talent

In this episode we talk in studio to HCI’s own Head of Research, Jenna Filipkowski, Ph.D. about coaching cultures and the rising class of millennial leaders. In addition to having her doctorate in I/O Psychology, Jenna is also HCI’s resident coach. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the potential of a coaching culture to transform your organization. 

View Jenna’s research on coaching here: http://www.hci.org/hr-research/building-coaching-culture-millennial-leaders

Nine To Thrive HR

Coaching Skills and Millennial Leaders

One of the hardest transitions you will make in your career is the transition from individual contributor to manager. In this episode of BetterU, we speak with Todd Hudson, Head Maverick, Maverick Institute about why new people leaders often have such a tough time and what they can do about it.
During this episode, you will:
Learn why first-time people managers often struggle

Discover how a lean approach to management activities can help you and your team become more productive

Get practical tips to help new managers start producing results right away
 
This podcast was made possible by HCI’s new certification course Empowering People Leaders, learn more at www.hci.org/epl-course

BetterU

New Managers A Lean Approach with Todd Hudson

Looking for fresh content to solve your human capital issues but don't have a full hour? Subscribe to the HCI podcast series to gain access to leading HR practitioners from Fortune 1000 companies, as well thought-leaders, authors, and academics. These experts cover everything from talent acquisition and analytics to engagement, retention, and development.

Engagement In, Satisfaction Out: The HR-Customer Connection

Nine To Thrive HR

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