Investing in the employee lifecycle brings out the best in people, so they can bring out the best in their organization. In this episode, Christine Maxwell - VP of People at Rippling - will share how her employee investment strategy at Rippling is unifying organizational goals with employees’ personal and professional development. We will also discuss how Rippling has scaled their employee investment strategies as they’ve grown to +1,000 employees, and the importance of continuing to prioritize employee investments during the current, volatile business climate.

Nine To Thrive HR

Purposeful Investment In The Employment Lifecycle And Experience

In this conversation, Jake Wood - CEO of Groundswell - will detail why empathy should no longer be one of the most commonly overlooked workplace tools, and how helping employees feel safe and supported at work leads to innovation. Drawing from his experience leading a Marine scout sniper unit through two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his time building and leading Team Rubicon, one of the most highly regarded nonprofits in America, he will also share how empathy, transparency, and purpose-driven communication translates from the battlefield to the workforce and creates a more engaged workforce with the potential to increase business success.

Empathy at Work: The Future of Workplace Culture & Employee Engagement

In this podcast we talk all things adult learning.  We all have moments in our lives that learning has shaped; whether it be to further our career, guide us to change course, add onto our existing skill set or beliefs or a number of other enhancements.  Significant theory surrounding the idea of adult learning was catapulted by Malcolm Knowles in 1968, giving the field an identity.  Dr. Graham uses those adult learning theories to inform best practices in the work she does alongside her clients.  And in a time when upskilling and reskilling is rampant, Dr. Graham talks about how we don't have to go back to the beginning.  Most organizations (and individuals) can add to what they have whether it be in course design or a personal skill set.  Lastly, we touch on the importance of building out a learning strategy, aligned with organizational values, serving as somewhat of a flexible roadmap but prioritizing the many needs of the adult learner.

Adult Learning to Support Human Capital Potential

In today’s episode we meet with Ryan Jenkins, a good friend to HCI.   Ryan shares with us a deep dive into loneliness and how it impacts our humanness.  We talk about some data points, steps and tools related to connection (or lack of connection), and why it's so important for organizations/leader to invest in workforce well-being and make connection a known topic.  Ryan shares from his book "Connectable" as well as steps he works through with organizations to aid in intentionally encouraging workforce (or other) connections a reality. Ryan shares some great stories to aid us in visualizing how this all works!

You can also hear Ryan in HCI’s webcast "Inspire Your Audience With Wow & Know-How" - https://www.hci.org/webcast/inspire-your-audience-wow-know-how

How to Move Teams from Isolated to All In

Together with Gild Collective co-founders, Rachel Bauer and Kelsey Pytlik, join us for a new year extended podcast with a deep dive into ways to address both the stress and the stressors in your personal and professional lives in order to hit reset on the far-reaching effects of burnout. We talk data, workplace boundaries and get a little personal about this time of year when everyone is either making resolutions, already breaking resolutions, or feeling resentful toward the idea that they have time for resolutions. If you’re in that third category, you’ve probably started the new year in a state of burnout—and maybe it isn’t new. 

Referenced book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Hitting Reset On Burnout In The New Year

Explore the findings of a survey of nearly 1,000 full-time employees as isolved Chief Strategy Officer James Norwood shares the surprising and not-so-surprising trends of 2023 – as told by employees. HR leaders will want to listen in to hear more about the important topic of burnout, the future of the Great Resignation, what employees are most upset about and how they are best engaged.

From the Frontline: HR Trends of 2023

Dr. Richard Safeer found his way to well-being while treating patients as a practicing physician. He quickly realized his desire to have greater influence and support over healthy habits and positive emotions meant serving in a place where we spend most of our time: The Workplace! Fast forward to 2023, his knowledge, vast experience and, of course, science form his inaugural book, A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce. In this easy listening conversation, Richard shares his Building Blocks for creating a thriving well-being culture, some tips on battling “Culture Killers,” and strategies for keeping health a priority in the workplace.

Building Blocks for a Thriving Well-Being Culture

Joelle LaGuerre, Founder, PRO-YOU and HCI Sr. Faculty says it best when she states “fixed mindset is a prove yourself mindset and growth mindset is an improve yourself mindset”. In this episode, we explore the concept of Dr. David Rock’s growth mindset and its value to the workplace. Valuing a growth mindset encourages failing, innovation, Dan Pink’s concept of “non-commissioned work” and providing critical feedback. Throughout the conversation, Joelle also shares some of the obstacle's organizations may experience while building a learning culture built on a growth mindset.

Advocating for a Growth Mindset

In this episode of Nine To Thrive HR, Phoebe Anderson, the Executive Director of ATLAS Fellows, shares the program's thoughtful approach to developing the next generation of leaders in finance through internships. She emphasizes the importance of providing exposure and opportunities for talent from under-resourced communities, beyond just a pathway to full-time employment. Anderson shares the success story of Sandra, a first-generation Mexican immigrant who credits ATLAS Fellows for helping her find her professional passion and prepare for her future career. Listeners will gain insights into the value of internships and how ATLAS Fellows is making a difference in empowering young talent for career success.

ATLAS Fellows Building Pathways for Young Talent

In this conversation, Lina Tonk, the CMO of isolved, discusses the importance of cultivating relationship with customers, an opportunity enhanced through experiences with isolved's customer roadshows. Lina emphasizes the transformative power of listening to customers and using their feedback to drive internal brand development. Lina's journey within isolved reflects her dedication to serving both employees and customers, and she emphasizes the significance of purpose, learning and authenticity in her role. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of customer-centricity, employee culture, and the continuous evolution of a brand.

Uniting Culture, Brand, and Customer Experience: A CMO's Journey at isolved

Pragya Gupta, Chief Product Officer at isolved, talks about the significance of HR data and people analytics. Gupta highlights the growing recognition among business leaders on the power of people data in understanding workforce readiness, engagement, DEI&B efforts and much more.  Teeing up an isolved people hero (customer) story, we are encouraged to be mindful of “the next best step” in HR solutions and to look for the ROI to the larger people organization. All in all, Gupta reminds us to look for the people data story to make informed decisions and drive business strategy.

Harnessing the Potential of HR Data

In this episode we meet up with Meg Shea from New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYLGBS) to discuss the importance of mental health in the workplace. The podcast highlights the impact of mental health caregiving on work productivity and reveals that almost half of employed adults surveyed have helped a loved one cope with a mental health challenge in the past year. Furthermore, 80% of surveyed workers reported that assisting a loved one impacted their own mental health. By prioritizing mental well-being, employers can enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall well-being, ultimately leading to a more productive and satisfied workforce. A must listen as Meg shares valuable insights from the recently released research by NYLGBS.

Link to research: https://www.newyorklife.com/assets/gbs/pdf/Caregivers-And-Mental-Health.pdf?

Mental Health Advocacy: The Power of Workplace Support and Benefits

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, we are joined by change management expert Cyriel Kortleven, known as "The Simplifier." We explore the connection between creativity and change, discussing how every day is filled with opportunities for innovation. Cyriel introduces the concept of "Yes and act," urging listeners to suspend judgment, approach challenges from different perspectives, and take small nano actions. He shares practical tools like the "three-minute rule" to encourage open-minded brainstorming. The conversation highlights how HR professionals can facilitate change by infusing creativity into meetings, embracing diverse viewpoints, and fostering a culture of experimentation. Subscribe to Cyriel’s newsletter on his LinkedIn page: https://linkedin.com/in/cyrielkortleven/

The “Simplifier’s” Guide to Navigating Change

In this episode of the "Nine to Thrive HR" podcast, host Cindi Koetzle teams up with Gianna Ricciardi, co-founder and practice leader at Vita Assure, a Canadian brokerage firm specializing in employee benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises. They discuss strategies for improving the utilization of employee benefits within organizations. Gianna emphasizes the importance of effective communication and engagement when it comes to employee benefits. She shares insights on creating comprehensive communication plans, utilizing various communication styles, and tailoring content to fit employees' needs. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of employee benefits, focusing on wellness and mental health initiatives, and the role of technology in benefit delivery. Throughout the discussion, the importance of feedback collection and continuous improvement is highlighted as an essential aspect of benefit communication and utilization.

Communication and Engagement Tactics for Benefit Utilization

In this episode of the Nine to Thrive HR podcast, host Cindi Koetzle welcomes guests Diana Ralston, Executive Director of Can’d Aid and Bailey Saunders, Community Outreach Manager of the Journeys Group. They discuss how Can'd Aid, a national nonprofit, partners with organizations like Journeys to facilitate various volunteer initiatives that allow employees to give back to their communities in different ways. The podcast highlights the impact of these initiatives on employees, the communities they serve, and the connection between corporate values and volunteerism. They also emphasize the importance of employees witnessing the immediate impact of their efforts. The episode showcases how corporate partnerships with organizations like Can'd Aid can make a significant difference and foster a culture of giving back.

Can’d Aid Partnerships Build Community Impact: The Journeys Group Story

With the Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action, there are reports that corporations are following suit and slowing down diversity programs. Coupled with economic uncertainty and companies trying to do more with less, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI&B) programs are under attack. Amy Mosher can explain why that is a bad idea both in the short and long term and how companies can still invest in DEI&B even amid budget cuts.

Don't Ditch Diversity

Join host Cindi Koetzle in this episode of Nine to Thrive HR as she interviews Mark Miller, a seasoned business leader and author, about his latest book, "Culture Rules: The Leader's Guide to Creating the Ultimate Competitive Advantage." Mark discusses the importance of culture in driving organizational performance and shares three key rules for leaders to follow: Aspire, Amplify, and Adapt. He emphasizes the crucial role HR professionals play in helping leaders focus on and build a thriving organizational culture. Mark provides insights into how HR can engage leaders, bridge the gap between leadership and frontline employees, and use listening mechanisms to align the culture with the organization's aspirations. Mark's practical advice and strategies offer valuable guidance for HR professionals looking to enhance their organization's culture and drive better performance.

Aspire, Amplify, Adapt: Insights on Culture Success

Join host Cindi Koetzle as she delves into the world of workplace listening with global expert Oscar Trimboli on this episode of Nine to Thrive HR. Through listener questions, they explore the art of effective listening. Oscar shares easy to use tips for improving listening skills and achieving a better balance between speaking and listening in conversations. He highlights for us reminders including importance of understanding not just what is said, but what’s left unsaid as well as, a favorite to HCI, acknowledging the past during times of change/change initiatives. Whether you're an HR professional, a leader, or an individual looking to enhance your communication skills, this episode offers valuable insights to help you thrive in your HR journey.

Unlocking the Power of Workplace Listening

In this episode of Nine to Thrive, host Cindi Koetzle engages in an insightful conversation with Jen Hope, a business and leadership coach with a unique focus in startup leadership. Jen highlights the value of small, tangible steps in taking care of oneself and finding that one thing that can create a waterfall effect of well-being. They explore the cues and signs that may indicate the need for emotional regulation strategies and delve into the essential practice of self-compassion. Overall, Jen joins us for a thoughtful conversation about the vital connection between emotional regulation and leadership development.

Emotional Regulation: The Real Deal with Jen Hope

Geoff Webb joins Nine To Thrive to discuss AI as a tool to work in collaboration with human capabilities rather than replacing them. The discussion ranges from leveraging AI to personalizing employee experiences, and correlating efficacy with data input. Despite initial job displacement fears, a survey reveals growing openness among employees toward AI's beneficial impact. 

Looking forward, the conversation predicts future HR themes around AI, urging discussions on policies and ethics. The discussion advocates for a proactive, gradual adoption approach, encouraging readiness for AI's transformative potential in HR while prioritizing ethical implementation.

Supplement Human Capabilities: AI's Role in HR Transformation

In this podcast episode, host Cindi Koetzle interviews Jason Cerrato, VP of Market strategy at Eightfold, about skills-based talent planning. This approach differs from traditional planning through its expansion into skills intelligence and its focus on work planned for the future.  Jason explains benefits of skills-based planning including improved visibility into workforce skills, expanded candidate consideration, and support for diversity goals. Adopting skills-based planning will be eased with technology, AI and strategic workforce discussions. We further discuss challenges of adoption, skill assessment and career development. This is a must listen for any organization considering adoption of skills-based talent planning!

Skills Based Talent Planning for Visibility, Opportunity and Inclusion

In this episode, Cindi welcomes Megan Coen, VP of HR services at isolved, to explore the evolving landscape of HR augmentation and outsourcing. Megan brings over 17 years of HR expertise, discussing the shift towards augmentation, its impact on employee experience, and its role in enhancing organizational maturity. They navigate the complexities of compliance, the strategic value of outsourcing, and the critical tasks—ranging from compliance management to leave administration and strategic thought partnership—where outsourcing HR can offer significant support. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how outsourcing can transform HR functions, streamline processes, and elevate the employee experience.

Beyond Software: Augmenting HR Teams for the Future

Join host Cindi Koetzle in an insightful episode of 'Nine to Thrive HR' as she engages Pragya Gupta, Chief Product Officer at isolved, in a discussion about the future of HR tech in 2024. We chat about the personalization driven by AI, explore how technology can empower HR practitioners, dispel fears and offering practical strategies to leverage HR tech for strategic growth. This conversation provides a glimpse into the transformative potential of HR tech in the coming year.

Nine To Thriver HR

Navigating the HR Tech Evolution in 2024

Cindi welcomes Amrita Subramanian, a former Fortune 500 VP with decades devoted to helping organizations thrive amid crisis. Amrita shares her personal journey from a convent upbringing with selective mutism to becoming a professor teaching post-crisis leadership. Our discussion delves into Amrita's recent study exploring the profound insights of pain leading to growth, trauma, and the language of renewal. We explore the ideal role of organizations in creating space for self-expression and authenticity as a response to post-traumatic growth.

Amrita’s global study represented 13 countries, 30 highly successful adults representing12 languages, 17 industries, and brought substantive evidence of growth post the pandemic. The two main aspects of post-traumatic growth evident in adults are appreciation of life and newer possibilities. For more information, or to reach Amrita: https://growbeyondpain.com

Grow Beyond Pain: A Conversation with Amrita Subramanian

In this episode of "Nine to Thrive HR," host Cindi Koetzle talks with Dave Barnett, Chief HR and University Relations Officer at DeVry University, framing the conversation around Devry’s 2023 Talent Outlook Study. Barnett shares his journey from a pre-med major to a career in HR, emphasizing the importance of developing others and balancing operational and people leadership. Offering insights for HR professionals and business leaders, key topics include the underutilization of professional development benefits, the significance of mental health in the workplace and access/awareness of both. The episode additionally highlights the role of analytics in talent management and the importance of professional development in staying relevant in the job market, offering insights for HR professionals and business leaders.

Talent Outlook Study: Findings Reveal Untapped Benefits

In this episode of "Nine to Thrive HR," host Cindi Koetzle speaks with Celia Fleischaker, Chief Marketing Officer at isolved, to explore the crucial role of employee experience and expectations in today’s business and HR landscapes. Celia shares her journey in tech marketing and her transition to isolved, highlighting the importance of aligning employee experiences with business strategy for growth and productivity. They discuss the impact of technology, especially AI and marketing technologies, in reshaping HR practices to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating a positive workplace culture through strategic tech use and the potential of AI to enhance employee satisfaction and efficiency. The episode wraps up with reflections on the future of employee expectations and the necessity for businesses to prioritize employee experience to remain competitive.

Building a Competitive Edge: Employee Experience as a Business Strategy

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle engages in a dynamic conversation with Lina Tonk, Chief Experience Officer at isolved. Lina shares her journey of career progression and passion for supporting women in leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and breaking boundaries. The discussion delves into the evolving role of HR, particularly the rise of Chief Experience Officers and the strategic value they bring to organizations. Lina highlights the crucial connection between employee experience (EX) and customer experience (CX), stressing the need for alignment and integration across departments. She explores practical strategies for HR professionals to overcome challenges, improve efficiency, and elevate their strategic impact. The conversation concludes with insights into isolved's innovative approach to employee experience and their commitment to making a positive impact on both their workforce and customers. Throughout the dialogue, the emphasis remains on the transformative power of prioritizing employee experience and fostering a culture of collaboration and diversity within organizations.

Transforming Organizations Through Employee Experience

In this episode host Cindi Koetzle dives deep into the intersection of AI, HR, and talent management with Aashir Shroff, Head of Product at Eightfold. Aashir shares insights into how AI is revolutionizing resource management and skill development within organizations. He discusses how Eightfold's AI-powered platform helps organizations optimize resource allocation, retain talent, and foster employee growth. We explore challenges organizations face in balancing resource allocation and employee development and how AI can help overcome these challenges. They also touch on the importance of transparency in career advancement and how AI-driven tools like Career Navigator empower employees to create their own career paths. Through real-world examples and practical insights, this episode sheds light on the transformative potential of AI in HR and talent management.

Creating Future-Ready Organizations with AI-Driven Talent Optimization

In this episode of "Nine to Thrive HR," host Cindi Koetzle engages in an enlightening conversation with Alexis Normand, CEO and co-founder of Greenly, a tech company focused on simplifying carbon accounting for businesses. This episode serves as a valuable resource for HR professionals and business leaders looking to navigate the intersection of environmental sustainability and workforce engagement. Alexis discusses the importance of tracking and reducing carbon emissions, highlighting the role of employee awareness and activism in driving organizational change. He addresses the concept of "eco anxiety" and how organizations can alleviate it through education and action. The discussion emphasizes the significance of integrating environmental considerations into HR strategies, not only for corporate responsibility but also for talent retention and career development. Practical insights are shared including demonstrating how even small organizations can embark on their climate journey and leveraging it as a career-enhancing opportunity.

Prioritizing People, Planet, and Profit in HR

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Cristina Costa, founder of Cristina Costa Coaching. Starting with her unconventional path from marketing to teaching abroad, Cristina shares how her global experiences shaped her perspective on work and inclusion. Transitioning into technology, she noticed a lack of diversity and became determined to bridge the gap. A decade ago, Cristina co-founded an employee resource group (ERG) at HubSpot, advocating for underrepresented voices. Reflecting on her diverse roles in tech and her passion project, Women with Purpose, Cristina emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces. As an HR consultant specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion, she discusses the vital role of employee resource groups in fostering psychological safety and driving productivity. Offering insights for HR professionals, Cristina emphasizes the need to assess organizational health and empower employees to lead initiatives for positive change.

Pioneering Paths in Diversity and Equity: HCI Spotlights (Faculty) Cristina Costa

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.

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