The Real Future of Managers in 2026 (and Why Most HR Teams Aren’t Ready)
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Sandrine GIRSZYN, Chief Human Resources Officer Headquarters at AXA, about redefining the role of the manager in a fast-changing world. Sandrine explains how managers have become the crucial layer holding transformation, well-being, and performance together, and why HR must put them back at the center of organizational strategy.She shares how AXA is supporting more than 4,000 managers worldwide through a human-centered approach built on listening, co-creation, and trust. Rather than relying solely on AI or digital training, Sandrine reveals how in-person connection, community, and peer learning have become AXA’s secret to real development.From creating a “People Link” community to launching a global coaching platform, this episode is a roadmap for every HR leader trying to upskill managers while keeping the human touch alive.🎓 In this episode, Sandrine discusses:Offering real-time, human coaching, not AI substitutesHow in-person connection strengthens trust and capabilityHow AXA supports them through listening and co-creationBuilding a “People Link” community for peer learning and supportWhy middle managers are the most critical layer in transformation🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/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 IKEA Empowers 170,000 Co-workers (Without Losing Culture)
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Alejandra Piñol, Deputy Chief HR Officer at IKEA, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic brands keeps its culture alive while transforming at global scale. Alejandra opens up about leading through rapid change and protecting the company’s unique values across more than 170,000 co-workers and 60 countries.She shares how IKEA empowers its frontline teams through trust and autonomy, and how simplicity has become the foundation of their HR transformation. Alejandra explains the importance of listening to co-workers, building leaders from within, and keeping people, not process, at the heart of every decision.From balancing consistency and local relevance to nurturing humility and belonging, this episode is a blueprint for scaling culture without losing your soul.🎓 In this episode, Alejandra discusses:Balancing global culture with local flexibilityBuilding humble, values-driven leaders from withinSimplifying HR so leaders can focus on people, not processProtecting IKEA’s values while scaling across 60+ countriesEmpowering frontline co-workers through trust and autonomy🙏 Thanks you to our series partner - WorkhumanDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/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 HR Can Lead the AI Revolution (Before It’s Too Late)
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Josh Bersin, Global Industry Analyst and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, breaks down the AI revolution transforming HR and the workforce.Josh explains how AI is creating the era of the “Superworker” - empowering employees to do more, learn faster, and take on higher-value roles. He reveals why HR must lead the AI agenda, how to frame AI as a growth opportunity (not a threat), and what it takes to build a culture of continuous reinvention instead of one-time transformation.From rethinking job structures to designing intelligent employee experiences with digital agents, this episode uncovers what forward-thinking CHROs are doing to turn fear into curiosity and shape the human future of AI at work.🎓 In this episode, Josh discusses:How AI is creating the Superworker eraHow to build a culture of curiosity, not fearWhy HR must move from projects to continuous reinventionThe importance of framing AI as empowerment, not replacementThe impact of AI-driven agents like Galileo on employee experienceDiscover how to Build Human-Centred Workplaces which Thrive! → https://www.workhuman.com/resources/reports-guides/the-human-centred-workplace-building-organisational-cultures-that-thrive-emea/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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Stop Hiring “Superstars” - They Might Be Office Vampires 🧛♂️
In this haunted edition of the HR Leaders Podcast, behavioral scientist and Founder & Host at Influencers: Jon Levy joins us to reveal the chilling science behind why some teams rise from the dead and others crumble into dusty skeletons.We explore what truly drives high-performing teams in a world where hybrid work can feel like a ghost town 👻Jon explains why organizations must stop obsessing over lone “superstars” and instead invest in glue people, belonging, and intentional connection.We also unpack how psychological safety, shared rituals, and team norms bring culture to life, and how to protect your organization from “energy vampires” that drain morale 🎃🎓 In this episode, Jon discusses:How belonging and trust fuel performanceWhy teams outperform superstar individualsRituals leaders can use to bring culture to lifeThe impact of glue people vs energy-drainersWhy hybrid work fails without intentional connectionSee 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 Will Transform Recruiting by 2026
In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Anoop Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO at SeekOut, joins to discuss how AI is redefining recruiting, roles, and the future of work.Anoop shares his journey from Stanford professor and Microsoft executive to leading one of the fastest-growing AI talent platforms in the world. He explains how AI agents are already transforming recruiting - automating 70% of repetitive tasks - while freeing humans to focus on relationships, creativity, and strategy.He also unpacks how CHROs must prepare for a future where AI and humans collaborate as equals, why recruiters will evolve into true talent advisors, and how to experiment safely with AI to stay ahead of the curve.🎓 In this episode, Anoop discusses:How to use AI to make hiring faster and more humanHow AI agents are changing the recruiter’s role foreverWhy CHROs must redefine work before AI does it for themWhat the future of AI-human collaboration will look like in HRWhy every company should start experimenting with agentic AI nowSee 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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