Episódios

  • 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 minutos
  • 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

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    44 minutos
  • 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

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    47 minutos
  • 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

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    42 minutos
  • 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

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    41 minutos
  • 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

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    55 minutos
  • From Efficiency to Impact: Don Taylor and Eglė Vinauskaitė on AI in L&D
    Dec 4 2024
    We had an incredible conversation with Don Taylor and Eglė Vinauskaitė about their report, AI and L&D: Intention and Reality. Their research goes deep into how AI is reshaping learning and development, from streamlining tasks like content creation to enabling strategic integration across organizations.

    Don and Eglė talked about the fact that AI’s potential goes far beyond efficiency—it’s about solving meaningful business challenges and driving innovation through smarter decision-making.

    A standout idea was their “immaturity model,” which challenges the notion of linear AI adoption. They explained that success relies on factors like leadership mindset, organizational readiness, and strong cross-functional relationships, rather than following a predictable path.

    Their advice to start with clear business problems was especially impactful, offering a practical way to cut through AI hype and focus on real value. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating AI in L&D.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • The critical need for L&D to look beyond silos [0:45]
    • What the "immaturity model" says about AI adoption [1:10]
    • How Don and Eglė’s perspectives shape AI in L&D [3:40]
    • Why organizations are stuck in AI’s efficiency phase [7:39]
    • How historical mindsets limit L&D’s potential with AI [13:20]
    • Why AI adoption isn’t a linear progression [16:26]
    • The real barriers to embracing AI in L&D [27:10]
    • Starting with the right problem: Key to AI success [35:00]
    • Balancing experimentation with efficiency in AI adoption [44:47]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • AI and L&D: Intention and Reality by Don Taylor and Eglė Vinauskaitė
    • Heather Stefanski, CLO of McKinsey
    • AI and L&D: From Talk to Action (Previous report)
    Connect with Don Taylor and Eglė Vinauskaitė
    • Donald H. Taylor’s website
    • Eglė Vinauskaitė’s LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

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    52 minutos
  • The Biggest Mistakes Companies are Making with AI with Christopher Lind
    Nov 20 2024
    What happens when AI moves faster than the people who implement it?

    Christopher Lind, executive advisor and industry expert, shares stories of organizations that got it wrong—sometimes with devastating consequences.

    From replacing entire teams with AI to accelerating broken processes, the conversation reveals how quickly things can unravel when technology outpaces understanding. At the same time, there’s tremendous opportunity if AI is handled with care.

    We explored what it takes to keep humans at the center of the work while letting AI handle repetitive tasks. This isn’t about avoiding AI—it’s about understanding how to use it in a way that aligns with our goals, values, and the irreplaceable need for human relationships.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Why AI experts are often the most skeptical [0:56]
    • How generative AI can quickly magnify problems [1:30]
    • Whether AI should serve us or the other way around [2:00]
    • Why measuring AI’s true cost is so tricky [3:20]
    • How you might unknowingly rely on AI daily [8:42]
    • Preparing for the changes AI will bring to jobs [15:00]
    • What happens when automation goes wrong [35:17]
    • How one company’s overuse of AI caused failure [39:10]
    • Whether AI’s logic is misunderstood or alien [44:00]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Podcast: Future Focused with Christopher Lind
    • Radiolab’s "Shell Game" Episode
    Connect with Christopher Lind
    • LinkedIn: Christopher Lind
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

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    49 minutos