If you think HR is just about hiring and firing, think again, this episode flips that whole idea on its head.

I sit down with Bobby Conley, a seasoned HR leader, to talk about the shift from traditional “old HR” to a strategic, proactive “new HR.” Bobby explains that HR transformation can take many forms, like updating processes, technology, and talent, depending on an organization’s size and maturity, often driven by leadership changes or mergers and acquisitions. He busts common misconceptions about HR being purely administrative and shows how modern HR professionals act as strategic business partners, using data to drive business performance and culture.

We dive into the future of work, exploring how AI will increase productivity, especially in talent acquisition, while HR leaders navigate bias, legal considerations, and the need to reskill employees to integrate AI effectively. Bobby also emphasizes that change, though sometimes uncomfortable, is where the most growth happens, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning, ultimately framing HR as both a guide through organizational transformation and a champion of human adaptability in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Key Takeaways:

Modern HR is a strategic partner driving performance and culture, not just administrative tasks.

HR transformation varies by company size, maturity, and often follows leadership changes or mergers.

AI boosts productivity, especially in talent acquisition, but HR must manage bias, legal risks, and reskill employees.

Transparency and guardrails are crucial for adopting AI while keeping humans central.

Data-savvy HR professionals can shape strategic decisions and support organizational goals.

AI and technology augment roles, letting employees focus on higher-value work.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:08 What is an HR transformation? & why it matters

02:42 Old HR vs. New HR

05:15 If only people knew this about HR

06:32 Common roadblocks holding back HR departments

08:55 The future of work: AI’s role in Human Resources

13:16 Tips on how to get started with AI

14:17 How to integrate change and keep humans at the center

19:59 Advice for leveling up in your career and business

23:37 Wrap-Up

Connect with Bobby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyconley/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Design isn’t just how something looks, it’s how it makes you think.

I’m joined by the incredibly talented Lucie Agolini, a designer who’s all about creating visual experiences that actually make people feel something. We talk about her journey to finding her niche in user experience design, and how asking the right questions can completely change the outcome of a project.

Lucie shares some of the biggest design pitfalls she sees (hello, overcomplicated Miro boards) and tells me about her passion project, an illustration library that makes good design accessible to everyone.

We also get into the business side of creativity, how to think like an entrepreneur as a freelancer, and why visuals aren’t just decoration; they’re tools for learning and communicating more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Visual experiences can enhance collaboration and connection.

Natural talent in design can be developed through practice.

Visual appeal should not overshadow the substance of design.

Many people overcomplicate design due to lack of confidence.

Visuals can significantly enhance the learning experience.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Lucie's path to finding her creative lane

05:11 What entrepreneurs can learn from visual design

08:20 Is great design born from talent or built through practice?

11:03 Why visuals matter more than you might think

13:46 When design gets too complicated

15:45 Inside Lucie’s illustration library

18:30 The business side of creativity

20:54 Finding your rhythm as a freelancer

29:38 Wrapping up

Resources Mentioned:

Miro: https://miro.com/

Illustration Library: https://www.lucieagolini.com/products/cnvs-illustration-library

Connect with Lucie:

Website: https://www.lucieagolini.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucieagolini/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Ever wonder why the best leaders are also the most self-aware?

In this episode, I sit down with Dain Dunston to unpack what it really means to lead consciously. We talk about the kind of leadership that starts from the inside out, the kind that asks you to look at yourself honestly, stay open to feedback, and be willing to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Dain shares his own path and how it taught him the power of building a deep sense of self and helping others do the same. We dive into concepts like beginner’s mind and relational intelligence, and how those can transform the way you show up for your team and yourself.

This isn’t just another leadership chat. It’s a reminder that the willingness to feel the pain of growth and stay curious is what separates good leaders from truly exceptional ones.

Key Takeaways:

Conscious leadership is essential for both business and life.

Feedback serves as a powerful tool for growth and learning.

Vulnerability allows leaders to connect and grow.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

Learning agility is necessary in a rapidly changing world.

Beginner's mind fosters creativity and innovation.

Self-awareness impacts not just leaders but everyone in an organization.

Resources Mentioned:

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon: https://austinkleon.com/show-your-work/

Reboot by Jerry Colonna: https://www.amazon.com/Reboot-Leadership-Art-Growing-Up/dp/0062749536

Connect with Dain:

Website: https://daindunston.com/ , https://reservoir.llc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daindunston/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.