The "Best of 2025" episode features fourteen don't miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who…

So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode?

• Monique Herena, Chief Colleague Experience Officer, American Express
• Wanda Wallace, Managing Partner, Leadership Forum & Darren Overfield, EVP, Coaching & Consulting at Kaiser Leadership Solutions
• Riina Hellström, Founder, Agile HR Community
• Dave Ulrich, Partner at The RBL Group
• Marcia Avedon, 3X CHRO, Board Director, Human Capital Expert, and Executive Coach
• Lisa Chang, EVP & Chief People Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
• Christina Norris-Watts, Head of Assessment & People Practices, Johnson & Johnson
• Anita Graham, EVP & CHRO, Labcorp
• Christy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.
• Ani Huang, Senior EVP, CHRO Association & Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South Carolina
• Brandon Sammut, Chief People & AI Transformation Officer, Zapier
• Tina Gupta, SVP, Talent Management, New York Life Insurance
• Brian Miller, Chief Talent and D&I Officer, Levi Strauss & Co
• Jennifer Wilson & Brad Warga, Partners and Global Co-Heads of the Human Resources Officers Practice at Heidrick & Struggles

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

My guests on this special holiday episode are Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, Bill Baker, lead author and co-contributors to “Lives Lost and Leadership Found.”

During our conversation, Ian, Lori, Bill and I discuss the following:

• The inspiration behind the book "Lives Lost and Leadership Found" and how personal loss can serve as a foundation for personal growth.
• The neuroscience behind grief: how loss rewires your brain and why that matters for leaders.
• What research reveals about the role of intentionality in healing after loss and becoming a stronger leader.
• The power of storytelling and reflection—why writing about a special someone can be transformative

Connecting with Ian, Lori, and Bill:

Learn more or buy Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons From Special Somebodies

Connect with Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, and Bill Baker

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

What differentiates the best HR leaders from the rest?

Why isn’t enough to “know the business, you must love the business

My guest on this episode is Marc Effron, President, Talent Strategy Group.

During our conversation, Marc and I discuss the following:

• Marc’s career journey and what led him to co-author One Page Talent Management
• The unforgettable advice that Marshall Goldsmith gave to Marc
• The one question that will help advance your career
• What differentiates the best HR leaders from the rest

Connecting with Marc:

Connect with Marc Effron on LinkedIn or at Talent Strategy Group

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.