If you're in HR, you're already working with data, whether you realize it or not.

Every time you spot a pattern, have a feedback conversation, or reflect on team dynamics, you're using data to make decisions. In this episode, Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR, shares ways HR leaders can feel more confident using data in their everyday decisions.

He explains what it means to be data-led and why it has nothing to do with being technical. You'll learn how to ask better questions, focus on what matters, and use data to bring more clarity to conversations with executives and your team.

This episode is a reminder that data isn't something to fear—it's something you already know how to use.

Join us as we discuss:
(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Dieter Veldsman
(03:11) Why many HR leaders feel intimidated by data
(09:07) This is how you lose credibility as a people leader
(15:11) How to use metrics thoughtfully
(20:31) Practical steps to build data confidence
(25:51) The impact of HR data on sales and retention
(32:33) Asking better questions about HR data
(34:48) Access to HR benchmarks without dashboards or large data sets

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook:

https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Dieter Veldsman's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dieterveldsman/?originalSubdomain=nl

Everyone is rushing into AI, but few teams are preparing their data well enough to truly benefit from it.

This episode features a recorded session from Thrive 2025. Guest host Anthony Onesto, VP of Platform and Product Marketing at 15Five, sits down with Nelson Spencer, Founder & CEO of efora, to discuss the data foundations HR needs before bringing AI into daily work. Nelson explains how large language models function and how centralizing data can help HR shift from reactive reporting to forward-looking insights.

If you want AI to support faster decision-making and better performance outcomes, this session gives you a clear place to start.

Join us as we discuss:
(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Nelson Spencer
(03:18) Large language models explained simply

(04:35) Why data quality matters for AI

(07:22) Bringing scattered HR data into one system

(13:48) The biggest mistake teams make with AI adoption

(19:10) Using AI for predictive insights

(21:23) First steps to build a strong data foundation

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Nelson Spencer's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonspencer

Too many leaders still separate people and performance, as if caring about one cancels out the other.

In this episode, Fringe CEO and co-founder Jordan Peace joins Karina Young to challenge that mindset. He explains how trust and genuine care empower people to do great work. Together, they explore what happens when organizations lose their sense of humanity, how fear and disconnection create cynicism, and why rebuilding culture starts with small acts of kindness. Jordan also shares how HR leaders can use data and storytelling to get executives to prioritize employee well-being as a key driver of an organization's long-term success.

Join us as we discuss:
(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jordan Peace
(04:33) Why workplaces feel disconnected from people
(08:34) Cultural warning signs: cynicism and blame
(12:18) Relationships drive engagement and productivity
(14:16) How to get the C-suite to care more
(19:19) The impact of people-first leadership
(26:06) Why events & activities can't fix culture
(34:30) Healing workplace cynicism through genuine care

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five's The HR Leader's Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover: https://www.15five.com/guide-to-reducing-regrettable-turnover?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Reducing Regrettable Turnover eBook

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Jordan Peace's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-peace-fringe/