The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

Latest Episodes:

Jason Desentz: Toshiba's CHRO: The State of Human Capital: LIVE from Unleash 2025 Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of #thePOZcast, host Rhona Pierce engages with Jason Desentz, Chief Human Resources Officer at Toshiba Americas, discussing the evolving role of HR in organizations. They explore the importance of authentic vulnerability in leadership, the shift of HR towards being business advisors, and the critical role of data in influencing organizational decisions. Jason shares personal anecdotes and insights on career ownership, mentorship, and the significance of building trust within teams.

Takeaways

- HR takes business elements and puts a human spin on it.

- Owning your own career is crucial for success.

- Authentic vulnerability builds trust and influence.

- HR is shifting from people-pleasing to business advising.

- Data is essential for HR to influence decisions.

- Leaders should be approachable to foster communication.

- Mentorship plays a key role in career development.

- Being vulnerable can enhance leadership effectiveness.

- HR has more data than any other department.

- Effective communication is vital for leadership success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pozcast and Guest Introduction

03:01 The Role of HR in Business

06:11 Authentic Vulnerability in Leadership

09:07 The Shift of HR Towards Business Advisory

11:37 The Importance of Data in HR

15:08 Career Advice and Myths about Influence

Tara Turk-Haynes: Empowering Diversity in Business May 30, 2025

Show notes

Summary
In this episode of the POZcast, Adam Posner interviews Tara Turk Haynes, a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tara shares her journey from a first-generation college graduate to a solopreneur, discussing the lessons learned from her parents about work ethic and money management. The conversation delves into the changing nature of jobs, the importance of mentorship, and the need for leaders to understand their people. Tara emphasizes the significance of creating a workplace culture that values individual contributions and the role of effective leadership in fostering talent.

In this conversation, T. Tara Turk-Haynes discusses the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DIB) in the workplace, emphasizing the need for both top-down and grassroots approaches. She highlights the importance of collective education and understanding the various identities encompassed by DIB. The discussion also touches on the historical context of workplace inequities, the significance of data-driven solutions, and the challenges posed by the current political climate. Tara shares her optimism for the next generation and her personal definition of success, which focuses on abundance rather than hustle.

Takeaways

Tara emphasizes the importance of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into business strategy.
The conversation highlights the impact of family background on career choices and work ethic.
Tara discusses the challenges faced by first-generation college graduates in navigating corporate environments.
The importance of mentorship in career development is underscored through Tara's experiences.
Tara reflects on the changing nature of jobs and the need for multiple income streams in today's economy.
The discussion touches on the significance of self-awareness in leadership roles.
Tara shares insights on the value of understanding people in business for effective leadership.
The conversation highlights the need for leaders to model the behavior they wish to see in their teams.
Tara discusses her transition to solopreneurship and the founding of Equity Activations.
The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual strengths in team dynamics. Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be clearly defined.
Both leadership and grassroots movements are essential for effective DIB initiatives.
Miscommunication often arises from differing definitions of DIB concepts.
Collective education is crucial for understanding diverse experiences.
Fairness in the workplace can be measured through data.
Diversity encompasses a wide range of identities beyond race.
Historical context is vital in understanding workplace inequities.
Data-driven solutions can help identify and solve equity issues.
Authentic action is more effective than performative gestures in DIB work.
The next generation is poised to disrupt traditional workplace norms

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tara Tarkhains and Her Mission
06:58 Navigating Identity and Career as a First-Gen College Graduate
10:59 The Journey into Talent and Culture
14:54 The Importance of Mentorship and Leadership
18:41 Understanding People in Business
21:48 Transitioning to Solopreneurship and Equity Activations
23:12 Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
24:24 Top-Down vs. Grassroots Approaches
25:38 Misunderstandings in DIB Conversations
26:43 The Importance of Collective Education
28:06 Measuring Fairness in the Workplace
29:22 The Complexity of Diversity Definitions
30:45 Historical Context of Workplace Inequities
32:03 Data-Driven Solutions for Equity
33:37 Finding the Right Partnerships
34:51 Navigating Political Climate in Corporate America
35:43 The Importance of Authentic Action
38:25 Inspiring the Next Generation
39:55 Embracing Agility in Leadership
40:49 Defining Success Beyond Titles

Simon Taylor: Harnessing High Performance in Leadership: LIVE from UNLEASH 2025 May 29, 2025

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Simon Taylor, Senior Director of Talent and Organizational Effectiveness at GAP, shares insights on building high-performing teams through the lens of his experiences in competitive rowing. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, a strong mindset, and the balance between performance and human connection. Simon discusses the necessity of clarity in leadership and how fundamental elements like mission, vision, and values drive organizational success. He also shares personal anecdotes and practical advice for leaders looking to enhance their team's performance.

Takeaways

Having a clear vision is crucial for success.
Mindset is key to achieving high performance.
Clarity in roles and goals drives team effectiveness.
Engagement and morale are linked to performance.
Leadership sets the tone for organizational culture.
High performance doesn't exclude the human side of work.
Winning can unite and motivate teams.
Fundamentals like mission and values are essential.
Clarity is a form of kindness to your team.
Sleep is vital for effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to High Performance Leadership

02:58 The Connection Between Sports and Organizational Success

06:08 Mindset: The Key to High Performance

09:04 Balancing Performance and Human Connection

12:12 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership

15:01 Building a High Performing Organization

17:46 Rapid Fire Insights and Conclusion

John Federman: Harnessing Data for HR Success: LIVE from UNLEASH 2025 May 28, 2025

Show notes

Summary:

In this episode, the conversation revolves around the evolving role of HR in mid-sized companies, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the impact of effective leadership. John Federman, CEO of Higher Road, shares insights on connecting buyers and sellers, the significance of team accountability, and the transformative power of analytics in HR. The discussion highlights the challenges mid-sized companies face in leveraging data and the need for HR professionals to adapt to a more strategic role within organizations.

Takeaways

The job of a CEO is to make the team accountable.
Connecting buyers and sellers is key to enabling success.
Data-driven solutions are changing the HR landscape.
Mid-sized companies can leverage analytics for better ROI.
HR professionals are evolving to become data-savvy leaders.
Data cleansing is essential for effective analytics.
Understanding employee career aspirations is crucial for leadership.
There are common truths in leadership across industries.
Being a mentor is a significant aspect of leadership.
HR must speak the same language as other business functions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:46 The Role of a CEO and Team Accountability

01:43 Connecting Buyers and Sellers Across Industries

03:05 The Impact of Data-Driven Solutions in HR Tech

06:26 Understanding ROI in Mid-Sized Companies

08:05 The Evolution of HR Professionals

11:51 Data Needs of Mid-Sized vs. Larger Companies

13:03 Taking Action Towards Data-Driven HR

16:03 Leadership Insights and Personal Reflections

Cynthia Abbott Kerr: The Future of Pay Transparency: LIVE from UNLEASH 2025 May 27, 2025

Show notes

Summary:

In this podcast episode, Rhona Pierce interviews Cynthia Abbot Kerr, founder and CEO of WellPay AI, discussing her journey in the compensation industry, the complexities of pay transparency, and the impact of AI on compensation strategies. Cynthia shares insights on the importance of transparency in pay, the challenges of decision fatigue in compensation, and her transition from HR executive to entrepreneur. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of compensation and the role of technology in shaping future strategies.

Takeaways:

Takeaways

Her early career experiences sparked Cynthia's passion for compensation.
WellPay AI aims to simplify compensation strategies using technology.
Compensation is often misunderstood as an easy process, but it is complex.
Pay transparency is becoming essential in modern workplaces.
AI can significantly speed up compensation processes and decision-making.
The human element in compensation decisions is crucial.
Companies need to embrace pay transparency to build trust.
Cynthia emphasizes the importance of educating employees about pay structures.
Entrepreneurship changes how people perceive and interact with you.
Ignoring naysayers can lead to success in business.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to WellPay AI and the Podcast

01:53 Cynthia's Journey in Compensation and Technology

06:01 The Complexity of Compensation and Pay Transparency

12:06 AI's Impact on Compensation Strategies

14:58 Transitioning from HR Executive to Entrepreneur

18:54 Lessons Learned as a Founder

Victoria Williams: The Rise of Wake and Vape: A Cannabis Success Story May 23, 2025

Show notes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Victoria Williams and Her Journey

03:04 The Impact of Family Background on Entrepreneurial Spirit

05:46 Navigating the Cannabis Industry: Education and Advocacy

08:54 Understanding Social Equity in Cannabis Licensing

11:52 The Evolution of Wake and Vape: From Idea to Brand

15:00 Challenges Faced in the Cannabis Business

17:57 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

24:07 The Birth of Wake and Vape

27:42 Branding and Packaging Insights

30:29 Understanding Product Quality

32:08 Overcoming Market Skepticism

34:10 Empowering Women in Cannabis

37:15 Current Challenges in the Cannabis Market

38:51 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

41:15 Defining Success

Building High Performance Teams at LVMH: CHRO Gena Smith LIVE from UNLEASH 2025 May 21, 2025

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Gina Smith, CHRO of LVMH, discusses the importance of high-performance teams and creative environments. She emphasizes the role of coaching and development initiatives in fostering talent, the significance of creativity in the luxury sector, and the need for effective leadership in a complex business landscape. Additionally, she highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core business strategy.

Takeaways

- Coaching and development are fundamental to employee growth.

- Internal mobility is crucial for retaining talent.

- Creativity is embedded in the DNA of LVMH.

- Leaders must adapt to the changing expectations of employees.

- Rest and recovery are essential for high performance.

- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key business strategies.

- A decentralized structure fosters creativity and autonomy.

- Talent marketplaces enhance visibility of career opportunities.

- Leadership programs must address the pressures leaders face.

- Mental health and well-being are vital for a thriving workplace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to High-Performance Teams

05:04 Coaching and Development Initiatives

10:05 Fostering Creativity in Business

14:57 Leadership in a Complex Environment

20:11 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a Business Strategy

Matt Lavery: How UPS Hiring Showcases Internal mobility and AI: LIVE from UNLEASH 2025 May 20, 2025

Show notes

Summary:

In this episode of #thePOZcast, host Rona Pierce speaks with Matt Lavery, Director of Global Sourcing, Recruiting, and Onboarding at UPS. They discuss Matt's journey from a seasonal handler to a leadership role, the impact of AI and automation on hiring processes, and the importance of internal mobility and career progression within UPS. Matt shares insights on enhancing candidate experience, ethical considerations in AI usage, and valuable leadership lessons learned throughout his career.

Takeaways

- Matt Lavery's journey at UPS showcases the value of internal mobility.

- AI and automation have significantly improved the hiring process at UPS.

- Speed and transparency are key factors in candidate experience.

- Understanding the problem is crucial before implementing AI solutions.

- Leadership involves providing clarity and empowering teams.

- UPS hires around 200,000 people annually, especially during peak seasons.

- NPS scores indicate high candidate satisfaction with the hiring process.

- Internal mobility pathways are essential for employee retention.

- Technology can enhance the candidate experience and streamline processes.

- Change management requires careful planning and communication.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the POScast and Guest Background

01:21 Matt Lavery's Journey at UPS

03:58 The Impact of AI and Automation on Hiring

10:21 Enhancing Candidate Experience through Technology

13:42 Internal Mobility and Career Progression at UPS

17:50 Lessons Learned in Implementing AI in Hiring

20:30 Leadership Insights and Hiring Myths

22:12 Proud Moments and Closing Thoughts

Ben Eubanks: Artificial Intelligence for HR: LIVE from Unleash 2025 May 19, 2025

Show notes

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Unleash 2025

00:58 Exploring the Intersection of People and Technology

03:02 Insights on Frontline Workers

05:52 Building Trust with Frontline Workers

10:01 The Role of AI in Recruitment

14:00 C-Suite Perspectives on AI and Talent

18:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Key Takeaways

Steve White: A Journey from Sports Agent to Top Talent Access Leader May 16, 2025

Show notes

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Talent Acquisition and Steve White's Background
01:46 Transition from Sports Agent to Talent Acquisition
08:40 The Emotional Journey of Leaving Sports Management
16:37 Transferable Skills from Sports to Talent Acquisition
19:50 Transformative Leadership in Talent Acquisition
21:12 Defining and Cultivating Organizational Culture
25:20 Strategic Hiring and Interviewing Practices
27:52 Metrics in Talent Acquisition: Time to Fill and Cost per Hire
28:22 Understanding Time to Hire Metrics
30:35 The Importance of Time of Vacancy and Productivity
32:03 The Three Rs: Relationships, Results, and Readiness
40:02 The Role of AI in Talent Acquisition
43:57 Unconventional Hiring Strategies and Career Advice

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