Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast with special guests, John Barry, Co-CEO at HRBench, Matt Maguire, CRO at HRBench and Brandon Collins, CTO at HRBench!

In this wide-ranging and highly practical conversation, host Cole Napper sits down with the leadership team behind HRBench to explore how decades of shared experience in HR tech have shaped their vision for the future of people intelligence. What stands out immediately is the deep working history among the trio—relationships built over years at companies like Salary.com and PayFactors—which has translated into a strong foundation of trust, alignment, and execution speed as they build HRBench.

At the core of the discussion is a simple but powerful idea: data should be the foundation of every HR decision. The team reflects on how their early work in compensation analytics revealed a broader gap across HR—organizations lacked a unified way to bring together workforce data, understand it, and act on it strategically. HRBench was built to solve exactly that, consolidating disparate HR data into a single system that enables faster insights, benchmarking, and decision-making without months of manual reporting work.

A recurring theme throughout the episode is the rapid commoditization of traditional people analytics capabilities. Dashboards, reporting, and even predictive analytics are becoming easier and cheaper to build, largely due to advances in AI. But rather than diminishing the field, the guests argue this shift raises the bar. The real value is no longer in producing reports—it’s in driving action, enabling better decisions, and embedding intelligence directly into business workflows.

The conversation also dives into how AI is transforming both product development and organizational productivity. Brandon shares how engineering workflows have fundamentally changed, with AI agents now writing and reviewing code, dramatically compressing development timelines. At the same time, Matt highlights how customers are using tools like HRBench alongside AI to achieve output levels that previously required much larger teams, signaling a major shift in how HR functions scale.

Despite the excitement around AI, the group is clear-eyed about its limitations. Data quality, security, and business context remain critical challenges. “Garbage in, garbage out” still applies, and organizations must be thoughtful about how they manage sensitive employee data. Trust—both in the data and in the people interpreting it—continues to be essential, especially when insights inform high-stakes decisions.

Looking ahead, the discussion turns to the future of people analytics as part of a broader intelligence layer within organizations. Rather than siloed functions like workforce planning, talent analytics, and behavioral science, the field is converging into a unified capability focused on generating and applying insight. The team envisions a future where organizations can model themselves as digital twins, simulating workforce decisions and understanding their impact across the business in real time.

They also touch on emerging areas like qualitative data analysis, workforce transformation, and the evolving definition of work in an AI-driven world. Across all of it, one idea remains consistent: organizations that can combine high-quality data with actionable intelligence—quickly and affordably—will have a significant competitive advantage.

Blending strategic insight with candid moments and humor, this episode offers a clear window into how experienced builders in HR tech are thinking about the next chapter of the industry and why the shift from people analytics to people intelligence is already underway.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast with special guest, Jennifer Wilson, Partner and Global Co-Head, HR Officers Practice at Heidrick & Struggles!

In this wide-ranging and deeply practical conversation, Cole Napper sits down with Jennifer Wilson to unpack how the role of the Chief Human Resources Officer is evolving in real time—and why the expectations for HR leadership have never been higher. Jennifer shares her unconventional path into executive search, describing how her early career in consulting and global work across Hong Kong and the US shaped her perspective on leadership, organizational design, and the human side of business transformation. What emerges is a clear view of executive search not just as recruiting, but as a front-row seat to how leadership itself is changing. A major theme throughout the discussion is the rapid expansion of the CHRO role. Drawing on research from Heidrick & Struggles, Jennifer explains how the number of required capabilities for CHROs has nearly doubled over the past decade, reflecting the growing complexity of the job. Today’s CHRO is no longer an administrative leader but a strategic enterprise partner expected to connect business strategy with people strategy, advise CEOs directly, and lead through ambiguity. The conversation highlights how skills like AI enablement, workforce planning, succession strategy, and organizational design are becoming essential, alongside enduring traits like empathy, judgment, and high emotional intelligence. The discussion goes deep on AI’s impact, particularly the idea of an “AI-native CHRO.” Jennifer is candid that such profiles are still rare, with most leaders only having partial exposure to AI-driven transformation. Rather than searching for perfect technical expertise, organizations are prioritizing curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to lead change. This reflects a broader shift: the future of HR leadership is less about mastering every domain and more about integrating across them. Cole and Jennifer also explore career pathways into the CHRO role, including the limitations of traditional HR development models. They discuss why many leaders lack the breadth of experience required and why moving from a number two role into the top job is such a significant leap. People analytics emerges as a particularly interesting lens—while it offers a unique enterprise-wide perspective, Jennifer notes that it cannot be the sole foundation for a future CHRO. Exposure to business leadership, operational accountability, and direct advisory experience remains critical. The conversation also demystifies executive search, clarifying a common misconception: search firms work for companies, not candidates. While building relationships can help, relying solely on headhunters is not a viable career strategy. This insight grounds the discussion in reality, emphasizing the importance of proactive career management. In the latter part of the episode, the conversation broadens to hiring practices, assessment tools, and the growing intersection between HR and technology. Jennifer pushes back on the idea of merging CHRO and CTO roles, arguing instead for stronger collaboration rather than unrealistic “unicorn” expectations. The future, she suggests, will depend on how effectively leaders integrate human and technical systems to drive organizational success. Throughout, Jennifer paints a compelling picture of the ideal HR leader for the future: engaging, empathetic, data-driven, agile, and capable of navigating constant change. It’s a vision that challenges both current leaders and aspiring ones to rethink how they build skills, gain experience, and lead in an increasingly complex world. If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast special guest, Kinsey Li, Author of "People Analytics Explained" and Advisor at PwC!

In this wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation, host Cole Napper sits down with Kinsey to explore what it truly takes to succeed in people analytics beyond the technical skills that often dominate the narrative.

Kinsey shares the inspiration behind her book, which emerged from her own early frustrations breaking into the field. Despite completing courses and gaining certifications, she found a major gap between technical training and the real-world capabilities required to be effective. Her core insight reframes the discipline: people analytics is not primarily about data, but about relationships. In her experience, success in the field is closer to 80% stakeholder management and 20% technical execution, a perspective that challenges how many professionals approach their development.

The conversation dives into the consulting mindset that has shaped Kinsey’s career, highlighting two essential skills: scoping and listening. She explains that scoping is fundamentally about defining boundaries—understanding what problem you are solving, what success looks like, and just as importantly, what you will not address. In a field where organizational challenges are deeply interconnected, the ability to prioritize and maintain focus is critical. This requires not only analytical thinking but also confidence and judgment to push back when necessary.

Kinsey also offers a fascinating look at how cultural context shapes people analytics work. Drawing on her experience across Australia, the UK, and now Jakarta, she contrasts Western and Eastern workplace dynamics. In more hierarchical environments, decisions can be executed بسرعة and scaled quickly, but often with less consultation. At the same time, she notes that some of the most advanced people analytics practices exist in small, less visible pockets across Asia, where innovation happens quietly without widespread sharing.

The discussion expands into themes of career growth and learning, reinforcing the idea that breadth of experience often outweighs early specialization. Kinsey connects this to probabilistic thinking, emphasizing that careers are less like chess and more like poker, where exposure to diverse experiences increases the likelihood of long-term success. This aligns with Cole’s own reflections on building expertise through multidisciplinary exposure rather than narrow focus.

They also explore evolving attitudes toward AI and data privacy, particularly among younger generations. Kinsey observes that digital natives are more willing to delegate thinking to AI and are often more comfortable sharing personal data, a shift that has significant implications for the future of people analytics. At the same time, both highlight the importance of maintaining ethical guardrails as capabilities expand.

Throughout the episode, Kinsey brings a candid and personal perspective, discussing how her evolving mindset, including embracing a “default trust” approach and navigating neurodiversity, has shaped how she works and interacts with others. Her journey underscores that effectiveness in people analytics is as much about self-awareness and adaptability as it is about technical skill.

This episode is a compelling reminder that the future of people analytics will be defined not just by better data, but by better thinking, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of how work actually gets done across different contexts and cultures. If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast with special guests, Stacia Garr & Dani Johnson, both are Co-Founders and Principal Analysts at RedThread Research!

In this wide-ranging and intellectually rich conversation, Cole Napper sits down with two of the most influential thinkers in the people analytics and HR research space to explore how AI, data, and evolving workforce dynamics are reshaping how organizations operate and make decisions.

The discussion dives into RedThread’s latest research, including the evolution of mega trends shaping the future of work. Stacia and Dani reflect on themes like geopolitical disruption, the continued shift toward growth over people, and the accelerating integration of AI into enterprise workflows. Rather than viewing AI as a standalone concept, they emphasize it as an enabler becoming embedded into how organizations function—so much so that it may soon become “the air we breathe.”

A major focus is the rise of multi-source analysis platforms (MSAPs), which aggregate and harmonize data across HR systems to drive better decisions. The trio explores how organizations are moving beyond siloed data toward integrated ecosystems combining employee experience, workforce planning, skills data, and operational insights. This shift represents a broader transformation in how companies understand work, breaking it down into tasks, outcomes, and dynamic systems involving both humans and AI.

Dani brings a strong perspective on skills, tasks, and talent mobility, arguing that tasks may serve as the bridge between skills and work in an AI-driven world. However, both she and Stacia challenge the idea that mapping tasks alone is enough, suggesting organizations may need to rethink work from the outcome level entirely. This raises questions about whether current workforce design approaches are too rooted in legacy systems already being disrupted by AI.

The episode also tackles a central question: will AI replace jobs or augment them? Stacia and Dani are clear—AI will replace some jobs, and already is. The challenge lies in how organizations respond, particularly in redeploying talent, maintaining learning pathways, and ensuring employees build the judgment needed to work effectively alongside AI.

Another thread explores the “hollowed-out expert,” where individuals appear knowledgeable due to AI but lack true expertise. This raises concerns about authenticity and performance assessment, especially as research shows AI effectiveness depends heavily on user knowledge and cognitive ability.

Throughout, the conversation challenges rigid HR operating models and one-size-fits-all transformation frameworks, emphasizing that success depends on asking better questions, understanding context, and adapting continuously.

The episode closes with reflections on career success, the importance of social capital, and a core truth: despite rapid technological change, organizations exist because people prefer to work together.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this long-awaited reunion episode, Cole and Scott reconnect after Scott's time away from the mic, diving into a candid, wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, reflection, and sharp insight on the evolving world of work, technology, and people analytics. The discussion opens with Scott’s decision to step away from the podcast, driven in part by personal reflection following the loss of his mother and a reassessment of how he spends his time. What follows is an honest look at the hidden effort behind content creation, the opportunity cost of side projects, and the reality that even passion projects can become demanding commitments.

As the conversation unfolds, the two explore how advances in AI are reshaping not just workflows, but the very nature of knowledge work itself. From fully automated academic research to AI-powered coding and reporting tools, they reflect on the accelerating pace of change and the tradeoffs that come with it, including the subtle erosion of foundational skills. At the same time, they wrestle with the paradox of wanting to stay current in a rapidly evolving tech landscape while avoiding the noise, hype, and constant distractions that come with it. This tension shows up in their discussion of digital minimalism, notification fatigue, and the idea of building a “command center” for life and work.

The episode also revisits core people analytics topics, including the relationship between cognitive ability and personality, the nuances of assessment design, and the ongoing debate around prediction, fairness, and subgroup differences. Scott brings his signature analytical lens, while Cole connects these ideas back to real-world applications and the future of workforce strategy. They also touch on broader societal themes, from generational shifts in workplace behavior to the potential long-term impacts of pandemic-era disruptions on social and cognitive development.

True to form, the episode mixes depth with levity. The duo riff on everything from the “Gen Z stare” to the absurdity of hyper-competitive pickleball, while also tackling more serious ideas like workplace surveillance, the changing nature of organizations in an AI-driven world, and whether academia should still be viewed as a calling or simply another job under pressure. Throughout, there’s a consistent thread: questioning assumptions, challenging norms, and trying to make sense of a world where the boundaries between human and machine capabilities are increasingly blurred.

The episode closes on a high note with updates on Scott’s new role at HRBench and Cole’s continued growth of the podcast and broader ecosystem, signaling that while things evolve, the core mission of exploring people analytics and the future of work remains as strong as ever.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply engaging conversation, Cole Napper sits down with Neil to unpack one of the most important shifts happening in the workplace today: AI workforce transformation. Rather than treating AI as just another tool, Neil explains how organizations are now rethinking the very nature of work itself. At the center of this shift is a move away from focusing purely on “jobs” or “tasks” and toward understanding work as dynamic units of value creation, where humans and AI systems collaborate in increasingly complex ways.

Neil shares how AI introduces what feels like a new category of “digital talent,” fundamentally changing how organizations think about workforce composition, productivity, and value delivery. This shift requires leaders to rethink not just roles, but how work is structured, measured, and optimized. The conversation explores how organizations are beginning to adopt more economic-style thinking—focusing on value-added work versus overhead—and how new forms of observability are making it easier to measure contributions from both humans and AI systems.

A major theme throughout the episode is the importance of mental models and frameworks for working effectively with AI. Neil emphasizes that success with AI isn’t about mastering prompt engineering tricks, but about breaking down problems, structuring work intelligently, and even using AI to help design better workflows. This “use AI to use AI” mindset becomes a powerful way to scale both individual and organizational capability.

The discussion also dives into the evolving role of people analytics and workforce planning. Neil and Cole highlight how traditional analytics must now integrate more deeply with workforce planning, economics, and business strategy. The future belongs to practitioners who can bridge quantitative rigor with qualitative understanding of skills, motivation, and human behavior.

Importantly, the episode doesn’t shy away from the human side of transformation. Neil discusses the psychological barriers to AI adoption, including fear, reduced psychological safety, and misconceptions about value and performance. He underscores that leadership behavior is critical—when managers model AI usage and create supportive environments, adoption accelerates. Without that, even the best tools and mandates fall flat.

The conversation also touches on experimentation, collaboration, and the evolving nature of expertise. While AI democratizes access to capabilities, Neil argues that domain expertise remains essential for judgment, validation, and accountability. As organizations navigate uncertainty, the ability to be “directionally correct” becomes more valuable than ever.

Blending practical insights with forward-looking perspective, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how AI is reshaping work, organizations, and the role of human talent in 2026 and beyond.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation, host Cole Napper explores what is really happening in the people analytics space across Latin America, the challenges professionals in the region face as the discipline matures, and why the future may be far brighter than many expect.

Maria and Paola share firsthand perspectives from inside the rapidly evolving LATAM people analytics community. Rather than inheriting mature analytics infrastructures like many organizations in North America or Europe, many companies across Latin America are building the plane while flying it—creating people analytics capabilities from scratch while simultaneously educating leaders on the value of workforce data. The conversation highlights how professionals in the region are navigating limited resources, fragmented systems, and a lack of established data teams while still pushing the field forward.

Maria reflects on her unconventional path into analytics, beginning with operational HR reporting and gradually evolving into deeper data work across systems, dashboards, and storytelling. She shares how her early career focused heavily on technical execution—pulling data, building charts, and automating reports—before she realized the real impact comes from translating numbers into narratives that influence decisions. Today, her focus is on helping organizations move beyond descriptive dashboards toward meaningful insights that actually shape business outcomes.

Paola complements this perspective by discussing the realities of consulting with organizations that often lack the foundational data infrastructure required for analytics. Her work frequently begins not with optimization, but with education—helping leaders understand what data governance, data culture, and analytical thinking even look like in practice. She also discusses her early “aha moment” discovering people analytics as a discipline and how that experience shaped her mission to bring more structured analytics methodologies into HR across Latin America.

Throughout the discussion, the group explores several themes shaping the future of the field: the growing influence of AI on analytics workflows, the importance of data governance as organizations scale their analytics capabilities, and the rising need for professionals who can translate insights into action. Maria and Paola both emphasize that while tools and automation are accelerating rapidly, human context, interpretation, and influence remain essential to turning data into impact.

The episode also highlights the growing momentum of the LATAM people analytics community itself. Paola shares how regional leaders are building stronger networks, launching conferences, and creating communities where practitioners can collaborate, learn, and accelerate the adoption of workforce analytics practices across countries. This spirit of collaboration, adaptability, and curiosity may ultimately become Latin America’s greatest advantage as the field evolves globally.

Along the way, the conversation touches on personal career growth, navigating impostor syndrome, building confidence with data, mentoring the next generation of professionals, and balancing technical expertise with the communication skills required to influence executives. Both guests bring thoughtful, candid perspectives on what it really takes to grow in a field that continues to reinvent itself.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation, host Cole Napper sits down with one of the world’s leading scholars on global talent, cultural agility, and international business to explore how work, careers, and human capability are evolving in a time of rapid technological and geopolitical disruption. The discussion begins with Paula’s decades of research on global mobility and expatriate success, where she studied how individuals adapt when working across cultures and unfamiliar environments. Drawing on her early work examining personality predictors of expatriate success, Paula explains why traits such as openness to experience and extraversion often predict who thrives in new and complex contexts. While traditional expatriate assignments have declined, the underlying challenge—humans operating outside familiar environments—has only intensified. Today, novelty comes to us rather than us traveling to it, as employees increasingly work across global teams, industries, generations, and rapidly changing technologies.

From there, the conversation shifts toward cultural agility, a concept Paula has championed throughout her career. Rather than simply adapting to new situations, cultural agility involves knowing when to adapt, when to maintain your own standards, and when to help create new norms. In a world where AI, automation, and shifting labor markets are transforming jobs at unprecedented speed, these capabilities are becoming essential. Paula argues that while technology continues to reshape work, the human skills that help people navigate complexity—curiosity, humility, resilience, perspective taking, and relationship orientation—are becoming more important, not less.

Cole and Paula also explore the growing conversation around skills-based organizations and the changing nature of talent management. As technical skills evolve rapidly and often have a shorter half-life than ever before, organizations must think carefully about how they build durable human capabilities that allow workers to move fluidly between roles, industries, and challenges. Paula shares insights from both academic research and real-world experimentation through her company Skillify, which helps individuals develop these capabilities through tools designed to build cultural agility across different stages of life and career.

The conversation also explores Paula’s professional journey—balancing roles as a professor, entrepreneur, author, and podcast host. She reflects on the importance of translating academic insights into ideas practitioners can apply. Along the way, Paula offers practical advice for professionals seeking to build meaningful careers and strong personal brands, emphasizing the importance of understanding what you want your reputation to represent and consistently aligning your work with that purpose.

Throughout the episode, Cole and Paula connect the dots between global labor dynamics, AI disruption, workforce transformation, and the future of human capability—offering a thought-provoking discussion about what it means to succeed in an era defined by uncertainty and constant change.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply human conversation, Cole sits down with Gary to explore what it really means to build and sustain a people analytics function for more than a decade inside one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the United States.

Gary reflects on hitting his ten-year mark at Providence Health & Services and what it takes to move beyond the AI hype cycle that has dominated so many analytics conversations. Rather than chasing headlines, he shares how real progress often happens in small, unglamorous steps: defining terms, building trust, clarifying governance, and laying foundations so better decisions can take root years later. From early debates about what “analytics” even meant to establishing strategic HR data governance across dozens of executives, Gary explains why perseverance and continuity of vision matter more than any single dashboard or model.

The discussion dives into how healthcare fundamentally differs from other industries. In a world where leaders can honestly say they skipped your email because they were saving lives, prioritization hits differently. Gary unpacks the unique reimbursement model of healthcare, where organizations are rewarded when patients get well and do not return—creating an industry that is, in many ways, funded to keep itself out of business. He also explores the looming workforce crisis driven by aging populations, chronic disease, and nurse shortages, and why creative, nontraditional pathways into care delivery may be essential to sustaining the system.

AI gets a reality check as Gary distinguishes between generative buzzwords and the quieter power of automation, robotics, and computer vision already transforming surgery and diagnostics. He emphasizes that governance—clear definitions, aligned metrics, and shared language—is the prerequisite not only for AI, but for productive conversations between HR, finance, and operations. Sometimes progress begins with something simple, like distinguishing between “position FTE” and “worked FTE” so debates end and better questions can begin.

Throughout the episode, Gary blends neuroscience, therapy insights, improv training, and even fire performance into his leadership philosophy. He shares how relationship counseling principles apply to employer-employee dynamics, why listening goes far beyond surveys, and how understanding human uncertainty is central to responsible analytics. The conversation also tackles burnout, pessimism, social isolation, hybrid work, and the growing gap between strategy and so-called “data fluency” problems—challenging the assumption that unused dashboards signal a skills issue rather than a clarity issue.

At its core, this episode is about using analytics in service of something bigger: putting more caregivers at the bedside, strengthening communities, and making decisions that ripple far beyond a spreadsheet. If you care about the intersection of AI, workforce planning, healthcare, and long-term culture change, this is one you won’t want to miss.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging, unfiltered, and deeply thought-provoking conversation, Buddy joins host Cole Napper to explore the real future of work—beyond the buzzwords, vendor hype, and recycled HR talking points. Buddy shares his unconventional journey from coding AOL text-based games at 18 to earning a master’s degree from Cornell and building early dashboards at Raytheon, where he helped shape strategic workforce planning. He later stood up people analytics functions at Monsanto and Bayer and led Human Capital Insights at Edward Jones before stepping into his current role defining workforce strategy and resource management for a 55,000+ associate financial services firm. Together, Cole and Buddy unpack what workforce strategy actually means inside a large, complex organization. They explore how AI, automation, sourcing strategy, process excellence, job architecture, FP&A, and upskilling converge in a modern future-of-work function. Buddy explains why the conversation must shift from static “roles” to the “work to be done,” and how organizations need to deconstruct tasks, redesign jobs, and rethink capability building to remain competitive in an AI-accelerated world. The episode doesn’t shy away from controversy. Buddy challenges assumptions about AI agents, probabilistic versus deterministic systems, and unrealistic expectations placed on emerging technologies. He breaks down the math behind multi-step automation error rates and why leaders must understand acceptable risk, system maturity, and economic tradeoffs before turning decision-making over to machines. From there, the conversation expands into bold critiques of HR itself. Buddy questions why HR technology is often misconfigured and underleveraged, why performance management frequently destroys more value than it creates, and why common talent acquisition metrics like quality of hire may be fundamentally flawed. He pushes listeners to rethink how value is defined in white-collar work, how compensation systems attempt to price roles without understanding task-level impact, and why we may lack a shared language for articulating real contribution. They also explore leadership development, coaching, employee listening, benefits strategy, retirement risk, relocation in a return-to-office era, and the evolution of HR job titles. Buddy argues that leadership development may be the single most important function inside an organization—and that its future could be significantly reshaped by AI-driven tools. Throughout the episode, two seasoned practitioners wrestle with the tension between legacy HR structures and the urgent need to evolve. This is not a surface-level trends conversation. It is a candid, systems-level discussion about analytics maturity, data life cycles, organizational design, and the practical realities of driving change inside complex institutions. If you care about workforce intelligence, analytics, AI disruption, and the structural future of HR, this episode delivers sharp, experience-driven insight from someone who has built and reinvented people analytics functions across global organizations. If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation, Rob joins the show to explore what it truly means to bring decision science into people analytics, how a product-based operating model can transform HR, and why employee listening should be treated as an intelligence function—not just a sentiment survey.

Drawing on more than 20 years of military leadership experience and his academic background in decision science, Rob unpacks his “three-legged stool” framework for decision quality: alternatives, information, and preferences. He explains why organizations often over-invest in data while underinvesting in clarifying objectives, and how value-focused thinking can elevate workforce decisions from reactive to strategic. Whether discussing optimization models, AI-enabled decision support, or human capital investment, Rob consistently returns to one central principle: leaders must own the objective function.

The conversation dives into what it’s like to lead a 60-person people analytics team inside a complex enterprise. Rob shares how adopting a product operating model—with short sprints, user personas, rapid prototyping, and disciplined routines—helps teams move from slide decks to shipped insights. He outlines how a comprehensive and continuous listening strategy acts like a network of sensors on the battlefield, creating a common operating picture of the employee experience. By combining employee sentiment with operational human capital metrics, organizations move beyond awareness to real understanding.

One of the most compelling segments revisits Rob’s early work measuring the “whole soldier” at West Point, where he helped build a data-driven model around heart, body, and mind. That experience shaped his philosophy that performance models must integrate values, trade-offs, and measurable objectives. He connects those lessons to modern employee value propositions, showing how leaders can think in terms of optimization: if you had finite resources to invest in pay, flexibility, development, or belonging, where would you allocate them for maximum impact?

The episode also explores the intersection of AI and decision science. Rob explains how machines excel at processing information and generating alternatives, but humans must define preferences and constraints. In an era of generative AI and prompt engineering, the discipline of structuring objectives becomes more—not less—important. Without clarity on what you are optimizing for, even the most advanced models will miss the mark.

Finally, Rob reflects on leadership under pressure, including the powerful question: do your soldiers know your voice in the dark? From quarterly feedback rhythms in the military to continuous feedback cultures in business, he argues that clarity, proximity, and disciplined listening are foundational to performance.

If you care about the future of workforce intelligence, employee listening, AI-enabled decision-making, or building a high-impact people analytics function, this episode will challenge and sharpen your thinking.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and intellectually electric conversation, host Cole Napper sits down with one of the most original thinkers in the people analytics and HR technology space to explore where the function is really headed—and what most organizations are still missing. Tyler brings a rare blend of deep technical R&D experience, systems thinking, and practical leadership insight from operating at scale inside one of the world’s largest and most complex hospitality organizations.

The discussion starts at the macro level, tackling the future of people analytics and why the field risks becoming overly focused on dashboards, reporting, and polished narratives rather than real impact. Tyler argues that people analytics teams should think less like traditional insights groups and more like true R&D organizations—designed to rapidly test ideas, discard what doesn’t work, and scale what does. Using vivid metaphors and analogies, from ESPN tickers to Moneyball, he reframes success as a series of small, compounding wins rather than grand, one-time “transformations.”

From there, the conversation moves into how credibility is actually built with executives. Tyler shares how his team at Marriott deliberately avoided big promises, instead focusing on solving obvious, painful problems and shortening the distance between insight and action. Rather than building static dashboards, they focused on lightweight applications that allowed HR partners to do something with the data, fundamentally changing how work got done across the organization.

AI features heavily in the second half of the episode, but not in the way you typically hear it discussed. Tyler is candid about his concern that many teams are simply “slapping AI” onto existing processes and calling it innovation. He explores why documentation is becoming executable code, why HR may soon be managing something closer to an open-source software problem than a policy library, and how people analytics can help organizations navigate this shift responsibly. The conversation also dives into uncomfortable but necessary territory around surveillance, performance measurement, and the ethical boundaries of increasingly granular data—drawing on Cole’s “The Camera” thought experiment and Tyler’s concept of “terraforming the future” of work so that it remains human-centered.

Along the way, Tyler connects ideas from physics, entropy, collective intelligence, and social science to explain why work is fundamentally a team sport, why focusing solely on individual brilliance is misleading, and why social cohesion remains one of the most underestimated drivers of organizational performance. He also offers refreshingly blunt advice on preparing for an AI-driven future: stop theorizing, start using the tools, and cultivate a “hold my beer” mindset across your team.

This episode is packed with sharp insights, provocative takes, and practical lessons for anyone serious about building people analytics, HR technology, or AI capabilities that actually matter. It’s a conversation that challenges comforting narratives, replaces buzzwords with first principles, and leaves you rethinking what progress in this field should really look like.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation, Cole Napper sits down with Amy to explore how the future of work is taking shape in early 2026 and why many of the long-standing assumptions in HR, workforce planning, and people analytics are being actively challenged. Amy shares how her current focus on workforce transformation is rooted in four core themes: technology’s expanding role in shaping business strategy, rising transparency driven by digital systems, the growing importance of trust inside organizations, and the central role of teams in creating sustainable business value. Drawing on her leadership of The Conference Board’s Human Capital Analytics Council and Future Workforce Strategy and Planning Council, Amy explains how closed-door, vendor-neutral communities are helping senior leaders move from polished presentations to honest problem-solving conversations that address AI adoption, skills skepticism, learning, and execution at scale. Throughout the episode, Amy and Cole unpack what differentiates U.S. and European perspectives on the future of work, including how economic pressure, infrastructure investment, and regulatory environments shape mindsets around AI, skills, and workforce sustainability. Amy reflects on her experience producing major global events, including cross-functional conferences in New York and Brussels, and why solving human capital challenges requires collaboration across HR, finance, strategy, sustainability, and governance rather than remaining siloed within HR alone. The discussion also dives into human capital standards, including ISO 30414, and why comparable, outcome-focused metrics are becoming essential for boards, investors, and executives who want to link workforce decisions directly to financial performance and long-term value creation. Listeners will also hear Amy’s perspective on the evolving role of HR as fiduciary, workforce advocate, and public steward, the tension that exists when organizations over-index on one role at the expense of others, and how data, analytics, and standards can help balance those competing demands. The conversation spans everything from AI’s impact on executive coaching and workforce planning to why learning may ultimately matter more than narrowly defined skills, how trust is eroding inside organizations, and why high performance is best understood as a system-level outcome driven by teams and context rather than individual traits alone. In Cole’s Corner, Amy reflects on her unconventional career path from environmental journalism to finance to HR consulting and community leadership, shares where she sees AI headed next, and offers candid insights from the many behind-the-scenes executive discussions she facilitates. This episode is packed with practical insights, big-picture thinking, and grounded realism for anyone navigating people analytics, workforce strategy, HR leadership, or AI-driven transformation in today’s uncertain environment. If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

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In this wide-ranging and deeply practical conversation, Peter shares how workforce planning has evolved from static spreadsheets and reactive headcount decisions into a strategic, data-driven discipline that directly impacts business resilience and growth. He explains why many organizations struggle with workforce planning today, not because of a lack of data, but because their internal job architectures, skills frameworks, and headcount models are disconnected from real labor market signals. Peter walks through how Vemo was designed to solve that exact problem by creating a dynamic bridge between internal workforce data and continuously updated external market intelligence.

Peter also breaks down how predictive analytics and AI can move organizations beyond backward-looking reports toward forward-looking scenarios, enabling leaders to test assumptions, anticipate talent shortages, and understand the downstream effects of hiring, upskilling, redeployment, or attrition before those decisions are made. The discussion explores how automated supply and demand modeling allows companies to shift from annual planning cycles to ongoing, adaptive workforce strategies that respond to business change in near real time.

Throughout the episode, we dive into the challenges of standardizing job taxonomies across large enterprises, the risks of relying on inconsistent job titles and legacy role definitions, and how aligning internal structures with external labor data can unlock far more accurate forecasting. Peter shares real-world examples of how organizations are using workforce planning not only to support HR, but to inform finance, strategy, and executive decision-making. He also discusses how AI can augment human judgment in workforce planning, rather than replace it, by giving leaders better inputs, clearer tradeoffs, and stronger confidence in their decisions.

We also explore the future of workforce planning as AI adoption accelerates, roles continue to evolve, and skill requirements change faster than traditional planning models can keep up. Peter offers insights into where HR technology is heading, what capabilities organizations should prioritize, and how workforce planning can become a competitive advantage rather than a compliance exercise. This episode is especially relevant for HR leaders, people analytics teams, finance partners, and executives who want to move from reactive headcount management to proactive talent strategy.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply practical conversation, JR joins the show to unpack what actually works when organizations try to build internal talent marketplaces, rethink career mobility, and align people strategy with real business outcomes. Drawing on his academic research, teaching experience, and extensive work with practitioners, JR challenges common assumptions about skills-based organizations, career paths, and the role of managers in enabling growth at scale.

Throughout the episode, JR and the hosts explore why so many internal mobility efforts fail despite good intentions, and what separates meaningful progress from surface-level adoption. JR explains how organizations can move beyond buzzwords to create systems that truly connect employees to opportunities, while also meeting leaders where they are. The discussion digs into the tension between central talent strategies and frontline realities, and why ignoring that gap often derails even the most sophisticated people analytics initiatives.

Listeners will hear thoughtful insights on how data, transparency, and trust intersect in talent systems, as well as the cultural and structural barriers that slow momentum. JR shares examples from both research and practice that illustrate how internal marketplaces can reshape careers when designed with clarity and empathy, and why incentives, governance, and leadership capability matter just as much as technology. The episode also touches on the evolving expectations of workers, how organizations should think about skills versus jobs, and the implications for HR leaders trying to future-proof their workforce.

This conversation goes beyond theory, offering grounded guidance for HR, people analytics, and talent leaders who are wrestling with real-world constraints. JR’s perspective brings nuance to debates around AI, skills taxonomies, and internal opportunity platforms, emphasizing that sustainable change comes from aligning systems, behaviors, and values over time. Whether you are just beginning to explore internal mobility or trying to course-correct an existing program, this episode delivers practical takeaways and strategic framing you can apply immediately. Listenin challenge your assumptions. If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, host Cole Napper (CN) sits down with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic (CNK), one of the most influential voices in data visualization, to reflect on a decade of impact, evolution, and hard-earned lessons from the world of analytics, storytelling, and communication. CNK revisits her seminal book Storytelling with Data on the occasion of its 10th anniversary edition, sharing what has stood the test of time, what she feared breaking by revisiting it, and why simplicity, audience-first thinking, and intentional focus matter even more today amid rapid advances in technology and AI. She explains how her teaching has evolved from basic story frameworks to the richer narrative arc, introducing tension that matters to the audience and resolving it through clear action, a structure that maps naturally to real business problems and decision-making.

The conversation also dives deep into CNK’s newest book, Before and After, a visually striking, case-based guide inspired by real client work that reveals not just the final polished output, but the thinking, tradeoffs, and transformation that occur between a messy starting point and an effective data story. CNK explains why seeing that process is so powerful, how anonymized client examples help people move past “our data is different,” and why makeovers resonate across industries. Along the way, she reflects on the human side of communicating data, emphasizing that charts alone are never enough and that confidence, clarity, and delivery play an equally critical role in whether insights lead to impact.

Listeners also hear CNK’s reflections on her early career as part of Google’s foundational people analytics team, a period she describes as genuinely magical. She shares stories of discovering insights in data no one had ever examined before, blending statistical rigor with HR partners’ contextual knowledge, and learning firsthand that data without context is incomplete. That experience, she explains, shaped her belief in collaboration, data literacy, and the ethical responsibility that comes with influence. The episode explores her entrepreneurial journey, including why she tested demand before leaving Google, how focus and ruthless prioritization helped her grow Storytelling with Data while starting a family, and why saying no was just as important as saying yes.

The discussion touches on her full portfolio of work, from practitioner workbooks and presentation-focused guides to Daphne Draws Data, her children’s book aimed at building early data literacy through curiosity and problem solving. CNK’s passion for helping people think more clearly, ask better questions, and communicate with integrity shines throughout, as does her commitment to using storytelling not to manipulate, but to make data understandable, honest, and actionable. This episode is packed with insights for people analytics professionals, data practitioners, leaders, and anyone who wants their work to land, resonate, and drive real change.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and deeply analytical conversation, Cole sits down with George to unpack the evolution from “HR tech” to “work tech,” why that distinction matters, and how shifting investments are redefining who technology is really being built for. George explains how early HR systems were designed primarily for back-office users, but how modern work tech increasingly serves employees, candidates, and the broader enterprise, driven by advances in data, AI, and platform thinking. The discussion takes a forward-looking turn as Cole and George follow the money to understand what innovation will actually mature over the next several years. George shares detailed insights into venture funding trends, why innovation is never uniform, and how the post-2021 investment bubble reshaped the startup landscape. They explore why so many early-stage vendors now feel stuck, how lower barriers to entry created a flood of new solutions, and why owning durable, non-transient data has become the single most important strategic advantage in the age of AI. George also breaks down which domains are seeing real adoption versus hype, including high-volume recruiting, HR service delivery, payroll and compensation, benefits, learning, performance management, and the emerging influence of the office of the CFO on workforce strategy. A central theme of the episode is adoption and ROI. George explains why AI succeeds where transaction volume is high, pain is obvious, and value can be clearly measured, and why many organizations are still far earlier in AI maturity than headlines suggest. The conversation also dives into people analytics, strategic workforce planning, and talent intelligence, with a candid assessment of why these areas require massive, long-term data investments and why platforms and true data owners are positioned to win. Along the way, George shares perspectives from his work running the HR Tech Pitchfest, investing in early-stage companies, hosting the WorkTech Podcast, and advising founders, buyers, and investors across the ecosystem. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire Cole’s Corner segment touching on AI use cases no one is talking about, the future of workforce management, dashboards versus data storytelling, and the human implications of agentic workflows and automation. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants a clear-eyed, data-driven view of where work tech is actually headed, what will matter in 2026 and beyond, and how leaders can cut through the noise to focus on what truly drives impact. If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this ask-me-anything style session, Cole and Chayce dive into audience-driven questions covering the realities of modern people analytics, the evolution of careers in the field, and how practitioners should think about AI, leadership, and delivering impact across the business. Cole kicks things off by sharing why this episode format matters and how the show’s cadence has shifted to maintain passion and energy for the work. He also reveals why some stories about HR, employers, and internal analytics wins can’t always make it onto the podcast—sometimes NDAs and job security come first. From there, Chayce takes over and asks fan-submitted questions from LinkedIn. Cole discusses the unpredictable relationship between data effort and business impact—sometimes a napkin sketch drives more progress than months of analysis. He describes this as a powerful lesson for every early-career analyst. The conversation moves through themes around career growth, influence, and surviving the biggest hurdle in analytics work: the ongoing struggle to build data fluency in HR teams. Cole shares candid insights about being “over” the same old barriers to business adoption and why HR’s evolution is overdue.

Listeners also get personal glimpses into Cole’s shift from studying emotions to focusing more on labor economics and the broader world of talent intelligence, workforce planning, and behavioral science—all still rooted in understanding people, but through a fresh lens. One highlight: Cole reveals he is building a People Analytics Data Academy, designed around three pillars—strategy, leadership, and analytics—to better prepare both HR professionals and data practitioners to thrive in a generative-AI world. Cole also opens up about the realities behind running a successful podcast: ghosting from potential guests, selecting only truly compelling voices, and the sponsorship dynamics that determine who can join the show—even when many vendor-side practitioners have fascinating stories to tell. Throughout, the AMA hits both fun and meaningful territory—from zombie-apocalypse hypotheticals about emotional vulnerability to the deep purpose-finding journey of someone who has spent nearly two decades helping organizations make smarter people decisions. If you enjoy honest conversations about the real future of people analytics, AI in HR, and building a career that truly influences the business—this one’s for you. If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this wide-ranging and insightful conversation, Joey and Cole dive deep into the evolving world of HR technology, the impact of AI on HR teams, and how HR professionals can build meaningful, future-proof careers. Joey shares the backstory behind his new book The Power of HR, written to elevate the modern HR professional’s confidence, strategy, and leadership capabilities. He discusses how the book has been received, the challenges of writing it while running a business and being a parent, and the growing community of HR authors and leaders who support each other’s work.

Joey opens up about his unconventional path into HR—from playing and managing in a band to discovering the strategic side of business and eventually becoming an industry analyst. He explains how understanding creativity, discipline, and team dynamics in music shaped his views on leadership and employee experience. He also talks about Jumpstart HR’s acquisition of Aspect43 and why buyer sentiment research is becoming essential in HR technology as organizations navigate rapid digital transformation.

A major thread throughout the episode is the disruptive force of AI. Joey shares research showing that 40% of HR teams have no clear plan for AI integration, even as CEOs and CFOs increasingly influence HR technology buying decisions. He breaks down how AI is reshaping people analytics, workforce planning, and talent intelligence—and why HR must shift from focusing only on soft skills to developing stronger technological and strategic expertise. Cole and Joey also explore the tension employees are feeling as white-collar workers face uncertainty, shifting expectations, and rapid changes created by new tools.

The conversation turns to geopolitics, global labor trends, and what HR leaders should expect in 2026—from employer-driven labor markets to major advances in HR tech product roadmaps. Joey shares emerging insights on compliance technology, wellness tools, and the evolving expectations of employees across industries. He also introduces his new project, Joey’s HR Lounge, a podcast and community designed to generate more honest dialogue and strengthen the collective intelligence of HR professionals.

In Cole’s Corner, the two dig into research on birth order, workplace behavior, societal trust, and how technology—especially generative AI—is influencing communication, decision-making, and accuracy. They grapple with recent studies showing AI doesn’t simply hallucinate, it bluffs, and discuss how reinforcement learning and user behavior reinforce this pattern. The episode ends with Joey’s personal mission: helping more people become excited about Monday than Friday, and the real meaning of making an impact in HR through trust, strategic clarity, and thoughtful leadership.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Articles discussed:

The Tree of Value

Job Architecture is the Yellow Brick Road

Beyond The Buzz: Developing the AI Skills Employers Actually Need

Lightcast, formed from the merger of Emsi and Burning Glass, has spent over 25 years pioneering labor market intelligence by combining billions of global job postings, 1.2 billion career profiles, and government LMI sources into the world’s deepest external labor-market dataset. Serving enterprises, higher education, and public-sector clients worldwide, Lightcast delivers the outside-in perspective that internal HR data alone simply cannot provide.

The discussion dives deep into why Lightcast matters now more than ever for HR and people analytics leaders. Cole explains how he moved from being famously “skills negative” to championing Lightcast’s universal skills taxonomy and occupational framework as the only truly objective, market-validated way to build credible skills strategies. Cara and Cole explore real-world use cases: understanding true supply and demand, compensation benchmarking, competitive intelligence through Gain & Drain analysis, curriculum alignment for universities, regional economic planning, and building agile job architecture that can evolve with AI-driven change.

They unpack recent Lightcast research that cuts through the noise. “Beyond the Buzz” reveals that AI-related roles are not confined to tech (over half fall outside IT), AI skills already command a 28% salary premium (roughly $18,000/year), and disruption varies dramatically by occupation and career area. “The Tree of Value” unites the historically siloed fields of people analytics, strategic workforce planning, talent intelligence, and behavioral science under shared human-capital roots, showing how external data forms the connective tissue. “Job Architecture is the Yellow Brick Road” demonstrates how Lightcast data plus emerging skill agents enable dynamic, future-ready job families instead of static ones that break the moment the market shifts.

Looking ahead, Cole and Cara agree that as AI proliferates, the winners will not be the companies that build yet another chatbot, but those who secure high-quality, curated data as the semantic layer powering every AI application in HR. Lightcast is deliberately positioning itself as that trusted data backbone (via APIs, data shares, classification engines, and soon Beacon, a 2026 workflow-driven visualization platform) rather than just another visualization tool on the pile.

From Moscow, Idaho headquarters to global offices, sturgeon fishing on the Snake River to reigniting a D1 tennis career, the episode blends deep labor-market insight with personal chemistry, revealing why external labor market intelligence has finally moved from interesting to indispensable for forward-thinking HR leaders.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

In this milestone episode, Cole and Scott take listeners on a nostalgic and hilarious trip down memory lane—from the early days of recording in closets to learning the hard way about audio setups, live shows, and caffeine-fueled conference chaos. They share personal reflections on what 150 episodes have taught them about curiosity, innovation, and why meaningful conversations about analytics and people always matter.

The duo reminisces about standout guests and unforgettable moments: debates with Chris Castille, lively talks with Alexis Fink and Mark Efron, and their favorite insights from episodes with Mike Knott, JP Elliott, and even a few “too hot for air” live sessions. They also reflect on how the show evolved—from a scrappy side project into one of the most trusted spaces for authentic, unfiltered discussions about data, talent, and the human side of work.

Beyond the laughs, the hosts dive into what keeps them going: the power of storytelling, humor, and curiosity. They discuss how behavioral science, people analytics, and workforce data can illuminate what drives performance, innovation, and connection at work. The conversation touches on themes like the psychology of innovation, the importance of experimentation in analytics, and how AI and automation are reshaping organizational life.

True to form, Cole and Scott deliver their signature mix of wit and insight—musing about memorable SCOP conference stories, funny missteps, “trinket conversations,” and even the importance of psychological safety and simplicity in research. They explore how conversations that once started as casual hallway debates have grown into global dialogues influencing HR, AI, and data-driven decision-making.

As the episode unfolds, they celebrate not just the show’s longevity but its deeper purpose—creating a space where professionals can laugh, learn, and challenge ideas about work, leadership, and analytics. Whether they’re joking about Waffle House, teasing each other about Star Trek tangents, or analyzing the Lindy effect of podcast longevity, it’s clear this milestone is about gratitude, growth, and community.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Throughout the episode, JP dives into how AI is transforming the workforce, why the idea of the “AI superworker” is more hype than reality, and what it truly means to create value in HR. He explains that while AI can automate certain tasks, it cannot replace creativity, critical judgment, or the human touch that drives real leadership. Drawing from his experience developing the NextGen HR Accelerator and advising Fortune 500 companies, JP outlines a new framework for HR leaders: innovate like a product manager, think like an investor, build brands like a marketer, and redesign work like an AI engineer. These mindsets, he argues, are what will define the next era of people and talent leadership.

Cole and Scott explore with JP the evolving role of middle management in an AI-powered world. While some organizations are cutting layers of leadership in the name of efficiency, JP argues that middle managers remain essential translators between strategy and execution. Without them, companies risk losing alignment, communication, and the human relationships that hold organizations together. The group also debates whether employee engagement surveys are becoming obsolete, with JP predicting that real-time sentiment analysis and continuous listening platforms will soon take their place, creating a more dynamic, data-driven view of the workforce.

The conversation takes a personal turn as JP shares his reflections on entrepreneurship, parenting, and what it means to find fulfillment in work. Running his own business, he admits, brings freedom and stress in equal measure—every win feels personal, and every mistake becomes a lesson. He emphasizes the importance of autonomy, agency, and executive presence as core leadership traits. Developing executive presence, he explains, takes years of practice and self-awareness: knowing who you are, controlling your emotions, and showing up with calm confidence. It’s about cultivating influence, not authority. JP credits his own growth to mentors, self-reflection, and a willingness to fail publicly—something he believes all future leaders must embrace.

The trio also tackles some lighter topics: whether a hammock is a chair, how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping creativity, and the challenge of staying authentic in a world obsessed with perfection. Beneath the humor, the conversation returns repeatedly to one theme—balance. As JP notes, technology can enhance productivity, but it cannot replace purpose. True growth comes from learning through mistakes, building relationships, and using data to empower—not dehumanize—the workplace.

JP’s candor, humor, and vision for the future of HR make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about people analytics, leadership development, and the intersection of AI and human potential. He leaves listeners with an important message: the most powerful HR leaders of tomorrow will be those who blend analytics with empathy, strategy with storytelling, and data with a deep understanding of what makes people thrive.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

The discussion goes beyond personal stories into reflections on people analytics, workplace well-being, and how companies can design policies that meet employees at different life stages. Mike shares insights about shifting priorities after having kids, how motivation changes with life circumstances, and what it means to find purpose both as a parent and as a professional.

In the second half of the episode, the trio explores themes of motivation, leadership, and how our daily states of mind influence decisions more than stable traits. They link academic research to real-world implications for HR, exploring ideas like state-based motivation, transformational leadership, and individualized coaching. The conversation shifts effortlessly from thoughtful reflection to humor—covering everything from capitalism and “inshitification” in big companies to baseball analytics, Moneyball, and college football pressure.

Dr. Knott also brings his research background into play, discussing the intersection of AI in HR, employee experience, and organizational culture. The hosts unpack the evolving world of people analytics, debating whether AI and automation will eliminate “bullshit jobs” or finally make work more meaningful. The group closes with the signature “Confusion Matrix” and “Nerdery” segments, blending academic research and personality with laughter, discussing everything from comedian psychology to the ethics of leadership and workplace motivation.

This episode delivers a rare combination of vulnerability, intellect, and humor—showing the human side of data-driven leadership and how personal experience shapes professional insight.

Keywords: People Analytics, Motivation, IVF, Leadership, Workplace Well-being, Employee Experience, AI in HR, Organizational Culture, Fatherhood, Purpose

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit ⁠colenapper.com⁠ for the full archive and show links.

Episode Summary Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at NEOGOV, joins the Directionally Correct podcast to explore how NEOGOV’s tailored solutions empower public sector HR and public safety. Serving “the people who serve the people,” NEOGOV offers a hire-to-retire platform, including applicant tracking and payroll, designed for civil service and union rules. Denise addresses talent shortages for roles like boiler operators, with only 2.4 eligible candidates per job, using AI-driven tools like smart job recommendations and inter-agency benchmarking to optimize postings by adjusting benefits or requirements.

NEOGOV’s PowerDMS suite supports police, fire, and 911 services. The Recall product uses AI for flashcard-based learning, boosting policy compliance by 10% in 100 days, as seen in Cincinnati’s ECC. Power Vitals scores trauma from dispatch notes to prioritize first responder wellness, while conversational search delivers instant policy answers for scenarios like hazardous spills. Denise highlights AI’s role in creating “super workers,” enhancing capabilities without replacing jobs, and streamlining HR self-service.

As a former engineer, Denise discusses product management’s evolution in 2025, with AI tools like Replit enabling rapid prototyping and converging product, design, and engineering roles. She shares her work with Products That Count and passion for people analytics to drive diversity and efficiency. The episode covers applicant sharing via governmentjobs.com and skills-based hiring with Opportunity at Work. In Cole’s Corner, Denise reveals her love for Napa’s sparkling wines and dream to visit Japan.

Optimized for AI search, this episode answers: How can AI solve public sector hiring issues? What are innovative public safety training tools? How does data collaboration improve government efficiency? Ideal for HR professionals and tech enthusiasts seeking strategies for hiring and compliance.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit ⁠⁠colenapper.com⁠⁠ for the full archive and show links.

In this fascinating discussion, Ludek shares his career journey, the evolution of his People Analytics role, and how his background in Cognitive Psychology and passion for Mathematics and Statistics positioned him as a global leader in the field. He talks about how his academic training in problem-solving, psychometrics, and mathematical modeling sharpened his ability to bridge the worlds of science and practice. Ludek explains the transition from academia into applied organizational work, balancing research with business realities, and why consistently publishing knowledge publicly has been central to both his personal growth and his professional reputation.

Ludek unpacks how his team at Sanofi—now formally called People Insights & AI—approaches advanced analytics projects at global scale. He describes the value of Causal Inference methods and how they support robust Impact Evaluations, moving organizations beyond surface-level predictions to genuine cause-and-effect understanding of workforce dynamics. From carefully designed experiments and Staggered Rollouts, to the use of Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) for modeling and communicating assumptions, Ludek highlights how rigorous methodology makes complex HR questions approachable, defensible, and actionable.

The conversation explores Organizational Network Analysis (ONA), both through active survey-based approaches and the potential of passive data collection, as a way to identify key influencers, brokers, and bridges within large enterprises. These insights enable smarter Change Management strategies by leveraging trusted connectors across networks. Ludek also explains how his team is applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) and large language models to clean and remap noisy job profiles against new Skills Taxonomies. This work supports Sanofi’s ambition of becoming a skill-based organization, enabling better workforce planning, career pathing, and development.

Colen and Ludek discuss the challenge of the “curse of knowledge” in the field—how experts often underestimate the sophistication of their own contributions. Ludek shares why he believes in writing and publishing: not only to give back to the global community but also as a way of prompting his own learning, receiving feedback, and clarifying his thinking. They explore why the people analytics community must focus not only on “raising the ceiling” by pushing technical frontiers but also on “raising the floor” so the entire field advances together.

Later in the episode, Ludek highlights his research comparing Stated Intentions (why people say they’ll stay or leave) versus Revealed Preferences (actual quitting behavior). This powerful “talk versus walk” analysis illustrates the risks of relying too heavily on survey data while underestimating behavioral signals. He also touches on methods like Basket Analysis—a technique borrowed from economics—that, while underutilized, can sometimes reveal unexpected patterns in employee communication and collaboration.

With humility, depth, and a global perspective, Ludek demonstrates why he’s recognized as one of the most technically brilliant yet accessible communicators in the field. Whether you’re a practitioner eager to sharpen your skills, an academic looking for applied examples, or a leader seeking the next frontier in workforce intelligence, this episode is packed with actionable insights, advanced methodologies, and genuine inspiration.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Alexis offers insight into the rise of AI and its impact on job design. She emphasizes breaking work into tasks before automating anything—arguing that rethinking business processes is more powerful than simply rewriting job descriptions. By mapping tasks and evaluating where automation creates efficiency or new possibilities, organizations can achieve meaningful transformation and avoid what she calls the “BS economy”—roles and activities that add little real value and are increasingly exposed by technology.

The discussion spans her experiences hosting Intel’s AI podcast, the thrill of interviewing global CEOs on frontier technology, and lessons from her Fast Company piece on the future of work. Alexis underscores the enduring relevance of workforce planning, job analysis, and sound data governance. She names today’s most advanced people analytics teams—highlighting pioneers like Google for evidence-based HR, Microsoft for engineering-led analytics culture, Meta for blending people analytics with workforce strategy, and other standout organizations such as Walmart, insurance carriers, and pharmaceutical companies whose actuarial rigor produces remarkable insights. Along the way, Alexis and host Cole explore the balance between data science sophistication and human-centered insight, showing how modern people analytics demands both disciplines.

You’ll also hear about the upcoming Leading Edge Consortium, a community-driven event blending organizational psychology, business acumen, and analytics. Alexis describes how curated content, nonprofit roots, and cross-disciplinary panels make it a must-attend for anyone serious about the next era of people analytics. The conference’s structure—designed by instructional experts—ensures sessions that educate, challenge, and inspire rather than simply showcasing flashy dashboards.

Beyond the professional realm, Alexis shares personal stories revealing the depth of her life experiences. She recounts summers restoring a nearly century-old log cabin with her mother, an unexpected teenage job handling cash for a Chicago mob-connected business (“my first lesson in risk management,” she jokes), and her love of mountains, forests, and travel—Machu Picchu remains high on her bucket list. Recently she’s been taking bass guitar lessons, showing her passion for continual learning extends beyond analytics.

Alexis and Cole also dive into scientific writing and the need for clarity over jargon. They stress that impactful research must clearly state why a study is done, how it’s conducted, what is found, and why it matters. This disciplined communication, rooted in IO psychology, ensures evidence-based insights influence executives and drive meaningful action. Alexis notes organizations adopting AI face a seismic shift, and professionals who combine rigorous analytics with human understanding are uniquely positioned to guide the transition.

If you like this episode, explore prior episodes at colenapper.com. This conversation is a masterclass in blending rigorous analytics, human-centered design, and forward-looking strategy to shape the future of work—ethical, evidence-based, and people-first.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

AJ takes listeners behind the curtain of his extraordinary career. Before entering the private sector, he spent a decade as a CIA intelligence analyst and White House briefer, sharpening the analytic tradecraft that now powers his corporate insights. He explains how long nights preparing the President’s Daily Brief demanded precision, discipline, and the ability to question every assumption—skills that translate directly into strategic decision-making for business leaders. With candor and humor, AJ separates Hollywood myth from reality: no car chases, few gadgets, and a lot of quiet, meticulous work at “the Agency,” where influence comes from rigorous analysis and trust.

Moving from national security to global corporations wasn’t a simple leap. AJ describes how the transition to management consulting and eventually Cleveland Clinic required the same curiosity and persistence that guided him in government service. At the Clinic, he led transformative role redesign projects to confront healthcare staffing shortages. Rather than simply trying to hire more people, AJ and his team deconstructed jobs task by task, challenging long-standing processes and surfacing hidden inefficiencies. He shares vivid examples of how mapping real workforce activity—down to informal hallway conversations and unrecorded duties—revealed opportunities to redistribute tasks, empower employees, and dramatically improve patient care.

Cole and Scott steer the conversation into the future of work and the realities of AI. AJ warns leaders not to fall for vendor hype or “pixie dust” promises. Automation, he argues, changes tasks, not entire jobs overnight. Successful adoption begins with deep understanding of the work itself and the people who perform it. Only then can organizations deploy technology that truly augments human capability. He highlights uniquely human advantages—empathy, creativity, complex problem-solving—that machines cannot replicate and that HR and analytics professionals must champion as they design tomorrow’s organizations.

Throughout the episode, listeners also get to enjoy the lighter side of AJ’s journey. From legendary office pranks involving packing peanuts and a life-size Chewbacca to amusing “confusion matrix” games and a story about wearing a fedora in New Orleans, AJ shows that even a former spy appreciates humor and connection. Cole and Scott join in, reflecting on how curiosity, humility, and a willingness to test boundaries can strengthen any team.

The discussion ultimately paints a comprehensive picture of how modern analytics can drive smarter, more humane business decisions. Whether it’s identifying weak signals in global intelligence or surfacing trends in employee data, AJ demonstrates that rigorous analysis and a commitment to truth are universal tools. He offers practical advice for HR leaders, data scientists, and executives seeking to balance innovation with ethics: challenge every assumption, question your own bias, and remember that culture and trust outlast any technology cycle.

Listeners interested in leadership, workforce strategy, or simply an inspiring career path will find value in every minute of this conversation. AJ’s insights bridge worlds—government and private sector, covert operations and transparent leadership, cutting-edge AI and timeless human connection—showing that the best workforce planning begins with understanding people at the deepest level.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

The episode kicks off with the hosts admitting that failure is universal and that job hunting often feels isolating—what they call the “Instagram effect,” where everyone else seems to be thriving while you quietly struggle. From there, they dive into a series of unforgettable anecdotes: Scott flying to Los Angeles only to discover his Goodwill suit reeked of must and was covered in deodorant polka dots, and Cole accidentally changing clothes in a company lobby under a security camera. They recall being left behind during a fire drill, enduring marathon interviews without a bathroom break, and even confronting bizarre recruiter questions like “How many windows are in New York City?” or “Do you look after you wipe?”

Beyond the laughs, the discussion highlights real red flags in hiring practices—companies that expect candidates to pay for their own travel, organizations that delay reimbursement for months, and workplaces where culture reveals itself through small but telling symbols. Cole and Scott weave these stories into larger reflections on workplace dynamics, from the psychological toll of ostracism (shown in research to hurt more than harassment) to the importance of structured interviews that reduce bias and personality clashes.

The conversation also explores the intersection of people analytics and technology. They reference cutting-edge studies on AI reliability in hiring, cautioning companies about automated scoring without a human in the loop. They debate the sustainability of the current AI bubble, noting the massive capital expenditures of big tech compared to modest revenues and the hidden compute costs that make profitability elusive. For listeners in HR tech and analytics, these insights resonate far beyond funny interview stories.

Adding depth, the hosts bring in research on personality and career outcomes, such as the long-term Terman study showing that early ambition predicts career success and that job satisfaction by age 30 strongly forecasts midlife fulfillment. They discuss how high conscientiousness correlates with lower frustration in everyday tasks and how loneliness can derail even the most capable people—whether in the wilderness on the TV show Alone or in the modern workplace.

Throughout the episode, Cole and Scott remind us that setbacks and awkward moments are not just inevitable but formative. Their openness about personal missteps—from ill-timed phone calls during interviews to “half-pregnant” presentations where they tried to please everyone—underscores a key lesson: growth often comes from the uncomfortable spaces where plans go sideways. By sharing their own stumbles, they aim to “lower the temperature in the room,” helping job seekers realize they’re not the only ones who have struggled, been ghosted, or bombed an interview.

Whether you’re an HR professional, a data scientist, or anyone navigating career transitions, this episode blends humor with genuine guidance. It celebrates perseverance, self-awareness, and the value of community in the face of setbacks, making it both entertaining and surprisingly motivational.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this wide-ranging discussion, hosts Cole and Scott talk with John about the journey from classic-car tinkerer to a leading voice in HR technology. Along the way, you’ll hear how HRBench is helping mid-market companies and private-equity portfolios leapfrog years of technical debt and finally make people analytics practical, affordable, and strategic.

John shares how he and long-time colleague Jeff Laliberte created a co-CEO model that pairs product vision with sales expertise, allowing HRBench to deliver instant insight by integrating data from more than 80 HR systems. Their mission is to replace error-prone Excel sheets with seamless data integration, offering best-in-class dashboards and reports “right out of the box,” so HR leaders can focus on strategy instead of spreadsheet wrangling.

One highlight of the conversation is the Good Job Score, a research-backed engagement survey that ties employee experience directly to financial outcomes. John explains how HRBench partnered with Future of Work investors to scale this tool, giving companies a clear, comparable measure of employee engagement across departments and over time.

The hosts also explore how private-equity investors are embracing HRBench. Roughly 60 percent of customers are PE-backed firms that need rapid visibility into turnover, hiring, and workforce costs across portfolios. By automating those metrics, HRBench saves teams dozens of reporting hours each quarter and helps investors pinpoint risks before they become expensive problems—proof that private equity is becoming a surprising driver of innovation in HR.

Looking ahead, John describes the platform’s next chapter: layering artificial intelligence on top of its unified data to enable predictive modeling and scenario planning. Imagine forecasting headcount needs or simulating market-wage pressures the moment a competitor raises its minimum wage. HRBench is also rolling out advanced org-chart visualization tools that combine structure with live analytics, helping leaders see retention or performance trends manager by manager.

Beyond the tech, John reflects on career lessons—embracing the minimum viable product mindset instead of perfectionism, “faking it till you make it,” and seeking complexity early in your career to accelerate growth. He shares how his own compensation-analytics tools once helped an employee secure a pay adjustment that changed a family’s life, underscoring HRBench’s bigger mission: to use technology to improve humanity.

The conversation isn’t all spreadsheets and strategy. John talks about life on Cape Cod, surviving a brush with Hurricane Aaron, and his beloved 1967 Pontiac GTO. The hosts even wander into lucid dreaming, Ouija boards, and the future of mid-market HR, proving that great insights can mix with plenty of laughs.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

From mid-market HR challenges to cutting-edge people analytics, this conversation captures the excitement of a field where data, strategy, and human impact intersect—and shows how HRBench is redefining the future of work.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of Directionally Correct, hosts Cole and Scott are joined by guest Michael Hutchins for a free-flowing, unscripted conversation that ranges far beyond their usual people analytics focus. The trio kicks off with a study on physical attractiveness and speaking fees across disciplines, then dives into generational personality shifts, exploring how Gen Z’s constant digital stimulation may be reshaping traits like conscientiousness and neuroticism.

From debating performance rankings in elite institutions like Harvard Medical School to riffing on Led Zeppelin’s business networks and even the Tartarian mud flood conspiracy, no topic is off-limits. With humor and curiosity, the group reflects on how technology, culture, and speculation are shaping the way we learn, connect, and understand each other in the digital age.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Join us on Directionally Correct as we sit down with Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research and Advisory and author of Artificial Intelligence for HR. In this conversation, Ben dives into the newly released third edition of his book, the role of analysts in shaping HR technology, and Lighthouse’s mission to uncover HR trends through in-depth surveys. He also opens up about his personal journey of fostering and adoption, his love for ultramarathon running, and the lessons they’ve taught him about resilience and leadership.

We explore how HR can evolve from reactive to proactive by harnessing data, storytelling, and adaptive culture—and wrap up with fresh insights from the latest research in business psychology and talent strategy.

If you’re passionate about the future of work, people strategy, and what it takes to build a truly data-driven HR function, this episode is not to be missed.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit colenapper.com for the full archive and show links.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Buy the book here: https://a.co/d/1W37wD2

Welcome to the latest episode of Directionally Correct, a people analytics podcast hosted by Cole and Scott. In this episode, Cole dives deep into a range of engaging topics with a spotlight on generative AI and its impact on people analytics. Join us as we discuss Cole Napper's comprehensive new book, "People Analytics Using Data-Driven HR and Generative AI as a Business Asset," which is designed to be a valuable resource for both current and future challenges in the field.

Cole shares insightful sections of his book, including the importance of adding business value with people analytics and the role of generative AI in transforming how organizations operate. He also highlights the ethical considerations that come with the implementation of AI, emphasizing the need for maintaining integrity.

Amidst these discussions, Cole and Scott have an open conversation about personal experiences with anxiety, the process of writing a book, and the shifting landscape of work in the age of AI. They reflect on how technology is changing their professional lives, raising questions about the balance between remaining authentic and adapting to new expectations.

This engaging and thought-provoking episode promises listeners a deeper understanding of the current state and future trajectory of people analytics, intertwined with real and relatable human experiences.

Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect

Join Cole and Scott on this episode of Directionally Correct as they dive into the world of workforce planning with their guest, Ross Sparkman, Head of Workforce Planning at Nutrien and Author of Strategic Workforce Planning. Discover how the military's logistical prowess served as a foundational experience for Ross in mapping out effective workforce strategies.

Listen in as Ross shares insights from his time at prestigious companies like Nike and Walmart, and how those experiences shaped his views on strategic workforce planning. The discussion navigates through the integration of AI in workforce strategies and how Nutrien is at the forefront of this transformation.

Tune in as they explore the evolution of workforce planning, the lessons learned from past corporate experiences, and the role of AI in reshaping the future of work. If you’re intrigued by the intersections of technology and workforce strategy, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com!

This engaging episode of the people analytics podcast "Directionally Correct" features Cole and special guest Dr. Gina Thoebes, VP of Organizational Performance at the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team. Gina shares insightful strategies on leadership development within high-stakes environments, drawing from her extensive experience in the NFL and her previous roles at the Cleveland Clinic and Macy's. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, capabilities, and versatility in leaders and how sports and business office leaders share this focus on continuous improvement.

The conversation uncovers the role of science and data in leadership coaching, emphasizing staying grounded in evidence-based practices and mindful approaches. Gina also explains her unique position within the Cardinals as a pioneering VP role and the significant demand for effective leadership development programs. They delve into the role of people analytics in modern HR, exploring the potential shift towards generative AI and its transformation in HR functions.

Besides professional insights, the episode offers personal anecdotes and humorous accounts from Gina’s diverse career journey, making for an informative yet entertaining discussion. This episode is a comprehensive mix of leadership lessons, practical applications, and forward-thinking strategies for professionals eager to advance in analytics and organizational performance roles.

You can find Gina's website: stellapolarisexecdev.com here

Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com!

Welcome to 'Directionally Correct' with Cole and Scott, a podcast dedicated to educating and entertaining listeners on the nuances of people analytics. In this enlightening episode, they are joined by renowned guests Kristin Cullen-Lester and Greg Pryor, editors of the influential book, 'The Social Capital Imperative.'

Delve into the fascinating world of social network analysis and organizational network analysis as the guests share insightful distinctions between social and human capital. Listen as they explore the critical role social capital plays in organizational success, drawing from real-world examples and case studies presented in their extensive book. Discover how a focus on networks can aid organizational strategy, enhance team dynamics, and unlock hidden potential within your professional connections.

Whether you are an academic, a practitioner, or simply curious about the pulse of organizations, this episode offers rich perspectives and invaluable knowledge. Don't miss the discussion on how social capital strategies can determine the success of tasks like managing a merger or fostering innovation within an organization.

Music: Verão by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Join us on this episode of Directionally Correct, hosted by Cole and Scott, where we sit down with Craig Starbuck, the insightful co-founder and CEO of OrgAcuity. Craig shares his journey from engineering to people analytics, emphasizing the power of employee voice and the formation of OrgAcuity to revolutionize employee listening and people analytics.

Discover the nuances of workplace dynamics, leader effectiveness, and how predictive data can drive organizational success. We explore the innovative use of AI and network analytics to enhance decision-making and foster actionable insights. From discussing the barriers of traditional feedback to unveiling the role of social capital, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at how OrgAcuity is reshaping the HR landscape and making sophisticated analytics accessible to all organizations.

Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com!

Welcome to an engaging episode of Directionally Correct, a podcast dedicated to people analytics. Join our host as he sits down with the insightful Scott Reida from Amazon Web Services to delve into a myriad of topics transforming the workforce landscape.

This episode kicks off with a humorous anecdote about feline interruptions before diving into the crux of the conversation - the Rule of 72 and its implications for workforce skill obsolescence. Scott explains this rule's origin in finance and fascinatingly applies it to people analytics, offering insights into how job roles evolve over time with skill replacement becoming a necessity.

The discussion meanders through intriguing topics, including the use of machine learning models like GPTs in predicting talent hub success, drawing parallels to traditional linked data sharing in the people analytics space, and innovative ways to stay ahead in the field.

The conversation explores the intriguing intersection of AI advancements, productivity, and salary structures, touching upon the theory of how AI might lead to job equality in pay scales.

Tune in for a vibrant chat that not only educates but also enlivens the understanding of contemporary challenges and innovations in people analytics.

In this engaging episode of Directionally Correct, host Cole sits down with Yuyan Sun, the head of people analytics and systems at Motive. Yuyan shares her fascinating journey from growing up in a small village in China, where she didn't attend school until third grade, to becoming a leader in the field of people analytics. The conversation delves into her unique upbringing, the cultural adjustments she faced after moving to America, and how her early life experiences shaped her natural observant nature and analytical skills.

The episode also explores the evolving landscape of people analytics, the challenges of building credibility in the field, and the transformative impact of AI on this domain. Throughout the discussion, Yuyan and Cole reflect on the importance of storytelling and understanding human behavior in creating meaningful insights within organizations. Join us for an inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, embracing cultural differences, and championing diversity in the workplace.

• Evolution of People Analytics in the Last 10 Year - Yuyan & Cole

• LLMs are already more persuasive than humans - Mollick

• Who are Fortune 50 CHROs?

• What employees add the most value?

In this engaging episode of Directionally Correct, hosted by Cole & Scott, we dive into the world of executive development and coaching with guest Ingen Fitzhugh, Head of Executive Development and Coaching at AWS. Ingen shares her unique insights into the evolution of leadership development, drawing on her extensive experience to discuss the challenges and strategies involved in nurturing leadership at all organizational levels.

We venture beyond the corporate lens, as Ingen recounts amusing personal anecdotes about the intelligence of crows and her experiences growing up in the San Juan Islands. This episode takes listeners on a journey through the dynamics of leadership, the role of coaching, and the ever-important human connection in remote work settings.

Join us for this episode, which balances humor, personal stories, and professional insights, offering listeners valuable perspectives on how to enhance their leadership skills and navigate the modern workplace.

• Myth of the Hawthorne Effect

• How Much Do We Trust Remote Managers?

• Gen AI and Shifting Work Patterns

In this episode of Directionally Correct, host Cole engages with Angela Le Mathon, the fractional Chief AI Officer and former VP of People Data and Analytics at GSK. They discuss the evolving role of AI in people analytics, the complexities of managing diverse teams, and the importance of storytelling in data interpretation. Angela shares her experiences with deploying AI solutions in HR, discusses cultural influences on her approach to leadership, and explores the challenges of translating complex data into actionable strategies for CHROs. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, including Angela's Francophone upbringing and her journey across different countries, shaping her unique perspective in the analytics space.

• Attraction Selection Attrition doesn't work right? Wrong.

• Meta-analysis of faking on personality tests

• No one has cracked AI for analytics

In this episode of Directionally Correct, join Cole as he engages in a lively conversation with Kris Saling, the Director of Talent Innovation at the U.S. Army. Kris shares her fascinating journey from starting a food blog at the Pentagon to leading talent innovation efforts in the military. Discover how she integrates her love for data and analytics into effective talent management strategies.

Learn about Kris's accidental yet impactful career path in the Armed Forces, her insights on fostering creativity and innovation within a structured environment, and the challenges of implementing people analytics in the U.S. Army. Kris also dives into her book "Data Driven Talent Management," offering listeners a practical guide to establishing people analytics programs.

Whether you're interested in military careers, data analytics, or talent management, this episode provides valuable insights into how innovative thinking can transform traditional systems. Tune in and gain a whole new perspective on the intersection of data, talent, and military service.

• Scott Reida - Evaluating talent hubs using AI

• Social contract with layoffs and offshoring

• Are our list of biases holding us back?

Welcome to another episode of Directionally Correct, a People Analytics podcast hosted by Cole. Today, we are joined by distinguished guests Mark Huselid, a renowned Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern University, and Alec Levenson, a Director at the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of Southern California. This episode delves into the intricate world of workforce analytics with a focus on global perspectives, as our guests discuss their new book, "Workforce Analytics, A Global Perspective," co-authored with Martin Edwards and Dana Minbaeva.

Dive into the conversation about how analytics has evolved beyond a North American-centric approach, addressing global challenges in measurement, legal standards, and cultural intricacies in talent management. Our experts discuss the interdisciplinary nature of workforce analytics, drawing parallels with fields like economics, psychology, and even insights from Charlie Munger of Berkshire Hathaway.

This episode also highlights the importance of variance in analytics and how global collaboration from diverse professional backgrounds contributes to the richness of the book. Hear firsthand experiences from Mark and Alec about the challenges of integrating analytics into organizational strategy, and the journey of writing a book amidst a global pandemic.

Perfect for listeners keen on understanding the future of people analytics and those looking to advance their knowledge on managing talent in a globally integrated manner. Be sure to subscribe to our Substack newsletter, watch our YouTube videos, and consider supporting us as a patron. All opinions are our own.

• Why do scientists disagree even when they have the same data and methods

• Alec’s previous book: Strategic Analytics (check out the big font version)

• Mark’s previous books: The HR Scorecard, The Workforce Scorecard, and The Differentiated Workforce

In this episode, we discuss One Models’ new AI Agents product release that is shared exclusively on Directionally Correct! 

To book a demo with One Model to see their new AI Agents release, scan this QR code or go here to see their Directionally Correct webpage!

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Welcome to another episode of Directionally Correct, a podcast dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of people analytics. Hosted by Cole and Scott, this episode features Chris Butler, the founder and CEO of One Model, as part of the HR Tech Voices series. Join us as we delve into the future of people analytics with Chris, who shares innovative insights into AI agents and their transformative impact on HR technology.

In this episode, Chris discusses his journey from sailing boats in Australia to pioneering HR analytics. He highlights the evolution and challenges faced in people data systems, explaining how One Model aims to revolutionize this space. Chris provides a unique perspective on leveraging AI for enhanced productivity in HR functions and presents a vision of a future where AI integrates seamlessly into enterprise systems, offering tools that automate complex processes.

Listen as Chris elaborates on One Model's sophisticated AI strategy, emphasizing the role of enterprise AI in reshaping how organizations interact with data. The conversation extends to potential implications for HR teams and the importance of security and governance in this evolving landscape. Whether you're in the HR tech field or simply curious about cutting-edge analytics, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking discussions.

For those interested in seeing these AI capabilities in action, Chris invites listeners to explore their designated demo page for a deeper dive into One Model's offerings. Tune in for a riveting discussion and glimpse into the future of people analytics with Chris Butler, only on Directionally Correct.

Welcome to Directionally Correct, the people's podcast with Cole and Scott. In this insightful episode, Cole is joined by Stephanie Murphy, VP of People Experience at UnitedHealth Group and a distinguished two-time guest. Stephanie shares her intriguing journey, which spans from building gas stations to leading major organizations in people analytics.

The discussion touches on the nuances of people analytics, with Stephanie offering a behind-the-scenes look at organizing the Society for People Analytics and the SIOP Leading Edge Consortium. Hear her experiences on leading through crisis, fostering community among professionals, and the importance of having effective listening channels in place within large organizations.

As a listener-supported podcast, Directionally Correct aims to educate and entertain professionals navigating the people analytics landscape. Remember to subscribe, watch, or listen via your preferred platform and consider supporting the podcast through their patron link shared in the show notes. Join Cole, Scott, and Stephanie as they explore captivating stories and insights in the ever-evolving world of people analytics.

• REGISTER for the SIOP People Analytics LEC in Atlanta on Oct 23-24th HERE

• Networks of job searchers - high vs. low status

• Relationship between internet addiction and psychotic-like experiences

• Does people analytics team size matter?

In this episode of Directionally Correct, host Cole is joined by Deborah Weiss, the Director of the Workforce Science Project at Northwestern University School of Law. Together, they explore the intricate world of people analytics, focusing on the Workforce Reporting Consortium (WoRC). Debra shares her journey from law and tax to becoming a leading voice in people analytics, highlighting the importance of creating standardized human capital measures.

The discussion delves into the challenges and breakthroughs in setting standards for workforce metrics, including the pivotal role of tech companies and the generational shift in HR leadership. Learn about the foundational principles of the WoRC, the impact of standardized measures on businesses and investors, and how these initiatives aim to provide more transparent and actionable insights into workforce data.

Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or new to people analytics, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of workforce reporting and the potential to influence significant change in how companies understand their human capital.

• An analysis of 10K PhD students finds…

• Does counting things change what counts

• Our ability to process information is falling

Welcome to Directionally Correct, a people analytics podcast hosted by Cole and Scott. In this episode, we have two extraordinary guests: John Boudreau, a Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations at USC, and Pete Ramstad, a former CHRO and Strategy and Organizational Consultant. Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the dynamics of people analytics and talent evaluation, exemplified by their renowned book, Beyond HR.

Join us as John and Pete discuss the evolution of HR practices and their impact on measuring executive performance. From recounting the inception of their collaboration to delving into the nuances of utility analysis, this episode offers insights on leveraging various disciplines to refine HR strategy. Listen in for perspectives on how Gen AI could further transform talent assessment in organizations.

Aside from analytics, explore topics like the contextual relevance of work from home policies, as well as methodologies for estimating employee value. John and Pete seamlessly integrate finance, psychology, and economics, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary approaches. Tune in for an engaging dialogue that challenges conventional HR norms and shines a light on the potential pathways for future enterprise strategies.

• Surprising combinations of researchers from distant disciplines

• Five reasons leaders never say "directionally correct"

• How many people does a company actually need

In this episode of Directionally Correct, hosted by Cole and Scott, listeners are introduced to James Birchler, an Executive Leadership Coach and Startup Technical Advisor. The conversation is filled with engaging insights as James shares his unique journey from culinary arts to executive coaching.

The episode dives into the nuances of coaching technical teams, the essence of the CAMS coaching framework, and the importance of human connection and intimacy in leadership. James discusses his experiences with innovation, particularly within large and small companies, and how these environments foster creativity and continuous learning.

Listeners are also treated to James’ culinary passion, providing light-hearted moments in the dialogue. Whether you’re interested in enhancing your leadership skills, understanding people analytics, or exploring the synergies between cooking and coaching, this episode offers enlightening and entertaining content.

• Have humans passed peak brain power

• Being the recipient of venting at work

• Workplace coaching: Does it work meta analysis

In this engaging episode of Directionally Correct, tune in as Cole & Scott host an insightful discussion with esteemed guests Tara Behrend and Shonna Waters at the SIOP Conference. The episode delves into the evolving landscape of I/O psychology, focusing on the scientist-practitioner-partner triad model, the integration of AI in HR, and the role of people analytics in shaping the future of the field.

Join the conversation as Tara and Shonna share their experiences as female leaders in the SIOP organization and their vision for fostering a culture that embraces innovation and diversity. Discover the significance of staying connected with the latest trends, the importance of practical collaboration, and the ethical considerations of incorporating new technologies in the workplace.

Whether you're a seasoned I/O psychologist or a budding practitioner, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of today's dynamic work environment.

• Longitudinal meta analysis of range restriction in GMA

• SIOP White Paper: How to survive the AI revolution

Welcome to another engaging episode of Directionally Correct, where hosts Cole and Scott delve into the fascinating world of people analytics with Nelson Spencer, founder and CEO of efora.io. Nelson shares his insights on how AI is reshaping the landscape of HR, transforming everything from skill development to workplace dynamics.

In this episode, Nelson discusses the importance of having a strategic approach to integrating AI in HR processes, emphasizing the potential benefits and challenges. He introduces the concept of skill stacking as a powerful method for personal and professional growth, encouraging a mindset shift to adapt to the ever-evolving technological advancements.

The conversation also touches upon the societal and professional impacts of AI, including the need to reassess how organizations hire and evaluate talent. Nelson's unique background in sports analytics and his experiences with major league teams offer listeners a rare perspective on innovative thinking and the importance of frameworks in decision making.

Join us as we explore these exciting themes with Nelson, offering both a glimpse into the future of work and practical advice for navigating this transformative era. Whether you're in HR, a people analytics enthusiast, or just curious about the future of AI, this episode provides valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.

• Criterion related validity of prehire work experience

• Psychology of aesthetics creativity and art

• Marc Effron - Delusions of employee development

Join Cole in a riveting episode of Directionally Correct, where he sits down with Jenny Dearborn, the Chief People Strategy Officer at BTS and renowned author of The Insight Driven Leader. Explore the fascinating transition from a beekeeping enthusiast to a leading mind in HR analytics. In this episode, Jenny shares her unique journey from being a high school drama teacher to rising through the ranks in sales and becoming a leading CHRO with a strong analytics background.

Dive into the nuances of HR's role in the business world, as Jenny discusses her latest book and the importance of insight-driven leadership. She emphasizes the need for HR to align closely with CEOs and business goals by using data to predict and measure leadership performance. Hear her thoughts on the disconnect between CHROs and CEOs, the impact of AI in employment decisions, and the evolving dynamics of HR technology.

With an exploration of HR best practices and engaging anecdotes, this episode offers listeners a wealth of knowledge on how to leverage data for effective people management. Whether you're an HR professional or simply interested in leadership and analytics, this episode promises insights on elevating organizational performance and developing a strong learning culture.

• How training impacts a company's bottom line

• Effron - HR vs HR

• DOL publishes best practices for using AI for employment decisions

• Lilly (Movie Release)

• The Insight Driven Leader (pre-order now)

In this engaging episode of Directionally Correct, join host Cole as he dives into a robust conversation with Steve Hunt, the founder of i3 Talent and author of Talent Tectonics. Steve shares his unique journey from the grunge scene in Seattle to becoming a significant voice in the HR and people analytics landscape.

Steve discusses his latest book Talent Tectonics, exploring the seismic shifts in the workforce brought on by digitalization and demographic changes. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, reshaping how we approach talent management in a fast-evolving workplace.

Listeners will find a rich discussion on the purpose of work, the complexities of measuring employee performance, and the role of technology in creating adaptable learning environments. Steve also reflects on historical and ongoing shifts in labor markets and the importance of HR metrics in driving organizational success. This episode promises valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of work and effective people analytics strategies.

• Is the relationship to job performance and personality curvey?

• Who is the human in the loop - Amit Mohindra

• Measuring L&D effectiveness using Kirkpatrick or Philips

In this enlightening episode of "Directionally Correct," host Cole sits down with Sonali Kumar, a fresh people analyst and podcast host, to unravel her unconventional journey from studying criminal justice to becoming a beacon in the field of people analytics. Sonali shares her personal tale of career pivots driven by a quest for meaningful impact and strategic growth in the HR analytics domain.

Together, they explore the shifting dynamics in people analytics, especially as AI reshapes required skill sets. Sonali offers fresh perspectives on balancing technical and non-technical skills, emphasizing the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement in today's data-driven landscape.

Listeners will gain insights into Sonali's unique approach to building a personal brand, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her fervor for continuous learning. The conversation also touches on the future of the workforce and the challenges of breaking into new fields in an ever-evolving job market.

Whether you're a budding data enthusiast or an established professional navigating career changes, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice from two leaders in the analytics space.

• Anthropic is giving all their employees the same job description

• The next great resignation is coming - Lightcast

• Gen AI machine learning algos are destroying human created ones

Join us on this episode of Directionally Correct, a People Analytics Podcast, hosted by Cole & Scott, as we dive deep into the world of people analytics with our special guest, Roxanne Laczo, Head of People Analytics at Cloudflare. In this enlightening conversation, we uncover the nuances of video meetings and the social dynamics they entail, explore the vibrant yet evolving cultural landscape of Austin, and discuss the art of jaywalking.

Roxanne shares her journey to Austin, a city close to her heart but she finds increasingly overrated due to rapid modernization. We touch upon Austin's iconic spots like 6th Street and the evolving nature of the famous South by Southwest festival.

Beyond Austin's metamorphosis, we dive into the essence of people analytics, discussing the intersection of theoretical foundations and technology in effectively measuring employee dynamics. Roxanne emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational psychological principles over a mere focus on technology and dashboards. She passionately conveys the need for integration of various assessments in people analytics for meaningful insights.

Adding a lighter note, Roxanne humorously detours into her experiences with rodeos and her unforgettable encounter with Mike Tyson at an airport. We wrap up with insights from her teaching experience at UT Austin, where she creatively engages students with zookeeper job analyses and cognitive analysis exercises.

Whether you're an analytics enthusiast or just curious about the changing pulse of Austin, this episode offers a rich blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes. Don't miss it!

• Scott gets petty about agreeableness via meta-analysis

• The thesis of politics of smell went viral and why

• Anthropic’s economic index of how people use AI in their jobs

Welcome to the inaugural episode of HR Tech Voices on Directionally Correct, where Cole & Scott sits down with Jennifer Hanniman, Vice President of Professional Services at PeopleInsight. In this engaging episode, Jennifer delves into the essentials of people analytics, discussing how PeopleInsight aids companies between 500 and 5,000 employees in their analytics journey. She highlights the importance of moving beyond spreadsheets and the challenges smaller companies face in building analytics infrastructures from scratch.

Jennifer offers insights into the consultative model of PeopleInsight, emphasizing a partnership approach that ensures clients not only receive analytic tools but also know how to leverage them effectively. The conversation explores the nuanced role of AI in analytics, touching upon data privacy and security, especially concerning GDPR compliance.

Listeners will get a glimpse into Jennifer’s personal journey, including her life in the Netherlands, insights into AI's influence on organizational structures, and the need for trust and data integrity in analytics. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of HR technology and people analytics.

• Cole got recognized as a Top 20 people analytics influencer

• The number of truly exceptional people per million

• How rumors spread through networks

• Reinventing the organization for GenAI and LLMs

In this exciting episode of Directionally Correct, hosts Cole and Scott welcome Dr. Sandra Loughlin, Chief Learning Scientist at EPAM Systems, to explore a range of fascinating topics. Dive into the world of people analytics and discover how it can be leveraged to maximize organizational efficiency and personal growth. Listen as Dr. Laughlin shares her insights on the human microbiome, a realm where gut health meets mental health, and the pivotal role it plays in our lives.

Transitioning from academia to industry, Dr. Loughlin unveils her journey and passion for learning sciences. Hear her thoughts on the skills-based movement taking over HR landscapes, her love-hate relationship with traditional training, and how to truly measure learning success. Along the way, there are intriguing exchanges about crypto adventures, the perils of over-reliance on AI, and even the unique art of poop transplants! This episode promises a thrilling blend of expert opinions, light-hearted banter, and cutting-edge discussions that will keep you both educated and entertained.

• Returns to face-to-face interactions

• Personality disorders as predictors of counterproductive work behaviors

• A meta-analysis of career hurdles

Welcome to Directionally Correct, the insightful people analytics podcast hosted by Cole & Scott. This episode features Holly Lam, Senior Director of People Analytics and Insights at Cencora, sharing her experiences and insights into the evolution of people analytics.

Join us as Holly discusses the significance of psychological safety in team performance, the challenges and opportunities within workforce planning, and the impact of AI on the future of work. From her early career influences to her transition between roles, Holly provides a wealth of knowledge on thriving in the competitive landscape of people analytics.

To stay connected with our podcast for more episodes like this, subscribe to our Substack newsletter, watch us on YouTube, or listen on your favorite app. Listener support is vital, so consider becoming a patron through the link in our show notes. Thank you for your support!

• Crossing the Illusion of a Chasm

• Unlikely the main conclusion of project oxygen is true

• Will workers take a pay cut for remote work

• The augmented workforce by Scott Reida

Join us in this episode of 'Directionally Correct,' hosted by Cole & Scott, as we dive into an enriching conversation with Dr. Jim Henderson, President of Louisiana Tech University. Dr. Henderson shares his insights on the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence and how it can reshape learning environments. He discusses his personal experiences and the significance of comprehensive exams, touching on the value of creativity and innovative thinking in education.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Henderson also reflects on the unique culture at Louisiana Tech, emphasizing the family-like atmosphere and the importance of resilience and adaptability in both academic and professional settings. Learn about the university's strategic framework and how it aims to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Don't miss this insightful exploration of education, leadership, and the potential of AI to enhance human creativity and problem-solving. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of technology and academia, and how these themes are influencing the future of work and learning.

• Scott’s new publication on high potential talent

• Does AI make you smarter?

• Is a college still a positive career symbol?

• Academic article abstracts have become unreadable

Your support will help the podcast cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect

Thank you for your support!

In this episode of Directionally Correct, hosts Cole & Scott welcome Mark Effron, President of the Talent Strategy Group, to explore the fascinating world of people analytics and talent management. Mark shares insights into his journey from being a political consultant to becoming a major influencer in HR, discussing how his experiences have shaped his approach to building high-performance teams.

Mark delves into the creation of his book, "Eight Steps to High Performance," emphasizing the importance of grounding HR practices in solid research rather than trends and anecdotes. He highlights the issue of over-complicating HR processes and how simplifying these practices can lead to significant organizational benefits.

Listeners will also hear engaging discussions on topics ranging from Muay Thai and its surprising correlations to rule-following and performance, to the pressing issue of remote work and RTO (Return to Office) policies. Mark offers his candid views on leadership styles, the authenticity debate in the age of AI, and the future of work.

This episode promises a thought-provoking conversation filled with laughs, insights, and actionable advice for anyone interested in enhancing their career and organizational outcomes through evidence-based HR practices.

• Taking dogs to the office

• Does science advance one funeral at a time

• Are there really different leadership styles

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Your support will help the podcast cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect

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In this episode of Directionally Correct, hosts Cole and Scott engage in an insightful conversation with Jeremy Shapiro, the AVP of Workforce Analytics at Merck. With a backdrop of holiday cheer, Jeremy shares his personal and professional journey in workforce analytics, touching on topics from academic speeches to triathlon training.

As the discussion unfolds, the trio delves into the heart of people analytics, revisiting the seminal article "Competing on Talent Analytics" co-authored by Jeremy 14 years ago. Jeremy reflects on the evolution of this critical field, considering the successes and challenges faced by companies in implementing effective analytics.

The conversation also navigates the volatile landscape of global talent dynamics, the ethical implications of AI integration in HR practices, and what the future holds for people analytics amid fast-paced technological advancements. Jeremy's practical insights and anecdotes provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on making impactful, data-driven decisions in HR and beyond.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion sponsored by One Model, as listeners are invited to explore the crossroads of data, talent, and technology in shaping the future of work.

• Competing on Talent Analytics

• Disband the analytics team

• Potential brain drain if everyone moved to countries they wanted

• The role of classroom seating arrangements and friendship

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In this episode of Directionally Correct, host Cole and Scott welcomes Gary Segers, the voice behind the popular podcast "Winning Cures Everything," to explore the captivating world of college football analytics. They delve into the nuances of sports data, how it drives performance analysis, and the unique challenges it presents within college football.

Gary shares insights into his podcast's journey, the role of data in enhancing the understanding of the sport, and his views on the most influential metrics in determining football success. The conversation navigates through the current dynamics of the playoff system, the evolution of player valuations, and potential future changes in the sport.

The episode also touches on Gary’s experiences with managing technology for multiple podcasts, thoughts on streaming platforms, and the intriguing intricacies of the analytics used in college sports. Don’t miss out on this engaging dialogue that promises to inform and delight college football fans.

• Connolly - Five Factors of College Football Success

• Revenue per Quality Win

• Earmuffs for College Football

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In this episode of Directionally Correct, host Cole & Scott dives into the intricacies of innovation and the ethical use of AI with guest Matt Clancy, a Research Fellow at Open Philanthropy. They explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of innovation, discussing both the benefits and potential downsides of having machines assist in creative processes.

Matt shares insights from his Substack, What's New Under the Sun, and discusses the unique challenges remote work presents to innovation, especially in non-central locations like Iowa. Is the push for a return to office truly driven by innovation needs, or are other, more pragmatic forces at play?

Moreover, they delve into the murky waters of scientific fraud within academia, probing the incentives that may lead researchers astray. Listeners will also hear about the role of remote work in academia and beyond, as well as the potential pratfalls and promises of AI in assisting high-skill roles.

This episode is packed with Matt's firsthand experiences and thoughtful analysis, offering a comprehensive look into the state of innovation in today's rapidly changing world.

• Transmission of mental disorders in networks

• Collaboration, proximity, and serendipitous encounters

• Are exit surveys more honest than regulars surveys

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In this episode of Directionally Correct, hosts Cole and Scott engage in an insightful conversation with Jane Datta, the former Chief Human Capital Officer at NASA. This episode explores the intricate world of workforce planning and people analytics.

Jane shares her experiences at NASA, discussing the challenges and strategies in human capital management, especially in a highly specialized and stable workforce environment. The discussion delves into the cyclical nature of workforce planning, the evolving role of workforce analytics, and the impact of AI in reshaping organizational strategies.

Listeners will also hear Jane's perspectives on the 'porous border' concept in workforce planning, and how NASA adapts to shifts in industry dynamics. Additionally, the episode covers the importance of having meaningful, engaging conversations, and the unexpected parallels between music and workforce management.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that extends beyond traditional HR boundaries into the realms of psychology, innovation, and strategic foresight.

• Fast Forward to Boredom

• Why it sucks to start a new job

• It’s (still) the mortar not the bricks - Talent Strategy Group

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Your support will help the podcast cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect

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Welcome to another episode of "Directly Correct," hosted by Cole & Scott. This time, Cole is joined by a special guest, David Solot, an IO psychologist at the American Board of Internal Medicine. Together, they dive into the intriguing world of Star Trek and its connections to IO psychology.

The episode kicks off with an introduction to David's Star Trek podcast and how it explores leadership and organizational themes within the Star Trek universe. They discuss the concept of a "Star Trek meetup" and its significance to fans, highlighting the show's deep cultural impact and its relevance to IO psychology concepts like leadership, teamwork, and organizational culture.

Cole and David engage in a lively discussion about the various leadership styles of iconic Star Trek characters, such as Captain Kirk and Captain Picard, and how these styles reflect changing societal values over time. They also delve into the fascinating possibilities of future technologies, like AI and virtual reality, in reshaping assessment and learning within the workplace.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as they explore the potential impact of large language models and AI on collective intelligence and the future of work. David shares insights into how these advancements could redefine roles and responsibilities, while also raising questions about privacy and the ethical use of AI.

Throughout the episode, the hosts weave in elements of humor and curiosity, providing an engaging exploration of how Star Trek's fictional universe offers valuable lessons for real-world organizational dynamics. Join Cole, David, and Scott in this thought-provoking discussion that will leave you pondering the future of work and technology.

• Notebook LM Part One & Part Two

• Scott’s Soundcloud of AI Generated Podcast

• Star Trek and Community

• How LLMs Shape Collective Intelligence

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Join us for an engaging episode of Directionally Correct, where host Cole & Scott sits down with Bradford Williams, the head of People Analytics, Insights, and Workforce Planning at Northwestern Mutual. Sponsored by OneModel, this episode dives into the intricacies of people analytics and the evolving role of leadership within organizations.

The conversation begins with a light-hearted exchange about the time Bradford played basketball with LeBron James, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on the importance of relationships and community within the field of people analytics. Cole and Bradford reflect on their experiences at the People Analytics World Conference, highlighting key themes such as the impact of storytelling and the necessity of aligning analytics with business objectives.

The episode also explores the concept of leadership, debating whether leaders are born or made, and how personality traits influence one's effectiveness as a leader. The discussion is enriched by insights from recent studies and articles, including the controversial idea of 'Founder Mode' in leadership and the potential role of AI in decision-making processes.

As the episode wraps up, Bradford shares his perspectives on corporate jargon and his favorite analytics metrics, bringing humor and personal anecdotes to the forefront. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of people analytics, leadership, and the future of work.

AI can now outperform most CEOs: https://hbr.org/2024/09/ai-can-mostly-outperform-human-ceos?ab=HP-hero-latest-image-1&tpcc=paidsearch.google.dsacontent&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD9b3uSTIe7N1L4DazonrQzZU3BLS

Are leaders born or made: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7240059596608843777-lIm7/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

Paul Graham's Founder Mode article: https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html 

Tailgate vs holiday season: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tailgate-more-important-game-072712173.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAK8b2NNHyJCwZDPUDFLCTXxkC1jew3549CQOZe7rYIu4oaek1sOeOHXdUsbl68HbwjNMAVXk0jsnSjtL1OIa7t8B0Oa4oNRYJlvjUgZUYsTQTDVncWaYeNbhjrmG7_nJPD1PNe4LUKzzZ49M0MsoQjoqUjsm4iXZIcg0hUcaIPME 

Everyone gets paid the same: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/everyone-gets-paid-the-same-a-theory?r=ybtwi

What is happening to people analytics in the last 15 years? Part One: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/what-is-happening-to-people-analytics?r=ybtwi

Part Two: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/what-is-happening-to-people-analytics-6af?r=ybtwi 

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Vin's post on hot takes: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vineetvashishta_productmanagement-ai-datascience-activity-7209163033628069888-CyLB?%20utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

The impact of GPT on human skills: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162524001859

Testing the babble hypothesis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1048984320300369

AI can now generate novel ideas: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emollick_we-have-increasing-evidence-that-todays-ugcPost-7238957033553637376-ooMA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

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Centrality of team conflict: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-40185-001

Studying for tests: https://x.com/emollick/status/1660982227881041921?s=20

What do jobseekers think about hot button issues: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/julia-i-pollak_what-do-job-seekers-think-about-the-hot-button-activity-7217163853258743809-97pL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Prasad's post on the Google Anti-Trust case: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/prasad-setty_qa-with-gemini-on-google-ruling-aug-5-activity-7226406047576428545-pmsm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

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These companies have the shortest interview length: https://digg.com/data-viz/link/us-jobs-longest-shortest-interview-process-companies 

Country swearing map: https://digg.com/data-viz/link/countries-swear-most-map-tweets 

Does satisfaction or dissatisfaction lead to more survey comments: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ludekstehlik_employeesurvey-employeeexperience-peopleanalytics-activity-7198647660193398785-bZCx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

State Fair of Texas foods: https://bigtex.com/the-state-fair-of-texas-announces-2024-big-tex-choice-awards-food-competition-semi-finalists/ 

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Scott's NEW published article: https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/ai-replace-freelance-jobs-51807bc7 & https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kelly-monahan-ph-d-18879413_futureofwork-ai-data-activity-7210648714225315841-bNnA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios 

Rebels with a cause - Breaking social norms: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0294019

Sports fans are locked in young: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jayvanbavel_sports-fans-are-like-young-goslings-or-ducklings-activity-7211438488934625280-Dzeo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios 

GraphRAG - Using LLMs for ONA: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rami-krispin_llm-datascience-machinelearning-activity-7215375127419502592-WaE0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

Ways machine learning can deliver "zero bias" in selection: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nigel-guenole-phd-89824b2_bias-hiring-ml-activity-7215983337838948353-IT2N?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

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LLMs explained an overview: https://medium.com/@arjunrao87/what-are-llms-local-llms-and-rag-0198868f8657

All the lonely people: https://www.mysocialnetwork.net/downloads/offprint/All%20the%20lonely%20people_Hampton_Wellman_2020.pdf

Different companies exposure to GenAI risk: https://www.burningglassinstitute.org/company-generative-ai-exposure-rankings 

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How do psychology researchers interpret results of multiple replication studies: https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13423-022-02235-5 

Bonus replication article: https://www.pnas.org/doi/pdf/10.1073/pnas.2208863120 

Implanting false memories: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1697260023000224?via%3Dihub

Personality more tied to life satisfaction than previously thought: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drtomaschamorro_happiness-personality-lifesatisfaction-activity-7210991738339946496-phVV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

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The power of nostalgia: Age and preferences for popular music: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11002-022-09626-7.pdf

Mouse jigglers and employees getting fired: https://www.axios.com/2024/06/18/wells-fargo-mouse-jiggler-fired-employee-productivity

The biggest review ever of behavioral change initiatives: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7198638700778405889/ 

The applied ethnography book Richard references: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sam-Ladner/publication/269701355_Practical_Ethnography_A_Guide_to_Doing_Ethnography_in_The_Private_Sector/links/5ed033a0299bf1c67d26daf7/Practical-Ethnography-A-Guide-to-Doing-Ethnography-in-The-Private-Sector.pdf 

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Scott's new R package "ScottyHines": https://github.com/scottyhines/scottyhines

Moving off the map: https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/orsc.2018.1277?journalCode=orsc

ChatGPT hasn't impacted Wikipedia: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2405.10205

Should you be polite to LLMs: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2402.14531

Don't expect juniors to teach senior professionals to use AI: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4857373

The fragmentation of psychological sciences: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zoeziani_science-psychologicalscience-research-activity-7191828812651765760-dIbQ/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Bayer gets ride of all middle management and moves to self-directed teams: https://fortune.com/europe/2024/04/11/pharmaceutical-giant-bayer-ceo-bill-anderson-rid-bosses-staff-self-organize-save-2-billion/

HBR seminal article on ONA/relational analytics: https://hbr.org/2018/11/better-people-analytics

White collar job recession: https://www.businessinsider.com/hiring-slump-professional-white-collar-jobs-recession-high-salary-2024-4

10K research papers retracted in 2023, new record: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrew-akbashev_research-science-activity-7199364033098006529-nKGe/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

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The Phoenix and The Dragon: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/the-phoenix-and-the-dragon?r=ybtwi

Let's Talk about the B in DEIB: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/lets-talk-about-the-b-in-deib?r=ybtwi 

Shuba's Wharton PA Presentation on Pay Equity: https://youtu.be/K0f3CmWDqD0?si=CKka5MKxRg3gD88M

Understanding the onset of hot streaks across careers: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25477-8

ACLU says Aon AI tools are discriminatory: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-30/aclu-says-in-ftc-complaint-that-aon-s-ai-tools-discriminatory

Testing theory of mind in LLMs and humans: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01882-z 

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Disrupted routines anticipate musical exploration: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2306549121

Entrepreneur weirdness as a double-edged sword: Effects on product creativity and investor attraction: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/peps.12613

Well-being doesn't level out at $75K like we were told: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/neilmorelli_maybe-youve-heard-that-well-being-tops-out-activity-7180943593904209921-BSam/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

Everyone gets paid the same theory revisited: https://open.substack.com/pub/directionallycorrectnews/p/everyone-gets-paid-the-same-a-theory?r=ybtwi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

i4cp 2024 Priorities and Predictions Report: https://go.i4cp.com/predictions

i4cp Next Practices Webinars: https://www.i4cp.com/company/events/next-practices 

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Influence of teachers on student research: https://www.dropbox.com/preview/%40Documents/JMP%20Julius%20Koschnick%20-%2010.12.2023%20%20(edited).pdf?context=pdf_editor&role=personal

GPT4o can do data analysis: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emollick_full-statistical-analysis-of-data-files-from-activity-7195886352540778496-ZADY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Ron's Five C's presentation on monetary policy: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ronlhetrick_several-times-in-the-past-ive-given-a-seminar-activity-7183215757453860865-QWJj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

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Shall we serve the Dark Lords? A meta-analytic review of psychopathy and leadership: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/apl-apl0000357.pdf

Email is more efficient than slack - Change my mind: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kozyrkov_sponsored-activity-7186064387772706816-qyu5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

The most valuable career advice isn't what you'd expect: https://open.substack.com/pub/vinvashishta/p/my-most-valuable-career-advice-isnt?r=ybtwi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web 

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Prediction all of life: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43588-023-00573-5

Rethinking the Dunning-Kruger effect - Negligible influence on a limited segment of the population: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160289624000242

LLMs are capable of doing regression and machine learning: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emollick_this-is-kind-of-nuts-our-results-demonstrate-activity-7184395264420401152-daZ0/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios 

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The psychology behind always sitting in the same seat: https://qz.com/1349508/the-psychology-behind-why-you-always-want-to-sit-in-the-same-seat

Pandemic dreams: ONA of dream content during covid: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.573961/full

Vendor offering citations for purchase: https://www.science.org/content/article/vendor-offering-citations-purchase-latest-bad-actor-scholarly-publishing?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_content=alert&utm_campaign=SCIeToc&et_rid=689109562&et_cid=5113287

Do AI bots act similarly to humans: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2313925121

Social capital measurement and associations with economic mobility: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04996-4 

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The impact of football on academic achievement: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272775714000806

Cheers vs Jeers: Effects of Audience Feedback on Individual Athletic Performance: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/L-Epting/publication/281766861_Cheers_vs_Jeers_Effects_of_audience_feedback_on_individual_athletic_performance/links/56b22c9208ae795dd5c7a490/Cheers-vs-Jeers-Effects-of-audience-feedback-on-individual-athletic-performance.pdf

What will people do after they get their PhDs: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17470218241236144

Preview of the NFL PAT 2023 Review of Results: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=c3b3e19eb6&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1796095206673339613&th=18ed0313088bd4dd&view=att&disp=inline 

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The Finer Details - The Predictability of Life Outcomes: https://www.colby.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Stewart_et_al_2022.pdf 

37% of British Workers Think Their Job is Meaningless: https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/13005-british-jobs-meaningless?redirect_from=%2Ftopics%2Fsociety%2Farticles-reports%2F2015%2F08%2F12%2Fbritish-jobs-meaningless 

Organizations Want to Abandon Performance Appraisal, Should They? https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kevin-Murphy-54/publication/312588967_Organizations_want_to_abandon_performance_appraisal_Can_they_Should_They/links/64f28b87fa851147de0a37d5/Organizations-want-to-abandon-performance-appraisal-Can-they-Should-They.pdf 

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4th Wave of People Analytics: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15344843231207220

The High Performer Hedonic Treadmill: https://bigthink.com/smart-skills/happy-high-performer-hedonic-treadmill/

AI Generates Better Ideas than Students: https://twitter.com/emollick/status/1685717651262201856?s=20

Workplace Ostracism is More Distressing than Harassment: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/workplace-ostracism-more-distressing-than-harassment.html

Zombie Deer are Coming for Us: https://x.com/stillgray/status/1739620328392016268?s=20

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How citations effect how papers are read: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048733322000129#:~:text=A%20paper%27s%20quality%20is%20also,and%20later%20in%20their%20lifetimes.

Exploring the relationship between video game performance and fluid intelligence: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0186621

Person-organization fit theory research and conundrums: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/peps.12581

2nd Time we covered the is the juice worth the squeeze Marc Effron article: https://talentstrategygroup.com/is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze/ 

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College consumption and academic behavior: https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w30481/w30481.pdf

The cost of knowledge: https://people.tamu.edu/~yonghongan/The_Cost_of_Knowledge.pdf

Peer reviewer crisis: https://paulspector.com/a-peer-reviewer-crisis-in-the-organizational-sciences/

Using causal network analysis: https://psycnet.apa.org/manuscript/2019-78909-001.pdf 

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Why the future of work is hard - Cole's article: https://open.substack.com/pub/directionallycorrectnews/p/why-the-future-of-work-is-hard-83704e23b43c?r=ybtwi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Marc Effron's/TSG report on if skills juice is worth the squeeze: https://talentstrategygroup.com/is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze/ 

The power of prediction: https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/137842/11369_2021_224_ReferencePDF.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 

Lawyering in the age of artificial intelligence: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nick-Neave/publication/222774518_The_effects_of_facial_hair_manipulation_on_female_perceptions_of_attractiveness_masculinity_and_dominance_in_male_faces/links/5a53418d458515e7b72e9d0e/The-effects-of-facial-hair-manipulation-on-female-perceptions-of-attractiveness-masculinity-and-dominance-in-male-faces.pdf 

Why the future of AI is the future of work: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/why-future-ai-future-work&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0deFkR19COfrV6jbPGC8T9 

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• Like stars: How firms learn from scientific conferences https://www.felixpoege.eu/assets/publications/2020FirmComm/corporateconferences.pdf 

• The role of facial hair on women’s perceptions of men https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nick-Neave/publication/222774518_The_effects_of_facial_hair_manipulation_on_female_perceptions_of_attractiveness_masculinity_and_dominance_in_male_faces/links/5a53418d458515e7b72e9d0e/The-effects-of-facial-hair-manipulation-on-female-perceptions-of-attractiveness-masculinity-and-dominance-in-male-faces.pdf 

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• Core-periphery in the movie industry

• Trust in communication mediums

• Big five personality and divergent thinking

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Polinode People Analytics Influencers Article: https://blog.polinode.com/index/2023/8/18/mapping-the-global-people-analytics-network-using-linkedin-data

Polinode HR Tech Influencers Article: https://blog.polinode.com/index/2023/10/5/using-linkedin-data-and-network-analysis-to-uncover-additional-hr-tech-influencers

Vanderpump Rules Polinode Network Link: https://app.polinode.com/networks/explore/65c55f0edd62c60010ef8474/65c56059dd62c60010ef847e

How to lead across siloed organizations HBR article: https://hbr.org/2024/01/how-to-lead-across-a-siloed-organization?tpcc=orgsocial_edit&utm_campaign=hbr&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin

It's impossible to be a job seeker LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/caseymoeckel_jobseeker-barbiemovie-jobhunt-activity-7153134583025164288-fEaA/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

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An urgent call for I-O psychologists to produce timelier technology research

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/industrial-and-organizational-psychology/article/abs/an-urgent-call-for-io-psychologists-to-produce-timelier-technology-research/CFF168BF4E4B89741985BAAC451CC5B1

Gender Differences in Personality Traits of Software Engineers

https://cora.ucc.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/4315dfdc-bc00-4975-8b05-f45a69f360cf/content

COKE VS POP: https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini/status/1733922148727623931

Are DEI programs going away
https://joshbersin.com/2024/01/are-diversity-and-inclusion-programs-going-away/

Paper Mills Bribing Journal Editors

https://www.science.org/content/article/paper-mills-bribing-editors-scholarly-journals-science-investigation-finds

Under the weight of heavy tails - Aguinis

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352673423000768?via%3Dihub

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Not very competent but connected article: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-53694-001

Study links Doctor Who to Christmas and death rates: https://nationalpost.com/news/study-links-doctor-who-christmas-episodes-with-lower-death-rates-in-u-k

Who is leaving and why AOM article: https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/amj.2021.1327

Cole's Everyone gets paid the same theory:

https://open.substack.com/pub/directionallycorrectnews/p/everyone-gets-paid-the-same-a-theory?r=ybtwi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Cole's People analytics primer: Leadership analytics -

https://open.substack.com/pub/directionallycorrectnews/p/people-analytics-primer-leadership-analytics-41770b75084?r=ybtwi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

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Burnout contagion among teachers: https://lirias.kuleuven.be/retrieve/548768

Order effects in the results of song contests: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/C03D0D5AA384362736FE1EB59A75516C/S1930297500006288a.pdf/div-class-title-order-effects-in-the-results-of-song-contests-evidence-from-the-eurovision-and-the-new-wave-div.pdf

Projections of Kinship for all countries: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2315722120?utm_source=TOC&utm_medium=ealert&TOC_v120_i52=&ref=d6697565

Cole's article - A Historian, Demographer, and Data Scientist Walk into a Bar: https://open.substack.com/pub/directionallycorrectnews/p/a-historian-demographer-and-data?r=ybtwi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Scott's MBR article - The Adaptive Hybrid: Innovation with Virtual Work: https://mbrjournal.com/2022/08/13/the-adaptive-hybrid-innovation-with-virtual-work/

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The devil you know versus the devil you don’t: Disclosure versus masking in the workplace: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/9C269F06C93A56FFB05CA990798B572A/S1754942622001018a.pdf/devil_you_know_versus_the_devil_you_dont_disclosure_versus_masking_in_the_workplace.pdf

Are people analytics and evidence based HR the same thing? https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1851101/evidence-based-hr-people-analytics-same-right-afraid-not

Zero-based workforce planning article: 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/zero-based-workforce-planning-chatgpt-tableau-scott-reida-nokpf?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via

AI Doesn't Work Hard in December: https://twitter.com/emollick/status/1734280779537035478 

The Secret to Innovation is Bars: https://twitter.com/emollick/status/1477820599409987585?s=20 

Do the Effects of Social Nudges Persist?: https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w23277/revisions/w23277.rev0.pdf 

Josh's Blog about Stimulus-Response Theory: https://www.navalent.com/resources/blog/how-to-trigger-yourself-to-do-good/ 

Adam Kahane's Book on System Transformation: https://www.amazon.com/Transformative-Scenario-Planning-Working-Together/dp/1609944909

Time Zones & Extra Sleep: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/04/19/how-living-wrong-side-time-zone-can-be-hazardous-your-health/

The Inconvenient Truth About Productivity: https://twitter.com/david_green_uk/status/1692065012657885619?s=20

Startup Founder Personality Impacts on Success: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41980-y

Richard Lander's Video on Understand GPT's Impact on Employee Assessment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVbVuLvdoM4

Israel Scientists Train Goldfish to Drive: https://www.npr.org/2022/01/11/1072095219/goldfish-driving-car-israel-study

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