What does it take to create a unified culture when your team spans 50 countries and includes thousands of employees? Sue Quackenbush, Chief People Officer at Dynatrace, reveals the secret sauce behind their "real vibes, real people" approach that keeps their global workforce connected.

With 33% of Dynatrace's 4,000+ employees working fully remotely and the rest following a hybrid model, Sue explains how they've turned geographical dispersion into a strength. Their innovative Remote Connect Club creates virtual communities for those without nearby offices, while employee resource groups foster belonging regardless of location. Sue's passion for "making a difference" drives her people-first approach that balances flexibility with connection.

The conversation dives into talent attraction and development strategies that have proven successful in the competitive tech sector. When Sue joined Dynatrace nearly three years ago, she discovered they were "consistently inconsistent" in leadership approaches – prompting her to create the comprehensive "Dynatrace Elements of Leadership" framework that now guides development at all levels. She shares why continuous growth opportunities create both stability and innovation, benefiting both employees and the organization.

Perhaps most fascinating is Sue's perspective on balancing data-driven HR with human connection. "Data is critically important and I would say that it is as important as the humanistic elements," she explains, offering insights into how modern people leaders must leverage analytics while preserving the relationships that ultimately drive engagement. As AI reshapes workplace tools and practices, Sue considers both the exciting possibilities and important guardrails needed to maintain what makes work meaningful.

Whether you're navigating hybrid work challenges, building leadership pipelines, or seeking ways to create belonging across borders, this conversation offers practical wisdom from one of tech's most thoughtful people leaders.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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In this episode, Bill Banham talks with Marina Farthouat, the new Vice President, People at Oyster - the global employment platform that enables companies to hire, pay, and care for distributed teams.

Marina brings a refreshing perspective to the HRchat Show about transforming workplace norms through remote and distributed teams. Drawing from her diverse background spanning investment banking to startups, Marina shares why her most connected workplace experiences have consistently been in remote organizations.

"Talent doesn't have a nationality," Marina asserts, challenging traditional location-based hiring approaches. She makes a compelling case for distributed teams as both a talent strategy and a resilience measure. When recent blackouts hit Spain and Portugal, Oyster's globally distributed workforce demonstrated exactly this kind of operational continuity—shifting activities seamlessly to unaffected regions.

What makes Marina's perspective particularly valuable is her holistic view of remote work benefits. Beyond the usual flexibility talking points, she highlights how remote arrangements positively impact families, especially children who no longer lose parents to long commutes. She dismantles the myth that remote workers feel disconnected, explaining how digital platforms actually create more egalitarian access to leadership and information than traditional office environments where proximity matters.

The conversation tackles economic concerns head-on, addressing fears that global hiring simply shifts jobs to lower-cost regions. Marina offers a more nuanced view: global talent acquisition isn't about replacement but expansion and resilience. She emphasizes that startups particularly benefit from access to diverse talent pools while managing burn rates effectively.

By the way, if you enjoy this conversation and want to learn more about Marina’s team and some of the people challenges they tackle, check out episode 338 with Oyster Co-founder Jack Mardack.

Marina leads the company’s people strategy with a focus on building a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable culture across a global workforce.

She brings a wealth of experience leading People functions in remote organizations, most recently at ClickHouse and Elastic. Marina has developed deep expertise in employee engagement and organizational development, as well as in building strong cultures and scaling global com

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Curtis Vincent, CHRO at The Estate Registry, offers a fascinating look at how digital estate management is transforming employee benefits packages and addressing a critical gap in financial wellness programs.

The days of the fireproof lockbox stuffed with important papers are long behind us. As Curtis explains, modern employees lead increasingly complex digital lives with countless online accounts and digital assets that require organization and protection. Legacy Now provides a secure, intuitive platform that not only stores traditional estate planning documents but also preserves family legacies through digital photographs and videos that can be passed down through generations.

What makes digital estate management particularly valuable is its relevance to employees at every career stage. Curtis challenges the notion that estate planning only benefits those approaching retirement. "Almost everybody, regardless of age or net worth, has something worth protecting," he notes. For younger professionals, the platform offers organization around guardianship arrangements, documentation of existing benefits like 401(k)s and insurance policies, and the foundation for building their own legacies. By centralizing important information, these tools alleviate the stress and anxiety that come with managing complex financial lives, allowing employees to focus better at work.

For HR professionals considering implementation, Curtis recommends prioritizing cybersecurity, user support capabilities, and ease of administration. Start by gauging employee interest, arranging demonstrations, educating HR teams about the probate process, and carefully reviewing options. Ready to transform your benefits package with this missing piece of financial security? Connect with Curtis on LinkedIn or visit Estate Registry's website to explore how digital estate management can enhance your employee wellbeing strategy.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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In this episode of the HRchat Show, Bill Banham talks with Douglas Leach about the upcoming Disrupt London and HR Analytics Summits.

Doug's journey to founding the HR Analytics Summit reads like a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience. Launching his venture in October 2019 - mere months before a global pandemic would shut down in-person events worldwide - Doug faced what seemed like insurmountable challenges. But as he reveals in this captivating conversation, what initially appeared disastrous ultimately became advantageous.

"Not every disaster is a disaster," Doug shares, explaining how multiple postponements created extended marketing windows that drove registrations. By the time the event finally happened in 2021, it had completely sold out. Even a venue cancellation one month before the show transformed into a blessing when they secured the prestigious Brewery venue at a discount, accommodating their larger-than-expected audience.

The discussion dives into the current people analytics landscape, revealing surprising disparities in implementation maturity. While some organizations operate sophisticated systems seeking marginal improvements, others – including unexpectedly large companies – still rely heavily on Excel. Doug offers a memorable analogy: "Big companies are oil tankers, small companies are speedboats," explaining why smaller, more agile organizations often implement modern analytics solutions more efficiently than their enterprise counterparts struggling with legacy systems.

Artificial intelligence emerges as a central theme throughout the conversation. Doug and Bill highlight the significant challenge organizations face when implementing AI: employee skepticism and fear of replacement. The discussion ventures into thought-provoking territory when addressing Bill Gates' recent prediction that AI might enable two-day workweeks. While acknowledging the potential benefits, Doug raises important questions about economic implications, as he imagines shareholders saying: "If we can get away with having two days a week work, why should we be paying people for five days?"

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn or at hranalyticssummit.com to learn more about his work transforming the people analytics landscape.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Ever wondered what makes the Association for Talent Development (ATD) a key player in the world of HR and professional development? This episode pulls back the curtain as Bill Banham talks with Mallory Flynn, Content Manager for Career Development, Organization Development, and Talent Management Communities at ATD.

Mallory walks us through three game-changing conferences on the horizon. First, ATD International Conference & Expo in Washington DC (May 18-21), where thousands of learning professionals from over 80 countries will converge to exchange ideas and build relationships. With headliners like Olympic champion Simone Biles and marketing visionary Seth Godin, plus a dedicated Career Center offering free resume coaching and ICF sessions, it's an event talent professionals won't want to miss.

Bill and Mallory also explore ATD's first-ever Coaching Conference (August 20-21), a virtual event specifically designed to help professionals launch, build, and scale coaching programs within their organizations. Featuring insights from Salesforce, Panasonic Energy, and UC Berkeley, attendees will discover how to make the business case for coaching and establish frameworks for program success. And yes, we dive into the AI question – how will artificial intelligence transform coaching while preserving the irreplaceable human element?

The conversation shifts to the OrgDev Conference in Houston (October 20-22), ATD's premier event for organizational development professionals tackling culture, talent strategy, and leadership development. Mallory also highlights a free online Leadership Development Day coming June 9th, featuring real-world case studies from major organizations.

What truly shines through is Mallory's passion for ATD's community – a network of professionals dedicated to mutual growth and knowledge-sharing. As she puts it, "I've never been as well connected to such a huge network of individuals who just want to help out." Whether you're an HR professional, talent developer, or organizational leader, this episode offers valuable insights into how ATD's events and community can elevate your professional journey.

Ready to connect with this vibrant community? Follow Mallory Flynn on LinkedIn or email her at mflynn@td.org to learn more about these transformative opportunities.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Ever wondered what Formula One racing and career websites have in common? More than you might think, according to Bryan Adams, CEO and founder of Happydance, who recently joined Bill Banham on the HRchat Show to discuss an innovative new campaign that's bringing F1-inspired competition to the talent acquisition space.

The "Careers Site Grand Prix" pits career websites against each other, measuring their performance in speed, accessibility, and SEO – creating an F1-style leaderboard complete with weekly podiums and seasonal champions. This timing perfectly aligns with Formula One's 75th anniversary celebrations and the iconic Silverstone Grand Prix.

Bryan, a two-time bestselling author with 20 years in employer branding and a past guest on our sister show, the People and Performance Podcast, shared a startling statistic that frames the entire conversation: for every second past three seconds that your career website takes to load, you lose 10% of your audience. "You're not up against other career websites," Adams explains. "You're up against Amazon and Netflix, TikTok and Instagram" – platforms that have dramatically reduced our patience for digital experiences.

The parallels between F1 and talent acquisition run deep. Just as racing teams seek marginal gains through precise optimization and teamwork, organizations must optimize their career sites across multiple dimensions – load speed, accessibility, mobile responsiveness, and personalization – to create winning candidate experiences. As more candidates browse and apply for jobs on mobile devices, meeting them where they are becomes increasingly critical.

What's refreshing about Bryan's approach is his emphasis that creating high-performing career sites isn't just about having Fortune 100-level resources. It's about getting fundamentals right, measuring what matters, and using data to drive continuous improvement, much like successful F1 teams. When asked which F1 team Happydance resembles, Bryan bypassed the obvious powerhouses to identify with teams that "are constantly punching above their weight, constantly relying on ingenuity, creativity, teamwork, new innovation."

Want to see how your organization's career site measures up? Visit gp.happydance.love

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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The workplace has fundamentally transformed, dramatically increasing the emotional demands on leaders at all levels. From managing virtual teams to navigating workforce polarization, today's leaders face unprecedented challenges that require a new set of emotional skills to thrive.

Executive coach and leadership strategist Dina Denham-Smith joins Bob Goodwin to discuss her new book, "Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work," revealing how emotions serve as critical data for effective leadership. Drawing from over 25 years of experience coaching senior executives at companies like Adobe, Netflix, and Goldman Sachs, Dina breaks down the misconceptions that prevent leaders from harnessing the power of emotions in the workplace.

Dina and Bob explore the powerful "beach ball" analogy that illustrates what happens when emotions are suppressed rather than processed appropriately. Dina explains how leaders navigate the "authenticity paradox" – being genuine enough to build trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. She provides practical steps for developing emotional intelligence, from recognizing physical sensations that signal emotional responses to identifying specific emotions beyond simplistic categories.

The conversation tackles the current leadership landscape, including how some high-profile CEOs are taking harder stances toward employees in today's tighter labor market. Dina offers compelling counterarguments, explaining why emotionally intelligent leadership remains crucial for long-term performance and engagement. We also discuss the opportunity AI presents to focus more deeply on the human aspects of leadership that technology cannot replicate.

Whether you're struggling with burnout, managing team conflicts, or simply looking to enhance your leadership effectiveness, this episode offers science-backed insights and practical strategies to develop the emotional skills essential for today's complex workplace challenges.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What makes an HR conference truly exceptional? According to veteran attendee Jackye Clayton, it's the willingness to tackle tough issues while maintaining a human-centered approach - precisely what sets Workhuman Live apart from the crowd.

In this conversation with HRchat host Bill Banham, Jackye shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming Workhuman Live 2025 in Colorado. As a frequent attendee who ranks it among her top five HR conferences, Clayton offers unique insights into what makes this event special. Unlike conferences that create an artificial bubble of positivity, WorkHuman has consistently addressed challenging social movements like Me Too and responded to societal traumas such as the George Floyd murder. This authenticity reflects the event's commitment to making workplace practices genuinely human-centric.

The 2025 lineup promises exceptional content from thought leaders across critical areas. Adam Grant will explore psychological safety and hidden potential—essential for organizations looking to maximize internal talent development. Kelly Jones and Carrie Driver tackle the timely topic of navigating uncertainty with clarity, while Trevor Noah brings his unique global perspective to a discussion about AI and social responsibility. This blend of practical frameworks, inspiring ideas, and real-world applications creates an unmatched learning opportunity for HR professionals, talent executives, and business leaders who believe in the power of human-centered workplaces.

Whether you're focused on talent management, recognition programs, or inclusive leadership, WorkHuman Live offers insights that bridge theory and practice.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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