In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Dr. Mary C. Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy commander and executive leadership advisor. They explore how HR leaders can earn a seat at the executive table, lead organizational transformation, and leverage AI while keeping people at the center. Mary shares insights from her extensive leadership experience, emphasizing problem-solving, mentorship, and proactive involvement in both business and technology initiatives. The conversation highlights how HR directors are uniquely positioned to develop leaders, drive engagement, and even prepare for executive roles like CEO.

Key Takeaways

- HR prevents problems before they escalate.Strategic HR is about creating solutions, not just managing issues.

- Small gestures drive engagement. Simple recognition and personal connection can dramatically boost motivation and productivity.

- HR leads the AI transformation. Technology is a tool—success comes from guiding people on how to use it effectively.

- HR experience prepares you for the CEO role. Understanding people, processes, regulations, and budgets builds the foundation for strategic leadership.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarykelly

www.ProductiveLeaders.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HR Leadership in Tech

02:42 The Importance of HR at the Executive Table

06:08 Earning a Seat at the Table

09:05 Transforming HR from a Reactive to a Proactive Role

11:38 The Role of HR in Employee Engagement

14:44 AI's Impact on HR and Organizational Dynamics

17:36 Leading AI Transformation in Organizations

20:42 The Skills of an HR Director as a CEO

23:45 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Elena Krutova, a seasoned HR and operations leader with over 20 years of experience. Elena shares her journey from recruiter to Chief Operations Officer, highlighting the importance of human-centric leadership, integrity, and delivering tangible results. She discusses strategies for HR professionals to be true business partners, the challenges of leading transformations in both fast-growing and struggling organizations, and the role of AI as an efficiency-enhancing tool rather than a replacement for human connection. Elena also shares her advice for sustaining a successful career after 40, emphasizing persistence, confidence, and continuous learning.

Takeaways

• HR earns a real seat at the table by delivering outcomes, not just “the right theory”.
• A sustainable career in fast-growing companies comes from clarity of purpose, strong values, and doing consistent “baby steps”.
• Moving from HR into broader operational leadership is possible when you understand how people work and can connect human, financial, legal, compliance, and process perspectives.
• The hardest transformations aren’t growth—they’re restoring health in struggling organizations, making fair but sometimes unpopular decisions with a “surgeon” mindset.
• AI should boost HR’s efficiency (policies, comms, materials) but never replace human connection.

Linkedin - https://cy.linkedin.com/in/elenakrutova

Company - www.voiso.com

HR, leadership, business partner, AI in HR, career growth, organizational transformation, employee engagement, human resources, operations, workplace dynamics

In this episode of Build by People Leaders, Daria Rudnik speaks with Dr. Shayna Cook, Chief People Officer at Dominion Payroll, about what it really takes to build modern organizations where people and performance thrive together.

Shayna shares her nonlinear journey from science teacher to HR executive, why HR must think like a business owner, and how to move from “accidental organizations” to intentionally designed systems. She also walks through her practical AI transformation playbook — including governance, human oversight, and the three pillars guiding adoption — and tells the surprising story of how one employee built internal AI agents that saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A grounded, practical conversation for HR leaders navigating growth, AI, and real business impact.

Company website: www.dominionpayroll.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynacooke/

Takeaways

• From science teacher to Chief People Officer — a nonlinear path that reshaped modern HR leadership.

• Why HR must think like a business owner before advocating for people.

• The 3-pillar AI playbook that turns transformation into measurable impact.

• How building a culture of innovation unlocks unexpected employee growth and engagement.

• Stop running “accidental organizations” — start designing systems where people and performance thrive.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HR and AI Transformation

04:50 Shayna's Nonlinear Career Path

09:54 The Role of HR in Organizational Systems

14:44 AI Integration in HR

19:57 Building a Culture of AI Engagement

24:38 Advice for HR Leaders

29:30 Unexpected Outcomes of AI Implementation