What does it mean to be a business leader with HR expertise?

How can you reinforce and shape a people-first culture at scale?

My guest on this episode is Tim Hourigan, recently retired Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Home Depot.

During our conversation Tim and I discuss:

• How a curiosity for the “people side” of the business changed the course of Tim’s career
• Why HR leaders should strive to be “business professionals with HR expertise,” not the other way around
• How Home Depot’s iconic value wheel guides the company’s people-first culture
• The power of storytelling to build and reinforce company culture
• Why he believes as HR evolves in the future, we should not forget the “human” in human resources

Learn more about Home Depot’s Culture:

Learn more about Home Depot’s values, inverted pyramid, and three-legged stool

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How is AI redefining the way we learn?

Why are simulations a powerful tool to close skill gaps?

My guest on this episode is John Sangimino, Associate Director, Learning Design Center of Excellence at McKinsey & Company

During our conversation John and I discuss:

• The three essential truths of learning design—and why all learning is experiential
• The behavioral science behind why people don’t always apply new skills after training
• Why behavior change is the true measure and outcome of impactful learning
• How AI is impacting cognitive skills, judgment, and career capital
• The power of simulation-based learning—from VR scenarios to structured feedback exercises—as a way to close skill gaps
• How to design useful and high-impact simulations that build key skills

Connecting with John:

Connect with John Sangimino on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can HR lead transformations that stick?

Why are “soft skills” the new “power skills”?

My guest on this episode is Laura Cushing, Chief People Experience Officer, Pacific Life

During our conversation Laura and I discuss:

• Why HR leaders need to be “comfortable, being uncomfortable” and how it can accelerate your career.
• How HR can play a critical role in defining the “from/to” of organizational transformation and drive business performance.
• How HR can utilize strategic workforce planning to create value and impact.
• Why she calls influence and other so-called “soft skills” true “power skills” that will define the future of work—especially in the age of AI.

Connecting with Laura:

Connect with Laura Cushing on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.