Human Capital Watch

As the world braces for a pivotal year of elections, businesses are facing the challenge of navigating political landscapes that could dramatically shift economic and trade policies. In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, Sara Murray, Managing Director International at the Conference Board, sits down with Claudio Murri, Senior Advisor at Rud Pederson Public Affairs, and Ivan Pollard, leader of the Conference Board's Marketing and Communications Centre, to dissect the potential impacts of two major political events looming on the horizon: the US presidential election and the European Parliament elections.

In this episode, we are joined by Claudio Truzzi, director of research and innovation activities at ULB, and Tojin Eapen, head of the global innovation centre at Inno Mantra to discuss the AI journey to date and the complexities we are facing in two distinct regions – Asia and Europe. We also dive into how AI might hinder developing economies, the EU AI Act, and the damage AI might inflict on creativity and innovation.

Marion Devine, Principal Researcher Human Capital, Europe sits down with Sara Murray to explores the findings of a recent survey on well-being, run in both Europe and the US. One of the significant takeaways from the survey was that employees expect their employers to invest in their well-being - but it’s not translating into happier employees. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of the CHRO in building the business case for well-being, and the need for collaboration across the organization to embed it into strategy and culture.

Falling property prices, increased debt, and western hostility have led some observers to claim that the era of China’s economic miracle is over, and a new age - characterized by low growth, an aggressive foreign policy and domestic repression – has begun.  If this is the case, what are the ramifications for businesses in Europe and China?  We are joined by Frederic Cho, founder and CEO of Frederic Cho Advisory, and Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Leader of the China Center for Business and Economics at The Conference Board, to delve into supply chains, building resiliency, and scenario planning for the future. 

Listen in to an insightful conversation with Jean-Marc Verbist, Center Leader for Human Capital in Europe, and Sandhya Karpe, Center Leader for Human Capital in Asia. In this episode, they'll share their expertise on how CHROs can drive growth and increase the competitiveness of their workforce in 2024. With the ever-changing AI landscape and challenges in communication, coordination, and cultural immersion, it's crucial for CHROs to stay ahead of the game. Don't miss out on this informative and enlightening discussion on the future of HR and the workplace.

This first episode of Let’s Talk Global Business contrasts the evolution of financial technology currently underway in two very different regions: the GCC and the Nordics. Despite their differences, both regions have developed very vibrant ecosystems for financial innovation. What lessons can each region provide the other? And as banking moves into an era dominated by technology, including AI, what are the implications for how both regions innovate, capitalize and regulate their financial industries?

Anke Schrader and Konstantinos Panitsas join Sara Murray in this pilot episode to discuss the findings of our 2024 C-Suite Outlook survey, highlighting the top concerns of CEOs in Europe and China. For 25 years the C-suite Outlook survey has served as a pulse check to understand what challenges and opportunities the world’s top business leaders are facing – and their strategies for addressing them.

Our host Sara Murray, Managing Director International at The Conference Board tells us what to look forward to on our new channel, Let's Talk Global Business. Each month we look at the economic and business trends connecting two different regions. We'll talk to researchers, senior executives across various industries and regions and to policy makers about how to lead in a complex world. 

After 5 series of the Insights Podcast channel, we have decided to launch a brand-new Podcast series titled: Let’s Talk Global Business. The Insights Podcast will still be available to listen to on all platforms and on our website. Thank you for your continued support.

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a podcast series, launched in 2023 and moderated by Sanja Haas, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board for the European Human Capital Center at The Conference Board. Each episode so far featured an informal conversation with a CHRO about their individual journeys and reflections on their role. In this last episode for the season, Sanja sits down with Steve Odland, CEO of The Conference Board, to talk about his journey and in particular his thinking on the CEO-CHRO Partnership today and in the future.  Steve talks about his own journey and explains how the CEOs role has changed in the past couple of decades. Unlike 10-15 years ago, today a successful CEO needs to manage and take care of multiple stakeholders (vs previously only shareholders). Steve explains that also the role of HR has pivoted from being transactional to that of a Human Resource function which is the “caretaker of human assets” crucial for the success of an organization. Steve shares with us that he has alway

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a new podcast series in 2023, moderated by Sanja Haas, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board for the European Human Capital Center at The Conference Board. Each episode features an informal conversation with a CHRO about their role & responsibilities, professional journey and perspectives about HR careers and the future of the function. In this eighth episode, Sanja sits down with Mieke van de Capelle, CHRO at dsm-firmenich. Mieke shares with us what it’s like being a CHRO in a newly merged conglomerate (the B2B company touches 4 billion people on a daily basis indirectly) and how this is a daunting experience - both incredibly rewarding and challenging at the same time. Rewarding because of the opportunity to be building a company fit for purpose; challenging because everything is up for reevaluation. She tells us about her different professional experiences and journey which prepared her for the current role, including being part of a very long post-merger integration

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a new podcast series in 2023, moderated by Sanja Haas, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board for the European Human Capital Center at The Conference Board. Each episode features an informal conversation with a CHRO about their role & responsibilities, professional journey and perspectives about HR careers and the future of the function.  In this seventh episode, Sanja sits down with Khadija Ben Hammada, CHRO at Merck. In a very inspirational conversation, Khadija shares with us how her role is both a privilege and responsibility. She talks about her dual responsibility of driving and supporting Merck’s business (focused on positively impacting peoples’ lives) and of being the “People’s People” in taking care of 66K employees, ensuring values such as fairness, inclusion and integrity are lived up to, and that the workforce has a sense of belonging. The privilege Khadija talks about is linked to this dual responsibility and to the pride in being part of a company with 353

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a new podcast series in 2023, moderated by Sanja Haas, Leader of the Human Capital Center, Europe. Each episode features an informal conversation with a CHRO about their role & responsibilities, professional journey and perspectives about HR careers and the future of the function.  In this sixth episode, Sanja sits down with Jean-Luc Fleurial, CHRO at UCB. Jean-Luc shares with us how UCB is driven by the difference it can make for its patients and how this strong ‘Purpose’ permeates all elements of his work and drives the differentiation of UCB’s organizational culture. He discusses how his role is a true corporate (enterprise) role focused on building the right context and environment for people to thrive in.  Among other key insights, Jean-Luc also shares that when he was promoted to CHRO he went from being focused on functional leadership to becoming a corporate (enterprise) leader. Today his role consists of 1/3 Governance (including interaction with the Board,

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a new podcast series in 2023, moderated by Sanja Haas, Leader of the Human Capital Center, Europe. Each episode features an informal conversation with a CHRO about their role & responsibilities, professional journey and perspectives about HR careers and the future of the function. In this fifth episode, Sanja sits down with Radoslava Anguelova, CHRO at Swarovski. Radoslava explains that because the most valuable assets at Swarovski are its Brand and people, the role of the HR function is intricately linked with the success of the business. She shares with us what it was like to be promoted to CHRO, her “baptism by fire” as she helped the business undergo a large transformation as of ‘day one’ in her new role. Although challenging, she was able to quickly pivot and explains that “anything is possible” when working together with a strong and capable team. She advises our listeners to be curious, gain broad and deep experiences, and to reach outside of their comfort z

Ensuring Europe has the labor force it needs to drive economic growth requires strategic cooperation between key stakeholders—but businesses can take practical steps to improve the supply and productivity of their workers. This podcast explores the themes of our recently released European Labor Market Outlook report. Listen in as our panel of experts explores insights, and focus points for what companies can do to increase labor force productivity.

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a new podcast series in 2023, moderated by Sanja Haas, Leader of the Human Capital Center, Europe. Each episode features an informal conversation with a CHRO about their role & responsibilities, professional journey and perspectives about HR careers and the future of the function. In this fourth episode, Sanja sits down with Adriano Bruno, former Head of People & Culture at The Erste Group. Adriano shares his thoughts on the importance of staying close to the business, customers and consumers, but how it is equally important, to stay close to the employees to better understand and advocate for a great Employee Experience.  He advises our listeners to follow their passions, to think about how they want to change and shape their worlds and to choose wisely who they want to work for –  ensuring they end up in an environment (corporate culture) which brings out the best version of themselves.

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a new podcast series in 2023, moderated by Sanja Haas, Leader of the Human Capital Center, Europe. Each episode features an informal conversation with a CHRO about their role & responsibilities, professional journey and perspectives about HR careers and the future of the function. In this third episode, Sanja sits down with Anne Stevens, Council Director Global CHRO Council and HR Executives, and ex- Global VP People & Organization Rio Tinto. Among other topics, Anne shares her thoughts on how positively the CHRO role has evolved in the past 10 years, becoming much more strategic and why COVID-19 catapulted HR to the forefront, solidifying a seat at the table. From her own professional journey, she shares useful insights on what it takes to transition (from industries, companies and roles). Understanding the business and ensuring trust and business relationships are built from day 1 is key. Anne also explains that “timing is everything” and how important it is

In this second episode, Sanja Haas, Center Leader, Human Capital, Europe, sits down with Feliciano Gonzalez , CHRO of Holcim. Among other topics, Feliciano shares his discovery & learning path as CHRO, the importance of continuous learning, of listening and understanding the needs and expectations of key internal and external stakeholders, and why “arrogance is a killer” for those aspiring to this role. Feliciano shares insights on what it’s like to be a leader in the function today, some things to watch out for, what success is all about and why some of his most challenging experiences were also the most formative ones.

In this podcast John Metselaar hosts Alexander van ‘t Riet, until last month the CEO of Mai Dubai Water who took the brand from 5% to 20% market share and into a regional icon now served at Emirates Airlines over his tenure. Alexander shared his key priorities behind this amazing journey along the 5E framework of what leaders do – envisioning, enabling to execute, and engaging and empowering – and who leaders are, or should be – along mind, heart, and gut.  “Walk the talk” and “what you give attention gets done and grows” were just a couple of the many nuggets of wisdom pulled from the experience of “how a Dutchman from the canals succeeds in the exotic Gulf”. 

Inspiring People, Inspiring Journeys, is a new podcast series moderated by Sanja Haas, Leader of the Human Capital Center, Europe. Each episode features an informal conversation with a CHRO about their role & responsibilities, professional journey and perspectives about HR careers and the future of the function. In this first episode, Sanja sits down with Guergana Andreeva, CHRO of JTI. Among other topics, Guergana shares her discovery path during her first 100 days as a CHRO, and the importance of understanding the needs and expectations of both her own team and that of the business. She discusses what it’s like to be a leader in the function, shares insights into her own professional journey and what is needed to be successful in HR today.