Episode 200: Future-Ready Leadership & AI Empowerment - Celebrating 200 Episodes of HR Impact with 5 Trailblazing CHROs

In this landmark 200th episode we bring together five inspiring CHROs to share actionable insights on navigating the future of work. Each leader responds to listener questions with practical strategies that highlight HR’s vital role in driving transformation with empathy, agility, and human-centred leadership:

·        Dannii Portsmouth of PepsiCo EMEA explores how HR can harness AI by fostering emotional intelligence, ethical judgement, and curiosity;

·        Elaine Grell at Ogilvy EMEA shares creative ways to embed AI across the business through inclusive learning and playful experimentation;

·        Elly Tomlins at EasyJet discusses the importance of purpose-driven, honest communication to balance transformation with cost efficiency;

·        Loren Shuster at The LEGO Group reveals how leadership is evolving beyond hierarchy into collaborative, cross-functional approaches supported by AI-powered personalised development platforms; and

·        Natalia Wallenberg at Ahold Delhaize, offers four key principles for building future-ready leaders. Listen to hear these and her practical 2-2-2 framework that builds business resilience and agility.

Together, these insights illuminate a powerful vision for HR’s role - not just as a driver of change, but as a beacon of hope and human connection, inspiring purpose-led leadership in a world of constant transformation.

Thank you to everyone that sent in a question, and thanks to you for listening – we’re delighted to celebrate this 200^th episode and the power of #HRChangemakers!

References:

None

Sponsored by How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2025

This episode is brought to you by HR’s boldest moment yet - How HR Leaders Change the World Live!

Today’s HR leaders are navigating extraordinary demands, balancing short-term business performance with shaping long-term, purpose-driven strategy.

Yet despite holding the key to sustainable commercial success, HR is often undervalued, under-supported, and expected to play it safe.

That’s exactly why we created How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! - an extraordinary event bringing together pioneering HR leaders who believe our profession can be a transformative force for both business growth and social good.

This year’s event is the boldest yet, featuring candid, strategic conversations and powerful insights from global CHROs. You’ll leave with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of the power of your role, with 100% of profits donated to support vulnerable children - meaning your impact starts before you even walk through the door.

Early bird tickets are for a limited time only, saving you £100 if you book before 31st July.

 

Take a look at the agenda and see our first CHRO speaker announcements, plus our legendary keynote - Bob Geldof KBE!

 

Don’t miss out – click here to secure your place today and join fellow #HRChangemakers enhancing their influence and impact. We can’t wait to see you there! 

 

 

👥 Join our free HR Changemakers community 

 

You’ll be the first to hear about each podcast episode, about our events, and receive free bonus resources that enhance your influence and impact.  

 

Join us here: upliftingpeople.com/pages/how-hr-leaders-change-the-world 

 

And on Linkedin: Uplifting People | LinkedIn 

 

 

Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work? 

 

Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. 

Our July Book of the Month is Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston. A bold call to action that shows how business can be a force for good in the face of climate change and inequality.

We chose this book because it challenges old ways of thinking and is a powerful reminder that courageous leadership isn’t just possible - it’s already happening.  

Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!