Episode 204: Why AI Fluency Will Transform HR – Andy Doyle, Chief People Officer at Kantar
How HR Leaders Change the World
Release Date: 09/02/2025
How HR Leaders Change the World
Alex discusses the progressive people practices that have shaped his leadership and powered Peak PEO’s growth. He shares his unconventional journey from stand-up comedy to international employment, revealing how creativity and adaptability helped him build a business that enables companies to hire talent anywhere in the world and support distributed teams. Alex describes how and why he introduced bold ideas including a four-day work week, emphasising that change begins with passion, conviction and thoughtful experimentation. He encourages HR leaders to take small steps that build...
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CHRO at ofi (olam food ingredients), a global food ingredients company, anchored in sustainability, that operates in over 50 countries and sources from 2.8 million farmers across cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices provides to service big food brands and manufacturers with food and beverage ingredients for a diverse range of products ranging from a plant-based latte mix to an almond based snack bar – Usha highlights how meaningful change comes from small, everyday moments – using one-to-one...
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In this special episode ahead of COP30, Cecilia Crossley explores the transformative potential of collaboration between HR and Sustainability functions to drive competitive business alongside social and environmental impact. Cecilia is joined by Antoine Poincaré, CEO of AXA Climate School, with contributions from Jacky Griffiths, Director of ESG People & Culture at Grant Thornton UK; and Helen Redfern, Chief People, Communications & Sustainability Officer at Dowlais Group plc. Antoine shares examples of how climate change is reshaping HR practices, from low-carbon commuting...
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Drawing on her 34-year career, Alisa explains how HR is uniquely positioned to nurture talent and inspire positive change, from supporting employees through promotions to creating spaces where people feel genuinely heard. Alisa reflects on her lifelong commitment to breaking cycles of disadvantage. From her early experiences in Chicago to supporting scholarships, tuition programs, and social initiatives around the world, she demonstrates how small interventions can transform lives. Alisa emphasises the importance of listening to employees, seeking advice, and continuously evolving...
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James shares how he’s helping lead workplace culture where talent, not background, defines success and provides examples of tools that create career growth pathways, such as ‘Tiger Teams’. Advocating that human-centric approaches make culture thrive, James reflects on the link between organisational culture and personal wellbeing. He shares a moving story about supporting his wife through postnatal depression and how that shaped his own leadership approach. Across business and HR leadership, from transparent hiring to aligning personal purpose with organisational goals, James...
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Sian shares her journey from growing up in Australia with Sri Lankan heritage to leading global people functions. Sian reflects on finding confidence in her identity, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent, alongside her volunteer work with the Fashion Minority Alliance. Sian explores the evolving role of HR in a world shaped by AI, emphasising inclusive learning, psychological safety, and adapting to different learning styles. Sian also shares her commitment to fairness and education, showing how organisational practices can build trust, align with values,...
info_outlineHow HR Leaders Change the World
Sian shares her journey from growing up in Australia with Sri Lankan heritage to leading global people functions. Sian reflects on finding confidence in her identity, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent, alongside her volunteer work with the Fashion Minority Alliance. Sian explores the evolving role of HR in a world shaped by AI, emphasising inclusive learning, psychological safety, and adapting to different learning styles. Sian also shares her commitment to fairness and education, showing how organisational practices can build trust, align with values,...
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Jarina shares her approach to creating inclusive workplaces where people feel safe and supported, with transparency and courageous leadership at the heart of company culture. Jarina reflects on the future of work in a technology-driven world, emphasising the importance of human qualities including empathy, creativity, and connection alongside AI. Highlighting an example of how equity and wellbeing can be embedded in people strategy, Jarina discusses Publicis Group’s Working with Cancer initiative, which provides job security, personalised support and community for employees affected by...
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Episode 208: Why Being in HR is a Gift - Luke McClaran, Chief People Officer, Vitality Luke introduces how Vitality’s shared-value insurance model provides a unique platform for HR innovation. Their business purpose, to make people healthier and enhance their lives, drives both customer and employee experience, shaping Vitality’s ambition to create the healthiest, high-performing workforce. Luke shares how Vitality equips managers to support employee wellbeing in a changing world of work. People practices are designed to meet wellbeing needs, while an AI enablement function...
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Nadia explores how aligning personal values with organisational purpose can transform engagement, drive impact, and create meaningful work. Nadia shares her experience supporting organisations through change, showing how connecting people to purpose shifts mindsets from ‘I have to’ to ‘I want to’. Nadia highlights the role of technology and AI in augmenting human capability, freeing people to focus on deeper, more meaningful work, and explains how access to education underpins both her own values and Euromonitor’s social responsibility agenda. Nadia outlines her...
info_outlineWith over 30 years of HR experience, Andy reflects on the impact work has on people’s lives beyond the office - shaping families and communities. He shares how creating fulfilling environments and taking bold steps on talent, inclusion and opportunity can leave lasting legacies that extend far beyond any single organisation.
Looking ahead, Andy discusses the opportunities and challenges of AI, urging HR to embrace learning, experimentation and even failure, as essential tools to reimagine the world of work. He shares how Kantar has built an authentic community of AI influencers by empowering curiosity and encouraging self-nomination, adopting a social media–style approach that has driven real engagement.
Alongside technology, Andy speaks about the personal experiences that fuel his passion for inclusion and social change, from becoming a trustee of the Alzheimer’s Society to celebrating cultural difference through food across Kantar’s global workforce.
Andy advocates that HR can combine human connection and technological innovation to create positive impact for organisations, colleagues and society. He offers one wish for every HR leader: to become fluent in AI - in understanding its transformative power.
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Thank you to How HR Leaders Change the World - Live! 2025 - brought to you by Uplifting People for sponsoring this episode
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.
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Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?
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