Jon Caldwell
Chief People Officer
Valvoline
Episode 374
HR Leadership: Balancing People & Data Drives Real Business Impact
Current chapter: Built by People podcast features insights from world's top HR leaders
Built By PeopleDecember 18, 2024 · 17:44
Thesis
“Effective HR leadership requires a constant balance between strong relationships and data-driven decision-making, coupled with strategic agility and consistent execution, to drive business outcomes and foster employee well-being.”
Show notes
In this episode of the Built by People podcast, host Dave interviews Jon Caldwell, Chief People Officer at Valvoline. Jon shares his extensive 25-year career journey in human resources, starting from a role as an HR generalist at a manufacturing facility to his current executive position. He discusses the challenges and key learning experiences along the way, including the balance between relationships and data-driven decisions, strategic agility and execution, and work-life integration. Jon also offers invaluable advice on building credibility, influencing decision-making, and supporting team well-being. Sponsored by Predige, the podcast highlights how offering benefits like Previ can improve employees' financial wellness. 00:44 Welcoming Jon Caldwell 00:50 Jon Caldwell's Career Journey 05:09 Key Learnings and Balancing Act 07:19 Major Challenges in HR 09:02 Balancing Cost and Investment in HR 11:07 Influence and Negotiation in HR 14:36 Addressing Burnout and Work-Life Balance 16:27 Parting Advice for HR Leaders 17:37 Conclusion and Farewell
What you'll take away
- 1Balance strong interpersonal relationships with data-driven insights to effectively speak the language of the business in HR.
- 2Cultivate strategic agility to envision the future, combined with a strong focus on execution to translate vision into tangible results.
- 3As an HR leader, empower and rely on your team, surrounding yourself with individuals stronger than you in their respective areas.
- 4Prioritize and 'market' HR initiatives internally with a crisp strategy, aligning with business objectives and securing executive buy-in for investments.
- 5Build credibility through consistency, facts, and the courage to take a stand, while also discerning which battles are 'not worth dying on' to maintain influence.
What most organizations get wrong
- •"as a, you know, still recovering people pleaser, is just being willing to say no and have a backbone in human resources, taking a stand." (This challenges the notion that HR should always be accommodating and supportive without asserting its own position.)
- •"if it's not that important and it's not illegal, or out of compliance. I also coach my team sometimes that like, there are hills that are, it's not worth dying on, right?" (This counters the idea that every issue requires HR to dig in and fight, suggesting a more strategic approach to influence.)
In Jon's words
“I think it's a role that requires balance between relationships and the connections that you build and the— just the interpersonal capital that you develop and making sure that everything that you do in leading your team and directing your efforts is data-driven, that you're speaking the language of the business...”
This quote succinctly captures the essential duality of modern HR leadership, emphasizing both human connection and analytical rigor.
“The further up you ascend in an organization, the larger your remit is. The less you can do on your own. So it's really key to surround yourself with people who are stronger than you, especially in the area that you've tasked them to lead.”
This highlights the critical importance of delegation and building a high-performing team for senior HR executives.
“HR is generally— we're not very good marketers a lot of times, and a lot of it is kind of internal marketing and promoting of what you've done, the impact that it's had, what you need to do, that compelling vision and story for the future...”
This identifies a common challenge for HR professionals and underscores the necessity of proactive communication to gain organizational buy-in.
“as a, you know, still recovering people pleaser, is just being willing to say no and have a backbone in human resources, taking a stand.”
This offers personal and practical advice on developing assertiveness and influence, which is crucial for HR leaders.
“just get as close to the business as possible. You know, ask, listen, learn, get in the field, schedule introductory meetings with leaders that you support.”
This emphasizes the fundamental importance of business acumen for HR professionals at all career stages.
The problems this episode addresses
- •Balancing the need for strong human relationships with data-driven decision-making in HR.
- •Translating strategic HR vision into actionable business results and tangible execution.
- •Managing the unpredictable pace and wide variety of demands placed on HR executives daily.
- •Securing budget and headcount for human capital investments amidst ongoing cost-cutting pressures.
- •Effectively 'marketing' HR's impact and compelling vision to gain executive team alignment and advocacy.
- •Developing influence and negotiation skills, including the courage to take a stand when necessary, in the C-suite.
- •Addressing employee burnout and fostering work-life balance in fast-paced, retail-centric environments.
In this episode
Built by People podcast features insights from world's top HR leaders
Built by People
Dave Schumacher has been with Fifth Third Bank for 14 years
The Journey of Valvoline's Chief People Officer
Valvoline has transformed from senior director to chief people officer
Valvoline's Chief People Officer on His Journey
John says pace and variety are biggest challenges in HR
John, what's a major challenge you faced in your career as
Cost considerations. Are often a centerpiece to any business strategy
Employee-centric strategy and cost considerations
HR leaders must exert a lot of influence and excel at negotiation
In the Elevator With HR Chair
How are you helping your team address issues like burnout and work-life balance
How Companies are Helping Team Members Achieve Work-Life Balance
John, any parting advice you'd like to share with our community
John Rizzo on Built by People
Topics covered
Organizations and entities mentioned
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