People Fundamentals by Betterworks

Hosted by Betterworks

Business ManagementInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Dec 2025

Language

About the show

Great HR leaders know that people deliver better business results when they find fulfillment in what they do — but bringing the right elements together to make that happen can be a challenge. Join host Michelle Gouldsberry of Betterworks as she invites senior HR executives, academics, advisers, analysts and other thought leaders to share their unique insights on the People Fundamentals that enable performance at scale.

Listen to episodes

42 recent

December 29, 202520 min

Beyond Dashboards: Reflecting on the People Side of Performance Data

In this episode of People Fundamentals by Betterworks, I delve into the vital intersection of performance data and the human experience. Titled "Beyond Dashboards: Reflecting on the People Side of Performance Data," we explore how leaders are reimagining performance management not as a mere evaluation tool but as a catalyst for growth and development. Hear insights from experts like Deanna LaPierre and Nick Happ, who emphasize the importance of conversations over ratings, and how context enriches data's impact. We discuss the role of AI in enhancing workplace dynamics while ensuring the human element remains central. As we wrap up this season, join me in understanding how effective leadership, grounded in empathy and clarity, can harness data to foster a more engaged and resilient workforce.

November 17, 202531 min

Margaret Keane on Leading with Data and Heart

In this episode of People Fundamentals by Betterworks, I sit down with Margaret Keane, former CEO of Synchrony and current CEO of Cisive. We delve into her unique approach to leadership, where data meets empathy. Margaret shares how she used employee sentiment to enhance workplace culture and foster trust, especially during uncertain times. We discuss the importance of balancing quantitative insights with human intuition and how AI is reshaping the future of work. Join us as we explore practical insights on building trust and transparency in a technology-driven world, highlighting how leaders can create environments where employees feel valued and engaged. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that emphasizes the essential role of data and heart in effective leadership.

October 6, 202532 min

Jeff Jolton on Using AI to Make Smarter People Decisions

In this episode of People Fundamentals by Betterworks, I am joined by Jeff Jolton, a leader in Data and Insights at Spencer Stuart. We explore how organizations can leverage AI to enhance people decisions beyond mere efficiency. Jeff emphasizes the importance of shifting from job enlargement to job enrichment, advocating for a focus on human impact rather than just operational metrics. He discusses how AI reshapes the skills needed in the workforce, urging leaders to foster adaptability and critical thinking while reimagining development paths for early career employees. This insightful conversation underscores the need for a balanced approach to AI adoption, where innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning take center stage. Tune in to discover practical strategies for creating more engaged and resilient teams in the age of AI.

September 24, 202534 min

Annie Cosgrove: The Surprising Ways Workspace Design Shapes Engagement

In this episode of People Fundamentals, Annie Cosgrove, director of analytics and insights at Density, explains how workplace data and employee listening combine to improve collaboration, engagement, and belonging. Annie shares how her team uses occupancy analytics alongside employee feedback, why variety in spaces supports productivity and inclusion, and what surprising details like bathroom traffic and quiet room usage reveal about workplace culture.

September 8, 202535 min

Nick Haap on What Conversations Can Tell You About Employee Engagement

In this episode of People Fundamentals, Nick Haap, director of talent management and continuous listening at KeHE Distributors, explains how conversations are the most powerful tool that managers can use to connect engagement, retention, and performance. Nick shares how KeHE shifted from performance management to performance enablement, why continuous listening creates better employee experiences, and how centralized dashboards and AI can support better decision-making.

August 25, 202530 min

Ranya Nehmeh on Unlocking Manager Effectiveness in Hybrid Work

In this episode of People Fundamentals by Betterworks, I sit down with Rania Nehmeh, a senior HR leader and author of "In Praise of the Office." Together, we explore the complexities of hybrid work and how to enhance manager effectiveness in this evolving landscape. Rania discusses the impacts of proximity bias, particularly how it affects visibility and opportunities for remote employees. We delve into the concept of dry promotions and the importance of intentional management practices that prioritize trust, mentorship, and equitable feedback. If you're seeking actionable insights to elevate management effectiveness and foster a more inclusive workplace, this episode is packed with valuable strategies to implement right away. Tune in for a deep dive into creating supportive environments that empower all employees to thrive.

February 24, 202532 min

Ben Eubanks & Sandra Loughlin on AI, Skills, and the New Rules of Work

The future of work is being rewritten, and skills—not job titles—will determine who thrives. In this episode of People Fundamentals, Ben Eubanks and Sandra Loughlin explore how AI is revolutionizing how we identify, validate, and develop workforce capabilities. They share why most organizations still lack visibility into employee skills and how leaders can turn this into a competitive advantage. If you want to future-proof your workforce and create a culture of continuous learning, this conversation is for you.

February 10, 202535 min

Dan Riley on Making Employee Connection a Bottom-Line Strategy

In this episode of People Fundamentals by Betterworks, I speak with Dan Riley, co-founder of Radical, about the critical role of employee connection as a bottom-line strategy. Recorded live at Unleash World 2024 in Paris, Dan emphasizes the importance of trust and connection in today's hybrid work environment. He shares compelling data showing that improved workplace connections can lead to a remarkable 200% increase in productivity. We explore how generational shifts are reshaping workplace values and the urgent need for organizations to embrace empathy and purpose. Dan provides actionable insights for HR leaders to foster a human-centered culture that drives meaningful business outcomes. Join us as we unpack strategies to create stronger, more connected workplaces.

January 27, 202531 min

Suzanne Lucas on Driving HR Impact in Lean Teams

On this episode of People Fundamentals, I’m joined by Suzanne Lucas, a long-time HR consultant and co-founder at HRLearns. A long-time HR blogger under the title of "Evil HR Lady," Suzanne takes a refreshingly candid approach to HR. She blends decades of corporate experience with her passion for teaching practical, no-nonsense strategies. Her mission? To empower HR professionals, particularly in small-to-midsized businesses, to thrive in the face of competing priorities and limited resources. In this conversation, recorded live at UNLEASH World 2024 in Paris, Suzanne shares techniques for staying creative under pressure, setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, and communicating in ways that resonate across the organization.

January 13, 202520 min

Evelyne Van Vosselen on Owning HR's Strategic Potential

On this episode of People Fundamentals, I’m joined by Evelyne Van Vosselen, founder and managing director of evol.ve HR Consulting. Evelyne brings a visionary perspective to the role of HR, redefining it as a driving force behind business success rather than a traditional administrative function. Together, we explore how you can prioritize strategic alignment, foster curiosity within your team, and adopt systemic thinking to elevate your impact. Listen in as we uncover actionable strategies to make HR a transformative force in your organization.