Step into the world of HR Influencers! Our blog introduces you to the leaders shaping the future of Human Resources. Discover the game-changers, their ideas, and the fresh perspectives shaping HR this year. Let’s explore together the top 50 minds redefining how we see and do HR in 2024.
1. Josh Bersin
Josh Bersin, currently affiliated with Bersin by Deloitte, serves as a prominent keynote speaker, advisor, educator, and mentor to global HR and business leaders. His mission is to enhance work-life worldwide, and he achieves this by guiding HR professionals and organizations in various domains of corporate HR, including talent management, recruitment, training and development, and workplace automation. With his extensive expertise, Josh is dedicated to empowering HR professionals and companies to create more fulfilling and efficient work environments.
Dave Ulrich is a distinguished name in the field of Human Resources and leadership. Renowned as a thought leader and influential speaker, he has made significant contributions to the field of HR, particularly in HR competencies and HR transformation.
With a strong background in academia, Dave has been a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and has authored numerous books and articles on HR and leadership.
His work is instrumental in shaping the modern HR landscape, emphasizing the strategic role of HR in organizations and how HR can contribute to business success. Dave Ulrich’s insights and research have had a profound impact on HR professionals, making him a respected authority in the industry.
Meghan is the founder and CEO of TalentCulture. She has experience working with hundreds of companies, including early start-ups to well-known brands such as Microsoft, IBM, and Google, to help recruit and empower excellent talent. Apart from this, Meghan has been a guest on numerous radio shows and online forums and has been a featured speaker at global conferences. She is also a regular contributor at Forbes, Huffington Post, and several other media outlets and has been nominated as one of the top 100 Social Media Power Influencers. Meghan is a high-tech recruiter who constantly writes about HR tech and Talent Management topics on Forbes.com. Her professional background has expanded in recruiting, tech, marketing, branding, and digital media. Linkedin | Twitter
4. David Green
David is an Executive Director at Insight222 & myHRfuture.com, serving the companies with Fortune 100 firms. He is a people analytics leader, writer, speaker, conference chair, and data-driven HR.
Before launching his own business Zandel, which provides speaking, advisory, and consulting services on people analytics, data-driven HR, and the future of work, David was the Global Director of People Analytics Solutions at IBM Watson Talent. David has extensive experience helping organizations embark upon and accelerate their People Analytics journeys.
He was the Main Stage MC at UNLEASH World in Amsterdam in 2018 – Europe’s largest and most popular show on the Future of Work and Workplace Technology.
David is one of the HR influencers and a co-author of the book “Excellence in People Analytics”, which gives a unique perspective on People Analytics to provide HR practitioners with everything they require to know as to how to immerse the accurate infrastructure and technologies for data collection to build a culture of analytics in the HR team.
Liz is the creator and leader of Human Workplace, a company that offers coaching, content, and consulting services. She’s a featured speaker and the author of several books, including “REINVENTION ROADMAP : Break the Rules to Get the Job You Want and Career You Deserve.”
Liz discusses and presents on the modern workplace, provides expert opinions on employment-related issues, and guides CEOs and business owners on matters related to workforce strategy and HR. In her own words, Liz is on a mission to transform and improve work experiences for individuals.
Steve serves as a Co-Chair of the HR Technology conference in collaboration with H3 HR Advisors. He is a tech editor and writer for Human Resource Executive Magazine, and he co-hosts the HR Happy Hour podcast with Trish.
His extensive expertise in Human Capital Management technologies comes from his past roles in product development and as a corporate HR leader, where he managed internal HR tech systems.
With two decades of experience in the Talent Acquisition Industry, Tim has served as an Executive HR professional. His extensive career includes roles within Fortune 500 companies spanning diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, dining, and technology. Notably, he holds the position of President at HRU Technical Resources.
Tim’s leadership extends beyond his corporate roles. He also serves as the President of the Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals (ATAP), showcasing his commitment to advancing the field. Furthermore, he is a prolific author, best known for the widely acclaimed book “The Talent Fix: A Leader’s Guide to Recruiting Great Talent.”
Recognized for his profound influence in the HR domain, Tim earned a place among the Top 10 Global HR Influencers by Workforce Magazine in 2018.
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. is a distinguished figure in the world of Human Resources and employment advocacy. As the President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), he plays a pivotal role in shaping HR practices and policies in the United States and beyond. With a career marked by leadership in the HR field, he is a recognized authority on workforce issues, labor trends, and employment law.
Under his leadership, SHRM has made significant strides in advancing HR practices, championing diversity and inclusion, and advocating for workplace policies that support both employees and organizations. He is not only a prominent advocate for HR professionals but also a vocal proponent of fostering work environments that are fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the modern workforce.
His extensive experience and passion for shaping the world of work make him a notable influencer and a leading voice in the ever-evolving landscape of human resources. Through his leadership and advocacy, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the HR profession and the broader realm of employment practices.
Greg is a mentor for business growth, a speaker, and the founder of two recruitment firms, each valued at $100 million. He also serves on 16 recruitment boards. He authored “The Savage Truth,” a popular book about recruitment that shares his wisdom on leadership, business, and life from his extensive four-decade career. Greg earned the title of the most influential recruiter in Australia in the past six decades and was recognized as the most influential Australian business figure on Twitter. Follow him to explore his valuable insights, guidance, and mentoring on building highly profitable recruitment companies with a global reach across various industries.
William Tincup, President of RecruitingDaily, is a well-known figure in the HR industry. He’s recognized for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach to human resources. Tincup wears many hats—he’s a writer, speaker, consultant, and advisor. When it comes to topics like recruiting, leadership, talent management, and the future of work, he’s known for his candid and brutally honest opinions. He is actively involved in the HR technology startup scene, serving on the Board of Advisors or Directors for 15 such companies. He’s been sharing his insights on HR-related issues for over a decade, making him a respected and influential voice in the field.
With over three decades of experience as an accomplished speaker, writer, and thought leader in Human Resource Management, Steve Browne is committed to uniting the global HR community and facilitating its collective learning and growth. Throughout his career, Browne has successfully navigated HR roles across diverse industries, including manufacturing, consumer products, professional services, and the restaurant sector. His extensive background and expertise make him a valuable contributor to the field of HR and an influential voice in the industry.
As a Writer, Speaker, and Podcaster at Punk Rock HR, Ruettimann provides her LinkedIn and Twitter followers with a daily glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and moments of enlightenment that accompany the journey of guiding organizations, HR teams, and individuals in confronting and embracing their failures more effectively. With 14 years of experience as an HR professional, Ruettimann transitioned into a highly sought-after consultant, speaker, and writer.
Jeanne is a workplace advocate known for co-authoring the widely-read book “The Future Workplace Experience: 10 Rules For Mastering Disruption in Recruiting and Engaging Employees.” With her corporate learning background, she’s a top HR influencer. Jeanne initiated the Future Workplace Network to encourage discussions between CEOs and leaders, aiming to raise awareness about the future of work. An accomplished speaker and writer, she has contributed to respected publications like Forbes, the Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review.
Mary Jantsch used to lead Talent & Partner Success at Elpha, a startup that supports women in technology careers. Her work at Elpha focused on connecting companies with strategies to attract, hire, and retain more women in the workforce. Today, Mary operates as an independent People Ops Consultant, Pay Transparency Advisor, and writer. She is a firm believer in prioritizing culture, people, and processes right from the beginning of an organization’s journey. You can follow her social channels for honest insights and practical guidance on all things related to HR and People Ops.
Mark is a well-respected figure in the field of HR, bringing over 25 years of experience in HR change. He describes himself as someone who has built strong relationships through careful attention to detail, a natural sense of curiosity, and a good-natured sense of humour.
For the past 17 years, Mark has served as the managing principal of IA, a consulting firm that focuses on senior executives and HR management
Madison Butler offers a fresh perspective in the field of HR and people operations. As the Chief People Officer at GRAV, a Texas-based smoking supplies retailer, she urges HR and people ops professionals to challenge the norm and tackle important issues like race and gender. Her passion lies in nurturing company culture, fostering talent development, retaining employees, and promoting inclusive workplaces. She hosts the “Bye Bye Binary” podcast and runs a career hub for the queer community.
Lily Zheng is a consultant, speaker, and author who helps organizations move beyond one-time diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. On LinkedIn, Lily initiates conversations on crucial workplace topics, offers valuable resources, and encourages a fresh perspective on DEI in the workplace. Their work as a DEI advocate has gained recognition in reputable publications like Forbes, CNBC, The New York Times, and Entrepreneur.
He’s the author of the bestseller “Redefining HR: Transforming People Teams to Drive Business Performance” and frequently contributes to Fast Company. With over 20 years of experience, he’s the founder of Amplify, which assists companies and HR leaders in navigating the evolving work environment through courses, podcasts, books, and more. Notably, Lars has been recognized as a top influencer by HR Examiner, HuffPost, and LinkedIn.
Katie Burke has served as HubSpot’s Chief People Officer since 2017. She has a strong passion for diversity, inclusion, and culture, as well as a love for Beyoncé. She firmly believes in blending culture, innovation, leadership, and inclusiveness to create an outstanding workplace experience. Under her guidance, HubSpot gained recognition for its unique workplace culture. Katie initiated the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts, which include annually sharing diversity data and implementing programs to enhance diversity in leadership.
Formerly a refugee who escaped from Communist Romania, Bock’s journey to becoming a high-ranking executive at tech giant Google is a captivating one. His experiences and insights are always worth paying attention to. During his time as the former Senior Vice President of People at Google, he played a pivotal role in helping the company secure numerous accolades, including the title of ‘Best Company to Work For’ on more than 30 occasions, and over 100 awards as a leading employer. Bock’s pioneering initiatives have set industry standards, making him a role model for organizations worldwide.
Kris Dunn is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Kinetix and a well-loved blogger known for HR Capitalist and Fistful of Talent. With extensive experience in leading HR for both large corporations and startups, Kris emphasizes the importance of hiring top talent and then creating an environment that maximizes their motivation, performance, and effectiveness. He is also a sought-after speaker and influencer who can be found on LinkedIn and Twitter, where he shares the latest insights from the HR and business world, including his own thoughts, and provides valuable tips on upcoming online events.
Sharlyn is part of the board at The Workforce Institute, where they research and educate about important workplace issues worldwide. She’s also a writer, speaker, trainer, and consultant in HR management. Sharlyn has written books about hiring, running effective meetings, building strong leaders, and boosting employee engagement. She shares HR and other insights on her blog, HR Bartender, which was recognized as one of the top 5 HR blogs by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
She’s a former HR expert who turned into a busy freelance writer and speaker. In her own words, she offers career guidance with a touch of humor to businesses, HR professionals, employees, and job seekers. Through her expert articles, blog posts, and valuable contributions to various well-known platforms, she has assisted countless individuals in advancing their careers and becoming more effective managers.
He’s an HR analyst, author, and podcaster, and he currently holds the role of Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, a company that specializes in human capital management analysis. With a broad range of experience in areas like recruiting, benefits, training, employee relations, and executive coaching, Ben has worked in different company settings, including non-profits and small organizations. Notably, he co-founded the industry event HRevolution, manages a blog and podcast, and is involved in HR certification development through his program HR Summer School.
She is the host of famous podcast HR Happy Hour. Apart from the podcast, Trish also shares her thoughts on topics like analytics, human capital management, talent, and recruiting on her Twitter. She’s the author of the HR Ringleader blog and holds the role of VP of HR Practice/ Principal Analyst at the Brandon Hall Group. With over 15 years of experience in various fields, including Big 4 public accounting, PR, healthcare, and IT, Trish brings a wealth of knowledge to leadership, performance management, training & development, change management, social media, and innovation. She engages her audience with real-life examples of how leadership shapes organizations. She is indeed a very well-known HR influencer in the business world.
Jon Ingham is widely recognized as a leader in innovation, technology, and talent management in the human resources and business fields. He’s an accomplished writer, blogger, and contributor in the digital HR realm, sharing valuable tips, ideas, and advice on effective employee lifecycle management making him a notable influencer. With a wealth of expertise, Jon is a go-to source for insights and guidance in the HR and business space.
Kathryn is the creator and leader of The Muse, an online platform for careers. She spends her time shaping the future of work, caring deeply about career growth, and helping businesses find and keep the best people. She also values building strong company cultures for long-lasting organizations. If you check out her social media profiles, you’ll see her discussing workplace topics and culture. Give her a follow for more insights!
Kathleen Hogan holds the position of Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Microsoft. She began her journey with the company in 2003 as the Chief Operating Officer of Worldwide Sales, later taking on the role of Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Services in 2009, and assuming her current role as Chief People Officer in 2015. Kathleen’s primary goal is to empower Microsoft’s 217,000+ global employees to achieve their objectives within a culture that attracts and motivates exceptionally passionate talent.
Joey V. Price is the CEO of Jumpstart:HR, a company that helps startups and small businesses with HR outsourcing and consulting. He hosts two podcasts, “Business, Life, and Coffee” and “While We Were Working,” the latter being aimed at HR and people leaders, discussing current HR topics. With extensive HR experience, Joey emphasizes the importance of achieving high returns on investment by ensuring a content and engaged workforce. He also served as an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University in New York.
Jodi-Ann Burey is a popular speaker, influencer and writer who shares insights on being true to yourself, the complexity of identity, and reshaping workplace environments with her 38,000+ LinkedIn followers. Her TEDx Talk, “The Myth of Bringing Your Full, Authentic Self to Work,” has reached 1.4 million viewers and encouraged both employers and employees to reconsider their approach to creating a welcoming workplace. Jodi-Ann’s contributions have been featured on well-known platforms like The Muse and HBR, and she has been a guest on Brené Brown’s podcast, “Dare To Lead.” Beyond her professional discussions, Jodi-Ann also addresses her journey with cancer on her podcast, “Black Cancer.”
Ester Martinez serves as CEO & Editor-in-Chief at People Matters, guiding a thriving community for CHROs and business leaders. Together, they drive progress in talent and work practices, shaping sustainable business impact. She is an influencer and contributes valuable insights to the industry. She is also an active member of various HR and Business forums in India and internationally.
Jennifer Kim is an advisor for startups, a coach for leadership, and a strategist for diversity and inclusion. She is highly regarded for her work in helping startups embrace people operations as a crucial aspect of their business. Jennifer also manages the “Inclusion At Work” resource on Twitter and offers a course focused on talent acquisition in the startup ecosystem. Jennifer Kim is recognized as a “dot connector” who helps startups grow and thrive by fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Jacob Morgan, a well-known speaker and writer, is the creator of Future of Work University. He specializes in leadership, employee experiences, and the future of work. Jacob is engaged in sharing his thoughts, offering advice, and penning best-sellers. Being an influencer, he shares valuable information and handpicked content on various social media platforms.
Jackye holds the role of VP for Talent Acquisition and DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) at Textio. She is a strong supporter of DEI and has extensive experience in diverse industries. Jackye excels in discovering exceptional talent and championing her team. Additionally, she hosts the show “But First Coffee”.
David Hanrahan, Eventbrite’s Chief Human Resources Officer, has spent over twenty years as an HR leader in various companies, including Zendesk, Twitter, Shell, and Electronic Arts. His diverse skill set encompasses managing substantial hiring in high-growth environments, crafting job frameworks, executing effective reward strategies, and analyzing and improving employee engagement.
Claude Silver is famous for her role as the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia, a digital advertising agency. In this special job, she’s known for her dedication to creating a work environment that’s all about people and empathy. She highlights the value of emotional smarts and personal connections at work. Her efforts have earned her a strong reputation in HR and leadership. She keeps pushing for kinder and more heart-centred ways of managing and leading.
Adam Karpiak dedicated eight years to progressing from a recruiter to the Vice President of Recruiting. Afterward, he established his own company, which functions as a comprehensive recruiting agency. Additionally, Adam guides job seekers in distinguishing themselves during their job hunt and making informed decisions about their ideal work settings.
Jessica Miller-Merrell founded Workology and hosts its podcast. She’s known for her work on Generation Z’s influence in the workplace, as well as her discussions on upcoming HR technologies and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jessica is recognized as a Forbes Top 50 Social Media Power User and is a driving force for change in the workplace, with a strong emphasis on human resources and talent acquisition.
Jim Stroud is a writer, blogger, and public speaker. His primary focus revolves around human resources, recruitment, and job search strategies. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Jim has received recognition for his work, such as being featured in Monster.com‘s “Top Ten Employment Bloggers to Follow on Twitter” and securing the seventh spot on the “Top 25 HR Digital Influencers” list. Additionally, he’s the author of the book “The Number One Job Hunting Book in the World!” published in 2015.
Lou Adler is the CEO and Founder of The Adler Group. Through his company, he has provided training to over 40,000 recruiters and hiring managers. He’s also an accomplished author, with some of his books ranking as bestsellers on Amazon. On his Twitter account, he shares valuable insights on making smarter hiring decisions and offers guidance for HR professionals looking to enhance their recruitment techniques.
Marc is the creator and top boss at UNLEASH.ai, which is like a big online market for HR stuff. His goal is to get HR, learning, and hiring leaders from around the world excited about the future of work and new HR tech. He loves bringing people together to think up and make the future of work happen. For years, he’s built strong HR brands and helped make trustworthy HR groups all over the world.
Cynthia serves as the lead partner at TalentCulture, a thriving community of professionals keen on all aspects of the work world, where technology has a significant impact. With over two decades of experience, Cynthia is one of the most well-liked experts and trendsetters in HR technology. Her knowledge spans marketing communications, talent finding, and hiring, and she has a strong passion for finding and keeping talent, boosting the company’s reputation, and enhancing the employee journey.
Craig is the creator, and specialist in employer branding and marketing strategy at TalentNet Media. This company focuses on building employer brands and plans for hiring new talent. Craig also offers guidance to various businesses in HR technology and digital strategies. He’s collaborated with major companies like LinkedIn, Toyota, YUM! Brands, HootSuite, and many more. Craig’s achievements include founding the first LinkedIn-certified training company in North America and initiating the initial Twitter chat for recruiters.
Vernā holds the position of VP of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, where she focuses on promoting cultural diversity and inclusion. She’s an expert in the field of diversity and is known for her work as a cultural innovator and social commentator. Her role involves developing and executing strategies that infuse cultural diversity, equity, and inclusivity into every aspect of Netflix’s global operations.
Amy is the CEO of Lead at Any Level, a company that partners with organizations to develop a diverse leadership talent pool, ensuring a lasting competitive edge. She’s a DEI influencer, making inclusion happen, as a speaker, trainer, and consultant. Her focus is on helping companies keep their top talent and foster inclusive environments.Amy is a specialist in leadership, diversity, inclusion, networking, and unconscious bias. She frequently talks about retaining employees, keeping them engaged, and reducing turnover on her social media platformsLinkedin | Twitter
46. Risha Grant
Risha serves as the CEO of Risha Grant LLC, a company that offers a wide range of services related to diversity and inclusion communication and consulting. She is widely recognized for her expertise in this field and is an international speaker, author, consultant, and host of the KJRH-NBC Risha Talks series.Linkedin | Twitter
47. Jan Tegze
Jan serves as the Technical Recruiting Director at Tricentis. He is a speaker, trainer, blogger, and a leader in talent acquisition. Jan is also the author of “Full Stack Recruiter: The Ultimate Edition,” a thorough guidebook essential for professionals in the field.His background includes effectively leading teams and implementing recruitment and sourcing procedures. At conferences and events, Jan discusses various topics, such as global recruitment, sourcing techniques, innovative recruitment tools, strategies for sourcing, analytics, and more.Linkedin | Twitter
48. Lynne Oldham
Lynne holds the role of Chief People Officer at Glynn 100 and Stash. With more than two decades of experience in strategic HR leadership and talent acquisition across different sectors, she is dedicated to building vibrant, efficient, and financially successful companies. Lynne focuses on harnessing diversity and crafting strategies that inspire a sense of belonging and engagement among employees, ultimately leading to positive outcomes.
Linkedin | Twitter
49. Dalila Wilson-Scott
Dalila is the EVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.
She frequently speaks on philanthropy and equity-related topics at prominent events like the Aspen Ideas Festival, Social Innovation Summit, MIT Solve, USC Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy, and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute’s Annual Symposium.
The DEI influencer is passionate about social impact, inclusion, and innovation, topics she frequently discusses on her social media profiles.
Lindsay-Rae is the Chief Diversity Officer at Microsoft, aiming to build a stronger future through inclusive culture and technology.With more than 20 years of experience in HR for the technology industry, she is passionate about using cutting-edge, inclusive people methods to drive corporate growth.With more than 18K followers on her LinkedIn profile, Lindsay shares her tips and knowledge on diversity, inclusion, and allyship matters.Linkedin | Twitter
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