“Oftentimes in HR, we are looking at and supporting others. We don’t pay attention to kind of what we need for ourselves... So I would say ask for what you want.” - Kathy Claytor

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In this episode, Kathy Claytor, a long time CHRO at multiple organizations, opens up about her career journey from her “origin story” as an accidental HR pro to leading global HR transformations. She reveals why she believes now is a pivotal time for HR’s impact.

Together, Jason and Kathy unpack the changing demands of the CHRO role, mentorship, and how technology and AI are reshaping the work of people leaders everywhere.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Be intentional about mentorship, identify and invite those you admire to share their wisdom (and don’t be afraid to start with a simple coffee ask).

👉 Modern CHROs need financial savvy, business strategy awareness, and a commitment to becoming voracious learners, beyond the traditional HR practices.

👉 Data proficiency and tech skills are table stakes, but the real value-add? Learning to influence across the enterprise, especially when helping steer AI and digital adoption beyond the HR function.

👉 Advocate for yourself as fiercely as you advocate for others. Don’t assume leaders know your ambitions. Raise your hand!

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Kathy Claytor has built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to advancing the human resources profession. As an accomplished Chief Human Resources Officer and the current Board Chair at HRCI, she has become a trusted voice in shaping the future of HR. Her professional journey spans influential roles at organizations such as Delta Dental, Northwinds Technology, and One Mind Health India.

Connect with Kathy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyclaytor/

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Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Join Jason for an eye-opening and hopeful conversation with Will Matthews, the Director of Learning and Engagement (aka “Team Hearts and Minds”) at G Adventures.

Will shares offers fresh insights on how we can better recognize and activate the hidden leaders on our teams. Together, Jason and Will dive deep into the origins and nuances of “reluctant leaders”, those talented individuals who opt out of leadership because of limiting stories or outdated models of what a leader should be.

Key highlights from the episode include:

👉 True leadership isn’t about being loud, social, or front-and-center; it’s about making others better, going first, and creating space for growth.

👉 Managers can unlock incredible results by seeking out reluctant leaders, investing in human-centered development for all, and recognizing that leadership is a collective, evolving practice.

👉 Discover how G Adventures uses innovative programs and clear messaging to ensure every team member, from office to remote guide, feels empowered to lead and connect.

👉 Learn concrete techniques for identifying overlooked talent, inviting introverted and non-traditional employees into growth pathways, and reframing “leadership” as essential human skills.

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Connect with Will:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbmatthews/

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JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

#Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

Join Jason for a provocative episode as he welcomes Jessica Winder, Senior Vice President of People, Colab Software. She brings a fresh, no-nonsense perspective to employee experience and workplace culture.

Jason and Jessica explore what it means to lead with fairness. Together, they unpack why fairness isn’t about treating everyone the same, how transparency fits into the equation, and what it takes to balance people and performance.

It’s a real-world conversation for anyone who’s ever wrestled with making the right call when the answer isn’t black and white.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Fairness isn’t about treating everyone the same. It’s about making consistent decisions that align with your values, even when you can’t share all the details.

👉 Lack of transparency breeds mistrust: Overshare what you can, set clear expectations, and be honest when you can’t disclose everything.

👉 Employee perceptions of fairness are shaped as much by how you treat them as by the outcomes you deliver.

👉 Employees feeling unfairly treated should clarify their concerns, gather specifics, and approach the conversation thoughtfully to drive productive dialogue.

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Connect with Jessica:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadwinder/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemcoach/

Website: https://www.hiddengemcareercoaching.com/

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JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.

Subscribe to our newsletter:

https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

#Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence