Episodes

  • #141 - Michael "Hutch" Hutchins - Jam Bands, Gen Z Personality, Stack Ranking, & PhD Attractiveness

    #141 - Michael "Hutch" Hutchins - Jam Bands, Gen Z Personality, Stack Ranking, & PhD Attractiveness
    Sep 7 2025
    Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast with special guest, Michael "Hutch" Hutchins, Principal Product Manager, People Analytics at AWS! In this episode of Directionally Correct, hosts Cole and Scott are joined by guest Michael Hutchins for a free-flowing, unscripted conversation that ranges far beyond their usual people analytics focus. The trio kicks off with a study on physical attractiveness and speaking fees across disciplines, then dives into generational personality shifts, exploring how Gen Z’s constant digital stimulation may be reshaping traits like conscientiousness and neuroticism. From debating performance rankings in elite institutions like Harvard Medical School to riffing on Led Zeppelin’s business networks and even the Tartarian mud flood conspiracy, no topic is off-limits. With humor and curiosity, the group reflects on how technology, culture, and speculation are shaping the way we learn, connect, and understand each other in the digital age.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • #140 - Ben Eubanks - Artificial Intelligence in HR, Industry Analysts, & Southern Accents

    #140 - Ben Eubanks - Artificial Intelligence in HR, Industry Analysts, & Southern Accents
    Aug 31 2025
    Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast with special guest, Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory & Author of Artificial Intelligence in HR! Join us on Directionally Correct as we sit down with Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research and Advisory and author of Artificial Intelligence for HR. In this conversation, Ben dives into the newly released third edition of his book, the role of analysts in shaping HR technology, and Lighthouse’s mission to uncover HR trends through in-depth surveys. He also opens up about his personal journey of fostering and adoption, his love for ultramarathon running, and the lessons they’ve taught him about resilience and leadership. We explore how HR can evolve from reactive to proactive by harnessing data, storytelling, and adaptive culture—and wrap up with fresh insights from the latest research in business psychology and talent strategy. If you’re passionate about the future of work, people strategy, and what it takes to build a truly data-driven HR function, this episode is not to be missed.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • #139 - Cole Napper - Book Release Episode: "People Analytics" Available Aug 26th!

    #139 - Cole Napper - Book Release Episode: "People Analytics" Available Aug 26th!
    Aug 24 2025
    Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast with special guest & host, Cole Napper, Author of People Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as an Asset, go check it out! Scott interviews Cole for a slightly different feel. Let us know what you think. Buy the book here: https://a.co/d/1W37wD2 Welcome to the latest episode of Directionally Correct, a people analytics podcast hosted by Cole and Scott. In this episode, Cole dives deep into a range of engaging topics with a spotlight on generative AI and its impact on people analytics. Join us as we discuss Cole Napper's comprehensive new book, "People Analytics Using Data-Driven HR and Generative AI as a Business Asset," which is designed to be a valuable resource for both current and future challenges in the field. Cole shares insightful sections of his book, including the importance of adding business value with people analytics and the role of generative AI in transforming how organizations operate. He also highlights the ethical considerations that come with the implementation of AI, emphasizing the need for maintaining integrity. Amidst these discussions, Cole and Scott have an open conversation about personal experiences with anxiety, the process of writing a book, and the shifting landscape of work in the age of AI. They reflect on how technology is changing their professional lives, raising questions about the balance between remaining authentic and adapting to new expectations. This engaging and thought-provoking episode promises listeners a deeper understanding of the current state and future trajectory of people analytics, intertwined with real and relatable human experiences. Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #138 - Ross Sparkman - Strategic Workforce Planning, Star Teams, & The Nike Story

    #138 - Ross Sparkman - Strategic Workforce Planning, Star Teams, & The Nike Story
    Aug 17 2025
    Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com! Join Cole and Scott on this episode of Directionally Correct as they dive into the world of workforce planning with their guest, Ross Sparkman, Head of Workforce Planning at Nutrien and Author of Strategic Workforce Planning. Discover how the military's logistical prowess served as a foundational experience for Ross in mapping out effective workforce strategies. Listen in as Ross shares insights from his time at prestigious companies like Nike and Walmart, and how those experiences shaped his views on strategic workforce planning. The discussion navigates through the integration of AI in workforce strategies and how Nutrien is at the forefront of this transformation. Tune in as they explore the evolution of workforce planning, the lessons learned from past corporate experiences, and the role of AI in reshaping the future of work. If you’re intrigued by the intersections of technology and workforce strategy, you won’t want to miss this episode!
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • #137 - Dr. Gina Thoebes - Organizational Performance @ The Arizona Cardinals

    #137 - Dr. Gina Thoebes - Organizational Performance @ The Arizona Cardinals
    Aug 10 2025
    Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com! This engaging episode of the people analytics podcast "Directionally Correct" features Cole and special guest Dr. Gina Thoebes, VP of Organizational Performance at the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team. Gina shares insightful strategies on leadership development within high-stakes environments, drawing from her extensive experience in the NFL and her previous roles at the Cleveland Clinic and Macy's. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, capabilities, and versatility in leaders and how sports and business office leaders share this focus on continuous improvement. The conversation uncovers the role of science and data in leadership coaching, emphasizing staying grounded in evidence-based practices and mindful approaches. Gina also explains her unique position within the Cardinals as a pioneering VP role and the significant demand for effective leadership development programs. They delve into the role of people analytics in modern HR, exploring the potential shift towards generative AI and its transformation in HR functions. Besides professional insights, the episode offers personal anecdotes and humorous accounts from Gina’s diverse career journey, making for an informative yet entertaining discussion. This episode is a comprehensive mix of leadership lessons, practical applications, and forward-thinking strategies for professionals eager to advance in analytics and organizational performance roles. You can find Gina's website: stellapolarisexecdev.com here
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • #136 - Kristin Cullen-Lester and Greg Pryor - The Social Capital Imperative & Network Analysis

    #136 - Kristin Cullen-Lester and Greg Pryor - The Social Capital Imperative & Network Analysis
    Aug 3 2025
    Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com! Welcome to 'Directionally Correct' with Cole and Scott, a podcast dedicated to educating and entertaining listeners on the nuances of people analytics. In this enlightening episode, they are joined by renowned guests Kristin Cullen-Lester and Greg Pryor, editors of the influential book, 'The Social Capital Imperative.' Delve into the fascinating world of social network analysis and organizational network analysis as the guests share insightful distinctions between social and human capital. Listen as they explore the critical role social capital plays in organizational success, drawing from real-world examples and case studies presented in their extensive book. Discover how a focus on networks can aid organizational strategy, enhance team dynamics, and unlock hidden potential within your professional connections. Whether you are an academic, a practitioner, or simply curious about the pulse of organizations, this episode offers rich perspectives and invaluable knowledge. Don't miss the discussion on how social capital strategies can determine the success of tasks like managing a merger or fostering innovation within an organization.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • #135 - Craig Starbuck - HR Tech Voices Episode with OrgAcuity

    #135 - Craig Starbuck - HR Tech Voices Episode with OrgAcuity
    Jul 26 2025
    Craig Starbuck, the Founder and CEO of OrgAcuity, joins the Directionally Correct podcast for our latest HR Tech Voices episode of 2025. If you like what you hear in this episode, check out OrgAcuity here: https://www.orgacuity.com/ Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Join us on this episode of Directionally Correct, hosted by Cole and Scott, where we sit down with Craig Starbuck, the insightful co-founder and CEO of OrgAcuity. Craig shares his journey from engineering to people analytics, emphasizing the power of employee voice and the formation of OrgAcuity to revolutionize employee listening and people analytics. Discover the nuances of workplace dynamics, leader effectiveness, and how predictive data can drive organizational success. We explore the innovative use of AI and network analytics to enhance decision-making and foster actionable insights. From discussing the barriers of traditional feedback to unveiling the role of social capital, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at how OrgAcuity is reshaping the HR landscape and making sophisticated analytics accessible to all organizations.
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    42 mins
  • #134 - Scott Reida - Rule of 72, Michael Jordan, & Talent Hubs

    #134 - Scott Reida - Rule of 72, Michael Jordan, & Talent Hubs
    Jul 20 2025
    Help support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect Check out Cole’s new website colenapper.com! Welcome to an engaging episode of Directionally Correct, a podcast dedicated to people analytics. Join our host as he sits down with the insightful Scott Reida from Amazon Web Services to delve into a myriad of topics transforming the workforce landscape. This episode kicks off with a humorous anecdote about feline interruptions before diving into the crux of the conversation - the Rule of 72 and its implications for workforce skill obsolescence. Scott explains this rule's origin in finance and fascinatingly applies it to people analytics, offering insights into how job roles evolve over time with skill replacement becoming a necessity. The discussion meanders through intriguing topics, including the use of machine learning models like GPTs in predicting talent hub success, drawing parallels to traditional linked data sharing in the people analytics space, and innovative ways to stay ahead in the field. The conversation explores the intriguing intersection of AI advancements, productivity, and salary structures, touching upon the theory of how AI might lead to job equality in pay scales. Tune in for a vibrant chat that not only educates but also enlivens the understanding of contemporary challenges and innovations in people analytics.
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    1 hr and 4 mins