In today’s fast-paced world where candidates are always looking for the next opportunity, it’s rare to find someone dedicated to growing within one organization. As today’s guest Lani Montoya demonstrates, internal growth may be the best way to develop exceptional people leaders. Lani is the Chief People Officer at Pernod Ricard, the world leader in premium international wines and spirits, and she begins by explaining her path to joining the company and why she chose to grow in it instead of seeking opportunities elsewhere. We discuss how to rise above workplace complacency, the value of persistence and commitment, whether a work-life balance is real or myth, and the role of modern people leaders. Lani also describes how she makes new hires, how she helps others realize their people-leadership potential, what Pernod Ricard has cooking in leadership development, and her advice for choosing between staying at a company and pursuing other avenues.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Lani describes Pernod Ricard and how she became its Chief People Officer.

• Why she chose to grow within the organization instead of looking elsewhere.

• How to stay at a company without becoming complacent (and still adding value).

• What Lani is busy working on today, and what she still hopes to achieve at the company.

• Why she believes in balance as a whole but not in work-life balance.

• Understanding what’s expected of modern people leaders.

• How Pernod Ricard prepares its people to become the type of leaders it needs.

• Lani’s process for helping others embrace and explore their people-leadership potential.

• Whether leadership and career growth go hand-in-hand

• Unpacking Pernod Ricard’s leadership development platform.

• Pernod Ricard’s strategy for becoming known as a skills-based organization.

• Lani’s advice for deciding whether to leave or stay at a company for personal growth.

Quotes:

“I always found the work I did [at Pernod Ricard] very interesting. I love the trust, the independence that I had, and I always felt like I was making a difference.” — Lani Montoya [11:41]

“I’m not so sure that I believe in work-life balance, but I do believe in balance.” — Lani Montoya [14:57]

“Strengthening the role of the people leader is a big opportunity for driving engagement, driving results, and driving our culture.” — Lani Montoya [22:39]

“Being a people leader is as much an art as it is a science.” — Lani Montoya [25:05]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Lani Montoya on LinkedIn

Learning & Development | Pernod Ricard

LHH Recruitment Solutions

A Beautiful Working World