Whenever we ask HR professionals about the biggest barriers to innovative people practices, they almost always mention leaders and managers - and this is particularly true in sectors such as engineering and technology. They tell us that, because engineers respond well to process, they struggle to move away from bureaucratic, people processes in favour of more fluid and agile approaches. In this episode, we’re going to prove that engineers can absolutely make great people managers - and hear what HR can do to work with them more effectively.

The guest on this episode of HR Disrupted is Kiranbir Sodhia, a Senior Staff Engineering Manager at Google. Kiranbir shares his personal journey from an individual contributor to a people leader at industry giants like Microsoft and Google, candidly reflecting on early mistakes such as micromanaging and the vital role of formal leadership training. We discuss the growing trend of offering career paths for engineers that do not require transitioning into management, highlighting the value of individual contributors and the importance of HR in supporting managers who might not have initially aspired to those roles. Kiranbir's insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities of transforming engineers into effective people managers in a process-driven environment.

(00:03) Leadership Development in Engineering and Technology

(16:03) Effective Onboarding in Tech and Engineering

(21:25) HR and Engineering Manager Relationships

Kiranbir Sodhia https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiranbir/

Disruptive HR

Website: www.disruptivehr.com

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Hear from Victoria Tomlinson, CEO and founder of NextUp, to explore the concept of "unretirement" and the evolving landscape of age diversity in the workforce. In this episode we challenge the outdated perceptions of older workers, particularly in light of a recent controversial post from a global recruitment company which labelled workers over 55 as being ‘in decline’! Together, we confront these stereotypes and discuss the importance of shifting societal and corporate attitudes towards ageing. Victoria shares her inspiring journey and the role lifelong learning and reinvention have played in her career, offering a compelling case for continuous growth and contribution beyond traditional retirement.

We explore the option of embracing intergenerational workforce diversity, rather than seeing it as a problem and rethinking age diversity in employment. The discussion highlights the responsibilities of both employers and older workers in fostering inclusive workplaces that leverage the skills and experiences of all ages. Together, we advocate for a holistic approach to employee well-being that extends beyond traditional retirement, ensuring continuous learning and purpose for all.

(00:03) - Navigating Unretirement and Career Transitions

(12:11) - Professional Transition Workshops for Women

(15:33) - Embracing Intergenerational Workforce Diversity

(24:20) - Rethinking Age Diversity in Employment

Next-Up https://www.next-up.com/

Disruptive HR

Website: www.disruptivehr.com

Join the Disruptive HR Club https://disruptivehr.com/welcome-to-the-future-of-hr/

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In 2009 Netflix caused a huge stir in the HR and tech worlds with their 125 page slide deck that set out a new way of leading people. Whilst many companies have now adopted their concepts such as ‘freedom with accountability’, the rejection of the idea that businesses are a family, and the so-called Keeper Test, Netflix were the first major corporation to introduce them. In this episode, Kenny Temowo, a senior member of the Leadership Culture & Talent Development team at Netflix, describes the on-going impact of these pioneering principles.

Kenny describes the role of creativity within organizational culture and the importance of an environment that encourages risk-taking and playfulness. We look at how to combine alignment with company-wide approaches with meeting the needs of local teams. And we explore Netflix's distinctive leadership seminars, which foster leadership excellence through engaging stories, poetry, and articles. This approach encourages leaders to navigate real-world challenges without traditional learning objectives, creating an immersive experience that empowers leaders to find solutions collectively.

As an added bonus, we discuss our shared love for British Blue Shorthair cats! Whether you're an HR enthusiast, a leader, or a cat lover, this episode has something for everyone!

Chapters

(00:03) - Innovative HR Strategies at Netflix

(13:50) - Fostering Creativity in Organizational Culture

(26:55) - Leadership Seminars and Peer Learning

(39:03) - Feline Friends

Kenny Temowo

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennytemowo/

Disruptive HR

Website: www.disruptivehr.com

Join the Disruptive HR Club https://disruptivehr.com/welcome-to-the-future-of-hr/

Email: hello@disruptivehr.com