CHRO Community Highlights from 2024

In 2024, Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) from the world’s foremost organizations gathered for 69 Evanta events. These gatherings spanned 15 communities across North America, Europe, and Australia, and offered invaluable platforms for HR leaders to connect, collaborate, and innovate.

Within this supportive community, CHROs shared common challenges and discovered innovative solutions, equipping themselves with effective strategies to enhance their organizations. 

The program agendas for Executive Summits, Town Halls, and Inner Circles highlighted three key themes: boosting resiliency through change and innovation, developing the next generation of leaders for evolving ways of work, and fostering connected culture in hybrid work environments.

Take a look back at some of the top-rated sessions in 2024:
 

Highly-Rated Presentations By CHROs, For CHROs®

Keynote: Taking Employees to New Heights

This keynote presentation by Joanne Smith, EVP & CHRO, Delta Air Lines, addressed the top priority for CHROs across all brands: leadership development. She outlined Delta's strategy to harness the potential of its workforce by implementing employee-driven initiatives and investing in skills and career development. The approach also emphasizes empowering leaders to effectively embody and promote company culture. Joanne says the overall message is clear: people are the heart of every organization. Participants commented:

Great session by a great speaker… inspiring on how Delta has transformed various areas.”

Love the message about the importance of culture and being a servant leader. Excellent and timely presentation.”

Keynote: Using Data to Speak the Language of Business 

This keynote by Trisha Conley, EVP, People & Culture (CHRO) at LyondellBasell, served as a comprehensive guide for establishing a data-driven HR function. Trisha Conley provided scalable solutions for organizations of all sizes. The goal is to have HR involved in the data revolution taking over organizations. The session even covered effective strategies for communicating data insights to the board and CEO. Participants shared:

Outstanding! Practical, actionable, real-life examples.”

Super important topic for HR – especially as we are drowning in more and more data, but not making good business cases for People functions and programs! Great session.”

Breakout Session: HR + AI — Embracing Tech with a Human Touch

Generative AI continues to be a hot topic in the HR world. In this breakout session, Ceci Dones, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, and Liz Osterhus, President, CHRO at Ipsos NA, explained the human-in-the-loop approach to implementing artificial intelligence. They also discussed the ethical concerns with AI and how HR leaders can spot opportunities to incorporate the technology. Participants noted:

Loved the construct. Balance of theory and operational side of things, plus engagement of the crowd.”

I learned new tools that I can implement and share immediately.”

Breakout Session: Once Upon an Employee Value Proposition...

In this breakout session, Mary Beth DeNooyer, CHRO of Keurig Dr Pepper, and Jason Vlaun, CHRO of NHP Rhode Island, highlighted how HR leaders can craft an authentic culture and EVP to attract, retain and develop employees. During the discussion, they drove home the critical importance of authenticity, communication, and continuous improvement in maintaining organizational competitiveness in today's rapidly changing landscape.

Great session. Loved the examples from a small company and a large company.”

Terrific presentation, relevant and practical.”

Town Hall: The State of Workforce Mental Health

In this New York CHRO Town Hall, community members discussed how they can focus on mental health to foster healthier teams and build stronger organizations. Justine Mitsock, Senior Strategist at Lyra Health, presented the latest research on employee mental health, while participants exchanged strategies and discussed challenges related to implementing well-being benefits.

Inner Circle: Leveraging Emerging HR Technology amid AI Complexities 

HR leaders face evolving challenges as AI and new technologies advance. At Inner Circles for numerous communities, CHROs discussed how they can develop a future-ready HR technology roadmap, focusing on implementation, workforce readiness, and investment. 

Most Popular Content

• Infographic: 2024 CHRO Leadership Perspectives
  More than 400 CHROs shared their priorities, challenges and planned investments in our annual Leadership Perspective Survey – here’s what they reported.
• Blog: Top 3 Areas of Focus for CHROs in 2024
  Each year, we explore the top themes we anticipate will shape CHROs’ priorities for the year ahead. Here are three key themes for CHROs in 2024.
• Town Hall Insights: Owning and Maximizing Total Wellness Programs
  CHROs in the Atlanta community gathered for a town hall to discuss how organizations can implement total wellness programs that address employees’ needs and enhance their workplace cultures. Here, we outline the key takeaways from the discussion.
• Blog: Seven Top Trends for CHROs in 2024
  Based on the findings from our proprietary CHRO Leadership Perspective Survey, seven key trends have emerged. Here is an overview of the top priorities and investment areas for CHROs in 2024.
• Leadership Profile: Leading Change: A CHRO's Path to Disruptive Leadership
  Trisha Conley's HR journey exemplifies resilience and adaptability. In this Leadership Profile, explore how Trisha earned her seat at the table as a CHRO, her role in driving transformative change at LyondellBasell, and her insights on the potential of AI.

In 2025, CHRO communities will continue to come together to exchange insights on their top priorities and challenges. Looking ahead, they will be focusing on the following three themes:

1. Fast-tracking Leadership and Manager Development
2. Building an Organizational Culture through HR Technology Innovation
3. Strategic Workforce Planning and Change Management

If you are an HR leader looking to validate strategies with your CHRO peers, apply to join your local CHRO community. Or, if you are already a member, sign in to MyEvanta to find upcoming opportunities to connect with your community.