The future of HR requires bold choices and the willingness to step into uncertainty. In this episode, JP Elliott, Founder of Future of HR Consulting, explores how courage shapes leadership, careers and the evolving workplace. JP shares his journey from corporate HR leadership roles to building a global podcast and launching the NextGen HR Accelerator. Together, we examine how HR leaders can make courageous choices in the face of technological disruption, shifting expectations and the rise of AI.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:24 JP shares how 20+ years in HR led him to launch “The Future of HR Podcast.”

04:54 HR leaders must invest in themselves as expectations rise.

10:48 Insights from 150 interviews shaped a framework for great HR leadership.

14:48 The future path to CHRO remains uncertain as technology reshapes the role.

16:10 HR leaders must share tough perspectives, backed by deep business understanding.

17:54 Courage is giving yourself permission to ask hard questions.

20:18 The most courageous choice ahead is investing in yourself.

22:44 Action beats reflection — courage comes from taking the first step.

Resources Mentioned:

JP Elliott

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

Future of HR Consulting | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-of-hr-consulting/

Future of HR Consulting | Website

https://www.futureofhr.com/

“The Future of HR Podcast”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-of-hr/id1644712611

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

The role of HR continues to evolve, yet ambiguity still surrounds its true impact at the executive level. In this episode, we sit down with John Boudreau, Author, Speaker, Coach, Consultant and Advisor at Dr. John W Boudreau, to explore how courage and clarity can reshape the CHRO’s position in modern organizations. John reflects on four decades of research and advisory work, offering a framework for how HR leaders can define their role, influence strategy and step into spaces where they’re often overlooked. From bet-the-badge moments to building credibility with boards and senior teams, he highlights why courage is essential to turning ambiguity into opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:27 John reflects on starting at Cornell and discovering his passion for HR.

05:46 Early research focused on linking people’s investments to business value.

09:03 The CHRO role spans five platforms, from running HR to influencing boards and strategy.

15:23 Building credibility with senior teams starts by leading onboarding and evaluation.

22:35 CHROs often inherit roles, but a framework helps reassess and drive change.

24:42 Bet-the-badge moments define courage when CHROs risk their role to do what’s right.

28:55 The real HR bottleneck is not data or models but lacking platforms to be heard.

31:44 Leaders should assess their five platforms, then build influence from existing strengths.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. John W Boudreau | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-john-w-boudreau/

Dr. John W Boudreau | Website

https://drjohnboudreau.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Courage doesn’t always show up with noise. Sometimes it’s quiet, intentional and rooted in knowing where we stand. In this episode, Susan Kelliher, Founder/Principal of Sentima Advisors LLC and Board Member of the National Safety Council, Airvet and EJ, explores how courage shows up in the workplace — whether in the boardroom, during sensitive conversations or in moments of personal growth. With a career shaped by high-stakes decisions, Susan shares the powerful impact of standing firm in one’s values, fostering inclusive leadership and creating space for others to find their voice.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:39 Stepping into board roles means guiding organizations with a broader perspective.

05:30 Courage shows up in both quiet moments and visible decisions.

10:00 Great leaders listen fully, even when it challenges what they think they know.

13:30 Courage can emerge in quiet leadership moments that shape how teams grow.

16:30 Shaping culture means sharing responsibility instead of placing it all on HR.

18:45 Facing discomfort means focusing on the good that can come from taking action.

21:04 Susan’s first HR job meant supporting senior leaders before she felt ready.

24:47 Making an impact means knowing what matters and pushing past comfort.

Resources Mentioned:

Susan Kelliher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kelliher/

National Safety Council

https://www.nsc.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3fkyGWiX4WtszAzeAHJW7LGkW7oid95fjTAMrCrSxmYgOi-ZY

Airvet | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/airvet/

Airvet | Website

https://www.airvet.com/

EJ

https://www.ejco.com/global

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

https://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth