Workplace Stories by RedThread Research

By: Stacia Garr & Dani Johnson
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  • Summary

  • At RedThread, we love our data, but we know that what you remember is stories. So we spend time listening to thinkers, writers, leaders, and practitioners as they tell their stories about what works in the workplace, what they’ve learned, and what they hope to see in the future. We hope you find it inspirational, motivational, and a touch irreverent.
    RedThread Research 2024
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Economics Management
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Episodes
  • People Analytics & AI’s Real-World Impact at FedEx with Cole Napper

    People Analytics & AI’s Real-World Impact at FedEx with Cole Napper
    Nov 6 2024
    Cole Napper, FedEx’s Global Head of People Analytics, joined us to explore the real versus ideal roles of AI in HR and people analytics, focusing on practical application and real-world impact. Cole highlighted AI’s current limitations, especially the problem of “anti-productive work,” where technology demands extra effort rather than reducing it. His perspective emphasizes the need for critical thinking in analytics to ensure AI truly serves organizational goals.

    Cole also talked about the structural improvements required to enhance data quality and discussed how people analytics teams need to evolve for AI to make a meaningful difference. His pragmatic vision challenges the hype surrounding AI and reframes it as a tool to support strategic decision-making rather than an all-encompassing solution.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Introducing our conversation with Cole Napper of FedEx [00:22]
    • Why AI should focus on productive work [02:10]
    • How specialized agents could reshape HR technology and analytics workflows [03:10]
    • Whether we are expecting too much from AI too soon in people analytics [07:00]
    • The disconnect between vendors’ AI promises and actual user experience [08:20]
    • Whether AI is driving value within organizations or merely adding costs [14:00]
    • Why critical thinking is a core skill for leveraging AI in people analytics [17:10]
    • The "Inquisitor and Change Agent" model and how it improves analytics impact [21:10]
    • How AI can evolve from repetitive data tasks to strategic roles [22:00]
    • Whether modular tools and specialized AI agents could be the future [41:30]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Directionally Correct podcast by Cole Napper and Scott Hines
    • "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
    • Nvidia
    Connect with Cole Napper
    • Cole Napper on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    50 mins
  • Why Social Network Perspective Matters with Greg Pryor

    Why Social Network Perspective Matters with Greg Pryor
    Oct 23 2024
    Could your network be the key to your career success and organizational growth? In this episode of Workplace Stories, we chat with Greg Pryor, author of the upcoming book, “The Social Capital Imperative.”

    Greg explains how social capital—our connections and relationships—drives business outcomes, sparks innovation, and boosts career growth. With the pandemic reshaping work, he argues that shifting from internal networks to open, cross-functional ones is crucial for success today.Greg shares practical strategies for making network-building accessible to individuals, teams, and organizations.

    He highlights how AI and technology can help unlock the potential of networks, focusing on measurable outcomes. His passion for helping organizations harness the power of social networks makes a strong case for why networks matter in the modern workplace.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • How focusing on people and networks—not just technology—drives workplace results [1:00]
    • Nine key use cases for network analysis, ranging from career growth to cultural change [2:40]
    • How Post Malone’s collaborations illustrate the power of networks in boosting success [9:00]
    • How “energizing influencers” like Dolly Parton can spark organizational transformation [14:00]
    • How the pandemic shifted networks from open to closed, impacting innovation [29:00]
    • Building networks for career growth, even without organizational support [39:20]
    • How AI can make network analysis more accessible and actionable [44:18]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • The Social Capital Imperative
    • Organizational Network Analysis (ONA)
    • Amy Edmondson’s work on Psychological Safety
    • Rob Cross - network analysis expert
    • John Boudreau
    Connect with Greg Pryor
    • Greg Pryor on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Redefining Learning and Development at McKinsey: Lisa Christensen

    Redefining Learning and Development at McKinsey: Lisa Christensen
    Oct 9 2024
    What if your L&D team could shift from merely delivering training to truly driving your company’s strategic goals? In this conversation, we talk with Lisa Christensen, McKinsey’s Director of Learning and Innovation. Lisa takes a refreshingly strategic approach, asking not just how L&D can support learning but “To what end?” She shares how her focus on outcomes over output has reshaped McKinsey’s approach to everything from people analytics to building a strong feedback culture.

    We also talk about why L&D should embrace experimentation, moving far beyond traditional course delivery to tackle big organizational challenges. Lisa makes the case for L&D to collaborate closely with People Analytics and Legal to ensure that learning initiatives aren’t just reactive but strategically positioned for future growth. Her “no regrets” actions offer useful, bold steps for L&D leaders, inspiring us to see the function as a driver of both human and organizational transformation.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Why McKinsey's L&D team always starts with the question, "To what end?" [1:00]
    • The risk of L&D focusing only on short-term skill needs [15:00]
    • Collaboration with People Analytics transforming L&D's impact [18:00]
    • L&D teams losing their value by sticking to outdated metrics [20:00]
    • What it means for L&D to have an experimental mindset [31:00]
    • How L&D leaders can ensure their department's stability and credibility [37:00]
    • The “no regrets” actions every L&D team should consider right now [43:00]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Oliver Wyman Report on Workforce Future
    • McKinsey’s Learning & Innovation Center of Excellence
    Connect with Lisa Christensen
    • Connect with Lisa Christensen on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
    Show more Show less
    47 mins

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