Workplace Stories by RedThread Research

By: Stacia Garr & Dani Johnson
  • 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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Episodes
  • The Art of Finding and Growing Niche Skills with Cari Bohley
    Dec 27 2024
    Cari Bohley, Vice President of Talent Management at Peraton, talks about solving real workplace problems by focusing on skills. From finding highly specialized talent in competitive markets to helping employees see clear career paths, Cari explains how tools like AI are changing the game. She shares what it takes to turn skills into a practical solution for hiring, retention, and engagement—especially in an industry where the stakes are high. Her story offers actionable insights for tackling challenges in hiring and L&D while proving the value of these efforts to leadership.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Cari’s role at Peraton and its mission-critical focus [0:00]
    • Metrics that make leadership care about skills [1:20]
    • How timing impacts a business case [2:00]
    • Using AI to hire in niche markets [7:07]
    • Boosting retention with clear career paths [13:10]
    • Skills as the foundation for hiring and growth [16:10]
    • Tailoring a business case for leadership buy-in [32:30]
    • What success looks like with skills tools [35:00]
    • Lessons from implementing too quickly [39:06]
    • Why Cari enjoys the “fun” side of HR [40:20]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Peraton
    • SeekOut
    • Constellation Research Supernova Awards
    Connect with Cari Bohley
    • Cari Bohley 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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    42 mins
  • The Existential Crisis of L&D with Albertsons’ Michelle Kay
    Dec 23 2024
    What happens to an organization when learning and development disappears? It’s a question more leaders are facing as L&D teams shrink or are deprioritized, even as the demand for a skilled workforce grows.

    Michelle Kay, Head of Learning and Development at Albertsons, has a clear answer: the unique expertise of L&D is irreplaceable. Managing learning for over 355,000 associates across one of the nation’s largest grocery chains, Michelle demonstrates how L&D can be a driving force behind business success, even in the face of change and uncertainty.

    Michelle’s perspective blends optimism and realism as she tackles pressing challenges like AI integration, burnout, and evolving workforce expectations. She explores how L&D functions as a critical link between talent development and business needs, offering tools for long-term growth and innovation.

    Through her candid insights and stories, she shows how learning teams can remain relevant, impactful, and future-focused—despite the shifting dynamics of the workplace.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • How L&D can remain relevant in shrinking organizations [2:10]
    • How generative AI might reduce burnout and simplify work [12:00]
    • Balancing alignment and innovation in L&D leadership [17:22]
    • Why curiosity is key for navigating rapid change [21:00]
    • The unique skills L&D professionals bring to the table [25:55]
    • How to approach AI experimentation in a low-risk way [30:10]
    • What happens when L&D teams partner with AI for growth [33:30]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, AI voice generators):
      Explore ChatGPT | AI Voice Generators like ElevenLabs
    • Malcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point audiobook
    Connect with Michelle Kay
    • Michelle Kay 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
    41 mins
  • AI And Data Governance with Nick Hudgell
    Dec 18 2024
    We had an incredible conversation with Nick Hudgell, Global Head of People Insights at Sanofi, about the transformative power of data governance and AI in HR. Nick shared how his team has built an infrastructure that connects disparate systems, improves data quality, and uses machine learning to unlock insights that genuinely improve employee experiences.

    From rethinking engagement surveys to launching AI-powered tools like the Sanofi Concierge, Nick made the case for why data is the backbone of innovation in people management.Nick also shared thought-provoking stories about breaking down resistance to change, balancing data privacy with innovation, and navigating the challenges of working in complex, multinational environments.

    We learned how his team collaborates across functions to streamline data, standardize definitions, and ensure technology is implemented in ways that actually work for employees. The practical examples he provided, from engagement programs to job architecture improvements, highlight the tangible results of getting the data right.

    We couldn’t have been more energized by Nick’s passion for making data governance approachable and impactful.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • Why data governance is crucial for successful AI [1:10]
    • Using the house metaphor to explain strong data foundations [2:36]
    • Nick’s path from psychology student to HR leader [6:00]
    • How Sanofi integrates data governance with HR tech [10:24]
    • Steps to build an effective data governance framework [14:40]
    • Handling siloed HR tech and aligning it with company goals [18:20]
    • Measuring employee engagement program success with data [25:10]
    • What data-as-a-service means for HR's future [31:00]
    • Sanofi’s use of AI to analyze and act on employee feedback [47:00]
    • Why data governance is key to AI and growth [54:20]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Sanofi Concierge – AI-powered internal assistant tool supporting employees with personalized guidance.
    Connect with Nick Hudgell
    • Nick Hudgell 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
    55 mins

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