Unmuted Podcast - Episode #45
Topic: Redefining & Evolving the Chief People Officer - What It Takes to Succeed
Host: Jeff Waldman
Guest: Joanna Kmiec
The role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) is undergoing a major transformation. No longer just focused on HR operations, today’s CPO is a strategic business driver, shaping company culture, talent strategies, and overall organizational success. In this episode of Unmuted, host Jeff Waldman sits down with Joanna Kmiec to explore what it truly takes to succeed in this evolving role.
Joanna shares insights on the critical skills modern CPOs need—being data-driven, tech-savvy, and aligned with business goals—to influence at the executive level. She also breaks down the difference between a reactive HR leader and a truly strategic CPO, offering practical advice on how HR professionals can demonstrate their business value.
Other key discussion points include:
✅ The biggest misconceptions about working in HR and who shouldn’t pursue this career
✅ Red flags candidates should watch for when interviewing for a CPO role
✅ How CPOs can advocate for their worth in today’s job market
If you’re an HR leader, aspiring CPO, or business executive looking to understand the true impact of People & Culture leadership, this episode is a must-listen!
#podcast #hr #leader #management #leadership #career #humanresources #work
About Joanna Kmiec
Strategic, results-driven HR Executive with a bias for action, and extensive experience in global HR strategy, workforce transformation, and change management. Joanna leads high-growth organizations through M&A, cultural transformation, and scalable talent strategies to drive employee engagement and business performance. Her passion lies in enabling the intersection between business and people, and building a culture that drives performance and true brand ambassadorship.
Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-kmiec-chrl/.
About ScaleHR:
The Unmuted Podcast is powered by ScaleHR (https://goscalehr.com/), a rapidly growing company supporting emerging HR, Recruitment, and Work Tech startups and SMBs with brand awareness and lead generation.
Our proprietary solution, Catalyst, blends content strategy, influencer marketing, and omnichannel distribution to help brands cut through the noise.
📩 Connect with ScaleHR: https://www.goscalehr.com/
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