The Human Factor Podcast

SAP SE
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The Human Factor Podcast series, hosted by Michael Esau (Global HCM Value Advisory) and Simon Humphreys (Global HCM Solution Advisory), explores human capital management topics, trends, challenges, and opportunities facing organizations today. Listen as Michael and Simon interview guests including HR leaders, influencers, experts, authors, and advisors from inside and outside of the SAP ecosystem about their insights, experiences, and guidance on relevant topics from the world of work. Each episode features detailed discussions on the topics and themes that challenge and inspire us every day and their impact on the success and sustainability of our organizations. All episodes are available via popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. https://www.sap.com/products/hcm.html

  1. 2d ago

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 76: Building from Within: The Discipline Behind Internal Talent Development with Cecilia Sandberg

    In episode 76 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore what it really takes to build talent from within and why internal talent development requires far more than a commitment to promoting from within. Many organisations say they believe in developing their people, but far fewer have the systems, leadership expectations, and organisational structures in place to make that belief a reality. In large, global growth organisations, internal talent development is a long-term strategic choice that can shape leadership continuity, cultural coherence, capability depth, and resilience in the face of constant change. Joining us is Cecilia Sandberg, Senior Vice President, HR at Atlas Copco Group. Together, we explore what it means to build from within in a decentralised, engineering led organisation with a significant global workforce and a strong growth trajectory. Throughout the conversation, we discuss how organisations can turn internal development from a philosophy into a disciplined system, what effective succession planning looks like in practice, and how leaders can be supported and held accountable for developing others. Cecilia also shares insights into the role of mentoring, mobility, structured development, and other reinforcement mechanisms, as well as how organisations can balance internal promotion with the need for fresh perspectives and diversity of thought. We also explore how organisations can measure whether their talent development model is actually working, the tension between long-term development and short-term business pressures, and where leaders should begin if they want to take internal talent development more seriously. If you're looking to strengthen your talent strategy, build stronger leadership pipelines, and create an organisation where people can grow from within, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways. Keywords:  Talent, Leadership, Development, Mentoring, Growth, Workforce, Progression

  2. Jul 16

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 75: Reimagining Talent Acquisition in the Age of AI with Alan Walker

    In episode 75 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore how AI is transforming talent acquisition and what it takes to build hiring processes that are not only faster, but fairer and more human. Talent acquisition has faced significant pressure in recent years, with organisations navigating tight labour markets, changing candidate expectations, and increasing demands to hire more effectively. As AI moves from experimentation to becoming a core part of recruitment, leaders have an opportunity to rethink how they attract, assess, and engage talent. Joining us is Alan Walker, CEO of Udder. Together, we discuss how AI is reshaping every stage of the talent acquisition lifecycle, from sourcing and screening to candidate engagement and hiring decisions.

  3. Jun 18

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 74: The 5th Anniversary - Still Human

    In this special anniversary episode, we celebrate 5 years of conversations by bringing together four guests who have each helped shape the discussion around work, leadership, wellbeing, and inclusion: Sue Yell, Gethin Nadin, Eric Tinch, and Dr Nancy Doyle. Rather than looking back at every episode, this conversation focuses on the bigger questions that have emerged across the past 70 discussions. What have we learned about people at work? Which assumptions have been challenged? And where do different perspectives still exist? Together, we explore three themes that continue to define the future of work: change and execution, human connection, and growth and leadership. Along the way, our guests share reflections on how workplaces have evolved, the lessons leaders are still learning, and the human factors that remain constant despite ongoing change. === human, leadership, change, management, reflections, collaboration, lessons, anniversary.

  4. May 18

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 73: Human Connection - Why We Need It More Than Ever with John Cooper

    In episode 73 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked drivers of workplace success: human connection. As remote and hybrid working continue to reshape how we collaborate, many organisations are facing a growing challenge - how do we create genuine connection in environments where people can easily feel disconnected, isolated, or overlooked? Joining us is John Cooper, Chief Connection Officer at Thomas. Together, we discuss why connection is far more than a “nice to have” in today’s workplace, and how it directly impacts engagement, wellbeing, collaboration, and organisational performance. === Keywords: human, connection, engagement, wellbeing, collaboration, workplace, burnout, management

  5. Apr 16

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 72: From Core to Edge: How AI Is Expanding What Enterprise Systems Can Do with Ben Peters

    In episode 72 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore how organisations can move beyond the limits of traditional enterprise systems and tackle the processes that still feel slow, fragmented, or broken. Joining us is Ben Peters, Co-Founder and CEO of Cogna. Together, we discuss how AI is enabling a fundamentally different approach - one where organisations can rapidly understand how work actually happens, generate working prototypes in real time, and iterate towards better solutions at speed. === Keywords: AI, Enterprise, systems, organisations, solutions, processes, digital transformation, future, work

  6. Mar 18

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 71: Executing Change in the Real World with Nick Francis

    In episode 71 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore what it really takes to execute organisational change in the real world - beyond the frameworks, models, and tidy diagrams that often dominate the conversation. Joining us is Nick Francis, who has been at the centre of Decathlon’s transformation journey. Together, we discuss the realities of leading change inside a large organisation - building the case for change, securing senior sponsorship, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining momentum when the path forward is anything but straightforward.

  7. Mar 2

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 70: Navigating the Snakes & Ladders of Modern Leadership with Richard Jolly - Part 2

    In this episode of The Human Factor Podcast, we’re diving into the dynamic and unpredictable world of modern organisations, where leadership can often feel like a giant game of Snakes & Ladders. We’re joined by Richard Jolly, one of the most respected voices in organisational psychology and leadership development. Together, we explore how leaders can read their environment more effectively, build strong and supportive relationships, and lead with humanity in systems that are constantly evolving.

  8. Feb 18

    The Human Factor Podcast Episode 69: Navigating the Snakes & Ladders of Modern Leadership with Richard Jolly - Part 1

    In this episode of The Human Factor Podcast, we’re diving into the dynamic and unpredictable world of modern organisations, where leadership can often feel like a giant game of Snakes & Ladders. We’re joined by Richard Jolly, one of the most respected voices in organisational psychology and leadership development. Together, we explore how leaders can read their environment more effectively, build strong and supportive relationships, and lead with humanity in systems that are constantly evolving.

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About

The Human Factor Podcast series, hosted by Michael Esau (Global HCM Value Advisory) and Simon Humphreys (Global HCM Solution Advisory), explores human capital management topics, trends, challenges, and opportunities facing organizations today. Listen as Michael and Simon interview guests including HR leaders, influencers, experts, authors, and advisors from inside and outside of the SAP ecosystem about their insights, experiences, and guidance on relevant topics from the world of work. Each episode features detailed discussions on the topics and themes that challenge and inspire us every day and their impact on the success and sustainability of our organizations. All episodes are available via popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. https://www.sap.com/products/hcm.html

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