Diary of CHRO

with João Ricardo

Interviewing all current and future HR Leaders. Are you next? Follow João Ricardo: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/⁠⁠

  1. 1d ago

    What Does It Really Mean to Be Happy at Work? | Diary of a CHRO Ep50

    What does it really mean to be happy at work? Is it about having the perfect job, a great manager, supportive colleagues, or the right working environment? While these factors matter, workplace happiness also begins with how we see ourselves, the choices we make, and the way we approach our professional lives. Annika Månsson, Founder & CEO of Happy at Work, explores the powerful concept of happiness at work and how each of us can contribute to creating a more positive, meaningful, and fulfilling work experience. Happiness at work doesn't mean being happy every moment or ignoring the challenges we face. It means understanding what motivates us, recognizing what matters most, building positive relationships, and taking responsibility for the aspects of our working lives that we can influence. Reflection question: What does being happy at work mean to you, and what is one thing you could do today to bring more happiness into your working life? If you enjoyed this video, give it a thumbs up, share it with someone who might benefit from this message, and subscribe for more content on leadership, well-being, personal growth, and the future of work. Annika Månsson will be a speaker at the People Experience Conference in Geneva, on November 6, 2026. Register for the event https://www.thepworld.com/event/people-experience-conference-geneva-2 Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-mansson-happy-at-work/ https://happy-at-work.com/?lang=en Follow João Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/ Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources #hr #dchro #diaryofchro #happinessatwork #workplacewellbeing #personalgrowth #employeewellbeing (00:00) What does being "happy at work" actually mean to you? (03:00) Is employee wellbeing the responsibility of HR or the CEO? (04:41) When an organization says “We care about wellbeing” what evidence should employees actually see? (07:07) Can you have a high-performance work environment and high wellbeing at the same time? (08:24) What does a high-performing but unhealthy organization look like? (09:39) How much does employee wellbeing depend on the quality of their direct manager? (11:01) What are the behaviors of leaders who consistently create healthier workplaces? (12:20) Can a leader genuinely support wellbeing if they are themselves exhausted or under constant pressure? (14:28) People Experience Conference in Geneva, on November 6, 2026.

    What Does It Really Mean to Be Happy at Work? | Diary of a CHRO Ep50
  2. 6d ago

    The Leadership Shift: Adapting to a New Generation | Diary of a CHRO Ep49

    What does it really mean to lead the next generation? And are organizations ready to rethink the way they lead, motivate, and develop people? In this conversation, I sit down with Sergio Almeida, Founder of SEAL Group, to explore how leadership is evolving in a world shaped by technological change, artificial intelligence, and shifting expectations about work. One question I keep coming back to is whether younger generations are fundamentally changing leadership, or whether they are simply challenging traditional management practices that no longer meet the needs of today's workforce. We explore what young professionals expect from their leaders, why trust, purpose, flexibility, and authenticity matter, and how organizations can build cultures that are both more human and more adaptable. We also reflect on the challenges of attracting and retaining young talent and what leaders can do to bridge the gap between generations in the workplace. For me, the most interesting part of this shift is that leadership isn't simply about adapting to younger employees. It's about questioning our own assumptions, listening more carefully, and creating environments where different generations can learn from one another and thrive together. Do you think leadership needs to change to meet the expectations of new generations, or should younger employees adapt to established ways of working? Share your perspective in the comments. If you enjoyed this conversation, like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with a leader or colleague who is thinking about the future of work. Because the future of leadership isn't just about managing a new generation. It's about becoming the kind of leader that the future requires. Meet Sérgio Almeida! Sérgio Almeida will also be a speaker at the UP - Formação Contínua Conference on October 15-16, 2026. Register for the event: https://app.beamian.com/up-formacao-continua-e-rh-2026/new-visitor Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergioalmeidasealgroup/ https://sealgroup.eu/pt/ Follow João Ricardo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/ Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources #hr #dchro #diaryofchro#leadership #leadershipdevelopment #futureofleadership #leadershipshift #generationaldifferences #talentmanagement #youngtalent #hrleadership #peoplemanagement #talentretention #organizationalculture #authenticleadership #humancenteredleadership (00:00) What do leaders need to understand differently about the people entering the workforce today? (01:34) What is one leadership assumption about younger generations that you think is simply wrong? (03:00) How should organizations rethink the first six months of an employee's experience if they want young talent to stay? (04:48) Self-Leadership - Take care of yourself as a Leader before being able to help others (10:40) How should leaders think about developing young talent in an environment where AI can already perform tasks that were previously done by junior employees? (13:23) How can leaders turn generational differences into an advantage rather than a source of conflict? (17:05) UP - Formação Contínua Conference on October 15-16, 2026.

    The Leadership Shift: Adapting to a New Generation | Diary of a CHRO Ep49
  3. Oct 1

    The Human Algorithm: Building Trust and Culture Through Employee Advocacy | Diary of a CHRO Ep48

    The Human Algorithm: Building Trust and Culture Through Employee Advocacy | Diary of a CHRO Ep48 Your employees aren’t just a channel for your employer brand. They are the people who experience, shape, and ultimately tell the story of your organization. That idea has made me rethink how we approach Employer Branding. We can create polished campaigns, carefully crafted messages, and compelling content, but none of it can replace the credibility of an employee sharing what it is genuinely like to work somewhere. For me, employee advocacy is not simply about getting employees to post more on LinkedIn or amplify company content. It’s about creating a culture where people want to share their experiences because they feel connected to the organization and believe in what it stands for. That’s where the “human algorithm” comes in. Trust is built through real experiences, authentic voices, and everyday interactions, not through perfectly engineered content. Jürgen Sorg, Global Employer Branding Continental, reflects on why organizations should think of employees as the authors of their employer brand, not simply as a communication channel, and what this means for culture, leadership, trust, and Employer Branding. Do you think employees are the most credible authors of an employer brand? And what would make you genuinely want to advocate for the organization you work for? Share your thoughts in the comments, like the video, and subscribe for more conversations about Employer Branding, leadership, culture, and the future of work. And if this perspective resonates with you, share this video with someone who believes Employer Branding starts with the employee experience, not the marketing campaign. Jürgen Sorg will be a speaker at the People Experience Conference in Geneva, on November 6, 2026. Register for the event: https://www.thepworld.com/event/people-experience-conference-geneva-2 Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsorg/ Follow João Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/ Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources #hr #dchro #diaryofchro #employerbranding #employeeadvocacy #employeeexperience #employerbrand #companyculture #workplaceculture #employeeengagement #talentstrategy #employeevoice #peopleandculture #corporateculture (00:00) Intro (00:15) What is the “Human Algorithm”? (06:58) Should companies ask Employees to leave reviews? (14:07) if the company builds the system that encourages employees to tell those stories, can they still be authentic?

    The Human Algorithm: Building Trust and Culture Through Employee Advocacy | Diary of a CHRO Ep48
  4. Sep 28

    Making Smart Career Choices in a Changing Job Market | Diary of a CHRO Ep47

    The world of work is changing faster than ever. New technologies, evolving skills, AI, changing business models, and shifting expectations are all influencing how we build and navigate our careers. Anthropic’s Report mentions that, in areas like Computer & Math and Office & Admin, AI has a penetration of above 90%, meaning LLMs are being used to speed up or automate tasks. Carla Sousa, Sonae New Career Network Manager, reflects on what it means to make smart career choices when the path ahead isn't always clear. How do we decide whether to stay, move, reskill, change direction, or take a completely new opportunity? And how can we prepare for a future that we can't fully predict? For me, making good career decisions isn't about trying to predict exactly what will happen. It's about understanding our strengths, staying curious, continuing to learn, and being willing to adapt when circumstances change. 💬 What is the biggest career decision you're facing right now? Share your thoughts in the comments. Your experience might help someone else who is facing a similar crossroads. 👉 If you found this video useful, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is thinking about their next career move.Your career doesn't have to follow a perfect plan. Sometimes, the smartest choice is simply being ready for what comes next. Meet Carla Sousa! Carla Sousa will also be a speaker at the UP - Formação Contínua Conference on October 15-16, 2026. Register for the event: https://app.beamian.com/up-formacao-continua-e-rh-2026/new-visitor Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-sousa-26530a23/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncnportugal/ https://www.instagram.com/ncnportugal/ Follow João Ricardo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/ Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources #hr #dchro #diaryofchro#careerchoices #careerdevelopment #careeradvice #futureofwork #jobmarket #careergrowth #professionaldevelopment #careerstrategy #careerplanning #skillsforthefuture #workplacetrends #careerchange #reskilling #upskilling #personaldevelopment (00:00) Intro (00:48) Why has choosing a career path become so difficult today? (04:41) How can someone tell whether they need a new job, new skills, or a completely new career? (07:28) How much responsibility for reskilling belongs to individuals versus employers? (13:47) What labour-market data should everyone look at before making a career decision? (16:48) Do people underestimate how many of their skills are transferable? (20:00) Do you see us moving towards a world where everyone will need to continuously reinvent their professional identity? And what are the consequences of that? (22:59) UP - Formação Contínua Conference on October 15-16, 2026.

    Making Smart Career Choices in a Changing Job Market | Diary of a CHRO Ep47
  5. Sep 21

    How Leaders Can Navigate Workforce & Operating Model Change | Diary of a CHRO Ep46

    Leading workforce and operating model change is about much more than changing structures, processes, or job descriptions. It’s about understanding how those changes affect people, and creating the conditions for them to succeed. Dominic Schulze, HR Director Switzerland at Hero, reflects on what he has learned about navigating this kind of transformation and why leadership, communication, and genuine engagement matter so much. Change can create uncertainty, resistance, and difficult conversations, but it can also create an opportunity to rethink how an organization works and how people can contribute more effectively. For me, successful transformation starts with balancing business needs with the human side of change. Leaders need to have a clear direction, communicate openly, listen carefully, and bring people with them throughout the journey. 💬 What has been your biggest challenge when leading workforce or operating model change? Share your experience in the comments; I’d love to hear your perspective. 👉 If you found this video valuable, like, subscribe, and share it with another leader who is navigating organizational change. ▶️ Watch the full interview on Diary of CHRO YouTube Channel, Spotify or Apple Podcast Dominic Schulze will be a speaker at the People Experience Conference in Geneva, on November 6, 2026. Register for the event https://www.thepworld.com/event/people-experience-conference-geneva-2 Guest Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicschulze/ Follow João Ricardo:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/  Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources   #hr     #dchro   #diaryofchro    #leadership #changemanagement #workforcetransformation  #organizationalchange #businesstransformation #leadershipdevelopment  #changeleadership #peoplestrategy #hrleadership #organizationaltransformation  (00:00) What was happening at Hero and its business that made change necessary? (01:57) What did the future operating model need to enable? (03:39) What role did HR play that went beyond traditional HR support? (06:08) What was the hardest leadership decision for you personally? (07:01) How did you balance speed of execution with the human impact of workforce change? (08:41) What made the transformation difficult culturally and how did you work with that? (10:03) What did you underestimate when you started? (11:20) The People Experience Conference in Geneva on November 6, 2026

    How Leaders Can Navigate Workforce & Operating Model Change | Diary of a CHRO Ep46
  6. Sep 14

    These are the things that HR should never delegate to AI | Diary of a CHRO Ep45

    AI is transforming the way we work, however, not everything should be automated, delegated, or handed over to a machine. The question isn’t whether AI can do something. It’s whether it should! Angelina Michail, Head of HR for Ecolab’s European Headquarters and Switzerland, explores where AI can create meaningful value in HR and where human judgment, empathy, leadership, and accountability must remain at the centre. With more than 15 years of experience in strategic HR transformation, organizational culture, and diversity, equity & inclusion, Angelina brings a practical perspective on the evolving relationship between people and technology. She leads Copilot adoption across HR and is helping advance the integration of AI into HR service delivery, while keeping the human experience at the heart of transformation. A certified leadership professional and boardroom member, Angelina is passionate about creating inclusive, high-performing environments where people, purpose, and performance converge. She is particularly energized by reimagining the digital workplace, where AI, automation, and human-centred design can transform how HR teams operate, collaborate, and create impact. Watch the conversation to explore what we should embrace, what we should automate, and most importantly, what must always remain human. ▶️ Watch the full interview on Diary of CHRO YouTube Channel, Spotify or Apple Podcast Angelina Michail will be a speaker at the People Experience Conference in Geneva, on November 6, 2026. Register for the event https://www.thepworld.com/event/people-experience-conference-geneva-2 Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinamichail/ Follow João Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/ Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources #hr #dchro #diaryofchro #aiinhr #futureofwork #humancenteredai (00:00) Intro (00:38) What makes AI adoption in HR particularly difficult in a multinational organization? (03:13) What separates an AI experiment from an AI use case that delivers real business value? (07:05) What should HR never delegate to AI? (11:17) Does AI actually make HR more human? (11:52) What skills will the next generation of HR professionals need because of AI? (13:19) What is one thing about AI in HR that you think most HR leaders are getting wrong right now? (15:35) The People Experience Conference in Geneva on November 6, 2026

    These are the things that HR should never delegate to AI | Diary of a CHRO Ep45
  7. Sep 8

    What Really Happens in a Job Interview? | Diary of a CHRO Ep44

    A job interview can feel like a simple conversation about your experience, but there is often much more happening beneath the surface. What I find particularly interesting is the idea that an interview isn't simply about giving the “right” answers. It is also about how we communicate, how we respond under pressure, how we talk about our achievements and failures, and whether we can create a genuine connection. It’s about nervousness, authenticity, difficult questions, storytelling, verbal and non-verbal communication, and the importance of preparing without losing who you are. Graça Carvalho, psychologist, consultant, certified coach, and founder of flawed-human., we explore what employers are really assessing beyond the CV. She brings a fascinating perspective from her work in psychological safety, organizational mental health, transformative communication, and human development. Her approach reminded me that behind every CV is a person with a story, strengths, failures, insecurities, and potential. And perhaps that is what makes interviews so interesting: they are not just about what you have done. They are also about how you show up. 💬 What do you think is the most important thing an interviewer can learn about a candidate that will never appear on a CV? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the channel and join us for more conversations about leadership, talent, people, and the future of work. Meet Graça Carvalho! ▶️ Watch the full interview on Diary of CHRO YouTube Channel, Spotify or Apple Podcast Graça Carvalho will also be a speaker at the UP - Formação Contínua Conference on October 15-16, 2026, at Exponor Register for the event: https://app.beamian.com/up-formacao-continua-e-rh-2026/new-visitor Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gra%C3%A7a-carvalho/?locale=en https://www.flawed-human.com/https://www.instagram.com/human.flawed/ Follow João Ricardo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/⁠ Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources #hr #dchro #diaryofchro #JobInterview #InterviewTips #CareerDevelopment #Recruitment #communicationskills (00:00) Intro (00:41) What do candidates usually misunderstand about what an interviewer is trying to assess? (03:00) The Power Dynamics (09:29) Best strategies for someone who becomes extremely nervous during interviews? (15:40) Confidence Vs Courage (18:45) AI Job Interviews (23:28) Good answer to the question: “Tell me a negative aspect about yourself?” (26:59) UP - Formação Contínua Conference on October 15-16, 2026

    What Really Happens in a Job Interview? | Diary of a CHRO Ep44
  8. Aug 28

    Transforming Employee Experience at Google | Diary of a CHRO Ep43

    What does HR look like when Google decides to redesign the employee experience from the inside out? Giacomo Nicora is the Country Process Owner and HR PMO for Italy at Google, and in this conversation, he walks us through what it actually takes to transform HR processes at one of the most complex organizations in the world. We talk about how data and project management discipline can coexist with genuine care for people, why digital transformation in HR is not about replacing the human side but making it sharper, and what happens when you bring an analytics mindset into a function that has traditionally relied on intuition. Giacomo's path gave him a rare perspective: he sees both the spreadsheet and the person behind it. And that tension between technology and human potential is exactly where the most interesting work is happening right now. Whether you're an HR leader trying to make your processes smarter, a people analytics professional looking for real-world examples, or simply curious about how Google thinks about employee experience, this episode will challenge how you think about what HR operations can become. If this conversation makes you rethink one process in your own organization, tag the person on your team who needs to hear it too. Giacomo will also be a speaker at the People Experience Conference in Zagreb, on October 23, 2026. https://www.thepworld.com/event/peopl... Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomonicora/ Follow João Ricardo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/dchro https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/ Subscribe to the 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙊 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/diary-of-chro-podcast-7339651439327113216 #humanresources #hr #dchro #diaryofchro #employeeengagement #hrtech #hrtechnology #google (00:00) What is a Process Owner and HR PMO? (02:44) What urgently needs to change in HR? (05:15) Skills the next generation of HR leaders need (08:00) Career Development at Google (10:45) What can't data tell us about people? (13:13) 1 HR metric that organizations pay too much attention to; 1 they don't pay enough attention to? (15:08) People Experience Conference in Zagreb, on October 23, 2026.

    Transforming Employee Experience at Google | Diary of a CHRO Ep43

About

Interviewing all current and future HR Leaders. Are you next? Follow João Ricardo: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoricardos⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/diaryofchro/⁠⁠