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Guest Bio
Eric Wohl brings over 25 years of experience in HR and operations, with leadership roles at esteemed companies such as PepsiCo, Accenture, Dell, and Dish Network. As a three-time Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Eric has demonstrated his ability to navigate complex business challenges and align people strategies with organizational goals. His approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and maintaining a sense of humor in the workplace.
Embarrassing Stories and Lessons Learned
Eric recounts an unforgettable microphone mishap during a conference speech. Accidentally leaving his mic on during a restroom break, he learned the importance of checking equipment and maintaining composure in the face of unexpected challenges.
Building a World-Class Learning and Development Team
Eric describes his experience at Dish Network, where he built a world-class learning and development team from scratch. Starting with a small team and limited resources, Eric revamped existing programs and introduced initiatives like the Basecamp program, which immersed employees in frontline roles to build empathy and understanding. The results were transformative, leading to six consecutive JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction.
The Importance of Executive Sponsorship
Eric emphasizes that executive sponsorship is crucial for the success of any major program. He shares how securing active involvement from Dish Network’s chairman elevated the effectiveness of initiatives. Programs shaped by active executive involvement not only enhance credibility but also inspire greater participation and alignment across teams.
Strategies for Securing Executive Sponsorship:
- Align programs with organizational priorities and leadership goals.
- Ensure visible and consistent involvement from senior leaders.
- Position programs as critical to achieving business objectives.
Lessons from a Less Successful Experience
Eric reflects on a challenging role during the early days of COVID-19, where he realized the critical need to balance urgency with securing team buy-in. As the first CHRO at a rapidly scaling company, he tried to implement strategic changes too quickly without fully understanding team dynamics. This led to resistance and limited the plan’s success.
Advice for Aspiring CHROs
Eric shares insights for aspiring HR leaders, emphasizing the importance of building confidence, fostering collaboration, and leading with a balance of professionalism and relatability.
Key Skills for Success:
- Believe in Yourself: Confidence without arrogance is essential for leading change.
- Focus on Buy-In: Align teams around shared goals and ensure clarity in roles.
- Embrace Humor: Lightheartedness and humility strengthen relationships and enhance leadership effectiveness.
Ready to Push Boundaries?
Eric Wohl’s career offers a masterclass in HR leadership, emphasizing the power of collaboration, executive sponsorship, and empathy in driving organizational success. Listen to the full episode for more actionable insights. Listen here journey underscores the importance of vulnerability, continuous learning, and strategic HR integration. His insights provide valuable lessons for HR and business leaders aiming to create lasting organizational impact.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Eric Wohl shares humorous anecdotes, success stories, and lessons learned from his illustrious career in HR and operations. From building a world-class L&D team to navigating the complexities of leadership during a global pandemic, Eric’s insights highlight the importance of collaboration, executive sponsorship, and pacing in achieving impactful results. His advice for aspiring CHROs emphasizes self-belief, teamwork, and the value of humor in leadership.
Resources
- Learn more about Eric Wohl
- Connect with Growthspace
Key Takeaways
- Humility Builds Trust: Authenticity fosters engagement and connection.
- Executive Sponsorship Drives Success: Active involvement from senior leaders ensures program impact.
- Buy-In is Essential: Secure team alignment to maximize initiative effectiveness.
- Empathy Enhances Culture: Programs like Basecamp foster understanding and collaboration.
- Pace Yourself: Strategic patience can lead to greater long-term success.
- Self-Belief is Crucial: Confidence helps leaders navigate challenges and inspire teams.
- Humor Connects: A lighthearted approach strengthens workplace relationships.
Chapters
19:02 – Advice for Aspiring CHROs: Eric’s insights on leadership, collaboration, and humor.
00:00 – Introduction and Humorous Anecdote: Eric’s microphone mishap highlights resilience and composure.
03:08 – Building a World-Class Learning and Development Team: Transforming L&D at Dish Network.
06:04 – The Importance of Executive Sponsorship: How leadership involvement drives program success.
08:48 – Creating Impactful Learning Programs: The design and implementation of initiatives like Basecamp.
12:01 – Lessons from a Less Successful Experience: The value of pacing and team buy-in.
Watch the full conversation here:
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