When Gina Hartigan began her HR career building a university recruitment program at an engineering company in the early ’90s, she was given some now-dated advice: Always wear high heels, have something in your hands, and walk with purpose.

Fast-forward more than 30 years, including a decade-long break to be a stay-at-home mom, and Hartigan is now the CPO at Kantata, a 500-person, remote-first software company. While much has changed in that time, some sexist attitudes continue to persist in the workplace, and those who take time away from the workforce to care for a family can still face hurdles to success.

She recently spoke with HR Brew about her experience returning to the workforce after a 10-year break, and how taking time away has informed her leadership today.

Finding her way to HR. Hartigan earned an MBA from the University of Kansas in 1991 and began her career in marketing at Fluor Corporation, a large engineering firm. She excelled at explaining the company’s complex concepts to salesmen, a skill that “caught the eye of our CEO…and he said to me, ‘Have you ever thought of going out on college campus and telling our story to new college grads?’”

Keep reading here.—KP

You may feel like it’s still the beginning of 2024, but there are less than 50 working days until the new year. HR professionals are gearing up for 2025, figuring out where to spend their energy and budgets.

Gartner analysts surveyed 1,403 global HR professionals over the summer to gauge their top priorities for 2025. Similar to 2024, they pointed to leader and manager development, in anticipation of their organizations needing to navigate a revived focus on business growth, skill shortages, and GenAI’s growing influence.

Some 75% of respondents said that managers are overwhelmed by changing responsibilities, and 70% believe leaders don’t have the necessary tools to develop leaders. Furthermore, just 36% of respondents believe current leadership development programs are effective. Gartner recommended that HR leaders build programs that provide leaders with “relationship-building events” and opportunities to use their new skills.

Companies are also prioritizing workforce planning. 

Keep reading here.—KP

Several HR leaders have made moves this fall, especially in and around the tech and financial services industries. So without further ado, let’s see where they’re shaking things up.

Apple. CPO Carol Surface is reportedly leaving Apple after less than two years in the role, according to Bloomberg. Surface was the first person to hold the position, and Deirdre O’Brien, who previously led HR operations, will assume the role in her absence. Apple’s HR team is going through other changes; it recently replaced its head of DE&I, and its head of talent management is also leaving as the company works to manage its more than 160,000 employees.

CAA. One of the biggest players in Hollywood and sports talent management recently named Matthew Schuyler as its new CPO, according to the Hollywood Reporter. He’ll be responsible for directing employee management and strategy for the company’s 3,700+ global workers. Schuyler joined CAA after three years as Hilton’s chief brand officer, and previously spent seven years as CHRO and head of corporate real estate at Capital One.

Keep reading here.—KP