






Inaneradefinedbytransformation,agility,andpurpose-drivenleadership,HumanResourceshasevolved
farbeyonditstraditionalboundaries.Attheheartofthisevolutionstandremarkablewomenwhoare redefiningwhatitmeanstoleadwithempathy,strategy,andresilience.Itiswithgreatpridethatwe present “The Most Influential Women Leaders Transforming HR in 2025”—atributetothedynamicforces shapingthefutureofwork,culture,andpeoplestrategy.
Thisfeaturehonorswomenwhoarenotjustadaptingtochangebutleadingit.Fromimplementingdata-driven DEIinitiativestochampioningmentalhealth,embracingAIforworkforceplanning,andnavigatinghybrid workplacecomplexities,thesetrailblazersarereimaginingHRasacornerstoneoforganizationalsuccess. Theirleadershiptranscendsdepartments—theyareculturalarchitects,transformationcatalysts,andadvocates forinclusiveandsustainablegrowth.
Eachleaderspotlightedinthiseditionexemplifiesauniqueblendofvision,courage,andcompassion.They aredrivingbusinessresultswhileputtingpeoplefirst—aligningpurposewithperformance.Theirworkspeaks volumesinboardrooms,inpolicyshifts,andinthedailyexperiencesofemployeesacrosssectorsandregions.
Aswenavigateacomplexglobalworkforcelandscape,thesewomenremindusthatleadershipisnotjust aboutdirection,butconnection.Itisaboutlisteningdeeply,actingintentionally,andbuildingworkplaces whereeveryindividualfeelsvaluedandempowered.
Wehopetheirstoriesinspireprofessionalsacrossindustriestoleadboldly,challengenorms,andinvestinthe peoplebehindtheprogress.ThefutureofHRisbeingwrittenrightnow—andthesewomenareholdingthe pen.
-AlayaBrown
C O V E R S T O R Y
08. Dustin Jones The HR Leader Championing the Power of Diplomacy
A R T I C L E S
16. 20.
Data-Driven HR: Making Smarter People Decisions Through Analytics Strategic HR Leadership: Aligning People with Organizational Vision
Managing
Business
Business
Digital
Marketing
Astrid Verburg HR Manager
Dus n Jones Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)
TOP HR desk tophrdesk.nl/
Jennifer Kleist CHRO
Featuring Presbyterian Homes & Services preshomes.org/
Dallas Country Club thedallascc.org/
Lillian Rizkallah Reaume CHRO
S tch Fix s tchfix.com/
Swa Kapoor CHRO
Saskatchewan Health Authority saskhealthauthority.ca/
With a strong founda on in strategic HR management and employee engagement, Astrid plays a vital role in shaping HR policies, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and suppor ng talent development ini a ves.
With a strong background in human resources leadership, Dus n oversees the full spectrum of HR func ons, including talent management, organiza onal development, employee engagement, and strategic workforce planning.
Jennifer leads the organiza on’s human capital strategy, overseeing all facets of human resources including talent acquisi on, workforce development, employee engagement, and organiza onal culture.
With a strong track record in scaling people strategies for innova ve, fast-paced organiza ons, Lillian brings a unique blend of strategic insight and empathe c leadership to S tch Fix.
With deep exper se in public health systems and workforce leadership, Swa is responsible for talent management, workforce planning, employee wellness, labor rela ons, and organiza onal culture transforma on.
Jones, Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)
Themostsuccessfulandawe-inspiringleadershipis
multi-dimensional,likeadiamond.Whenyoulook atitfromtheprismofanotherleader’sperspective, especiallywhenthatleaderherselfissomeonelikeDustin Jones,thenyoucanseeandlearntheactualdeepernuances oftrueleadershipfroman HR leader’s perspective.
The Owner and CEO of EncompassHR, LLC, a boutique HR consulting and leadership development company,the ChiefHumanResourceOfficer(CHRO)atDallas CountryClubsinceNov2023,arenownedinternational speaker,acorporatetrainerandthebestsellingauthorofthe book,‘ThePowerofDiplomacy:LeadershipThatInspires,’ Dustinsaysinherbookthatleadershipisasmuchasart asitisascience.“Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the key lies not in authority, decision-making, or strategic vision but in the subtler, often overlooked quality of diplomacy. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the ability to lead with diplomacy is not just a desirable trait but a necessity – one that fosters trust, empowers teams, breeds inclusivity and enables organizations to thrive amid uncertainty. It allows the leader to get to know who their team members are and create a culture that is representative of the employee base, as well as their core values.”
Shecontinues,“I have been in HR for over two-and-a-half decades and in leadership for half of that. I have seen good leaders and leaders who are toxic. I have watched organizations thrive under great leadership and other organizations that have died because of leaders that show no diplomacy or care for their team.”Diplomaticleadership canbetransformative.“I’ve seen leaders navigate difficult conversations with grace, resolve conflicts with empathy, and inspire teams to achieve the extraordinary by fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. I have also seen extremely smart individuals who, despite their business acumen, struggled to gain trust and loyalty due to their lack of diplomatic ability.”
Dustin’s26-yearjourneybeganin1999aftershegraduated fromCaliforniaStateUniversitySanMarcosin1998asa Meetings&TradeshowAssistantattheNationalAviation TransportationAssociation.Inherownwords,Dustin landedinHRbyaccident.WhenshemovedtoTexas,she neededajob,andthisrolewasentry-levelfora.com companyin1999.OnceshewasinHR,Dustinwashooked! Sheslowlylearnedallshecouldandworkedherwayup. ShebecameaVPattheageof36.
In2021,Dustindecidedtobranchoutonherownand openedanHRconsultingpractice.Eventually,sheworked withthecompanysheisnowwith(DallasCountryClub) andwashiredonastheirCHRO.ThekeytogrowthinHR isgettingexperienceinallaspectsofHumanResourcesand understandinghowHRfitsintothecompanyyouare currentlyworkingwith, she states.
I have been in HR for over two-and-a-half decades and in leadership for half of that. I have seen good leaders and leaders who are toxic.
Inherview,thecoremissionofHRistoprioritizethewellbeingofemployees.“HR is the heartbeat of any organization, and it’s crucial that we nurture and support our people.”Overthepastfiveyears,shehasseenashift, particularlywiththenewgenerationenteringtheworkforce. HRhasbecomemoreattunedtothefactthatwhenemployeesfeelvaluedandcaredforbytheircompany,they,in turn,aremorecommittedtothecompany’ssuccessand deliveringexceptionalservicetoclients.
SheShapesaCaringCulture
Employeeexperienceisincreasinglyattheheartofbusiness success,sheadds.“I believe a people-first approach is essential. Creating a culture where open communication,
trust, and respect thrive has been my cornerstone. We focus on development opportunities, work-life balance, and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels valued, heard, and empowered to grow. We also make sure that the culture and work environment is fun and centered around hospitality.”IthasbeenDustin’sguidingprincipletoattract andretaintoptalentinallherorganizationssincethe beginning.
Sheledduringtimesoftremendousorganizationalchange. Shesaysthatempathyiskeytomaintainingmoraleduring change.Sheensuresthatanybusinessdecisioniscommunicatedwithtransparencyandofferssupport.Whilebusiness objectivesdriveourdirection,understandingandaddressingthehumanaspectiscrucialforsustainablesuccess. Employeesdeservetounderstandwhythingschange,or newinitiativesareputinplace.Itallowsthemtoask questionstobeabletofullysupportthedirectionofthe company
Furthermore,DEI(Diversity,Equity&Inclusion)continues tobeadefiningissue.“I have had the privilege of working for organizations that are organically diverse. Because of what we offer to employees, we have shown that we allow for growth and advancement for anyone.”Makingsure positionsarepaidfairlyandthatallemployeeengagement isfullyinclusiveisparamount.
Today,lookingback,Dustinismostproudofherinitiatives focusedonemployeeengagementandleadershiptraining. “These programs are designed to empower individuals throughout the organization to build the skills and knowledge that align with our core values. By providing opportunities for growth, we’re not only enhancing employee satisfaction but also ensuring a strong pipeline of future leaders.”It’sincrediblyrewardingtowatchteammembers developandstepintorolesofincreasingresponsibility withinthecompany, says Dustin proudly.
Leadershipsuccessionandtalentdevelopmentarecriticalto long-termsuccess.Toensurethenextgenerationofleaders isready,Dustintakesaproactiveapproachtoleadership development,combiningmentorshipwithformaltraining andprovidingopportunitiesforhigh-potentialemployeesto leadprojects.Thisensuresthey’repreparedforthe complexitiesofleadershipandcanhandlethemwith confidence.
AsaCHRO,Dustinrecallsoneofthemostunexpected challenges:navigatingtheemotionalandlogistical complexitiesduringthepandemic.“We had to ensure our employees’health and well-being while maintaining business continuity. We quickly pivoted to remote work, implemented health and safety protocols, and communicated regularly to ensure everyone felt supported.”Giving immediateattentiontoemployeeconcernswascrucial duringthistime.Makingsureemployeeswereheardwas imperative,andDustinensuredhercompanydidexactly that.
Sheadds,“When the present is long gone, I hope to be remembered for my unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and empowering others.”Dustinaimsto leavebehindalegacyofleaderswhoapproachchallenges withdiplomacyandempathy,alwaysprioritizingthepeople theylead.“I have always strived to leave an organization better than I found it, and I hope that is remembered as well.”
Finally,lookingahead,Dustinisexcitedtocontinue expandingherworkindiplomaticleadership,particularly throughspeakingengagementsandtrainingsessions.
HR is the heartbeat of any organization, and it’s crucial that we nurture and support our people.
Leadership is as much an art as it is a science. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the key lies not in authority, decision-making, or strategic vision, but in the subtler, often overlooked quality of diplomacy.
There’sagrowingneedforleaderswhocannavigate complexsituationswithempathyandstrategicinsight,and “I’m passionate about helping organizations develop these skills.”
Professionally,Dustiniseagertoreachbroaderaudiences, offeringmoreleadershipdevelopmentprogramsand workshopsthatemphasizetheimportanceofdiplomacyin leadership.Asshesaysinherbook,“The idea of it came from my own vast pool of experiences as well as my deepseated belief that diplomacy is the cornerstone of leadership that truly inspires. It is not about avoiding difficult decisions or sugarcoating reality but about approaching every interaction with respect, fairness, and a genuine intent to understand. I truly believe that those who choose to practice diplomacy can embrace the harder aspects of leadership. Diplomatic leadership is about finding common ground while staying true to one’s principles. It’s about balancing the needs of individuals with the goals of the
organization and ensuring that every voice is heard –especially the quiet ones,”sheconcludes.
Dustin’sFutureFocus
Nowthatherbookiscompleted,published,andamongthe bestsellerslist,Dustinisfocusedonleveragingitasa resourcetoengagewithleadersandorganizationsaround theworldfurther.
DustinholdsaMasterofArtsinCommunicationsfrom GrandCanyonUniversity,aBachelorofArtsin CommunicationsfromCaliforniaStateUniversitySan Marcos,andaManagementCertificationfromSouthern MethodistUniversity.Sheremainsanactivememberof DallasHR,SHRM,CMAA,andtheVFWAuxiliaryin Frisco,TX,championingleadershipdevelopmentand workforcetransformation.
Recognizedasoneof2024’s50TopWomenLeadersof Dallas,TheInc.Magazine’s10MostInfluentialWomen LeadersoftheYear2024andInsightsSuccessMagazine’s TheMostInfluentialWomenLeadersTransformingHRin 2025,Dustinhasafirmbeliefinthepowerofeffective leadership.Sheequipsleadersatallstagesoftheircareers withthetools,strategies,andconfidencetoleadwith purpose,navigatechangeeffectively,andbuildthriving businesses.Sheisdedicatedtohelpingindividualsbreak barriers,challengenorms,andredefineleadershipintheir organizations.
HumanResourcesstandsonthebrinkofa
seismicshift.Previouslydependentonintuition, experience,andtime-consumingprocesses,HR isincreasinglybecomingastrategic,analytics-driven function.Withthespeedofbusinessintoday'shighvelocity,highlycompetitiveworld,data-drivenHRisfast emergingasanessentialforcedrivingsmarter,faster,and moreobjectivedecision-making.Throughpeople analytics,organizationscannowbreakfreefromgutfeel andanecdotalfeedbacktouncoverinsightsdriving performance,retention,andculture.
Simplyput,data-drivenHRistheapplicationofdata analyticstoinform,streamline,andenrichallaspectsof theemployeelifecyclefromhiringandonboardingto engagement,development,andretention.Ittakes advantageofabroadrangeoftoolsandtechniquesthat spanfromsimplereportingdashboardstoadvanced predictiveanalyticsandtalentmodelingusingartificial intelligence.
Theobjectiveisstraightforwardbutfundamental:touse informationtomakeevidence-basedhumancapital decisionsaboutindividuals.Thatminimizesbias, optimizesoutcomes,andalignspeopledecisionswith businessstrategy
HistoryhadinculcatedHRdecision-makingbyprecedent, managerialjudgment.Valuableinputs,tobesure,but withouttheconsistencyorobjectivitysovitalto organizationswithlargenumbersofmembersorthosethat areindevelopmentspurts.Withevidence-basedHRcomes aninfusionofrigor,transparency,andforesight.
Forexample,insteadofhavingtomakeaneducated estimateofwhoislikelytoresign,predictiveanalyticscan sensetrends—e.g.,notbeingpromoted,poorperformance, ordisengagement—andtriggeractionfromHR.Likewise, duringthehiringofmission-criticalpositions,intelligence derivedfrompsychometrics,historicalperformancescores, andculturalfitmodelscanresultinmore-fittingcandidates, quickeronboarding,andlongertenure.
Hiringtoolsthataredata-drivencananalyzewhichsources givethebesthires,whichtraitsarelinkedtosuccessina specificrole,andhowlongittakestofillagivenjob.This enablesmoreefficientrecruitingpipelines,betterjob descriptions,andmoretargetedemployerbranding.
Byconnectingperformancemetricswithbehavior data—e.g.,collaborationfrequencyortimeoncore tools—HRcandetecttopperformers,determinethedrivers ofproductivity,andmirrorthoseenvironmentswithin groups.
Pulsesurveys,sentimentanalysis,andsocialnetwork mappinggiveHRimmediatevisibilityintoemployee moraleandconnection.Armedwiththisknowledge,HR canpreemptivelyaddressadeclineinengagementand turnover
Analyticsenabledetectionofhiring,promotion,andpay disparities.WithfullvisibilityintoDEImeasures, businessescanmonitorprogress,removebias,andmake opportunityfordevelopmentfairandequal.
Learningplatformsmayleverageperformancedataand skillsgapstosuggestindividualizedtrainingcourses, monitorROIonL&Dinitiatives,andmeasureskill improvementovertime.
Whilepeopleanalyticsholdsgreatpromise,adoptionisnot withoutobstacles.Datasiloes,independentsystems, privacyissues,andtheabsenceofanalyticalexpertise withinHRorganizationsaretypicallytheculpritsthatslow thingsdown.Tosucceed,organizationsneedto:
• InvestinintegratedHRtechnologiesthatmerge employeedatafromvarioussources(HRIS,LMS, ATS,etc.).
• DevelopanalyticalexpertisewithinHR,eitherthrough trainingorcollaborationwithdatascienceteams.
• Establishacultureofdecision-makingbasedon evidence,wherebyleadersfeelandactuponinsight.
• Implementethicaldatausage,witheffective governance,openness,andstaffconsent.
TheShiftfromDescriptivetoPredictiveand Prescriptive
Earlypeopleanalyticswasdescriptiveinnature—what occurredandwhy.Now,thefrontierispredictiveand prescriptiveanalytics.Predictiveanalyticsappliespastdata topredictfutureresults,likewhowillleaveorwhowillbe successfulinanewposition.Prescriptiveanalyticstakesita stepfurther,providingrecommendationsforwhatto do—likewhichdevelopmentprogramwillbestequip someoneforleadership.
ThissubtletygivesHRleadersthepowernotjusttoread trendsbuttodriveoutcomeswithaccuracy
Whenproperlyutilized,peopleanalyticsisabusinessasset. Itcanfacilitatetheintegrationoftalentstrategiesinto overallbusinessobjectives,suchasexpansionintonew marketsordigitaltransformation.Analyticsonworkforce planning,forinstance,couldhelpdeterminewhetherthe
companypossessesthetalenttoembarkonanewproduct lineornot,andifreskillingwillberequired.
Second,reportingHRmetricsinthe boardroom—frameshiftedintobusinessterms—istogive HRmoregravitasandinfluence.Itfacilitatesnotjust "peopleissues,"butconversationsofgrowthleversandrisk management.
Data-drivenHRisn'taboutreplacinghumanjudgment—it's aboutsupplementingit.Itisnotaboutmakingpeople statistics,butusingstatisticstomakebetter,morehuman, fairer,andmoreeffectivepeopledecisions.HRleadersneed toensurethatanalyticsarebeingusedethicallyandina mannerthatisrespectfulofprivacy,buildstrust,andmakes workmorehuman.
ThefutureHRwillbewheredata,empathy,andstrategic purposeintersect.Withuncertainty,talentshortages,and technology-drivendisruption,peopleanalyticsisthe navigatorthatmakessenseforbusinesses.Strategicallyled, data-drivenHRwillbeoneofthemaindriversin unleashingfullworkforcepotential—andturningpeople dataintoadifferentiator
Inatalent-worshippingworld,itisnotjustfashionableto makebetterdecisionswithanalytics—gettingtomakethem isanecessity
ThosearethedayswhenHumanResourceswas
consideredtobeessentiallyanadministrativerole.HR leadersoftodayarepartofthecompany'sstrategic core,andtheyarenotonlytaskedwithholdingtalentbutare directlyinfluencingthefutureofthebusiness.StrategicHR leadershipistheprocessofplacinghumancapitalintoservice ofvision-basedlong-termorganizationaldirectionsothat everyhire,everydevelopmentprogram,andeveryculture programdirectsthebusinesstowardsvision.
Thisalignmentisn'tanaccident—it'spurposeful,evidencebased,andvision-driven.HRleadersshouldactlikebusiness strategists,beawareofthedriversinthemarketplace,and workacrossfunctionstomobilizetheworkforceasa competitiveasset.
Talentisnolongeracommodity;it'sadifferentiator.Strategic HRleadersareawareofthatanddon'tjustseetalentasathing tobemanaged,butassomethingtobearchitected.They determinewhatthecompetenciesmustbeinordertoexecute themissionoftheorganizationanddetermineiftheexisting workforcehasthechopstostepuptothechallenge.
Byperformingcapabilityaudits,skillsgapanalysis,and successionplanningaheadoftime,theydeveloptalent developmentroadmapsthatgenerateinnovationand resilience.Theypropellearningculturesbeyondcompliance trainingthatbuildcriticalthinking,agility,andleadershipat alllevels.
Thesilentdriveroforganizationalperformanceisitsculture. Whencultureandstrategyarealigned,cultureinspirespeople toenactthemissionandvaluesoftheorganizationinday-todaychoices.StrategicHRleadershipguidesculture purposefully—notslogansonthewallanymorebutthrough policies,rituals,rewardsystems,androlemodeling.
Forinstance,ifstrategicemphasisisplacedoninnovation,HR structuresperformanceappraisalstoacknowledgeinnovative risk-takingandcross-functionalcollaboration.Ifcustomer focusisthevision'score,HRembedsthisvaluein onboarding,leadershipprograms,andinternalmessaging. Cultureisnolongerawoolly"feeling"butanactualenabler ofexpansion.
Future-proofedcompaniesdonottakeleadershipbychance. Theyseeitasstrategicinfrastructure.StrategicHRleaders
haveakeyresponsibilityforfinding,developing,and placingleadershiptalentformaximumreturn.Thatincludes notonlyinvestinginC-suitesuccessionbutleadership developmentateveryorganizationallevel.
Throughleadershipdevelopmentprograms,succession pathsformentors,andon-the-spotmentoring,HRequips emergingleaderswiththeskillstoexecute strategy—particularlyduringtimesofchange.These initiativesarenotcookie-cutter;theyaredesignedto organizationalobjectivesandrootedinbusinessresults.
Datahastransformedallareasofbusiness—andHRisnot theexception.PeopleanalyticsareutilizedbystrategicHR leaderstohavebetterunderstandingoftheworkforce dynamics,productivity,engagement,andretention.From descriptivemetrics,theygotopredictiveandprescriptive onesthathelpthemmakebetterdecisions.
Whethertospothigh-potentials,anticipateturnoverrisks, orconstructcompensationmodels,data-drivenHRbrings fact-basedobjectivityandacumentothepeoplestrategy. Thisinformationispresentedintotheboardroom, informingstrategicgrowth,innovation,andchangechoices withtalentrelevanceinmind.
Diversity,equity,andinclusionarenotjustamoral imperative—theyarenowabusinessimperative.Strategic HRleadershipinfusesinclusionintoeverystepofthe employeelifecycle,fromhiringtoperformanceappraisals topromotionstoleadership.
Diversity-friendlycompaniesobtainmorevariedthinking, greatercreativity,andenhancedworkermotivation.HR leadersincorporatestructuralfairness,trackinclusive tendencies,andkeepthefirmondiversitygoalsthatare alignedtoitsvaluesandvision.Theyunderstandthat wheneverworkersfeelliketheyhavebeenheard, recognized,andvalued,they'reworkingatamaximum capacity.
Thecontemporarybusinesslandscapeischaracterizedby volatility,uncertainty,andacceleratedchange.Here,theHR roleinguaranteeingorganizationalagilityassumesa foremostsignificance.StrategicHRleaderscreate frameworks,jobs,andworkflowsthatfacilitaterapidturns.
Theyconstructresilientteamsthatareabletohandle ambiguityandchangewithoutburningout.
Thisiscoupledwithagileworkforceplanning,elastictalent models(gigandhybridwork,forexample),andculture transformationfromfixedrolestofluidcapabilities.The capabilitytoredeploytalent,upskillatpace,andreactto outsidechangebecomesasourceofcompetitive advantage—andHRisinthemiddleofmakingithappen.
StrategicHRleadershipisbuiltonpartnership.Toreally alignpeoplestrategywithorganizationalvision,HRneedsa seatatthetable—andavoicethat'sheard—onevery strategicdiscussion.ThatinvolvespartneringwiththeCEO toinfluenceculture,withtheCFOtolinkrewardsto performance,withtheCIOtomanagetech-driventalent requirements,andwiththeCMOtomirrorinternalculture intheemployerbrand.
WhenHRisbroughtintocross-functionalstrategy,thefirm isstronger,moreresponsive,andmorealigned—brought togetherbyasharedvisionthatencompassesitsgreatest resource:itspeople.
Conclusion:HRasaVisionCatalyst
StrategicHRleadershipisnotachoicebutanecessity.With aworldwherebusinesssuccessdependsonadaptability, creativity,andmeaning,gettingpeoplealignedtovisionis thedeterminantofsuccess.HRleadersneedtobevision catalystswhotranslatestrategicintentintoworkerbehavior
Byinfusingtalentstrategyintoallaspectsofthebusiness, influencingperformance-drivingcultures,andleveraging datatodriveandmotivate,strategicHRleadership transformspeopleoperationsintoasourceofsustainable competitiveadvantage.Thefutureofbusinessis human—andthefutureofHRisstrategic.
There is no LIMIT to what we, as WOMEN, can ACCOMPLISH.
-MichelleObama
www.x.com/insightssuccess