Lessons from the Field

Strengthening the CEO-Board Relationship: A CHRO’s Perspective

In this episode, HRPA’s Ani Huang talks with Steve Fry (former CHRO, Eli Lilly) and Rich Floersch (former CHRO, McDonald’s) about the critical role of the CHRO in fostering effective relationships between the CEO and the board. Drawing on their extensive experience, Steve and Rich explore the common disconnects between CEOs and boards, the risks of misalignment, and practical ways CHROs can advise, support, and bridge communication to ensure strategic success. Tune in for insights on building trust, facilitating dialogue, and helping the CEO-board relationship thrive—even in complex and evolving business environments.

Steve Fry on Guiding Transformation from the CHRO Seat

In this episode, HRPA’s Ani Huang talks with Steve Fry about the CHRO’s role in business transformation. Drawing from lessons learned over his 36-year career, and what it meant to serve for 12 of those years as Lilly’s top HR leader during a time of deep transformation, Steve Fry shares his perspective on the role of the CHRO and HR team and how to avoid missteps. Tune in for insights from one of the profession’s most respected voices.

What comes after the C-suite?

The latest episode of Lessons from the Field takes a closer look at how Chief Human Resource Officers navigate the transition from corporate leadership to their next chapter. Join host Ani Huang in a candid conversation with Shelly Carlin, as they discuss Shelly’s journey from CHRO and Head of Total Rewards to providing her expertise to HRPA, launching a leadership program for athletes, and serving as Managing Editor of D1Softball.com, the premier source for college softball news. Whether you're actively considering your next move or simply curious about how others chart their post-CHRO paths, Shelly’s story offers thoughtful insights into successful life and career transitions. Tune in now for a dose of inspiration on life beyond the CHRO role.

CEO Succession Is the New CHRO Power Skill

January 2025 set a record: 222 CEOs exited their roles—the highest number ever. Many were expected. Some weren’t. For CHROs, being ready for both is no longer optional—it's essential. In the latest episode of Lessons From the Field, Rich Floersch sits down with HRPA’s Ani Huang to unpack what he’s learned from his posts at McDonald’s, Kraft Foods International, and Philip Morris. From strategic foresight to crisis response, Rich shares real-world advice CHROs can’t afford to miss. Tune in now to hear how to lead through leadership change.

Charlie Tharp Provides Insights Into Exec Comp

In the first of Lessons from the Field, a new video and podcast series, Ani Huang, Senior Executive Vice President of HRPA talks with Charlie Tharp, Senior Advisor at HRPA’s Center On Executive Compensation. In this episode, Dr. Tharp draws on over 25 years of corporate experience at General Electric, PepsiCo, Pillsbury, CIGNA and Bristol-Myers Squibb, plus decades of teaching, to provide his insights into executive compensation.