The HR Dialogues

#45 | Why Training Metrics Don’t Prove Impact

Why do traditional training metrics fail to show business impact? A learning expert shares key insights for HR on how to measure what truly matters and prove the value of learning. Welcome to The HR Dialogues with Dr. Dieter Veldsman! Join AIHR’s Chief HR Scientist to learn from People Practitioners as they navigate the changing world of work. In this episode, Dr. Dieter Veldsman sits down with Dr. Alaina Szlachta, learning strategist and data expert. Together, they unpack the limitations of traditional learning metrics and explore how HR can better connect learning to real business outcomes. Alaina has over 20 years of experience in learning and development. She has worked as an L&D professional, trainer, professor, researcher, and business owner. She is now helping organizations and entrepreneurs build data-driven learning strategies and drive smarter decisions. In this episdoe, we’ll discuss: * Why completion rates, satisfaction scores, and quizzes don’t prove impact * How to shift from learning metrics to behavior and performance * The role of work environment and organizational systems in driving behavior change Ready for the full experience? Watch the episode in video format.  [https://youtu.be/rXVb9Xr0FnQ] Rate, review & follow on your favorite podcast platform. If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our show. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode and any topics you'd like us to cover next. If you haven't done so yet, subscribe to the podcast [https://thehrdialogues.buzzsprout.com/] and never miss an episode!

#43 | Adaptive Strategy in Practice: Why Execution, Culture and People Matter

Why do traditional training metrics fail to show business impact? A learning expert shares key insights for HR on how to measure what truly matters and prove the value of learning. Welcome to The HR Dialogues with Dr. Dieter Veldsman! Join AIHR’s Chief HR Scientist to learn from People Practitioners as they navigate the changing world of work. In this episode, Dr. Dieter Veldsman sits down with Dr. Alaina Szlachta, learning strategist and data expert. Together, they unpack the limitations of traditional learning metrics and explore how HR can better connect learning to real business outcomes. Alaina has over 20 years of experience in learning and development. She has worked as an L&D professional, trainer, professor, researcher, and business owner. She is now helping organizations and entrepreneurs build data-driven learning strategies and drive smarter decisions. In this episode, we’ll discuss: * Why completion rates, satisfaction scores, and quizzes don’t prove impact * How to shift from learning metrics to behavior and performance * The role of work environment and organizational systems in driving behavior change Ready for the full experience? Watch the episode in video format.  [https://youtu.be/MXsft1TX3II] Rate, review & follow on your favorite podcast platform. If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our show. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode and any topics you'd like us to cover next. If you haven't done so yet, subscribe to the podcast [https://thehrdialogues.buzzsprout.com/] and never miss an episode!

#42 | Why AI and Employee Wellbeing Need to be Discussed Together

Is your organization truly prioritizing wellbeing or just handing out another app? Discover key insights from a bestselling author and wellbeing advocate on how businesses must embrace systemic change to truly support employee wellness in the modern workplace. Welcome to The HR Dialogues with Dr. Dieter Veldsman! Join AIHR’s Chief HR Scientist to learn from People Practitioners as they navigate the changing world of work. In this episode, Dr. Dieter Veldsman sits down with Ryan Hopkins, Chief Impact Officer at JAAQ, a rising well-being platform for businesses. Together, they explore the evolving well-being landscape, the unintended consequences of digital tools, and why measuring what matters is key to creating sustainable workplaces. As a global well-being leader, Ryan has helped major organizations like Microsoft, Bupa, Sainsbury’s, and Deloitte reduce burnout, improve performance, and navigate the human impact of an increasingly digital and AI‑driven workplace. He is also the author of the best-selling book “52 Weeks of Well-being”. In this episode, we’ll discuss: The digital well-being crisis and how constant connectivity impacts employees How to move beyond apps and perks to build a truly human-centered culture The role of data and leadership in creating sustainable wellbeing strategies Ready for the full experience? Watch the episode in video format.  [https://youtu.be/HZ4f6jEbKqw] Rate, review & follow on your favorite podcast platform. If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our show. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode and any topics you'd like us to cover next. If you haven't done so yet, subscribe to the podcast [https://thehrdialogues.buzzsprout.com/] and never miss an episode!

#41 | Why AI Maturity Is More About People Than Technology

How are organizations using AI, and what does AI maturity look like in practice? Discover key insights from a seasoned AI expert on navigating adoption, measuring impact, and building responsible, human-centered AI strategies. Welcome to The HR Dialogues with Dr. Dieter Veldsman! Join AIHR’s Chief HR Scientist to learn from People Practitioners as they navigate the changing world of work. In this episode, Dr. Dieter Veldsman sits down with Eryn Peters, co-founder of the AI Maturity Index. Together, they dive into how organizations are adopting AI, what true AI maturity means, and how HR can lead responsibly in an AI-driven future. As a future of Work evangelist, Eryn brings deep expertise in AI adoption, organizational culture, and workforce transformation, grounded in her extensive global research, with over 300,000 data points. In this episode, we’ll discuss: - How to assess and improve AI maturity across teams and regions - The psychological and cultural factors influencing AI adoption - Why HR plays a central role in building responsible, organization-wide AI strategies Ready for the full experience? Watch the episode in video format.  [https://youtu.be/LLeM3E7hc44] Rate, review & follow on your favorite podcast platform. If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our show. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode and any topics you'd like us to cover next. If you haven't done so yet, subscribe to the podcast [https://thehrdialogues.buzzsprout.com/] and never miss an episode!

#40 | Making the Deal Work: The Strategic Role of HR in Mergers and Acquisitions

How can HR drive value before, during, and after a merger or acquisition? Get actionable insights for navigating M&A with confidence, clarity, and impact from a seasoned HR executive and educator. Welcome to The HR Dialogues with Dr. Dieter Veldsman! Join AIHR’s Chief HR Scientist to learn from People Practitioners as they navigate the changing world of work. In this episode, Dr. Dieter Veldsman sits down with Andrew Bartlow, Founder of People Leader Accelerator and veteran HR leader. Together, they explore the real value HR brings to M&A, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to lead through uncertainty with a clear strategy. Andrew has 35+ years of HR experience, including senior roles at Pepsi, GE, and Wells Fargo, and now supports CHROs and HR teams through high-impact advisory work. He has guided dozens of successful mergers and acquisitions. In this video, we’ll discuss: * How HR can align with the value creation plan to drive successful M&A * The biggest misconceptions about HR’s role in M&A * How to create clarity, retain key talent, and align culture with business goals Ready for the full experience? Watch the episode in video format.  [https://youtu.be/FdwVlpNS0eY] Rate, review & follow on your favorite podcast platform. If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our show. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode and any topics you'd like us to cover next. If you haven't done so yet, subscribe to the podcast [https://thehrdialogues.buzzsprout.com/] and never miss an episode!