Navigating HR Leadership with Andrea Cooper: Insights into Team Management, Virtual Work, and Leadership Evolution.
In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Dave D'Angelo welcomes Andrea, an HR executive with over 25 years of experience. Andrea shares her non-traditional career journey and insights on evolving her leadership approach, especially in managing distributed and virtual teams. She highlights the importance of in-person connections and cultural competence.
Andrea also discusses the critical skills HR professionals need, such as balancing in-depth work with broad oversight and staying true to one's unique style. She emphasizes the power of empathy and vulnerability in challenging times like workforce reductions. Her parting advice encourages HR leaders to be genuine and forgo the traditional, buttoned-up corporate image for deeper, more meaningful workplace interactions.
00:00 Introduction to the Built by People Podcast
00:16 Sponsorship Message from Previ
00:44 Andrea's Career Journey
01:48 Evolving Leadership Approaches
02:56 Managing Distributed and Virtual Teams
04:40 Critical Skills for HR Professionals
07:02 Building Corporate Culture and Employee Experience
09:18 Surprising Lessons in HR Leadership
10:32 Parting Advice for HR Leaders
11:09 Conclusion and Farewell
