Human resources (HR) influencers play a critical role in shaping the talent management landscape. As thought leaders in HR, they provide insights, share best practices, and help advance the profession. But with so many voices out there, who stands out as the top influencer? Let’s examine some of the leading contenders.
What Makes a Great HR Influencer?
There are several qualities that set the best HR influencers apart:
- Industry experience – They have years of real-world HR expertise to draw upon.
- Innovative thinking – They introduce new concepts and challenge conventional wisdom.
- Strong network – They collaborate with other respected HR professionals.
- Communication skills – They can explain complex topics in an accessible way.
- Reach and audience – They have a platform to widely share their message.
The top influencers distinguish themselves by embodying these traits and making a real impact in the HR space. As we examine candidates, we will keep these criteria in mind.
Josh Bersin
Josh Bersin is one of the most prominent thought leaders in the HR world. Here are some key facts about his work:
- Founder of Bersin & Associates, acquired by Deloitte in 2012
- Forbes columnist on HR issues since 2007
- Author of multiple books on talent strategy and HR trends
- Frequent keynote speaker at major HR conferences
- 260,000+ followers on LinkedIn
Bersin is an authoritative voice on all things related to HR, talent, and leadership. He provides research-based insights and practical advice to HR professionals. Some of his areas of focus include employee experience, learning and development, HR technology, and the evolution of work. He has an engaging communication style and delivers thoughtful perspectives.
Key Thought Leadership
Some examples of Bersin’s influential ideas include:
- The concept of the overwhelmed employee struggling with workplace complexity.
- How HR departments need to operate as a “network of teams” and embrace agile ways of working.
- The growing importance of employee experience in attracting and retaining top talent.
- The shift from traditional performance management to regular coaching and development conversations.
Bersin is always on the cutting edge of new HR trends and techniques. His insights help push the profession forward.
Liz Ryan
Liz Ryan is a former Fortune 500 HR executive turned HR thought leader. Her credentials include:
- HR VP roles at companies like Cisco Systems and McDonald’s
- Founder and CEO of Human Workplace, a consulting firm
- Hosts popular HR podcast with over 2 million downloads
- Best-selling author of books like Reinvention Roadmap
- 215,000+ LinkedIn followers
Ryan takes a very human-centered approach to HR issues. She is a strong advocate for removing bureaucracy and empowering both employees and HR professionals. Her philosophy challenges many established HR practices.
Key Thought Leadership
Ryan is best-known for the following innovative ideas:
- Arguing that traditional talent management practices dehumanize employees.
- Encouraging bringing more humanity and trust into the employer-employee relationship.
- Rejecting convoluted HR processes and policies that disempower managers.
- Rethinking recruiting and talent branding to focus on the candidate experience.
Ryan delivers provocative viewpoints that get people thinking differently about workplaces. She prioritizes putting people first in HR strategy.
David Green
As founder and CEO of the HR tech company HCM Deck, David Green offers both practitioner expertise and an entrepreneurial viewpoint. Highlights include:
- Former HR leadership roles at companies like Dell, PepsiCo, and Shell Oil.
- Co-host of popular HR Happy Hour podcast.
- Author of books on topics like strategic HR planning.
- Frequent contributor to HR publications like HR Executive and Employee Benefit News.
- 200,000+ Twitter followers.
Green provides experienced perspectives on HR technology, data analysis, and building strategic HR functions. He brings hands-on insights from his work as a practitioner and innovator.
Key Thought Leadership
Notable parts of Green’s thought leadership catalog include:
- Using people analytics and workforce planning to boost organizational performance.
- Applying talent management lessons from his experience at top global companies.
- Leveraging HR technology to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.
- Tapping into the power of purpose, culture and strategic narratives.
Green incorporates case studies and practical guidance into his insights. His dual lens as C-suite leader and entrepreneur makes him an informative voice.
Meghan M. Biro
Meghan M. Biro provides a multifaceted perspective spanning recruitment, branding, and diversity/inclusion. Her background includes:
- Founder and CEO of TalentCulture, a leading HR media outlet.
- Hosts women-focused HR podcast Contrarian Coach.
- Contributor to Forbes, Glassdoor, LinkedIn and other major platforms.
- Advisory roles for startups like phenomPeople.
- 400,000+ Twitter followers.
Biro analyzes trends in candidate experience, employer branding, DE&I, and the future of work. She highlights people-centered strategies for engaging talent.
Key Thought Leadership
Biro’s thought leadership covers topics like:
- Personal branding approaches for candidates and companies.
- 使用员工故事塑造企业品牌。
- Diversity hiring as a competitive advantage, not just an obligation.
- Rethinking recruiting using marketing techniques.
Biro provides fresh perspectives on attracting, engaging, and retaining talent in today’s competitive hiring environment.
Conclusion
Based on their industry impact, innovative thinking, and reach, Josh Bersin, Liz Ryan, David Green, and Meghan M. Biro exemplify top HR influencers. However, they are just a sampling of the many thought leaders shaping the talent management space. Other names like Laszlo Bock, China Gorman, and Ravin Jesuthasan are also advancing the HR conversation. The field will continue to evolve as these voices and more share their wisdom. HR leaders would be wise to follow these influencers to stay on top of the latest trends and best practices.