Workplace Stories by RedThread Research

By: Stacia Garr & Dani Johnson
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  • Summary

  • At RedThread, we love data—but we know stories are what stick. That’s why we bring together thinkers, writers, leaders, and practitioners to share real-world insights about what works in the workplace, what they’ve learned, and where the future of work is headed. We keep it insightful, thought-provoking, and maybe even a little irreverent.

    But we don’t stop at conversations. Our research, events, and community turn insights into action, helping organizations and individuals navigate the changing world of work.

    Want to be part of the conversation? Join our community for free and connect with others shaping the future of work.

    Learn more about RedThread Research here: https://redthreadresearch.com/home
    RedThread Research 2024
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Economics Management Management & Leadership
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Episodes
  • “Wait, We’re Still Guessing?” Why HR Needs Better Data - NOW

    “Wait, We’re Still Guessing?” Why HR Needs Better Data - NOW
    Apr 17 2025
    HR teams have more data than ever, but many still rely on guesswork when it comes to people decisions. In this episode, we unpack the rapid growth of the people analytics tech market, which ballooned from $1.7B in 2019 to $8.1B by last summer.

    Hosts Dani Johnson, Stacia Garr, and Priyanka Mehrotra walk through how this market has evolved, what’s driving investment, and why the demand for better-connected, more useful insights keeps rising.

    We also dig into what’s not working, like customer frustration, disappointing ROI, and the reality that AI in these tools often overpromises and underdelivers. Whether you’re brand new to people analytics or looking to uplevel your HR tech strategy, this episode will help you move from “hoping for the best” to truly leading with insight.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (0:00) Setting the stage: Why people analytics tech is worth revisiting.
    • (4:31) The market’s growth from $1.7B to $8.1B, and what’s fueling it.
    • (8:31) Three big shifts: use cases, democratization, and ethics.
    • (13:40) Pandemic-driven surge: Why execs finally cared about people data.
    • (14:57) What vendors are getting right: Partnerships and practical AI.
    • (23:25) Where vendors are falling short: UX, ROI, and unmet promises.
    • (29:30) The near-term future: Middleware, consolidation, and embedded insights.
    • (36:00) AI expectations vs. reality: Trust, risk, and what vendors still miss.
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Visier – https://www.visier.com
    • Culture Amp – https://www.cultureamp.com
    • One Model – https://www.onemodel.co
    Connect with Dani, Stacia, and Priyanka
    • Dani Johnson
    • Stacia Garr
    • Priyanka Mehrotra on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    43 mins
  • L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea

    L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea
    Apr 2 2025
    Many L&D teams still see themselves as a support function—creating learning programs, responding to training requests, and advocating for development. But in a rapidly changing business landscape, is that enough?

    In this episode, Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, challenges the traditional identity of L&D and makes the case for a more strategic role—one that positions learning as a core driver of business transformation, not just an enabler of it.

    We dive into the recurring struggle for L&D to "get a seat at the table" and why that framing might be holding teams back. Instead of waiting for an invitation, L&D leaders must shift their focus from delivering learning to solving real business problems.

    Al shares insights on how forward-thinking organizations are embedding learning into business strategy, leveraging skills data, and embracing new ways of working—such as agile methodologies and systems thinking—to drive real impact.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (00:00) L&D’s Identity Crisis
    • (05:10) Why L&D struggles for influence and how to fix it
    • (12:40) The shift from support function to strategic problem-solver
    • (20:50) The role of skills data in transforming L&D
    • (32:00) Challenges and mindset shifts needed for L&D leaders
    • (42:41) Final thoughts and why Al Dea does this work

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • The Edge of Work
    • Josh Bersin
    Connect with Al Dea
    • Connected with Al Dea on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    44 mins
  • AI, Learning & Partnerships: How Bertelsmann is Future-Proofing Its Workforce with Steven Moran

    AI, Learning & Partnerships: How Bertelsmann is Future-Proofing Its Workforce with Steven Moran
    Mar 19 2025
    AI is transforming work at an unprecedented pace, but many organizations still struggle to move beyond experimentation and into real implementation. In this episode, we sit down with Steven Moran, Chief Learning Officer and Chief Partnerships Officer at Bertelsmann, to explore how one of the world’s largest media, education, and services companies is tackling this challenge head-on.

    With 400 businesses and 80,000 employees worldwide, Bertelsmann is uniquely positioned at the intersection of AI, workforce learning, and industry partnerships—making its approach to AI adoption especially insightful.

    Steven shares how Bertelsmann strategically identifies which work AI should take over and which skills employees should double down on to stay competitive. He also unpacks why AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fostering creativity, innovation, and business transformation.

    From collaborating with OpenAI to rethinking job structures, Steven offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Bertelsmann is future-proofing its workforce. Whether you’re an HR leader, a learning professional, or simply curious about AI’s role in the workplace, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating the next era of work.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (0:00) How Bertelsmann’s Chief Learning Officer also leads partnerships
    • (1:10) AI’s shift from experimentation to real implementation in organizations
    • (8:33) Bertelsmann’s strategic partnership with OpenAI and its goals
    • (10:32) How AI is reshaping work and what skills employees should prioritize
    • (16:40) The journey from AI experimentation to company-wide adoption
    • (22:50) Balancing AI-driven efficiency with human creativity in the workplace
    • (35:00) How Bertelsmann uses skill gap analysis to drive workforce strategy
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Bertelsmann
    • OpenAI
    • Ethan Bernstein & Job Moves
    Connect with Steven Moran
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    Connect With Red Thread Research
    • Website: Red Thread Research
    • On LinkedIn
    • On Facebook
    • On Twitter

    Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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    45 mins
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