Join us for a day of

What is the HR Innovation Roundtable?

A powerful closed-door workshop bringing together 40 HR executives from leading global
brands for intimate discussions about specific challenges and transferable solutions.


Agenda: Day 1

22nd April, 2024

👋 Arrival Reception

2-2:15 PM

Arrival Reception & Welcome from Ubisoft

Ubisoft Paris: Where the Adventure Begins. Celebrate 30 years of creation at Ubisoft’s new global headquarters, in a building called Floresco, situated in the Paris suburb of Saint-Mandé. The space is just a stone’s throw from the Bois de Vincennes – the French capital’s largest public park – and stands out with three ochre glass-and-metal wings that extend onto a stone plaza and feature rooftop terraces.

There are spaces for creativity, including lounges, play zones, and modular project rooms, that come perfectly together in designing an eco-friendly environment. The space houses more than 700 creative minds (in a global company of more than 27,000+ employees) that work on iconic games such as Tom Clancy, Just Dance, The Rabbids and more.

📈 Keynote: Skills-First

2:15-3:15 PM

How Ubisoft is Using AI to Level Up Talent Management and Create a Skills-First Company

PanelistS:

ANDREW SAIDY

Vice President Global Talent
Ubisoft

Chano Fernandez

Co-CEO
Eightfold AI

EVENT MC: CHRIS RAINEY

Chris Rainey, CEO & Co-Founder
HR Leaders

 

Delve into the transformative journey of Ubisoft, a global video game company, as they embraced a skills-based approach to talent management using Eightfold's AI. Explore the strategic pivot towards internal mobility, the challenges of integrating new technologies, and the comprehensive benefits observed.

• The process and benefits of shifting to a skills-based organisation for talent retention and internal mobility

• The practical challenges encountered in implementing new technologies for talent management and strategies to overcome them

• Key considerations for CHROs looking to transform their own organisations through similar processes and technology applications

🎯 Keynote: CHRO Transformation

3:15-4:15 PM

The Evolving Role of CHROs in Today's Dynamic Work Environment

SPEAKER:

Beatriz Rodriguez

Group Chief Talent & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Bayer

A comprehensive look into the evolving role of Chief Human Resources Officers amidst the rapidly changing world of work. By examining insights from over 100 top HR leaders in the United States, the session aims to explore how CHROs are adapting to new challenges, leveraging digital tools, and aligning HR strategies with broader business objectives to drive organisational success.

• Insights into the critical skills and areas of knowledge that CHROs need to focus on to enhance their effectiveness and prepare for future challenges

• Strategies for building agility and establishing stronger connections within the HR function and across the organization

• The importance of embracing technology and data analytics to drive HR innovation and support the organization's evolving needs

♾️ Keynote: DE&I

4:30-5:30 PM

DE&I: How to Turn Your Internal Capabilities Into Revenue-Generating Products

PanelistS:

Raashi Sikka

Vice President Global Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Ubisoft

Unravel the essential role of diversity and inclusion in product management and its profound impact on innovation and market success. Through a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of fostering an inclusive product development environment, attendees will learn about actionable strategies for attracting and retaining diverse talent, and the importance of reflective representation in product design.

• The critical importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and creating products that cater to a global audience

• Strategies for overcoming systemic hiring biases and fostering an inclusive workplace culture that encourages retention and growth

• Practical steps for implementing diversity and inclusion principles in product management processes to achieve tangible business outcomes

🍸 🍽 Networking, Drinks & Dinner

5:30-7:00 PM

Networking, Drinks & Evening Dinner

Get to know your esteemed peers over some hors d'oeuvre and deliciously prepared cocktails. We will then head up a few floors to the terraces at 6 PM. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of Paris city in the presence of your peers to learn, share and ponder over the key topics of what has taken place and the upcoming day.

Agenda: Day 2

23rd April, 2024

☕ Welcome

8-8:40 AM

Registration & Breakfast followed by Welcome Reception

PanelistS:

Andrew Saidy

Vice President Global Talent
Ubisoft

Chano Fernandez

Co-CEO
Eightfold AI

Event MC: Chris Rainey

CEO & Co-Founder
HR Leaders

 

Join us nice and early to grab a tasty bite to eat and your daily dose of caffeine to set you up for a full on day of learning, sharing and innovating. At 8:30 AM hear a few words from our event MC (Chris), event host (Andrew) and event partner (Chano) on what to expect over the course of the day.

🔥 Fireside: Neurodiversity

8:40-9:20 AM

What are the Benefits of Neurodiversity in the Workplace

SPEAKER:

Pierre Escaich

Neurodiversity Talent Program Director
Ubisoft

Exploreing Ubisoft's initiatives during its third annual Neurodiversity Awareness Week, focusing on creating a supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals in the gaming industry. Through internal events and panels, Ubisoft aims to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and implement practical support systems for employees with autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences.

• The significance of neurodiversity in the workplace and the potential benefits of neurodiverse talents in the gaming industry

• Strategies for creating a neurodiverse-friendly work environment, including flexible hiring processes and workplace accommodations

• The role of technology and ERG initiatives in supporting neurodiverse employees and promoting inclusivity in game design

🧠 Panel #1: Talent

9:20-10:20 AM

How to Transform Your Job-Driven Company into a Skills-First Organization

PanelistS:

Daisy Auger-Dominguez

Chief People Officer
VICE Media & Author: Inclusion Revolution

Jacqueline Lynam Lewis

Chief People Officer
Suffolk Construction

Elu Lawrence

Vice President of People
HelloFresh

Lisa Moore

EVP, Chief People Officer
Yahoo

HR is evolving to a pragmatic, skills-based approach, integrating AI and technology for better hiring, internal mobility, and career growth. This transition moves away from traditional competency management towards systems that can predict and identify skills from employee profiles, enhancing talent discovery and internal career paths. Despite initial setbacks from ERP-centric solutions, the focus has shifted towards innovative, purpose-driven systems that more effectively integrate learning and talent development. This reflects a broader trend of adopting practical, skills-based systems to meet the dynamic needs of both the workforce and organisations.

• Emphasizing a pragmatic shift in HR towards skills-based strategies, overcoming the limitations of traditional competency management

• Highlighting the use of AI-driven models for advanced skills identification, supporting internal mobility and career development

• Moving from ERP-centric to innovative solutions that directly address talent management challenges

• Adopting integrated skills-based systems for effective learning, talent sourcing, and development, addressing practical workforce needs

🧠 Panel #2: Leadership

10:30-11:30 AM

Fostering Leaders fit for the 21st Century: Leadership Development in the Fortune 500

PanelistS:

Harvey Floyd II

Lecturer & Lead Executive Coach
Wharton Executive Education

Will Guillaume Foussier

Co-Founder & CEO
AceUp

Claudine Gallagher

Chief Human Resources Officer Americas
BNP Paribas

Stephane Charbonnier

Chief Human Resources Officer
L'Oréal USA

 

Human-centered leadership is emerging as a key trend in corporate strategy, focusing on developing leadership skills across all levels of an organization. This shift comes at a time when investment in leadership development is critically low, despite its strong correlation with improved business performance. Companies are moving away from traditional, performance-focused leadership models towards approaches that prioritize empathy, well-being, and personal growth, reflecting the service economy's need for aligned and skilled personnel. This evolution is supported by innovative tools such as AI and VR, offering personalized and immersive learning experiences

• Recognizing the urgent need for more investment in leadership development to enhance teamwork, trust, and performance amid historical budget lows.

• Emphasizing that leadership development must be inclusive of all organizational levels to adapt to flat hierarchies and drive growth

• Highlighting the shift in leadership focus towards human-centric issues, valuing empathy and well-being over traditional performance metrics

• Introducing new tools and techniques for leadership development, such as online coaching and AI, to prepare leaders for future challenges

🧠 Panel #3: EX

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

The Paradigm of Employee Experience: Employees are now in Charge

PanelistS:

Dave Ulrich

Thought Partner on Human Capability
Co-Founder & Principal
The RBL Group

Maryjo Charbonnier

Chief Human Resources Officer
Kyndryl

Christian Schmeichel

Chief Future of Work Officer
SAP

Gail Sharps Myers

EVP, Chief Legal Officer & Chief People Officer
Denny's

The transformation of employee experience (EX) is now focusing on empowering employees to actively shape their workplace, moving away from passive engagement strategies of the past towards dynamic "employee activation". This evolution highlights the importance of flexible, inclusive environments and management practices that resonate with employee needs. Technological advancements play a pivotal role, offering platforms for personalized communication and integrating personal preferences into workflows, thus challenging traditional EX management and signaling a shift in HR technology trends.

• The shift in EX emphasizes employee empowerment through active engagement and tailored communication

• Transitioning from traditional surveys to "employee activation" encourages direct feedback and idea crowdsourcing for a more adaptive work environment

• Technological innovations are central to modernizing EX, merging individual skills and preferences into daily operations and redefining HR technology standards

• Considering EX's impact on every stage of the employee lifecycle is crucial for fostering growth and development

🔥 Fireside #2: Wellbeing

1:30-2:45 PM

Just Dance: A Prescription for Employee Mental Wellbeing

Andrew Saidy

Vice President Global Talent
Ubisoft

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🧠 Panel #4: AI + HR = ROI

3:00-4:10 PM

How AI is Changing Every Part of HR—and Every Role in the Company

PanelistS:

Cheryl DeSantis

Chief People & Diversity Officer
SmileDirectClub

Doaa Fahmy

Senior Vice President HR & Leader of Future of Work
Danone

Aaron Falcione

Chief Human Resources Officer
Organon

Rosette Cataldo

Advisor
AceUp

Explore the strategic integration of Generative AI into various HR functions, from talent acquisition to employee development, and how it shapes the future of work. Drawing insights from practical examples, comprehensive research and expert guidance, the session will delve into the practical application of AI in HR, legal considerations, managing generative AI like ChatGPT, and the impact of AI on office technology and legal concerns.

• Strategic AI Implementation in HR: Insights on how AI is revolutionizing the HR landscape, enhancing efficiency in talent acquisition, employee development, and beyond​​​​

• Navigating Legal Complexities: Understanding the legal landscape surrounding AI usage in the workplace, including compliance with nondiscrimination laws and the importance of human oversight​​

• Generative AI in HR Practices: Best practices for integrating generative AI tools in HR processes, managing potential biases, ensuring data accuracy, and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability​​

🥂 Networking

4:10-5:30 PM

Closing Remarks & Evening Drinks & Networking

SPEAKER:

Andrew Saidy

Vice President Global Talent
Ubisoft

The perfect opportunity to follow up on the great discussions during the day in a completely informal environment with your peers.


Apply to Attend

Please fill out your details in the form below.

We reserve the right to reject any registrations if your role is to provide HR services, products, or consultancy offerings.
The HR Leaders Innovation Roundtable is strictly reserved for Executive level HR Practitioners (both generalists & specialists).


Why Should You Attend the Innovation Roundtable?

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World Class Facilitators

The world’s most influential HR & business executives share
their insights and experiences from leading global brands

See World Class HR in Action

Our workshops are hosted by leading global companies who open their doors for a day of intimate discussions about specific challenges and transferable solutions

Personal and Powerful

Real takeaways from senior practitioners representing a diverse
range of industries guarantees you will have top-level conversations

 

Members


📍 Venue

Hosted at Worldwide Headquarters of Ubisoft in Paris, France

 
 
 

📺 Testimonials
 
 

Still Have Questions?

We've answered a few FAQs to get you started.

Looking for an answer more specific? Email us at 📧 hello@hrleaders.co

🕹️ Is the event really taking place at Ubisoft?

🎟️ Who can attend?

👤 Can I Invite my colleagues?

🍲 Do I have to attend the pre-event evening dinner?

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A Few Pics from Around the world