#104 - Bradford Williams - People Analytics & Workforce Planning @ Northwestern Mutual, People Analytics World NYC 2024
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Join us for an engaging episode of Directionally Correct, where host Cole & Scott sits down with Bradford Williams, the head of People Analytics, Insights, and Workforce Planning at Northwestern Mutual. Sponsored by OneModel, this episode dives into the intricacies of people analytics and the evolving role of leadership within organizations.

The conversation begins with a light-hearted exchange about the time Bradford played basketball with LeBron James, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on the importance of relationships and community within the field of people analytics. Cole and Bradford reflect on their experiences at the People Analytics World Conference, highlighting key themes such as the impact of storytelling and the necessity of aligning analytics with business objectives.

The episode also explores the concept of leadership, debating whether leaders are born or made, and how personality traits influence one's effectiveness as a leader. The discussion is enriched by insights from recent studies and articles, including the controversial idea of 'Founder Mode' in leadership and the potential role of AI in decision-making processes.

As the episode wraps up, Bradford shares his perspectives on corporate jargon and his favorite analytics metrics, bringing humor and personal anecdotes to the forefront. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of people analytics, leadership, and the future of work.

AI can now outperform most CEOs: https://hbr.org/2024/09/ai-can-mostly-outperform-human-ceos?ab=HP-hero-latest-image-1&tpcc=paidsearch.google.dsacontent&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD9b3uSTIe7N1L4DazonrQzZU3BLS)

Are leaders born or made: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7240059596608843777-lIm7/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop) 

Paul Graham's Founder Mode article: https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html) 

Tailgate vs holiday season: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tailgate-more-important-game-072712173.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAK8b2NNHyJCwZDPUDFLCTXxkC1jew3549CQOZe7rYIu4oaek1sOeOHXdUsbl68HbwjNMAVXk0jsnSjtL1OIa7t8B0Oa4oNRYJlvjUgZUYsTQTDVncWaYeNbhjrmG7_nJPD1PNe4LUKzzZ49M0MsoQjoqUjsm4iXZIcg0hUcaIPME) 

Everyone gets paid the same: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/everyone-gets-paid-the-same-a-theory?r=ybtwi)

What is happening to people analytics in the last 15 years? Part One: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/what-is-happening-to-people-analytics?r=ybtwi)

Part Two: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com/p/what-is-happening-to-people-analytics-6af?r=ybtwi)