To kick off the CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship Program, Spencer Stuart’s Steve Patscot and Nicolas Albizzatti interviewed its participants to hear their insights on a range of topics, including their leadership journeys and culture transformation.
The fellowship program is a bespoke 12-month cohort-based performance accelerator for first-time CHROs across industries with less than 24 months of experience in the role. We will update this page regularly with participants’ stories and encourage you to listen in.
Featured Interviews
CHROs as Strategic Leaders and What’s Ahead for the Role
Jennifer Manchester, CHRO of Fiserv, and Maria Melendez, CHRO of Mattress Firm, share their perspectives on bringing a strategic mindset to the HR function, adapting to today’s political and economic climate, the unexpected realities they face and technology’s impact on CHROs today and in the future.
The Value of Adding Tools to Your Toolbelt
Kristin Papesh, CHRO of Fortune Brands, talks about how she ties her family values to her work, how her teenage job at an amusement park led her to HR and why aspiring HR leaders should view feedback as a gift for building the skills they need.
Competitive Roots to Visionary Leadership
Ryan Blackmore, CHRO of Edwards Lifesciences, discusses the importance of resilience and transformation. Drawing from mentorship and his passion for HR, he's now poised to shape a new future as CHRO, championing trust, empathy, and deep business insight within HR's evolving landscape.
