UNLEASH World 2024: The CEO’s insider guide to what’s hot

“In a knot of eight crossings, which is about the average-size knot, there are 256 different ‘over-and-under’ arrangements possible.

“Make only one change in this ‘over and under’ sequence and either an entirely different knot is made, or no knot at all may result.”

My love for fly fishing, sailing and knots initially drew me to this quote from an Annie Proulx novel that I discovered in my teens. It’s odd that it should follow me this far; it sometimes reappears when I think about probabilities, community building, customer experience, and igniting possibilities with our teams and customers.

There’s a certain mastery in understanding the intricacies of these ‘over and under’ sequences – not just in knots, but in the way content is consumed, deals are brokered, or relationships are built at UNLEASH. One small shift in how we approach things can lead to vastly different outcomes, or sometimes, no outcome at all.

At UNLEASH, I’ve seen firsthand how these small shifts can lead to extraordinary transformations. How a question, insight or inspirational keynote from the Main Stage has changed hearts & minds, careers, and lives.

What an opportunity, what a responsibility.

Or, how a simple roundtable has altered the strategic direction of ten major global employers, impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of employees and their families. Or, how a chance meeting on the exhibition floor between software giants sparked a billion dollar acquisition. A gathering of HR leaders passionate about HR and the future of work have found much needed technology and kindred spirits, and how those solutions and connections have been the difference in making the serendipitous magic happen.

The Show – A celebration of HR’s progress

UNLEASH 2024 is Where the HR World Meets. This year, CHROs from the world’s leading employers and Fortune 500 companies such as Deutsche Telekom, Zurich Insurance, L’Oréal, Mastercard, Baker Hughes, Sodexo, Orange, PepsiCo, and many more will share their insights across 15 stages, (+200 industry-leading speakers). With a focus on HR innovation, this year’s show presents a unique opportunity to learn directly from those at the forefront of workforce transformation, igniting possibilities that will resonate far beyond the conference and exhibition and shape the future of how we work.

We are honored to spotlight our trailblazing sponsors who are shaping the future of work. These leaders are the backbone of HR innovation, powering the tools and solutions that are transforming the global workforce.

Special thanks to Our Awesome Headline Sponsors for putting their faith and investment in UNLEASH 2024: Atlas, Eightfold.ai, HiBob, Phenom, Radancy, SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Workhuman, who are leading and redefining the future of HR with cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven solutions.

Together, they are ensuring that UNLEASH remains the go-to event for HR leaders from over 111 countries across the globe.

GO BLUE! Special thanks to Michigan Ross for powering our new UNLEASH Lounge, which will bring the Who’s Who of HR together in one space. They have also graciously organized what promises to be an unforgettable cruise on the Seine, setting the stage for experiences that will inspire, connect, and rejuvenate everyone who joins us.

We also celebrate our Diamond Sponsors: Cegid, Cornerstone, Docebo, Edenred, Mercer, Oracle Cloud HCM, Qualtrics, Rippling, ServiceNow, and SmartRecruiters – pioneers in the HR world, driving transformative change for businesses worldwide.

Additionally, we are incredibly grateful to our valued customers on the ground in Paris, some of the world’s best employers and innovative HR departments including L’Oréal and Orange, who have partnered with us to host exclusive CHRO expeditions and innovation tours across the world’s culture capital. This is true trailblazing at UNLEASH, and I couldn’t be more excited for our community as we once again enable the future of HR and innovation.

STAGE 1 – The Keynote Experience

David Green, yes that handsome English Europhile in the image above, now a veteran of the UNLEASH Main Stage, and one of the most influential thought leaders in HR and people analytics is back to emcee and own that stage like never before. As Executive Director at Insight222 and host of the Digital HR Leaders podcast, David has worked with tech giants like Microsoft and IBM, helping them leverage people data to drive performance and improve employee experience. His unmatched ability to turn complex data into intelligent action makes him an indispensable part of the UNLEASH experience and our community, bringing clarity and inspiration to HR leaders globally.

Amy Webb is a world renowned futurist and trusted advisor to the world’s most admired companies, three-star admirals and generals, and senior leadership at central banks and intergovernmental organizations. Her data-driven, technology-led foresight methodology, pioneered at the Future Today Institute, has been implemented by hundreds of organizations to drive growth and innovation. Amy’s Future of Technology report has been downloaded over a million times this year, establishing her as a critical voice in shaping the future of technology and society. Dare I say it … Amy Webb’s cutting-edge research doesn’t just compete with Gartner and IDC—it tucks them in, tells them a bedtime story, and leaves them in the dust when it comes to future forecasting. Webb is a professor of strategic foresight at New York University’s Stern School of Business, where she developed and teaches future-focused MBA-level courses, and is also a visiting fellow at Oxford University’s Säid School of Business. She has been recognized by Poets & Quants as “one of the most impactful business professors in the world”.

Peter Hinssen is an UNLEASH Hall of Famer. The world record holder for being able to entertain an audience whilst presenting +300 slides behind him, prepare to be spellbound on the new and never normal. Peter advises Fortune 500 companies on digital transformation and how to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape. With a unique ability to connect technology with human behavior, Peter captivates HR leaders, helping them understand how to foster adaptability, disruptive innovation, creativity, and future-ready workforces. His bestselling books, including The Day After Tomorrow, explore how companies can thrive in the long term, making him an influential voice for those looking to transform their people, technology and culture strategies. 

Dr Kirstin Ferguson is our first Australian to keynote at UNLEASH 2024 on the back of her first experience with UNLEASH in Las Vegas earlier this year. The Former Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), will bring bundles of ideas behind her award-winning research and bestselling book, Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership to life as she inspires HR leaders to lead with impact. Kirstin believes leadership is simply a series of moments and her keynote will be full of moments of leadership insights and practical takeaways reminding us we are all leaders – in our homes, communities and roles – regardless of our position title. If you are a leader or aspiring, the world has changed – get her book!

Ethan Kross is a leading psychologist and professor at the University of Michigan, best known for his work on the science of self-talk. His bestselling books, Chatter and The Voice Within, explore how mastering our inner dialogue can improve mental health, performance, and decision-making. Kross’ work makes complex psychological insights accessible, showing how our “inner voice” can be transformed into a powerful tool for personal growth.

Ethan’s work and research has me personally more excited than ever, as I’ve personally rekindled the spark, I thought I’d lost because of the scale of loss that came with the pandemic. My inner voice is alive and singing again, that survival advantage bringing with it that incredible problem solving device, a renewed sense of purpose and clarity that meets my vision and mission.

Josh Bersin is back at UNLEASH to illuminate the latest trends in the HR industry, with a keen eye on what’s to come in 2025. He is the only expert in the field who can break down this complicated industry where his insights are unmatched, evidenced by the number of handheld devices capturing photos of his presentation…something you’d expect more at a Coldplay or Taylor Swift concert! Bersin’s ability to distill the overwhelming into actionable strategies makes him an essential voice in HR, offering unparalleled clarity and foresight in a sector that impacts millions of workers worldwide.

Nota Bene: The vendors always find a way to get mentioned – or not – it’s just part of the game. And let’s be honest, I’ll have my fair share of battles and kicks to the shin afterwards with the ones who didn’t! Thought leaders and analysts must put the industry up there on stage, it is my expectation. They won’t and can’t cover everyone and everything. But that’s all in good spirit. There are over 200 other speakers whom have the opportunity to cover the rest.

More importantly, Josh’s journey is a true testament to what’s possible in the HR industry – his career growth when we first met over a decade ago, from leading industry analyst in learning technologies to the leading voice across the entire HR landscape, is something to celebrate. It’s inspiring for everyone carving out their own path in the world of HR.

In a world where jobs, careers and community are at the heart of societal stability, career trajectory reminds us just how important our industry is or can be. A future without jobs, learning, meaningful work, isn’t just an economic concern – it pushes us toward chaos and radicalization, more ‘Mad Max’ than ‘Star Trek’. But in this dynamic and growing sector on the future of work, the possibilities are endless for those with the expertise and passion to lead.

UNLEASH Startup – The network never stops!

Competition time! The UNLEASH Startup Awards 2024, the HR industry’s most prestigious and longest running startup competition, returns to Paris!

Everyone knows this is my show favorite, and for any entrepreneur, this is where our endorphins boil, bubble, and sometimes get us into trouble! It’s in your veins – like a moth to a flame, I am irresistibly drawn to this exciting part of the UNLEASH ecosystem when it kicks off.

Celebrating its 13th year globally, this competition showcases groundbreaking tech and innovation in HR and Work from over 100 startups. Five finalists will compete for the coveted €50,000 prize, marking the ultimate global accolade for game-changing startups in HR and the Future of Work.

At UNLEASH 2024, gender parity is taking a bold step forward! In an exciting shift from the competition’s early days, three out of five finalists are female founders – a powerful testament to the growing influence of women in HR and workplace innovation.

Back in 2011, one woman made it to the final stage of six finalists – Lisa Scales – but this year, the balance tips the other way! The first female founder to win the competition in 2016, Aisling Teillard, went on to sell her business to Beqom, a key player and now prominent exhibitor at the UNLEASH.

These trailblazing women are not only transforming the HR industry, but they’re also leading the charge in creating a more diverse, inclusive and safer future for us all. HR leaders, don’t miss the chance to witness this game-changing moment at UNLEASH World. This is where innovation meets inclusion!

Meet the five UNLEASH World Startup Award 2024 finalists

Alda Transforming DEI in the workplace with innovative, data-driven solutions.
Alda is leading the way in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with a platform that combines AI, real-time data, and actionable insights. With clients like Aker Solutions and the Icelandic Parliament, Alda empowers organizations to create inclusive workplaces where everyone thrives. CEO: Thorey V. Proppe 

CoComply Discover, classify, and monitor your non-permanent workforce.
CoComply is transforming workforce management with a platform that helps HR and procurement teams manage and analyze their non-permanent workforce. With features like vendor classification and compliance monitoring, CoComply ensures a unified, efficient view of the entire workforce ecosystem. CEO: Michael Cleavely

Omind Unleash your teams’ potential with neuroscience and AI!
Omind combines cutting-edge neuroscience and AI to revolutionize talent development. Their platform uses gamified experiences and AI-driven insights to detect, measure, and enhance employee skills like stress management and adaptability. With over 50 corporate clients including IKEA and Accenture, Omind is transforming performance and well-being across organizations. CEO: Clarisse Pamies

Taiwa We help you grow.
Taiwa delivers cutting-edge AI-powered coaching to drive personal and organizational growth. Their platform provides 24/7 tailored coaching experiences, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and fostering a culture of collaboration and transformation within organizations. CEO: Dawa Tarchin Phillips

Welliba Better with Insight.
Welliba uses AI and behavioral science to boost sustainable performance for individuals and teams. Their platform delivers personalized, actionable insights, reducing people-related risk and enabling organizations to maximize performance at every level. CEO: Katarina Coppé 

The finale is set for October 17 at the Paris Convention Centre, where the five finalists will pitch and engage in a Q&A session with our judges firing off challenging questions to find the winner.

The absolutely fabulous Rebecca Carr is back to moderate. CEO of SmartRecruiters, her illustrious career spans over 15 years in HR technology, which makes her an exceptional asset. This is her 3^rd show as moderator of the UNLEASH Startup Awards. Carr’s prowess shines in her ability to understand customer needs and innovate in product development, having honed her skills at notable companies including Checkr, Branchout and Jobvite. Rebecca is industry famous for her customer-focused approach to HR innovation.

The judging panel of the UNLEASH Startup Award 2024includes several other distinguished professionals in the HR and technology fields:

Chris Hoyt President, CareerXroads 
Chris Hoyt is a 25-year veteran in recruitment, leading CareerXroads, building stronger recruitment communities.  and speaking at HR conferences worldwide.

Kathi Enderes Senior Vice President and Global Industry Analyst, The Josh Bersin Company
Kathi Enderes brings 20+ years of expertise and global thought leadership in HR and talent management, previously working with Deloitte, IBM, and EY.

Ben Eubanks Chief Research Officer, Lighthouse Research & Advisory
Ben Eubanks, author of Artificial Intelligence for HR, researches HR tech and hosts the podcast We’re Only Human.

Ilonka Jankovic Impact Venture Capitalist, Rubio
Ilonka Jankovich is an impact VC and former lawyer, co-managing the Randstad Innovation Fund and investing in leading HR tech startups.

Piyush Hemnani Principal, Mediahuis Ventures
Piyush Hemnani is a venture capitalist focused on Future of Work and EdTech startups across Europe with Mediahuis Ventures.

Anita Lettink Partner, Strategic Management Centre
Anita Lettink is a global thought leader on the Future of Work, Equal Pay, helping companies and startups navigate HR innovation.

In a world of HR unicorns and industry elephants, participating in and supporting this competition shines the light on the next generation and creates unparalleled opportunity for HR startups to gain visibility, thrive and connect with leading HR analysts, customers, thought leaders, and investors.

…And saving the best for last!

The people who make the magic happen

UNLEASH is more than just a show – it’s the result of an incredible team’s hard work and dedication, pouring their heart and soul into delivering an unforgettable experience for customers whose expectations soar higher each year. Remember, both industries are tough industries to work in, especially events and media where you get to mix 1000’s of deadlines with 1000’s of personalities and dozens of cultures 🙈.

As one of our core values at UNLEASH, ‘People First’ has been more than just a mantra; it has truly come to life this year. It’s been a tough one, both for the world and for some of us personally. I’ve had to step back for several months this year due to family matters. During this time, our leaders and their teams have been nothing short of heroic, stepping up and pushing through with the same passion and dedication they always bring. I couldn’t be more proud or more grateful for the resilience and strength they’ve shown in the face of challenges.

I’m looking forward to celebrating all that we’ve achieved this year, and there’s no better way than cruising down the Seine together after the show. This year has proven that we truly are stronger together, and I couldn’t ask for a better team to be on this journey with.

Our mission at UNLEASH is to be the most loved and influential HR community and marketplace. Our vision is to ignite possibilities that unleash life-changing opportunities for our customers. Every moment, every connection, every conversation – like the threads of a knot – has the potential to shape the future.

See you in Paris! Marc. ☘️