UNLEASH World Day 2: Chanel, L’Oreal, Google, and more!

As the curtain falls on UNLEASH World 2024, we’re left to remember what an astounding event it’s been. And wow, we’ve crammed so much into just two days!

We’ve seen thought-provoking, accomplished, and truly inspirational speakers share their knowledge with thousands of attendees that gathered from all corners of the globe (+111 countries, in fact!).

And we’ve seen pioneering businesses, such as L’Oreal, the Cardinal Group, Capgemini, and many, many more tackle some of the most important and controversial topics that HR leaders are currently facing.

Although we’re still reliving some of the unforgettable memories and conversations that were had on Day One, our editorial team got straight back at it to report on the excitement generated by Day Two.

Josh Bersin: The AI revolution

Opening Day Two was none other than the legendary Josh Bersin. And as ever, he was sure not to disappoint.

“Amazon invested in three nuclear power plants this morning,” were Bersin’s opening remarks. “Do you know why? Because of all of the AI you guys want to use it!

I’m pretty convinced that we are in the most disruptive period of time in HR in general that we’ve ever seen.”

Throughout the course of his 40-minute session, Bersin highlights the transformative impact AI will have on the HR landscape in three main ways: Distinguishing between AI-enhanced and AI-native technologies in HR; understanding the role of diverse databases in effective AI solutions; and refining existing systems to improve accuracy in recruiting, retention, performance management, learning, upskilling, and fostering pay equity.

Bersin also touches upon how AI has become a vital component in talent acquisition, while stating that candidates can now use AI to 100% match a job description, making them seem a perfect match for any job they apply for.

“This is AI on one side fighting AI on the other side,” Bersin explains.

“The ball keeps moving around, as soon as we solve one problem another arises.”

In his final 10 seconds, Bersin concludes: “The bottom line is that you really need to perfect your technology strategy. Some of these tools are going to be add on – they’re going to improve productivity of some, whereas others may replace incumbent systems.

“You’re going to have to work with it because there’s a lot of scrutiny about AI, and companies are going to have standards.

“You’re going to want to talk to vendors that have experience in your size company, and in your industry.”

Inclusive cultures and courageous leadership with Chanel

Courageous leadership is always a hot topic at UNLEASH events, and this year, Chanel’s very own Chief People & Organization Officer Claire Isnard was joined by Mercer’s Jess Von Bank to discuss how organizations can promote a people-centric culture of inclusion and trust.

Isnard starts by sharing her journey up the career ladder, saying: “Every single step in my career has been the result of meeting meaningful people who gave me a chance and trusted me.

I think for me, I’ve always been driven by a passion for people and what people can do individually and collectively when they dare to really be confident.”

The pair continue to cover what courageous leadership looks like at all levels – both now and in the future – as well as exploring Chanel’s commitments and approach to supporting people throughout their lives.

Finally, they approach the topic of inclusive cultures, and how it should be anchored in continuous development, openness, and trust for every organization.

Expert insights into global learning initiatives from Fortune 500 employers

It’s not often you get to hear from four Chief Learning Officers from Fortune 500 organizations. Day 2’s CLO Panel offered a unique perspective into numerous Learning and Development initiatives for delegates.  

Moderated by Anand Chopra-McGowan, GM, UK & Europe at Emeritus, speakers from L’Oreal, Sodexo, Novo Nordisk and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) shared practical case studies, insights, data, and tactics that they’ve used to effectively drive business strategy. 

Highlights from the session include L’Oreal Global Chief Learning Officer, Nicolas Pauthier, sharing how his ‘Wine Game’ has helped leadership figures build e-commerce skills through hands-on experience, and how Novo Nordisk developed collective skills and mindsets across the company, with a strong focus on immersive and experiential learning, as explained by Global Head of Learning & Development, Sanne Mantoni Macaire. 

Additionally, Sodexo Global Chief Learning Officer, Nathalie Estellat, broke down the company’s project to create awareness and skills around sustainable food, including a masterclass on how plant-based menus brought together chefs, supply chain, marketing, and nutritionists to learn and practice sustainable cooking. 

BCG’s Chief Learning Officer, Lidia Juszko, shares insights into how the consulting group is adapting to the impact of AI tools on professional services, noting that Gen AI tools have led to productivity gains of 30-40% for new hires and 20-30% for experienced consultants at BCG. 

‘Why would you want to be ordinary when you could be original?’

Peter Lynch, CPO, Cardinal Group Management took to the Strategic Talent stage to talk all about authentic leadership, and the need to “lean into the ugly”.  

Ugly is an acronym for “unique, gutsy, likeable and yoked”. Trust and truth is so important, and the key is building those real connections. It is really easy to say things, but hard to do things.  

Lynch reminded the HR leaders in the audience that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and that HR shouldn’t just have a seat at the table, “HR should own the table.” 

Culture breeds success, and to get that right focus on designing for the “worst behavior you can tolerate”. People are always trying to raise the ceiling, when they should raise the floor – sometimes you have to go backwards to go up.  

Building responsible AI for the workforce of tomorrow

Google’s Senior Director of People Experience, Ola Fadipe, took to the AI Stage to share details of the tech and data giant’s human-first approach to AI and how this is shaping the future of work. 

A fundamental part of this, Fadipe explained, is ensuring that the AI tools developed by Google are “levelling the playing field”.  

While we’re committed to making AI even more helpful, it’s for people, it’s for businesses, it’s for communities. It’s for everyone; that is our mission,” she said. 

Fadipe also acknowledged that AI is “just one of the tectonic shifts that we are living through”, detailing how the changing world around us is impacting on the workforce of the future. 

“Employees will need to work effectively alongside AI tools and cultivate a new mindset – a mindset of adaptability, of experimentation, of openness, and, I dare say, even welcoming change.” 

Staying curious with Dr Ferguson

Dr Kirstin Ferguson closed out the entire UNLEASH World 2024 show by talking about modern leadership, and why we need to balance between leading with our hearts and leading with our heads.  

It is about “knowing what is needed and when”, and the moments that inform what kind of leadership is needed.  

An important skill or moment is curiosity – Dr Ferguson joked that “saying that leaders need to be curious is like saying you need to breathe” – it is just so obvious.  

However, getting that right is easier said than done – it is time for people to unleash their curiosity. 

While Dr Ferguson was talking to an audience of senior HR leaders, she reminded them to take this message back to everyone in their organization since, at the end of the day, “we are all leaders, regardless of titles”.  

There was so much more that brought magic to the experiences of this week.

But that’s a wrap – UNLEASH World 2024 has come to a close!

Don’t worry, you won’t have to wait a full 12 months for the next UNLEASH event, as we’ll soon be in the fabulous city of Las Vegas for UNLEASH America 2025.

See you there!