Expert HR Insights: Talent Management & Leadership With Mark Griffin

Full Episode Description

About the Guest(s): Mark Griffin is the Chief Human Resources Officer at BJ's Wholesale Club and former Senior Vice President of HR for CVS Health. Mark's extensive experience in human resources spans over his years at CVS, where he helped transform the company from a national drug chain with an $18 billion turnover to a $184 billion powerhouse aimed at revolutionizing healthcare. His career includes steering organizations through mergers, acquisitions, public offerings, and divestitures. Mark is not only recognized for his remarkable business acumen but also for his natural likability and his attunement to employee needs. Episode Summary: In this comprehensive episode of "Growing Your Business with People," host Jeff Lackey is joined by esteemed guest Mark Griffin to delve into the intricacies of people management and leadership in large organizations. Griffin's insight into human resource strategies offers valuable lessons for all leaders seeking to harness the potential of their workforce effectively. The conversation explores Griffin's experiences in transforming workplace culture and the importance of leadership in employee retention and recruitment. Emphasizing the role of a CEO as the true Chief People Officer, Griffin articulates how personal involvement and clear communication of a business leader can significantly impact team motivation and business outcomes. Further, the discussion takes a deep dive into the recruitment process, underscoring the necessity of acquiring top-tier talent and fostering a culture that attracts and retains skilled individuals. Key Takeaways: Effective human resource strategies focus on hiring great leaders who attract talented teams, emphasizing that people follow good leadership. The role of a CEO extends beyond executive management; they should consider themselves as Chief People Officers, shaping and driving organizational culture. Regular talent reviews and compensation calibration are essential practices that ensure alignment with business goals and keep top-tier talent engaged. Communication and visibility are vital for CEOs, with activities such as town halls and one-on-one engagements enhancing the cultural fabric of the company. Holding HR accountable and ensuring human resource strategies are directly aligned with business outcomes is crucial for organizational success. Notable Quotes: "The best recruiting I have seen is hiring great leaders who people want to work for them. And they come with a Rolodex and people that want to work for them." "You've got to get pay and compensation right […] It's the culture you build. That's how you keep people." "It's not the job of an HR person to deliver tough information; it's really the responsibility, frankly, because if [they're] not willing to have that tough discussion, then who is?" "I've seen it before where you hire people who are really good at what they do but they're not good leaders or motivators and they don't have the right set of values." "I've always viewed the CEO as the chief people officer because they really are. The HR leader needs to partner with a CEO, needs to be working side by side, but the CEO is really who sets the culture and drives the culture." Resources: Stay connected with intriguing discussions like this one by tuning in to the full episode of "Growing Your Business with People." Don't miss out on the profound insights shared by leaders like Mark Griffin, who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-life examples to the conversation. Keep an ear out for our upcoming content that promises to enlighten and inspire.