Human-centric Companies: Preparing for the New Normal

The past 14 months have changed the way we work. And as workplaces grow more flexible, companies can begin to adapt their cultures in creative ways. In this episode, we speak with Kristin Johnson, Chief Human Resources Officer of Fortune 500 company Edward Jones, about what reopening can look like.

Johnson joined the premier financial services firm in 1995 as a member of the internal audit department, and continued to climb the ranks over the next 24 years. In November 2019, she was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer and began leading efforts to attract, develop, and engage the 49,000-person workforce with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. She serves as a senior executive sponsor of Edward Jones’ Black/African American and Young Professionals Business Resource groups, as well as serving on the boards of the Center of Creative Arts, Webster University, and the Saint Louis Fashion Fund.

Johnson shares insights into why being a human-centered company matters, the importance of respecting the individual, and what it’s like to work as a high-ranking executive in a male-dominated industry. She also discusses the challenges corporations face in a post-pandemic world, including effectively communicating in a remote environment while still focusing on employees’ continuing education.

Some Questions Asked:

• Can you tell us a little bit about your path from accounting to leading almost 50,000 people?
• What role would you say that continuous learning plays in attracting and retaining top talent?
• How has Edward Jones expanded wellness programs in light of COVID-19? What direct benefits are you already seeing?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About the role creativity plays in human resources.
• How lessons from ballet translate to the world of HR.
• How COVID-19 has affected training and development programs.

Links:

• Kristin Johnson - Edward Jones
• Kristin Johnson - LinkedIn