Tracy Layney has led HR at iconic brands like Levi's, Old Navy, and Shutterfly, so it's no surprise she's now training the next generation of CHROs at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. Tracy joins Rob to unpack why HR's role is more complex (and powerful) than ever before, and how her coursework is helping senior people leaders develop the human capital strategies their companies desperately need. She breaks down the people-side of big moves—like Levi's exit from Russia—and shares the three-pillar framework she teaches for linking business goals to people strategy. Plus: why HR still doesn't speak the language of business, and how she's helping to change that

📌 Key Takeaways

Tracy's journey from org strategy consulting to CHRO to professor
Why executive HR education is finally getting the attention it deserves
A behind-the-scenes look at Booth's program for future CHROs
The people-side of major business decisions, like Levi's exit from Russia
Why the CHRO role is more complex, and more influential, than ever
The three-pillar framework for building a scalable human capital strategy
How to tailor people strategy without reinventing the wheel
Why HR still doesn't speak the language of business, and how to change it
The disconnect between strategic frameworks and HR's day-to-day execution
Tracy's take on lifelong learning, fractional work, and what's next in her career

🔗 Links

Tracey Layney on LinkedIn

LHH Recruitment Solutions

A Beautiful Working World

A Soundbeam Studios Production

From CHRO to University of Chicago Professor with Tracy Layney