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Dr. Ekta Vyas, CHRO at Keck Medicine of USC, joins Rob to unpack what it really takes to lead transformation inside complex healthcare systems. Drawing on her background as a psychologist, scholar-practitioner, and longtime healthcare HR leader, Dr. Vyas shares how emotional intelligence, strategic business alignment, and disciplined measurement turn HR from a transactional function into a true enterprise driver. From integrating newly acquired hospitals to redesigning HR operating models and elevating employee experience, she explains why most transformations fail and what leaders must do differently. One hot take included: being "a people person" is not a qualification for HR.

📌 Key Takeaways

Strategic HR Requires Business Acumen: Dr. Vyas rejects the notion that being "a people person" is enough for success in HR. Strategic thinking and business alignment are essential.

Transformation Is Emotional: Change isn't just structural, it's deeply emotional. Leaders must manage resistance by understanding how change impacts people's daily work lives.

EQ Is Core to Change Management: Dr. Vyas uses emotional intelligence to lead through transformation, from listening tours to transparent communication with staff.

Academic + Industry Fusion: Her dual role as CHRO and adjunct faculty keeps her grounded in both current research and practical application, a powerful combination.

Measurement Matters: The Keck HR transformation tracked over 7,400 cases, implemented ServiceNow, and used metrics to improve efficiency, service, and employee experience.

Today's HR Is Tomorrow's Infrastructure: To support enterprise growth (including M&A), HR must evolve from a transactional function to a strategic enabler.

Lifelong Learning Drives Effective Leadership: Whether through teaching or leading, Dr. Vyas emphasizes the need to stay curious and continually develop.

Dr. Ekta Vyas on LinkedIn

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A Soundbeam Studios Production