Insight222 Global Executive Retreat 2024 Insights: Shaping the Future of People Analytics
As I reflect on the success of the recent 7th annual Insight222 Global Executive Retreat, I’m excited about the future of people analytics.
The Retreat provided a unique opportunity for global people analytics leaders from member companies of the Insight222 People Analytics Program® to come together, share knowledge, and explore the evolving role of people analytics executives. The thought-provoking speakers and collaborative sessions throughout the Retreat highlighted the strategic importance of our work in driving business outcomes.
I encourage all of our members to continue leveraging the tools, resources, and networks available through the Insight222 People Analytics Program® to drive value within their organisations. For those who are not yet part of the Program, I invite you to explore how joining could accelerate your journey in people analytics. The future is bright, and together with our clients, we’re leading the way in people analytics.
The Global Executive Retreat Experience
This year’s Retreat took place at the stunning Duin & Kruidberg in the beautiful Dutch countryside, where we welcomed leaders from some of the world’s top organisations for three days of deep discussion on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in people analytics. The theme, The Changing Role of the People Analytics Executive, enabled participants to explore how their role is evolving in response to new technologies, shifting business priorities, and the continued growing need for data-driven decision-making.
Continuing the aim of previous editions, this year’s Retreat aimed to provide participants with the opportunity to (1) Think: about the world of work – outside their day job; (2) Reflect: what It means to their organisations, their function, their team and themselves; and (3) Plan: what steps they will take to create more value.
The Chief People Officer and the Head of People Analytics: A pivotal relationship
In the opening session of the Retreat, Janine Vos, Chief Human Resources Officer and Managing Board Member at Rabobank, explained how she works closely with Marc Jansen, the Head of People Data and Innovation, and how “people analytics gives the chief human resources officer credibility” with the executive team and board. Janine provide several examples of how insights from the people analytics function drives decision making, leading to business outcomes and shaping the banks approach to flexible and agile working.
People Analytics in the Age of AI
Prasad Setty is one of the architects of people analytics, having built and led the people analytics function at Google for over 14 years. Prasad provided guidance on some of the key elements that helped him as a people analytics leader including how the work should not be viewed as complete unless it influences a people policy or process, or at least led to a decision.
He also highlighted the role of adoption, stating how taking on responsibility for performance and compensation helped him become a better leader as he also had to implement insights from people analytics work. In terms of driving value from people analytics, Prasad highlighted three arcs of value: optimising HR practices, maximising organisational health, and realising individual potential.
In the second half of his session, Prasad focused on the future and led a fascinating discussion with participants on how AI and generative AI will change the work, focus and structure of people analytics teams.
Culture, Culture, Culture
Erin Meyer led a tour de force masterclass , which decoded how culture influences international collaboration and helped participants develop strategies for working cross-culturally. Using her “Culture Map” framework, Erin guided us through the complexities of leading across cultures, focusing on how cultural dimensions such as communication, decision-making, and trust play out in global organisations.
For the participating leaders, who all work in multicultural environments, Erin’s insights were invaluable, and the session sparked vibrant discussions on how we can all become more effective at navigating cultural differences.
Influencing Decisions Through the Power of Data Storytelling
One of the highlights for me personally was the Data Storytelling Workshop led by Kevin Friesen and Dr. Neora Myrow from Duarte. They emphasised the power of storytelling in making data resonate with decision-makers. We explored techniques for turning complex data into compelling narratives, and the importance of empathy in communication.
Their message—"Facts aren’t as memorable as stories"—reinforced the idea that storytelling is a critical skill for HR and people analytics leaders who want to move from insight to impactful action.
The Power of Community
One of the Retreat's most memorable elements was the genuine camaraderie among people analytics leaders. This thriving community, still relatively young within HR, came together to share insights, learn from one another, and collaborate on advancing our profession.
In a field where collaboration and knowledge sharing are paramount, these interactions help individual leaders grow, accelerates the adoption and progress of people analytics in their organisations, and fosters a thriving community of people analytics professionals.
The Insight222 People Analytics Program: A Global Learning and Collaboration Network
The Insight222 People Analytics Program® offers personalised support from a dedicated client success manager, helping members fully leverage the program's resources. Members gain access to an extensive Membership Portal, filled with toolkits, research, and models like the Workforce Planning Playbook, as well as opportunities to connect with peers and participate in exclusive events.
The Program's collaborative projects, such as the Insight222 Ethics Charter and the Model for Employee Listening, ensure that tools and insights are practical and tailored to real-world needs. With exclusive access to networking events, myHRfuture learning services, and research projects, the Program equips people analytics leaders to drive meaningful business outcomes.
Discover more about The Insight222 People Analytics Program® now!
Unlock the potential of your people analytics function with our Insight222 People Analytics Program®
Network with peers. Grow your influence. Solve business problems. Learn from industry leaders.
The Insight222 People Analytics Program® is your gateway to a world of knowledge, networking, and growth. Elevate your network and insights with the Insight222 People Analytics Program®. Become part of an elite circle of 100+ global clients driving people analytics forward. Engage in over 40 unique events yearly, from in-person meetings to virtual forums and webinars. Benefit from a program that evolves with your feedback, designed to tackle real-world challenges and ignite innovation in people analytics.
Discover how joining the Insight222 People Analytics Program® can help you deliver real business value to your organisation.