Human Resources: Infusing a Culture of Care with Leanne Bernhardt

Welcome to another episode of The Authentic Change Podcast, I am Mike Horne, your host and I am joined today by Leanne Bernhardt who is the Chief Human Resources Officer and VP Human Resources at Xactly Corp.

Leanne is an experienced CHRO with a history of working in the SaaS and hardware industries. She has extensive PE and public company experience, including public and private BOD level experience. Leanne has the ability to scale organizations operationally while providing a strong strategic vision. She champions women leaders and their personal and professional development in the workplace.

In this episode, Leanne shares her educated perspective on authenticity as the backbone of stronger relationships, how the separation of personal life and work is really a myth, and how her role in human resources has given her the opportunity to help people bring their whole selves to work as a way to increase trust in the workplace.

• [2:57] Leanne shares a few words about herself and her passion for human resources.
• [4:05] Leanne describes her perspective on authenticity.
• [5:54] Every leader knows that work and personal life cannot really be separated.
• [7:16] Vulnerability and trust.
• [8:56] It’s not easy to be vulnerable.
• [9:30] Leanne shares tips on how to increase vulnerability.
• [10:51] Leanne talks about women and impostor syndrome.
• [12:19] Leadership and vulnerability.
• [13:17] What are the challenges that Leanne faces by encouraging people to bring more of who they are to what they do?
• [15:35] Leanne talks about her own vulnerability in her position as a white female leader.
• [16:55] Nate describes integrity by comparing it to the musical notes in life.
• [17:24] Authenticity is related to the congruency between thoughts, words, and actions.
• [19:18] People are taught by mentoring and guidance.
• [21:48] Leanne’s team has helped her grow as a leader.
• [24:14] What can you add to the organization vs what can you take from it.
• [24:50] Leanne talks about standards of excellence vs incremental progress within a company.
• [27:13] How are these main concepts communicated in Leanne’s organization?
• [31:43] Helping the community as part of culture building.
• [39:03] Acceptance is the first step towards change.
• [40:43] The power of possibility.
• [41:13] Leanne shares key observations to building a congruent life.
• [42:16] Don´t be afraid to ask for feedback, look for opportunities to learn it all and engage in incremental steps to bring your whole self to the workplace.