The modern Chief People Officer is no longer just a people leader. Today's CPO is a strategic business partner, cultural architect, and organisational conscience. In this episode of The People Agenda Podcast Chris Howard and Debbie Mitchell speak to Jonny Friedman, Senior Vice President of People and Talent at Acumetis, as he shares how people leaders can balance commercial performance, organisational transformation, and employee experience while navigating rapid growth and change.
Jonny argues that the CPO is the conscience of the business, balancing commercial goals with employee wellbeing and organisational culture. Their role includes:
Successfully bringing multiple organisations together requires balancing growth, culture, processes, and employee experience throughout the transition. It means aligning systems, ways of working, and contractual arrangements, while also helping people adapt to cultural changes particularly when moving from a family-owned business to a private equity-backed environment. Keeping employees informed, engaged, and supported throughout the process is key to maintaining trust and ensuring the integration delivers its intended outcomes.
Jonny believes that Gen Z is driving greater transparency, authenticity, and openness in workplace leadership.
Strong cultures are created when organisations combine shared values with clear expectations and genuine employee involvement. Leaders who encourage people to share their views and contribute to decision-making are often better able to build engagement and trust.
Practices such as reverse mentoring can also help senior leaders gain valuable insights from employees across the business, creating a stronger understanding of different experiences and perspectives. When cultural expectations are communicated clearly and applied consistently, they help bring people together around a common purpose, regardless of role or team.
Human-centred leadership creates trust by prioritising authenticity, connection, and empathy during periods of change.
The key takeaway from this conversation is clear: successful CPOs create business value by putting people at the centre of organisational transformation. As businesses become more complex, the ability to balance commercial outcomes, culture, leadership, and employee experience will become even more critical.
If you're interested in the future of people leadership, organisational culture, and the evolving role of the Chief People Officer, listen to this podcast episode and hear Jonny Friedman's insights firsthand.
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