In today’s conversation, Elena sits down with Stephen, co-host of the Modern People Leader podcast, to dive deep into the twists and turns of his remarkable career—from growing up in a Mexican-American family in Texas, to becoming an HR leader at powerhouse organizations like Ernst & Young and Goldman Sachs, and ultimately, to building innovative HR tech startups in a rapidly evolving industry.Stephen shares his candid story about entering HR almost by accident, navigating dot-com booms and busts, and transitioning from practitioner to entrepreneur. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of bootstrapping his own businesses, the lessons learned from the crowded HR tech world, and how curiosity, adaptability, and innovation have been the keys to his growth.Together, Elena and Stephen unpack what it truly means to be a “modern people leader” in a time when AI is transforming the workplace at breakneck speed. They explore the realities HR leaders face today, how organizations can (and must) rethink their approach to change, and why the future of work demands collaboration between HR and IT like never before.If you’re an HR professional, entrepreneur, or just curious about how work is changing in the age of AI, you won’t want to miss Stephen’s practical insights—and spicy predictions—on what the future holds for all of us. Time stamps:00:00 Podcast Host Shares Career Insights05:00 Starting Career in HR Consulting09:53 "Career Transition: Goldman to Texas"12:20 Entrepreneurial Lessons: From Idea to Exit16:48 Career Flexibility and Opportunity20:01 Evolving Role of Modern HR Leader22:42 "Aligning Employee Experience with Goals"26:55 AI Change Management Challenges for Companies29:32 AI Democratization and Legacy Challenges34:31 AI Development: Excitement and Fear37:30 AI Integration Strategy42:17 AI Solutions for Benefits and Performance44:13 Workforce Tech Collaboration Roadmap49:05 Future of Organizational Design: HR-IT CollaborationConnect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhuerta/Check out the Modern Leader Podcast: https://www.modernpeopleleader.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In today’s episode, Elena sits down with Matt Poepsel, author of "Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work." Matt’s journey from a career in the Marine Corps to leading talent and workforce analytics in the business world gives him a unique perspective on leadership and talent development—and he’s here to share the practical lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, Elena and Matt dive into the shift from outdated, industrial-age leadership models to what Matt calls "enlightened leadership"—a mindset rooted in self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a deep commitment to truly caring for others.They explore how the future of work is demanding a fundamental shift in how we lead, especially against the backdrop of rapid technological change, remote work, and the evolving roles of HR and team leaders. Matt breaks down the importance of leaders being able to adjust, practice vulnerability, and foster trust, all while tapping into the full potential of their teams. Whether you’re an executive, an HR professional, or an aspiring leader feeling a little “hollow” with current leadership models, Matt’s fresh, compassionate approach might just be what you need. Stay tuned for a conversation packed with practical tips, thought-provoking insights, and a whole new vision for the future of leadership.Time stamps:00:00 Manager's Journey to Leadership Mastery05:06 Pandemic Midlife Crisis and Meditation09:52 "Prioritize Team Development Time"11:52 Preserving Team Energy16:28 Overcoming Leadership Fear17:25 Transparency and Vulnerability Build Trust23:27 HR Evolving into Strategic Consultants24:24 Empower HR as Strategic Partners28:36 Climbing the Purposeful Work Ladder33:40 Redefining Business Success Beyond Profit36:06 "Practical Leadership for All"38:03 Sharing Helpful Insights OnlineConnect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/Buy the Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3L7x4VQWebsite: http://mattpoepsel.comFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In this episode, Elena sits down with Dr. Keith Keating—a powerhouse in learning and development, keynote speaker, and author of "The Trusted Learning Advisor" and "Hidden Value." From humble beginnings, dropping out of high school and working in fast food, Keith shares his journey into the L&D space, highlighting how overcoming early struggles and discovering a passion for teaching shaped his career. He delves into the evolution from being an "order taker" to becoming a trusted advisor, building credibility, and driving organizational value—reminding us that the heart of L&D is about solving people problems and adapting alongside rapid change. Plus, Keith offers practical insights on measuring impact, fostering resilience in organizations, and why sometimes less tech and more human connection is the key to meaningful learning. Whether you're a seasoned L&D leader or just starting out, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on creating real value in today’s organizations.Time stamps:00:00 Reconnecting with Former Boss04:22 Unexpected Job Offer: A Teaching Journey08:52 "Building Organizational Credibility"12:46 Choosing the Right Workplace Fit15:03 "Value Creation Compass: Four Directions"18:17 "Resilience and Evolution in L&D"21:41 Value-Centric Problem Solving25:01 Behavior Change Strategies in Organizations29:08 "Prioritizing Human Connection Over AI"32:04 "Keynote Reflections: Dev Learn Insights"Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keith-keating-1976963a/Website: https://keithkeating.com/Trusted Learning Advisor Book: https://www.thetrustedlearningadvisor.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy