Key Takeaways from the 2025 Next Practices Now Conference

Every year, the Next Practices Now Conference serves as a barometer for the future of work, bringing together top thought leaders, HR executives, and business strategists to explore the latest research and innovations in people practices.

This year’s event, held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from March 3rd to 6th, was no exception. From the moment the conference kicked off, it was clear that culture, AI, leadership, and DEI would be defining themes of 2025. 

Culture as a Competitive Advantage

The event opened with a powerful keynote from Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business. Her session, “LEAD BIGGER: The Transformative Power of Inclusion,” set the tone for the week, challenging attendees to redefine leadership in an era of polarization and disruption.

Anne, who made history as AT&T’s first woman of color CEO, emphasized that inclusion isn’t just a social responsibility—it’s a business imperative. Her research-backed insights painted a clear picture:

✅ Inclusive organizations are 73% more likely to drive innovation.
✅ They make better decisions and are significantly more profitable.
✅ Inclusive leaders reduce attrition by 76% while boosting performance and collaboration.

Perhaps her most resonant message was the idea that great organizations balance both “people culture” and “performance culture.”

Too often, leaders see these as opposing forces. Anne argued that the most successful organizations find ways to blend compassion with accountability, creating workplaces where both employees and business outcomes thrive.

Culture Renovation in Action

Building on Anne’s message, several sessions focused on how organizations can evolve their culture while preserving what makes them unique.

A standout example came from Ana White, CHRO of Lumen Technologies. She shared Lumen’s culture renovation journey, breaking down the steps they took to define and embed a culture that fuels high performance.

One of the most striking takeaways from her talk? Leaders must live the culture—or leave.

Lumen didn’t just stop at defining values; they ensured those values were reflected in hiring, leadership accountability, and performance management. In practice, this meant moving away from outdated talent assessment models, such as the nine-box rating system, and embracing a more AI-driven, feedback-rich approach to evaluating leadership potential.

The Shifting Landscape of DE&I

Amidst ongoing legal and political challenges, the conference also addressed the evolving state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).

One of the most thought-provoking sessions came from Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law expert at NYU, who provided a legal reality check on the risks—and responsibilities—of corporate DE&I programs in today’s climate.

His message was clear: The smartest companies aren’t abandoning DE&I; they’re evolving it.

Kenji broke down the legal risks of various DE&I programs into red, yellow, and green zones, offering practical guidance on what’s legally defensible and what’s likely to be challenged. His insights were a wake-up call for many organizations, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful, legally sound strategies for advancing inclusion.

This theme was echoed in a candid DE&I panel discussion, where leaders shared how they’re navigating shifting priorities while staying committed to building diverse, equitable workplaces.
 

AI’s Role in Leadership & Talent Management

A growing theme across multiple sessions was how AI is transforming leadership, performance management, and talent development.

One of the most engaging discussions on this topic was led by ServiceNow's Brandon Roberts, who explored how organizations are leveraging AI-driven insights to enhance decision-making and workforce strategies. He highlighted how AI is being used to personalize leadership development, streamline talent assessments, and improve internal mobility by identifying employees with the right skills for emerging roles.

Roberts also addressed common concerns about AI replacing human judgment, emphasizing that AI should be seen as an enabler, not a replacement, for effective leadership. By using AI-powered tools to augment decision-making, organizations can create more agile, data-driven talent strategies while maintaining a human-centered approach to leadership.

Attendees walked away with a clearer vision of how AI can drive business success when used responsibly and strategically—enhancing, rather than diminishing, the role of leaders in today’s workplace.
 

Celebrating Impact: The 2025 Award Winners

One of the most inspiring moments of the conference was the annual Next Practice and Member Awards Ceremony, recognizing organizations that are leading the way in innovative, high-performance people practices.

This year’s Member winners included:
🏆 Peter Cappelli – Industry Legend Award
🏆 Lisa Bryant – CHRO of the Year
🏆 Hewlett Packard Enterprise – Member of the Year
🏆 Lumen Technologies – New Member of the Year
🏆 Manulife Financial – High-Performing Member of the Year
🏆 Symetra – Community Member of the Year
🏆 Zachry Corporation – Culture Renovation® Award

This year’s Next Practice Award winners included:
🏆 Mondelēz International – Next Practice Award Winner
🏆 Hewlett Packard Enterprise – Next Practice Award Winner
🏆 Mattress Firm – Next Practice Award Winner
🏆 Zillow Group – Next Practice Award Winner

The awards ceremony had a red carpet feel this year, making it a true celebration of the forward-thinking organizations shaping the future of work.

View the details of our 2025 Next Practices and Member Award winners here.
 

Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead

The 2025 Next Practices Now Conference left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity on what it takes to build high-performing, inclusive organizations in today’s world.

Key themes that will shape the year ahead:

• Culture is a long game: Renovating it takes time, leadership commitment, and a willingness to evolve. 
• DE&I is changing, not disappearing: Organizations must adapt to changing realities while staying true to their values.
• AI is transforming workforce strategy: AI-driven insights are enhancing leadership development, talent mobility, and decision-making—empowering leaders to make smarter, more strategic workforce decisions.
• People and performance are not mutually exclusive: The best companies prioritize both—and the data proves it.

As we move forward, one thing is certain: the organizations that invest in people, embrace change, and lead with purpose will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Until next year, keep pushing boundaries and building the future of work!

More from i4cp

• Download i4cp's latest report: Workforce Readiness in the Era of AI
• Register for the 2026 Conference: i4cp's Next Practices Now Conference
• Conference Resources: Download the Key Takeaways slides
• Stay connected with Next Practices Weekly: Register Here

The materials displayed, reviewed, or provided herein is not intended to provide legal advice and does not constitute the practice of law. Organizations should consult with their counsel for any legal advice.