New Podcast: Is HR An Executive Training Ground?

Senior i4cp analyst Donna Bear sat down with Total Picture Radio's Peter Clayton to discuss her latest TrendWatcher titled, "HR: An Executive Training Ground?" The article examined the unexpected choice Microsoft and LinkedIn made in the last few years of selecting business leaders with no direct HR experience to head their HR departments. These selections begged the question: is HR expertise not necessary?
In his interview, Peter asks Donna such as questions as:
  • Why focus on Microsoft and LinkedIn's selections?
  • What are your thoughts on these appointments?
  • What do these selections imply about C-suite attitudes regarding the HR profession?
  • Why is HR so heavily populated by women, with almost a 3:1 margin?
  • Do you think HR is doing anything to counteract the popular article by Keith Hammonds, "Why We Hate HR?"
Listen to the podcast now.
Erik Samdahl

As vice president of marketing at i4cp, Erik is currently responsible for all marketing efforts for the company and works alongside several departments to execute organizational initiatives. He also oversees web development projects. Located in Seattle, WA, he brings over 15 years of Internet marketing experience, most of which are in the research industry.

Prior to i4cp, Erik worked as Internet Marketing Director at market research panel company GMI, where he was responsible for global online marketing and panel growth in several countries. He also managed the graphic design team and worked extensively with other departments on process improvements and plan development. GMI experienced exceptional revenue growth - several hundred percent - during his tenure. Prior to GMI, Erik founded FilmJabber.com, a movie review and information website that continues to grow in popularity and traffic.

Erik received a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Western Washington University.