Top HR and L&D leaders redefining modern leadership

Since the pandemic, how we work - and what people expect from work - has fundamentally changed. AI, hybrid setups, and multigenerational teams have reshaped the workplace, while global and economic uncertainty adds new pressure. In this environment, old leadership playbooks no longer work.

Trust in leadership is low. According to Gallup, only 21% of employees strongly trust their company’s leaders, and 39% say they feel more comfortable asking AI for help than their manager. Among Gen Z, 1 in 10 would actually prefer an AI boss.

Now more than ever, we need leaders who lead with honesty, empathy, and clarity. It takes vision and influence to guide people through uncertainty and help them grow and succeed.

In this category of Lepaya’s Shaping the Future of Work campaign, we celebrate HR and L&D leaders who are redefining what leadership means. Whether they’re transforming their own teams or empowering leaders across their organizations, these changemakers are building the foundation for a future where people grow alongside the business.

Neelie Verlinden

Neelie Verlinden, Podcast Host and Co-Founder at AIHR (Academy to Innovate HR), is shaping modern leadership by equipping HR professionals with the insights and skills needed to navigate technological transformation and the evolving world of work. Through her work as a podcast host, author, speaker, and educator, Neelie translates complex HR trends into actionable knowledge, empowering people leaders globally. Her commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and fostering forward-thinking conversations makes her a true catalyst for modern leadership excellence.

Emma Hargreaves

Emma Hargreaves, Associate Director Talent Acquisition – Europe at Linesight, redefines talent acquisition to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape. Under her guidance, the Linesight team has elevated recruitment into a strategic function, driving retention, enabling project success, and contributing directly to revenue growth. Emma’s commitment to inclusive hiring, process excellence, and building future-ready teams exemplifies what modern leadership looks like in action.

Helen Marshall

Helen Marshall, Chief Learning Officer at THRIVE,  exemplifies what meaningful learning and community-building look like in today’s rapidly evolving world of work. Through her visionary leadership, influential podcast Diary of a CLO, and the Juice newsletter, Helen challenges conventions, fosters open dialogue, and amplifies underrepresented voices. Her creation of WomenIn has built a thriving network for hundreds of women in L&D and HR, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive leadership, personal growth, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Sarah Cannistra

Sarah Cannistra, Head of Learning Programs at Rippling, pioneers meaningful career development both within organizations and across the broader L&D profession. With a passion for helping people grow, Sarah has built and led impactful learning programs while coaching numerous professionals to design careers they truly love. Through her hands-on leadership, personalized coaching, and authorship of Land Your Next L&D Role, Sarah empowers leaders to approach career growth with confidence, purpose, and authenticity—setting a new standard for modern leadership in learning and talent development.

Johanna Wolfbauer

Johanna Meijer-Wolfbauer, Global Human Resources Director at FrieslandCampina Professional, excels at aligning talent strategy with sustainable and inclusive business practices. With a deep commitment to placing the right people in the right roles, Johanna has driven organizational development and strategic teambuilding across multiple regions and industries. A passionate advocate for sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion, she champions servant leadership—empowering others to shine and fostering cultures rooted in trust and collaboration. Johanna’s strategic mindset, combined with her dedication to impactful, people-centered leadership, sets a powerful example for modern HR leadership.

Ben Stocken

Ben Stocken, Founder & CEO of West Peak, brings elite sports discipline to business leadership, transforming managers into high-performing leaders. Drawing from his experience as a national coach for England Rugby, Ben applies the principles of preparation, feedback, accountability, and teamwork to develop leaders who drive growth and culture change. Through his Summit Leadership Programme, he empowers C-suite executives to build cohesive, resilient teams that deliver lasting results. Ben’s unique blend of coaching, business acumen, and people-centric development is redefining how leadership potential is unlocked at scale.

Sven Rickli

Sven Rickli, founder of Nolost and chairman of the Menselijke Revolutie enables organizations to place people at the heart of their strategy — driving engagement, well-being, and long-term performance. Drawing on 20+ years of experience and extensive research he provides actionable strategies that strengthen leadership capability, foster cultural development, and support sustainable growth in dynamic business environments. Through his work, Sven has guided numerous leading organizations across sectors to successfully navigate complex transformations, reduce turnover, and build resilient, high-performing cultures where people thrive.

Ingeborg van Harten

Ingeborg van Harten, Founder and Chief People Officer at 7people, drives innovative HR solutions that prioritise wellbeing, flexibility, and inclusive cultures, enabling organisations to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Ingeborg champions proactive, people-first leadership and fosters environments where psychological safety and collaboration thrive. Her commitment to transforming workplace culture makes her a leading voice in shaping the future of work.

‍Lenke van der Jagt

Lenke van der Jagt, Product Expert Talent and Assessment at Rabobank, stands out with a data-driven and strategic approach to talent management. By innovating assessment tools and gathering actionable insights, she empowers Rabobank to identify and develop high-potential talent with precision. Lenke’s dedication to equipping future leaders with the skills to confidently engage senior business stakeholders reflects her commitment to building strong leadership pipelines and fostering talent growth aligned with organisational strategy.

Clemens Geßner

Clemens Geßner, Global HR Manager at WIKA, is recognized for leading the development of WIKA’s leadership framework and refreshed company values. His collaborative approach drives global alignment of leadership behaviors, fostering a stronger culture and enhancing employee engagement worldwide. Clemens exemplifies strategic leadership by transforming organizational values into meaningful, lived experiences that unify teams across regions.

Know someone leading the way in navigating the future of work? We’d love to hear from you. Send an email to: karolina.fesolowicz@lepaya.com and you will have a chance to win 2 tickets to the UNLEASH conference!

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