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Learning, Thinking, Adapting: The Human Skills That Keep HR Evolving
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of the Future Proof HR podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Marta Vittini, Vice President of Human Resources at Renovation Brands, to explore the human skills HR leaders must protect as technology accelerates change across every part of the workplace. Drawing on experience leading acquisitions, shaping culture across distributed teams, and driving AI adoption from the inside, Marta reflects on what it now takes for HR to stay sharp, relevant, and trusted in a world where tools evolve faster than people.
Marta shares how critical thinking, continuous learning, and business fluency have become essential capabilities for every HR professional, and why relying too heavily on automation can quietly erode the judgment that leaders need most. She talks about the rapid AI transformation inside her organization, including how the CEO championed company-wide experimentation, how an internal AI Innovation Award reshaped behavior, and how HR monitors engagement to support hesitant adopters without shame or fear.
Topics Discussed:
Why learning, thinking, and adapting have become non-negotiable for HR’s long-term relevance
How HR can preserve human judgment while still embracing AI as a daily tool
The risks of over-reliance on AI and how critical thinking weakens when unused
How an AI Innovation Award encouraged cross-functional experimentation
Why training, communication, and coaching are essential in driving AI adoption
What HR should monitor to understand true engagement with new tools
How continuous onboarding and recognition sustain connection after acquisitions
Why culture integration takes time and how communication shapes that experience
How HR leaders can bring valuable insights to due diligence and early deal conversations
Why understanding the business, financials, and performance drivers future-proofs HR careers
If you're responsible for helping people and organizations grow through change, this episode gives you perspective, examples, and practical insight on how to stay grounded, stay human, and stay ready in a landscape that is shifting faster than ever.
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About the guest
Marta Vittini
Marta Vittini is the Vice President of Human Resources at Renovation Brands, where she’s been leading people strategy and culture since May 2023. With over 25 years of HR experience across industries like retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer goods, Marta brings a deep understanding of what makes teams thrive. Before joining Renovation Brands, she was VP of HR at Twin Star Home and held leadership roles with companies such as Office Depot, TBC Corporation, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and Newell Brands. She’s also run her own HR consulting business, helping organizations strengthen their talent and performance strategies. Marta earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida and holds professional certifications including PHR, CCP, and SHRM-CP.
Marta Vittini is the Vice President of Human Resources at Renovation Brands, where she’s been leading people strategy and culture since May 2023. With over 25 years of HR experience across industries like retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer goods, Marta brings a deep understanding of what makes teams thrive. Before joining Renovation Brands, she was VP of HR at Twin Star Home and held leadership roles with companies such as Office Depot, TBC Corporation, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and Newell Brands. She’s also run her own HR consulting business, helping organizations strengthen their talent and performance strategies. Marta earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida and holds professional certifications including PHR, CCP, and SHRM-CP.
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The leading podcast for the future of HR
The leading podcast for the future of HR
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.