39. Why CHROs Make the Best CEOs in Times of Chaos

What if the skills you’ve honed in HR are exactly what’s needed to be a CEO?In this episode, I challenge one of the most frustrating myths in the business world. That HR leaders can’t become CEOs. I spotlight some standout CHRO-to-CEO success stories, from Leena Nair’s leap from Unilever to Chanel, to Mary Barra’s transformation of General Motors, to Anne Mulcahy pulling Xerox back from the brink.These aren't just career highlights; they’re proof that people leadership is business leadership.You’ll hear how these leaders used empathy, trust, and cultural reset strategies to steer global companies through massive disruption. I talk about what made them the right choice in moments of crisis and why HR is often the proving ground for top leadership.This is the episode every HR leader needs to hear if they’ve ever felt stuck or underestimated.Whether you're eyeing the C-suite or cheering others on, you’ll leave with a sharper lens on what it really takes to lead, and why it’s time to rethink where HR fits in the executive hierarchy.Which HR-to-CEO story inspired you the most? Tag us on LinkedIn here, I’d love to hear your thoughts and celebrate the trailblazers you're watching. And if this episode made you rethink what’s possible, share it with a HR mate who needs the reminder.SHOW NOTES: https://reimaginehr.com.au/why-chros-make-the-best-ceos-in-times-of-chaos/Trina Sunday is a human-first leadership strategist, HR advisor and creator of the HEART Work™ model, helping HR leaders and People & Culture professionals build workplaces where people and performance thrive side by side. With more than 25 years of experience across HR, organisational development and leadership advisory in Australia, Asia and global leadership communities, she works with HR leaders and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability, shape workplace culture and drive human-first organisational transformation. Through the Heart at Work with Trina Sunday podcast, leadership programs and advisory work, Trina is passionate about empowering HR professionals to move beyond compliance and lead the future of HR with courage, clarity and influence.Get Inspired Trina’s Website: https://trinasunday.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinasundayofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinasundayofficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinasundayofficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinasunday/Reimagine HR: https://reimaginehr.com.au/