5.4: Focus on future-ready leaders, with Danny Harmer

What defines great leadership? And how can HR support the leaders of the future?Business leaders are facing rising pressure to take on a growing list of responsibilities, and employees’ expectations of people in leadership roles are rapidly evolving.To help navigate these changes, and outline how organisations can best equip the leaders of tomorrow, we spoke to Danny Harmer, chief people officer for the insurer Aviva.Harmer joined the HR Most Influential Hall of Fame list in 2025, after being recognised seven times as one of HR magazine’s most influential practitioners.