Brian Baker, Chief People Officer at Teneo

Episode SummaryWhat does it mean to lead with both empathy and decisiveness in today’s ever-evolving business environment? In this episode of Built by People, host Dave D’Angelo welcomes Brian Baker, Chief People Officer at Teneo, a global CEO and board advisory firm, for a compelling conversation on modern leadership, digital transformation, and building cultures that scale.Brian shares his unique career path across corporate transformation and client advisory roles, and introduces the concept of the “lifeguard mindset”—a leadership approach rooted in watchfulness, care, and timely intervention. He unpacks how leaders can balance human connection with disruption, and how AI and automation are reshaping the future of inclusion. With experience at IBM, Walmart, Accenture, and now Teneo, Brian offers tangible strategies for cultivating people-first organizations that thrive amid constant change.Tune in to hear insights on inclusion beyond DE&I, intentional network-building, and how growing your culture and people is the most powerful growth strategy of all.Key Timestamps[00:42] – Brian’s career journey across transformation roles and client service[01:45] – The "lifeguard mindset" and what it means for today’s leaders[04:18] – Redefining inclusion in the age of AI and automation[06:52] – How HR leaders can build purpose-driven, global networks[08:22] – Teneo’s approach to growing people, culture, and leadership at scale[11:16] – Disruptor vs. diplomat: Brian’s parting leadership adviceTakeawaysAdopt a lifeguard mindset to lead with empathy, vigilance, and timely interventionRedefine inclusion to include collaboration between humans and machinesBuild intentional networks to stay sharp, inspired, and globally connectedInvest in your people and culture as core business growth driversDevelop dual leadership skills—knowing when to disrupt and when to diplomatically unite teamsOur SponsorPrevi is an employer network that provides private pricing for employees. Joining the Previ network allows employees to save on necessities they already pay for, such as cell phone service and insurance. Previ saves the average employee $2,200/year. ⁠Join at no cost to the company.⁠