Episode 179. Technology & Human Potential - Leading with Empathy: Khadija Ben Hammada, CHRO, Merck Group

Khadija discusses HR’s role in balancing human potential with technology and how at Merck, ‘precision upskilling’ ensures employees develop both technical and leadership skills to navigate hybrid teams with empathy. Khadija describes how Merck’s AI-powered platform, My Growth at Merck, personalises learning and provides equitable access to career development, and beyond the workplace, how Merck’s Curiosity Cube and SPARK initiatives inspire young minds and increase diversity in STEM. Khadija reflects on equity and inclusion stressing the need to close pay gaps, remove bias in hiring, and embed diversity throughout the employee journey. Khadija describes how Merck integrates its values, fostering a culture where diversity fuels innovation, performance, and belonging. HR must lead with empathy - proving that business success and heart-led leadership go hand in hand.

Om Podcasten

Explore how the work of HR Leaders is creating positive social change, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals - goals which the world’s companies are increasingly understanding the urgency of achieving, and investing in the action required. If you’d like clear, actionable ideas for how you can use the power of your role to effect change in your company, you’re in the right place. I’m the founder of social enterprise Uplifting People, we provide services to HR Leaders, and through this work I realised that HR professionals and social entrepreneurs are working in the same areas, albeit in different ways. So we created this podcast to share knowledge, on steps we can take through the work of HR. In my opinion, if you’re an HR professional, you are also a change maker. And this podcast will provide you with examples of how. By sharing the successes of some of the world’s most inspiring HR Leaders, you can frame your work in the context of positive change, implement brilliant ideas, and feel absolutely wonderful about doing so!