Episode Summary
What does it take to lead the People function for the largest school district in the United States? In this premiere episode of HR Voices, host Emily Fenech sits down with Dr. Patrick Fagan, Chief Talent and HR Officer for New York City Public Schools, to unpack the challenges and innovations behind managing a workforce of over 80,000 educators and staff.
Dr. Fagan shares his path from lifelong public servant to top HR leader, and how his academic background in industrial-organizational psychology informs his leadership today. He dives into the complexities of scaling HR solutions across massive systems, the importance of storytelling and data in securing resources, and how NYC schools are experimenting with AI-powered coaching to support teacher well-being and retention.
From navigating post-pandemic workplace expectations to piloting cutting-edge tech with a human-first mindset, this conversation offers valuable insights for any HR leader trying to do more with less—without losing sight of the people behind the work.
Key Timestamps
[00:45] – Meet Dr. Patrick Fagan and his journey to a dream HR role
[03:43] – The biggest challenge: scaling with limited resources
[05:16] – How to make a strong business case for HR programs
[06:47] – Navigating AI within a massive, interdependent public system
[09:14] – Piloting BetterUp to support new teacher retention
[11:58] – Why people are more honest with AI—and what that means for HR
[13:09] – Creating psychological safety at scale
[14:06] – Final advice: don’t forget the “human” in human resources
Takeaways
Tell compelling, data-backed stories to secure resources for your HR initiatives
Pilot and experiment—even in large systems, small tests can lead to scalable innovation
Use AI to augment, not replace, human connection and coaching
Address psychological safety proactively in large, distributed workforces
Lead with empathy—especially in a world saturated with buzzwords and tech trends
Our Sponsor
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