In this insightful episode of The Headcount People, host Tushar Makhija welcomes Alisa Avelar, a seasoned VP CHRO who has led HR teams at multiple hypergrowth companies. The discussion dives into the complexities of selling the HR story to the leadership table, addressing why HR departments often feel unheard or face pushback. Alisa shares her journey into HR, highlighting her passion for learning and development to support employees' career growth. The conversation covers a wide range of vital HR topics including the new normal post-pandemic, the importance of grace and patience in the workplace, and strategies for influencing and gaining a seat at the leadership table. Alisa also emphasizes the need for robust HR data tools and how to effectively use people analytics for better decision-making. The episode provides valuable perspectives on balancing business growth with employee wellbeing, making it a must-watch for HR professionals and organizational leaders. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guest 01:22 Alisa Avelar's Journey in HR 02:40 The Evolution of HR in the Modern Workplace 04:10 Balancing Business Growth with Employee Well-being 07:26 Strategies for HR Leaders to Influence and Drive Change 12:01 The Importance of Data-Driven HR and the Challenges of Tooling 25:28 The Future of HR: AI and the Human Touch 30:21 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection 31:12 The Role of HR in Organizational Development 33:00 Challenges and Solutions in HR Technology 36:08 The Importance of Data in HR Decision Making 37:44 Choosing the Right HRIS for Your Organization 42:13 The Cost of Underinvesting in HR 50:30 Strategic HR Management and Headcount Planning 57:52 Final Thoughts on HR's Role in Organizational Success