Anne Kiely - How to... be a Chief People Officer

The C-Suite Framework

🎙️ The Role of the CPO: Culture, Data & People Leadership with Anne Kiely

In this episode of The C-Suite Framework, host Jennifer Geary sits down with Anne Kiely, Chief People Officer at Aer Lingus and co-author of How to be a Chief People Officer, to unpack what it really takes to lead with empathy, data, and strategy in today's C-suite.

Anne shares her journey from banking to HR leadership in global organisations like Twitter and Aer Lingus, and reflects on the evolving demands of the CPO role across industries. Together, she and Jennifer explore how employee experience, talent management, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) sit at the heart of long-term business success.

🔍 In this episode:

• The dual lens of the modern Chief People Officer: employee-first and business-aligned

• How to hire for skills over background in a competitive market

• Practical strategies for building a positive, resilient workplace culture

• The role of data and AI in shaping future-focused HR decisions

• Why DEIB isn't just a programme — it's a mindset

• The impact of community leadership through Anne's work with Special Olympics Ireland

Get the book 'How to be a Chief People Officer' by Anne and Jennifer here.

This episode is filled with real-world wisdom for HR leaders, CPOs, CEOs, and anyone committed to putting people at the centre of strategy.

🎧 Hosted by Jennifer Geary, bestselling author and former COO/CPO. Jennifer and Anne are co-authors of How to be a Chief People Officer, part of the acclaimed C-Suite Series.

📘 Get the book: How to be a Chief People Officer 🌐 Tools, resources & leadership insights: csuiteframework.com 📚 Browse all titles in the C-Suite Series