When senior HR leaders come together, sharing openly, questioning assumptions, and learning from one another—real progress happens. That spirit defined the CHRO Today Executive Network (C-TEN) throughout 2025.
This was one of C-TEN’s most dynamic and future-focused years yet. Across virtual sessions and two in-person retreats, our members engaged in candid, executive-level discussions on the most pressing issues shaping the world of work—AI disruption, workforce strategy, leadership readiness, compensation innovation, and the evolving role of the CHRO inside increasingly complex organizations.
At every step, C-TEN proved what makes this community uniquely valuable: trusted peer support, practical insights, and conversations that go far beyond headlines to what’s really happening inside today’s workplaces.
2025’s Thought Leadership: Big Ideas Shaping What’s Next
This year, we welcomed an exceptional roster of experts who helped deepen our understanding of the changing HR landscape, including:
- Dr. Peter Cappelli, Wharton Center for HR – Labor market realities and AI-driven productivity.
- Jeff Bettinger, Hudson Talent Solutions – The CHRO Pivot: How HR leaders stay relevant and resilient.
- Kathleen Weslock, Ansys – Balancing business imperatives with HR advocacy.
- Michael J. Mannix, Leadership Expert – Executive coaching and leadership effectiveness for hybrid work.
- Dr. David Ellis, Korn Ferry – Building agile, skills-powered organizations with AI.
- Dr. Michelle Prince, MPrince Consulting – A practical maturity model for leadership development.
- Claire Borelli, TIAA – Transforming HR through collaboration and AI adoption.
- Their insights challenged our thinking, sharpened our strategy, and helped members prepare for the year ahead.
Peer-Led Discussions: What CHROs Told Us
Some of the most valuable insights came directly from C-TEN members—executives sharing in real time what they are navigating inside their organizations. Highlights included:
- Hybrid & Remote Work – Shifting mindsets from “have to” to→ “want to.”
- Tariff Readiness & Geopolitical Risk – Preparing for global disruption.
- Workforce Analytics – Turning data into strategy that influences the C-suite.
- Strategic Workforce Planning – Balancing skills, budgets, headcount, and uncertainty.
- Rethinking Merit & Promotions – Building fairness and efficiency into core processes.
- Post-Merger People Strategy – Lessons in culture and retention.
- Crisis Leadership (Ransomware Response) – Exclusive insights shared by OneBlood.
These conversations delivered the kind of candor, trust, and executive-level relevance that can only come from a CHRO-only peer group
A Look Ahead: C-TEN 2026
We enter 2026 with a powerful lineup of thought leaders and a focus on strategic foresight. Confirmed sessions include:
Culture Eats AI for Breakfast
Jamie Notter, Culture Scientist & Keynote Speaker
AI in Practice: Real Implementation Lessons
Dr. Peter Cappelli, Wharton Center for Human Resources
The Cost of Misalignment: Hidden Disconnects That Impact Talent and Results
Kim Keating, Founder, Kim Keating Consulting
The 5Ls – The Gift of a Balanced Life
Michael J. Mannix, Unparalleled Performance
And our 2026 peer-driven discussion themes include:
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From Insights to Foresight: Predictive Analytics for Executive Decision-Making
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Re-Imagining the Employee Value Proposition From Hierarchy to Fluid
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Talent Models: Designing the Organization of the Future
C-TEN will continue to be a space “by CHROs, for CHROs”—a confidential, strategic peer community where leaders learn, share, and solve problems together.
Join Us in 2026
If you value trusted peer relationships, candid executive dialogue, and real-time strategic problem-solving—and want a community designed exclusively for CHROs and senior HR executives—C-TEN may be the right fit.
To explore membership, please contact me at:
Renee.Preston@SharedXpertise.com
Wishing you a happy holiday season and a great start to the new year!
Renée Preston
Senior Vice President of Membership Services
Global Executive Director of the HRO Today Association
