Innovation, inclusion, and adaptability—these three elements are key for successful leadership shortly. In 2025, thriving organizations will require leaders who can seamlessly face the interplay of technology, culture, and talent management, ensuring resilience in disruption.

The following individuals are at the forefront of rethinking how we work, lead, and grow in an increasingly complex global landscape. They combine expertise in workforce strategy, digital transformation, leadership development, and diversity initiatives.

Their vision for talent management and productivity is closely aligned with driving business growth, all while keeping individuals at the center of their strategies. These leaders offer valuable insights on leveraging technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and people analytics, fostering inclusive cultures, and promoting employee well-being—all while staying ahead of the ever-changing demands of the workplace.

From academics and CEOs to HR innovators, these leaders are paving the way for 2025 and beyond.

1. Josh Bersin

Josh Bersin stands as a beacon in workforce strategy and HR innovation. With decades of experience as an analyst and educator, he has reshaped the HR landscape through his research and thought leadership. Bersin’s concept of “learning in the flow of work” has been instrumental in redefining corporate training and employee engagement. His latest venture, the Josh Bersin Academy, equips HR professionals with cutting-edge tools to adapt to the digital transformation of the workplace.

Bersin’s focus on AI integration into HR practices helps organizations enhance efficiency and create more engaging employee experiences. His latest book, Irresistible, outlines how organizations can align their goals with employee-centric practices. With a history of groundbreaking research and practical solutions, Bersin remains a pivotal figure in understanding and leveraging workplace trends.

1. Margaret Heffernan

Margaret Heffernan brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership and resilience, challenging traditional corporate norms. A former CEO and prolific author, Heffernan emphasizes the value of collaboration over competition. Her book, Willful Blindness, delves into how organizations can overcome biases to drive meaningful change, while her upcoming work, Uncharted, addresses the unpredictability of the modern world.

Heffernan’s mentorship of senior executives focuses on embedding resilience and adaptability into organizational culture. Her belief that small, impactful changes can lead to significant transformations resonates deeply in an era where flexibility and innovation are paramount. Her insights into human behavior and organizational dynamics provide a roadmap for navigating the challenges of the future.

1. Brent Gleeson

With a background as a Navy SEAL and CEO, Brent Gleeson blends military precision with business acumen to inspire leadership and cultural transformation. As the founder of EXCELR8, Gleeson delivers solutions that combine AI-powered talent development with actionable leadership strategies. His bestselling books, Taking Point and Embrace the Suck, offer frameworks for resilience and high-performance team building.

Gleeson’s approach is rooted in practical application, making leadership development accessible and impactful. By helping organizations align their culture with business objectives, he enables sustainable growth and innovation. His expertise in fostering resilience and embedding culture as a competitive advantage positions him as a must-follow leader for 2025.

1. Leena Nair

As the CEO of Chanel and former Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever, Leena Nair champions compassionate leadership and inclusive practices. Her tenure at Unilever saw the rise of female managers to 50%, and she continues to advocate for diversity and equity in her current role. Nair’s leadership emphasizes the power of collective growth, encapsulated in her motto, “Lift as you climb.”

Nair has pushed for environmentally and socially responsible business practices at Chanel, amplifying the company's global impact. Her ability to combine strategic vision with a human-centric approach demonstrates how companies can thrive while remaining committed to equity and sustainability.

1. Pat Wadors

Pat Wadors has spent decades modernizing HR practices through her roles at LinkedIn, Yahoo, and now UKG. As Chief People Officer at UKG, she focuses on integrating technology into HR to create seamless employee experiences. Wadors emphasizes the importance of diversity in building effective teams, advocating for innovative approaches to talent acquisition and development.

Wadors’ personal philosophy centers on empowering employees to grow and thrive. By leveraging HR technology and analytics, she ensures that organizations remain agile and competitive in an evolving global market. Her focus on inclusion and adaptability makes her a leading voice in workforce transformation.

1. Anna Tavis

Anna Tavis is a professor and thought leader in the future of work. At NYU, she chairs the Human Capital Management Department and advocates for adaptive leadership and skills-based hiring. Tavis integrates digital solutions into HR practices to align with changing workforce needs, emphasizing the importance of generational diversity and inclusion.

Her latest book, The Digital Coaching Revolution, explores how organizations can harness technology to build more effective coaching frameworks. Tavis’ expertise in employee experience and strategic workforce planning provides a comprehensive understanding of how businesses can navigate hybrid and digital workplaces.

1. Tracey Franklin

At Moderna, Tracey Franklin has redefined HR by aligning talent strategies with scientific innovation. As Chief Human Resources Officer, she fosters a culture of inclusion and high performance, ensuring that employees feel empowered while meeting ambitious organizational goals. Her initiatives have earned Moderna accolades as a top workplace.

Franklin’s focus on mental well-being and inclusivity highlights the growing importance of holistic employee support. She exemplifies how HR can catalyze transformation by fostering a diverse workforce and driving innovation.

1. Lisa Esparza

As Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Zoom, Lisa Esparza integrates DEI principles into every aspect of the organization. Her leadership focuses on equitable career growth and inclusive hiring, fostering innovation in hybrid and remote work models. Esparza’s approach demonstrates how DEI can drive collaboration and success in diverse teams.

Her efforts have redefined workplace inclusivity, showing how intentional leadership can bridge gaps and unlock potential. Esparza’s ability to embed DEI into global operations positions her as a pivotal figure in reshaping workplace culture for 2025.