UCLA HARRT

HARRT EMBARK Series: Session 5 Benefits: Aligning to Today's Employee
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | virtual
Join us for Session 5 of EMBARK, HARRT’s topic-driven professional development series designed and led by HARRT Members. The topic of our fifth installment will be Benefits: Aligning to Today’s Employee. Our facilitator is Lori Carnvale, Director, Employee Benefits & Records, RAND Corporation and our guest speaker, Hillary Cookler, UCLA Anderson PhD candidate.
The goal of EMBARK is to help you connect with colleagues and share knowledge, experiences, technology, and tips on what works and what doesn’t so you can create a network to help you thrive in your role. EMBARK meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
* In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Topics For This Session:
• How have your benefit offerings changed to reflect your current employee base?
• What technology is your organization using to administer benefits?
• How have you incorporated leaves of absence into your benefits strategy?
• How has the cost of benefits impacted your offerings?
+ Please be sure to share other associated topics or questions you want us to cover during the session in the registration process.
Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST

HARRT at UCLA Inclusive Leadership Summit
2025-02-25 10:00 - 15:00 | UCLA Extension, 1145 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
In today’s dynamic global landscape, inclusive leadership has become a critical cornerstone of organizational excellence. It focuses on creating an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Our Summit will explore the transformative power of inclusive leadership – examining how embracing differences, promoting psychological safety, and intentionally developing diverse talent can revolutionize workplace culture and drive sustainable success.
We look forward to you joining us on February 25th as we explore how inclusive leadership can become a powerful strategic tool for talent development, organizational resilience, and sustainable growth.

HARRT at UCLA CHRO Corporate Governance Certification Training
2025-02-28 09:00 - 2025-05-19 11:00 | Live Online and In Person
Announcing a unique University of California Collaboration designed specifically for Sr. HR Executives. HARRT at UCLA – The UCLA Human Resources Round Table, UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education, and University of California, Irvine – The Paul Merage School of Business Leadership Development Institute, are joining forces in a strategic partnership to offer a one-of-a-kind offering in Corporate Governance for Chief Human Resources Officers and Senior Human Resources Executives.
This unique 3-month program equips senior HR and Talent leaders with the competencies necessary for impactful corporate board service, focusing on essential governance, financial, and strategic skills. Participants will develop a strong foundation in fiduciary duties, regulatory frameworks, and board oversight practices, ensuring they are prepared to fulfill their responsibilities with ethical and organizational integrity. The curriculum covers advanced financial acumen, including audit and compliance insights, and delves into strategic areas like mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity, and risk management. Additionally, participants will engage with contemporary board issues such as ESG, digital transformation, and executive compensation, making them adept at addressing corporate governance’s evolving demands and challenges.
Why Corporate Governance for CHROs?

In 2023, only 1.1% of directors possess CHRO experience, while the remaining 98.9% do not, highlighting the limited presence of HR leaders at the board level (Harvard Law Corporate Governance)
In 2023, 65% of directors indicated that improving oversight of human capital is “important” or “very important.” (NACD)
65% of directors identified human capital as the highest priority in environmental, social, and governance in 2022. (Deloitte)

Upon successfully completing the program, you will earn a dual certificate from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business and in addition to the certification, you will receive a six month HARRT at UCLA membership.
Event Details: Live In Person and Virtual 3-Month Flexible Online Program with 90-120 minute weekly virtual sessions combined with one in-person gathering for culmination.
Dates: February, 28 – May 19, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM PT – 90 minutes – 120 minutes
Simulation, Certification, and Graduation: Monday, May 19 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PT In Person (UCLA Anderson)
Do you have questions? Happy to discuss via email.

HARRT at UCLA | WTW Day of Learning
2025-05-06 09:00 - 15:00

HARRT Board Governance Network (HBGN) - Session 1
2025-09-10 | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
*Members-Only* You’re invited to Session 1 of the HARRT Board Governance Network (HGBN) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at UCLA. As a recap, HBGN will deliver two in-person sessions, two virtual sessions, and ad hoc virtual sessions addressing current issues in 2025 -26.
Session 1 Agenda

3:00 – 3:15 PM
Welcome

3:15 – 4:15 PM
Strategies for Successful Board Placement
Whitney Chamberlain & Clint Fairweather
Board Director & Chair Consultants, Egon Zehnder

4:15 – 4:30 PM:
Refreshment & Networking Break

4:30 – 5:15 PM
Board Governance: Planning for Uncertainty
John Bremen
Chief Innovation & Acceleration Officer, C-suite and board advisor, WTW

5:15 – 6:45 PM
Activists in the Boardroom: A Case Study
Carla Hayn
Professor of Accounting; Accounting Area Chair; Ernst & Young Chair in Accounting, UCLA Anderson School of Management

Adjourn

• Sessions 2 & 3: When we meet on September 10, we will discuss your preferred topics and set the dates and times for these two virtual sessions.
• Session 4: In-person session scheduled for early May 2026.

2025 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat - Future Fit: HR Strategies For Today and Beyond
2025-09-11 - 2025-09-12 | Lido House, 3300 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA, 92663, United States
Future Fit: HR Strategies For Today and Beyond
*Members-Only* We are pleased to present the 2025 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat, taking place September 11-12 at the beautiful Luskin Conference Center. In addition to insightful conversations, networking opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of HR, this retreat offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, relax, and learn among your peers. Join us in thanking our incredible speakers, sponsors, and longtime partner members without whom this event would not be possible.
As a special benefit to HARRT Retreat attendees, UC Irvine’s Leadership Development Institute has generously provided a scholarship to their Generative AI for Business Application certification program ($1650 value). To further develop your understanding of AI, this self-paced, fully on-demand digital program features a curriculum that offers both theoretical and practical knowledge in generative AI, taught by a unique blend of top academic and industry professionals. Retreat attendees can receive this special offer when they RSVP by August 1. Learn more.

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #1 - Navigating Uncertainty: The AON Framework
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
Introducing – The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity dilemmas, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.
This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as an indispensable leader in your organization.
Stacy Smithers, Chief of Staff / Head of Strategy & Administration for the CAO and Heidi Burnett, People Org. Solutions and Impact, Human Sustainability, AON, will present our first LEARNING LAB installment: NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY: THE AON FRAMEWORK. How Aon created our People Risk framework to navigate uncertainty. The foundation for examining topics such as AI, Skills, Total Rewards and workforce opportunities and risks.
Remember, The LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Topics For This Session:
• What framework do you use to assess people risk at your organization?
• Is the data you use to assess people risk – historical or predictive?
• How do you reconcile decisions when there is conflicting data points?
Please be sure to share other associated topics or questions you want us to cover during the session in the registration process.
Event Details: Virtual
1. Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
2. Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
3. Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.
Please register by October 13, 2025

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #2 - Breakout Learning - AI: Leveraging Employee Conversations & Insights
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
Introducing – The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity initiatives, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.

This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as a future forward leader in your organization.

Ramit Varma, CEO / Co-Founder, Breakout Learning, will present our second LEARNING LAB installment: AI: Leveraging Employee Conversations and Insights. Breakout Learning uses AI to facilitate and evaluate employee discussions at scale. It’s like having a facilitator in every small group conversation you run, which means you can finally engage your entire organization in critical initiatives instead of just a select few.

Remember, The LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.

*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.

Key Topics For This Session:

How do you go from employee feedback to enterprise-wide discussion?
If you could use AI to transform one aspect of your HR approach, what would create the most impact?
How do you know if your culture initiatives are resonating—or just checking boxes?

Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.

Please register by November 17, 2025

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #3 - Fuel Yourself First: The Science of Sustainable Leadership with Jay Abbasi
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity initiatives, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.
This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as a future forward leader in your organization.
Jay Abbasi, CEO / Co-Founder, The Conscious Professional, will present our third LEARNING LAB installment: Fuel Yourself First: The Science of Sustainable Leadership. This virtual workshop will empower HARRT members to manage stress, sharpen focus, and elevate team performance without sacrificing well-being. The session will be interactive and engaging, inviting you to not just download information; but activate transformation. We will incorporate real-life case studies and apply strategies based on cutting-edge neuroscience and practical mindfulness techniques to help leaders drive results and foster a more dynamic, innovative, and engaged workforce.
Remember, The LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Questions For This Session:

What skills are needed by leaders to perform better in the face of chaos and uncertainty?
How can you leverage transformation using Purpose Driven Leadership?
How do you become a resilient leader in the New Year?

Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.

Please register by January 12, 2026

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #4 - Featuring WISQ
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity initiatives, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.
This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as a future forward leader in your organization.
Session #4 – Clayton Holz, Head of Product at WISQ, one of HARRT’s Partner Members, will present our fourth LEARNING LAB installment entitled: From Vision to Execution: Building an Agentic HR Operating Model.
The group is asked to contemplate that most AI in HR still requires constant oversight—or worse, it creates more work than it removes. What if your HR team could rely on an AI teammate that resolved complex cases, spanned systems, and delivered outcomes in minutes instead of hours? Wisq will share a unique point of view on what it takes to build an agentic HR operating model—one that blends deep HR expertise with autonomous reasoning to transform service delivery and operations. Attendees will gain practical frameworks for redesigning HR processes, aligning policies and organizational structures, and prioritizing agentic AI use cases that can operate in complex, compliance-heavy environments.
Remember, the LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Questions For This Session:

Share some examples of how AI is creating more work than it removes.
Would you feel comfortable letting AI operate without constant verification?
How do you think HR professionals’ roles and value propositions will evolve in an agentic model? Is it just as important as the technical implementation?

Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.

Please register by February 16, 2026

HARRT at UCLA Leadership 26 Summit
2026-03-12 10:00 - 15:00 | UCLA Anderson School of Management

2026 HARRT at UCLA | WTW Day of Learning
2026-05-05 09:00 - 15:00
