In this kickoff episode of Season 6 Bart is joined by Melanie Burns, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer of TD Bank, to discuss the vast array of changes in the last five years in the world of talent, and the foundational principles that leaders can still build their relationships on. Melanie explains how COVID, remote work, the Great Resignation, return to office, and now AI are all transforming the relationship between companies and their staff. She offers perspective on the positive implications of these changes and what they mean for leaders who must cultivate talent. Melanie offers a positive message for leaders: despite these shifts, the good news is that the fundamentals of attracting, engaging and managing talent are the same as they ever were. Melanie's insights and experiences make this a must-listen for any leader who is grappling with the age-old task of cultivating talent in a world that is rapidly changing.Show Notes:2:16 Introducing Melanie Burns2:38 Bart asks about the rapidly changing environment3:52 What do the different parts of the bank think about our times4:11 Hybrid work4:34 Politics at play5:03 Customers in turmoil too5:33 Unstable nature of politics like DEI6:02 What's led you to this point?6:56 Upbringing7:41 Picked business8:30 Opening doors8:38 Continually asking questions9:06 How did you get into the world of "talent"10:30 Unprecedented changes in the last 5 years10:58 Switch to remote/hybrid workers11:16 Trust and remote work11:29 The great resignation11:41 Did TD lose people in the Great Resignation?12:57 Great resignation didn't really happen - don't get duped by the hype13:49 Inverted relationship between leader and direct report14:36 We are in the trust business15:13 The power of in-person human connection15:49 What has changed in talent management16:36 A collection of experiences17:00 Exceptional talent have options17:05 How to get talent to consistently choose TD17:47 Pressure from employee base18:37 What are the fundamentals that haven't changed?19:23 Advice to people managing teams19:38 The fundamentals: People really want 2 things19:51 The opportunity to do challenging things20:14 Want to work for someone who is talented21:20 You didn't mention money!21:26 Didn't mention culture22:42 Truly talented people do not get hung up on titles and compensation23:21 People don't know the culture that they want...24:48 Left TD reference25:52 Philosophy of cultivating talent26:14 Bart proposes thought experiment26:47 Leader's job is to manage the tension between present and future28:06 Signs to look out for in talent management28:24 Never take things for granted28:55 Have regular check-ins with people29:45 Give clarity - not certainty about the future31:21 Be honest with reports about where they are31:44 Another mention of leaving33:19 What's the biggest mistake you've made in talent management33:45 The importance of succession planning37:48 Bart summarizes the conversation38:33 Be authentic40:05 Thank yous