Let Go & Lead With Maril Macdonald

Stephanie Kramer, chief human resources officer of L'Oréal North America, discusses leading with empathy and rigor as work practices change fast. She explains how her background in chemistry and marketing shapes a data-informed HR lens that keeps people first and results clear. Stephanie and host Maril talk about building leaders, empowering managers and designing processes that reduce friction and scale care. Stephanie also discusses "Carry Strong," her research-driven guide to pregnancy and work, and why engagement, enablement and wellbeing mesh together in healthy cultures. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:25 Leadership careers often start with curiosity and a willingness to grow. 04:47 Understanding people is essential in any discipline, from marketing to human resources. 09:56 Empowering managers strengthens trust and creates space for employees to thrive. 12:56 Transparency and accountability drive progress as technology reshapes how we work. 16:44 Clear and consistent processes create stability