21 Top HR Influencers to Inspire You in 2025

David Rice is Executive Editor at People Managing People. He’s spent the last five years covering the seismic shifts in HR—from the rise of remote work during the pandemic to the evolving role of AI in the workplace. His reporting and editorial leadership are rooted in lived experience: managing teams, navigating corporate culture, and building content strategy in high-stakes environments.

Before stepping into the editor’s chair, David led content and editorial teams across B2B and tech-driven companies, sharpening his focus on how people practices shape real business outcomes. His leadership content is known for its dry wit, refreshing bluntness, and sharp editorial judgment—no buzzwords, just clarity.

David believes HR will define what it means to be employed in the coming decades, and he’s here to challenge conventional thinking, not just reflect it.

Based in Atlanta, he holds a degree from the University of South Florida. He’s contributed to publications such as Voices of Innovation, and served as a long time correspondent for the Tampa Bay Times.

If you’re rethinking your approach to leadership, content, or the future of work, David’s writing is a great place to start.

Josh Bersin is the Founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, specializing in HR, corporate learning, and talent management. He has a strong educational background, including degrees from Cornell University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Bersin is recognized for his expertise in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness, and has authored influential works, including Irresistible: The Seven Secrets of the World’s Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations.

With a focus on integrating modern technologies with traditional training methods, Josh Bersin provides insights that are crucial for HR professionals looking to stay ahead in the dynamic world of work.

His emphasis on creating innovative, human-centric work environments makes him a unique voice among HR influencers. His work motivates HR leaders to embrace AI and other technological advancements to improve workplace productivity and employee experience.

David Green is a notable leader in People Analytics, co-author of Excellence in People Analytics, and the Executive Director at Insight222 and myHRfuture.com. He’s an experienced conference speaker and hosts the Digital HR Leaders Podcast, sharing insights on HR practices and workforce data.

David Green deserves your attention because of his pioneering role in people analytics. His work uniquely blends data-driven insights with practical HR strategies, making him a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their HR approach.

Green’s thought leadership is not just about following trends but shaping the future of HR with innovative and actionable ideas.

Steve Boese is a renowned HR consultant associated with H3 HR Advisors. He co-chairs the HR Technology Conference and contributes to Human Resource Executive magazine.

Boese is also the creator and co-host of the HR Happy Hour Show and podcast, where he discusses a wide range of topics such as strategic talent management, HR technology, and AI in HR.

Steve Boese has earned a spot among top HR influencers because of his pioneering approach to integrating technology with HR practices. His willingness to adopt and discuss emerging technologies sets him apart, providing valuable insights to HR professionals.

His active engagement in critical discussions, like workplace masculinity and AI’s role in HR, makes him a dynamic and essential figure to follow.

William Tincup is the President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily, specializing in the intersection of HR and technology. He is a seasoned writer, speaker, advisor, consultant, investor, and educator with a rich background in HR and recruiting topics.

He serves on the boards of over 20 HR technology startups and holds degrees in Art History and American Indian Studies, as well as an MBA.

William Tincup has earned a spot as a top HR influencer because of his deep insights into HR technology and his active role in shaping the future of recruitment practices. His unique perspective, combining arts and technology, allows him to provide innovative solutions and strategies in HR.

If you’re looking to stay ahead in HR trends, following Tincup can give you access to his vast expertise and forward-thinking approach that challenges conventional HR practices.

Cole Napper is a people analytics leader with over a decade of experience in HR strategy, data-driven decision-making, and organizational development. He has worked with major companies like Texas Instruments, Toyota, and PepsiCo, as well as high-growth startups.

Currently, he serves as Vice President of People Analytics and Product Evangelist at Orgnostic, where he focuses on helping HR teams use analytics to improve business outcomes. He also co-hosts the Directionally Correct podcast, sharing insights on HR tech and workforce trends.

If you want to make data work for your HR strategy, Cole Napper is someone to follow. His approach balances deep technical expertise with practical application, making analytics accessible to HR professionals at all levels.

His insights, shared through his podcast and public speaking, offer valuable, real-world strategies for integrating people analytics into your work.

Nathan Tanner is an Executive Coach known for his work with high-impact leaders, including CEOs and founders. He previously served as the VP of People at Neighbor, an a16z-backed startup, and was the first head of people operations at DoorDash, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company from 250 to over 5,000 employees.

Tanner is also the author of two books, including The Unconquerable Leader, and regularly contributes to publications like Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company.

With a background in HR at fast-scaling companies, he provides a perspective that blends strategic talent management with personal development.

His writing and coaching focus on helping professionals navigate change while building long-term career success, and his approach to leadership development stands out for its emphasis on resilience and intentional career growth.

Chris Williams, known as CLWill, is a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in team building and leadership across Fortune 100 companies, startups, and non-profits. Notably, he served as Vice President of Human Resources at Microsoft during the dot-com boom, leading thousands of teams and supporting employees worldwide.

His extensive background also encompasses software development and product leadership, having led a team of 500 to build Microsoft Visual Studio, which sold $100 million in its first year.

Williams’ unique blend of technical expertise and HR leadership offers valuable insights into organizational development and team management.

His practical advice, shared through various platforms, provides actionable strategies for navigating complex workplace challenges. Engaging with his content can enhance your understanding of effective leadership and human resources practices.

Brian Elliott is the CEO of Work Forward and an influential figure in the future of work. With over 25 years of leadership experience at companies like Google and Slack, he’s a bestselling author of How the Future Works, which focuses on flexible work practices and the role of technology in enhancing productivity.

Elliott co-founded Future Forum, advocating for inclusive work environments and emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing work landscapes.

His insights into flexible work models and leadership in evolving workplaces make his perspectives valuable for HR professionals. His emphasis on balancing individual choice with team commitment in hybrid settings offers practical guidance for navigating modern work environments.

Greg Hawks is a prominent figure at Hawks Agency, known for his expertise in fostering an “Ownership Culture” within organizations. He is recognized for his engaging presentation style, making him a sought-after speaker in HR.

His work focuses on practical leadership and collaboration strategies, aiding organizations in talent retention and team management.

Hawks stands out for his ability to turn company culture into a strategic advantage. His approach challenges organizations to rethink how they engage employees and develop leadership mindsets.

His insights help HR professionals build environments where people take ownership of their work and drive meaningful results.

Darren Murph is the Senior Director of Cloud HQ Experience at Zillow, where he specializes in remote work and organizational design. Known as an expert in the field, he was previously the Head of Remote at GitLab, contributing to its IPO in 2021.

He is also a Guinness World Record holder for being the most prolific professional blogger and has authored several publications, including Living The Remote Dream.

Murph’s unique perspective on remote work and organizational culture offers valuable insights for HR professionals navigating modern workplace challenges.

His emphasis on intentional design and strategic communication provides practical guidance for building effective remote and hybrid teams.

Ben Eubanks is the Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, bringing over a decade of experience as an HR executive and researcher.

He authored Artificial Intelligence for HR, a leading resource on AI applications in hiring and employee development. His latest book, Talent Scarcity, addresses strategies for recruiting top talent and retaining a shrinking workforce.

Ben Eubanks also founded upstartHR, a blog that has reached over one million readers, and hosts the We’re Only Human podcast, exploring the intersection of people and technology in the workplace.

His unique perspective is shaped by his role as a father of four, emphasizing work-life balance alongside professional development.

Eubanks is recognized for his speaking engagements and his commitment to enhancing HR practices through effective communication and employee feedback.

Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method®, where she leverages her extensive background as a lawyer and HR executive to provide practical training for managers and employees.

Her career includes roles at prominent organizations such as Ogletree Deakins, McKinsey, Yum! Brands, and Modern Luxury, where she served as General Counsel and Head of HR.

Additionally, she is a LinkedIn Learning instructor and co-hosts the HR Besties podcast, which has ranked among the Top 10 Business Podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Her practical approach and emphasis on empathetic management make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance workplace culture.

Her efforts in creating flexible learning solutions and her active presence on social media highlight her commitment to effective management practices.

Jamie Jackson is an HR leader, content creator, and the force behind Humorous Resources, where she blends workplace insights with humor. With over two decades in HR, she has worked across multiple industries, helping organizations navigate talent management, employee engagement, and workplace culture.

She also co-hosts the HR Besties podcast, where she tackles HR challenges with authenticity and wit.

Jackson’s approach makes HR relatable and engaging, using humor to highlight real workplace issues while offering practical advice. Her ability to connect with professionals through social media and candid discussions sets her apart.

If you’re looking for someone who understands HR’s complexities while making it accessible and entertaining, she’s one to watch.

Jan Tegze is a talent acquisition expert, author, and speaker with years of experience in recruiting and hiring strategy. He has led initiatives for global HR companies, helping them build high-performing teams across multiple industries.

As the author of Full Stack Recruiter, he provides practical insights that challenge conventional hiring practices.

Tegze’s thought leadership stands out for its focus on innovation in sourcing and recruitment. His ability to translate complex hiring trends into actionable strategies makes him a key voice in the industry.

His work equips professionals with the tools to refine their approach to hiring in an evolving job market.

Christopher Rainey is the Co-founder and CEO of HR Leaders, a digital media platform and community shaping the future of work. He hosts the HR Leaders Podcast, engaging with top HR executives and industry experts from global brands like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Microsoft.

Christopher Rainey stands out among HR influencers for his commitment to advancing employee well-being and fostering a connected HR community. Through his podcast, he provides valuable insights and practical strategies that can enhance your work and understanding of modern HR challenges.

Enrique Rubio is an HR, technology, and future-of-work expert, as well as a keynote speaker. He is the Founder of Hacking HR, a global learning community that explores the intersection of the future of work, technology, business, and organizations.

Prior to this, Rubio served as CEO at Management Consultants in Venezuela and worked as a senior project engineer for Telefónica. He holds an executive master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and is a Fulbright Scholar.

His unique blend of engineering and HR expertise positions him as a leading voice among HR influencers. Rubio’s commitment to integrating technology with human resources offers valuable insights for those looking to innovate in the field.

If you’re aiming to stay ahead in HR, Rubio’s perspectives on the future of work and technological integration are indispensable.

Meghan Biro is the Founder and CEO of TalentCulture, a platform dedicated to workplace innovation and talent strategies. She has worked with major brands like Microsoft, IBM, and Google to refine HR and leadership practices.

As an HR tech analyst and author, she shares insights on workplace trends through platforms like Forbes, SHRM, and the #WorkTrends podcast.

Biro stands out for her ability to connect HR strategy with real-world applications, making complex topics accessible. Her focus on workplace culture, leadership, and technology provides valuable perspectives for professionals looking to evolve their approach to talent management.

Leigh Elena Henderson is an HR executive at StandardAero and the Creator of HR Manifesto, a platform that utilizes humor to address workplace issues. With nearly 20 years of experience in Corporate America, she has supported several Fortune 100 companies.

Her unique perspective as a “toxic workplace survivor” resonates with over 600,000 TikTok followers.

Henderson is working on a book about surviving toxic workplaces, providing coaching tips for career navigation. Her approach to HR emphasizes authenticity and self-care, challenging traditional perceptions of the field.

Brigette Hyacinth is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author and thought leader specializing in leadership, human resources, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

She has authored five books, including The Future of Leadership: Rise of Automation, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, which was recognized among the Top 100 Best Artificial Intelligence Books of All Time.

Hyacinth is also the Founder of the MBA Caribbean Organisation, established in 2008, which focuses on seminars and workshops in leadership, management, and education.

Hyacinth’s unique approach combines insightful leadership strategies with a deep understanding of AI’s impact on the workplace.

With over 4 million followers on LinkedIn, her influence spans across more than 100 countries, making her a compelling figure to connect with for anyone interested in the future of HR.

Anthony Onesto is a prominent figure in the HR industry, renowned for his expertise in Generation Z and HR technology.

He currently serves as the Chief People Officer at Suzy, where he focuses on scaling and driving the company’s mission.

He has a background in executive HR leadership roles at companies like FreshDirect and Razorfish, and is also the author of The New Employee Contract: How to Find, Keep, and Elevate Gen Z Talent.

His unique approach to HR, which includes a focus on AI and recruiting tech, makes him a valuable influencer for anyone interested in the future of work and talent management.