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October 21, 2025 27 mins

Tracy Layney has led HR at iconic brands like Levi's, Old Navy, and Shutterfly, so it's no surprise she's now training the next generation of CHROs at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. Tracy joins Rob to unpack why HR's role is more complex (and powerful) than ever before, and how her coursework is helping senior people leaders develop the human capital strategies their companies desperately need. She breaks down the people-side of big moves—like Levi's exit from Russia—and shares the three-pillar framework she teaches for linking business goals to people strategy. Plus: why HR still doesn't speak the language of business, and how she's helping to change that

 

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Tracy's journey from org strategy consulting to CHRO to professor

  • Why executive HR education is finally getting the attention it deserves

  • A behind-the-scenes look at Booth's program for future CHROs

  • The people-side of major business decisions, like Levi's exit from Russia

  • Why the CHRO role is more complex, and more influential, than ever

  • The three-pillar framework for building a scalable human capital strategy

  • How to tailor people strategy without reinventing the wheel

  • Why HR still doesn't speak the language of business, and how to change it

  • The disconnect between strategic frameworks and HR's day-to-day execution

  • Tracy's take on lifelong learning, fractional work, and what's next in her career

 

🔗 Links

Tracey Layney on LinkedIn

LHH Recruitment Solutions 

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