And yet I knew how close to failure I had come. The result: I became a student of collaboration, resistance, decision making, politics, principles, and nuance.” In one of the most poignant and honest Confessions From the C-Suite articles yet to grace the pages of CTDO, Jeanette Winters, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Igloo Products Corp., reveals a career-defining experience from her past.

This issue’s Spotlight feature article is all about authenticity, too. As global chief talent officer at Wunderman, Judy Jackson focuses on developing a culture of honesty and transparency at the global digital agency. Performance management at Wunderman is an informal practice guided by Jackson’s YOU Time initiative—a strategy for creating a culture of conversation around people. These conversations between managers and their direct reports start with four questions: How are you doing; what do you want to focus on in your work; how can I, as your manager, help you; and what do you want for your personal self?

Jackson’s concluding advice to readers: “Lift up your head. Get out of the office, talk to people, talk to leaders about what they’re doing. Talk to your colleagues. Your competitors. It shouldn’t be a treat to take a break from the day-to-day. It should be a requirement. Get out of your own way and be inspired.”

We hope this issue of CTDO is one vehicle for such inspiration. Check out Giving Back to learn about the untapped population of young adults who are neither working nor in school, and the career opportunities you can help create for them. In Angst Index, find out what you can do to quell employees’ (and perhaps your own) fears about artificial intelligence. And tuck away 10 tips for your next executive job search from our professional development column, Career Hacks

Thank you for your interest in CTDO magazine, full of essential insight for leaders like you. As always, I’d love to hear your feedback about this issue. What article was your favorite? Which column is most beneficial in helping to inform your role as a talent development executive? Please contact me at any time with your thoughts.

Ann Parker

Senior Content Manager

Senior Leaders & Executives

[email protected]