Evolving from Business Partner to Value Creator, with JP Elliott
Mon Feb 02 2026
JP Elliott: Future of HR
JP Elliott has decades of experience as a Talent and HR executive at companies like DICK’S Sporting Goods, McAfee, and Lenovo. He’s seen the challenges HR professionals face in growing their careers and increasing their impact. He is the host of the Future of HR podcast and on a mission to help HR professionals increase their business impact and accelerate their careers.
Leadership looks a little different if you head up a support role: human resources, IT, marketing, or finance. Often, we hear the term “business partner” used to describe what these leaders should be aiming for. In this conversation, JP and I explore how to shift from simply a “business partner” to a value creator.
Key Points
You’re not just an HR leader. You’re a business leader with HR expertise.
Think like a CEO even if you’re in HR. Do this to be moving beyond an execution-only mindset.
Design talent strategies based on the future, not on the past.
Build systems that reward outcomes, not bureaucracy.
Build talent strategies that differentiate your business.
Forecast leadership needs 3-5 years out and build a pipeline for critical roles.
Four questions that CEOs are asking:
Are we focused on the right strategic imperatives?
Are we operating effectively and efficiently?
Are we optimizing our business model to create competitive advantage?
Do we have a plan for sustainable and profitable growth?
Resources Mentioned
Future of HR podcast by JP Elliott
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
How to Start Managing Up, with Tom Henschel (episode 433)
How to Solve the Toughest Problems, with Wendy Smith (episode 612)
The Mindset to Help Your Organization Grow, with Tiffani Bova (episode 633)
Discover More
Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.
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JP Elliott: Future of HR JP Elliott has decades of experience as a Talent and HR executive at companies like DICK’S Sporting Goods, McAfee, and Lenovo. He’s seen the challenges HR professionals face in growing their careers and increasing their impact. He is the host of the Future of HR podcast and on a mission to help HR professionals increase their business impact and accelerate their careers. Leadership looks a little different if you head up a support role: human resources, IT, marketing, or finance. Often, we hear the term “business partner” used to describe what these leaders should be aiming for. In this conversation, JP and I explore how to shift from simply a “business partner” to a value creator. Key Points You’re not just an HR leader. You’re a business leader with HR expertise. Think like a CEO even if you’re in HR. Do this to be moving beyond an execution-only mindset. Design talent strategies based on the future, not on the past. Build systems that reward outcomes, not bureaucracy. Build talent strategies that differentiate your business. Forecast leadership needs 3-5 years out and build a pipeline for critical roles. Four questions that CEOs are asking: Are we focused on the right strategic imperatives? Are we operating effectively and efficiently? Are we optimizing our business model to create competitive advantage? Do we have a plan for sustainable and profitable growth? Resources Mentioned Future of HR podcast by JP Elliott Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes How to Start Managing Up, with Tom Henschel (episode 433) How to Solve the Toughest Problems, with Wendy Smith (episode 612) The Mindset to Help Your Organization Grow, with Tiffani Bova (episode 633) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.