Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration: Reflections on the Hacking HR Panel

As the moderator of the Hacking HR panel on “Creating a Culture of Innovation: Strategic HR Initiatives and Everyday Practices,” I had the privilege of engaging with two remarkable HR leaders, Tresina Lockhart and Anna Mamalaki. Their depth of expertise and thought leadership left a lasting impression on both myself and the audience. It’s a pleasure to reflect on some of the key takeaways from this vibrant discussion.

Tresina’s experience in talent management and program implementation brought a practical and insightful perspective to the panel. Her ability to balance long-term strategic vision with the day-to-day realities of HR operations was impressive. Her focus on clear communication, employee empowerment, and effective change management highlighted the vital role these elements play in building a resilient and innovative workforce.

Anna, with her background in organizational design and transformation, provided an equally compelling counterpoint. She emphasized the importance of creating an organizational structure that fosters innovation, particularly through reducing bureaucracy and enabling cross-functional collaboration. Her ideas were both thought-provoking and immediately actionable for any organization looking to ignite a culture of continuous improvement.

What truly stood out, however, was the synergy between Tresina and Anna. Their collaborative dialogue, rather than simply offering individual perspectives, built a rich tapestry of strategies that organizations can use to drive innovation. This back-and-forth exemplified the very spirit of innovation they championed—a willingness to engage, listen, and evolve ideas together.

One of the panel’s most powerful takeaways for me was their shared belief in the transformative power of feedback. Both Tresina and Anna stressed that feedback should go beyond performance management; it is a catalyst for trust, accountability, and unlocking the innovative potential within every employee. Their emphasis on 360-degree feedback, frequent check-ins, and data-driven decision-making is something I believe will resonate with many in the HR community.

This discussion underscored the immense value that arises when we collaborate, share our insights, and collectively work toward common goals. By leveraging the collective wisdom of our peers, we can inspire meaningful change not just within our own organizations, but across the broader HR community.

A heartfelt thank you to Tresina and Anna for their thoughtful contributions. Your passion, expertise, and spirit of collaboration have left a profound impact, and I look forward to future opportunities to continue learning and working together as we navigate the evolving landscape of HR innovation.