Steve O’Brien is a senior HR executive focused on building data-informed, business-aligned people functions that improve organizational performance. He has extensive experience leading transformation across HR strategy, talent acquisition, and workforce analytics, combining operational discipline with a practical understanding of technology and change management. His career includes leadership roles in both corporate and consulting settings, where he has modernized HR operating models, strengthened leadership capability, and delivered sustainable improvements in cost, quality, and speed. Steve holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Penn State and is recognized for translating strategy into execution through clear structure, accountability, and measurable results.

Council Guest Post: CHRO Briefing – Applying Generative AI to the Workforce

Posted on November 3, 2025December 1, 2025 by Steve O'Brien

Generative AI is transforming how work gets done, but its impact will be uneven. For CHROs, the challenge is to look beyond product demos and hype to understand what AI truly changes in the workforce. In this CHRO Briefing, Steve O’Brien offers a practical framework to help HR leaders pace adoption, redesign roles, and govern responsibly. Inside the Briefing: Learn how work divides into three realities: task, system, and structural that determine AI’s true impact. Understand why most early value will come from acceleration and augmentation, not full automation. Explore how CHROs can partner with CIOs to align technology, governance, and workforce design. Get six clear imperatives for responsible GenAI adoption across the enterprise. Why It Matters:AI adoption is a workforce transformation—not just a technology […]

Analyst Insight: Why the Resume’s Days are Numbered – The Growing Role of Assessments in Hiring

Posted on March 4, 2025October 31, 2025 by Steve O'Brien

Talent acquisition often looks backward, though it doesn’t have to – and it shouldn’t. Today, most employers evaluate job candidates through traditional means They review resumes to identify candidates whose experience matches the job description; then, they conduct interviews—often several of them led by different people—to determine whether a candidate will align with the team’s culture and approach. Sometimes, they’ll test the candidate to confirm their nuts-and-bolts knowledge. Finally, the hiring manager reviews all the notes, references, and transcripts to determine who will best fill the open role. In these scenarios, predicting a candidate’s future performance is, to a large degree, speculative since the employer can only use the candidate’s history and reputation to forecast their potential value. At best, they make an educated guess. […]

#HRTechChat: Steven O’Brien on Building High-Performing Teams Through Strategic Role Design

Posted on December 16, 2024October 31, 2025 by Steve O'Brien

Steven O’Brien, Senior Vice President of People Solutions at Syneos Health, joins Dylan Teggart for this episode of #HRTechChat. With over 20 years of experience in HR and talent acquisition, Steven shares his transformative approach to building high-performing teams by emphasizing the critical role of organizational design, culture, and team dynamics. From his unique experiences at IBM to his insights on avoiding the pitfalls of “top talent” myths, Steven discusses how autonomy, task variety, and feedback are essential ingredients for unlocking potential. He also explores the impact of generative AI and modern assessment tools on enhancing productivity and fostering workplace innovation. Our #HRTechChat Series is also available as a podcast on the following platforms: WRKdefined: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/3sixty-insights-hrtechchat Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3sixty-insights/id1555291436?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hXSgrFWXwvJqPbnKunztv SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-965220588 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aDtrRPYoCIrnkeOYZRpAQ/ iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-3sixty-insights-78293678/ Amazon Music & […]

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