EnterpriseDB CHRO Einav Lavi shares how she transformed from finance instructor to business-focused HR leader by speaking the language of executives—revenue, costs, and ROI. She details challenging a COVID-era 20% layoff mandate with data-driven alternatives that saved nearly $1M, leading company-wide AI implementation, and positioning HR as "builders of the business" rather than policy enforcers. The conversation covers earning executive credibility through commercial fluency, courage to challenge leadership decisions, and viewing HR as a strategic change management function.

• Speak business language: Translate HR initiatives into revenue impact, cost analysis, and ROI rather than engagement scores or time-to-fill
• Challenge with data: Respond to executive decisions with financial models and alternative cost analyses, not emotional appeals
• Earn credibility through commercial fluency: Understand revenue, margins, and business metrics to gain genuine executive partnership
• Lead cross-functional change: Position HR as change management experts who can spearhead company-wide initiatives like AI implementation
• Use HR as transformation pilot: Test new processes within your department first, document results, then scale across the organization
• Master the "why" in communication: Focus on explaining why changes benefit the business, not just what changes are happening
• Invest in business knowledge: Understand different departments' priorities to become a true business partner rather than order-taker
• Commit to continuous learning: Block dedicated time for market trends, financials, and industry developments that impact your company

Einav Lavi on LinkedIn

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