Two weeks into my new role as Spotify’s APAC Head of HR, I was asked to present at the 2017 Sydney HR Innovation and Tech Fest conference, where HR leaders and innovators from a wide range of industries come together to share knowledge, experience and HR innovation. This event was a great opportunity to start building a strong peer network of HR leaders in the APAC market. We got to hear from HR leaders and innovators from companies like Amazon, Quantas, Workday, Oracle, Cathay Pacific to name a few! Also, it was a great platform to showcase Spotify’s people strategy and culture to the APAC region.
I presented our people strategy and discussed the impact it has had on our entire company. How it’s our philosophy to be data-informed rather than data-driven, and how this has been fundamental in the design of successful programs like our parental leave policy or the flexible public holidays. These programs are bespoke, made to fit us and our unique culture, as well as making a change in the world outside our walls. I talked about working in a hyper-growth environment, and how we as an HR team work to overcome those challenges, always adapting and looking for scalability. The point that inspired the most questions and discussion was my “call to action” about the need to constantly disrupt, experiment, and continue to innovate the landscape of the HR industry. The traditional “HR playbook” is quickly becoming outdated. If we want to stay ahead and foster an environment where innovative and passionate people can be their very best, we need to test the boundaries of the HR industry, and continue to innovate and adapt within HR just like we do in our business.
Thank you Sydney HR Tech Fest for an amazing day!

Michael is a highly accomplished global Human Resources leader with over 15 years of experience in strategizing and implementing global talent initiatives that drive business results and improves both employee and company performance. He is a trusted business partner to C-level and executive management teams with an extensive record of executing high impact global talent solutions.
Michael currently serves as Head of HR APAC at Spotify, where he is responsible for driving the overall people strategy for the region. His innovative design of Spotify’s revamped parental leave program has received global recognition for taking the #leadonleave for companies supporting families, establishing work life balance, and driving inclusivity within the workplace.
Michael has worked across a broad spectrum of industries including Technology, Investment Banking & Markets, Media, and Advertising. Prior to joining Spotify, Michael was a Vice President of Human Capital Management at Goldman Sachs, where he was responsible for leading strategic people initiatives across the Technology division globally.
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