This podcast episode explores the evolution and importance of strategic workforce planning and the role of people analytics in driving organizational success. It features Becky Thelen, Senior Director of People Analytics at Microsoft, who shares insights and experiences from her 12-year journey in the field. The episode highlights the shift from reporting to interactive analytics dashboards, the challenges of changing skills and work landscapes, and the role of technology, including Microsoft Fabric, in enabling efficient workforce planning. It emphasizes the benefits of effective strategic workforce planning for various stakeholders and the significance of measuring success and driving actions based on insights. Additionally, the episode delves into the role of HR in cultivating a thriving organizational culture and the importance of transforming insights into actionable initiatives.