Innovation in a Reinvented World: 10 Essential Elements to Succeed in the New World of Business

EMC: Gwen Weld, VP of Global People and Infrastructure

You realize right out of the chute that an HR executive with the business title VP of Global People and Infrastructure knows how to color outside the lines.

“I just created the title, but it certainly reflects what I really do,” Weld says.

Not only will coloring outside the lines get more interesting for Weld but also she'll have more crayons at her disposal as Seattlebased Isilon finalizes its merger with EMC this year.

Gwen Weld represents the new reality for human resources, a reinvented world where HR professionals have a place at the table and are actively involved in helping their companies navigate big business shifts and implement deep organizational changes, all while coaching and mentoring others on the practical aspects of adding value to the business as a means of investing in their careers—something she prides herself on doing every day.

Armed with a mix of savvy business and people skills, Weld spends her time focused on HR strategies and priorities instead of deep-diving into policies and procedures.

“Understanding the business imperatives that need to happen and then aligning your people, your guidelines, and your programs to support these makes your workforce so much happier, and you don't spend time worrying about oh, gosh, did we violate any laws?”

When Weld joined Isilon, she immediately delved into the business side of the company—owning her P&L, spending time in the field, and reviewing the business plan ...