Martha Delehanty, Chief People Officer at Commvault

In this podcast episode of Conversations With Dez, Martha Delahenty, the Chief People Officer at Commvault, talks with Dez Blanchfield and shared insights into the challenges and opportunities she has faced in her role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

Creating a Sustainable Future

Martha emphasised the importance of focusing on relationships with customers, family members, and neighbours. She highlighted the value of focusing on relevance and the need to stop the noise in order to prioritise what truly matters.

A Day in the Life of Martha Delahenty

As the Chief People Officer, Martha’s role involves guiding and coaching team members to build life-changing careers and expanding employee recruitment, retention, and professional development capabilities. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Martha has been dedicated to her role and has embraced the opportunity to lead a people transformation at Commvault.

Personal Insights and Career Path

Martha’s journey into HR was influenced by her background in psychology and finance. She shared how an internship in art therapy led her to discover her passion for human resources and personnel management. Her experience at Verizon and her recent transition to Commvault have provided her with a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the HR field.

Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

Martha discussed the unique challenges faced by Commvault during the pandemic, including the shift to remote work and the need to make tough decisions regarding employee safety and financial stability. She emphasized the importance of transparency and communication in addressing these challenges and supporting the well-being of employees.

Adapting to the New Normal

Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Martha and her team at Commvault have implemented innovative programs to support employees and the community. From virtual story-time sessions to coding challenges for children, Commvault has demonstrated a commitment to re-humanising the workplace and fostering a sense of community and support.

Looking Towards the Future

Martha emphasized the need to focus on creating a new vision for the future, one that prioritises empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability. She echoed the sentiments of author Sonia Renee Taylor, highlighting the opportunity to “stitch a new garment” that fits all of humanity and nature.

Embracing Change and Resilience

Martha’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations and HR leaders during the pandemic. Her commitment to building relationships, fostering empathy, and embracing change serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human resources field.

As we navigate the uncertainties of the current landscape, Martha’s story serves as an inspiration to HR professionals and leaders seeking to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic workplace for the future.