The 5 Things Walmart’s VP & Global Head of People and Governance Technology Can’t Do His Job Without
“My Top 5” is a recurring feature in our newsletter that explores what’s working for the people actually doing the work. In each edition, we tap an HR leader to share their essentials: the mantra they repeat to their team, the habit that protects their week, the voices they follow, the practice they won’t give up, and (of course) what they’re reading.
We saw Saket Agarwal, VP & Global Head of People and Governance Technology at Walmart, speak at HR Tech last week about the AI-powered Talent Ecosystem the company built for its more than 2 million associates, and we knew we wanted to get to know him better. Below, Saket explains why he treats documentation as a strategic asset: in an AI-first workplace, he argues, the quality of your documentation determines the quality and speed of what you get back. He also shares what keeps him sharp, from a mantra about staying close to the details to a reading list that puts Simon Sinek next to former India cricket captain MS Dhoni.
1. His Mantra
“Know your craft, know the details.” Best work and results come from continually building expertise, taking pride in your role, and staying close enough to the details to make thoughtful, informed decisions.
2. His Go-To Productivity Tip
Treat documentation as a strategic asset. Writing clarifies ideas, preserves knowledge, and reduces unnecessary cognitive load. In an AI-first workplace, the quality and accessibility of your context often determine the quality and speed of your outcomes.
3. The Thought Leaders He Follows
Dario Amodei, Andrew Ng, Elon Musk, Simon Sinek, Reid Hoffman, and MS Dhoni. Each of these leaders offer a unique perspective on innovation, leadership, resilience, and lifelong learning, qualities that continue to shape how I lead and grow
4. His Tried and True Best Practice
Lead with humility, learn relentlessly, and turn those learnings into impact. Growth happens when curiosity meets action.
5. The Best Podcast Episode He’s Listened to Recently
“What Most Leaders Get Wrong” with Simon Sinek. Its focus on trust, purpose, and people-first leadership resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that the most impactful leaders succeed by helping others succeed.
HR ProfessionWe saw Saket Agarwal, VP & Global Head of People and Governance Technology at Walmart, speak at HR Tech last week about the AI-powered Talent Ecosystem the company built for its more than 2 million associates, and we knew we wanted to get to know him better.
Employee EngagementWe asked how your organization is handling politics at work ahead of the November 3 midterms. The most common answer was an unwritten rule (33%), then letting it ride (28%), already putting out fires (24%), and a written policy (15%). That means about 85% of respondents have nothing on paper a week before Election Day.
News & ComplianceOver the past two weeks, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) moved to withdraw its criminal records guidance, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized the end of certain automatic work permit extensions. New York City's fair chance hiring rules change October 30. The Second Circuit also revived a waiting time pay claim.
