On Friday, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance hosted a panel featuring top human resources executives who discussed emerging trends in talent.
The panel included Scott Howland, chief human resources officer at TTX; Belinda Hyde, chief people officer at Sealed Air Corporation; and Kimberly Moore-Wright, chief teammate officer at Truist Financial Corporation. David Woehr, chair of the Department of Management at UNC Charlotte, moderated the conversation.
Why Charlotte attracts talent
The panelists agreed that Charlotte gives them a recruiting edge.
“People want to be here,” said Moore-Wright. “It’s an advantage to my job.”
Hyde added, “Charlotte is a great place to recruit,” noting that the region’s diverse industries—ranging from banking and advanced manufacturing to technology and life sciences—make it easy to “sell” Charlotte as a place where careers can grow beyond a single job.
Retaining and Growing Talent
Howland highlighted TTX’s “trickle-down” approach to internal promotions, where upward moves create new opportunities at the entry level. Hyde emphasized cross-functional projects and transparency, saying employees value both variety and open communication. Moore-Wright pointed to Truist’s career coaching program, stressing that retention requires daily effort.
“You’re re-recruiting talent that sits within your organization every day,” she said.
The next generation at work
Panelists also discussed how younger employees are shaping workplace culture. Howland described the added energy they bring, while Moore-Wright noted how conversations about wellness and mental health are becoming normalized. Hyde observed that generational expectations aren’t so different; younger workers are simply more vocal, something she called “refreshing” and beneficial for all.
Moore-Wright said Truist provides leadership training at all levels, preparing managers for an influx of new talent. Hyde explained that Sealed Air focuses on building transferable skills through training, networking, and flexible project assignments, giving employees room to design and grow their careers.
Advice for the next wave of workers
The panel closed with advice for those just entering the workforce:
- Problem-solving skills matter. Hyde encouraged students to take on tough problems with guidance to be better prepared for the workplace.
- Data isn’t enough. Moore-Wright emphasized the importance of turning analysis into synthesis and storytelling.
- Learn AI early. Howland urged students to go beyond ChatGPT and explore other artificial tools to stay ahead.
