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How HR Evolved: From Paperwork to Partnership
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of the Future Proof HR Podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Gene Hallenbeck, Vice President of Human Resources at Dennis & Co Auto Group and longtime HR educator, to unpack how HR evolved from paperwork to partnership.
With over four decades of experience from rotary phones and filing cabinets to AI-driven analytics, Gene has seen HR transform from an administrative function into a strategic, trusted advisor to the business. He shares what it takes to modernize HR structures, earn executive trust, and lead with a service mindset that treats employees like customers.
Gene also discusses his hands-on approach to building lean, high-impact teams, his “100-day model” for transformation, and how HR can move from compliance to influence while staying aligned with the organization’s real goals.
Topics Discussed:
The evolution of HR from manual processes to a strategic partnership
How HR earned its seat at the table through trust and credibility
Building lean HR teams that stay aligned with business outcomes
The 100-day framework for rebuilding HR functions
Balancing technology, AI, and the human experience
The mindset shift from administration to a trusted advisor
Why every HR leader must “earn the seat” every day
Additional Resources:
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of the Future Proof HR Podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Gene Hallenbeck, Vice President of Human Resources at Dennis & Co Auto Group and longtime HR educator, to unpack how HR evolved from paperwork to partnership.
With over four decades of experience from rotary phones and filing cabinets to AI-driven analytics, Gene has seen HR transform from an administrative function into a strategic, trusted advisor to the business. He shares what it takes to modernize HR structures, earn executive trust, and lead with a service mindset that treats employees like customers.
Gene also discusses his hands-on approach to building lean, high-impact teams, his “100-day model” for transformation, and how HR can move from compliance to influence while staying aligned with the organization’s real goals.
Topics Discussed:
The evolution of HR from manual processes to a strategic partnership
How HR earned its seat at the table through trust and credibility
Building lean HR teams that stay aligned with business outcomes
The 100-day framework for rebuilding HR functions
Balancing technology, AI, and the human experience
The mindset shift from administration to a trusted advisor
Why every HR leader must “earn the seat” every day
Additional Resources:
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of the Future Proof HR Podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Gene Hallenbeck, Vice President of Human Resources at Dennis & Co Auto Group and longtime HR educator, to unpack how HR evolved from paperwork to partnership.
With over four decades of experience from rotary phones and filing cabinets to AI-driven analytics, Gene has seen HR transform from an administrative function into a strategic, trusted advisor to the business. He shares what it takes to modernize HR structures, earn executive trust, and lead with a service mindset that treats employees like customers.
Gene also discusses his hands-on approach to building lean, high-impact teams, his “100-day model” for transformation, and how HR can move from compliance to influence while staying aligned with the organization’s real goals.
Topics Discussed:
The evolution of HR from manual processes to a strategic partnership
How HR earned its seat at the table through trust and credibility
Building lean HR teams that stay aligned with business outcomes
The 100-day framework for rebuilding HR functions
Balancing technology, AI, and the human experience
The mindset shift from administration to a trusted advisor
Why every HR leader must “earn the seat” every day
Additional Resources:
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About the guest
About the guest
Gene Hallenbeck
Gene Hallenbeck is the Vice President of Human Resources at Dennis & Co Auto Group, where he oversees all aspects of HR, including talent management, employee relations, labor relations, and organizational development. With over four decades of experience, Gene has guided teams through major shifts in HR. From manual processes and compliance-driven operations to strategic partnership and AI-enabled transformation. He is also an adjunct professor of HR in MBA programs, where he teaches future leaders how to align people strategy with business outcomes. Known for his practical, people-first leadership, Gene helps organizations build HR functions that earn trust, drive engagement, and deliver measurable impact.
Gene Hallenbeck is the Vice President of Human Resources at Dennis & Co Auto Group, where he oversees all aspects of HR, including talent management, employee relations, labor relations, and organizational development. With over four decades of experience, Gene has guided teams through major shifts in HR. From manual processes and compliance-driven operations to strategic partnership and AI-enabled transformation. He is also an adjunct professor of HR in MBA programs, where he teaches future leaders how to align people strategy with business outcomes. Known for his practical, people-first leadership, Gene helps organizations build HR functions that earn trust, drive engagement, and deliver measurable impact.
Gene Hallenbeck is the Vice President of Human Resources at Dennis & Co Auto Group, where he oversees all aspects of HR, including talent management, employee relations, labor relations, and organizational development. With over four decades of experience, Gene has guided teams through major shifts in HR. From manual processes and compliance-driven operations to strategic partnership and AI-enabled transformation. He is also an adjunct professor of HR in MBA programs, where he teaches future leaders how to align people strategy with business outcomes. Known for his practical, people-first leadership, Gene helps organizations build HR functions that earn trust, drive engagement, and deliver measurable impact.
The leading podcast for the future of HR.
The leading podcast for the future of HR.
The leading podcast for the future of HR.
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.