Inclusive Leadership at Scale with Sue Quackenbush, Dynatrace

HRchat Podcast

What does it take to create a unified culture when your team spans 50 countries and includes thousands of employees? Sue Quackenbush, Chief People Officer at Dynatrace, reveals the secret sauce behind their "real vibes, real people" approach that keeps their global workforce connected.
With 33% of Dynatrace's 4,000+ employees working fully remotely and the rest following a hybrid model, Sue explains how they've turned geographical dispersion into a strength. Their innovative Remote Connect Club creates virtual communities for those without nearby offices, while employee resource groups foster belonging regardless of location. Sue's passion for "making a difference" drives her people-first approach that balances flexibility with connection.
The conversation dives into talent attraction and development strategies that have proven successful in the competitive tech sector. When Sue joined Dynatrace nearly three years ago, she discovered they were "consistently inconsistent" in leadership approaches – prompting her to create the comprehensive "Dynatrace Elements of Leadership" framework that now guides development at all levels. She shares why continuous growth opportunities create both stability and innovation, benefiting both employees and the organization.
Perhaps most fascinating is Sue's perspective on balancing data-driven HR with human connection. "Data is critically important and I would say that it is as important as the humanistic elements," she explains, offering insights into how modern people leaders must leverage analytics while preserving the relationships that ultimately drive engagement. As AI reshapes workplace tools and practices, Sue considers both the exciting possibilities and important guardrails needed to maintain what makes work meaningful.
Whether you're navigating hybrid work challenges, building leadership pipelines, or seeking ways to create belonging across borders, this conversation offers practical wisdom from one of tech's most thoughtful people leaders.

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Chapters

1. Meet Sue Quackenbush, CPO at Dynatrace (00:00:00)

2. Attracting Top Tech Talent (00:03:04)

3. Hybrid Work and Remote Culture (00:04:30)

4. Real Talks Podcast and Building Connection (00:10:03)

5. Leadership Development and Talent Retention (00:13:30)

6. People Analytics and Future HR Trends (00:17:44)