Karen Bennett, EVP and Chief People Officer at Cox Enterprises, believes leadership development is key to the company’s future. With a history of innovation, from newspapers to broadband to cleantech, Cox has always embraced change. Today, that means equipping leaders with the tools to thrive in a post-COVID world.
“Cox is a people company, first and foremost,” Bennett says. Leaders make the choices that drive strategy and success, so investing in their growth is essential. After the pandemic paused many programs, Cox relaunched leadership development with fresh energy and focus.
“Listen to your people. Understand the business. When you can make life easier for someone, do it.”
Karen Bennett
EVP and Chief People Officer at Cox Enterprises
In an interview with HR Executive, Bennett shared the following advice: Meet leaders where they are. Offer variety — online, cohort-based, hybrid — and listen to what people need. That’s why Cox added benefits like Care.com memberships to support employees caring for loved ones.
Culture as a magnet
Cox’s employment brand now shines through social channels and local outreach, sharing authentic employee stories and awards. The goal: attract and retain top talent by showcasing a culture that empowers people to deliver in ways that work for them.
Bennett sums it up simply: “Listen to your people. Understand the business. When you can make life easier for someone, do it.”
Did you know?
Our acquisition of Axios builds on our company’s legacy in local media and underscores our company’s commitment to growing and nurturing credible, fact-based journalism.
