In Making HR Matter David and Ted demonstrate through insightful ideas and specific actions how HR is increasingly relevant in today’s changing business world.
Their personal experiences will help others have a more positive impact through relevant HR.
Dave Ulrich
Rensis Likert Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan; Partner, The RBL Group
Alsop and Forbes make the case — clearly and compellingly — that when HR leaders learn to speak the language of business and CEOs demand that they do, something powerful becomes possible: a partnership that drives real ROI.
This is a both/and book. CEOs need to read it. HR leaders need to read it. You may even consider reading it together.
Whitney Johnson
Thinkers50 Top Management Thinker, CEO of Disruption Advisors
The reason Making HR Matter stands out is because it's not theoretical—it’s forged from lived experience, the kind that drives performance, learning and culture together.
This book brings forward the kind of HR thinking every business leader wishes for but seldom sees.
Howard Friedman
CEO, Utz Brands; Former President and CEO, Post Consumer Brands; Former EVP and President, Kraft Heinz Meat and Dairy
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the People function can be when it’s fully aligned to business strategy and performance. Making HR Matter captures that reality in an honest and practical way. David and Ted don’t argue that HR deserves influence – they show how to earn it.
Their message is clear: real transformation and value creation happen when HR leaders think like business leaders, shape culture intentionally, and hold themselves accountable for results. It’s a powerful reminder that a people-first approach delivers its greatest impact when it’s directly tied to performance.”
“Grounded in real experience and measurable business outcomes, the book offers a clear roadmap for shifting HR from policy-driven to performance-driven. When talent and culture align with enterprise priorities, HR becomes a true lever for profitable growth. What sets this book apart is its balance of credibility and practicality. It doesn’t just inspire; it equips. I’d recommend Making HR Matter not only to HR leaders, but to CEOs and executive teams who expect culture to drive measurable value. It’s a must-read for anyone who believes people are a company’s greatest competitive advantage – and wants to prove it.
Lisa Alteri
Chief Operating Officer at Charter Next Generation and former Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Kraft Heinz Company
Finally—a book to hand to any HR leader seeking to elevate their strategic voice and drive meaningful impact in the C-Suite. It’s a masterclass in the selfless, high-stakes work of HR—shaping culture, embracing the mission, and unlocking performance through people.
Making HR Matter shows how, when done right, HR can be one of the most purposeful callings in business.
Grace Zuncic
Managing Director, Manna Tree; former Chief People & Culture Officer, Chobani
Making HR Matter is a must-read manifesto for the future of Human Resources. With bold clarity and deep business insight, the authors redefine HR’s role from a reactive administrative function to a forward-leaning force of strategic impact.
They present a compelling model where professionals not only understand the human element of organizations but also master the economic levers that drive growth, innovation, and profitability. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, the authors challenge outdated norms and offer a transformative roadmap for HR leaders ready to elevate their influence, align with executive priorities, and become true catalysts of organizational success.
If you're ready to move past “checking boxes” and start making a real impact, this book shows you how.
Dirk Jeffs
CEO, Ultradent Products Inc.
Making HR Matter is an important milestone in the evolution of the People function. Rather than belaboring the tired "we deserve a seat at the table" mantra, David and Ted show a concrete path to actually deserving that seat. Full of stories and lessons derived from their careers as CHROs, the authors offer insightful advice and perspective around building an economically impactful People team.
The backbone of their advice is to focus first on delivering economic value, to use business strategy to shape people plans, to develop values-aligned culture, and to always take an enterprise point of view.
As the co-founder, CEO, and now Chairman of Cotopaxi, I've personally experienced the power of these ideas. Whether you're at a large company or at a startup, you need to read this book.
Davis Smith
Co-founder & Chairman, Cotopaxi
I love Making HR Matter and its bold call for business leaders to demand relevance in their HR organizations.
Ted Forbes and David Alsop do a masterful job outlining what a relevant HR function is—and providing the blueprint to deliver it. A must-read for CEOs and HR leaders.
Fred Knowles
Executive coach and former CHRO for Under Armor