Connect & Grow: Meet Fred Leong
Hello, and welcome to another installment of our “Connect & Grow” series. Today, I’m shifting our lens to focus on a remarkable individual making waves in the human resources world (and my professional life, too): Fred Leong.
Fred is the Chief People Officer at dv01, a leading financial data company. However, his journey extends far beyond his current role, encompassing a wealth of experience from some of the world’s most recognized companies. Whether you’re an HR professional, a manager, or simply a curious reader, Fred’s story is bound to inspire and educate.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Fred’s academic journey took him to Rutgers University, where he studied History and Sociology. Little did he know that his interest in human behaviors and societal structures would lead him to a remarkable career in human resources.
Fred’s professional journey started at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, where he honed his compensation, performance management, and rewards strategy skills. Fred’s talent didn’t go unnoticed in the marketplace. Hearst, a global media conglomerate, hired and eventually promoted him to Senior Director of HR. He played a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience and building high-performing teams across the Magazines’ Digital Media division.
In his current role at dv01, Fred has strengthened the company’s learning culture and fostered a flexible remote/hybrid workplace. His focus on team member experiences, underpinned by trust, growth, appreciation, and belonging, has created an effective people infrastructure that can adapt to the organization’s rapid growth.
Fred strongly advocates diversity and inclusion, and his ability to navigate complex organizational changes is unparalleled. His specialties include Organizational Alignment and Change Management, Coaching and Conflict Resolution, Talent Acquisition, Merger/Acquisition Due Diligence, Integration and Culture Alignment, Performance Management, Employee Relations, and Data & Analytics. Fred is a proud member of two HR communities: Lattice’s Resources for Humans (RfH), where he is a mentor/speaker, and TroopHR.
Fred is also a father, an animal lover, and someone who brings kindness and empathy to his interactions in the real world and online. His journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for people. His ability to create a values-led culture is a shining example for all HR professionals. It’s not just about hiring the right talent; it’s about nurturing, growing, and retaining that talent. As we continue to navigate the changing workplace landscape, his approach offers valuable insights for organizations and individuals alike.
Fred also spotted me on the streets of NYC after meeting with the Macmillan/Henry Holt team to pitch and publish my book. How incredible, right? Fred is now part of my informal but absolutely trusted backchannel team on Instagram and LinkedIn. And I am honored when he reaches out, too. He’s an excellent sounding board for what works and what doesn’t in the messy world of HR.
I encourage you to connect with Fred this week and learn from his practical perspective and wisdom about the world of work. And I promise that connecting and growing with your fellow HR practitioners is absolutely worth your time.
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