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When it comes to building a career, titles and promotions only tell part of the story. The real impact often happens behind the scenes, in the way organizations develop people and align strategy. That is where Marisa Midyet thrives. She is a strategic HR leader who has led large-scale initiatives at global organizations like Johnson & Johnson and Apple, and now brings that experience to growing companies through her consulting firm, Rose Talent Co. On this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, Marisa shares how HR can drive business success, why performance reviews often fall short and how to get them right, and what the future of work looks like in an era shaped by AI, flexibility and purpose.
Show Notes
Marisa Midyet is a strategic HR leader and founder of Rose Talent Co. She previously held leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson and Apple, where she led large-scale talent and performance initiatives across global organizations.
Table of Contents
0:04 “It’s time for your performance review”
1:14 Why HR strategy must align with business strategy
2:07 What HR actually does (and why it matters)
3:35 The decision to pursue an MBA
5:17 Taking a risk on a J&J internship
7:18 Leading through COVID and constant change
11:32 Performance reviews: simplicity over complexity
13:17 Starting a business and redefining success
16:01 How AI is changing HR
17:58 The future of remote and hybrid work
21:24 “Don’t chase titles”
22:38 Show notes and credits
In this episode:
- Marisa Midyet on LinkedIn
- Top HR Trends That Will Shape the Workplace in 2026
- IBM: AI and the future of human resources
- Forbes: Apple’s AI Strategy Is Redefining Human Performance Reviews At Work
Related articles and information:
- Fast Company: Meet your company’s new HR reps: AI agents
- LA Times: Managing the New Blend of Human and Virtual “Co-Workers”
- How Johnson & Johnson are Scaling Their Skills-Based Approach to Talent
Transcript
Nick Greenhalgh
When it comes to building a career, success is often measured by titles, promotions and what’s next. But what if the real value comes from something else entirely?
Marisa Midyet
“It is not just a check-the-box activity, and I think that’s where I see it fail a lot of times in organizations. It either gets overly complex with so many goals and weightings and all these things, and I think it’s just really used to facilitate dialogue, and hopefully it’s not happening just once a year.”
Nick Greenhalgh
That’s Marisa Midyet, a Daniels alumna and strategic HR leader who has spearheaded major initiatives at global organizations like Johnson & Johnson and Apple. Now, she’s bringing those lessons to growing companies through her consulting firm, Rose Talent Co.
Nick Greenhalgh
Marisa, welcome to the show.
Marisa Midyet
Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Nick Greenhalgh
You’ve worked across a variety of industries and global organizations. How much does HR strategy differ across those environments?
Marisa Midyet
I would say that typically the HR strategy is really tied to the business strategy. In the companies that I’ve seen it done really well, it’s very clear what the business strategy is, and then the HR strategy supports that. That’s where HR can really enable business growth and have a seat at the table.
Nick Greenhalgh
What are some of the key functions HR is responsible for?
Marisa Midyet
There are a lot of facets—recruiting, leadership development, building talent pipelines, performance management, compensation and benefits. HR also plays a key role as a business partner, working directly with leaders and helping support employees across the organization.
Nick Greenhalgh
You came to Daniels after nearly a decade in the workforce. What led you to pursue your MBA?
Marisa Midyet
I found myself in leadership roles where business leaders were discussing things like capital budgets that I didn’t fully understand. I wanted to build a stronger business foundation and see how HR could truly add value across the organization.
Nick Greenhalgh
Your time at Daniels led to an internship at Johnson & Johnson. What made you take that leap?
Marisa Midyet
It felt like a risk, especially leaving Colorado, but it was an incredible opportunity. I got exposure to a world-class HR organization and ultimately fell in love with the culture and the people.
Nick Greenhalgh
You later found yourself navigating major organizational changes during COVID. What did you learn from that experience?
Marisa Midyet
It was incredibly dynamic. We were building talent strategies in real time during a global crisis. It reinforced how important adaptability and purpose-driven work are, especially in healthcare.
Nick Greenhalgh
Performance management is something many organizations struggle with. What does it look like when it’s done well?
Marisa Midyet
Simplicity is key. Performance reviews should enable conversation, not be a check-the-box exercise. When done right, they create transparency, support growth and connect directly to how people are rewarded.
Nick Greenhalgh
You recently returned to Colorado and started your own consulting business. What drove that decision?
Marisa Midyet
It was a very personal decision. After starting a family, I wanted to align my life and priorities differently. This was an opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship and focus on work that feels meaningful.
Nick Greenhalgh
Looking ahead, what trends in HR are you most excited about?
Marisa Midyet
AI is going to be huge. It can help streamline processes like performance reviews and compensation, allowing people to focus more on meaningful conversations and higher-value work.
Nick Greenhalgh
What about remote work? Where do you see that heading?
Marisa Midyet
It’s not one-size-fits-all. It depends on the business and the role. Hybrid models, when done thoughtfully, can provide the flexibility people need while still fostering connection.
Nick Greenhalgh
Final question—what’s one piece of advice you’d share with our listeners?
Marisa Midyet
Don’t chase titles. Chase experiences that help you grow. And don’t be afraid of messy work—that’s where the greatest learning happens.
Nick Greenhalgh
Fantastic. Thank you, Marisa.
Marisa Midyet
Thank you.
Nick Greenhalgh
If you want to learn more, check out the show notes at daniels.du.edu. This has been the VOE Podcast, and we’ll talk again soon.