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Meet Dr. Adam Hickman, PhD, VP of Org Development at Partners Federal Credit Union, a sponsor of the Walt Disney Company, and now a member of the newly launched HR Grapevine Editorial Advisory Board!
In this role, Adam is responsible for executing the people strategy related to human development, engagement, culture development, and progressive career mobility. Adam has over 18 years of experience leading leadership development efforts and has recently published research related to maximizing performance amid a remote or hybrid workforce.
In previous roles, Adam has consulted with leaders related to workplace practice. He was responsible for leading the workplace, learning, and translating research, best practices, and behavioral and management sciences into practical and compelling articles that drive organizational change and performance outcomes for clients.
Most recently, Adam was nominated in the Global Top 100 Learning and Development Professionals for his efforts related to professional development, as well as serving on various Board of
Read on for our full interview with Adam, including his ultimate career advice for HR professionals, his sources of inspiration as a people leader, and a music recommendation to soundtrack your weekend!
Can you share a quick overview of your current role and why HR is so important to Partners?
In my role, I lead the strategy around learning, culture, and organizational development. At its core, HR is about unlocking potential, creating the conditions where people feel both inspired and accountable. For us, it’s not just a support function; it’s a strategic lever. When people are thriving, the business thrives, and in a service-driven industry like ours, that alignment is everything.
What’s one lesson from your career that you’d pass on to a younger HR professional?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to listen longer than feels natural. In those moments of silence, you begin to hear what’s truly being said. People rarely remember the policy you wrote, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel seen and understood – and that requires listening more than speaking. A mentor once reminded me that the word listen contains the same letters as silent. That perspective has stayed with me.
AI aside… is there any key work-related trend, issue, or impact you’re preparing for ahead of 2026 and beyond?
We’re preparing for a future where the employee experience is as intentional as the customer experience. That means personalization at scale – career paths, development opportunities, recognition – tailored to the individual, not just the role. Organizations that design with the person in mind will win both talent and loyalty in the years ahead.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration from outside of the HR world?
My biggest inspiration comes from my three kids. They have this natural blend of curiosity, resilience, and joy that I try to bring into my work every day. They remind me that leadership isn’t about complexity, it’s about clarity, consistency, and care.
Adam Hickman shares his music recommendation
Can you recommend a music album for our readers to unwind to?
Tom Petty, Wildflowers. It’s timeless, reflective, and has a way of grounding you – perfect for unwinding while still feeling inspired.
What is the HR Grapevine Editorial Advisory Board?
In case you’ve missed our updates, we’ve recently launched the HR Grapevine Editorial Advisory Board!
The Editorial Advisory Board will be a vital part of HR Grapevine's ongoing commitment to provide its audience of over 290,000 HR professionals with outstanding, industry-recognised content, packed with practical guidance and insights.
From rigorous, high-quality journalism to in-depth articles, interviews, case studies, podcasts, and events, the voices of HR practitioners are at the heart of HR Grapevine's editorial output - and we're thrilled to be taking this step to ensure our content continues to be as timely, relevant, and useful as possible to the industry.
Our Editorial Advisory Board is formed of a deeply experienced group of HR and people professionals who come from a range of different disciplines and backgrounds, but with one thing in common: a dedication to helping the wider HR community learn, grow, and celebrate together.
About Adam Hickman, PhD
Dr. Hickman is the Vice President of Learning, Organizational Development, and Cast Members at Partners Federal Credit Union. In this role, Adam is responsible for executing the people strategy related to human development, engagement, culture development, and progressive career mobility. Adam has over 18 years of experience leading leadership development efforts and has recently published research related to maximizing performance amid a remote or hybrid workforce.
In previous roles, Dr. Hickman has consulted with leaders related to workplace practice. He was responsible for leading the workplace, learning, and translating research, best practices, and behavioral and management sciences into practical and compelling articles that drive organizational change and performance outcomes for clients. Most recently, Dr. Hickman was nominated in the Global Top 100 Learning and Development Professionals for his efforts related to professional development, as well as serving on various Board of Directors roles related to executive development.
Dr. Hickman holds a doctorate in organizational development, two master’s degrees in organizational leadership and management, and a bachelor’s in communication. Dr. Hickman also has a complete executive education certification via Ross Business School at the University of Michigan and the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.
