Chris Courneen is senior VP and global head of HR at MS International, North America's premier supplier of flooring, countertops, and hard surfaces. He oversees HR strategy and operations across more than 60 locations in the U.S., Canada, and India, driving initiatives in AI integration and enterprisewide transformation. Courneen shared his advice regarding skill adoption during the August 2025 EN:Insights Forum.
"Data is the language of the business, and if you are not speaking the language of the business, it is hard to build credibility," Courneen advised.
Here are a few additional insights from the conversation.
How do you test potential hires for their adaptability and commitment to lifelong learning?
Courneen said some of the top HR hires he's seen at his organization and beyond came from experiences outside of HR. What's most important is examining an employee's past career history for stories of their ability to pivot.
What are the durable traits necessary for long-term success?
To meet the demands of today's fast-paced workplace, leaders need to have both business acumen and power skills to navigate change.
How do you frame the importance of lateral job moves when, traditionally, employees have mainly seen upward movement as a viable progression?
Courneen noted that lateral moves can help employees expand their knowledge of the business, which increases their long-term value to the company.