Ep 274 – Why Joy Is HR’s Ultimate Competitive Advantage | Kirthi Mani, CLA

1. Joy isn’t soft. It’s a strategic advantage.

Kirthi believes that joyful employees don’t just feel better—they perform better. And that’s not just a nice-to-have at CLA, it’s embedded in their culture.

“The difference isn’t what happens to us, but what’s happening within us.”

Joy, for CLA, lives in the daily moments: hallway laughs, acts of care, and shared wins. It’s not a poster or campaign. It’s what makes people want to come back tomorrow. And it’s led to national workplace awards from Forbes and others.

2. Leading with heart and data

Joy and performance aren’t opposites—they’re deeply connected. CLA’s people strategy zeroes in on three human drivers: connection, purpose, and growth.

“When joy fuels performance, and performance amplifies joy, that’s when the true magic happens.”

By translating those drivers into metrics their CFO cares about, HR at CLA has a seat at the table and a system that aligns joy with business results.

3. AI is taking jobs—to the next level

At CLA, the investment in AI (half a billion dollars) wasn’t just about tools. It was about trust. Kirthi’s team proactively addressed fears of displacement and reframed the conversation.

“AI will take our jobs... to a whole new level.”

CLA’s strategy: eliminate the mundane to make room for the meaningful. That includes building U.S.-based client centers, launching a new learning platform, and investing in workforce development through nonprofits like SkillsUSA.​

4. Upskilling means more than technical skills

Beyond traditional training, CLA is investing in critical human skills: storytelling, communication, and problem solving.

“As AI becomes more prevalent, our people need more human skills.”

Their new Connection Centers aren’t just learning hubs. They’re immersive, university-style environments—complete with breakout rooms and flight simulator-style training—that support real career growth.

5. Accountability starts with clarity

If you want people to step up, you need to give them something to step into. At CLA, accountability doesn’t mean mandates—it means mission alignment.

“You can’t hold people accountable for something they don’t understand or believe in.”

It starts with clarity around the why, the what, and the how. That foundation turns top-down pressure into shared ownership.

6. Everyone is a citizen developer now

Every CLA employee gets a Copilot license and access to AI tools. The only rule? Use them to solve real problems.

“Here’s your tool. What’s your pain point? Go build something.”

The result: faster tax workflows, smarter email management, and even employees who build AI agents to prioritize their day. Instead of centralizing AI strategy, they’re democratizing it—and that’s what gets buy-in.

If you want to build a joyful, AI-powered, future-ready culture—this episode is your blueprint.

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