Total Talent Management Starts by Breaking Down HR Silos - James Fitzgerald

Most organizations don’t actually have a total talent problem. They have a silo problem. In this Ask the Expert session, James Fitzgerald, Director of HR Operations at Thermo Fisher, explores why true total talent management isn't about adding another program, it's about connecting the ones you already have. The discussion focuses on a critical reality many organizations are facing: MSP, RPO, contingent labor, internal mobility, workforce planning, and procurement often operate independently, limiting visibility, slowing decision-making, and preventing organizations from fully leveraging their available talent. James shares practical perspectives on how organizations can move beyond disconnected workforce programs and build a more integrated operating model that improves fulfillment, workforce agility, and business outcomes. Key themes include: • Why total talent starts with breaking down organizational silos • How connecting MSP and RPO creates better workforce decisions • The importance of vendor rationalization and workforce visibility • Why clean data and standardized processes are essential before scaling AI • How orchestration creates better outcomes than adding more technology One of the strongest takeaways: “Total talent management starts with breaking down silos.” As workforce strategies continue to evolve, organizations that connect HR, procurement, talent acquisition, suppliers, and technology into one coordinated ecosystem will be better positioned to improve hiring speed, workforce quality, and operational efficiency. Those that continue managing talent through disconnected programs may find themselves creating unnecessary complexity instead of better business outcomes.