C-Suite Conversation: Janice Deskus - Former CHRO, Staples

Rediscovering Core Values: Lessons in Leadership from HR Veteran Janice Deskus

We recently sat down with Janice Deskus, a longtime HR leader who recently led periods of transformation at Staples. With more than 30 years of experience, she reflected on her career, the work she helped lead at Staples, and the evolving role of HR leaders today. And, she recently stepped into a new chapter—retirement. But after six months away, she’s feeling that familiar pull to get back in the game.

When Deskus joined Staples, the company was navigating a period of transition under private equity ownership. Rather than reinventing its culture, she and her team sought to revive the company’s foundational values—simplicity, collaboration, and customer focus—that had gone quiet amid years of organizational distress. Through grassroots engagement, leadership alignment, and recognition programs, they brought those values back to life, culminating in an annual company-wide gala celebrating employees who exemplified them.

Looking ahead, Deskus emphasized that HR professionals must focus on two critical skills: embracing technology to shape the human impact of AI and automation, and remaining calm under pressure in an ever-changing business world. Her perspective is both timeless and timely—proof that great leadership means staying grounded in values while preparing for what’s next.