About Janice Robinson Burns
Janice Robinson Burns is a dynamic HR futurist and strategist with over 30 years of experience in driving transformational change across technology and financial services organizations. Janice is at the forefront of the evolving world of work, guiding companies to create skills-based futures and reimagine their organizational design. Janice serves as a Strategic Advisor to several technology companies supporting their business transformation related to skills. Additionally, Janice serves as an industry thought leader in the areas of talent enablement, learning, skills, career readiness, and DEIB. Janice also works with executives and senior leaders to provide strategic advice in helping them to transform and/or extend their careers.
Previously, Janice worked at Degreed for 4 years in several roles. As Chief Transformation Officer, she developed a strategy to connect the product, technology, and brand strategies to a cohesive skills vision, making her a pivotal industry influencer through thought leadership and strategic insights, and advisor support for clients. Janice also served as Degreed’s Chief People Officer, where she spearheaded the development of a holistic talent philosophy, performance alignment, and talent assessment processes. She played a critical role in setting the stage for HR’s IPO readiness, global compliance, and enhancing the employee experience through HR technology solutions.
At Mastercard, Janice held various leadership positions, including Chief Learning Officer, where she designed strategic skills frameworks and innovative learning solutions that significantly impacted business performance and employee engagement. Her tenure as Group Head of Human Resources for Global Products and Solutions saw her managing a large people enablement budget for the global enterprise, lead and implement innovation HR strategies across 6 continents and integrate global acquisitions seamlessly.
Janice’s expertise extends to diversity and inclusion, having revitalized Mastercard’s global diversity strategy as Chief Diversity Officer. She established business resource groups and spearheaded programs to foster a culture of inclusion.
Janice holds an MPA in Health Services Management and Finance from New York University and a BA in Psychology from Wesleyan University. She has been recognized for her contributions with numerous awards, including the Harlem YMCA National Salute to Black Achievers in Industry and Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America.
A prolific author and speaker, Janice has published numerous articles and whitepapers on future skills, learning and development, and diversity. Her insights have been featured in prominent publications such as HR.com, Talent Culture, HBR, and Fast Company.
Janice serves on the boards of various organizations, including Centers for Food Equity in Medicine, J W Robinson & Associates Inc, and Brown-Webster Blockchain Technology Inc, where she continues to contribute her strategic vision and expertise.