Data has been a pivotal driver in Schneider Electric's HR wins in recent years—but it needs to be served up with a healthy amount of empathy, says Mai Lan Nguyen, senior vice president of HR for North America.

Nguyen, one of this year's HR's Rising Stars, knows the balance well. Among her most significant contributions to Schneider has been the design and execution of the Open Talent Marketplace platform, designed to give employees access to internal opportunities and growth. It was rolled out with an iterative process through which Nguyen's team analyzed early results, pivoted and evolved the program to meet employee needs.

Staying in tune with what employees are looking for from Schneider also drove Nguyen to create Recharge Breaks, through which workers can earn up to a 12-week paid sabbatical. More than 800 employees have taken or plan to take such a break.