Why Companies Should Build Alumni Communities with Jenn Pedde, PeoplePath
In this episode of Alumni Podcasts, Robert is joined by Jenn Pedde, VP of Customer Advocacy at PeoplePath, to explore the fast-evolving world of corporate alumni networks and community engagement. Jenn shares her unconventional journey into the sector and unpacks why relationships are becoming the most valuable currency in an AI-driven workforce. The conversation dives into how companies are rethinking employee lifecycles, treating alumni as long-term assets for rehiring, brand advocacy, and business development while highlighting the growing importance of storytelling, media, and consistent engagement. From the shift toward “career-long communities” to practical examples of what great alumni programs look like, this episode offers a sharp look at how organizations can turn past employees into one of their most powerful growth channels.
Creators and Guests
Guest
Jenn Pedde
I have 20+ years of experience building online communities in the music industry, amongst expats, within ed-tech, and for management consulting. I have been an ex-pat in Asia, worked at a startup through an IPO, managed social media & web operations for Oprah Winfrey's online communities, created a global corporate social responsibility program at a Fortune 500 company, managed a world-class global corporate alumni program at a top management consulting firm, and have been teaching journalists online in a Master's program for ten years. Currently I'm the Vice President of Customer Advocacy at PeoplePath, as well as an adjunct professor at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Communications. All of these truly amazing opportunities came from years of connecting with incredible people who inspire and support me, from building strong and joyful relationships, and frequently keeping in touch. The connections made along the way were instrumental in my career development, which is the reason I chose to join PeoplePath in 2021. PeoplePath aims to engage talent for life starting from the recruitment process as a candidate, as an employee at a company, and beyond as a corporate alumni through a robust and innovative online community platform. In today's world when people leave a job every 2.8 years, the connections you make impact your future now more than ever before. I believe that more companies will see the value in their alumni and continue to keep the relationships going in a mutually beneficial experience.
