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Most organizations treat meetings as the default answer to everything, but that's costing you more than you think. Rebecca Hinds, Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean, researcher, and author of YOUR BEST MEETING EVER, brings a product design mindset to the most expensive form of collaboration in your org. She shares how to spot meeting dysfunction, use AI to audit your calendar, and make intentional changes that actually stick.
In this episode:
• Why meetings have become the 'junk drawer' of organizational communication, and how visibility bias keeps the habit alive.
• How to use return on time investment (ROTI) scoring, meeting minimalism, and shared language to redesign your meeting culture.
• The role AI and data play in building the business case for calendar reform, especially with a skeptical C-suite.
Timestamps
[00:01:10] Why Rebecca went all-in on meeting research and the psychology of visibility bias.
[00:02:19] The meeting junk drawer: why meetings become the default for everything.
[00:04:39] Treating meetings like a product, including the concept of meeting debt.
[00:06:26] Return on time investment (ROTI): a data-driven way to rate your meetings.
[00:08:16] How leadership buy-in determines how boldly you can reform your calendar.
[00:08:56] Using AI to build meeting calculators and get C-suite buy-in.
[00:10:52] Making the business case by anchoring on what the most powerful person cares about.
[00:13:54] Building psychological safety so people feel empowered to flag bad meetings.
[00:16:36] Shared language for meeting dysfunction, including Meeting Doomsday and meeting minimalism.
[00:21:05] The one thing every leader can do this week: intentional design across four meeting dimensions.
Guest Bio
Rebecca Hinds is the author of YOUR BEST MEETING EVER, a leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work, founder of the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at Glean. She holds a BS, MS, and PhD from Stanford University. Her research is consistently featured in top-tier publications like Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Wired, and more. She is a trusted advisor to companies navigating the challenges of modern work, from meeting overload and hybrid dysfunction to the messy realities of AI adoption and organizational change.
Brought to You by Paylocity
Paylocity is the fastest growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: meetings, meeting culture, organizational behavior, future of work, meeting debt, return on time investment, psychological safety, AI, calendar reform, Meeting Doomsday, meeting minimalism, collaboration, HR leadership, Rebecca Hinds, HR Mixtape -
Most high performers don't get passed over because of what they know. They get passed over because of how they lead. In this episode, Dr. Bushra Khan makes the case that emotional intelligence isn't a soft skill, it's the strategic operating system every leader needs right now, especially as AI reshapes what work looks like.
In this conversation, she breaks down:
Why 'be more strategic' on a performance review usually means something specific and fixable.
How influence actually works in the brain, and why title alone won't get people to go above and beyond.
A concrete KPI approach for measuring emotional intelligence that most organizations aren't tracking yet.
Timestamps
[00:00:42] Emotional intelligence as the operating system for the future of work
[00:02:30] Why 'soft skills' is out — and 'strategic skills' is in
[00:03:10] How technical experts plateau: the real meaning of 'not strategic enough'
[00:05:47] What 'be more strategic' is actually code for
[00:07:26] Micromanagement as a symptom of not knowing how to teach others
[00:09:09] The Peter Principle in action: when great individual contributors struggle to lead
[00:12:19] Why title doesn't equal influence — and what builds rapport instead
[00:16:55] Integrity in leadership: what it looks like when leaders actually walk the walk
[00:17:15] How to give feedback that makes people better, not defensive
[00:19:57] Measuring emotional intelligence: the KPI framework most orgs are missing
Guest Bio: Dr. Bushra Khan is a founder, educator, and leadership expert with over 15 years of experience in organizational development and adult learning. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, deep research in emotional intelligence alongside global experts, and the creation of a top-rated executive leadership program (clients include Google, Government of Canada, and ERCOT), her impact is both measurable and deeply human.
Dr. Khan helps high-performing professionals strengthen their strategic capabilities, lead with integrity, turn their expertise into meaningful influence, and shape their leadership philosophy. She describes her work as a calm, compelling signal in the noise — a space where leaders come for clarity, rising professionals see possibility, and organizations recognize that emotional intelligence isn't a nice-to-have: it's the operating system for the future of work.
Brought to You by Paylocity
Paylocity is the fastest growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: emotional intelligence, EQ, leadership, strategic skills, soft skills, HR leadership, performance management, people management, coaching, micromanagement, influence, integrity, feedback, AI and leadership, KPIs, organizational culture, future of work, Dr. Bushra Khan, HR Mixtape, Paylocity -
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What does it really take to hire and retain people across a workforce that's part office, part shop floor? Jason Lerner, HR Director at Groundwater Treatment and Technology, has spent his career doing exactly that. He's grown his current company from fewer than 300 employees to more than 500 across six states, and he's cracked the code on attracting, developing, and keeping talent in grey industries, where blue-collar and white-collar work exist side by side.
In this episode, Jason and Dr. Shari Simpson dig into the skills gap hiding in plain sight, why Gen Z is more suited for grey-collar work than most people think, and how accountability is actually a retention tool, not a threat.
Key takeaways:
• Why candidates with non-traditional backgrounds may be your best hire, and how to screen for it in the interview.
• How to build clear career paths that satisfy Gen Z's need for growth without overpromising.
• Why holding people accountable is one of the best things you can do for your top performers.
Timestamps
[00:00:00] Intro from The HR Mixtape announcer
[00:00:41] Jason's non-traditional path: from sales to childcare to HR
[00:03:10] Defining grey industries and why they matter right now
[00:04:39] Skills transfer: helping candidates see their own potential
[00:05:09] Real example of a shop employee who moved into engineering
[00:08:35] Reformatting the interview process for non-traditional candidates
[00:09:41] Taking candidates on a PPE tour before making an offer
[00:11:23] Succession planning and why Gen Z fits into grey industries
[00:13:32] Setting expectations and using accountability as a retention tool
[00:17:00] Why credibility in the shop matters as much as HR expertise
Guest Bio
Motivating teams, building consensus, and creating a culture of honest and open communication are the tenets that have defined Jason Lerner's professional life. With a nuanced understanding of human behavior and a high degree of emotional intelligence, Jason leads by example and champions the performance and success of his team.
Adept at transforming ideas into actionable programs and breaking down complex concepts into understandable parts, Jason is known as an agent of change and an executive who gets things done. He currently leads the HR function for a privately held transportation and logistics company, overseeing its expansion from fewer than 300 to more than 500 employees across six states.
Committed to positioning HR as a strategic business partner, Jason collaborates with finance and executive leaders to advance the mission of the organization.
Brought to You by Paylocity
Paylocity is the fastest growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: grey industries, blue-collar hiring, white-collar hiring, workforce development, Gen Z retention, skills transfer, non-traditional candidates, succession planning, accountability, HR strategy, career pathing, grey-collar work, employee retention, interview process -
Too many people treat resilience like a switch: either you have it or you don't. But what if the real way to build it is by showing up for hard things again and again, even in your off-hours? In this episode, fitness and wellness coach Nicole Zapoli draws a direct line from the weight room to the workplace, sharing how the discomfort you push through in a tough workout is the same mental muscle you call on when work gets hard.
Nicole is a professional fitness coach, owner of NZ Fitness, and author of Live FIT From the Inside Out, with 25+ years of experience training athletes, busy parents, and working professionals around the world.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why "toughen up" is the least helpful thing you can say to someone struggling with resilience
• How consistent physical training builds the mental framework to stay steady under workplace pressure
• What leaders can borrow from great coaches: balancing honest feedback with genuine care to build trust that actually motivates performance
[00:00:34] Nicole's background: from competitive fitness to resilience coaching
[00:01:39] Why "just toughen up" misses the point of real resilience
[00:02:08] How tough workouts train the mental muscle of resilience
[00:03:37] Acknowledging discomfort vs. letting it stop you
[00:05:50] Nicole's SHIFTS Framework and the power of daily habits
[00:06:56] The stick-shift story: how steady, patient support changes everything
[00:10:30] How leaders can become the calm, guiding voice for their teams
[00:12:19] Balancing direct feedback with genuine care in the workplace
[00:17:01] Why people respond better when they know you actually care
[00:18:55] Closing thoughts: using trust to motivate and build resilience
Nicole Zapoli is a professional fitness and wellness coach, owner of NZ Fitness, and author of Live FIT From the Inside Out: The 6 SHIFTS to Living Your Strongest, Healthiest, and Happiest Life. With over 25 years of experience, a Pro card in natural bodybuilding (Figure & Sports Model), and ranking among the top 5% CrossFit Games Open athletes, Nicole is a leading expert in holistic wellness, having trained thousands globally.
Brought to You by Paylocity
Paylocity is the fastest growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: resilience, workplace resilience, fitness coaching, mental health, HR leadership, daily habits, SHIFTS Framework, leadership development, employee wellbeing, performance culture, growth mindset, Nicole Zapoli, NZ Fitness, HR Mixtape, Paylocity -
Your meetings are costing you more than you think. Between time lost to bad notes, missed context between conversations, and documents that take days instead of minutes, the hidden tax of poor meeting intelligence adds up fast. Artem Koren, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Sembly AI, is building the fix. His team started in 2019, well before AI was a buzzword, with one simple idea: if technology can understand what happens in a meeting, it can do a whole lot after one.
In this episode, Shari and Artem unpack what it really takes to implement AI listening tools responsibly:
How to vet AI vendors on security, and the questions that separate good tools from risky ones.
Why transparency, not restriction, is the right answer to employee trust concerns.
What a $100,000 investment in meeting AI actually returns, and why the number might surprise you.
Timestamps
00:16 Artem introduces himself and Sembly AI's origin story
00:38 What 'augmented work' really means for everyday teams
02:05 How Sembly AI carries meeting context well beyond the call
03:00 Product deep dive: artifacts, agentic research, and infinite memory
04:52 Why context continuity changes everything for collaboration
05:35 Addressing security and data privacy concerns head-on
08:42 Table-stakes questions every buyer should ask an AI vendor
10:21 Sovereign data storage explained in plain English
13:35 Transparency in action: how Sembly AI makes its presence known
16:03 The ROI case: $2.5M return on a $100K investment
Guest Bio
Artem Koren is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Sembly AI, a meeting intelligence platform that transforms conversations into actionable insights across Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WebEx. Artem started Sembly in 2019 with a straightforward premise: technology that understands meetings can do far more useful work after them. Today, Sembly's agentic AI builds a living library of meeting content, generates documents from entire interview pipelines, and has been shown to deliver a 25x ROI for its customers. Artem is a vocal advocate for transparent, consent-driven AI, and brings a product builder's clarity to the complex questions organizations face when adopting AI in the workplace.
Brought to you by Paylocity
Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: meeting intelligence, Sembly AI, AI collaboration, HR technology, data privacy, SOC2, sovereign data storage, agentic AI, meeting ROI, AI vendor vetting, augmented work, change management, psychological safety, employee trust -
Leaders are burning out quietly, and most organizations are still pretending it isn't happening. Mel Doman, organizational psychologist, author, and founder of the Workplace Mental Health Method, has spent years equipping leaders at Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce with the skills to have real conversations about mental health at work. In this episode, she breaks down why we've systematically dehumanized leaders, what that costs us, and what we can do about it right now.
What you'll take away:
Why leaders need a "fence, not a door" when it comes to emotional expression at work
How gender-based emotion shaming affects everyone, regardless of gender identity
What U.S. organizations can learn from the global concept of "duty of care"
Timestamps
00:02 Intro: What is the HR Mixtape?
00:16 Mel's background: from clinical therapy to organizational psychology
01:06 The moment Mel decided to leave clinical work and why
03:38 Why shared language is the foundation of mental health conversations
04:48 Introducing Cornered Office and why she wrote it
08:20 Leaders are human too: the forgotten truth in organizations
09:30 The Nike/Air monologue and what it reveals about how we treat leaders
12:00 The fence, not a door: how leaders can navigate vulnerability and authority
13:03 Gender-based emotion shaming and why everyone is affected
18:54 What U.S. organizations can learn from global duty of care practices
Guest Bio
Mel Doman is an organizational psychologist, author, and founder of The Workplace Mental Health Method. A former licensed therapist, Mel made the shift from clinical practice in 2013 to tackle mental health at a systems level. She has since worked with global organizations including Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce, equipping leaders and teams with the conversational literacy they need to talk about mental health, communication, and team dynamics at work. She is the author of two books, including her latest, Cornered Office: Why We Need to Talk About Leadership Mental Health. Mel has lived and worked across the U.S., U.K., and internationally, giving her a uniquely global perspective on workplace culture.
Brought to you by Paylocity
Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place
so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: leadership mental health, workplace mental health, organizational psychology, HR podcast, Mel Doman, Cornered Office, duty of care, gender-based emotion shaming, employee wellbeing, people leaders, burnout, HR Mixtape, Paylocity -
Your people strategy shouldn't be a support function. It should be a competitive advantage. In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson sits down with James Terry, Head of US Revenue at IndeedFlex, to talk about what it really means to build an agile, flexible workforce in today's labor market. James brings a frontline revenue perspective on how companies can stop treating staffing as a headache and start treating it as a growth lever.
Here's what you'll take away:
Why workforce flexibility isn't a perk but an untapped labor pool waiting to be activated
How AI screening tools are helping recruiters review 80 interviews a day instead of 13, without losing the human element
The data-first playbook HR leaders use to run pilots that actually change how operations teams think about shift patterns
Timestamps
00:02 Intro — What HR Mixtape is all about
00:15 James Terry introduction and his role at IndeedFlex
01:07 Why staffing is a business survival issue, not just an HR problem
03:02 Hiring for the business vs. hiring for the role
04:05 How AI is reshaping recruiting when applications flood the funnel
08:11 Candidate perspectives on AI screening (and why 60-70% prefer it)
12:37 Removing interview bias and focusing on real skills
13:46 What an agile workforce actually looks like and who gets unlocked
17:53 The pilot program strategy that wins over skeptical operations teams
22:05 James's top takeaways: fall forward and dare to lead
Guest Bio: James Terry is the Head of US Revenue at IndeedFlex, the contingent labor arm of Indeed. He specializes in helping businesses build more agile, flexible workforces, particularly in high-velocity industries like logistics, hospitality, and customer service. James brings a data-driven perspective to workforce strategy, championing the idea that HR professionals who speak the language of operations, and back it up with numbers, become some of the most valuable people in any organization.
Brought to you by Paylocity
Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance,
and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: agile workforce, flexible staffing, contingent labor, AI recruiting, talent acquisition, workforce flexibility, HR strategy, IndeedFlex, pilot programs, shift patterns, Gen Z workforce, implicit bias, AI screening, turnover rate, data-driven HR, profit center HR -
Most performance problems aren't about effort. They're about unclear expectations. When employees don't know exactly what they're responsible for, how much authority they actually have, or what happens when they hit it out of the park (or don't), the whole system breaks down.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why trust and communication breakdowns are the real root cause of most organizational chaos, and how the Three-Legged Stool framework helps diagnose which leg is missing
The two authority-blocking archetypes leaders fall into (the micromanager and the cowboy) and how both end up leaving employees without the space to grow or succeed
A simple self-reflection exercise you can use this week to evaluate how you're setting expectations and recognizing your team
Timestamps
00:02 Intro: What HR Mixtape is all about
00:16 Caroline's background and what she helps leaders solve
01:04 How 'people chaos' shows up in organizations: trust, communication, and the data trail it leaves behind
02:27 The Three-Legged Stool explained: responsibility, authority, and consequences
03:24 Which leg is missing most often, and why consequences get neglected
07:00 Why consequence clarity, both positive and negative, is the foundation of real accountability
11:20 Authority blockers in action: Shari's story about draft work, iteration, and the peek behind the curtain
12:42 The two authority-blocker archetypes: the micromanager and the authority cowboy
17:11 Why leadership development stays in the CHRO top five every year, and what's at stake if we don't fix it
20:56 One quick win this week: a self-reflection exercise for all three legs of the stool
Guest: Caroline Quiett is the Principal of Quiett Consulting, LLC, where she helps leaders solve performance issues by building clear accountability structures, defined roles, and practical leadership systems. Drawing on deep curiosity about people and a genuine passion for untangling organizational complexity, Caroline developed the Three-Legged Stool framework to help leaders think more clearly about responsibility, authority, and consequences. She works with organizations of all sizes to restore trust, improve communication, and create environments where both people and performance can thrive.
Brought to you by Paylocity.
Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: accountability, performance management, leadership development, three-legged stool, responsibility, authority, consequences, people management, HR strategy, organizational culture, trust, communication, manager training, employee recognition -
Most leaders are quietly using AI tools to get more done, but the real question isn't whether AI can automate tasks. It's whether your team can do the work AI can't: building relationships, pushing the frontier, and creating ideas that didn't exist before. Steven Puri, founder of The Sukha Company and a veteran of motion picture studios, three startups, and $20M in venture funding, brings a refreshingly grounded take on what humans need to protect in the age of LLMs. In this conversation, Dr. Shari Simpson and Steven Puri cover:
• Why flow states are the human edge AI can't replicate, and how to build them into your team's schedule
• How hiring for culture alignment (not just skills) is the real foundation for unlocking deep work
• The difference between productive AI use and the 'foductivity' trap where tools create the illusion of output
Timestamps
00:00:15 Steven's background: motion picture studios, $20M venture, three startups
00:02:00 What LLMs actually are and why they're the forcing function for workplace productivity
00:04:33 The jobs AI will replace first and why repetitive task workers should pay attention
00:06:00 The two futures of work: tech trillionaires vs. skilled laborers, and what's missing
00:07:56 Defining flow state: the psychology behind deep work and why it takes 20-23 minutes to enter
00:09:30 The river metaphor: how Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defined flow and why it stuck
00:11:18 The interruption cost: why a single distraction sets you back 20+ minutes
00:13:16 Flow state conditions: why 'exploring Claude' doesn't count and what does
00:17:27 When a flow state app doesn't help: the meeting-heavy leader problem
00:21:00 The hiring argument: why culture alignment is the prerequisite for deep work on your team
Guest: Steven Puri is the founder of The Sukha Company, a platform designed to help knowledge workers achieve flow states and do their best work. Steven has been a senior executive at multiple motion picture studios, raised over $20 million in venture capital, and built three startups, including one successful exit. He speaks and writes frequently on flow states, deep work, and what it means to do human-only work in an AI-saturated world. He's based in Austin, Texas. Reach him at [email protected] or explore the platform at thesukha.co.
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HR Mixtape is powered by Paylocity, the unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com
Keywords: flow states, deep work, AI in the workplace, LLMs, productivity, burnout prevention, knowledge work, hiring, culture fit, HR technology, employee wellbeing, focus, Steven Puri, The Sukha Company -
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Madeline Kipperman, Human Resource Leader at Gorilla Glue, about the importance of leading with humanity in the workplace. They discuss how compassion and transparency can enhance leadership effectiveness, especially in high-pressure environments.
Listeners will learn practical strategies for fostering trust and psychological safety among team members.
• Understand the role of metrics in fostering conversations rather than just evaluating performance.
• Recognize the importance of having difficult conversations with clarity and compassion.
• Learn how to model humane leadership behaviors on the production floor.
• Discover actionable steps to build trust when it is low among team members.
• Identify the key elements that the next generation of employees seek in leadership.
Timestamps:
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest
00:52 -- The importance of leading with humanity
01:54 -- Metrics: helpful or harmful in leadership?
03:14 -- Example of leading with humanity vs. without
08:08 -- Coaching managers for difficult conversations
10:01 -- Leadership in high-pressure environments
12:09 -- Building trust and psychological safety
15:09 -- Transparency in communication with employees
18:02 -- What the next generation wants from leaders
19:17 -- Actionable steps for humane leadership
Guest(s): Madeline Kipperman is a Human Resource Leader at Gorilla Glue. She specializes in HR strategy, workforce development, and leadership, bringing a frontline perspective to her role. Madeline has a strong commitment to fostering human potential in the workplace.
Keywords: human leadership, workplace compassion, HR strategies, building trust, difficult conversations, employee engagement, metrics in HR, psychological safety, next generation workforce, leadership transparency -
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Jillian Ambrose, Counsel at Crowell, about the urgent legal and compliance risks associated with using AI in hiring processes. As organizations increasingly adopt AI tools for recruitment, understanding the evolving landscape of state laws and potential biases is crucial.
Listeners will gain insights into how to effectively engage with AI vendors, ensure compliance, and mitigate risks while leveraging AI for efficiency in hiring.
• Understand the evolving patchwork of state laws affecting AI in hiring.
• Learn key questions to ask AI vendors about their tools.
• Discover the importance of conducting bias audits before using AI tools.
• Recognize the need for human oversight in AI-driven hiring processes.
• Identify best practices for communicating AI use to candidates.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:35 -- Importance of AI in hiring today
01:44 -- Legal and compliance risks of AI tools
02:32 -- Engaging with AI vendors effectively
03:40 -- Liability concerns for employers using AI
06:17 -- Addressing bias and disparate impact in AI
08:02 -- Governance and oversight of AI tools
09:23 -- The complexity of state laws on AI
10:19 -- Starting points for AI policy development
12:10 -- Balancing efficiency and legal compliance
13:05 -- Managing human oversight in AI processes
14:30 -- Baby steps for implementing AI in hiring
17:31 -- Communicating AI use to candidates
19:57 -- Future of regulation in AI hiring
Guest(s): Jillian Ambrose, Counsel at Crowell. She advises employers on employment law, focusing on compliance and emerging workplace risks. Jillian has extensive experience navigating the complexities of AI in hiring and its legal implications.
Keywords: AI in hiring, legal risks of AI, compliance with AI tools, bias in AI recruitment, engaging AI vendors, human oversight in hiring, state laws on AI, AI policy development, communicating AI to candidates, future of AI regulation -
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Meghan Focht, Human Capital Director at Concurrency, about the intentional design of workplace culture. They discuss how to identify cultural strengths and weaknesses through values and behaviors, and how to implement systems that support a positive environment.
Listeners will learn practical strategies for assessing their organization's culture and making meaningful changes.
• Understand the importance of aligning values with behaviors in the workplace.
• Identify key systems to evaluate when assessing organizational culture.
• Learn how to create a culture of recognition that reinforces desired behaviors.
• Discover ways to engage leaders in cultural conversations and accountability.
• Explore practical steps to implement cultural changes in your organization.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:54 -- Meghan's experience with culture change
02:43 -- Key systems to assess culture
04:42 -- Linking values to behaviors and competencies
05:15 -- Hiring for cultural fit
06:19 -- Celebrating values through recognition programs
08:11 -- The role of technology in culture
10:39 -- Engaging leaders in cultural alignment
12:50 -- Identifying cultural misalignments
16:00 -- Signs of a healthy culture
17:55 -- Building values from scratch
19:39 -- Actionable steps for cultural improvement
Guest(s): Meghan Focht is the Human Capital Director at Concurrency, where she focuses on developing strong people systems that foster growth and a positive culture. She has extensive experience in identifying and addressing cultural challenges within organizations. Meghan is passionate about creating environments that empower employees and enhance collaboration.
Keywords: workplace culture, assessing culture, values and behaviors, recognition programs, leadership accountability, cultural change, hiring for fit, technology in HR, employee engagement, culture systems -
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Steve Jaffe, author at Jaffe Marketing and Publishing, about the emotional and practical impacts of layoffs. They discuss how to approach layoffs with empathy and the importance of understanding the stages of grief that accompany job loss.
Listeners will learn how to support employees during layoffs and how to rebuild their own identities after being laid off. This conversation provides valuable insights for HR professionals and anyone facing job loss.
• Understand the emotional stages of grief after a layoff.
• Learn how to separate your identity from your job.
• Discover the importance of a compassionate layoff process.
• Identify resources to support employees during layoffs.
• Recognize the long-term impacts of layoffs on mental health.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:41 -- Steve Jaffe's layoff experiences
01:13 -- The emotional impact of layoffs
02:48 -- Stages of grief related to job loss
04:37 -- The human aspect of layoffs
06:05 -- Distinction between layoffs and terminations
07:36 -- Rebuilding identity after a layoff
09:11 -- Gender differences in handling layoffs
10:38 -- Best practices for HR during layoffs
12:12 -- The importance of community support
14:12 -- Resources for those laid off
15:47 -- Financial considerations after a layoff
19:56 -- Final thoughts and advice
Guest(s): Steve Jaffe, author at Jaffe Marketing and Publishing. He focuses on the emotional and practical impacts of layoffs and how individuals can rebuild their lives after job loss. Steve has extensive experience navigating multiple layoffs and aims to help others process their experiences more effectively.
Keywords: layoffs, emotional impact of layoffs, stages of grief, HR best practices, compassionate layoffs, rebuilding identity, support resources, mental health after layoffs, gender differences in layoffs, community support after job loss -
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. They discuss the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach in the workplace, especially in the context of conflict and the rise of AI.
Listeners will learn practical strategies for managing workplace conflict, the significance of validating emotions, and how to balance data-driven decision-making with empathy.
• Understand the role of inner dialogue in conflict resolution.
• Learn techniques for validating employee feelings without agreeing with inaccurate information.
• Discover how to approach difficult conversations with empathy and clarity.
• Explore the importance of building trust in union environments.
Recognize the value of employee engagement data in decision-making.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest.
00:16 -- Kacy's journey in HR and passion for people.
00:57 -- The impact of AI on workplace credibility.
02:14 -- Best practices for double-checking AI information.
03:38 -- The importance of critical thinking in AI use.
05:04 -- Skills for leaders to navigate workplace conflict.
06:53 -- Managing inner chatter before conflict resolution.
07:45 -- The power of acknowledging and validating feelings.
09:26 -- Developing empathy in HR roles.
12:10 -- The importance of not solving others' problems.
15:33 -- Using data to support tough organizational decisions.
20:17 -- Building trust in union environments.
22:03 -- Final advice for HR practitioners.
Guest(s): Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. She leads HR strategy in complex environments, focusing on trust and operational clarity. Kacy has over 20 years of experience in HR and has developed skills in conflict resolution and employee engagement.
Keywords: workplace conflict resolution, validating employee feelings, HR strategies, AI in the workplace, trust in unions, employee engagement data, critical thinking skills, managing difficult conversations, HR leadership, human-centered workplace -
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Meghan Grace, consultant at the Institute for Generational Research and Education, about the challenges and opportunities of working with multiple generations in the workplace. They discuss how to address common misconceptions about Gen Z and the importance of creating inclusive environments that foster collaboration.
Listeners will learn practical strategies to enhance team dynamics and improve communication across age groups.
• Understand the root causes of generational misunderstandings in the workplace.
• Recognize the importance of listening to younger employees without creating a power dynamic.
• Implement informal check-ins to build rapport and trust among team members.
• Encourage mentorship and reverse mentorship to facilitate knowledge sharing.
• Create a culture that values transparency and accountability in organizational practices.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:59 -- Meghan's background and experience
02:28 -- Common misconceptions about Gen Z
04:44 -- Creating inclusive work environments
06:05 -- Designing for different generational preferences
08:18 -- Key elements for effective communication
10:03 -- Trust and safety in the workplace
12:05 -- Importance of human connection at work
14:00 -- Marketing workplace culture to Gen Z
16:21 -- Listening to employees without bias
17:36 -- Speeding up collaboration in teams
19:56 -- Practical advice for team meetings
Guest(s): Meghan Grace is a consultant at the Institute for Generational Research and Education. She specializes in helping leaders understand generational dynamics in the workplace without relying on stereotypes. Meghan has conducted research on Gen Z and their impact on the workforce.
Keywords: generational dynamics, workplace collaboration, Gen Z misconceptions, inclusive work environments, mentorship strategies, employee engagement, communication styles, workplace culture, listening skills, team dynamics -
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Christy Engler about the unique HR challenges faced by small businesses and how to address them effectively. Listeners will learn why even small organizations need robust HR practices, the importance of having a solid foundation in HR, and how to foster a positive workplace culture while remaining compliant with laws.
By the end of the episode, you will understand actionable steps to enhance your HR strategy and support your organization’s growth.
• Small businesses need to prioritize HR even with few employees.
• Establishing a strong HR foundation is crucial for success.
• Outsourcing payroll and benefits can save time and resources.
• Engaging with local communities can enhance recruitment efforts.
• Building a network of HR peers provides valuable support.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:33 -- Christy's passion for small business HR
01:48 -- Unique HR challenges in small businesses
02:21 -- Importance of addressing people problems quickly
04:27 -- Common myths about HR in small businesses
05:24 -- The need for HR even in small teams
06:02 -- Foundations for effective HR practices
07:10 -- Changing the narrative around HR policies
09:00 -- Automations for small HR teams
10:57 -- The role of brokers in HR support
12:23 -- Utilizing HR communities for resources
13:24 -- Common mistakes small businesses make
15:16 -- Competing for talent in small businesses
17:08 -- First steps for new HR leaders
19:00 -- Encouragement for HR professionals
Guest(s): Christy Engler, Owner of New Day HR. She provides practical HR solutions for small and growing businesses. With over 20 years of experience in small business HR, she focuses on helping organizations protect their people and reduce risk.
Keywords: HR practices, small business HR, employee engagement, HR foundations, outsourcing payroll, recruitment strategies, HR community support, small business challenges, compliance in HR, building workplace culture -
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys, about the challenges of succession planning in organizations. They discuss how to shift the perception of succession planning from a reactive process to a proactive strategy that involves all levels of the organization.
Listeners will learn practical steps to identify critical roles, engage employees in the process, and create a culture of shared responsibility for leadership development.
Understand the difference between succession planning and replacement planning.
Identify critical roles that impact organizational success.
Implement a committee approach to succession planning.
Normalize conversations about succession planning within teams.
Develop a common language to discuss succession planning effectively.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest
00:30 -- Importance of proactive succession planning
01:05 -- Personal story that sparked passion for succession planning
02:25 -- Difference between succession planning and replacement planning
04:03 -- Basketball analogy for succession planning
05:14 -- Limitations of focusing on high-level positions
07:03 -- Identifying critical roles in organizations
08:49 -- Committee approach to succession planning
10:29 -- Peer recognition in succession planning
11:24 -- Overcoming ego and turf wars in leadership
12:43 -- Common language for succession planning discussions
14:02 -- HR's role versus business leaders' responsibilities
15:02 -- Engaging employees in succession planning
16:20 -- Handling employees who are not interested in advancement
18:05 -- Ensuring fairness and equity in succession planning
20:04 -- Final thoughts and actionable question for leaders
Guest: Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys. She helps organizations strengthen leadership pipelines and develop intentional succession strategies. With extensive experience in leadership development, Megan focuses on creating proactive approaches to succession planning that involve all levels of an organization.
Keywords: succession planning, leadership development, employee engagement, critical roles, committee approach, organizational culture, skills development, HR responsibilities, workforce planning, talent management -
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Dr. Rosina McAlpine, founder of Win-Win Parenting, about the challenges working parents face and how employers can better support them. The discussion highlights the misconceptions surrounding working parents and caregivers, emphasizing that the issues they encounter are systemic rather than individual.
Listeners will learn actionable strategies to create a more supportive workplace environment that reduces burnout and enhances employee well-being.
Understand the systemic issues affecting working parents.
Recognize the importance of data in addressing employee needs.
Implement targeted programs that genuinely support families.
Train leaders to foster a family-friendly workplace culture.
Create a community for parents to share experiences and solutions.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode00:36 -- Rosina's personal experience as a working parent01:18 -- The realization of the need for support03:23 -- Misconceptions about working parents and caregivers05:02 -- Defining what it means to be parent-friendly07:36 -- Successful programs that prevent burnout11:16 -- The importance of flexibility in support programs12:20 -- Training managers to support employees effectively14:29 -- Creative initiatives organizations can implement16:43 -- The role of leaders in sharing personal stories17:18 -- Engaging C-suite leaders in supporting parents18:27 -- Key takeaway for organizations to support parents
Guest: Dr. Rosina McAlpine, founder of Win-Win Parenting. She equips HR and leaders with research-based strategies to support working parents and reduce burnout. Rosina has over a decade of experience in developing programs that address the unique challenges faced by working families.
Keywords: working parents support, employer strategies, burnout prevention, family-friendly workplace, employee well-being, leadership training, workplace culture, caregiver challenges, data-driven solutions, community for parents -
In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Will Ortiz-Febus, HR Healing Advocate at Beyond HR podcast, about the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by HR professionals. They discuss the emotional toll of the HR role, the importance of setting boundaries, and practical strategies for maintaining well-being while supporting others. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing signs of stress in themselves and their teams, as well as actionable steps to foster a healthier workplace environment.
Listener Takeaways:
• Understand the unique mental health challenges HR professionals face.
• Learn how to set effective boundaries in the workplace.
• Identify warning signs of disengagement in HR teams.
• Discover strategies for fostering emotional intelligence in leadership.
• Gain insights on creating a supportive HR community.
Timestamps:
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:39 -- The emotional labor of HR work
01:51 -- The loneliness of being an HR professional
03:52 -- Why mental health is a hidden topic in HR
06:14 -- Importance of boundary setting in HR
09:33 -- Educating leaders on supporting HR teams
12:22 -- Unique stressors in manufacturing HR roles
14:01 -- Warning signs of disengagement in HR staff
17:10 -- Prioritization conversations with business leaders
18:34 -- Building community among HR professionals
Guest: Will Ortiz-Febus, HR Healing Advocate at Beyond HR podcast. He focuses on the emotional well-being of HR professionals and the challenges they face in their roles. With over 20 years of experience in HR, he advocates for mental health awareness and support within the industry.
Keywords: HR mental health, emotional labor in HR, boundary setting, HR community support, disengagement signs, emotional intelligence in leadership, HR stressors, workplace well-being, HR professional challenges, supporting HR teams -
In this episode of HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Steve Goble, Chief People Builder at The Goble Group, about the sensitive topic of employee terminations. They discuss the importance of treating employees with dignity during layoffs and how leaders can approach these difficult conversations.
Listeners will gain insights into building empathy, providing support services, and fostering a culture of respect, even in challenging situations.
• Understand the emotional impact of being fired and how to process it.
• Learn the importance of clear communication during termination conversations.
• Discover ways to provide dignity and support to employees being let go.
• Recognize the long-term benefits of investing in employee relationships.
• Explore how to build career resilience through continuous learning and networking.
00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:52 -- Steve's moment of reinvention
01:46 -- The impact of being fired
03:10 -- The importance of empathy in HR
04:55 -- Steps to rebuild confidence after termination
06:38 -- How to approach termination conversations
08:44 -- Providing support services for terminated employees
10:02 -- The role of social media in employee experiences
11:13 -- Building career resilience as an individual
13:14 -- Employer responsibilities in employee development
14:36 -- Lessons learned from past experiences
16:04 -- Advice for new leaders on making an impact
17:07 -- The value of curiosity in leadership
18:21 -- Final thoughts on relationships and support
Guest: Steve Goble, Chief People Builder at The Goble Group. He helps leaders and teams improve performance through practical people strategies and real-world leadership lessons. Steve's expertise in navigating employee terminations provides valuable insights into fostering a respectful workplace culture.
Keywords: employee termination, HR best practices, communication during layoffs, supporting terminated employees - Mehr anzeigen
