HR Mixtape

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

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Claude Silver about the importance of heart-led leadership in creating a psychologically safe workplace. Listeners will learn how to cultivate trust and empathy among team members, leading to improved performance and collaboration. Claude shares practical insights on how to have difficult conversations while maintaining kindness and clarity, ensuring that employees feel valued and understood. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to enhance their leadership approach and foster a more inclusive work environment. Understand the significance of empathetic leadership in business outcomes. Learn how to create psychological safety within teams. Discover effective ways to give and receive feedback. Recognize the importance of transparent communication in leadership. Identify strategies to support both high performers and those needing improvement. 00:00 -- Introduction to heart-led leadership01:26 -- The role of emotional intelligence in leadership03:38 -- Connecting empathy to business outcomes05:42 -- Building trust through vulnerability08:24 -- The impact of communication on team dynamics10:52 -- Addressing performance issues with kindness12:47 -- The importance of regular feedback15:24 -- Managing legal risks while being human17:10 -- Engaging top performers effectively20:49 -- Essential leadership skills for the future Guest: Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Claude focuses on fostering human-centered cultures that prioritize emotional intelligence and psychological safety. She has extensive experience in leadership development and is passionate about helping organizations create environments where employees can thrive. Keywords: psychological safety, empathetic leadership, trust in teams, feedback strategies, transparent communication, performance improvement, HR best practices, employee engagement, leadership skills, heart-led action

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Enrique Rubio about the current state of work and the significant changes driven by technology, particularly AI. They discuss the challenges organizations face in adapting to these changes and the importance of creating human-centered workplaces. Listeners will gain insights into how HR can navigate these transformations and support employees in a rapidly evolving job market. Listener Takeaways • Understand the impact of AI on job security and workforce dynamics. • Learn how organizations can balance technology and human needs. • Discover strategies for HR to support employee transitions in a changing landscape. • Explore the importance of skills-based hiring and career mapping. • Recognize the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being alongside customer focus. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the episode 00:41 – Enrique's perspective on the future of work 01:51 – The impact of AI on job loss 03:33 – Shifts in employee treatment post-pandemic 06:04 – The importance of human-centered organizations 08:04 – Skills-based hiring and its relevance 10:33 – HR's role in employee development 19:01 – Key skills HR practitioners should learn Guest(s): Enrique Rubio is the Founder of Hacking HR, bringing a global perspective on HR innovation, technology, and the future of work. He focuses on practical solutions for organizations navigating the complexities of modern employment. Keywords: future of work, HR innovation, AI impact, employee well-being, skills-based hiring, workforce transformation, human-centered organizations, career mapping, job security, organizational change

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of employee benefits and how organizations can leverage them to enhance retention and engagement. Jordan Peace, CEO of Fringe, shares insights on the importance of personalizing benefits to meet the diverse needs of employees. Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating a culture that values employee experience and how to effectively communicate the value of benefits to finance teams. Listener Takeaways Understand the shift from traditional benefits to personalized offerings that resonate with employees. Learn how to effectively communicate the value of benefits to finance executives. Discover the importance of sentiment data in assessing employee satisfaction with benefits. Explore quick wins for enhancing employee engagement through innovative perks. Recognize the role of company culture in attracting and retaining top talent. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the episode 00:40 – Jordan's journey into the benefits space 02:27 – The shift in employee benefits over the years 03:14 – The impact of gig work on employee expectations 05:34 – The importance of understanding employee needs 08:00 – Engaging finance teams in benefits discussions 10:25 – The productivity of happy employees 12:42 – Metrics to assess benefits effectiveness 15:28 – Creating a culture of feedback 17:33 – Tactical quick wins for HR leaders 21:02 – The future of personalized benefits Guest(s): Jordan Peace is the CEO and co-founder of Fringe, where he focuses on enhancing employee experience through innovative benefits and rewards that resonate with individual needs. Keywords: employee benefits, retention strategies, personalized offerings, employee engagement, finance communication, sentiment data, company culture, quick wins, HR tactics, gig economy  

In this episode, listeners will learn about the importance of people-first leadership and how it can transform workplace culture. Jeremy York discusses practical strategies for leaders to enhance communication, build trust, and prioritize employee well-being, ultimately leading to improved team performance and reduced turnover. Listener Takeaways Understand the critical role of people-first leadership in retaining talent. Learn how to shift focus from tasks to employee development. Discover practical strategies for fostering open communication and trust. Explore the impact of automation on human interactions in the workplace. Recognize the importance of setting boundaries to promote work-life balance. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to people-first leadership 00:36 – Importance of treating employees as individuals 01:08 – Data supporting people-first leadership 02:42 – Shifting focus from tasks to people 04:45 – Tactical advice for leaders 06:30 – The role of automation in communication 11:01 – Creating a joy-powered workplace 15:06 – Differences in leadership for frontline vs. desk employees 17:24 – Common leadership behaviors that harm culture 20:15 – Setting boundaries for work-life balance 22:06 – Final thoughts on authentic leadership Guest(s): Jeremy York is the lead consultant and president at Invigorate HR, specializing in helping leaders strengthen communication and trust within their teams. He is also a co-author of "Work on Joy." Keywords: people-first leadership, employee retention, communication strategies, trust building, work-life balance, automation in the workplace, joy-powered workplace, leadership behaviors, employee development, organizational culture

In this episode, we explore the exciting yet risky landscape of AI in human resources. Lisa McConnell shares insights on how HR professionals can effectively implement AI tools while maintaining a people-first approach. Listeners will learn about the ethical considerations, the importance of human connection, and practical strategies for leveraging AI to enhance workplace efficiency without compromising employee relationships. Listener Takeaways Understand the balance between AI efficiency and human connection in HR. Identify ethical questions to consider when implementing AI tools. Learn how to define clear goals for AI usage in organizations. Recognize the importance of critical thinking and oversight in AI applications. Explore training and development as a key area for AI implementation. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to AI in HR 00:34 – Exciting aspects of AI for HR 01:15 – Risks of over-reliance on AI 02:16 – AI in employee investigations 04:13 – Building forethought in AI implementation 05:41 – Survey insights on AI concerns 06:50 – Defining ethical approaches to AI 08:00 – Questions to safeguard ethics in AI 09:12 – Importance of understanding AI algorithms 10:36 – Skills needed alongside AI development 17:16 – Best areas for AI use in HR 19:19 – Risks and opportunities of AI in HR Guest(s): Lisa McConnell is the founder of Steeped Leadership, specializing in helping leaders navigate AI and modern leadership decisions with an ethics-first, people-first approach. Keywords: AI in HR, ethical AI, human connection, employee investigations, critical thinking, AI implementation, training and development, AI risks, HR technology, workforce trends

In this episode, we explore the critical role of HR operations in driving organizational success beyond mere compliance and administrative tasks. La Tonya Roberts shares insights on how HR can evolve from a reactive function to a strategic partner, emphasizing the importance of data, process maturity, and proactive engagement with leadership. Listeners will learn actionable steps to enhance their HR operations and demonstrate their value to the organization. Listener Takeaways Understand the four levels of HR operational maturity and how to progress through them. Learn how to leverage employee engagement data to drive business decisions. Discover strategies to change the perception of HR from a reactive to a proactive function. Explore the importance of compliance being embedded in organizational culture. Gain insights on how to effectively use automation and AI in HR processes. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to HR operations 00:36 – The impact of HR operations on organizations 01:32 – Signs of HR stuck in reactive mode 02:40 – Changing misconceptions about HR's role 03:40 – Importance of employee engagement data 06:32 – The HR maturity model explained 10:11 – The role of technology in HR operations 12:22 – Compliance and its cultural implications 15:05 – The importance of training for managers 18:52 – Automation in onboarding processes 19:26 – Final thoughts on becoming a strategic partner Guest(s): La Tonya Roberts is a Fractional COO and Human Capital Strategist at Harmony Consulting Group, specializing in building scalable operations and people systems that drive clarity and growth within organizations. HR operations, employee engagement, HR maturity model, compliance, automation, strategic partner, data-driven HR, organizational culture, AI in HR, onboarding processes

In this episode, Alfredo Borodowski discusses the critical mistakes leaders make when attempting to future-proof their workforce, particularly the risk of employee burnout. He emphasizes the importance of understanding character strengths and fostering resilience within teams. Listeners will learn practical strategies to create a culture of nourishment rather than fixing, ultimately enhancing employee engagement and performance. Listener Takeaways Leaders should focus on providing orientation rather than trying to predict change. Understanding character strengths is essential for minimizing disorientation in teams. Resilience is about learning from setbacks and coming back stronger, not just returning to the previous state. Companies should shift from a culture of fixing to one of nourishing employee potential. Psychological capital, including self-confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience, is crucial for future success. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the episode 00:43 – Common mistakes in future-proofing workforces 01:50 – The shift from predicting to providing orientation 02:56 – Importance of character strengths in the workplace 04:51 – Case study on honesty in team dynamics 07:13 – The relationship between strengths and resilience 09:08 – Understanding resilience beyond just recovery 10:31 – The emotional work involved in change 11:18 – The value of humanity in a tech-driven world 15:32 – Practical advice for integrating AI without losing humanity 17:45 – Key components of psychological capital 18:19 – Moving from fixing to nourishing cultures Guest(s): Alfredo Borodowski is a Purpose Factor Facilitator at The Purpose Company, where he helps leaders connect purpose to performance by building cultures rooted in meaning, resilience, and engagement. future-proofing, employee burnout, character strengths, resilience, workplace culture, psychological capital, leadership strategies, employee engagement, change management, positive psychology  

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Laura Varn about the unique challenges and opportunities of building HR from the ground up in the manufacturing sector. Listeners will learn about the importance of establishing a strong culture, the role of HR in startups, and practical strategies for engaging hourly workers. Laura shares insights on how to create a people-first environment that fosters growth and compliance while addressing the specific needs of the manufacturing workforce.   Listener Takeaways Understand the critical role of HR in shaping company culture from the start. Learn how to effectively engage hourly workers in a manufacturing setting. Discover practical strategies for implementing benefits that resonate with employees. Explore the importance of leadership visibility and communication in HR initiatives. Gain insights into the value of stay interviews and pulse surveys for employee feedback. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the episode 00:34 – The excitement of building HR from scratch 02:26 – Where to start when building HR 03:58 – The importance of HR in startups 04:58 – HR's role in manufacturing environments 06:06 – Culture as a strategic lever 07:04 – Leadership's role in shaping culture 09:15 – Creative benefits in manufacturing 10:54 – Approaching skills development in manufacturing 12:57 – Learning from past HR challenges 15:16 – The importance of marketing in HR 16:27 – Building cohesive teams across departments 18:01 – Creating a culture of feedback 20:33 – Implementing stay interviews for engagement Guest(s): Laura Varn is the founder of Laura Varn and Associates, specializing in helping organizations build practical HR foundations that support growth, compliance, and a healthier culture. HR in manufacturing, building HR, company culture, employee engagement, manufacturing workforce, benefits strategies, leadership in HR, skills development, feedback culture, HR startups