

HR Mixtape
WRKdefined Podcast Network
HR Mixtape is a weekly human resources and business leadership podcast for HR professionals, people leaders, and executives navigating the real work of managing people. Episodes cover human resources strategy, HR compliance, workplace culture, leadership development, employee experience, payroll and HR technology, and the future of work.
Whether you work in HR, talent management, people operations, or business leadership, HR Mixtape offers practical insights, expert conversations, and real-world perspectives to help you lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.
Whether you work in HR, talent management, people operations, or business leadership, HR Mixtape offers practical insights, expert conversations, and real-world perspectives to help you lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2023 • 15min
The Power of Personal Branding in HR with Roy Abdo
Want to boost your personal brand and stand out on social media? Check out this podcast episode for expert tips and strategies!
In this episode, Roy Abdo talks about the importance of personal branding for HR professionals. How digital and social media have created a need for individuals to build their own brand, as people now join people rather than just companies. Our host, Shari Simpson, emphasizes that HR professionals must have a robust online presence to attract top talent to their organizations. Together, they also explore practical steps for building a personal brand, including knowing oneself and one's aspirations. Tune in to gain insights on how to develop your personal brand in the HR field effectively.
Guest(s): Roy Abdo, CEO, Digital Revamp LLC

Jul 18, 2023 • 15min
Emerging Trends and Predatory Violence Prevention in the Workplace with Josh Shelton
Gain a deeper understanding of effective vs. predatory violence and its significance in the workplace.
In this episode, the host interviews Josh Shelton, a guest who specializes in behavioral threat assessment. They discuss the difference between effective and predatory violence and why it's essential for HR professionals to understand this distinction. The guest uses the analogy of a cat encountering a strange dog to explain the concept of effective violence, which is a predictable response to a perceived threat. They emphasize that effective violence is common and often just posturing, whereas predatory violence can lead to disasters.
Guest(s): Josh Shelton, Threat Assessment Manager, FedEx

Jul 18, 2023 • 18min
Driving Workplace Innovation: Navigating the Tech Landscape with SHRM Labs Guillermo Corea
Discover how SHRM Labs is empowering HR professionals with resources and tools to navigate the world of disruptive technology.
In this episode, Guillermo Corea, a member of the SHRM Labs team, shares his journey into the HR field and discusses the work of SHRM Labs. As a three-year-old team, SHRM Labs supports SHRM in becoming a thought leader in workplace innovation. Guillermo highlights the importance of HR in leading workplace innovation and emphasizes the role of HR in managing the number one resource - people. Tune in to learn more about Guillermo's background and the exciting work happening at SHRM Labs.
Guest(s): Guillermo Corea, Managing Director, SHRMLabs

Jul 11, 2023 • 12min
Secure 2.0: Key Changes and Implications for Existing Retirement Plans with Jeanne Sutton
Secure 2.0: There are a whopping 92 provisions in it!
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Jeannie Sutton, the Managing Director of Strategic Retirement Partners dives into the exciting changes happening in the world of employee benefits, specifically retirement plans. Jeannie shares her insights on the evolving trends in employee experience, engagement, and culture, and how these changes are impacting retirement plans. We discuss the importance of holistic employee wellness and the role of financial education in creating a well-rounded employee experience. If you're an HR professional looking to stay ahead of the curve and demonstrate strategic leadership, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss out on the valuable advice and practical tips shared by Jeannie Sutton, the #401KLady.
Guest(s): Jeanne Sutton, Managing Director, Strategic Retirement Partners

Jul 4, 2023 • 12min
The Power of Empathy with Jim Link
Empathy in organizations can lead to cultures of learning, belonging, and innovation, resulting in a more satisfied and engaged workforce, improved business results, and better customer satisfaction.
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson interviews Jim Link, the CHRO at SHRM, about the importance of empathy as a business driver. They discuss how empathy is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses and organizations to ensure success for both themselves and their employees.
Guest(s): Jim Link, CHRO, SHRM

Jun 27, 2023 • 23min
Finding Your HR Voice: A Unique Approach to People Management with Kim Nemkovich
Brace yourself for jaw-dropping insights and a memorable incident about finding your voice and revolutionizing the way HR is done.
Prepare to be inspired as Kim Nemkovich unveils her unique approach to HR, sharing her personal journey of self-discovery and finding her HR style. Through heartfelt anecdotes, she reveals the pivotal moment when she fearlessly conducted a mock interview with a leader up for promotion, delivering a shocking verdict that shattered his aspirations. With an unwavering focus on development and imparting wisdom, Kim's HR approach is nothing short of extraordinary.
Guest(s): Kim Nemkovich, Sr. HR Business Continuity Manager, Amazon

Jun 20, 2023 • 23min
Sculpting a Dynamic Corporate Culture with Jason Risoli
Time to roll up your sleeves and dive headfirst into the art of sculpting corporate culture.
Expect a deep dive into crafting a corporate culture that's not just intriguing but has serious staying power. Jason Rizzoli underlines the need for syncing an organization's mission, vision, and values with its strategic game plan and work priorities. Over two decades of experience in the HR trenches have taught Rizzoli a thing or two about getting employees engaged and excited about their workplace. From the pivotal role, HR plays in boosting company culture to crafting HR strategies that actually work. Prepare for a cultural revolution!
Guest(s): Jason Risoli, HR Leader

Jun 13, 2023 • 28min
HR Evolved: Navigating Challenges and Embracing the Future with Jennifer McClure
Learn more about the ever-evolving landscape of human resources and how professionals in the field can advance their knowledge and impact.
Jennifer advises HR professionals to share their knowledge and experiences through various platforms to expand their influence beyond their organizations. From blogging to LinkedIn and podcasts, there's an abundance of resources available for learning and staying informed in the HR industry.
Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into the HR industry, its challenges, the impact of technology, talent attraction and retention strategies, and the pivotal role of employee engagement and experience in driving organizational success.
Guest(s): Jennifer McClure, Professional speaker, Business advisor and CEO of both Unbridled Talent LLC, and DisruptHR LLC.

Jun 6, 2023 • 25min
Tech Talk: Balancing Engagement and Mental Health in the Digital Era with David Pinkawa
Struggling to find balance in the tech world? From AI advancements to nurturing mental wellness, we've got all the knowledge you need.
Listen to tech industry expert Dave Pinkawa, dive deep into the crucial topics of employee engagement and mental health in the ever-evolving tech sector. Dave shares his fascinating journey into tech, starting from a political science degree and paving his own path through self-training and certifications. We explore the impact of recent industry turbulence, including layoffs and the influence of AI on hiring practices. Dave sheds light on how tech companies are realigning their employee populations post-pandemic and harnessing AI, like Chat GPT, as powerful training tools. Dave encourages individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences, highlighting the value of a supportive and collaborative tech community.
Guest(s): Dave Pinkawa, Engineering Manager of Virtualization, Paylocity

May 30, 2023 • 23min
Unleash Your HR Potential: Lessons from John Bernatovicz’s HR Like a Boss
Get ready to dive deep into the world of Human Resources as John shares his personal journey, the motivation behind his book, and the key insights that can transform HR professionals into unstoppable forces within their organizations.
John's book, set to be released before the SHRM Annual Conference, emerged from a profound personal experience—the passing of his parents—which made him reflect on his own goals and aspirations. With the guidance of his marketing director, Bridget Klein, the book took shape after an impactful presentation titled "HR Like a Boss" at Kent State University.
"HR Like a Boss" aims to empower HR professionals with an ownership mindset, a passion for HR and people, and a commitment to doing amazingly awesome HR. John introduces a five-step HR Like a Boss business plan, emphasizing purposeful commitment, being people-centric, maintaining process continuity, consistently producing results, and understanding the profitable components of the company.
With quotes and insights from over 40 HR professionals, John's book offers a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives. It instills confidence in HR professionals, enabling them to approach their work with self-assurance and unwavering belief.
Guest(s): John Bernatovicz, Author, Founder & President, Willory LLC


