HR Happy Hour Network

Sabrina Baker, Founder and CEO of Acacia HR Solutions, builds HR for small businesses. Marie Rolston, HR business partner and co-host, brings practitioner perspective. They discuss why small-business HR is underserved. They explain the podcast’s origins, focus on actionable HR for companies of 1–500, and planned topics like prioritization, influencing without authority, and practical leadership connections.

Hailey McDonald, a global B2B SaaS marketing leader who drives growth and AI-first go-to-market strategy, joins to explore marketing in 2026. They discuss how Gen Z reshapes discovery via social platforms. Short-form video and engagement tools slash costs and speed insights. The conversation covers AI risks, preserving distinct brand voice, and practical ways teams transfer knowledge and adapt.

Dave Jacobs, co-founder and co-CEO of HomeThrive, built scalable caregiving support after his own family crisis. He describes HomeThrive’s coaching, navigation, and concierge services. Conversations cover digital scaling of social-work expertise, making the business case to leaders, multi-generational care needs, ROI and utilization, and integrating caregiving into broader health benefits.

The Hidden Power of Middle ManagementHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Gary Cookson SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen speaks with Gary Cookson about the often-overlooked role of middle managers in organizations. They discuss the challenges faced by middle managers, including the emotional labor they perform, the invisible work that goes unrecognized, and the need for better preparation and support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of middle managers in navigating change, particularly in the context of AI and hybrid working environments. They also highlight the need for organizations to redefine the role of middle managers and empower them to create a positive impact on workplace culture and performance. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Middle Management Dynamics05:15 The Emotional Reality of Middle Management10:05 Invisible Work and Its Impact13:21 Navigating Change and Uncertainty21:18 Adapting to AI and Hybrid Work25:18 Transforming Perspectives on Middle Management27:21 The New Manager Bounce and Its Implications  Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

Connecting Operations and HR for the Frontline WorkforceHost: Steve BoeseGuest: Chris Kuntz, VP of Strategic Operations at Augmentir SummaryIn this conversation, Steve Boese engages with Chris Kuntz to discuss the critical role of AI in empowering frontline workers in manufacturing. They explore how Augmentir is addressing the needs of deskless workers, the importance of data-driven insights for management, and the balance between monitoring and worker empowerment. The discussion also highlights the future of AI agents in the workplace and the innovative approaches companies are taking to enhance worker experiences and operational efficiency. Chapters00:00 The Importance of AI for Frontline Workers03:05 Augmentir's Role in Empowering Workers05:57 Use Cases for AI in Manufacturing08:57 Data-Driven Insights for Management14:46 The Future of AI Agents in the Workplace17:59 Innovations in Worker Empowerment20:56 The Human Element in AI Integration Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.  

Polymorphism at Work: A Radical New Way to Think About OrganizationsHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Perry Timms, Chief Energy Officer and Founder: People & Transformational HR Ltd SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen interviews Perry Timms, a thought leader in HR, about the concept of polymorphic organizations. Timms explains that polymorphism refers to the ability of organizations to adapt and change their structure and processes in response to varying demands and data. They discuss the importance of moving away from traditional, rigid organizational models to more fluid and adaptive approaches that can better meet the challenges of the modern business landscape. The conversation also touches on the role of leadership in fostering this adaptability, the implications for traditional industries, and the steps organizations can take to begin their transformation towards a polymorphic model. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Polymorphic Organisations05:20 Understanding Polymorphism in Organisations09:40 The Shift from Traditional to Adaptive Models14:38 Leadership in a Polymorphic World20:10 The Impact on Business Metrics and Shareholders24:02 Implementing Change in SMEs27:34 Resources for Further LearningThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. Thanks for joining us.

The Manager Method: Practical Strategies to Lead with Empathy and ConfidenceHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Ashley Herd, Former Head of HR, Podcast Host and Author SummaryIn this episode of the At Work in America show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Ashley Herd, a former head of HR, podcast host, and author, to discuss the critical role of managers in the workplace. The conversation explores the challenges managers face, particularly regarding their mental health and the impact they have on employee experiences. Ashley shares insights from her book, "The Manager Method," emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and proactive leadership strategies to foster a positive work environment. They discuss the common pitfalls of management, such as the tendency to avoid difficult conversations and the pressure managers feel to have all the answers. The episode ends with practical advice for managers on how to navigate stress and burnout, both for themselves and their teams, while encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. This conversation serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their management skills and improve workplace culture. Chapters01:30 Welcome, updates, and introduction04:13 The Importance of Managers08:43 Communication Strategies for Managers12:04 Empathy in Leadership19:14 Managing Remote Teams23:37 Addressing Burnout and Stress36:23 Resources and TakeawaysThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Improving Employee Engagement and Retention Through AnalyticsHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Curtis Forbes, Founder & CEO at MustardHub SummaryIn this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Curtis Forbes, founder and CEO of MustardHub, to discuss the critical issues of employee retention and engagement, particularly in small to mid-sized businesses. Curtis shares his unique journey from a music background to creating a workforce engagement platform aimed at reducing turnover and strengthening company culture. The conversation looks at the challenges of identifying turnover issues, the costs associated with employee disengagement, and the importance of predictive analytics in understanding employee behavior. They emphasize the role of technology in making company culture visible and the necessity of building habits that reinforce organizational values. The episode concludes with insights on MustardHub's freemium model, making it accessible for small businesses to enhance their employee engagement strategies. Chapters01:07 Understanding Employee Retention and Engagement09:04 Identifying and Addressing Turnover Challenges11:52 The Importance of Predictive Analytics in Retention16:36 Building a Culture of Engagement21:38 A Solution for Small Businesses28:32 Freemium Model and Accessibility of MustardHub33:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Enhancing Human Experience in the Digital WorkplaceHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Martin Jackson, Future Experiences and Innovation Manager at Insights SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnon discusses the evolving landscape of HR technology with Martin Jackson, the Future Experiences and Innovation Manager at Insights. They explore how technology can enhance the human experience at work, the importance of personalization in AI, and the relevance of the Insights Discovery model in today's workplaces. The conversation delves into the challenges HR leaders face in maintaining engagement and communication amidst rapid technological changes, and how behavioral intelligence can inform better decision-making and employee experiences. Chapters00:00 The Future of Work and Technology05:06 Understanding Insights Discovery Model07:32 Digitizing Personality Insights with API11:22 Enhancing Employee Experience through Technology15:36 Addressing Engagement and Change Fatigue20:32 Cultural Considerations in Tech Adoption22:46 The Future of AI and Personalization Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

2025 in Review: The Conversations Shaping Work in 2026Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuests: Mervyn Dinnen, Jack McFarlane, & Nick Schlemmer SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour Show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed reflect on the past year and discuss their plans for 2026. They highlight the show's global reach, with listeners from 177 countries, and share insights from their favorite episodes of 2025. The conversation covers topics such as AI, hybrid work, leadership, and the importance of humanizing technology. They also discuss the impact of external factors on workplace wellbeing and the role of benefits in uniting a divided workforce. The episode concludes with a look ahead to new developments on the HR Happy Hour Network. TakeawaysThe HR Happy Hour network reaches a global audienceWellbeing and mental health are crucial workplace discussionsHybrid and flexible work models are evolvingEngagement with the audience is a priority for the networkMemorable episodes and guestsCollaboration and connection for the futureNew network developments coming...stay tuned!  Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.  Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report. Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.  Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com