The TroopHR Podcast

How can HR leaders build real trust with employees while keeping pace with compliance, technology, and the rise of AI?In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Nicola Barry of AirMason to explore how HR teams can rethink policies, onboarding, and employee handbooks to better balance compliance with culture. Nicola shares how generative AI can help HR professionals streamline policy creation, extract key insights from complex legislation, and reduce time spent on repetitive legal reviews, freeing teams to focus on clarity, employee experience, and trust-building across the organization. Together, they discuss practical ways HR leaders can use AI as a foundational tool rather than a replacement for human judgment, while transforming traditionally static documents like employee handbooks into engaging onboarding experiences that reinforce company culture. Whether you’re an HR leader experimenting with AI workflows or a people professional looking to improve onboarding and internal communication, this conversation offers actionable insights on using technology to create more transparent, engaging, and human-centered workplaces.For more information about joining our community and upcoming events like the TroopHR Retreat, please visit troophr.com.Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should consult their own legal counsel or qualified legal professional for advice regarding their specific situation.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

What does it really take to become a transformational leader—and why is self-awareness the starting point?In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Sonja Mustiful, executive coach and founder of Essence of Coaching, to explore the journey of transformational leadership in today’s ever-evolving workplace. Sonja breaks down the difference between leadership and title, introduces the concept of “connection quotient” alongside emotional intelligence, and shares practical strategies for building trust through transparency, accountability, and integrity. From leveraging 360-degree feedback to navigating change with clarity, this conversation offers HR executives and people leaders actionable insights on how to move from inspiration to true integration—while modeling the behaviors they want to see across their organizations.If you’re ready to elevate your leadership impact and guide your organization through meaningful transformation, subscribe to the TroopHR podcast, leave us a review, and visit troophr.com to learn more about joining our community and upcoming events like the TroopHR Retreat.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

CJ Infantino, founder of Unvoiced and bereavement advocate who shaped corporate bereavement policy after personal loss. He explains why grief is nonlinear and often misunderstood at work. They cover how grief shows up physically and in performance. Practical talk on codifying bereavement leave, training managers to hold hard conversations, and designing thoughtful return-to-work plans.

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley dives deep into the evolving role of compensation with Bobby Benfield, CEO of OpenComp. Together, they unpack how compensation can be transformed from a static system into a strategic, trust-building tool for talent retention and organizational success.Bobby shares actionable insights on crafting a strong pay philosophy, the pitfalls of misalignment between HR and finance, and how OpenComp’s platform empowers companies to ditch outdated spreadsheets in favor of real-time, scalable compensation data. From navigating merit cycles to equipping managers for difficult conversations, Bobby emphasizes the importance of clarity, consistency, and communication. You’ll also hear why "people aren’t comp ratios" and how redefining the compensation narrative can build lasting trust across your organization.To learn more about joining our community, upcoming events like the 2025 TroopHR Retreat, or OpenComp’s solutions, visit troophr.com.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

What does it take for a CHRO to become a CEO?In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Katie Stricker, executive advisor and founder of The Potential Equation, to explore what it means for HR leaders to boldly step into broader operational roles, including the C-suite. Katie shares the eye-opening moment that sparked her mission: recognizing how many CHROs are already operating like presidents or COOs—without the title. From breaking down limiting beliefs around P&L ownership to mapping career pivots using her “three-column filter,” Katie offers a powerful roadmap for HR executives ready to build their path to CEO or board roles.Listeners will gain valuable insights on the top three traits that set people leaders up for business leadership success, how to shift mindset blocks into strategic growth, and why vulnerability and curiosity are must-have traits for today’s HR innovators. Whether you’re eyeing a board seat, COO title, or just want to strengthen your business acumen, this episode delivers tactical advice and inspiration to help HR leaders own their seat at the table and beyond.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

What does it really take for an HR leader to step into the COO seat? In this episode, Taylor Bradley sits down with Jamie Coakley, Chief Operating Officer at Electric, to explore her remarkable journey from recruiter to HR leader to executive operator. With over eight years helping scale Electric from its early days, Jamie unpacks the mindset shifts, skills, and business fluency required to evolve from HR into a broader operational role.Jamie shares how being a recruiter honed her ability to read people, why owning problems end-to-end is the hallmark of a true operator, and how mastering the P&L transformed her influence across the business. She also opens up about leading with kindness, the power of building a trusted network of mentors, and what she looks for in high-impact hires—hint: it’s all about “smart, kind people.” Whether you're an HR professional aspiring to the C-suite or simply navigating your own growth, this conversation offers rich takeaways on operational leadership, self-advocacy, and driving business impact through people..Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this forward-looking episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley is joined by Nicole Gunara, Principal Immigration Attorney, Manifest Law, to explore what HR leaders need to know as they prepare for a pivotal year in immigration and employment law. From potential Supreme Court rulings on birthright citizenship to sweeping changes in the H-1B lottery system that favor higher wage roles, Nicole outlines how 2026 will redefine compliance, strategy, and risk for talent teams.She also shares how leading organizations are transforming immigration from a reactive process into a proactive talent advantage—leveraging tools like I-9 analytics, alternative visa pathways, and even research-based cap-exempt models to attract and retain global talent. With heightened scrutiny, rising legal complexity, and employee anxiety on the rise, Nicole underscores why resilience and empathy are the cornerstones of modern immigration strategy.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

What happens when high-achieving women doubt their success—and how does it ripple through the workplace? In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley is joined by executive coach Melanie Manning and workplace conflict mediator Kenya Salaudeen for a powerful conversation on the link between imposter syndrome and organizational friction.Drawing from coaching sessions, personal insights, and HR leadership experience, Melanie and Kenya unpack how feelings of self-doubt can quietly erode confidence, hinder performance, and even escalate workplace conflict. They explore practical strategies to help individuals name and overcome imposter feelings, and offer guidance for HR leaders aiming to create psychologically safe environments where every voice is validated. From faking it till you make it to performance review disconnects, this episode offers both personal and organizational perspectives on a deeply human experience still shaping the workforce.Looking to address imposter syndrome in your organization? Connect with Melanie and Kenya through the TroopHR platform or visit troophr.com for more resources and upcoming events. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

Can HR become the leader of AI adoption in the workplace?In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Theresa Fesinstine, a 25-year HR veteran and founder of PeoplePower.ai, to explore the transformative potential of generative AI in HR. From busting the myth that AI is too technical for HR pros to sharing real-world use cases like NotebookLM and HR Harriet, Theresa makes a compelling case for why now is the time for HR to embrace the AI shift—not fear it.The conversation unpacks how HR can move beyond administrative tasks and reclaim time for culture building, talent development, and employee experience design. Theresa shares practical ideas—from gamified onboarding with AI tools to building prompt fluency without becoming a data scientist. She also offers a passionate invitation for HR professionals to stop waiting for IT to lead and start shaping AI’s role in their function themselves.For more on Theresa’s AI sandbox, toolkits, and monthly HR AI Clinics, visit peoplepower.aiTo explore upcoming events like the 2026 TroopHR Retreat or to join our community, head to troophr.comCredits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley

What does it really mean to lead yourself before leading others? In this powerful episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Erin Coupe — author, executive coach, and founder of Authentically EC — to unpack the essence of self-leadership. Erin shares her deeply personal journey from toxic workplaces, including her time at Goldman Sachs, to building a purpose-driven business that helps leaders realign with their values and find fulfillment both at work and in life.From the neuroscience of self-awareness to the courage required to embrace vulnerability, Erin reveals how true leadership begins with how we treat ourselves. She discusses how fear and limiting beliefs often block personal growth, why action creates clarity, and how to find meaning without necessarily leaving your corporate role. Listeners will walk away with tangible strategies for living and leading in alignment — starting now, not “someday.”For more information about joining our community, upcoming events like the 2026 TroopHR Retreat, and resources mentioned in this episode, visit troophr.com.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.