Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom

In this episode of Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom, we're joined by Tracey Newell — a seven-time board member, leadership champion, and passionate advocate for women in leadership. Tracey dives deep into the challenges women face on their journey to the boardroom, including imposter syndrome, lack of access to mentorship, and navigating a corporate world still catching up with the need for diversity.Drawing insights from her new book, Hers for the Taking, Tracey offers practical advice for women looking to grow their careers with intention, build confidence, and step into leadership with clarity and conviction. This episode explores how women can identify their North Star, lift one another up, and claim the opportunities they've earned — not just hope for them.Whether you're early in your career or ready for the C-suite, this conversation is packed with wisdom, empowerment, and a bold reminder: leadership is Hers for the Taking.Connect with Tracey Newell:

In this episode of Hire Expectations, the VPWS ladies dive into the transformative power of feedback and how it shapes leadership, communication, and corporate culture. Special guest Moatassem Moatez, founder and CEO of MYCourier Inc., joins the conversation to share his entrepreneurial lens on using feedback as a tool for performance improvement, employee engagement, and business growth.From the nuances of feedback in startups vs. corporate environments to the impact of remote work on team dynamics, this episode explores how intentional communication can make or break progress. Mo shares strategies for giving feedback that actually lands—and more importantly, drives change.Whether you're a business leader, people manager, or part of a growing team, this episode offers real talk on how to create a culture where feedback isn't feared, but embraced.

In this episode of Hire Expectations, we sit down with Kristyn Livermore of West End Hypnosis to explore the powerful connection between mindset and career success. Whether you're actively job hunting or feeling stuck in your current role, this conversation dives into how hypnosis can help you overcome mental barriers, manage stress, and build lasting confidence.Kristyn demystifies common misconceptions about hypnosis, walks us through what a typical session looks like, and shares how self-hypnosis can be a game-changer in your personal and professional life. Plus, she opens up about her own healing journey—and why understanding emotional patterns is the real key to moving forward.

Think cybersecurity is just an IT issue? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of Hire Expectations, we sit down with Scott and Christina Birmingham of Birmingham Consulting to expose one of the fastest-growing threats to businesses today — insider attacks fueled by cybercriminals offering employees major cash in exchange for sensitive data.We break down:

The Future of Recruitment with Suky Sodhi

How can Burlington businesses attract and retain top talent in today's evolving workforce? In this episode of Hire Expectations, we sit down with Terry Caddo, President & CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the critical workforce trends shaping local businesses.From talent retention and upskilling to the impact of housing and transportation on workforce availability, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities Burlington faces in building a strong, future-ready workforce. Terry shares insights on employee expectations, business collaboration, and how the Chamber connects companies with the right talent.

In this episode, the Hire Expectations ladies discuss modern HR practices with a focus on understanding and engaging Gen Z employees. Emily Van Straten from ThinkHR joins us and shares her insights on the misconceptions surrounding Gen Z, the impact of technology on their work habits, and the importance of a life-over-work philosophy. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility and customization in HR approaches to better meet the needs of today's diverse workforce. In this conversation, Emily discusses the importance of generational communication, particularly between Gen Z and older generations, emphasizing the need for open dialogue in the workplace. She highlights current HR trends, including the integration of AI and skills-based hiring, and stresses the importance of adaptability in the evolving work environment. Emily also shares actionable steps for businesses to prioritize employee well-being, focusing on communication and mental health resources. Lastly, she introduces her career game plans, which help individuals align their strengths and passions for professional growth.takeaways!Gen Z is often misunderstood as lazy, but they prioritize work-life balance.Employers need to adapt their approaches to engage Gen Z effectively.Technology plays a crucial role in how Gen Z communicates and works.Life over work philosophy is essential for today's workforce.Trust should be given to employees upfront, not earned over time.Flexibility in scheduling can significantly improve employee satisfaction.Not all Gen Z employees aspire to be influencers; many seek traditional roles.Understanding generational differences can bridge workplace gaps.Customizing HR practices can lead to better employee engagement.Open communication is vital for understanding employee needs. Generational communication is key to workplace harmony.Open dialogue can lead to significant changes in organizations.HR trends are shifting towards adaptability and skills-based hiring.Employee well-being should be prioritized through open communication.Regular check-ins with staff can improve morale and productivity.Mental health resources are essential for employee satisfaction.Career game plans can help individuals find their professional sweet spot.Identifying passions can enhance job satisfaction and performance.Employers must take action on employee feedback to retain talent.

Breaking the Silence: Youth Mental Health, Parenting, and Creating Safe SpacesIn this compelling episode of Hire Expectations, we dive into the pressing issue of youth mental health, exploring the challenges faced by parents, educators, and employers in fostering a supportive environment for children and families. Our conversation touches on:Recognizing the Signs: How mood changes and social withdrawal can indicate mental health struggles in children.Open Communication: Building trust through active listening and authentic conversations between parents and children.Breaking the Stigma: Addressing cultural and societal barriers that prevent families from seeking help.Creating Safe Spaces: The role of schools, workplaces, and communities in supporting youth mental health.Practical Solutions: Encouraging emotional intelligence at home, implementing mental health education in schools, and fostering workplace cultures of awareness and support.Our guests share personal stories and actionable advice, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and continuous commitment to mental health awareness. Whether you're a parent navigating tough conversations, a teacher striving to create a safe classroom environment, or an employer seeking to support your team, this episode offers insights to help you make a difference.Let's break the silence and work together to build a world where youth mental health is prioritized, supported, and understood.

Hey 2025!! In our first episode this year, we sit down with Laura Caven, a high-performance coach, to unpack her transformational journey from entrepreneur to coach. Laura shares the pivotal moments that led her to embrace intentional living and effective goal setting, offering listeners actionable strategies to conquer challenges and achieve personal and professional growth.Together, they dive into the principles of clarity, energy, courage, productivity, and influence—pillars of high-performance coaching. Laura also reveals insights from her 'Own Your Year' workshop, which focuses on reflection and intention for a successful year ahead, and teases her upcoming programs designed to empower women in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Join us for a mouthwatering episode as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Melinda Paletta, a celebrated culinary expert and entrepreneur. From her roots in a food-focused family to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry, Melinda offers a wealth of insights that will resonate with culinary enthusiasts, industry professionals, and aspiring leaders alike.In this engaging conversation, Melinda shares:Her Culinary Journey: Growing up in her family's food business and the cultural influences that shaped her career.Hospitality Recruitment Challenges: Tackling high turnover rates and finding the right talent for the fast-paced industry.Post-Pandemic Lessons: The importance of prioritizing work-life balance to create resilient teams.Employee Recognition: How showing appreciation and rewarding initiative fosters loyalty and excellence.Cultural Diversity in Food: Leveraging diverse culinary traditions to enhance menu offerings and team dynamics.Melinda also introduces her unique show, Basil & Sage TV, where she blends culinary arts with spirituality, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for viewers.Key Takeaways:Recruitment in hospitality should focus on candidates' potential, not just their resumes.Employee recognition and rewards are critical for retention in high-stress environments.Cultural adaptability and appreciation are game-changers in the hospitality world.Exceptional hospitality employees thrive on learning and initiative.Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with actionable insights, leadership lessons, and a celebration of food culture. Whether you're a foodie, a hospitality professional, or someone passionate about leadership, this episode is sure to satisfy your appetite for knowledge.

In this insightful episode of Hire Expectations Beyond the Boardroom, Melanie and Kerri are joined by Agnes Tepper, co-founder of Elevated HR and Consulting, to explore the complexities of reorganization and its profound impact on employee morale. Tailored for HR professionals and small business leaders, this episode dives into the importance of strong leadership, clear communication, and effective people strategies in navigating organizational change.Agnes shares essential HR strategies for maintaining morale during transitions, such as celebrating small wins and fostering a culture of innovation. With practical advice for both small and large teams, she illustrates how empathy, transparent communication, and an aligned people strategy can turn challenges into growth opportunities. Agnes also recounts a compelling success story of guiding a mid-size company through a merger, ensuring employees felt valued and engaged.Tune in for expert tips on managing reorganization with a focus on organizational culture, employee morale, and effective change management.

In this episode of the Hire Expectations Podcast, Melanie and Kelly welcome back Joe Apps to discuss the intersection of AI and employment, focusing on the growing security risks related to managing sensitive employee data. Joe shares expert insights on how candidates can protect their personal information during the hiring process, the importance of password management, and practical strategies for businesses to stay ahead of cyber threats in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.Key Takeaways:AI impacts both employment and data security.Candidates should ask employers about data protection practices.Be cautious with publicly available information, as it can be exploited by AI.GDPR enforces stricter data privacy laws in Europe, while employers in the West are not required to respond to data inquiries.Use complex passwords and consider a password manager for better security.Businesses must update systems regularly to mitigate risks.AI-driven antivirus software can bolster cybersecurity.

Navigating Reorganization: How to Maintain Employee Morale During Organizational ChangeIn this episode of the podcast, we dive into the critical topic of maintaining employee morale during times of organizational change and restructuring. Reorganizations often trigger feelings of uncertainty and anxiety among staff, which is why effective leadership must prioritize clear and consistent communication. Learn how transparency in leadership decisions can build trust, alleviate anxiety, and foster a more resilient workforce.We discuss the value of involving employees in the reorganization process, how showing empathy during times of change can boost team spirit, and why celebrating small wins is crucial for maintaining a positive environment. Plus, discover how regular updates and team-building activities post-reorganization can reduce uncertainty and speed up morale recovery.Whether you're a business leader navigating a company restructure or a team member looking for ways to stay motivated during change, this episode offers actionable insights and best practices to support long-term success. Employee engagement and workplace culture can thrive, even through difficult transitions, with the right approach.Key takeaways:The importance of transparency and clear communication during reorganization.How involving employees in the process can help improve morale.Why celebrating small victories and providing regular updates reduce uncertainty.The role of empathy, patience, and support in fostering a positive work environment.Don't miss this episode if you're looking to lead your team through change with confidence and compassion!

Buki Hough of Melanated Mariners is back! This continuation of our first conversation with Buki covers topics such as addressing offensive language in the workplace, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and effective training programs for DEI awareness. It emphasizes the importance of documenting incidents, addressing offensive language professionally, and involving HR or higher-level leaders if necessary. The conversation also discusses the need for transparency and clear communication when collecting demographic data and the importance of partnering with legal departments. Additionally, it highlights the significance of conducting a needs assessment to determine the specific training programs needed to address DEI issues within an organization. The most important thing in DEI is to be methodical and not just check the box of training. Organizations need to assess their specific needs and address them with the right interventions. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion by setting the tone, providing resources, and ensuring accountability. They should lead by example, communicate clearly, and live the values they promote. It's important to create safe spaces for discussions, continuously learn, and be transparent about progress and areas for improvement. Mentoring and sponsoring equity deserving employees is also essential.

Unlocking IT Excellence: Insights from Joseph Apps, CEO of JoeApp's Technology SupportJoin us as we dive into the dynamic world of IT hiring with Joseph Apps, a seasoned technology expert and the forward-thinking CEO of JoeApp's Technology Support. In this episode, Joseph shares invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of IT recruitment, emphasizing the critical skills in demand, such as Google and Microsoft management, cloud infrastructure, and AI readiness.Key Takeaways:Stay Ahead of Trends: Discover why staying updated with industry trends and continuous learning are crucial for IT professionals.Essential Skills: Learn about the significance of customer service skills, practical experience, and certifications in securing top IT positions.Cybersecurity Focus: Joseph highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and recommends using password management apps like OnePassword for enhanced security.Managing Multi-Generational Teams: Gain insights into the challenges and strategies of managing a diverse workforce, including establishing credibility and creating a culture of accountability.Employee Retention Strategies: Explore JoeApp's successful retention strategies, including regular one-on-one meetings, quarterly reviews, and aligning employees with the company's vision and core values.Joseph's expertise and practical advice are a must-listen for IT professionals and business leaders looking to navigate the complexities of the tech industry. Tune in to discover how to build a resilient and future-ready IT team.Keywords: IT hiring, technology support, Joseph Apps, JoeApp's, IT industry trends, customer service skills, cybersecurity, password management, OnePassword, multi-generational workforce, employee retention, IT recruitment, cloud infrastructure, AI readiness, Google management, Microsoft management.

TakeawaysMillennial dads prioritize work-life balance and aim to be more involved in their children's lives compared to previous generations.The challenges faced by millennial dads in sales roles include balancing customer service and family time, setting boundaries, and managing work hours.Millennials in the workforce face unique challenges such as age-related transitions and the need to balance personal and professional priorities.Expectations and pressures to climb the corporate ladder may vary among millennials, with some valuing work-life balance over career advancement.The conversation highlights the importance of finding a balance between work and family life for millennial dads. Millennial dads prioritize spending time with their families and seek work-life balance.The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in working situations, with many millennial dads now working from home.Supportive employers who understand the needs of millennial dads can make a positive impact on work-life balance.Future trends for millennial dads may include increased openness about mental health and a shift in traditional gender roles.

In this episode, Kerri, Kelly, and Melanie tackle Imposter syndrome at work. What is it?!The conversation discusses symptoms of anxiety and self-doubt in the workplace, as well as the importance of (Kel's fave!) a visible commitment from leadership.The ladies also touch on the need for leadership training and being open and transparent with communication.TakeawaysAnxiety and self-doubt can manifest in various ways in the workplace.Visible commitment from leadership is crucial for creating a positive work environment.Leadership training is essential for developing effective leaders.

The VPWS Ladies are joined by Founder and Chief Empathy Office of Joanne Sparrow Consulting!Joanne discusses imposter syndrome and its impact on individuals in the workplace. She defines imposter syndrome as a persistent feeling of fraudulence despite achievements and respect from peers. She highlights that 65% of professionals experience imposter syndrome, with young women being disproportionately affected. Culture, gender, and background can influence one's experience with imposter syndrome. Strategies to combat imposter syndrome include accepting imperfection, embracing strengths and weaknesses, seeking mentorship, and avoiding comparison. Joanne emphasizes the importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces and having open conversations about imposter syndrome.TakeawaysImposter syndrome is a persistent feeling of fraudulence despite achievements and respect from peers.65% of professionals experience imposter syndrome, with young women being disproportionately affected.Culture, gender, and background can influence one's experience with imposter syndrome.Strategies to combat imposter syndrome include accepting imperfection, embracing strengths and weaknesses, seeking mentorship, and avoiding comparison.Creating psychologically safe workplaces and having open conversations about imposter syndrome is crucial.

This episode of Hire Expectations explores the importance of safety, mattering, and belonging in the workplace. The hosts discuss how fostering a safe and inclusive environment can boost productivity, creativity, and overall employee well-being. They define safety as both physical and psychological, where employees feel free to express themselves without fear of retaliation. Mattering is described as feeling valued and appreciated for one's contributions, while belonging is about feeling accepted, respected, and included. The hosts emphasize that prioritizing safety, mattering, and belonging leads to higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and greater innovation.Takeaways:Safety, mattering, and belonging are crucial for a thriving workplace culture.Organizations that prioritize these factors see higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and greater innovation.Leaders should model the behavior they want to see, actively listen to employees, and address any form of disrespect or exclusion.Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is key to fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.Leaders need to create psychological safety by approaching errors as learning opportunities and refraining from discouraging innovation and creativity.Building relationships with each employee and actively listening to what they're not saying is important for creating a safe and inclusive workplace.

Shirlea Crook, CEO and Founder of Care for Life Support Services, and an expert in multi-generational engagement, discusses the integration of diverse age groups in the workforce. She emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, mental health and well-being, and fluidity and flexibility in the workplace. Shirlea highlights the value of legacy leaders and the need to support and harness their expertise. She also encourages companies to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion and create a supportive and authentic work environment. Additionally, she emphasizes to the VPWS Ladies the need for clear expectations and effective onboarding processes. The conversation highlights the importance of being honest with oneself and others when it comes to pursuing a role or career path. It emphasizes the need for companies to have transparent messaging during the interview and onboarding process, as well as when saying goodbye to employees. The ladies also touch on the importance of work-life balance and creating a hybrid model that suits different generations and individual needs. It suggests that companies should invest in their employees' growth and well-being, and be open to non-traditional approaches and diverse communication practices. Lastly, it emphasizes the value of collaboration, authenticity, and continuous learning in building a successful multi-generational workforce.

This episode explores the dynamics of the multi-generational workforce, where four different generations are collaborating under one roof. The VPWS Ladies focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this mix, as well as how businesses are adapting to this diverse landscape. Key statistics are shared, such as the dominance of millennials in the workforce and the high job turnover costs associated with this generation. The importance of work-life balance and remote work arrangements is highlighted, along with the need for in-person collaboration and the impact on mental health. They explore the differences in working styles among different generations, including baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. Baby boomers prefer face-to-face communication and value structure, while Gen X seeks frequent and honest feedback and values a balance between autonomy and collaboration. Millennials desire immediate feedback, meaningful work, and work-life balance. Gen Z values face-to-face feedback, flexible work environments, and transparency. Despite these differences, all generations share the same basic emotions and needs. The ladies emphasize the importance of respecting boundaries, communicating preferences openly, challenging stereotypes, and not playing favorites.

Kelly, Kerri and Melanie explore the impact of empathy at different stages of a career. They highlight the importance of empathy in building relationships and seeking guidance in the early stages of a career. They also discuss how empathy helps navigate leadership challenges in mid-career and how it plays a significant role in mentoring and understanding clients in later career stages. The conversation emphasizes that empathy is not just a soft skill but a critical competency that influences personal growth and professional success. The ladies also address obstacles to empathy in the workplace and the importance of fostering an empathetic organizational culture. The conversation concludes by providing tips for practicing empathy in the workplace.Takeaways:Empathy plays a pivotal role in building relationships, seeking guidance, and adapting to new environments in the early stages of a career.In mid-career, empathy helps navigate leadership challenges, foster better communication, and resolve conflicts.In later career stages, empathy is crucial for mentoring, understanding clients, and providing tailored solutions.Cultivating empathy throughout one's career enhances teamwork, decision-making, and job satisfaction, and fosters an inclusive and innovative work culture.

The ladies discuss how to foster company culture and connection in remote and hybrid organizations without enforcing a mandatory return to the office (woo-hoo, right?). They emphasize the importance of shared values, beliefs, and behaviours that unite a team, and how remote and hybrid work arrangements can make it challenging to preserve this culture. HR and Recruiting experts Kerri and Kelly provide practical strategies such as clear communication, leaders leading by example, and creating virtual spaces for informal interactions. They also highlight the value of remote work options for maintaining a vibrant culture and strong connections. It's all about options!!

In this episode, Kerri and Kelly focus on creating DEIB frameworks in the workplace that are genuinely embedded in the company's culture and operations. The chapters cover topics such as leadership training and development, diversity recruitment and retention programs, workshops and communication, aligning DEIB strategies with business strategy, creating effective policies and practices, empowering employees to participate, building inclusive cultures, measuring and assessing DEIB initiatives, learning from mistakes and obstacles, and accountability and continuous improvement.

Part two episode, continuing our discussion around DEIB Frameworks in the Workplace, special guest Buki Hough joins Kelly and Melanie and discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. She shares her personal journey and highlights the need for senior leadership support in driving DEI initiatives. Buki emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to DEI, including ongoing education and embedding DEI into the organizational culture. She also addresses common challenges organizations face in fostering diversity and inclusion, such as tokenism and lack of accountability. Buki provides practical strategies for addressing unconscious bias and creating inclusive hiring practices. A must-listen!! Check out @melanatedmariners on instagram to learn more about Buki.

In this conversation, Kelly and Kerri discuss the signs of a toxic work environment and how to differentiate them from challenging moments. They emphasize the importance of addressing persistent conflict among colleagues, the need for transparent and effective communication from management, and the negative impact of a culture of fear or intimidation. They also highlight that occasional disagreements and stressful periods at work do not necessarily indicate a toxic environment. By understanding these signs, individuals can assess the health of their work environment and take steps to address or mitigate toxic elements. In this conversation, they discuss toxic work environments and how to create a healthy workplace culture. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs of toxicity and differentiating between temporary challenges and consistent toxic patterns. The hosts also highlight the significance of employee well-being and support, including mental health needs and professional development opportunities. They discuss the role of accountability, acknowledging mistakes, and fostering mutual respect in mitigating toxic behaviours. The conversation concludes with a call to action for both employees and employers to prioritize a positive work environment.

In the first episode of Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom, hosts and Recruiting/HR Experts Kelly and Kerri discuss strategies and considerations for hiring talent that aligns with the demands of tomorrow's workforce. They emphasize the importance of future-oriented hiring in today's rapidly evolving marketplace, driven by technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. The hosts highlight the need to prioritize competencies over specific skills and invest in upskilling to ensure a future-ready team. They also explore the concept of the stay interview, which focuses on employee retention by understanding what keeps employees engaged and satisfied. Lastly, they discuss the significance of fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration to attract and retain top talent! (Fear not, loyal listeners, the Hire Expectations crew has upgraded their studio equipment and can assure you a much smoother sounding episode 02! Thanks for listening!)

The Co-Founders of VP Workforce Solutions, Kelly von Raesfeld, and Kerri Petrachek, with their host Melanie, give a sneak peek on the fresh perspectives into the workforce you'll get from this new podcast!