PCTY Talks

In this penultimate episode, host Shari Simpson and Corinne Tirone tackle the complex world of HR compliance and delve into the most pressing issues facing today's organizations. They share their insights on how companies can ensure compliance with legal requirements while promoting employee well-being and inclusivity. Exploring the challenges of managing mental health in the workplace, navigating remote work policies, implementing effective paid parental leave programs, and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to help your organization stay compliant and support your workforce's overall health and success. Guest(s): Corinne Tirone, Director of Government Relations, Paylocity Corinne Tirone is the Director of Government Relations here at Paylocity. Corinne is an attorney with over 12 years of experience in legal research and payroll and HR compliance. Her focus at Paylocity is on monitoring the legislative landscape at the federal, state, and local levels to help inform the organization's development projects, compliance strategy, and risk mitigation plans. In addition, Corinne serves on the board of the National Payroll Reporting Consortium and leverages strong relationships with agencies and industry groups to stay informed of regulatory trends and changing compliance requirements.

In today's fast-paced and dynamic workplace, employees' expectations of their work experiences have changed significantly. It's no longer enough for organizations to offer competitive salaries and benefits. Today, employees seek meaningful work, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for growth and development. To attract and retain top talent, companies must create an exceptional employee experience. Join host Shari Simpson and guests Tracy Klein and Noreen Macmahon as they discuss how organizations can enable their managers to create unforgettable employee experiences. They explore the key elements that contribute to creating an outstanding employee experience, such as a culture of trust, transparency, and inclusivity, as well as opportunities for growth and development, recognition, and work-life balance. Guest(s): Tracy Klein, Senior Manager of Employee Experience and Noreen MacMahon, Director of Organizational Development at Paylocity Tracy leverages digital analytics to implement, transform, and drive meaningful business decisions at all levels of an organization as a strategic, forward-thinking leader with over 15 years of HR experience,  Whether in her current role as Senior Manager of Employee Experience at Paylocity, where she curates moments that matter or in her previous roles establishing Total Workforce strategies and forecasting, Tracy is always seeking her next opportunity to work cross-functionally.   Her unique point of view comes from working across many industries with a desire not only to learn but help bridge the gap.  Noreen MacMahon has been able to grow and practice many skills over the last 20+ years. Some favorites are, facilitating, debriefing assessments, coaching professionals at all levels, designing and implementing change management plans focused on people, and supporting people in being their most capable and confident versions of themselves. She values the trusted relationships she has built. Fairness and respect are core values for her. These are the differentiators that have enabled her success Her constants are that she loves to learn, is an evangelist for curiosity, is an early adopter of technology, and is energized by change. 

If you've got a new employee joining the team, there's no time like the present to ensure they get off to the best start possible! With experience-based onboarding, both employer and employee benefit from an engaging first-day boost – not only is it more likely that the new hire will enjoy their first days on the job, but companies reap the rewards in terms of better-integrated staff members in less time. Join host Shari Simpson and guest Andre Mayes as they examine why experience-based onboarding might be just what your organization needs. Guest Bio: Andre Mayes, Program Manager Organizational Learning, Paylocity Andre is a Program Manager in Organizational Learning and has been with Paylocity for eleven years. Andre has spent the last eight years of his career in Learning & Development, researching how to engage and retain talent in today's workforce; designing some of the most impactful programs in our Operations space. Now working on Paylocity's onboarding strategy, he spends his time working with leaders across the business to design and build one of the most comprehensive employee onboarding programs in the business. 

When differences in pay between senior and entry-level positions shrink, it jeopardizes efforts to attract and retain talented employees. To avoid this unfortunate situation, employers should take proactive steps to review salary practices and conduct periodic compensation surveys. Furthermore, they should consider creative ways to provide rewards that don't rely on pay increases – such as giving more vacation time, recognizing achievements with public acknowledgment, or offering flexible hours. Join host Shari Simpson and Lizzy Bores as they discuss how to address and further prevent pay compression in your organization. Guest Bio: Lizzy Bores, Senior HR Business Partner, Paylocity Lizzy has 14 years of extensive HR experience in numerous roles and industries, which included a focus on compensation, talent acquisition, and learning and development. She joined Paylocity in 2018 and currently provides strategic support to our Technical Services organization through a partnership with its leadership teams. She also creates and refines various initiatives to align with the future needs of the Operations org and to drive a positive employee experience. Mentioned In Episode Webinar: Pay Compression: What You Need to Know — and Fix

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace positively impacts work by increasing innovation and creativity, improving problem-solving abilities, and creating a better understanding of the needs and strengths of all employees. Join host Shari Simpson and guest Jenny Jeep Johnson as they address common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding neurodiversity, highlighting the importance of education and open-mindedness in creating a more inclusive work environment. Guest Bio: Jenny Jeep Johnson, Actor, Speaker, Lawyer, Sales Leader As a proud Millennial, Jenny Jeep Johnson's resume and interests read a bit like a tasting menu.  Formal education includes BA in Theatre and English from Marquette University, a Juris Doctor from NIU Law, and continuing education certificates from Cornell University.  Jenny has acted professionally, held public office, established herself as a public speaker, and won multiple sales awards.  Her most recent adventure has her managing accounts for a luxury appliance company while raising three children with her husband and two rascally dogs.

Layoffs are never easy, and it's especially difficult when it comes to supporting employees who may be affected. Unfortunately, in today's business climate, layoffs often become necessary for various reasons. While the decision is always hard on those involved, there are some strategies and approaches you can take as a manager or part of human resources that will help both those being laid off feel supported during this time, as well as alleviate stress from others in your department or organization. Join host Shari Simpson and guest Kate Grimaldi as they explore some tips for helping employees through layoffs with compassion and care so that everyone can emerge from the experience feeling heard and supported. Guest: Kate Grimaldi, Senior Director of Enterprise Talent Strategy at Paylocity Kate is a seasoned HR professional with over a decade of experience in various industries. Starting in 2017 at Paylocity, Kate made an impact quickly, rising through the ranks and propelling company HR initiatives forward. Today, she lends her skills to multiple projects, including speaking at local and national conferences, working closely with the C-Suite on HR and business alignment, updating the company of more than 5,000 employees with important announcements weekly, and cultivating an inclusive culture that supports the modern workforce.

Conversations around "hustle culture," constant availability, and working 24/7 led to a new buzzword that took the internet by storm: “quiet quitting.” Now 6+ months later, we have “quiet hiring.” Quiet hiring is far from silent, it communicates the strengths of a team and its ability to adjust to the ever-evolving business environment. Join host Shari Simpson and guest Kate Grimaldi as they discuss how companies are recognizing skills in employees and quietly recruiting them for meaningful stretch assignments. Guest: Kate Grimaldi, Senior Director of Enterprise Talent Strategy at Paylocity Kate is a seasoned HR professional with over a decade of experience in various industries. Starting in 2017 at Paylocity, Kate made an impact quickly, rising through the ranks and propelling company HR initiatives forward. Today, she lends her skills to multiple projects, including speaking at local and national conferences, working closely with the C-Suite on HR and business alignment, updating the company of more than 5,000 employees with important announcements weekly, and cultivating an inclusive culture that supports the modern workforce.

To be successful in business, it's important to have a high EQ — that is, your emotional intelligence. But what about your writing EQ? To connect with your audience and write persuasively, you need to sharpen your writing skills. Join Erin Lebacqz and host Shari Simpson as they discuss some tips to help you improve your business writing EQ. Guest: Erin Lebacqz is an International Educator: Teacher | Author | Speaker with High-Value Writing Erin Lebacqz has been teaching writing for 25 years, both in the United States and internationally. Erin created the High-Value Writing program to help business writers develop more clarity and confidence in their writing. Erin's book and YouTube channel provide down-to-earth strategies and examples to help readers learn to write with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence. Mentioned in the episode: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlebacqz/ Website: High-Value Writing https://www.highvaluewriting.com/ YouTube: Top 10 Writing Tips for Business Writers: https://youtu.be/QgNVT-SKSps

Jade Simmons is a classically trained concert pianist who, over time, has added speaking to her audience and mixing different genres of music into her repertoire to create what she calls "concert adventures." Simmons believes that imposter syndrome can be overcome by focusing on creating something new instead of imitating what has come before. Listen in as Jade Simmons and host Shari Simpson discuss how you tackle making a lasting impact in your organization and the world around you. Mentioned in Episode: Website: https://jadesimmons.com/ Guest: Jade Simmons, World-class concert pianist, powerhouse activational speaker, and CEO of Jade Media Global Acclaimed creator of mind-blowing transformational experiences and named one of the “Best Keynote Speakers” (Northstar Meetings), Jade spent the first few years of her career performing as a classical concert pianist. Following an artistic epiphany, she pivoted from playing the piano to impressing audiences to using the piano as the vehicle by which to provide the inspiration, entertainment, and transformation that profoundly moves them instead. The results have been, well…darn impressive. No stranger to pushing boundaries to see bold results, this concert pianist turned world changer is brought in by the likes of corporations like Barron's, Mass Mutual, Royal Bank of Canada, DOW, Raytheon, the Hershey Company, Genentech, Valic, Pfizer, and Nationwide to redefine purpose, inspire seismic shifts in mindset, and activate audiences to go out and instantly start living more consequential lives of impact.

Do you manage an hourly workforce? You're not alone. A recent study found that around 60% of businesses in the US rely on hourly employees. But managing a shift-based workforce can be tricky. If you're not careful, you could wind up with scheduling nightmares and angry employees. Join Traci Chernoff and host Shari Simpson as they discuss the benefits of modern workforce management tools used to optimize staffing levels and keep employees informed. Guest Bio: Traci Chernoff, Senior Director of Employee Engagement, Legion Technologies Traci Chernoff is the Director of Employee Engagement at Legion Technologies and an experienced HR leader. Before joining Legion, Traci spent nearly a decade in key HR leadership roles for both luxury and big-box retailers like Target, directly supporting retail management and hourly teams across North America. Recently, Traci worked as a Director of Human Resources for global luxury retailer SMCP, where store managers could reduce the time spent on scheduling by 50% with Legion Workforce Management. Traci is the host and creator of the podcast "Bringing the Human back to Human Resources," where she destigmatizes HR by uniting employee demands and business needs while simultaneously challenging the perceptions and stigmas surrounding HR. Mentioned in the episode: Podcast: Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources Company: Legion Technologies LinkedIn: Traci Chernoff  

It's estimated that 50 percent of the workforce comprises freelancers, contractors and temporary employees. That's right – the days of traditional full-time employment are numbered. So, what does this mean for managers and HR professionals? Join Elizebeth Varghese and host Shari Simpson as they discuss thinking about work in a new way. Guest: Elizebeth Varghese, Global Business Leader I People & Technology Strategist I Board Director I Author Elizebeth leads and transforms organizations to achieve powerful business outcomes. She is a global business leader and advocate of servant leadership, a trusted C-suite advisor and a board director. Elizebeth furthers People, Technology and HR strategies with solutions in artificial intelligence, Blockchain and robotics - for organizations that operate worldwide and in Space. She is recognized as a global Top 100 Influencer for her continuing work as a futurist and thought leader. She is a #1 best-selling author on management and leadership. Elizebeth brings creativity and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to inspire, uncover the best thinking and exceed business results. Elizebeth is on the Council of Advisors for the SETI Institute, which works with NASA and other space agencies to explore, in understand and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe. Elizebeth champions space exploration education and programs. She is a Board member at SAYA, a non-profit organization providing after-school programming, education and college support. Mentioned in the episode: Book: [Block]Chain Reaction: The Future of How We Live and Work https://amzn.to/3hHbuKE S.E.T.I.: https://www.seti.org/ Website: https://elizebethvarghese.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese/

As businesses continue to grow and evolve, so too does the role of the CHRO. No longer is this executive responsible for just human resources; they are now a strategic partner in creating and implementing company-wide initiatives. Join Jim Link and host Shari Simpson as they discuss how the CHRO needs to be more than just a HR expert - they need to be a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to the CEO. Guest: Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, CHRO, SHRM Jim Link is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Society for Human Resource Management.  With more than 315,000 members worldwide, SHRM is the largest HR professional association in the world and the leading voice for matters related to workers and the workplace. Jim's career includes roles of increasing responsibility across various industries and companies, including General Electric, the Pillsbury Company, Porsche Cars, and Randstad.  In his recent role as CHRO for Randstad North America, he led a global team of 150 HR professionals who were instrumental in transforming the company into an award-winning, inclusive, and sustainable global leader. Jim has served as a volunteer leader in several organizations, including the SHRM Foundation Board, the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank Human Capital Advisory Board, and the Human Resources Leadership Forum. Jim holds undergraduate and master's degrees from Murray State University.  Born and raised on a working family farm in western Kentucky, he resides in Atlanta and Alexandria, VA. Jim is an adjunct instructor in the Executive MBA program at the University of Poznan (Poland) School of Economics and Business and the University of Liège (Belgium) Asia-Pacific campus in Taipei, Taiwan. Mentioned in the episode: SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/ Jim Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-link/

A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that women are now just as likely as men to hold managerial jobs. While this is a great step forward, it also brings new challenges for both companies and women in leadership. One of the most important issues facing managers today is keeping these leaders engaged and motivated. Join Dr. Mira Brancu and host Shari Simpson as they discuss tips for helping women in leadership stay on track and achieve their goals. Guest: Dr. Mira Brancu, Consulting Psychologist & CEO/Founder, Brancu & Associates Dr. Mira Brancu helps executives, and their teams, lead well today and better navigate tomorrow. Her organization development consulting firm, Brancu & Associates, was awarded the 2021 Corporate Philanthropy Award for supporting under-served women professionally and economically. Dr. Brancu brings two decades of experience in healthcare and academia, including an award-winning leadership career at the US Department of Veterans Affairs and a faculty appointment at Duke University. Dr. Brancu is also a contributor to Psychology Today and Thrive Global and the author of Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics. Mentioned in the episode: McKinsey Article: https://leanin.org/women-in-the-workplace Mira Brancu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirabrancu/  

A report compiled by the Harvard Business Review revealed that within the next 10 years, 65% of jobs will necessitate new skills that are not currently required. As the world progresses and changes, so too must the field of human resources. Join Alex Alonso and host Shari Simpson as they discuss the most essential skills for HR professionals in the future. Guest: Dr. Alex Alonso, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, Chief Knowledge Officer, SHRM Alexander Alonso, PhD, SHRM-SCP is the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM's) Chief Knowledge Officer leading operations for SHRM's Certified Professional and Senior Certified Professional certifications, research functions, and the SHRM Knowledge Advisor service. He is responsible for all research activities, including developing the SHRM Competency Model and SHRM credentials. During his career, he has worked with numerous subject matter experts worldwide to identify performance standards, develop competency models, design organizational assessments, and conduct job analyses. He was also responsible for working on contract task orders involving the development of measurement tools for content areas such as job knowledge (like teacher knowledge of instructional processes) and organizational climates (like organizational climate forecasting in military health care). Dr. Alonso received his doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Florida International University in 2003. His works have been recognized for their contribution to real-world issues. They include being recognized by the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychology (Division 14 of the APA; SIOP) with the 2007 M. Scott Myers Award for Applied Research in the Workplace for the development of the federal standard for medical team training, TeamSTEPPS; being awarded a 2009 Presidential Citation for Innovative Practice by the American Psychological Association for supporting the development of competency model for team triage in emergency medicine; receiving the 2013 SIOP Distinguished Early Career Contributions for Practice Award. Throughout his career, he has published works in peer-reviewed journals such as Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice, Journal of Applied Psychology, International Journal of Selection and Assessment, People and Strategy, Personality and Individual Differences, Quality and Safety in Health Care, and Human Resources Management Review. He has also authored several chapters on community-based change initiatives in workforce readiness, as well as co-authoring Defining HR Success: A Guide to the SHRM Competency Model in Practice. Dr. Alonso also served as a columnist analyzing major trends in the workforce for The Industrial Psychologist and HR Magazine. In addition, he has served on several professional society boards, including the SIOP and the Personnel Testing Council of Metropolitan Washington.   Mentioned in the episode: SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/ Dr. Alex Alonso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-alonso-shrm/

You might think, as a manager or HR professional, that you're already doing all you can to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in your workplace. But there are always ways you can step up your game – and building a team of diversity advocates is one great way to do it. Join Holly Norton and host Shari Simpson as they discuss ways to create a DEIA-friendly workplace. Guest: Holly Norton, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Division Group Program Manager, County of San Diego | Department of Human Resources Holly Norton is a Program Manager with the Department of Human Resources Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) division in the County of San Diego. She has worked as a learning and development professional for over 15 years across academic, secular, corporate, and government. In every position, she has found ways to leverage her passion for creating opportunities for transformational growth and connection. Mentioned in the episode: County of San Diego: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hr.html Holly Norton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-chow-norton/

There's a new generation in the workforce, and if you want to understand them, you need to learn about Gen Z. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s, this group is already making its mark on the world. So, what's different about Gen Zers? Join Hana Ben-Shabat and host Shari Simpson as they talk about what Gen Z wants from work and how managers can start preparing for them now. Guest: Hana Ben-Shabat, Founder, Gen Z Planet Hana is the founder of Gen Z Planet ─ a research and advisory firm. She helps business leaders to prepare for the next generation of employees and consumers. In this role, Hana combines her passion for insights with her commitment to support the integration of the next generation into society. As an award-winning management consultant who was named one of the “Top 25 Consultants” by Consulting Magazine, Hana is a sought-after speaker and business commentator and is the author of the book Gen Z 360: Preparing for the Inevitable Change in Culture, Work, and Commerce. Mentioned in the episode: Hana Ben-Shabat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanabenshabat/ Book: Gen Z 360 https://amzn.to/3UPA75l Website: https://genzplanet.com/

Are you staying ahead of compliance requirements? Let's face it, it's not always easy to keep up with all the latest changes in the law. But if you don't stay on top of things, you could find yourself in big trouble. Join Emily Dickens and host Shari Simpson as they talk about the complexities of the compliance landscape and how to stay informed. Guest: Emily Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary, SHRM A lawyer by training, Emily is a business executive currently working for the world's largest human resources association. She speaks nationally and globally on issues related to work, workers and the workplace. Emily oversees administrative services, board relations, executive office, global outreach, and government/external affairs. Additionally, she represents the organization on the boards of the World Federation of Personnel Management Associations (WFPMA), the North American Human Resources Management Association, and the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL). Mentioned in the episode: Emily Dickens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-dickens-shrm/ SHRM Multi-State Comparison Tool: https://www.hrconnection.com/Home/tabid/5246186/language/en-US/Default.aspx

It's no secret that emotional intelligence (EI) is a key ingredient to success. After all, how can you lead and inspire others if you can't relate to them emotionally? Join Bethany Adams and host Shari Simpson as they discuss what exactly emotional intelligence is and how you can develop it in yourself and your team. Guest: Bethany J. Adams, MA, SHRM-SCP, Associate Director - Marketing & Strategy, Villanova University Bethany Adams has more than 15 years of experience in HR and education.  She began her career working in training and development and HR in the restaurant and retail industries. She has experience in both small, privately-owned businesses and large, Fortune 500 organizations. Bethany holds a BA in Psychology, MA in Organizational Management, and the SHRM-SCP certification.  She currently teaches at Villanova University and serves as the Associate Director of Marketing & Strategy for the Villanova Graduate Programs in Human Resource Development.  Bethany has spoken at a wide variety of HR & education conferences throughout the country on topics including strategic HR, design thinking, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and emotional intelligence.  Bethany hosts an HR podcast called HR Tea. Mentioned in the episode: Book: No Hard Feelings: https://amzn.to/3HimeK0 Book: Atlas of the Heart: https://amzn.to/3P50UJT Brene Brown Podcast: https://brenebrown.com/podcasts/ Bethany Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyjadams/

It's hard to believe, but 2023 is just around the corner. In HR circles, that means one thing: time to start preparing for the future! What can you expect over the next few years? Join John Baldino, Josh Rock, and host Shari Simpson as they discuss a few predictions.   Guest(s): John Baldino, President, Humareso John founded Humareso to strategize with companies to develop plans to manage talent, recruit for skills gaps based on employee inventories, assess markets for growth, develop long-range succession plans and influence a culture of enthusiastic buy-in.  Humareso provides outsourced human resource services, including its flagship HRO plan, which helps businesses save money, increase productivity, and reduce legal risks by providing dedicated HR consulting for compliance, training, performance management, employee relations, workplace management, discipline and other important HR best practices. John has a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in HR Development and has 27 years of experience in Human Resources. His areas of expertise include Performance and Change Management, Organizational Development, Leadership Development, etc. Josh Rock, Talent Acquisition Manager, Nuss Truck Group Inc. Josh Rock is the Talent Acquisition Manager with Nuss Truck & Equipment in Minnesota. Josh is also the lead moderator of JobHuntChat, the longest weekly job advice chat on Twitter for the past 11 years. Josh's infectious energy and enthusiasm for career advancement & discovery lead him to speak to scores of colleges and job-seeking groups across the US.   Mentioned in the episode: Humareso: https://humareso.com/ Nuss Truck Group Inc: https://www.nussgrp.com/  

In case you were hiding under a rock last year, California passed some major workplace legislation that will impact how managers and HR professionals operate in the Golden State. Join Kim Gusman and host Shari Simpson as they recap what you need to know as we head into 2023. Guest: Kim (Parker) Gusman is the President and CEO of the California Employers Association (CEA).  Kim is an experienced HR Generalist, a dynamic speaker and a proven leader who has been successfully leading CEA since 2002. Thoroughly immersed in human resources and operations for over 25 years, Kim has various HR experiences in retail, insurance, and manufacturing environments.  Kim exhibits her comprehensive bank of knowledge and crystal-clear strategic guidance with CEA members and staff daily. Kim earned her BA degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Human Resources, at the University of Puget Sound.  In addition to her role as CEO at CEA, Kim is a founding member of the Employers Association of America.  She is an active member of the California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE), where she serves on their Board of Directors and their Capital Region Council.  Active with workforce development boards, she served on the Sacramento Works Board from 2004-2018.  Mentioned in the episode: California Employers Association: https://www.employers.org/

There's been much talk lately about the gender wage gap, and rightly so. However, another issue that deserves more attention is the retention of women in the workplace. Too often, women leave their jobs or switch careers because they feel stalled or unsupported. Listen in as Jess Von Bank and host Shari Simpson talk about supporting and retaining women in the workplace. Guest: Jess Von Bank, Head of Brand Strategy, Leapgen Jess Von Bank is an 18-year industry veteran and impassioned evangelist of the modern candidate and employee experience. As both a former recruiting practitioner and an expert in bringing TA Tech and HCM vendor solutions to market, Jess looks to broaden their executive mindset to better design and deliver a workforce experience that exceeds the expectations of talent and the needs of the business. Jess offers specialized expertise in talent acquisition, recruitment marketing, employer branding, DEI&B, brand-building, and storytelling. Jess is the Head of Marketing for Leapgen, a digital transformation company shaping the Now of Work. She also runs the Now of Work, Leapgen's global community for HR, Talent, and workforce experience professionals.  Jess is an active community emcee, ambassador for women's and girls' organizations, and President of Diverse Daisies, a nonprofit for girls' enrichment and empowerment. She lives in Minneapolis, where she races for free swag and raises her 3 daughters. Mentioned in the episode: Leapgen: https://www.leapgen.com/  

The business world moves fast. The only way to stay ahead of the competition is to constantly think about new ways to disrupt your industry. But even if you're always coming up with new ideas, there's a good chance you'll eventually hit a wall. That's because your competitors are probably doing the same thing. How can you keep breaking through and staying ahead? Listen in as Jason Averbook and host Shari Simpson talk about disrupting your thinking as an HR leader and why it's crucial to stay ahead of the competition. Guest: Jason Averbook, Co-founder and CEO, Leapgen Jason Averbook is a leading analyst, thought leader and consultant in the area of human resources, the future of work and the impact technology have on that future. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Leapgen, a digital transformation company helping organizations shape their future workplace by broadening executive mindset to rethink how to better design and deliver employee services that meet the expectations of the workforce and the needs of the business. Prior to founding Leapgen, Jason served as the CEO of The Marcus Buckingham Company (TMBC). In 2005, he co-founded Knowledge Infusion LLC and served as its CEO until 2012, when the company was sold to Appirio. He has also held senior leadership roles at PeopleSoft and Ceridian Corporation. Jason has more than 20 years of experience in the HR and technology industries and has collaborated with industry-leading companies in transforming their HR organizations into strategic partners. Jason has been recognized globally as one of the top 3 thought leaders around HR technology and the future of work. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS: Human Resource Executive | Named top 100 HR Tech Influencers People Hum | Top 70 HR Tech Thought Leaders Mentioned in the episode: Leapgen: https://www.leapgen.com/    

As a business leader, you know that data is power. You use analytics to make strategic decisions about where to allocate your resources, how to grow your business, and what new products or services to offer. So why wouldn't you use data to drive your recruiting strategy? Listen in as Lance Sapera and host Shari Simpson discuss how using data to drive your recruiting efforts can make your recruiting more efficient. Guest: Lance Sapera , Vice President of Talent Acquisition, Talend Lance shares the work of transforming the data space for talent acquisition to streamline processes and make it easier for businesses to find the people they need. He is purpose-driven and passionate about working with great people. An innovator and developer of high-performance teams and people in technology, cyber security, fitness, and the military, He knows how to engage and hire talent that drives enduring growth and productivity. He has a strong reputation for collaborative problem-solving and completing tough challenges. Purpose-driven and passionate about working with great people, Lance's “Mission first. People always.” mindset drives difference-making results for team members and the company. An innovator and developer of high-performance teams and people in technology, cyber security, fitness and the military, he knows how to engage and hire talent that drives enduring growth and productivity. Collectively, leaders and peers agree that he has a strong reputation for collaborative problem-solving and completing tough challenges. Lance is also passionate about supporting veterans and military spouses transitioning to the private sector. Mentioned in the episode: Talend: https://www.talend.com/  

There's no doubt that technology has changed the way HR works. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself how it's changed how employees work? According to a study by PwC, 84 percent of global executives say that their organization is either "very" or "somewhat" digitized, and 49 percent say that they've seen an increase in employee productivity due to digital tools. Listen in as Nicole Sloane and host Shari Simpson discuss using technology to create a more engaged and connected workforce. Guest: Nicole Sloane, CEP, Employee Experience Leader, Kimberly-Clark Corporation Nicole Sloane is the Employee Experience Leader on the Global HR Operations Team for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, whose trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and locations. Nicole is a frequent speaker at events and on podcasts related to HR technology and employee experience. She was HR Transformation Project Lead during Kimberly-Clark's global HR transformation and led the digital experience workstream to implement key foundational technology to support the HR service delivery model. Prior to that, she was the Global Stock Plan Manager with responsibility for the overall management of the global equity plan, which delivers awards to employees in over 50 countries. During her 25 years with Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and prior to managing the global equity plan, Nicole held positions in Corporate Compensation, Domestic & Global Mobility, North American Payroll, and Benefits Finance. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Carson-Newman University and earned the Certified Equity Professional designation. She previously served on the Global Equity Organization Board of Directors for 7 years and chaired that board for 2 years. Mentioned in the episode: Kimberly-Clark Corporation: https://www.kimberly-clark.com/en-us/  

Do you know what your employees want? You should if you want them to stick around. Research shows that creating employee personas can help you understand what makes your people happy in their jobs. Listen in as Mary Kaplan and host Shari Simpson discuss the how and why behind creating employee personas. Guest: Mary Kaplan, Product Marketing Manager, LumApps Mary helps companies discover more effective ways to communicate and collaborate and improve HR processes and company culture through their employee experience platform. Mary works with HR and Chief Communications Officers, along with other executives and business stakeholders, to help reduce silos of information within their businesses through personalized communications. She focuses on delivering assets and collateral in collaboration with LumApps' leadership team to demonstrate the value of LumApps. She also helps mentor and train new team members in the Austin office. Mentioned in the episode: LumApps: https://www.lumapps.com/  

Employee engagement isn't just a HR thing. Sure, HR is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage employees, but business leaders need to be involved too. After all, employee engagement is linked to business performance. Listen in as Jessica Dunyon and host Shari Simpson talk about engagement initiatives at the leader level.  Guest: Jessica Dunyon, MBA, PMP, Director of Go To Market Strategy, Infor For more than a decade, Jessica has sold, marketed, and supported cloud technology solutions for various industries in both the private & public sectors. As an operations leader in process manufacturing for nearly 10 years, she is passionate about the convergence of people, and technology, and doing great work. Mentioned in the episode: Infor: https://www.infor.com/  

Are you happy with your company's Total Rewards Program? If not, you're not alone. A recent study found that less than half of employees are satisfied with their current benefits package. So, what can be done to make Total Rewards more appealing? Listen in as Kim Seals and host Shari Simpson discuss tips on how to create a rewarding experience for both your employees and your bottom line! Guest: Kim Seals, Senior Partner, West Monroe Partners Kim Seals is a Senior Partner in West Monroe's Human Capital Management practice. Kim has spent more than 25 years of her career in global human resource consulting, corporate and leadership roles. Her expertise includes leading M&A transactions, HR service delivery transformation, talent, compensation, benefits, and recruiting program design, as well as technology development, selection, and implementation globally. Prior to joining West Monroe, Kim was a Managing Partner at Sapient Insights Group, a research and advisory consulting firm. Kim previously spent 15 years at Mercer in several positions, including Atlanta Market Leader, Global Talent Technology Solutions Leader, and HR Effectiveness Global Practice Leader. Mentioned in the episode: West Monroe Partners: https://www.westmonroe.com/our-team/kim-seals    

If you're like most business leaders, you're always on the lookout for new and innovative employee benefits that will keep your team happy and engaged. But what if there was a way to customize those benefits specifically to your employees' needs? Listen in as Mary Faulkner and host Shari Simpson discuss personalized benefit offerings at the employee level. Guest: Mary Faulkner. Principal, IA | Author of Surviving Leadership Blog Mary is a talent strategist and business leader with 15+ years of experience helping organizations achieve their goals. After working on the operations side of start-ups and small companies, Mary landed in HR by way of learning and development, with extensive experience in leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, coaching, key talent planning, talent acquisition, performance management, business partnering, HRIS, process and policy creation, total rewards, and instructional design. Mary is a builder and a problem solver. She has worked in various industries, including public utilities, healthcare, energy, and media. In addition to her work within companies, Mary authors a leadership development blog to continue the dialogue around leadership challenges — both being a leader AND being led. Mary is a regular contributor to HRExaminer.com and has also written for SHRM, Recruiting Daily, and other publications. Mentioned in the episode: IA

There's no doubt that technology has changed the way we live and work. And as technology has evolved, so too have the ways we use it to improve our lives and work. One area where technology has had a significant impact is in the benefits space.  Listen in as Ellen McCann and host Shari Simpson discuss how to best leverage your technology to increase benefit utilization. Guest: Ellen McCann, Assistant Vice President, Unum Solutions Ellen is an acclaimed national speaker on leave management issues, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She is also a certified trainer for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and continuing education (CE) credit. As Assistant Vice President Unum Solutions, she combines more than 30 years of employment law experience with practical knowledge of the complexities of leave and accommodation management to help develop and create solutions that enable employers to address the challenges of leave and accommodations.  Currently, Ellen is helping to create, define and support Total Leave, Unum's modern, digital leave management solution, and Unum's Vaccine Verifier, a digital solution that helps track vaccination status, manage exemption requests and oversee testing. Ellen joined Unum's Solutions organization in August of 2021 after briefly working for the employment law firm of Littler Mendelson. Before working for Littler, Ellen was Assistant Vice President, Legal Counsel of Unum's Employment Law Group, where she provided legal support to Unum's Absence Management Center and advised Human Resources on all employment-related legal issues for more than 23 years. She worked for a law firm in Boston for seven years before joining Unum. Ellen graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and the University of Notre Dame Law School.  Mentioned in the episode: Unum

The future of training is here, and it's in virtual reality. VR allows trainees to immerse themselves in realistic environments where they can practice skills and gain experience without putting themselves or others at risk. VR is already being used by the military, police, and medical professionals to provide safe, realistic training scenarios. Listen to Gita Barry and host Shari Simpson talk about the benefits of using VR. Guest: Gita Barry, EVP and General Manager of Immersive Healthcare, Penumbra Gita is the executive vice president and general manager of immersive healthcare at Penumbra, Inc. With more than 25 years in the medical device industry, Gita leads a diverse team of developers and specialists to bring virtual reality-based immersive technology to a broad range of healthcare settings with an extensive library of activities and experiences to address various health conditions. Before joining Penumbra, Gita worked at Stryker Corporation in product management, strategy, business development and information technology. Gita received a BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Miami (FL) and an Executive MBA from Santa Clara University. Mentioned in the episode: Penumbra https://www.penumbrainc.com/ Real Immersive VR System: https://www.realsystem.com/  

The evolution of HR technology has been nothing short of amazing. We've gone from data being stored on paper to it being stored in the cloud. We've gone from using spreadsheets to using data analytics. And we've gone from hiring managers making decisions based on their gut to making decisions based on data and analytics. But what does the future hold for HR technology trends? Listen in as Phil Albinus and host Shari Simpson discuss the future of human resources technology. Guest: Phil Albinus, HR Tech Editor for HRE Phil has been covering personal and business technology for 25 years and has served as editor and executive editor for several financial services, trading technology and employee benefits titles. He is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and lives in the Hudson Valley with his audiologist wife and three adult children. He can be reached at palbinus@lrp.com and on social media below. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-albinus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/philalbinus Mentioned in the episode: Human Resource Executive: https://hrexecutive.com/

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the SHRM Foundation, and the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) announced a partnership today to adapt the SHRM Foundation's Employing Abilities at Work Certificate program and resource guide to serve California workplaces and Californians with disabilities. Join Joe Xavier and host Shari Simpson as they discuss the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities and how the partnership will connect employers with previously untapped talent pools. Guest: Joe Xavier, Director, California Department of Rehabilitation Joe Xavier, Director of the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), has over 38 years of experience in business and public administration, as well as many years participating in advocacy and community organizations. As an immigrant, a blind consumer, and a beneficiary of DOR's services, Joe has the experience and understands the challenges and opportunities available to individuals with disabilities and the services required to maximize an individual's full potential. Joe believes in the talent and potential of individuals with disabilities; investing in the future through creativity, ingenuity, and innovation; ensuring decisions and actions are informed by interested individuals and groups; pursuing excellence through continuous improvement; and preserving the public's trust through compassionate and responsible provision of services. Mentioned in the episode: SHRM, SHRM Foundation and the California Department of Rehabilitation Announce Partnership to Promote Disability Inclusion

If you've ever been on a job interview, you know that they can be pretty hit or miss. You might have a great conversation with the interviewer and feel confident that you're the perfect candidate for the job. Or, you might have an awkward experience and leave feeling like you didn't make the best impression. So how do employers accurately predict which candidates will be successful in a particular role? Listen in as I/O Psychologist Dr. Fred Rafilson and host Shari Simpson discuss everything from the science of military entrance exams to what can be a good predictor of future performance. Guest: Dr. Fred Rafilson, Chief I/O Psychologist, Talview Dr. Fred Rafilson is a skilled industrial/organizational psychologist with over three decades of experience. A recognized expert in all aspects of the assessment industry, Dr. Rafilson has authored and published over 30 employment exams that assess cognitive abilities, skills, personality traits, motivation & attitude, etc. He has developed and implemented assessment processes for hundreds of companies/ organizations and federal, state, and county/municipal agencies. He has also conducted scientific research and program evaluations, providing presentations and training to executive-level private and public-sector groups. As an expert in employment litigation cases, he often works closely with agencies under DOJ consent decrees. Dr. Rafilson is the Chief I/O Psychologist for Talview. Mentioned in the episode: Website: Talview LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-rafilson-32786435/

We live in a time when technology has made it possible for people from all over the world to work together as one team. CHROs have been at the forefront of this change, creating new ways that employees can be engaged and motivated while achieving personal success outside their jobs with flexible schedules or remote working options. Learn more from Jeanne Meister as she shares with host Shari Simpson the results of the Executive Networks research from the CHRO's perspective on all things future of work. Guest: Jeanne Meister, Executive Vice President at Executive Networks Jeanne is the best-selling author of three books, Corporate Universities: Lessons in Building a World- Class Work Force, The 2020 Workplace: How Innovative Companies Attract, Develop and Keep Tomorrow's Employees Today, and The Future Workplace Experience: 10 Rules for Mastering Disruption in Recruiting and Engaging Employees Jeanne's books have received the Silver Best Business Book Award for Human Resources professionals and the Bellwether award, by the Community College Futures Assembly. Jeanne is also a regular Contributor to Forbes and Harvard Business Review. Jeanne is leading a multi-client research program for Executive Networks on the Future Role of the CHRO, the Future of Working and Learning and Employee Well-being. Jeanne is the recipient of the Distinguished Contribution in Workplace Learning Award, given to one HR executive each year by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). This award honors Jeanne's body of work in preparing executives for the future of work. Jeanne is also the recipient of the Colin Corder Award for Outstanding Achievement in Workplace Learning by The Learning and Performance Institute (LPI). During 2021 and 2022, Jeanne was named 21 HR People To Follow in 2021, 100 Most Influential People in HR, Top 100 HR Tech Influencers for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, Top 100 HR Influencers in 2022 and Top HR Experts to Watch in 2020 by People Managing People Magazine. Jeanne is a sought-after expert on the future of work, having appeared in CIO, CNBC Power Lunch, CBS News, CNN, Fast Company, Fox Business, Harvard Business Review, HR Executive, NPR, SHRM Magazine, Market Watch, Time Magazine, The Globe, and Mail, and WPIX, New York. Jeanne was previously Vice President of Market Development at Accenture (www.accenture.com). Jeanne is a member of the Executive Committee of Excelsior College Board of Trustees. Jeanne is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master degree from Boston University. Mentioned in the episode: The CHRO Of The Future: Strategies For A New World Of Work Executive Networks'Global CHRO of the Future research LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannemeister/

As America becomes increasingly diverse, the issue of religious freedom has come to the forefront. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was passed in 1993 to protect the rights of religious minorities. However, there has been growing concern that the act could be used to discriminate against LGBTQIAP+ individuals in the workplace. Listen in as Kelly Bunting and host Shari Simpson navigate this difficult topic and provide resources for your organization. Guest: Kelly Dobbs Bunting, Lawyer at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. and Co-Chair of the law firm's Labor & Employment Practice's Workplace Compliance & Counseling Group Kelly has considerable experience defending class and collective wage and hour litigation and misclassification claims, having defended employers in Title III ADA access litigation and litigation alleging race, sex, pregnancy, age, disability discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. She is deeply experienced in virtually all aspects of employment litigation, including wage and hour, labor, Title VII, harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, non-competition and non-solicitation, trade secrets, SOX and Dodd Frank whistleblower claims, CEPA, ADEA, FMLA, NJLAD, and failure to accommodate issues. She has identified and managed employment issues in M&A deals and appeared before the EEOC, NLRB, and DOL in many states, as well as state agencies in DE, NY, NJ and PA. Kelly has represented many clients in mediation and settlement negotiations and created HR and compliance training modules. She is regularly sought after as a workforce trainer for issues related to harassment and discrimination, FCPA compliance, good management techniques, and union avoidance. Kelly focuses much of her practice on international L&E issues, including employment/secondment contracts, data privacy, and global anti-corruption compliance. She advises clients on national and international handbook policies, procedures, and strategic HR issues and provides day-to-day counsel in hiring, employee relations, employee discipline, and termination. She also conducts and advises on internal investigations. Mentioned in the episode: Lambda Legal Human Rights Campaign Out and Equal National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

HR professionals are often tasked with managing other people. But what about managing yourself? As an HR professional, it's important to develop strong time management skills and set healthy boundaries. It can also be helpful to give yourself regular affirmations and find a mentor or role model who can offer advice and guidance. Listen in as Valerie Grubb and host Shari Simpson talk about how HR professionals can do a better job of taking care of themselves. Guest: Valerie Grubb, Keynote Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Executive Coach Valerie Grubb is an innovative, visionary operations leader with an exceptional ability to zero in on the systems, processes and human capital issues that can hamper a company's success — and a strong history of solving those problems with maximum buy-in and minimal disruption. With extensive corporate experience, including founding the Oxygen channel and InterActiveCorp (parent company to Expedia, Home Shopping Network and TicketMaster), and senior leadership roles in NBC Universal and Rolls-Royce, she can translate complex skills such as leadership, inspiring accountability and motivating others into actionable steps that resonate with new managers to senior executives. Valerie is certified as a Marshall Goldsmith Executive Coach, and she is an Everything Disc® and Patrick Lencioni 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team authorized partner and facilitator. Valerie obtained her mechanical engineering degree from Kettering University and her MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Val's book, Clash of the Generations: Managing the New Workplace Reality (Wiley), helps leaders manage multiple generations in the office. She is particularly adept at helping people acquire the needed skills in areas such as developing existing employees, recruiting new talent, and forming cohesive teams — all critical for long-term organizational growth.

HR is a critical component of any successful organization, sitting at the intersection of employees, leaders, and business and helping people reach their full potential. That's why HR professionals can make a real difference in the lives of employees and the overall success of their businesses when they focus on talent. Listen in as Steve Browne and host Shari Simpson talk about the qualities of a good HR professional, what success looks like in HR, and the building blocks to get you there. Guest: Steve Browne, Chief People Officer for LaRosa's, Inc Steve has been an HR professional for 35+ years and has worked in the Hospitality, Manufacturing, Consumer Products, and Professional Services industries in various HR roles. He was recently a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Board of Directors and has held several other national, regional, state, and local SHRM volunteer leadership roles. He facilitates a monthly HR roundtable, and an HR internet forum called the HR Net, which reaches over 14,000+ people globally each week. Steve is an accomplished speaker featured at local, regional and national Conferences, Chambers of Commerce, HR chapters and businesses.  He's very active in social media and has a nationally recognized HR blog – Everyday People. (http://sbrownehr.com), and he has authored two bestselling books on HR - HR on Purpose !! and HR Rising !! Mentioned in the episode: Blog post: Dump Your Bucket

In today's business world, there's one skill that's more important than ever: empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is a critical skill for businesses because it allows them to build strong relationships with their customers and employees. Listen in as Jeremy York and host Shari Simpson discuss why empathy is important in the workplace and the necessary steps to build this crucial skill. Guest: Jeremy York, Purple Ink's Vice President of Talent Strategy and Success and co-author of The JoyPowered® Organization His expertise in defining and understanding the “big picture” enables him to translate business needs into tangible solutions. Jeremy has over 20 years of experience in human resource strategy and operations. Holding various HR leadership roles, he has worked with and advised all levels of management on critical business and people-related issues. These items include HR strategy, performance management, strategic planning, talent management and acquisition, leadership, and more. With his guidance, organizations have improved employee relations, increased performance, and developed cultures based on mutual trust and respect. Jeremy earned a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue University and a master's in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional and a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources. Jeremy is an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Organizational Leadership at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and is involved in SHRM, HR Indiana SHRM, and IndySHRM. Mentioned in the episode: The JoyPowered® Organization by JoDee Curtis, Megan Nail, Jeremy York

Description: Ideas are the lifeblood of every organization. They keep things fresh, exciting, and relevant. But where do these ideas come from? With the ever-changing landscape of the modern world, organizations must constantly adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. This means promoting creativity and innovation in business at all levels of the workplace. Listen in as Britt Andreatta and host Shari Simpson talk about the connection brain science has in fostering creativity and innovation. Guest: Dr. Britt Andreatta, Chief Executive Officer at Brain Aware Training and former Chief Learning Officer for Lynda.com Dr. Andreatta is an internationally recognized thought leader who uses her background in leadership, neuroscience, psychology, and education to create brain-science-based solutions for today's workplace challenges. Britt is the former CLO for Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) and has over 10 million views worldwide of her online courses. She regularly consults with organizations on leadership development and learning strategy. Britt is the author of several books on the brain science of success, including Wired to Grow, Wired to Resist, and Wired to Connect. In 2021, she was named a Top 20 Learning Influencer and a Top 20 HR Influencer for Leadership Development and in 2022, a Top 10 Learning Influencer. Mentioned in the episode: The Eureka Factor: Aha Moments, Creative Insight, and the Brain by John Kounios Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp and Website Reinventing Organizations: A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage in Human Consciousness by Frederic Laloux

It's no secret that the current pandemic has forced many of us to reevaluate our priorities. For some, that means taking a hard look at their careers and deciding what's truly important to them. Conversations around "hustle culture," constant availability, and working 24/7 has led to a new buzzword that's taken the internet by storm: “quiet quitting.” Listen in as Kate Grimaldi and host Shari Simpson chat about what the term quiet quitting means and why it's one you shouldn't be using. Guest: Kate Grimaldi, Senior Director of Enterprise Talent Strategy at Paylocity Kate is a seasoned HR professional with over a decade of experience in various industries. Starting in 2017 at Paylocity, Kate made an impact quickly, rising through the ranks and propelling company HR initiatives forward. Today, she lends her skills to multiple projects, including speaking at local and national conferences, working closely with the C-Suite on HR and business alignment, updating the company of more than 5,000 employees with important announcements weekly, and cultivating an inclusive culture that supports the modern workforce.  

Change is never easy, and when it comes to large corporate initiatives, it can often lead to panic. Tune into April Callis-Birchmeier and host Shari Simpson as they discuss the importance of change management communications for stakeholders. Together they will explore best practices for implementing organizational transformations and changes. Guest: April Callis-Birchmeier, Owner of Springboard Consulting, Author and Keynote Speaker April is a nationally known organizational change management expert and has implemented change for dozens of clients and including many health care organizations. April is the leader of Springboard Consulting, one of the "First 100" Certified Change Management Professionals (CCMP™) an author of The Standard for Change Management and a recognized thought leader “Igniter” for the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). She's also a Project Management Professional, winner of the Top Trainer Throwdown Past President of the Michigan National Speakers Association and President of the Michigan Chapter of ACMP. April believes that no one should have to suffer through an unorganized, poorly managed change and the resulting negativity. She's frequently quoted by the Associated Press, The New York Times and other international media outlets. Mentioned in the episode: Book: READY, Set, Change!: Simplify and Accelerate Organizational Change  

Writing can often seem impossible, especially when trying to write for an unknown audience. If you have ever wondered how to write for a specific audience while simultaneously letting your writing flow, please join Cathy Fyock and host Shari Simpson as they explore the ins and outs of writing while giving great tips to listeners.   Guest: Cathy Fyock, National Speaker, Author and The Business Book Strategist Cathy works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write a book as a business development strategy. She is the author of eleven books, including On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, and Blog2Book: Repurposing Content to Discover the Book You've Already Written, and The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches, written with co-author Lois Creamer. Her book, Authority, is a Wall Street Journal best-seller. Her newest book is My New Book, a workbook she created with publisher Everett O'Keefe. She is also the editor for nine anthologies on HR and OD issues, with her most recent, Imagination@Work. Through her creative energy, she helps her clients identify the right book to write, and develops a community of supportive, like-minded individuals who want to change the world--through the written and spoken word--one word at a time. She has helped over 200 professionals become published authors. As a professional speaker with the National Speakers Association, Cathy provides engaging programs and workshops to help audiences find their creative voice. She is adept in delivering high-engagement virtual programs as well as in-person workshops and retreats.  

As any manager knows, feedback is essential for helping employees grow and develop. By providing feedback, managers can help employees to identify areas where they need improvement and set goals for future growth. However, giving feedback can also be challenging. It's essential to strike the right balance between positive and negative feedback and to avoid coming across as overly critical. Listen in as host Shari Simpson talks with Wade Larson about giving rich feedback to employees. Guest: Dr. Wade Larson, Chief Human Resources Officer / Workforce Development at Wagstaff Incorporated Wade is an author, international speaker, career coach, consultant, podcaster, and CHRO for Wagstaff, Inc., a global manufacturing firm in Washington State, and has worked more than 25 years in the field of human resources and professional development. As a speaker, Wade brings new energy to the stage with an alternative perspective that brings a big dose of reality, motivation and hope to the audience. If you want the right mix of cutting-edge perspective in leadership, cultural dynamics, people and healthcare, blended with just the right amount of humor, motivation and a twist of cynicism, this doctor has your prescription to cure boring keynotes and workshops. As a senior leader, Larson has specialized in reengineering the HR function for several organizations; as a consultant, he has worked with over 300 organizations finding solutions for better employee alignment and organizational performance. In his latest book, HR Transformation (2021), he presents a new model for leading HR in today's new world recognizing that the world has completely changed - and the way we do HR must change with it. In his first book, Doing HR Better (2018), Larson lays out a simplified model to assist other HR leaders in their efforts to improve the HR function. In his second book, Mind Shifts in Healthcare (2019), he identifies key strategies for employers to win the war in healthcare. Today he is on a personal mission to help organizations overcome mediocrity and assist their employees to do more, become more and achieve more.

The HR function is often seen as the reinforcer of rules and regulations. However, in recent years, the HR profession has pushed to shift that mentality. With the new candidate-driven labor market, businesses have had to pivot to see the importance of their human capital. Tune in to hear how Vivian Blade and host Shari Simpson share tips on how HR can become a strategic business partner.   Guest: Vivian Blade, Resilience & Inclusive Leadership Expert, #1 Best Selling Author, Top 100 HR Influencer-2021 Vivian is a recognized leadership expert and thought leader. She works with the world's top brands, equipping leaders with the resilience that inspires teams to recover quickly in the face of ongoing disruption and thrive in spite of insurmountable odds. Her impact is felt as a frequent speaker for association conferences, and in delivering transformative leadership development programs, executive coaching, and consulting for corporations. In the face of her own crisis following a successful 20-year corporate career with Fortune 100 companies, Humana and GE, Vivian launched her current leadership consulting practice, applying her extensive business, finance and leadership experience to coach and develop aspiring and established leaders in building high-performance, high-quality and high-service level organizations. She also works in academia as Adjunct Faculty for the University of Louisville College of Business. Vivian is the author of four books. Her #1 best-selling book 'Resilience Ready: The Leader's Guide to Thriving Through Unrelenting Crises' and accompanying workbook, 'Resilience Ready: The Leader's Guide Workbook', reveal the keys to living and leading with resilience. Her newest book, 'Influence in Talent Development', unpacks how to SCALE this essential skill for greater impact. 'FuelForward: Discover Proven Practices to Fuel Your Career Forward' reveals the inside secrets of career success. She is a contributor to two books published by the Association for Talent Development, 'Find Your Fit: A Practical  

As part of your recruiting efforts, creating a diverse candidate pipeline of women and supplying them with what they need to be successful can push your organization to the next level. Join Francine Parham and host Shari Simpson as they share how leadership can center the importance of diverse thought and inclusivity by inviting diversified women to the table.  Guest: Francine Parham, Founder & CEO | Author of Please Sit Over There: How to Manage Power, Overcome Exclusion and Succeed as a Black Woman at Work Francine is the founder and CEO of Francine Parham & Co, a company focused on women's leadership and the advancement of women and women of color in the workplace. She has held the position of global vice president for General Electric and Johnson & Johnson, and she currently serves as a senior fellow for the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board, a global think tank. Parham is a frequent public speaker, and she has been recognized as a women's leadership and career advancement expert by the Women's Media Center. Mentioned in the episode: Book: Please Sit Over There: How to Manage Power, Overcome Exclusion and Succeed as a Black Woman at Work

Anne Bono shares her story of getting fired and what she learned from that experience. Our host Shari Simpson dives in to learn more about how HR professionals and managers can better coach and terminate when necessary. In this episode of PCTY Talks, XXXX and host Shari Simpson discuss XXXX   Guest: Anne Bono, Vice President, Growth Marketing at Penguin Random House and Coach/Speaker at Human Centric Work Anne is an accidental marketer, corporate executive, and multipotentialite with a smart mouth and a willingness to shout what most will only quietly think. She has spent much of the last two decades working in marketing for startups and large organizations and based largely on her prior experiences in those spaces, is on a mission to get the business world to focus on the humanity of their teams and put people over profits. She partners with new, emerging leaders and seasoned execs, empowering them to build a humancentric future of work for themselves and their teams, and speaks to audiences on how to embrace and embody lucid leadership, create a humancentric workplace, and become an agent of authenticity.  She is loud, proud, heavily caffeinated and tattooed, and usually not safe for work. Mentioned in the episode: Website: humancentric.work LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annebono Tiktok: @leadershipcoachanne Facebook/IG: @work Twitter: @humancentricwrk

In any workplace, trust is essential. Without trust, it can be challenging to get anything done. Employees need to trust that their boss has their best interests at heart, and bosses need to trust that their employees are competent and reliable. But how can you build trust in the workplace? Join host Shari Simpson as she talks with Sarah Noll-Wilson and Dr. Teresa Peterson about how to build trust in your workplace. Guest(s) Bio: Sarah Noll Wilson is an Executive Coach, an in-demand Keynote Speaker, Researcher, Contributor to Harvard Business Review, and Bestselling Author of “Don't Feed the Elephants”, Sarah helps leaders close the gap between what they intend to do and the actual impact they make. She hosts the podcast “Conversations on Conversations”, is certified in Co-Active Coaching, and Conversational Intelligence, and is a frequent guest lecturer at universities. In addition to her work with organizations, Sarah is a passionate advocate for mental health. With 15+ years in leadership development, Sarah Noll Wilson earned a Master's Degree from Drake University in Leadership Development and a BA from the University of Northern Iowa in Theatre Performance and Theatre Education - no wonder clients love the energy she brings to their teams! When she isn't helping people build and rebuild relationships, she enjoys playing games with her husband Nick and cuddling with their fur baby, Sally.  Dr. Teresa Peterson is the Director of Learning and Development for Sarah Noll Wilson, Inc. Teresa is passionate about applying best practices for learning to make development experiences meaningful, engaging, and accessible for all types of learners. In her role, Teresa co-creates powerful learning content and guides deep research. She holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and brings over twenty years of experience teaching, facilitating, and leading. She is trained in Immunity to Change Coaching and Certified in Appreciative Inquiry. Clients love Teresa's grounded energy, depth of thought, and ability to listen deeply.   Mentioned in the episode: Book: Don't Feed the Elephants!: Overcoming the Art of Avoidance to Build Powerful Partnerships  

In the face of an ever-changing landscape, employers are increasingly looking for ways to build resilience across their workforce. Employers can create a more adaptable and responsive workforce by investing in systems that focus on the individual, team, and organization. This investment is paying off in terms of employee retention; while the average turnover intent risk across industries is 45-55%, only 15% of our members report considering leaving their jobs. In a world where change is the only constant, employer investment in resilience will be vital to maintaining a competitive edge. Join host Shari Simpson and Stephen Sokoler as they discuss building resiliency in the workforce. Guest: Stephen Sokoler, Founder and CEO, Journey Stephen spent years in the business sector, founding and running companies, including Altrum Honors, which helped organizations celebrate and inspire their employees. After years of personal practice, Stephen recognized that wellbeing needed to be shared with the world in a more approachable, accessible way. In 2015, Stephen founded Journey with a simple but powerful goal: help people live happier lives with greater clarity and peace of mind.   Mentioned in the episode: Website: Journey  

Psychological safety at work is critical to a team's ability to give and receive candid, respectful feedback. If your organization is looking to build a stronger feedback culture, it needs to start with a safe environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. When team members feel safe, they're more likely to take the initiative and provide valuable feedback to the business. Listen in as Jeff Harry and host Shari Simpson. Talk about how companies can build psychological and emotional safety starting today. Jeff Harry, Workplace Play Consultant / International Play Speaker / Positive Psychology Play Whisperer. Jeff shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves, to feel their happiest and most fulfilled — all by playing. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day. Jeff is an international speaker who has presented at conferences such as INBOUND, SXSW, and Australia's Pausefest, showing audiences how major issues in the workplace can be solved using play. Jeff was selected by Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers of 2020 for his organizational development work around addressing toxicity in the workplace. His playwork has been featured in the New York Times, AJ+, SoulPancake, the SF Chronicle, and CNN. While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and just play, that the real magic happens. Fully embracing your own nerdy genius — whatever that is — gives you the power to make a difference and change lives. Jeff believes that we already have many of the answers we seek, and by simply unleashing our inner child, we can find our purpose and, in turn, help to create a better world. Mentioned in the episode: Website: Rediscover Your Play  

Disability inclusion means understanding the relationship between the way people function, and how they participate in society while ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities. Join Lesa Bradshaw and host Shari Simpson as they navigate how HR can be more disability-inclusive. Lesa Bradshaw is a Diversity and Disability Inclusion Expert, International Speaker, and Managing Member at Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting. She started Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting in 1998 with the vision of sourcing, assessing and developing talent in a fair and relevant manner, recognizing prior learning and potential, as well as competence. As a registered psychometrist in independent practice, I am qualified and experienced in a range of assessment tools. Given that I have a disability, I have, over the years, had the privilege of applying my knowledge and experience in talent recognition and development to the field of disability inclusion - becoming a leading Disability Inclusion Specialist. My key role is to work with organizations to build a Disability Confident culture, through Diversity and Inclusion Strategies as well as assisting with the identification and integration of talent with a disability. Having completed my MBA in Disability Inclusion Best Practice Strategies, I educate and empower employers and employees on an international and local speaker platform through a range of disability awareness campaigns. Mentioned in the episode: Website: Bradshaw LeRoux

So, you're thinking about getting certified in human resources? Good for you! Having a certification can help show employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful HR professional. But which should you choose? There are two main organizations: SHRM and HRCI. So how do you choose? Listen in as John Newton and host Shari Simpson discuss the differences between SHRM and HRCI certifications and what you need to know about test prep. John Newton, President/Consultant at John Newton and Associates, is a Public Speaker, and Human Resources and Learning and Development professional, with more than 20 years of experience and a proven track record of successfully helping companies and individual clients reach their ultimate possibilities in and outside of the workplace. In addition to his role with John Newton and Associates, John has been a longtime Instructor for both DePaul University and Northern Illinois University. Mentioned in the episode: Website: John Newton Associates SHRM Certification HRCI Certification