The People Managing People Podcast

Jared Kleinert, founder and CEO of Offsite, shares insights on the growing importance of team retreats in today's distributed work environment. As remote and hybrid models become the norm, retreats have evolved from perks to essential strategies for keeping teams connected, aligned, and engaged.Jared emphasizes that planning intentional offsites is crucial for retaining talent and fostering a strong company culture. The conversation explores how to design effective retreats by setting clear business goals and measuring impact through feedback and engagement metrics.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jared on LinkedInCheck out OffsiteSupport the show

Kelly Meerbott, CEO of YOU: Loud and Clear, dives into the growing disconnect between the C-suite and everyday employees, exposing how middle managers become "human shock absorbers" caught between corporate pressures and workforce realities. She calls out performative leadership and urges executives to prioritize coherence over charisma, advocating for leaders who genuinely embody their values rather than just posting them online.Kelly also challenges traditional ideas around gender and leadership, encouraging women to replace "niceness" with "ferocious kindness" — honest, empathetic communication that fosters trust and drives results. This candid conversation offers powerful insights for leaders ready to move beyond outdated paradigms and build authentic, courageous connections with their teams.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kelly on LinkedInCheck out Kelly's websiteSupport the show

Many leaders still cling to outdated management styles focused on visible productivity rather than actual outcomes, despite a dramatic shift toward distributed teams. Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward, explains how the rise of hybrid work and AI tools highlights the need for outcomes-based management, rather than "productivity theater."Brian also points out that return-to-office mandates often miss the mark, as workplace flexibility remains essential for attracting and retaining top talent. This conversation challenges traditional views on managing distributed teams and offers practical advice for fostering effective, outcome-driven organizations in today's hybrid work environment.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode's sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Brian on LinkedInCheck out Brian's newsletter on Substack: Work ForwardSupport the show

Steve Cadigan, a talent advisor and former CHRO of LinkedIn, joins us to discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into today's workplace. We explore how the AI revolution stands apart from past technological shifts due to its unpredictability and ongoing development, leaving even its creators both excited and uncertain about its future.We also dive into the key question: How is your organization embracing AI? Are you fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation, or just focusing on cost-cutting? The way businesses approach AI could be the difference between leveraging it as a competitive advantage or letting it slip by as a missed opportunity.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode's sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Steve on LinkedInCheck out Cadigan Talent VenturesSupport the show

The shift from managing individual contributors to overseeing other managers is one of the toughest transitions in leadership. Chris Williams, former Microsoft HR VP, explores why this change is so challenging and how organizations can better support these key leaders.Chris dives into the unique struggles faced by second-level managers, including finding mentorship and translating vague strategic objectives into actionable plans. He emphasizes the importance of building influence across organizational boundaries through genuine connections with colleagues, which proves invaluable during tough decisions. This episode offers practical advice for those navigating this difficult leadership transition.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Chris on LinkedInCheck out Chris' websiteSupport the show

Workplaces have become battlegrounds for political ideologies, with DEI initiatives at the center of controversy. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Enrique Rubio, founder of Hacking HR, about the dangers of political polarization in organizations and why leaders must take a stand.Enrique challenges listeners to move beyond acronyms and see DEI for what it truly represents—fair treatment and opportunity for all. He provides practical advice for HR professionals on setting boundaries, fostering community, and creating workplaces where civil discourse thrives. As political pressures mount, this conversation asks an essential question: What values will define your leadership?Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Enrique on LinkedInCheck out Hacking HRSupport the show

DEI has become a polarizing topic, making it harder to have meaningful conversations about building truly inclusive workplaces. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Amri B. Johnson, founder of Inclusion Wins, about shifting the focus from divisive debates to practical systems that create lasting change. Amri challenges traditional DEI approaches, advocating for inclusion-first strategies that move beyond representation to ensure people can meaningfully contribute. Whether you're skeptical or deeply invested in DEI work, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on making inclusion a sustainable reality.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Amri on LinkedInCheck out Inclusion WinsAmri's book: “Reconstructing Inclusion”Support the show

The hiring process is broken, and both employers and job seekers are feeling the frustration. In this episode, host David Rice talks with Jessica Smith, founder and CEO of Savant Recruitment, about the unrealistic expectations plaguing talent acquisition today. From the "Goldilocks syndrome" of rejecting great candidates to drawn-out hiring processes, Jessica exposes the missteps that are costing companies top talent.Jessica also unpacks why the hunt for "unicorn candidates" is setting companies up for failure and why scaling businesses need to rethink their hiring strategies. She offers practical solutions for streamlining recruitment, making decisive hires, and creating a process that actually attracts—not repels—top talent.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jessica on LinkedInCheck out Savant RecruitmentSupport the show

Trust is the foundation of a thriving workplace, but how do you build and sustain it in uncertain times? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Greg Hawks, leadership trainer and creator of the Ownership Mindset, to explore practical strategies for fostering trust and accountability at work.Greg shares his "Maybe Mindset" framework for navigating uncertainty and reveals how leaders can cultivate an ownership culture using his "owners, renters, and vandals" model. Tune in to learn how to keep employees engaged, shift mindsets, and prevent workplace trust from eroding.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Greg on LinkedIn and InstagramCheck out Hawks AgencySupport the show

The workplace is evolving rapidly, with one-third of job skills changing every three years. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Cole Napper, VP of Research at Lightcast, about how AI, automation, and demographic shifts are reshaping the labor market. As blue-collar industries face worker shortages while knowledge jobs undergo disruption, organizations must rethink skills development and workforce strategies.Cole shares insights on the future of work, from shifting career paths to the rising importance of critical thinking. With mastery giving way to adaptability, how can workers and businesses stay ahead? Tune in for a deep dive into the changing world of skills and employment.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Cole on LinkedIn and SubstackCheck out LightcastCole's podcast - Directionally CorrectSupport the show

Leadership is a journey fraught with internal challenges, particularly the persistent feeling of imposter syndrome.Host David Rice talks with Nathan Tanner, former HR leader at DoorDash and LinkedIn, about overcoming imposter syndrome and breaking through leadership challenges. Nathan shares insights from his career and strategies for building confidence and resilience. They explore the psychological barriers that hold leaders back and practical ways to reframe self-doubt. Tune in for actionable advice on embracing growth, overcoming setbacks, and becoming a more effective leader.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Nathan on LinkedInCheck out Nathan's website and book, “The Unconquerable Leader”Support the show

Navigating a mid-career job search comes with unique challenges, from age bias to outdated hiring practices. In this episode, host David Rice sits down with career coach John Tarnoff to discuss why traditional resumes might be holding you back and how to position yourself as a valuable consultant rather than just another applicant.They explore strategies for overcoming ageism, building meaningful connections, and redefining your value in today's evolving job market. If you're looking to make a career transition with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the next step.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with John on LinkedInCheck out Mid-Career LabSupport the show

How can organizations adapt to employees' growing preference for stability? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Ashley Avanzato, VP of HR at ADP, to explore key insights from the ADP Pay Insights report and what they mean for employee retention and engagement.They discuss the power of trust, empathetic leadership, and strategies like transparent communication and mentorship programs to keep employees motivated. Tune in for actionable advice on building a workplace where employees don't just stay—they thrive.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ashley on LinkedInCheck out ADPADP's HR Trends for 2025 reportSupport the show

What if leadership as we know it is undergoing a radical transformation?In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Jordana Cole—Founder and Principal Consultant at Ignited—to  talk about the changing hats leaders have to wear, declining interest in leadership positions, and why the idea of "unbossing" might just be a terrible idea.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jordana on LinkedInCheck out IgnitedSupport the show

AI is transforming the workplace—but how do we separate real, practical use cases from overhyped trends that don't deliver results? And what ethical risks should we watch out for?Host David Rice talks with Jonathan Conradt—former Principal AI Scientist at Amazon and Management Board Advisor at Synerise—about AI's real impact on HR and leadership. They explore how AI is shaping hiring, employee wellness, and decision-making, plus the crucial role of responsible AI. Jonathan also reveals why companies often mis-invest in AI—and how leaders can make smarter choices.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jonathan on LinkedInCheck out SyneriseSupport the show

As artificial intelligence becomes the workplace norm, understanding its impact on employees and organizations is crucial.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Jeanne Meister—Global HR Consultant & Workplace Strategist—to delve into AI's role in shaping a new work environment and the importance of trust and policies in managing AI's integration.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jeanne on LinkedInCheck out Jeanne's websiteSupport the show

In a rapidly evolving workplace landscape, the need for effective employee engagement and compensation strategies has never been more crucial.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Lindsay Clayborne—Director of People and Culture at Cardata—to share her expertise on managing employee expectations amidst economic pressures and the essential role education plays in aligning compensation strategies.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Lindsay on LinkedInCheck out CardataSupport the show

Gen Z is often stereotyped within popular media, but recent research conducted by Udemy reveal a surprising contradiction to the typical narratives.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Nathan Blain—General Manager at Udemy—to debunk myths surrounding this dynamic generation.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Nathan on LinkedInCheck out UdemySupport the show

In today's ever-evolving workplace, the skills required to thrive are constantly changing.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Roi Ben-Yehuda—CEO & Founder at NextArrow—to share his insights into the skills of the future and how businesses can develop frameworks to support their employees' growth.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode's sponsor: SharebiteConnect with Roi on LinkedInCheck out NextArrowSupport the show

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, the integration of advanced health technologies is transforming how we approach mental wellness and productivity. One such innovation, vocal biomarker technology, is at the forefront of this transformation.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by David Liu—CEO at Sonde Health—to delve into how our voices, shaped by over a hundred physiological elements, can provide insights into our mental health.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with David on LinkedInCheck out Sonde HealthSupport the show

In today's fast-paced work environment, innovation is both a blessing and a curse. As companies strive to stay ahead, the onslaught of new technologies and tools can lead to what has been aptly termed "innovation burnout."In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Eric Athas—Deputy Editor at The New York Times—to discuss the complexities of managing innovation and technology in the workplace.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode's sponsor SharebiteConnect with Eric on LinkedIn and SubstackCheck out Eric's websiteSupport the show

Navigating the complexities of wage negotiation can be daunting, yet crucial in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your talents.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by John Gates—Corporate Recruiting Executive, Pay Negotiation Coach, and author of Act Your Wage—to offer valuable insights into this vital process. He shares his compelling journey from a struggling college graduate to a successful recruiter who realized the vast potential many leave untapped on the negotiation table.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode's sponsor SharebiteConnect with John on LinkedInCheck out Salary.CoachJohn's book “Act Your Wage”Support the show

In today's fast-paced corporate environment, the role of managers has become more challenging than ever before. With workforces becoming increasingly dispersed, many managers find themselves constantly juggling competing demands.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Elena Agaragimova—Talent Acquisition & Development Manager at Horizon Industries, Limited—to delve into how organizations can empower managers through wellbeing, training, and a supportive communityRelated Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Elena on LinkedInCheck out Horizon Industries, LimitedSupport the show

In today's fast-paced work environment, the transition from school to the professional world can be daunting, especially for Gen Z and Millennials.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Madeline Miller—Career and Leadership Coach—to explore the unique challenges faced by young professionals as they transition into the workforce, emphasizing the importance of cultivating confidence and interpersonal skills to ease their journey.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Madeline on LinkedIn, TikTok, and InstagramCheck out Madeline's websiteSupport the show

Can the modern workplace truly foster a sense of belonging for everyone?In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Vijay Pendakur—Keynote Speaker and Team Effectiveness Coach—to explore the critical factors that make employees feel seen, connected, proud, and supported at work.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Vijay on LinkedIn and his websiteCheck out GraymontThe Alchemy of Talent: Leading Teams to Peak PerformanceSupport the show

Navigating top talent challenges requires a keen understanding of empathetic leadership and genuine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Vijay Pendakur—Keynote Speaker and Team Effectiveness Coach—to uncover how companies can navigate the complexities of today's talent landscape, create inclusive and high-performing teams, and build better, more resilient workplaces.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Vijay on LinkedInCheck out Vijay's websiteVijay's newsletter to get quick tips for leading high performance teams.The Alchemy of Talent: Leading Teams to Peak PerformanceSupport the show

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of leadership is more critical than ever. Leaders are no longer just figureheads; they are the catalysts for change, the architects of growth, and the champions of collaboration.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Julie Williamson—Managing Partner & CEO at Karrikins Group—to share her profound insights on how leaders can navigate the complexities of modern organizational dynamics.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Julie on LinkedInCheck out Karrikins GroupSupport the Show.

In today's fast-paced business environment, understanding and leveraging intangible assets have become crucial for sustainable success.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Claire Chandler—Author of Growth on Purpose and Executive Leadership Advisor—to bring a wealth of knowledge on intentional growth and authentic leadership, providing actionable insights for businesses looking to thrive in the modern economy.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Claire on LinkedInCheck out Claire's book: Growth on PurposeSupport the Show.

Scaling a business is often equated with rapid growth and increased productivity. While these are crucial elements, there's a deeper, more nuanced aspect to consider: the human element.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Rob Bier—Managing Partner at Trellis Partners and Author of best-selling book "Smooth Scaling"—to discuss the intricacies of creating a seamless, productive, and positive work environment.Support the Show.

The advent of AI is transforming the landscape of leadership in the modern workplace. As technology continues to evolve, leaders must strike a delicate balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining the irreplaceable human touch.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Christopher Lind—VP, Chief Learning Officer at ChenMed—to delve into the complexities of navigating leadership in the AI age.Support the Show.

In a rapidly evolving workplace landscape, discussions around meritocracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion have never been more critical. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Joanne Lockwood—Inclusive Culture Expert at SEE Change Happen—to delve into the pervasive myth of meritocracy and its implications in modern workplaces.Support the Show.

As we navigate through the ever-changing landscape of technology and work, understanding how AI intersects with our daily lives and professions has never been more critical. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Christopher Lind—VP, Chief Learning Officer at ChenMed—to offer valuable insights into how AI is reshaping work and life.Support the Show.

In today's evolving work environment, hybrid meetings have become a quintessential part of our professional lives. In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Jean Bays—Chief People Officer at Neat—to delve into the dynamics of hybrid meetings and what employees should expect from them.Support the Show.

In a world where traditional mental health treatments often fall short, could psychedelic therapies be a viable solution?In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Sherry Rais—CEO & Co-founder of Enthea—to talk about the reality of psychedelic therapies for mental health in the workplace, changing perceptions and what this actually looks like in practice.Support the Show.

In today's rapidly changing corporate environment, understanding the intersection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with human capital management is critical.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Diana File—CEO & Founder of DF Analytics & Consulting—to share her invaluable insights into leveraging DEI analytics to revolutionize the workplace.Support the Show.

In a world where the dynamics of work environments are constantly evolving, the challenges of talent retention, remote work, and effective change management have become paramount for organizations.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Keri Ohlrich—CEO at Abbracci Group—to discuss these pressing issues and offer valuable insights into the current trends shaping the workplace.Support the show

In the landscape of modern work environments, the rise of digital nomads represents a significant evolution in how careers and workplaces are perceived and operated. This shift has led to a new blend of workforce, mixing traditional office-bound employees with those who choose to work remotely from anywhere in the world.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Audra Nichols—Chief Operating Officer at MBO Partners—to discuss the future of work for digital nomads and the policies that can support this unique segment of the workforce.Support the show

In an era where technology offers solutions for virtually every operational aspect of a business, the challenge often lies not in finding these solutions but in their effective implementation and integration. This is particularly true for the world of HR, where selecting and utilizing the right technology stack can significantly enhance efficiency and workplace harmony.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Andrew Swiler—CEO of Lanteria HR—to discuss the nuances of building a technology stack that not only fulfills the needs of HR but also aligns with the broader objectives of an organization.Support the show

In this ever-evolving world, leadership and talent management have become more complex than ever before. The impact of AI, changing skill requirements, and the need for strategic talent strategies are just a few of the challenges that leaders face today.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Felicia Shakiba—Fractional CPO at CPO Playbook—to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership, talent management, and the role of AI in the workplace.Support the show

The workplace is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forever altered our perception of office spaces.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Rebecca Swanner—Workplace Design Leader at HED—to talk about how to create dynamic office spaces that cater to diverse work styles.Support the show

The world of work is evolving rapidly, and at the forefront of this transformation is the integration of AI.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Amanda Halle—HR Consultant, Founder & CEO of Mindful Growth Partners—to talk about how generative AI is reshaping the corporate landscape, particularly for women and underrepresented groups.Support the show

What do good leaders do? How do they motivate, create efficiencies and connect the dots to paint a clear, big picture for their employees and fellow leaders within an organization?In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Bob Sutton—Organizational Psychologist & New York Times Bestselling Author—to talk about the concept of good and bad friction in the workplace, the importance of talk that motivates action, hierarchies in organizations, and systems of interdependence.Support the show

Have you ever considered the hurdles that highly skilled immigrants face upon entering Canadian job markets?Ayo Owodunni, the author of "Inclusive Leadership - The Immigrant View," joins us for a deep dive into the paradox of immigrant professionals and the underutilization of their talents. Through poignant stories, including those of former high-ranking executives, our conversation uncovers the talent loss both in their countries of origin and in Canada, emphasizing an urgent need for more inclusive workplace practices.Support the show

Struggling to navigate the corporate world as a Gen Z professional?In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Mei Phing Lim—Corporate Career Coach & Mentor at The Corporate Survivor™—to talk about the framework for career development, the challenges young people are facing in the workplace, and what leaders can do to create memorable workplace experiences for them.Support the show

Ready to have your perspectives on job training and workforce planning transformed? We're talking apprenticeships, but not as you know them. Our eye-opening conversation with Ryan Craig—Managing Director at Achieve Partners—will redefine your understanding of apprenticeships as more than mere training programs—they're actual jobs, complete with built-in training and wage increments. We examine how colleges and universities struggle to keep pace with the evolving job market, a gap that apprenticeships are poised to fill. Plus, we explore the often-overlooked role of intermediaries like unions in the successful implementation of these programs.From organizations that facilitate apprenticeship services to success stories from other countries, this conversation is loaded with practical insights and innovative ideas. Join us for this fresh take on the future of the job market.Support the show

Meet the new host of the People Managing People podcast, David Rice! David—Senior Editor at People Managing People and a seasoned journalist in HR, DEI, and leadership—dives into how HR is changing in our tech-savvy world, especially with all the buzz around AI and remote work. David also teases upcoming episodes where he'll chat with HR, People & Culture, and leadership experts about everything from the nitty-gritty of workplace tech to big ideas in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the ever-important topics of employee wellness and the skills gap. Tune in to meet David, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.Support the show

What if your organization could foster a truly inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued?In this episode, host Becca Banyard is joined by Dr. Randal Pinkett—Chairman and CEO at BCT Partners, LLC—to talk about the importance of putting people at the heart of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. They'll cover the role of data, challenges organizations face, and practical strategies for creating more people centric DE&I programs. Support the show

How can managers avoid falling into the micromanagement trap, build trust, and empower their team members?In this episode, host Becca Banyard is joined by Lia Garvin—Founder & CEO at The Workplace Reframe—to talk about micromanagement, why it happens, and how to break free from its clutches.Support the show

What does inclusive leadership look like? And how can we bridge the gap between intention and action?In this episode, host Becca Banyard is joined by Jennifer Fong—VP of People at Customer.io—to talk about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership, its impact on decision making and innovation, and the challenges organizations face.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role of DE&I in reshaping workplaces.Support the show

What's the secret to hiring the right people for the right role?In this episode, host Becca Banyard is joined by Traci Austin—Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting—to talk about what it means to be fit to role, how to strike a balance between hiring for skill fit versus culture fit, and how to utilize general cognitive ability metrics and the predictive index in your process.Support the show

Is there a world where AI tools can be used for relationship building? To help you become a better manager or leader?In this episode, host Becca Banyard is joined by CheeTung Leong—Co-Founder at EngageRocket—to talk about how AI technology can help human resources, managers, and leaders build better human connections at work.Support the show