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In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Nahed Khairallah, a global HR strategist and founder of Organized Chaos. They delve into the complexities of building effective HR departments in fast-growing startups, emphasizing the importance of a proactive, people-first approach. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the need for inclusive leadership and strategic HR practices to enhance employee experience and drive business success. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to balance structure and flexibility in HR to support rapid growth. Discover why psychological safety is crucial in fast-paced environments. Explore strategies for integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the core of your organization from day one. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your HR approach and empower your organization! Guest(s): Nahed Khairallah, Global HR Strategist, Organized Chaos
Ready for a quick yet intense brain workout?
JM Craddock is the CEO and owner of La Matera, a belt brand focused on creating artisanal products that last. Founded in 2012 they now sell via their Shopify site and wholesale channels are on track for $4 million this year. JM's experience goes much further back though, as he was the first employee at Chubbies, including a key role in developing the returns system that became the first version of Loop Returns! Hit PLAY to hear: How Jon-Mark used an SBA loan to buy La Matera (and why he recommends it)
Chuck Oliver sits down with Georgia Head Coach, and National Champion Kirby Smart at SEC Football Kickoff 2025! At the top of the topic list is an evaluation of Gunner Stockton heading into 2025, the crop of new freshmen on the squad, angry fan conversation, and MORE! Hit "PLAY" and get the scoop on the Dawgs for 2025 from Kirby and The King! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Leslie Vickrey, CEO of ClearEdge, to discuss the myths surrounding women's advancement in leadership. This timely conversation sheds light on the outdated beliefs that hinder women's progress in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of visibility, networking, and redefining success on their own terms. Leslie's insights into inclusive leadership and the need for strategic sponsorship make this episode a must-listen for anyone invested in enhancing the employee experience and fostering a diverse workplace. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to challenge the myth that women don't want top jobs due to family responsibilities. Discover why hard work alone isn't enough for career advancement and the importance of self-advocacy. Explore strategies for building a supportive network that empowers women in leadership roles. Hit "Play" to gain valuable insights and empower your journey in leadership! Guest(s): Leslie Vickrey, CEO, ClearEdge
Steven Westwood is the Head of Sales and Marketing at Fashion Eyewear, sellers of designer prescription glasses and sunglasses, both new and preloved. Selling via Shopify stores in the UK and the USA, the business was founded in 2008 and now ship 10,000 orders a month. Hit PLAY to hear: Why most people are still buying glasses the old-fashioned way
Can KC's SECONDARY lock down the NFL in 2025?
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson welcomes Kurt Shoemaker, Director of Compliance and Government Relations at Paylocity. They dive into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a significant piece of legislation that impacts payroll, tax deductions, and employee benefits. This conversation is timely as employers navigate the complexities of compliance with new regulations, especially regarding paid family leave and tax deductions for overtime and tips. Kurt's insights provide clarity on how these changes will affect employee experience and organizational practices. Learn how the OBBBA affects tax deductions for overtime and tips. Discover why employers need to stay informed about compliance changes. Explore strategies for leveraging new benefits to enhance employee engagement. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that will help you adapt to the evolving HR landscape! Guest: Kurt Shoemaker, Director of Compliance and Government Relations, Paylocity
Paul Hancox, SVP of eCommerce at Parts Town, a leading distributor of OEM foodservice, HVAC, and residential appliance parts. A predominantly B2B eCommerce business, selling via their custom website, and mobile app. Parts Town are based in the USA, distribute spare parts to over 140 counties, and the parent company Parts Town Unlimited had annual revenue of $2.5billion in 2024, with 55% growth in HVAC alone! We've lots to learn from Parts Town's Paul Hancox, including how they've been leveraging AI chatbots to improve customer experience, sales, and the team's efficiency. Hit PLAY to hear: Why treating your website like a product could unlock massive growth The one change that boosted Parts Town's chat agent efficiency by 60%+ ⚡ How Paul's team ships 400,000+ orders per quarter — and what powers it The secret link between site speed and conversion most brands ignore
Trying to figure out how integrate the power of AI into your business, but don't know where to start? There's a lot of hype, confusion and fear out there often paralyzing entrepreneurs from taking their first steps. But, in this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks we have insights from Anna Maria Berta and Joseph Giampapa of LindenAI to help you navigate the complexities of leveraging AI in your business. Get top takeaways from LindenAI's TechVibe interview with Ana Maria and Joseph so you can learn the importance of balancing technological advancements and safety guidelines, particularly through the lens of AI. They emphasize the need for basic knowledge to navigate AI options effectively. The conversation highlights the necessity of being adaptable to constantly changing technology and understanding AI as a form of digital knowledge. Plus this dynamic duo of AI also cautions against overenthusiasm and underscores the importance of discerning between genuine and fake information. They stress that adopting AI strategies requires minimizing maintenance burdens, understanding the knowledge lifecycle, and placing knowledge in appropriate contexts. Hit PLAY for the good stuff and if you have a few more minutes, click here for the entire interview. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.
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In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Michelle Sims, CEO of Yupro Placement, to explore the transformative power of skills-based hiring. As organizations increasingly prioritize inclusive leadership and equitable hiring practices, this conversation sheds light on the urgent need to move beyond traditional degree requirements. Michelle shares her journey and insights on how skills-first approaches can enhance employee experience and drive economic mobility for overlooked talent. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to identify the top skills needed for success in various roles. Discover why reframing interview questions can reduce bias and improve candidate assessment. Explore strategies for building partnerships with workforce development organizations to tap into nontraditional talent pools. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights on redefining hiring practices for a more inclusive future! Guest(s): Michelle Sims, CEO, Yupro Placement
Vicky Pasche is the founder and CEO at Dapper Boi, a gender-less body-inclusive apparel line. Selling via their Shopify store. Founded in 2015 in 2024 they hit $1.36million. Hit PLAY to hear: How one viral video turned a year of no sales into $30K in 3 weeks
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Tiffany Castagno, CEO and founder of Sephir LLC, to discuss the importance of shaping a personal leadership brand in HR. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly prioritize employee experience and inclusive leadership. Tiffany emphasizes the need for authenticity, vulnerability, and curiosity in leadership, offering insights on how HR professionals can navigate their unique styles while fostering strong, inclusive teams. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to identify your core values and align them with your leadership brand. Discover why vulnerability and curiosity are essential for building trust within teams. Explore strategies for effectively sharing your leadership journey on platforms like LinkedIn. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights on enhancing your leadership presence in today's evolving workplace! Guest(s): Tiffany Castagno, CEO and Founder, Sephir LLC
Frederica Watson is the Head of eCommerce at UK beauty brand Nip + Fab. Founded over 10 years ago, they sell via their Shopify store and wholesale, and the DTC eCommerce site has a 7-figure turnover. Hit PLAY to hear:
We all try to be prepared for setbacks, but are you prepared for success? Lifelong tech entrepreneur Mike Vertolli, Founder of ComTec Systems shares critical advice for aspiring business owners. He recently appeared on TechVibe Radio to tell us how he founded his first company in high school and how ComTec helps businesses find savings in their energy and telecommunications spends. We pulled some key highlights from his TechVibe interview to share with our time-crunched listeners. Hit play and learn how Mike emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining proper documentation to facilitate strategic pivots, and being financially prepared for both growth and setbacks. He also offers valuable wisdom on envisioning success and ensuring the right people, processes, and systems are in place. Additionally, Mike recounts an impactful piece of investment advice which taught him to reassess decisions daily, providing a fresh perspective on managing life's uncertainties. Hit PLAY for the good stuff and if you have a few more minutes, listen to his entire interview. Let's get started! The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.
Purpose Chasers Podcast| Author| Transformational Life & Business Coach| Keynote Speaker|
Why is a shreddy, fan-favorite like One Time Weekend still stuck in the mid-day slots? In this punchy sit-down we unpack the “headliner conspiracy,” their DIY booking grind, and the studio marathon fueling their next drop. Hit Play, Then… Watch the full video on YouTube → https://youtu.be/wo6snRUyT18 Grab the extras & show notes → https://thepurposechasers.com What You'll Learn The self-management bottleneck keeping OTW off top lines. How drummer/engineer Alex turned a studio remodel into a song factory. The word-of-mouth strategy that trades algorithm hacks for real fans. New-guitarist glow-ups, on-stage ESP, and why “Soda Pop Jesus” is the riff-gymnastics champ. Catch OTW Live
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Meg Crosby, co-founder of PeopleCap Advisors and operating partner at SSM Partners. They delve into the critical first 90 days for new leaders, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding organizational culture during leadership transitions. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations navigate the complexities of employee experience and the integration of AI in HR, highlighting the need for inclusive leadership strategies. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to effectively support new leaders by prioritizing listening and relationship-building. Discover why understanding generational dynamics can enhance team cohesion and performance. Explore strategies for leveraging AI to shift focus from functional expertise to essential people management skills. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights on leadership development and the evolving role of HR! Guest(s): Meg Crosby, Co-founder, PeopleCap Advisors
Brian Walmsley is the founder and CEO at ReBorn, the world's first homewares brand made entirely from local waste. Founded in 2022 they now sell via wholesale, Amazon, and their Shopify store, and are doing £500,000 a year. Hit PLAY to hear: ♻️ How Brian turned local plastic waste into a £500K/year homewares brand
Have you ever felt trapped in a business that no longer ignites your passion? In this candid episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, Chris Brisson, founder of SalesMSG, reveals how entrepreneurs can courageously pivot from a stagnant business to a thriving, purpose-driven venture. In this episode, Chris details how to: Recognize when your current business model isn't serving your vision Discover the power of radical transparency in communicating business transitions Understand how personal fulfillment can drive entrepreneurial success Hit Play now to transform your entrepreneurial journey and unlock the courage to reinvent your business! Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.
What happens when life as you know it falls apart — and instead of breaking down, you decide to board a plane and find yourself again? Sometimes the best way to get clarity is to step away from the noise and give yourself space to breathe. Travel has a way of helping us see things differently — not just the world, but ourselves. It's in those quiet, unfamiliar places that we often begin to hear our own voice more clearly. When I first connected with Christina Cridebring, I knew right away she had a powerful story to tell. Her journey — one that took her across continents and deep into self-discovery — eventually became the heart of her memoir, Black Heart Life. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Christina to talk about what it really looked like behind the scenes: how travel helped her come back to herself, what it took to move past fear and publish her story, and how sharing it sparked healing — not just for her, but for those around her too. Hit PLAY to hear: How Christina used travel as a tool for healing and rediscovery The unexpected challenges of publishing a deeply personal memoir What it really takes to write your story — even if you're “not a writer” Navigating fear, vulnerability, and imposter syndrome when sharing your truth The surprising way storytelling sparked healing conversations in her family Why integrating your personal and professional self leads to deeper alignment The importance of being honest, even when your story involves others This episode is your reminder that your story matters — not because it's perfect, but because it's yours. Whether you're in the middle of your own reinvention or simply wondering what your next chapter looks like, let Christina's journey inspire you to be brave, tell the truth, and take that first step. And if her story speaks to you, share this episode with someone who needs it — because when we share our stories, we shine a light for others to find their way. Interview links: Grab a copy of Christina's book, Black Heart Life Connect with Christina on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson takes you behind the scenes of SHRM25—the world's largest HR conference—happening June 29 to July 2 in San Diego. Drawing from over 20 years in the HR profession and countless conferences, Shari delivers a real-talk survival guide for navigating SHRM25 like a pro. From how to prep for President Biden's keynote to what to pack (and what to leave behind), Shari shares practical advice, first-timer strategies, and unexpected tips that will help you get the most out of your time in San Diego. Whether you're attending for the first time or the tenth, this episode will help you show up prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of every minute. Plus, learn how you can participate in Paylocity's GIVES event to help pack 10,000 sensory break kits for United Way San Diego and eight local YMCA locations. Listener Takeaways: • Discover what to pack, what to wear, and how to avoid rookie mistakes at SHRM25 • Learn how to build a smart, flexible daily schedule with room for recharge • Get security tips for attending President Joe Biden's keynote session • Hear Shari's favorite networking hacks and hidden session gems Hit “Play” and take 20 minutes to feel fully prepared for SHRM25—because showing up ready is the first step to making it unforgettable. Guest(s): Solo episode featuring Shari Simpson, Host of HR Mixtape
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Alejandra Ramirez, an internal communication strategist at Ready Cultures. They delve into the critical role of internal communication in enhancing employee experience and driving organizational culture. This conversation is timely as companies increasingly recognize the importance of strategic communication in fostering trust, boosting productivity, and facilitating sustainable cultural change. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to bridge the gap between strategy and action through effective internal communication. Discover why understanding your audience is essential for crafting impactful messages. Explore strategies for measuring communication effectiveness, even with limited resources. Hit “Play” to gain insights that can transform your internal communication approach and elevate your HR practices! Guest: Alejandra Ramirez, Internal Communication Strategist, Ready Cultures
Think you're clever enough to tackle these brain-twisting riddles?
Mike Turner is the founder and MD of Bird & Blend Tea Co. Developing, producing and selling the UK's largest range of unique and exciting tea blends. Founded in 2012 Bird & Blend are on track to drive sales of £20million in the next year. They are selling internationally via their Shopify store, and via their 25 high street stores in the UK. Hit PLAY to hear:
Get ready for a thrilling riddle adventure! These challenges are only for those with sharp instincts and a nose for danger. Each riddle has hidden clues that will test your senses and intuition—can you sniff out the real threat and solve the mystery?
Get ready for a thrilling riddle adventure! These challenges are only for those with sharp instincts and a nose for danger. Each riddle has hidden clues that will test your senses and intuition—can you sniff out the real threat and solve the mystery?
Ready to rev up your brain like never before? This unique blend of riddles is designed to push your thinking into high gear! Each riddle brings its own twist, challenging your logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Think you can handle the pace and solve them all? Hit PLAY and get ready to fire up those brain cells! Let's see who can keep up!
Ready to give your brain a quick workout? This pack of short yet challenging riddles is here to fire up those brain cells and get you thinking fast! ⚡ Perfect for a quick mental boost, each riddle will test your logic, speed, and creativity. Think you can solve them all? Hit PLAY and let's see how quick you really are!
Ready to give your brain a quick workout? This pack of short yet challenging riddles is here to fire up those brain cells and get you thinking fast! ⚡ Perfect for a quick mental boost, each riddle will test your logic, speed, and creativity. Think you can solve them all? Hit PLAY and let's see how quick you really are!
Are you ready to push your mind to its limits?
Prepare yourself for a chilling challenge! These blood-freezing riddles are here to jolt your logic awake and keep you on the edge of your seat.
These aren't your typical riddles! Get ready for a detective challenge that'll play tricks on your mind and make you question everything. Designed to betray your trust with every twist, these riddles will keep you guessing till the very end. Think you can outsmart them where others can't? Hit PLAY and see if you can solve what most high school students can't! Let's test your detective skills!
This isn't just any riddle challenge—it's a race against time for only the sharpest minds! Each riddle will push your brain to the limit, testing your speed, logic, and genius-level thinking. Think you've got what it takes to solve them all before the clock hits zero? Hit PLAY and jump into the ultimate riddle quest! Let's see if you're among the true geniuses who can beat the timer!
Think you're ready for a challenge? These short riddles may be quick, but their complexity will push your brain cells to the limit!
Ready to rev up your brain like never before? This unique blend of riddles is designed to push your thinking into high gear! Each riddle brings its own twist, challenging your logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Think you can handle the pace and solve them all? Hit PLAY and get ready to fire up those brain cells! Let's see who can keep up!
Are you ready to push your mind to its limits?
Think you're ready for a challenge? These short riddles may be quick, but their complexity will push your brain cells to the limit!
What do you do to get out of this and lose the weight!? HIT PLAY!https://www.sherriekapala.com/workwithsherrie
Think you've got what it takes to solve these tricky puzzles?
It's time to push your brainpower to the absolute limit! These riddles are designed to unleash your inner genius and test your problem-solving superpowers. Each one will stretch your mind and take you closer to riddle mastery! Are you ready to tackle them all? Hit PLAY and see if you have what it takes to become a riddle superhero!
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Tracy Sponenberg, founder and chief people officer at Tracy Sponenberg LLC. They dive into the often-overlooked topic of deskless or frontline workers, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in enhancing employee experience for this critical group. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of inclusive leadership and effective communication strategies, especially in a post-pandemic world where employee engagement is paramount. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to implement a listening tour to build trust with frontline employees. Discover why flexibility in roles and schedules is essential for enhancing employee experience. Explore strategies for leveraging technology, like AI and mobile solutions, to support deskless workers. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights on transforming your HR approach for frontline teams! Guest(s): Tracy Sponenberg, Chief People Officer, Tracy Sponenberg LLC
Renee Cizel & Giorgia Rossi from Possum Play, sellers of the play sofa that transforms into 100s of different configurations! Founded in 2021 they now sell internationally via their 3 country specific Shopify stores, with 40,000 happy families loving the product already. Hit PLAY to hear:
Ughhhh this was quite sad but exciting at the same time. We are releasing for your listening pleasure the early access to Watch Along S2, Ep. 8 - Love Triangle. If you are a Jelly fan you are happy and if you are a Bonrad fan you're depressed and angry and anxious about Season 3. That said, this is a great episode of television. It makes you FEEL and that's what great shows do. Listen along as we rewatch this last episode of Season 2 and gab more about our opinions/thoughts about the upcoming season.Watch Along SeriesJoin us as we rewatch every episode of Season 1 and 2. Listen in as we provide commentary and thoughts as if you're watching with friends.Recommended Setup: We recommend a two-screen view (Prime Video on one, YouTube on the other). This could be: laptop + TV, two TVs, two Laptops or a split screen, TV + phone. Or you just listen in to the commentary via podcast! How to Watch Along: 1) Queue up the episode on Prime Video 2) Hit Play at the same time that we do 3) Watch along & enjoy!
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Jamy Conrad, Vice President of People and HR at TrustRadius. They delve into the evolving role of HR professionals, focusing on the critical transition from tactical support to strategic partnership in the workplace. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations navigate the complexities of employee experience and the integration of AI in HR practices. Jamy shares her unique insights on fostering a culture of belonging and leveraging soft skills as power skills to drive business outcomes. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to balance employee advocacy with organizational goals for mutual benefit. Discover why developing an HR mission and values statement is essential for internal branding. Explore strategies for embracing AI as a tool to enhance HR efficiency and effectiveness. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your HR approach! Guest(s): Jamy Conrad, Vice President of People and HR, TrustRadius
Ira Guha is the founder at Asan Cup who are on a mission to eradicate period poverty and tampon waste with their innovative reusable menstrual cup. Designed and patented whilst Ira was a graduate student at Harvard, the business launched in 2021 and now serve around 10,000 customers a month via their Shopify site, Amazon and Wholesale. Hit PLAY to hear:
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Sabina Nawaz, an elite executive coach at Nawaz Consulting, LLC. They delve into the critical topic of effective management, particularly for high-performing leaders who often overlook the importance of feedback and psychological safety within their teams. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly prioritize employee experience and inclusive leadership in today's dynamic work environment. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to cultivate a culture of feedback that empowers team members to share their insights openly. Discover why speaking less can enhance your leadership effectiveness and foster better communication. Explore strategies for creating psychological safety, enabling your team to engage in tough conversations without fear. Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your management approach! Guest(s): Sabina Nawaz, Executive Coach, Nawaz Consulting, LLC
Dan Bond is the VP of Marketing at RevLifter, software that drives intelligent offers to boost your bottom line. Dan joins us to reveal how smart, data-driven promotions can increase conversions, raise AOV, and protect your margins — all without blanket discounting. If you're tired of giving away profits and ready to make your offers work smarter, this episode is a must-watch! Hit PLAY to hear:
This week's episode is about decision-making and how to know what's actually worth it when you work for yourself.We recorded this right after speaking at a conference in Jamaica where we walked through some of our own real-life crossroads as business owners with a group of entrepreneurs. The talk resonated so deeply, the only feedback we got was: “Can you just put this all on one page?”This is our answer to that.We're talking about those high-stakes, low-certainty moments every entrepreneur, side hustler, or freelancer has to face eventually like what to sell, when to say yes, how to price your work, when to hire help, whether to spend or play it safe. And, maybe most importantly, how to move when the pressure's on and the money feels tight (or even when it's flowing).We get into:Why emotional decisions are so expensiveWhat Annie Duke's poker strategy has to do with entrepreneurshipThe $500 mistake we made early on that cost us doubleHow to protect yourself from thinking too small without blowing your budgetAnd the biggest difference between people who survive in business and people who burn out earlyWhether you're self-employed, freelancing, or bootstrapping something new, your decision-making process should match the size of what you're trying to build. If you've ever felt like your goals were too big or your fears were too loud… this one's for you. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow