Podcasts about People Management

BONUS: Zach Goldberg shares how to build high-performing engineering teams and master the startup CTO role In this BONUS episode, we dive deep into the world of startup leadership with Zach Goldberg, author of The Startup CTO's Handbook. We explore the critical transition from engineering to leadership, the art of balancing technical debt with startup urgency, and the communication skills that separate great CTOs from the rest. The Genesis of The Startup CTO's Handbook "My original training in software engineering was not enough for being a leader. All the people and leadership skills, I had to learn on my own." Zach's journey to writing The Startup CTO's Handbook began with a stark realization about the gap between technical training and leadership reality. Despite his classical software engineering background, he discovered that the people and leadership skills required for CTO success had to be self-taught. The book emerged from a growing Google Doc of topics and frameworks addressing the leadership and management challenges that CTOs consistently face - from hiring and performance management to making strategic decisions under pressure. Today, we can either buy the digital/print book on Amazon, or read the book on GitHub.  In this segment, we also refer to the book The Great CEO Within. Learning to Truly Learn: The Max Mintz Story "Max only cared about my ability to learn - to get curious about something hard. He wanted to help me deal with complexity." Zach opens his book with a deeply personal story about his mentor, Max Mintz, who fundamentally changed his approach to learning during what he calls "the most impactful single coffee" of his life. Over 1.5 years of conversations, Max taught him that true learning isn't about accumulating facts, but about developing curiosity for hard problems and building the capacity to handle complexity. This lesson forms the foundation of effective CTO leadership - the ability to continuously learn and adapt in an ever-changing technical landscape. The Three Critical CTO Mistakes "As a CTO, the most important 3 things: people, people, people. Do the people have the right energy, the right passion? Assemble the right team." Zach identifies consistent patterns in startup CTO failures across his experience. The first and most critical mistake is undervaluing people decisions - failing to prioritize team energy, passion, and the right assembly of talent. The second category involves investment mistakes, particularly the challenge of balancing short-term survival needs with long-term technical goals. In startups, the ROI timespan is exceptionally short, requiring optimization for immediate objectives rather than hypothetical scale. The third mistake is treating technology as religion rather than tools, losing sight of what the business actually needs. Optimizing for Velocity and Developer Experience "You are optimizing for velocity! What are you doing to help developers get their work done? Look at developer experience as a metric." Successful startup CTOs understand that velocity - the time from idea to valuable market delivery - is paramount. This requires a fundamental shift in thinking about technology decisions, focusing on features that deliver real customer value rather than technical elegance. Zach emphasizes measuring developer experience as a key metric, recognizing that anything that helps developers work more effectively directly impacts the company's ability to survive and thrive in competitive markets. The Professional Skill Tree Concept "It's like a character progression in an RPG. When we learn one type of skills, we don't learn other types of skills. We make investments every day and we have a choice on where we learn." Drawing from gaming metaphors, Zach explains how technical professionals often reach Level 100 in engineering skills while remaining Level 1 in management. The skill tree concept highlights that every learning investment is a choice - time spent developing one skill area means less time available for others. For engineers transitioning to leadership, the key is recognizing opportunities to serve as tech leads, where they can begin setting culture and quality standards while still leveraging their technical expertise. Balancing Kaizen with Startup Urgency "Pick the high-impact debt, and pay that down. This is not always easy, especially because we also need to pick what debt we don't invest on." The tension between continuous improvement and startup speed requires sophisticated thinking about technical debt. Using financial analogies, Zach explains that technical debt has both principal and interest components. The key is identifying which debt carries the highest interest rates and can be paid down most quickly, while consciously choosing which debt to carry forward. This approach maintains the healthy tension between quality and speed that defines successful startup engineering. The Power of Audience Empathy "The single hardest skill, especially for very tech leaders is that of 'audience empathy.' When you explain ideas to people, you usually assume a lot - but they might not." According to Zach, the most undervalued communication habit for startup tech leaders is developing audience empathy. Technical leaders often suffer from the curse of knowledge, assuming their audience shares their context and understanding. The solution requires deliberately considering what the audience already knows before crafting any communication, whether it's explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders or providing clear direction to team members. In this segment we refer to the concept of “the curse of knowledge”, a cognitive bias that occurs when a person who has specialized knowledge assumes that others share in that knowledge. About Zach Goldberg Zach Goldberg is a seasoned technical entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of The Startup CTO's Handbook. With a founder's mentality and a passion for systems thinking, Zach helps engineering leaders build high-performing teams. He also founded Advance The World, a nonprofit inspiring youth in STEM through immersive experiences. You can link with Zach Goldberg on LinkedIn, and visit Zach's website at CTOHB.com.

Gresham Harkless reflects candidly on the emotional and operational challenges of working as a business broker, especially after five to six months without closing a deal.   Gresham emphasizes that the most difficult aspect of the role is managing the human element—navigating silent objections, inconsistent communication, and the emotional ups and downs of clients.   Despite enjoying certain parts of the process, like presenting opportunities, he's come to realize that his core strength and passion lie in lead generation and content creation.   Gresham successfully built a pipeline of around 20 prospects, but the time and energy required to manage those relationships have made him question whether this is the best use of his skills.    Finally, he acknowledges that aligning his work with his strengths, rather than forcing a full-cycle approach, may lead to more sustainable success.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In episode 198, Coffey talks with Kelly Baringer about 2025 trends in employee health benefits and strategies for reducing healthcare costs. They discuss value-based care and directed networks that steer patients to providers with better outcomes; consumer-driven healthcare plans with transparent pricing and no balance billing; the rising costs of pharmacy benefits and hidden broker compensation; and fiduciary responsibilities of HR professionals when managing employee healthcare plans. Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.  If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.  About our Guest: Kelley Barringer is a Vice President of Employee Benefits Consulting, with the Employee Benefits team located in Dallas, Texas. She serves as a senior client executive, client advocate, and key liaison with our clients' executive teams, human resources, benefits, finance, and operations contacts. She provides oversight of the USI service team including overseeing the day-to-day needs of clients and is responsible for conducting periodic dialogue with key client contacts to assume overall satisfaction with the USI team. She joined USI in 2022 and has been in the insurance industry since 2015.  Prior to USI, Kelley worked at Ardent Solutions/Alera Group for 6.5 years in employee benefits. Before that, she worked in technology sales and services at Canon USA. Kelley spent time in the medical device industry working with physical therapists and in operating rooms with implants.  She has her B.S. in Exercise Science from (UTA) The University of Texas at Arlington and achieved her M.B.A. through (SMU) Southern Methodist University's executive program. She was a Specialist in the US Army Reserve's 441st Ambulance Unit, deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait as a medic.    Kelley is involved in her local SHRM chapter, DallasHR, as a board member, and is a Tri-chair for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce's Women in Leadership Committee. She and her oldest daughter are involved with their local National Charity League chapter. She also sits on the City of Richardson's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Board.  Kelley was raised in Garland, TX and resides in Richardson, TX.  She and her husband have three school-aged children. Kelley Barringer can be reached athttps://www.usi.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybarringer/  About Mike Coffey: Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.  Learning Objectives: 1.       Investigate value-based care options like UHC's app-based plans that use provider ratings and incentivized co-pays to guide employees toward higher quality care while reducing costs.2.       Identify and understand broker compensation structures within your healthcare plans to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities and ensure transparency in benefit costs.3.       Evaluate personal and company liability protection needs regarding employee benefits decisions, including whether HR professionals need to be covered under errors and omissions policies.

In episode 197, Coffey talks with Adam Dougherty about angry ex-employees and new ways to get sued. They discuss managing post-termination communications from angry ex-employees; responding to threats of litigation; the importance of good people practices when faced with litigation threats; new causes of discrimination claims following last year's Supreme Court Muldrow v. City of St. Louis decision; and the wisdom of always assuming a decision that doesn't go an employees way may constitute an "adverse employment action.” Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP197 and include the following topics: -          Evil HR Lady: Former Employee Threatens Lawsuit. How should HR respond?-          Bloomberg Law: Justices' New Bias Test Puts Performance Reviews in Legal Bind Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.  If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.  About our Guest: Adam Dougherty is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Adam counsels employers throughout Texas and the United States on a daily basis concerning a multitude of cutting edge and high stakes employment advice matters including terminations disciplinary actions and leave and accommodation issues  Adam also regularly prepares handbooks personnel policies noncompete agreements employment agreements and complex separation agreements In addition to litigating in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings on various discrimination FLSA and noncompete matters he also regularly appears before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EEOC US Department of Labor DOL and various state agencies Adam also conducts antiharassment and antidiscrimination training and workplace investigations. In addition to representing companies all across the state of Texas Adam also maintains a national and international practice representing companies operating in each of the states and across the globe In light of his unique experience representing multi state employers he serves on the Steering Committee of the firm's Multistate Advice and Counseling Practice Group. Adam is cocreator along with Sean Urich of “Monthly Conversations with Adam and Sean” an interactive employment law briefing held regularly in Dallas for legal and HR professionals The briefings are also broadcast live to a national and international audience See recent topics and other presentations in “Speeches” below. Adam is a volunteer with DallasHR and has also served as the Co-President of the Shelton School Dads' Group the past president of the University of Arkansas School of Law's National Alumni Association and as a coach of his daughters' basketball and softball teams. Adam Dougherty can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-dougherty-6946aa2/ About Mike Coffey: Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week. Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.   Learning Objectives: 1.       Implement proper communication protocols when terminated employees threaten litigation, including directing all communications to one person and preserving relevant documentation.2.       Document performance improvement plans thoroughly and follow through on scheduled check-ins to avoid undermining the company's position in potential litigation.3.       Anticipate more claims under the expanded definition of "adverse employment action" following the Muldrow decision by carefully reviewing workplace decisions that might affect employee status or opportunities.

Blaire LaCorte is a visionary business leader renowned for transforming industries and cultivating relentless growth. As the CEO of Loomis and former CEO of XOJET, Blaire has built his reputation on turning challenges into opportunities, scaling businesses through strategic innovation, and building strong, purpose-driven cultures. Known for his deep curiosity and people-first leadership style, Blaire has guided both turnarounds and high-growth companies by empowering teams, embracing change, and prioritizing authenticity and respect in every interaction. His unique perspective comes from a lifetime of learning, both in business and personal development, making him a sought-after coach and mentor for executives worldwide. Key Takeaways: People Are the Heart of Every Business: No matter how innovative the technology or groundbreaking the ideas, true success hinges on people working together effectively and building the right culture. Strategy Is About Saying ‘No’: While brainstorming welcomes all ideas, effective strategy means making tough decisions, focusing on what matters most, and aligning your team around those priorities. Growth Requires Discomfort and Change: Leaders must create environments where teams are challenged, sometimes by “moving the stool” and letting people stand on their own, learning through failure, and being held accountable. Sound Bites: “Brainstorming is about saying yes. Strategy is about saying no.” “If you assume everybody is stupid when you come in, then they will assume that you're stupid and that you don't see them.” “I can help someone up, but I can't hold them up. If I continue to help you too much and I hold you up, your legs don't get strong.” Quote by Mick: “I tell people all the time and if you listen to the show, you know I say, culture is a four letter word—C, A, R, E. And if you're a business leader, you don't necessarily lead the business, you lead the culture, and the culture is what drives the business.” Connect & Discover Blair: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-lacorte-68084/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blair.lacorte Website: https://www.aeye.ai/ Website: https://bootstraplabs.com/community/blair-lacorte/ FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a great project manager in the residential construction world? Matt and Risinger Build business partner, Tim Hill, sit down to discuss what they've come to define as a GREAT project manager. Drawing on years of experience, they identify five essential qualities: LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationWork EthicPeople ManagementGreat project managers earn the respect of their teams through fairness, transparency, and deep knowledge. They must also collaborate effectively with everyone involved—from clients and design professionals to subcontractors and suppliers. Strong communication skills are key, with an emphasis on sharing updates early and often, especially when things go wrong. Weekly written progress reports, regular client meetings, and proactive problem-solving help keep projects on track. A solid work ethic is another cornerstone: successful PMs do whatever the project demands, even if that means working late or on weekends. They're not just clocking hours—they're taking ownership. People management, the fifth trait, ties everything together. PMs need emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to influence and motivate a wide range of personalities. Matt and Tim also discuss the value of critical and logical thinking, which underpins all five qualities. They recommend using tools like PSP testing to evaluate applicants' soft skills and cognitive strengths. Tune in for practical guidance for builders aiming to grow exceptional teams.Thank you to episode sponsor Viewrail! Learn more at viewrail.com.Find Tim on the Web:Website: https://risingerbuild.com/Instagram: @risingerbuild_atx & @tim_risingerbuildFind Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://buildshownetwork.com/  Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

In episode 196, Coffey talks with Sam Kabert about achieving "soul-life balance" as an alternative approach to traditional work-life balance. They discuss the concept of soul-life balance focusing on inner well-being rather than compartmentalizing work and personal life; the 90-second rule for processing emotions based on neuroscience research; the importance that people leaders model soul-life balance; the BREATH framework (Breathe, Relax, Energy to reveal, Accept, Transform, Habits) for emotional regulation; the "ninja breath" technique for managing stress in real-time; practical applications for incorporating these practices in workplace settings; and the importance of processing emotions rather than compartmentalizing them.Sam will be a keynote speaker at the North Texas SHRM Annual Conference on April 298-29, 2025. You can learn more at https://ntxshrm.org/page-1824327 Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Sam Kabert is an expert in subconscious reprogramming, nervous system regulation, and breathwork integration. As a successful entrepreneur turned mental wellness coach, he's helped high-performing leaders break free from burnout, stress, and emotional roadblocks—using the same techniques he'll be teaching in this challenge.Sam Kabert can be reached atinstagram.com/samkabert https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabert/ https://www.facebook.com/soulseekrz https://samkabert.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHi-hxuxUe2ZlPJCMkZ7fFQSam Kabert's BREATH Club: samkabert.com/clubSam Kabert's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09T262PKP Soul Seekr podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soul-seekr/id1474728691 About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Implement simple breathwork techniques in workplace settings to help employees regulate emotions and manage stress Create psychological safety through practices like WIFL (What I Feel Like expressing) to improve team communication Design wellness initiatives that address inner mental-emotional health rather than simply checking boxes for work-life balance

00:00 Introduction to Yugo Milan and His Background03:06 The Intersection of Technology and Talent Strategy06:00 Government Efficiency and Workforce Management08:55 Navigating Layoffs and Performance Management12:00 Job Market Strategies for the Unemployed15:05 Understanding Workforce Solutions18:08 The Need for Better People Management21:04 Best Practices in Interviewing and Recruitment21:55 The Importance of Candidate Assessments22:54 AI's Role in Recruitment25:35 AI and Job Security Concerns29:59 The Future of Remote Work36:52 Innovations in Workforce Solutions39:47 Evaluating Candidates Beyond Skills41:31 Future-Proofing Organizations44:27 Defining Success and Making a Difference

In episode 195, Coffey talks with Diane Allen about achieving flow state at work to maximize productivity, creativity, and fulfillment. They discuss the definition of flow as an optimal state of mind where people perform and feel their best; the neurological and physiological aspects of flow including the release of performance-enhancing hormones; how the intersection of skill, challenge, and purpose creates entry points into flow; the impact of workplace interruptions on productivity; how individuals can identify their unique flow strategy; the mechanics of creating group flow in teams; practical workplace design elements that support flow states.Diane will be a keynote speaker at the North Texas SHRM Annual Conference on April 28-29, 2025. You can register for that event at https://ntxshrm.org/event-5716977. Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Violinist Diane Allen is an international speaker, thought leader, and best-selling author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do. She helps leaders and teams activate their flow state, enabling them to navigate disruption, combat burnout, and create thriving cultures where purpose and passion drive peak performance.Her journey into the transformative power of flow began as a young violinist. Feeling bullet-proof with her New York City violin training, she'd show up to auditions with visions of winning the job of her dreams, but fear would get the better part of her.After ten years of experimentation, Diane made a breakthrough. By focusing deeply on her musical interpretation, she activated the flow state, an optimal state of mind where fear dissolves, and performance soars beyond one's imagination.It only took one fearless audition for Diane to become a 15-year Concertmaster (lead violinist) of the Central Oregon Symphony, a beloved violin teacher for 28 years, and author of the Fingerboard Workbook series for violin, viola, cello and bass.It was her groundbreaking Flow Strategy™ system that earned her a spot on the TEDxNaperville stage with features on TED, ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.With the elegance of drawing the bow across her Copper Dragon violin, Diane's experiential programs blend live musical performance, scientific principles, storytelling, positive psychology, inspiration, and actionable takeaways, empowering people to activate their flow state, be in their genius, and love what they do.Diane Allen can be reached at:TEDx/TED Talkhttps://dianeallen.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/https://www.instagram.com/dianeallenspeaker/https://www.facebook.com/dianeallenspeaker/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOk_r1n2X2FmbRcoiUhIHQAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Identify the three key elements (skill, challenge, and purpose) necessary to create flow states for individuals and teams.Design work environments that minimize interruptions and allow for uninterrupted blocks of focused time.Develop strategies to help employees recognize and access their unique flow triggers.

In this week's episode of The Wize Way Podcast for Accountants & Bookkeepers, discover what the “No Blame” culture is all about and how implementing it in your organization can be a total game-changer. Want to scale your firm with better leadership? Listen now!________________ PS: Whenever you're ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm: 1. Take the Wize Accountants Scale Scorecard – Find out your potential to scale and the next steps you should follow – Start Your Scorecard 2. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 4. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

I never thought HR could be remotely interesting, BUT I can honestly say I was wrong. In today's episode, I'm joined by HR expert Phoebe Kitto, owner of HR Dynamics, to talk about the often misunderstood world of Human Resources. Most people think HR is boring-as-bat-shit, but after you listen to this episode, you will see how HR can be very exciting, and it can also cover your arse in so many areas of small business.  Phoebe explains that HR is not just about rules and compliance, but about creating a thriving, high-performing team. We discuss key strategies for managing staff effectively, the importance of clear contracts, and how to foster a positive workplace culture. Key Takeaways from this Episode: HR is about managing your most valuable asset – your team. A strong HR foundation includes clear contracts and staff handbooks. Managing staff performance effectively requires regular feedback and KPIs. The probationary period is crucial for assessing the right fit for your team. Micromanage during the probation period to ensure expectations are met. Once probation ends, shift from directing to inspiring your team. Clear communication and understanding are key to avoiding conflicts. Set realistic KPIs and use them to measure and improve staff performance. Don't avoid tough conversations – frame them in a way that invites collaboration. HR is not just about compliance; it's a tool for improving your practice and team dynamics. If you have any questions about HR, you can contact Phoebe directly by email at phoebe@hrdynamics.com.au or if you'd like to contact me, please email me at tyson@podiatrylegends.com. Consider coming along to my Next Event FREE Business Guidance Do you have a business question? A podiatrist I spoke with in 2024 made an extra $40,000 by following my simple advice from a 30-minute FREE Zoom call. They were so happy they bought me a $400 bottle of bourbon. You don't have to do that, but if you do, I won't say no!!! Think about it – you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Please follow the link below to my calendar and schedule a free 30-minute Zoom call. I guarantee that after we talk, you will have far more clarity on what is best for you, your business and your career. MY SCHEDULE  Subscribe to my YouTube Channel – Tyson E Franklin  FACEBOOK GROUP - Podiatry Business Owners Club  MY BOOK is available on AMAZON - It's No Secret, There's Money in Podiatry 

In this episode, I shared the five most difficult aspects of investing in HMOs—and property in general. These are the challenges that have nearly made me quit on more than one occasion.If you've been investing long enough, you've likely faced some of these issues. By being open and honest about them, we can better prepare ourselves and realise we're not alone in experiencing them. Knowing that others face the same struggles can give us the motivation to keep going. This episode is important because the issues we're discussing are serious.Topics covered in this episode: 03:01 The Five Difficulties in HMO Investing05:54 Planning Challenges12:08 Financial Risks 17:54 People Management 22:01 Finding Deals in a Competitive Market25:46 The Importance of Resilience Please leave us a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us celebrate this milestone!-Got any questions? Ask us in The HMO Community Facebook Group or follow me on Instagram @andygraham.hmo for daily HMO tips and advice! If you want to join my 1-2-1 mentoring program, you can enquire here. New to HMOs? Join The HMO Roadmap on a premium plan and unlock our award-winning library of 400+ resources to help you start, scale and systemise your HMO business. 

In episode 194, Coffey talks with Lucy Adams about transforming people practices to meet modern business needs.They discuss how traditional HR processes focus on conformity rather than flexibility; the tendency to design policies around the lowest common denominator rather than individual needs; regulation burdens in the UK versus the US; opportunities to reframe DEI initiatives to be more effective and inclusive; the challenges of the hybrid workplace model; the importance of carefully selecting managers who actually want to lead people; the impact of AI on HR functions and employee roles.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Lucy Adams was the BBC's HR Director during one of its most turbulent periods. Responsible for all aspects of employee relations, reward, training and development, she reduced the BBC management by over 30%, saving the organisation £25m a year. In her five year tenure Lucy saw four Directors General come and go, oversaw the move to Manchester site and coped with numerous, very public crises including executive pay-offs and the Savile scandal. This alongside the everyday work of talent retention, development and remuneration, HR policy, and the challenges of delivering multiple changes in a publicly-funded organisation working in a highly commercial, fast-moving sector with over 20,000 employees.Prior to working at the BBC, Lucy was Group HR Director at Serco, the government services business, and at the law firm Eversheds.For the last 10 years Lucy has been the CEO of Disruptive HR with the mission of 'changing people practices for good'. Lucy challenges business leaders and HR professionals to reappraise their approaches and to consider how relevant and productive they are in a disrupted world. She offers new ideas and practical innovative approaches that the more progressive companies are already adopting. Combining her strategic HR expertise with practical implementation, she advocates for an innovative yet grounded approach which aims to put the “human” back into Human Resources.
Lucy is not just a business leader and hugely popular keynote speaker, but also a well-known author of the bestseller “HR Disrupted” a book packed with practical ways to innovate your approach to leading people in a disrupted world. Her latest book bestseller “The HR ChangeToolkit” provides the complete guide to making it happen.Lucy Adams can be reached athttps://disruptivehr.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucykadams https://www.facebook.com/hrdisruptive https://www.instagram.com/disruptive_hr About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Develop HR practices that prioritize customization for individuals rather than enforcing broad conformityImplement people leadership strategies that balance compliance requirements with genuine human engagementEstablish alternative career paths that don't force skilled individual contributors into management roles they don't want

Brookfield CEO Bruce Flatt reveals the investment philosophy behind building one of the world's largest alternative asset managers with over a trillion dollars under management.  At the core of Brookfield's strategy is a disciplined focus on downside protection that has delivered 19% annualized returns over 30 years. Flatt identifies three major trends driving their investments: digitalization (including AI infrastructure), global energy transition, and reindustrialization as supply chains shift. The conversation explores Brookfield's approach to risk management, their expansion into insurance, and their meritocratic culture. When Shane presses for clarity on Brookfield's complex corporate structure, Flatt provides rare insights into how the organization's design creates both operational flexibility and investment opportunities.  What separates Brookfield from competitors? Patient capital: the discipline to wait for extraordinary opportunities and the financial strength to act when others can't.  If you want to understand how the smartest capital allocators think and what it takes to build something enduring, this episode is essential listening.  Thanks to these sponsors for supporting our show:  NordVPN: EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/KNOWLEDGEPROJECT. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/shane. All lowercase. ShipStation: Get a 60-day free trial at www.shipstation.com/knowledgeproject. The opinions shared on this podcast belong solely to those expressing them. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the securities discussed. This podcast is intended to provide general information only and should not be considered financial advice.  (00:02:56) Changes in Investing Over the Past 25 Years (00:04:51) How Private Enterprise Has Built Our Tech Infrastructure (00:07:08) Implications and Opportunities of Passive Investing (00:09:08) Advantages of Private Companies (00:12:36) Three Investment Themes (00:15:11) Winners in Digitalization (00:16:45) Application of Artificial Intelligence in Businesses (00:21:44) Transition to Low-Carbon Energy (00:25:24) Future of Data Centers (00:27:32) De-globalization of Industry (00:29:59) Implications of Manufacturing Repatriation (00:31:11) Long-term Prospects for America (00:36:20) Approach to Risk and Debt (00:37:48) Impact of Interest Rates (00:40:47) Managing Market Dislocations (00:42:30) Long-term Investing Strategy (00:45:06) History and Future of Brookfield (00:47:55) Exploration of Private Markets and Insurance (00:48:48) Investment Decision Process (00:55:18) Understanding Brookfield's Structure (00:59:40) Positioning of Brookfield's Businesses (01:00:21) Talent and People Management at Brookfield (01:02:58) Focus on Downside Protection (01:05:03) Accountability in Investment Decisions (01:06:32) Understanding Investment Cycles (01:08:14) Learning and Training in the Organization (01:09:06) Postmortem Analysis of Investments (01:11:14) Consideration of Geopolitical Risks Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it's completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 193, Coffey talks with Terri Swain about recent HR news items including return-to-office mandates, “illegal DEI”, and whether it is Alt+Ctrl+Delete or Ctrl+Alt+Delete. They discuss SHRM's report showing significantly higher workplace incivility in companies with return-to-office mandates; challenges with remote work including leadership development and communication skills; the "over-employment" phenomenon where remote workers secretly hold multiple full-time jobs; the Trump administration's position on DEI programs and the EEOC's new guidance; how political affiliation affects hiring decisions; the importance of rebranding DEI efforts while maintaining their core purpose.Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP193 and include the following topics:- SHRM: How Return-to-Office Mandates Are Affecting Workplace Civility- Business Insider: Secretly Working 2 Remote Jobs, RTO Could Hurt Overemployment - Business Insider- HR Dive: EEOC Outlines How DEI Might Be ‘Unlawful'- HR Morning ‘Illegal DEI' Explained: 12 Warnings in New EEOC Guidance- EEOC: What To Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work- EEOC: What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work- Reddit: [OR] Not Hiring Trump SupportersGood Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for .75 recertification credits. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Terri is the founder and Chief Truth Seeker with DecipHR a Fort Worth based, human resources consulting firm specializing in Equal Employment Opportunity investigations, employee relations and interim HR leadership. The company was founded in 2022 after the sale of her 24 year old company, The HR Consultant in 2021. DecipHR has a nationwide and diverse client base, specializing in solving complex employee relations issues and providing interim HR leadership to growing companies.  Prior to her consulting role, she had Fortune 200 human resource leadership experience in the areas of employee relations, human resource planning, and training and development.Terri began her career in human resources via government compliance as an investigator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  In her spare time, she enjoys a good book, a brisk walk, loud live music and travel to new places.Terri Swain can be reached athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/terriswainAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Evaluate return-to-office policies based on business needs rather than blanket mandates.Implement performance management systems that effectively monitor productivity regardless of work location.Develop inclusive workplace initiatives that comply with legal requirements and meet business objectives

Welcome to The K9PT Academy podcast, the only podcast in veterinary rehabilitation that focuses on helping business owners and entrepreneurs build and scale a profitable and successful canine rehabilitation business! Last podcast episode focused on when and how to hire, and changing our mindset on it so we get the most from that situation. I got some great feedback from many of you, and with that mind I wanted to build up on that topic today and discuss how we can create an environment that will allow our team members to grow and succeed in their role. Listen to the full episode as we discuss: Hiring is just the start — the real work is creating an environment where your team can grow and succeed. Managing people is a skill most of us haven't learned, but it's essential to grow a sustainable business. Culture matters as much as performance — a high-performing team member with poor culture can do more harm than good. Understand who you're working with — A, B, C, and D players all require different leadership approaches. People change over time — the “Twin A vs Twin B” concept shows why continued personal growth is critical. Personal accountability leads to growth — leaders must own their mistakes to improve team dynamics. The right fit leads to opportunity — when a role is aligned, team members look for ways to grow, not things to complain about. You can't do the work for them — you can create the space and support, but their success is ultimately up to them. Book a FREE strategy call: https://calendly.com/thek9pt/strategy-call Join our Canine Rehabpreneur Community: www.facebook.com/groups/k9rehabpreneur/ Download our fee calculator and training: https://thek9pt.mykajabi.com/Fee-calculator Download our 'marketing done easy' worksheet and training: https://www.k9ptacademy.com/marketing-done-easy ... Thank you so much for listening to this episode and if you found this content valuable here are some additional ways we can help each other: 1) Go to www.k9ptacademy.com for more resources on business ownership, including our free Fee Calculator and Marketing Done Easy worksheet 2) Send us your question or subscribe to our weekly newsletter by emailing us at hello@k9ptacademy.com 3) Share this episode with a colleague who might also find it helpful :-) 4) Leave us a 5-star review so we can expand our reach and help more folks

In episode 192, Coffey talks with Shawn Johnson about creating multigenerational inclusive and productive workplaces.They discuss the age ranges and characteristics of different generations in today's workforce; how parenting styles and historical events shape generational perspectives; the evolution of generational values over time; ways different generations view leadership and meaningful work; strategies for creating environments where multiple generations can collaborate effectively; the importance of balancing experienced wisdom with fresh perspectives.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Shawn Johnson is a speaker, trainer, and consultant. She has been involved in leadership development for over 20 years, from small privately owned companies to Fortune 1000. She's passionate about working with leaders and their teams to foster generational inclusion, using her own experience growing up in a four-generation family business.Her presentations prepare organizations to better understand each generation's approach to the world of work, build a foundation of trust, and create higher performing teams. As a result, they leverage generational differences for greater success.She and her husband, Ronnie, live in the Fort Worth area and enjoy life in the country with their 2 dogs, 2 cats, and hanging out with their multi-generational Johnson family.Shawn Johnson can be reached athttps://shawnjohnsonspeaks.com/ (download her Generational Cheat Sheet here!)https://www.linkedin.com/in/ShawnJohnsonSpeakshttps://x.com/geninclusionhttps://www.facebook.com/shawnjohnsonspeakshttps://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnsonSpeaksAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Create workplace cultures that value and leverage the strengths of different generationsDevelop leadership approaches that accommodate varying generational expectations about feedback and communicationImplement strategies that blend experienced wisdom with new perspectives to drive innovation and productivity

In this compelling episode of Negotiating Happiness, host Adriana sits down with Filomena Lofranco, founder of LDV&CO, who shares her transformative journey from passion to profitable business. Through engaging discussion, Filomena reveals the essential elements of building a sustainable brand, including the power of authentic storytelling, strategic partnerships, and establishing a strong market presence. She offers practical insights on maintaining entrepreneurial resilience while sharing valuable time management techniques and digital strategies that have contributed to her success. Drawing from her personal experience with LDV&CO, Filomena provides listeners with actionable advice on turning their passions into thriving businesses, making this episode an invaluable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike. Who is Filomena? Filomena Lofranco is an accomplished executive leader, travel curator, and community builder with over 25 years of expertise in People Management, Finance, and Operations. As the founder of LDV & CO., she has transformed her passion for Italy into a premier travel brand, crafting unforgettable, custom journeys that showcase the country's rich culture, luxury, and charm. Beyond travel, Filomena is a seasoned HR and Operational Management professional, known for driving organizational success through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a people-first approach. Filomena's impressive credentials include certifications in conflict management, business and HR. Filomena is an avid traveler, Italian design enthusiast, and lover of Tuscan wines. She treasures time spent with family and friends, especially during her beloved Sunday night dinners. With her passion for continuous growth, innovation, and meaningful connections, Filomena empowers both individuals and organizations to thrive in today's ever-evolving world. Don't worry if you can't tune in live - you can always catch up later on Soundcloud or other platforms. So mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring conversation! Follow me on all streaming platforms or keep up with additional posts on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, Jared sits down with Vanderbloemen Senior Executive Search Consultant, Eric Albert, to discuss how to recognize and cultivate emerging leaders within your team. Leadership development isn't just about filling roles—it's about equipping the right people with the tools to grow and thrive. They delve into: Key traits that indicate leadership potential and how to spot them early.  Practical steps for mentoring and developing future leaders within your organization.  The importance of delegation and hands-on coaching in leadership growth.  How investing in leadership development strengthens your team for long-term success.  Whether you're leading a church, nonprofit, or corporate team, this episode provides actionable strategies to build, run, and keep a great team.

In episode 191, Coffey talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about leveraging neurodivergent employees' unique strengths. They discuss the prevalence of neurodivergence in the workplace; the various types of neurodivergence beyond autism; the concept of masking and its impact on employees; how to avoid tokenism through universal design; strategies for clear communication with neurodivergent employees; the importance of creating appropriate incentives and accommodations; preparing neurotypical employees to work effectively with neurodivergent colleagues.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a professional speaker and clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people. He has spoken nearly a thousand times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent people in all walks of life, from schools to college to the workplace. Dr. Matt specializes in taking knowledge of the brain, human behavior, and clinical psychology and making that accessible and practical for people to improve their lives. When it comes to working with organizations, Dr. Matt is an expert at helping everyone to grow in a meaningful, authentic way based on skills that stick with you well after he's left the stage. Everyone deserves to have a better life; the more we know about ourselves and our brains, the better we can meet those goals. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective, LLC and the author of the Neurodiversity Playbook: How Neurodivergent People Can Crack the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World.Dr. Matt Zakreski can be reached at http://www.drmattzakreski.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-zakreski-0a32358/https://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreskihttps://www.instagram.com/drmattzakreskiPurchase his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Neurodiversity-Playbook-Neurodivergent-People-Neurotypical/dp/195336036XBook Dr. Matt for speaking, coaching, or consulting services here:https://www.drmattzakreski.com/blank-3 Dr. Matt's new podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nerding-out-on-neurodiversity/id1771917660 About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Implement universal design principles that support all employees while avoiding tokenism of neurodivergent workersDevelop clear communication practices that make implicit workplace expectations explicitCreate appropriate accommodations and incentives that align with neurodivergent employees' needs and preferences

HR is often shouldering the burden and leadership around the impact of societal shifts. We have to ensure the organization is prepared to respond, culture is aligned and any risks around the shift are mitigated. So we need to think about the future of work. I was delighted to have this conversation with Anthony Ariganello, CEO of CPHR Canada and President of the World Federation of People Management. AND he is a member of the Order of Canada! Anthony shared is big picture perspective on the future of HR. Somethings will be advanced and only get better from where they are today and there may be big shifts - like the one in the video below.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, Jared sits down with Vanderbloemen COO Jennifer Paulson to explore the art of people management and leadership development. Together, they discuss why the COO role extends far beyond numbers and operations—it's about understanding, empowering, and growing your team. They delve into: How managing people is at the heart of the COO role and why people challenges often trump operational ones. The essentials of effective delegation: why following up and hands-on coaching are critical for developing emerging leaders. The power of emotional intelligence in navigating difficult conversations and maintaining high team morale. Customizing your leadership style to meet the unique needs of individual team members for optimal performance. Reframing tough decisions—like letting go of employees—as opportunities for growth and a healthier organization. Whether you're leading a church, nonprofit, or corporate team, this episode offers actionable insights to help you build, run, and keep a great team.

In episode 190, Coffey talks with Audrey Mickahail about using skills-based hiring to access untapped talent pools. They discuss the "paper ceiling" that excludes qualified candidates without degrees; how degree requirements became default screening tools; the value of skills and experience gained through alternative routes; strategies for employers to identify and assess core competencies; the importance of gateway jobs in career development; tools and resources available through Opportunity at Work to support skills-based hiring.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Audrey Mickahail is Senior Vice President, Private Sector & Membership Experience, at Opportunity@Work. In this role, she is responsible for the organization's Private Sector business as well as the team that ensures a high quality and consistent customer experience with Opportunity@Work through its service offerings to help employers, philanthropies, regional consortia, and the public sector enable economic mobility for workers who are Skilled through Alternative Routes (STARs).Audrey Mickahail can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickahail/About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Develop hiring processes that focus on essential job competencies rather than credentialsIdentify gateway roles that can serve as entry points for skilled workers without degreesImplement skills assessment methods that effectively evaluate candidates' abilities regardless of educational background

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!On today's episode of Lead with Heart, we are exploring all things project management and the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification with Tamara McLemore.Tamara is the powerhouse founder of Tamara McLemore Enterprises, an executive consultant, a PMP instructor, and an award winning speaker who's revolutionizing the way mid-career professional women approach project management. Through her innovative PMP exam two-week intensive, Tamra has condensed months of preparation into a streamlined 30 day path to certification.Tamara is sharing her insights on risk management, people management, the significance of feedback, and more.In this episode:[02:40] Understanding the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification[08:18] Project management for nonprofits[11:22] Leadership lessons from project management[13:23] The importance of risk management[15:38] Empowering mid-career women in project management[17:33] Bridging the gap between project management and people management[23:11] How project managers can provide constructive feedback[27:08] Empowering women to ask for raises[32:41] Busting PMP Certification mythsCONNECT WITH TAMARA LinkedIn: Tamara McLemoreInstagram: @tamarajoyfulWebsite: https://iwantmypmp.com/ My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox's easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.orgCONNECT WITH HALEYHaley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFREWebsite: thesavvyfundraiser.comProduced by Ideablossoms

In episode 189, Coffey talks with Charles Krugel about a Day Without Immigrants-related firing, unions, the future of DEI, and the ongoing changes coming from the Trump administration.  They discuss a "Day Without Immigrants" protest that led to employee terminations at a Texas burger company; Amazon's North Carolina facility voting against unionization; President Trump's firing of NLRB and EEOC officials and the resulting impact on employment regulations; the rescinding of various NLRB  labor-friendly memos including those on non-compete agreements and confidentiality clauses; the legal complexities of DEI initiatives in the current political climate; geographic variations in labor laws across states and cities.Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP189 and include the following topics:Local Burger Business Fires Workers After They RSVP'ed for Pro-Immigrant Walkout: Hat Creek Burger Company reacted quickly after national protest - News - The Austin ChronicleAmazon North Carolina Workers Reject Union, Handing Retailer Win in Labor FightTrump Paralyzes US Labor Board by Firing Democratic MemberTrump hobbles US anti-discrimination agency by firing Democrats | ReutersExplainer: Trump says corporate diversity efforts are illegal - but are they? Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:For the past 24 years Charles Krugel, charlesakrugel.com, has run his own management side labor & employment law practice based in Chicago. His clients are worldwide & in all industries. 1/3 of his practice is HR counseling on day-to-day micro issues; another 1/3 of his practice is transactionally based (e.g., employment agreements); & the final 1/3 of his practice is litigation in both state & federal courts & before regulatory agencies. Charles represents union as well as non-unionized companies. Charles is frequently quoted & interviewed by the media, annually gives dozens of presentations, serves on numerous boards of directors for numerous organizations & is an award-winning attorney.Charles Krugel can be reached athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesakrugel/https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1798953/https://www.charlesakrugel.com/About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Develop strategies for addressing employee activism while minimizing legal exposureImplement DEI initiatives that expand applicant pools without violating Title VII protectionsCreate workplace cultures where effective management communication reduces the likelihood of employee litigation

In episode 188, Coffey talks with Amy Rosellini about the importance of emphasizing behavior change in workplace training.They discuss the high cost and low effectiveness of current workplace training approaches; the importance of measuring behavior change rather than just knowledge transfer; the role of peer feedback in learning; how to engage resistant learners; strategies for packaging training to increase voluntary participation; and using the Knowledge Transfer Measurement Model (KTMM) for measuring training effectiveness and sustained behavioral change. Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Dr. Amy Rosellini is a distinguished Human Resources consultant specializing in organizational learning and human capital strategy. Since 2013, Amy has led RLT Impact, a consulting firm offering fractional CHRO and learning services. With over two decades of experience spanning diverse industries including manufacturing, retail, construction, real estate, and financial services, Amy excels in designing impactful knowledge management strategies to enhance corporate learning.Amy also chairs a CEO Advisory group in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, convening monthly to tackle pressing business challenges. She is deeply involved in facilitating strategic planning, executive coaching, and leadership development initiatives nationwide, fostering robust talent planning and bolstering employee engagement.Educationally, Amy holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, a Master's degree from the University of North Texas, and completed her Ph.D. in Information Science from UNT in 2020. She remains actively engaged with the academic community, serving as adjunct faculty at the University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business, SMU Cox School of Business, and University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business. Amy's current research endeavors focus on augmented reality in corporate learning and addressing learning disparities in early childhood education.A published author, Amy's research has been featured in numerous refereed articles and books. She is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences nationwide, delivering compelling talks on learning methodologies, improvisation for business, and innovative human capital strategies.Amy Rosellini can be reached athttps://rltimpact.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/amyroselliniAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Design training programs that focus on measurable behavioral changes rather than just knowledge transferImplement feedback systems that incorporate peer review and continuous assessment rather than relying solely on self or manager evaluationsDevelop recognition and reward systems that encourage ongoing learning and behavioral change among both employees and supervisors

Hiring is hard, but keeping great employees? That's even harder. If you're constantly replacing workers, frustrated with turnover, and wondering why your best people keep leaving, this episode is for you. In this episode of Profit Tool Belt, host Dominic Rubino sits down with Nicole Greer, leadership expert and founder of Build a Vibrant Culture, to break down the real reasons contractors struggle with retention—and how to fix it. Don't let high turnover drain your time and profits. Learn how to build a workplace that people actually want to stay in! ----

Jonathan Fadugba is joined by the new Raufoss IL manager Tom Dent for an in-depth interview ahead of the season. Tom makes his 5th appearance on the Nordic Football Podcast and we have followed his journey from Bodø/Glimt to Stjørdals-Blink to Ham Kam and now back in the head coach's chair in the OBOS Ligaen. How did his recent move transpire and what has he learnt from his time as assistant manager at Ham Kam in the Eliteserien? We talk about managerial attributes and needed, philosophies, evolving as a coach and manager, plus what the ambitions are for this season. We thank Tom for his very generous time again on the Nordic Football Podcast and wish him all the best for this season.   

In episode 187, Coffey talks with Leah Stiegler about best practices for the intake process for workplaceinvestigations.They discuss when employers must investigate complaints versus when they can decline; examples ofinvestigations that revealed unexpected findings; handling confidentiality requests from complainants;documentation requirements for complaints and investigations; managing employees who don't wantformal investigations; proper record retention practices.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For moreinformation about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us athttps://imperativeinfo.com.If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visithttps://goodmorninghr.com.About our Guest:Leah can walk employers through any workplace situation. From complex personnel matters, toimplementing client-specific performance management practices, Leah advises employers to navigatethese issues to keep them out of court. Her counseling covers the entire employment spectrum:recruitment, onboarding, workplace culture, pay equity audits, RIFs, terminations and severancepackages. Leah handles workplace investigations and defends actions before administrative agenciessuch as the EEOC, DOL, and NLRB. Leah has extensive litigation experience, defending employers in stateand federal court on claims including but not limited to: Breach of employment agreementsHarassment, discrimination, and retaliation (Title VII) Whistleblower complaints ADA or religious-basedfailure to accommodate claims FMLA non-compliance Workplace violence and negligent supervisionFLSA unpaid overtime, misclassification and off-the-clock claims Workplace safety, OSHA, or VOSHactions.Leah also represents employers navigating union issues, labor relations arbitrations and collectivebargaining. Every workforce loves Leah's dynamic public speaking style. Having traveled the Mid-Atlanticto train front-line employees, upper management, HR and other industry professionals, Leah createscustom workforce training programs with her team and has fun doing it!Leah also maintains a higher education practice. She provides day-to-day compliance advice to publicand private higher ed institutions on employment and student-related matters. These include navigatingTitle VII, Title IX, and code of conduct investigations, faculty, administrative, and athletic coach contractsand severance packages, tenure and promotion processes, and pay equity audits. Leah also trains schoolleadership, such as Deans and Chairs, on improving documentation and engaging in performancemanagement of faculty.To see Leah in action, check out What's the Tea in L&E!Leah is perpetually single with lots of free time to fine-tune her stand-up comedy routine. When not inthe office, you can find Leah crossing up (and trash talking) opponents on the basketball court or bustingout a less-technical, overly passionate Moon Walk at hip hop class.Leah Stiegler can be reached athttps://www.woodsrogers.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-stiegler-28aa7a62/About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, andregistered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averseclients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporateclients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more privateestates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business ofthe year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, whereeach week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers,shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized asthe North Texas HR Professional of the Year.Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, wherehe serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; theTexas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of theTalent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Instituteand a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher(RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:1. Identify when informal complaints trigger an organization's duty to investigate2. Develop effective intake procedures that protect both the organization and complainant whilemaintaining appropriate documentation3. Implement systematic investigation processes that follow proper scope and documentationprotocols regardless of complaint severity

In today's episode of The Wize Way Podcast for Accountants and Bookkeepers, Tim Causbrook and Ed Chan share the concepts of a deep and narrow team structure for every accounting business. Find out why leading is important, the ideal process for a new team structure, how managing people could help, and the analogies behind having a successful team. ________________ PS: Whenever you're ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm: 1. Take the Wize Accountants Scale Scorecard – Find out your potential to scale and the next steps you should follow – Start Your Scorecard 2. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 4. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HEREIf your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!In this episode, Braxton talks leadership with Josh Parnell. They discuss the top challenges shop owners face when transitioning from technician to owner and why so many struggle with communication. Josh says if shop owners don't learn how to properly communicate, they'll struggle financially. 00:00 Automotive Coaching, People Focused05:38 Service Management Challenges & Solutions07:39 Communication Misunderstandings and Voids10:01 Effective People Management Styles13:07 Automotive Repair Leadership Tips17:07 Decade in Automotive Training Leadership19:56 "Prioritizing Employee Engagement"

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey  interviews Simon Robustelli, who grew his restaurant business, Solo Pasta, from $5,000 to $50,000 in weekly revenue over 15 years before a successful exit. Simon shares his insights on the challenges of managing rapid growth, including the importance of consistent processes and empowering his team. He reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the need to "work on the business, not just in it". After his successful exit, Simon emphasises the value of having the right mentors and being open to change.    Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.   Michael delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Simon Robustelli, the hardest thing in growing a small business is patience and belief in your product or brand. He emphasises the importance of having great people around you who are aligned with your vision, as one person deviating can quickly derail the business. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Simon admits he didn't read many business books, preferring to learn through hands-on experience, mentors, and observing others. He believes his core values and business acumen came more from his father and the network of people he surrounded himself with. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? While Simon didn't have a specific podcast or online resource to recommend, he emphasises the value of being open to learning from a wide range of people, including those in your industry and beyond. He believes the more diverse perspectives you can gain, the better. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Simon's top recommendation is to focus on establishing clear procedures and processes to ensure consistency. He points to the example of McDonald's, where every step is meticulously documented, as a model for small businesses to emulate. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If he could go back in time, Simon would tell himself to "get ready for a life-changing journey." He reflects that the experience of building and growing his restaurant business was transformative, both professionally and personally, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Be open to change, and that's something that you know – Simon Robustelli At the end of the day, people are coming for a service, and I need to provide that service, so teaching myself as soon as five o'clock is on, whatever you got going on before? Mate switch it off, because you're on show now – Simon Robustelli I think the biggest driving success for me was the customer satisfaction of creating something, a product which people wanted to enjoy and wanted to be associated with – Simon Robustelli      

In episode 186, Coffey talks with Mark Mohammadpour about creating workplace cultures that prioritize employee well-being.They discuss the evolution of workplace relationships post-pandemic and the importance of well-being beyond salary; the cost implications of employee turnover; the four essential workspaces needed for modern employees (office, home, social spaces, and nature); the importance of having clear purposes for in-office work requirements; how to measure and improve employee well-being across physical, mental, career, community, and financial dimensions; the critical role of consistent communication throughout the employee journey; the value of understanding customer needs when making workplace decisions; the importance of benefits awareness and usage in employee satisfaction.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Mark Mohammadpour, APR, Fellow PRSA (he/him): After spending his communications career leading award-winning programs for Adobe, Microsoft, and the U.S. Army, and after losing and keeping off 150 pounds over the last 15 years, Mark founded Chasing the Sun to empower people to shine. Chasing the Sun helps companies design their Culture of Well-being so they can retain healthy employees and create a healthy bottom line. The funniest person he knows is his incredible wife, Christine, and he'll talk to you all day about his love for soccer, Peloton, and their sweet labradoodle Molly. Learn more about Mark and Chasing the Sun in his intro video reel.Mark Mohammadpour can be reached at https://www.chasingthesunpdx.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmohammadpour/About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives:Implement a three-part approach to assess organizational wellness by examining benefits usage data, conducting work stream-specific surveys, and holding focused employee conversationsCreate purposeful in-office experiences that provide unique value different from remote work, particularly for activities like brainstorming and professional developmentDevelop clear, consistent communication strategies throughout the employee journey to ensure understanding of company decisions, benefits, and growth opportunities

In episode 185, Coffey talks with Kara Kelley about the impact of President Trump's affirmative action order, how not to respond to employee criticism, and nervous candidates.They discuss the implications for federal contractors following the President's rescission of Executive Order 11246, eliminating most affirmative action program and DEI requirements; the ongoing relevance of Title VII and other anti-discrimination laws; JP Morgan's return-to-office mandate and their decision to shut down employee feedback channels; how hiring managers should handle candidate nervousness in interviews; and the importance of focusing on job-relevant criteria in hiring decisions.Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP185 and include the following topics:Trump Rescinds Affirmative Action by Contractors Based on Race, GenderENDING ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND RESTORING MERIT-BASED OPPORTUNITY2025: A Comprehensive Analysis of Class Action LitigationJPMorgan Just Decided That Employee Feedback Doesn't Matter. It's a Spectacularly Bad DecisionHiring Managers of Reddit: How likely are you to give someone a second chance if they seemed nervous during a phone screening and froze up on one question?Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Kara works with Dental Practice Leaders to develop strategic HR systems that engage their team and strengthen their practice. She is the founder and CEO of Clinical HR LLC, a Human Resources advisory firm for dental and medical practices. Kara focuses on cultivating leadership skills, managing employee relations issues, and implementing competitive total rewards systems. She also works with practices to develop employee policies and establish compliant HR systems.Though Kara initially enrolled in a Marketing degree program, she took an HR course for a general business credit and fell in love with it, eventually earning a B.S. in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management. Kara is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). She is also an Everything DiSC Workplace Certified Facilitator and a Five Behaviors Certified Practitioner.A life-long learner who is never content with the status quo, Kara serves on several professional boards and committees. She is the Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee and a member of the Legal & Legislative committee for Austin SHRM. Kara is currently serving as President of the National Speakers Association Austin chapter. In 2022, she helped found the ADMC Memorial Foundation, a scholarship program for new practice owners.Kara Kelley can be reached athttps://www.facebook.com/ClinicalHRLLC https://twitter.com/ClinicalHR http://www.instagram.com/clinicalhrllc https://www.linkedin.com/in/karadkelleyAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Respond to changes in affirmative action and diversity initiative expectations for federal contractors.Develop effective change-management strategies for workplace policy shifts that avoid National Labor Relations Act claims.Build employee-selection systems that focus on job-relevant attributes.

In episode 184, Coffey talks with Lori Saitz about creating workplace environments where meaningful connections improve focus and productivity. They discuss the importance of authentic connections in leadership; techniques for managing mental distractions at work; the power of mindful breathing and presence; the impact of gratitude on workplace productivity; the role of corporate culture in supporting employee well-being; strategies for leaders to model and encourage healthy workplace practices.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Lori Saitz is the leading authority on improving productivity and engagement through workplace well-being. Based on her comprehensive background in wellness and communication strategies, business leaders hire her to deliver workshops on Zen Leadership and Finding Peace of Mind Amidst the Chaos. To combat the $650 billion a year problem of distracted employees, these sessions are designed to give participants tools and techniques for managing energy, embracing change, and fostering resilience in any situation. Oh, and increase productivity by up to 120%.Listen to Lori on her own podcast too, called Fine is a 4-Letter Word, where she engages guests in conversations about how they've grown from a time in their lives when things were decidedly NOT fine. Lori is currently living nomad life while cat sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music.Lori Saitz can be reached at https://zenrabbit.com/http://TheFinePodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ZenRabbithttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/https://www.instagram.com/zen_rabbit/https://twitter.com/zenrabbithttps://www.youtube.com/ZenRabbitVideohttps://amzn.to/3msIvMzAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives: Implement mindfulness and presence techniques to improve workplace focus and productivityCreate authentic connections with team members through meaningful interactions and genuine appreciationDevelop a workplace culture that supports employee well-being through modeling and encouraging healthy practices

This episode features an interview with Laura Wall Klieves, Head of People at Malwarebytes. Laura's career began in automotive advertising before she pivoted to Learning & Development. At Malwarebytes, Laura leads L&D and drives internal communications initiatives by weaving together her knowledge of visual storytelling and learning to elevate the organization's leadership and management teams. In this episode, Simpplr's Chief People Officer, Miriam Connaughton and Laura discuss HR trends for 2025. They explore strategies for improving employee engagement post-pandemic, the balance between remote work and return-to-office mandates, and the responsible integration of AI in HR processes.-------------------“ There is something intangible about being next to another human being, whether they're on your team or on a cross-functional team. There's something about being able to say to, as I call a 3D person, live and in-person, ‘Hey, how are you?' Those spontaneous connections. We're not dictating five days a week, but we do want to encourage, at least, our managers and our senior leaders to get back into the office a little bit more. The other thing that I think we see, but also I would imagine a lot of companies are seeing, is especially for new employees, that learning about the company, making those initial connections when you first are hired doesn't happen when we're all sitting at home.” – Laura Wall Klieves-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(04:19): Getting to know Laura*(04:27): Laura's priorities for 2025*(07:06): How Laura is approaching return-to-office mandates*(12:46): Strategies for enhancing employee engagement*(24:16): The role of AI in HR*(33:57): Future HR trends and predictions-------------------Links:Connect with Laura on LinkedInConnect with Miriam on LinkedInCohesion PodcastAbout Simpplr

In this video, we interview Chris Lombardi, FSA, MAAA, CERA Associate Director at WTW, and Jeanne Cho Stokke, FSA, MAAA, about goal setting and people management. They share techniques and tools for actuaries to become effective leaders in the profession. Jeanne's experience as a former Pro LPGA golfer and Chris's background in jiu jitsu highlight how these skills have contributed to their career success.

In episode 183, Coffey talks with Ron Fish about increasing workplace accessibility and inclusion for employees with disabilities, particularly focusing on hidden disabilities. They discuss the low rate of disability inclusion in corporate DEI initiatives; the reluctance of employees to disclose disabilities due to stigma; the importance of universal design in both physical and digital workplaces; the role of employee resource groups in creating safe spaces for disclosure; the minimal costs associated with most accommodations; the critical importance of making corporate websites ADA-compliant; strategies for managers handling accommodation requests.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Ron Fish is a Global Talent Acquisition Leader and a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, championing inclusion and accessibility initiatives both within a global software company and across the broader Human Resources community. Inspired by family members who have overcome significant challenges to achieve success, he is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture. Ron speaks at conferences, actively working to increase awareness and visibility for the disability community. His efforts have been honored with the Golden Key Award from the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and he is a finalist for the HR Standout award at the Carolina HR Summit.Ron Fish can be reached athttps://www.ere.net/authors/ron-fishhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ronfishAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Implement universal design principles in workplace processes and systems to benefit all employees regardless of ability statuCreate safe and supportive environments that encourage disability disclosure while maintaining appropriate confidentialityDevelop accessible recruitment and hiring practices that remove barriers for candidates with disabilities

Send us a MessageIn this third installment of our quarterly series, I catch up with Ben Davis, President and CEO of Glencoe Regional Health, to check in on The Experience Initiative—a transformative effort aimed at improving patient access and elevating experiences for patients, residents, and employees.Ben shares how employee-driven teams are driving engagement, the challenges of managing change, and the essential role structured communication plays in keeping teams aligned. We also discuss the importance of committing to a vision and staying the course, even when progress takes time.If you're leading your own transformation efforts, you won't want to miss Ben's insights on navigating the complexities of change while fostering a stronger, more engaged workforce.Key Takeaways:Employee-driven teams fuel better engagement and outcomes.Change takes time—commitment and persistence are critical.Clear, structured communication improves team effectiveness.Understanding change at both the individual and group levels enhances success.Continuous improvement is a journey, not a one-time fix.Missed earlier episodes in this series?

On todays episode, we will be discussing what it is like to support the transformation of a 100 year-old institution with close to 100,000 employees across different countries. With me today is my friend Ian Macdonald. On top of being an amazing person to work with, Ian has over 25 years of experience in areas spanning entrepreneurship, communication, leadership development and strategy. He also has several creative specialties such as advertising, photography and design. Ian is currently part of the People Management area at Itaú Bank in Brazil where he is Head of Applied Complexity in the internal Transformation Consultancy.Ian is also a bi-lingual executive coach, consultant and facilitator in complex adaptive systems. Based physically in Brazil he has worked with a wide range of individual students, governments and corporate organisations from varying sectors and sizes in Latin America, United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Ian is a digital complex facilitation wizard, and also contributed to the design and implementation of the Itaú Complexity Lab where he now works.For more information about The Salience Podcast and Frontline Mind please visit our website at https://www.frontlinemind.com/the-salience-podcast/ You can also sign up for our newsletter here https://frontlinemind.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ff181d12c77d7cea5f19a2c48&id=fd7357f614

In episode 182, Coffey talks with Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell about their research on recruiting and integrating autistic employees into roles requiring social interaction, particularly focusing on Goldman Sachs' successful initiative to expand the practice beyond traditional technical positions. They discuss the concept of "double empathy problem" where both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals struggle to understand each other's perspectives and communication styles; the challenges autistic individuals face with traditional job postings and interview processes; the importance of skills-based assessments over traditional interviews; the role of coaches in bridging communication gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent employees; the development and quality of workplace social networks for autistic employees; the benefits of universal design in HR systems to accommodate diverse ways of working; how successful integration of neurodivergent employees can improve overall organizational communication and management practices.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Nikki Drader-Mazza is a PhD Candidate in Management at the University of North Texas. Dr. Virginie Lopez-Kidwell is the Director of the Doctorate in Business Administration and an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas. Together, Nikki and Ginny study workplace neurodiversity, having focused primarily on the hiring and socialization of neuro-minorities.Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell can be reached athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnykidwell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-drader-a3173a78/https://www.facebook.com/nicole.drader https://www.instagram.com/nikkidrader About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Redesign recruitment and selection processes to emphasize skills-based assessments and clear job requirements rather than traditional interview performance and social interactionImplement coaching programs that facilitate mutual understanding between neurotypical and neurodivergent employees while supporting both managers and new hiresDevelop universal HR systems and practices that accommodate diverse communication styles and work preferences, benefiting both neurodivergent and neurotypical employees

In episode 181, Coffey talks with Dr. Jamil Northcutt about the business of sports and the competitive advantages former athletes bring to business teams.They discuss the similarities and differences between sports organizations and traditional businesses; the importance of balancing analytics with human judgment in talent decisions; the challenges of managing high-performing individuals who may not work well with teams; the value of consistent feedback and communication in performance management; the successful transition of college athletes into corporate roles; the unique challenges faced by African American athletes in career transitions; the application of transition theory in managing organizational change; the critical role of understanding employees' personal circumstances in leadership.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Dr. Jamil Northcutt is a sports executive who brings over 20 plus years of experience to the industry. In 2024 he founded Strategic Transitions Advisors, LLC (STA) to help people and organizations navigate change strategically. He currently serves on the Governing Board of Pro Sports Assembly, the Business of Sports School Advisory Board, the Sports Business Journal's All-In Advisory Board, and the Advisory Board for Alterity Capital.Prior to founding STA, Northcutt served as Major League Soccer's Senior Vice President of Player and League Advancement where he was responsible for the implementation of league programs, initiatives, and worked to identify new business opportunities and strategic partnerships that enhanced the league's player and competition relationships. Before joining MLS, Northcutt held numerous roles in professional and collegiate athletics, including roles at the NCAA, National Football League, Cleveland Browns, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Kansas City Chiefs, and Southeastern Conference. Dr. Northcutt played football at Ole Miss, where he earned the Chucky Mullins Courage Award, helped the Rebels to four bowl games and was selected to the 2003 AFCA and SEC Good Works teams.Northcutt received his Ph.D. from Ole Miss. He also completed an executive education certification program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.Dr. Jamil Northcutt can be reached at https://www.strategictransitionsadvisors.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-northcutt-ph-d-28781b4 https://x.com/cutt54 https://www.instagram.com/strategic_transitions_advisors About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives: Implement a balanced approach to talent management that combines both analytical data and human factors when making personnel decisionsDevelop effective feedback mechanisms that provide regular, constructive communication about performance while demonstrating genuine care for employees' successApply transition theory principles (relationships, assumptions, roles, and routines) to better manage organizational changes and support employees through various life and career transitions

In episode 180, Coffey and Patrick Richter discuss recent HR news items about remote worker fraud and employee monitoring.They discuss North Korean operatives using stolen identities to infiltrate U.S. companies through remote work positions; the growing trend of "over-employed" individuals secretly working multiple full-time remote jobs; the rise of technology tools like mouse jigglers to deceive employer monitoring systems; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's recent position that employee-monitoring-software firms are consumer reporting agencies; the importance of proper employment verification and cybersecurity measures for remote workers; the importance of managing remote employee performance rather than simply monitoring activity; legal implications of employee monitoring on personal devices; and the critical role of consistent policy enforcement in remote work environments.Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP180 and include the following topics:- US claims North Korea put workers in US companies to extort money for weapons- Fourteen North Korean Nationals Indicted for Carrying Out Multi-Year Fraudulent Information Technology Worker Scheme and Related Extortions- FBI Warns of Rise in Work-From-Home Scams- Overemployment Reddit: Wife's company threatening termination for using a mouse jiggler. Any tips to avoid detection?- (Don't) Buy a “mouse jiggler” on Amazon- Remote Employee Monitoring Software Is the Wrong Solution for Absenteeism - CFPB warns of workplace tracking technology in US firms- Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2024-06- Employee lawsuit accuses Apple of spying on its workersGood Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Patrick is an experienced mediator, litigator, and employment attorney with expertise ranging from first chair trial lawyer to advisor on mergers and acquisitions to counselor on the full spectrum of day-to-day HR issues. As an employment lawyer, he has significant experience representing employers and employees with wage & hour issues, class and collective actions, and intellectual property and trade secret issues, including non-disclosure agreements and covenants not to compete—both in the drafting and preparation of the underlying agreements as well as litigation and appeals. He also has considerable experience with matters before the National Labor Relations Board and in assisting employers with union avoidance. Apart from employment-related matters, He is a certified mediator and has significant experience with non-patent intellectual property litigation, commercial litigation, and corporate transactions -including mergers and acquisitions and venture capital investments. No matter the issue — from sensitive employee termination issues to high-level harassment investigations, to protection of trade secrets — he partners with his clients to help them achieve their business objectives while minimizing legal risks and obstacles.Patrick Richter can be reached at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-richter-986b19About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Implement comprehensive identity verification and cybersecurity protocols for remote worker hiring and management to prevent fraud and data theftDevelop performance management systems that focus on measurable outcomes rather than activity monitoring to effectively evaluate remote workersEstablish and consistently enforce clear policies regarding acceptable technology use, monitoring practices, and performance expectations for remote employees

In episode 179, Coffey talks with Kacey Riccomini about managing political and social speech in the workplace in a time of heightened political division and social tension.  (HRCI business credit)They discuss legal protections for political speech under federal and California state laws; when political speech becomes discriminatory or creates a hostile work environment; the limitations of First Amendment protections in private workplaces; employer rights and responsibilities regarding employee social media use; how to handle disruptive political discussions in the workplace; the challenges of managing speech in remote work environments; the importance of having clear workplace policies around respectful communication; the definition and handling of retaliation claims; the risks and considerations around employer monitoring of employee social media.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit (HRCI business credit). To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:A dynamic litigator with a breadth of experience, Kacey creates and executes effective litigation strategies to address a variety of complex disputes. She advises a wide range of clients, from members of Fortune 500 and large privately-held companies to smaller businesses.Aggressive, focused, and methodical in her approach, Kacey leads complex litigation that is practical and consistent with her clients' business goals and strategic objectives. She represents clients in state, federal and appellate courts as well as before various dispute resolution agencies. She has prevailed in state and federal courts at all stages of litigation, including trial, and has successfully arbitrated and mediated numerous cases before the AAA and other dispute resolution agencies.Kacey is a talented writer who professionally publishes articles on various legal topics. She also serves on the editorial boards for two publications, Bender's Labor & Employment Bulletin and Bender's California Labor & Employment Bulletin.Prior to joining Thompson Coburn, Kacey was an Associate at Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb & Barger, where her practice focused on professional liability for accountants and business managers, construction defect litigation for builders and developers, and insurance defense.Kacey Riccomini can be reached at https://www.thompsoncoburn.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacey-riccomini-2220192bAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Develop appropriate workplace policies that protect both employee rights and business interests while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations regarding political and social speechImplement effective procedures for addressing potentially discriminatory or disruptive workplace speech while avoiding retaliation claimsDistinguish between protected speech that requires employer action and general complaints that fall outside the scope of workplace regulations

In episode 178, Coffey talks with Jason Barrett about the evolving landscape of data privacy laws and their impact on employers' handling of personal information.They discuss the cultural shift driving increased data privacy concerns; differences between personally identifiable information (PII) and sensitive personal information; roles of data controllers, processors, and consumers; GDPR's seven foundational principles; state-level privacy laws including Texas and California regulations; biometric data collection and regulation; cross-state jurisdiction issues; data storage and retention practices; and the implications of AI on data privacy.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit (business credit for HRCI). To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Jason has worked over 20 years in corporate legal, compliance and HR roles in diverse industries including maritime, energy and oil and gas.He has expertise in the areas of global employment, labor and IP law, employee relations, data privacy compliance and legal administration.JAME Consulting, LLC focuses on providing comprehensive HR, legal, and data privacy consulting advice and training for all stages of the employment lifecycle.Jason received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and J.D. from the University of Houston.Jason currently serves as a Board or committee member for 2 nonprofits and one private organization.Jason Barrett can be reached athttp://jameconsulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-barrett-jd-3062b6a About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Identify different types of protected data and develop appropriate protocols for collecting, storing, and managing employee information.Create transparent data privacy policies that address both state and federal requirements while maintaining compliance across multiple jurisdictions.Implement data minimization practices that balance business needs with emerging privacy regulations and individual rights to data access and protection.

In episode 177, Coffey talks with Anna Redmond about comprehensive workplace security strategies and violence prevention programs.They discuss physical security challenges beyond workplace violence; the importance of security assessments; domestic violence impacts on workplace safety; California's new workplace violence prevention law (SB 553); warning signs and pathways to violence; access control and reception area security concerns; managing external threats and restraining orders; and crisis communication strategies following security incidents.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:As the founder of Braav, I am on a mission to transform the private security industry with technology. We've launched the first tech-centric Chief Security Officer Solution - perfect for any business that wants to up-level their safety and security practices through elite security talent. Our CSO network includes Chiefs of Police, Special Agents in Charge, Directors of Public Safety -- all of whom are ready and available to parachute in and help you implement small safety changes that yield out-sized results.We supplement this with a guard management platform that delivers transparency and visibility for companies that hire security. For guards, we provide clear success metrics and enable them to schedule security work that fits their life. I have over 15 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and angel investing, with a focus on seed-stage startups and human-centric innovation. I co-founded Hippo Reads, a platform where public intellectuals and the brightest minds can share their thoughts and insights. I also wrote about our journey founding Hippo for Fast Company. I have an AB/AM in Economics and IT Policy, and History of Science from Harvard, and I speak English, Russian, and French. I am passionate about creating positive social impact through entrepreneurship and technology.Anna Redmond can be reached at https://www.braav.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-redmond-security About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Implement comprehensive security assessments that examine policies, physical infrastructure, and employee concerns to identify potential vulnerabilities.Develop protocols for handling domestic violence situations and restraining orders that protect both the affected employee and the broader workplace.Create effective crisis communication strategies that balance transparency with privacy while maintaining employee confidence in workplace safety measures.

In this conversation, Aaron and Larry Drake explore various aspects of leadership, focusing on evaluating employees, the significance of attitude, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. They discuss practical strategies for assessing leadership potential and the role of faith in business practices, emphasizing the need for trust and respect within teams. In this conversation, Larry discusses the significance of building strong supplier relationships, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support. He highlights the value of people in business, sharing insights from his experiences with Tesla and the Wrangler program, illustrating how understanding customer needs and maintaining long-term relationships can lead to success. Larry also reflects on the lessons learned from his interactions with industry leaders and the necessity of measuring success against excellence rather than competition.  Both Aaron and Larry discuss journeys in business, emphasizing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and the growth of each of there companies. Larry also reflects on the political and economic landscape, the need for a cohesive energy policy, and the impact of community involvement. Larry shares personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of surrounding oneself with capable individuals and the value of giving back to the community.TakeawaysEvaluating people for promotions and demotions is crucial for leadership.Attitude can significantly impact team dynamics and performance.Creating a culture of trust leads to better employee engagement.Acknowledging mistakes is essential for effective leadership.Integrating faith into business can enhance workplace culture.Employee evaluations should focus on multiple criteria, including leadership and attitude.Building a strong company culture requires intentional actions and communication.Leaders should surround themselves with talented individuals who challenge them.It's important to recognize the contributions of all team members.A good culture encourages employees to contribute positively to the organization. Building strong supplier relationships is crucial for success.Collaboration among suppliers can lead to better outcomes.The importance of people in business cannot be overstated.Long-term relationships with suppliers foster trust and reliability.Mistakes in customer interactions can lead to lost opportunities.Understanding customer needs is key to maintaining relationships.Hiring for attitude can be more beneficial than hiring for talent.Measuring success against excellence drives continuous improvement.Control over your own processes is essential for business success.Learning from experiences with industry leaders enhances business acumen. We grew dramatically, up to 1.1 billion.I was just hoping to embarrass myself.Margin is what matters.Leadership's leadership until you get in trouble.We need a long-term energy policy.Everything in Washington is rigged.You can't do anything without profits.Always help other people, they'll help you back.It's a testament to your leadership that they stayed.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights02:54 Evaluating People for Leadership Roles05:53 The Importance of Attitude in Leadership08:50 Building a Strong Company Culture11:48 Integrating Faith into Business Practices31:25 Building Strong Supplier Relationships39:32 The Importance of People in Business50:31 Lessons from the Tesla Experience58:40 The Wrangler Program: A Business Success Story01:02:30 Growth and Leadership in Business01:08:05 Navigating Political and Economic Landscapes01:14:11 Energy Policy and Future Innovations01:19:52 Community Impact and Personal Reflections

In this bonus Q&A with Janina, she shares:Her proudest moment and biggest failure in her career so farA trend that she is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge she sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on her lifeOne piece of career advice she has for youJanina is Group Head of Culture at AXA with core priorities focused on bringing thought leadership and strategic direction on matters relating to employee listening and culture measurement, culture transformation, employee experience and hybrid working. She has deep professional expertise in topics spanning across organisational transformation, inclusion and diversity, employee experience, global culture measurement and employee listening and leadership development. Janina has led on employee engagement strategies and initiatives across multiple sectors, including insurance, asset management, international mining, and arts.Janina is passionate about building organisations that enable their people to be the best that they can and which leverage the power of diverse perspectives. She seeks to create work cultures which energise, inspire and reward the contributions of their people in alignment with the organisations goals and purpose. Janina firmly believes in applying a bottom-up method – actively seeking the voice and involvement of those who are on the frontline - in tandem with iconic, top-down initiatives. Her approach is driven by a strong conviction that the customer experience is directly influenced by the quality of the employee experience. Janina was recognised in 2022 within People Management's list of 50 UK champions as an individual providing outstanding employee experience in their organisation and/or actively working to prioritise and transform their EX.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Janina Norton:LinkedIn

Today, we're excited to dive deep into the world of organizational culture and employee experience with our special guest, Janina Norton, the Group Head of Culture at AXA. This episode explores Janina's wealth of experience in culture transformation, employee engagement, and hybrid working.We discuss AXA's strategies for cultural measurement and transformationTheir innovative "We Care" program aimed at employee well-being The importance of authenticity and purpose in maintaining a strong organizational cultureValuable advice on crafting effective employee surveys and turning insights into meaningful actions that drive real impact in the workplaceJanina is Group Head of Culture at AXA with core priorities focused on bringing thought leadership and strategic direction on matters relating to employee listening and culture measurement, culture transformation, employee experience and hybrid working. She has deep professional expertise in topics spanning across organisational transformation, inclusion and diversity, employee experience, global culture measurement and employee listening and leadership development. Janina has led on employee engagement strategies and initiatives across multiple sectors, including insurance, asset management, international mining, and arts.Janina is passionate about building organisations that enable their people to be the best that they can and which leverage the power of diverse perspectives. She seeks to create work cultures which energise, inspire and reward the contributions of their people in alignment with the organisations goals and purpose. Janina firmly believes in applying a bottom-up method – actively seeking the voice and involvement of those who are on the frontline - in tandem with iconic, top-down initiatives. Her approach is driven by a strong conviction that the customer experience is directly influenced by the quality of the employee experience. Janina was recognised in 2022 within People Management's list of 50 UK champions as an individual providing outstanding employee experience in their organisation and/or actively working to prioritise and transform their EX.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Janina Norton:LinkedIn