Podcasts about shrm

What happens when world-class research escapes the ivory tower and takes root in the boardroom In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter Winick sits down with Christopher Marquis — Professor of Chinese Management at the University of Cambridge and author of "Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profits and Socializes Costs" — to explore the art of turning academic insight into practical, high-impact business thinking. Chris is on a mission to bridge the gap between scholarship and the real world. He believes that ideas shouldn't be trapped in academic journals read by only a handful of peers. Instead, they should spark change in boardrooms, inspire sustainable business practices, and help leaders tackle global challenges like climate change. His work blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling, translating complex theories into actionable strategies that resonate with executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs alike. From op-eds in The Washington Post to features in Harvard Business Review, Chris knows how to make ideas travel. He shares how brevity, boldness, and a clear thesis can elevate a message — and why writing 800 words for a newspaper can sometimes have more impact than publishing in the most prestigious academic journal. For Chris, thought leadership is about reach and relevance, not just citations and tenure points. The conversation dives into the discipline of choosing which ideas deserve a book, the craft of finding evergreen principles that survive political and economic cycles, and the skill of meeting business leaders where they are — without losing academic rigor. Chris also offers practical advice for academics ready to step beyond their university walls, connect with executive audiences, and position their work at the intersection of insight and impact. If you want to understand how to turn deep expertise into broad influence — without watering it down — this episode will show you how. Three Key Takeaways: • Academic credibility needs business reach — Groundbreaking research has little impact if it stays locked in academic journals. Translating ideas into accessible formats like op-eds, HBR articles, and books makes them actionable for business leaders. • Evergreen principles drive lasting influence — Successful thought leadership balances timeless core ideas (like sustainability imperatives) with timely examples that connect to current cultural, political, or economic contexts. • Storytelling bridges the gap — Data and theory matter, but real-world stories, case studies, and clear narratives are what resonate with executive audiences and create lasting engagement. If you enjoyed Christopher's episode, don't miss our conversation with Mark Smith, who built SHRM's thought leadership function from the ground up. Both share a passion for taking complex research and turning it into clear, actionable insights that reach the right audiences. Chris brings the global lens of sustainability; Mark offers the inside view of embedding thought leadership within an organization. Together, these episodes show you how to move ideas from theory to real-world influence. Listen here: Discovering Thought Leadership – Mark Smith

In episode 213, Coffey talks with Vianei Braun about how HR leaders can effectively work with boards of directors.  They discuss the strategic vs operational divide between board oversight and executive execution; skills needed for senior HR roles including broad industry perspective and data-driven insights; the importance of moving beyond compliance mindset to strategic partnership; executive compensation benchmarking and peer analysis; culture preservation during mergers and acquisitions; AI implementation ethics and workforce planning; the critical role of data in board communications; and characteristics of successful senior HR leaders including truth-telling, collaboration, and ambiguity management. 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 SPHRs! To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.  About our Guest: Vianei Braun leads the employment law practice at Decker Jones, P.C., a full-service law firm in Fort Worth. She has been recognized as a Texas Monthly “Super Lawyer” and is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Labor & Employment Law.  Vianei is also a member of the Board of Directors of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIN), a banking institution with assets of $14 billion and 79 banking locations throughout Texas. Vianei serves on the board's Compensation, Nom/Gov and Risk Committees and chairs the Advisory Board of First Financial Bank's Chisholm Trail Region. In addition, Vianei serves on the Board of Trustees and the Audit & Compliance Committee of Texas Health Resources.  Vianei is an honors graduate of Princeton University and the University of Texas School of Law. Vianei has been honored as a “Great Woman of Texas” by the Fort Worth Business Press, and as a member of the “Fort Worth 500” by Fort Worth Inc. Vianei Braun can be reached at www.deckerjones.com www.linkedin.com/in/vianeibraunattorney 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 strategic thinking capabilities that focus on industry trends and long-term organizational health rather than just operational HR tasks when communicating with senior leadership. Present data-driven recommendations to boards using benchmarking, competitive analysis, and concrete evidence to support HR initiatives and policy changes. Shift from a compliance-focused "department of no" mindset to a collaborative problem-solving approach that offers solutions while managing organizational risks.  

What qualities make a job truly great? SHRM asked 16,000 workers of different types across 16 countries this exact question in a new report — and now host Anne Sparaco is on the case with Jenny Perez, a member of the SHRM thought leadership team who led the research, to dive deep intothe data: what workers really value, why gaps exist with how they ranked their ownjob, and how employers can close those gaps fast. Starting with “hot takes” on good jobs from members of our audience, Anne and Jenny work their way through probing questions, common misconceptions, and a final opinion lightning round. Together, they uncover what leaders can do to build a more satisfied and motivated workforce, retain their people, and ultimately drive critical business outcomes.Subscribe to the All Things Work newsletter to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/fg444d  ---Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63rThis episode is sponsored by SHRM Summer of Learning.

Nuestra  moderadora (host) Ivonne Arroyo Martínez, CEO de FranklinCovey Puerto Rico y República Dominicana, entrevista a Pura López, Vicepresidenta de Recursos Humanos de NUC University, sobre las Lecciones de Crear una Cultura de Trabajo Positiva en Medio de la Guerra de Talentos.Este episodio es auspiciado por SHRM-PR.SHRM-PR es una organización afiliada a SHRM.Moderadora-Ivonne Arroyo Martínez, CEO de FranklinCovey Puerto Rico y República DominicanaProducción Ejecutiva-Sociedad para la Gerencia de Recursos Humanos, Capítulo de PRAudiovisuales y Edición-Víctor Maldonado, Director de Recursos Humanos SAL-PR

Send us a textJohn talks to Chuck to glean what he learned at the recent National SHRM Conference. While there was the expected hot topic of AI in human resources, there were some interesting and unexpected topics covered - particularly in the mental health space. Join the team as they recap the topics that are viewed as "Can't Miss" from SHRM.  Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you'd like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss practical applications of artificial intelligence in the HR space with Josh Greenwald. Topics include: Common areas where AI is helping HR How AI is being leveraged in businesses today AI-enabled transformation Josh led at Elevance Health Evolving trends in HR service delivery Practical applications of AI in HR that have been done well Resistance to AI adoption Advice for listeners looking to build a future-ready talent strategy in the AI area In this episode's listener question, we're asked how we got started with the show and how we choose topics. In the news, younger generations are more likely to say they'd rather be unemployed than have a job that makes them unhappy. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-227-using-ai-in-hr/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-227-using-ai-in-hr/ To get 0.25 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on August 11, 2026) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/ 

In episode 212, Coffey talks with Elisa Ellis about dress codes, personal authenticity at work, and how employee appearance impacts business performance and career advancement.They discuss research showing dressed professionals outperform casual counterparts in negotiations; Starbucks dress code changes and employee pushback; balancing authenticity with professional standards; remote work appearance challenges; “enclothed cognition” research on clothing's psychological effects; specific vs general dress code guidelines; ways employees can express personality while maintaining consistency; managing difficult dress code conversations with employees; and the business impact of first impressions.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:It takes less than seven seconds to make a first impression. Elisa is a wardrobe stylist, speaker, best-selling author, and online course creator.Elisa says what HR can't and works with businesses to help them guide and educate their teams on professional presence, revealing how upgrading your attire ignites productivity, amplifies sales, and fosters collaboration and overall success.Personal styling is more than a wardrobe haul; it's a transformation that introduces you to your inner awesomeness.For nearly a decade, Elisa has transformed the closets and lives of clients across the US and abroad. Whether you're a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur, how you show up matters.Elisa Ellis can be reached at https://www.turnkeystyle.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisaellis https://www.instagram.com/stylishcurvygirlAbout 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. Understand that employee appearance directly impacts business outcomes, with research showing significant differences in sales performance and decision-making abilities based on professional dress.2. Develop clear, specific dress code guidelines that provide examples and accommodate different roles while maintaining brand consistency across the organization.3. Frame dress code conversations around employee growth and career advancement rather than personal criticism, emphasizing the connection between professional appearance and business opportunities.

In episode 211, Coffey talks with Michelle Haugh about recent HR-related news stories related to workplace romances, family members intervening in the workplace, and declining employee engagement.They discuss the Astronomer.io CEO and CPO resignation after being caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert; workplace relationship policies and conflict of interest considerations; family members inappropriately intervening in workplace matters including interviews and disciplinary actions; declining employee engagement levels comparable to 2020 COVID-era lows; the impact of economic uncertainty and social pressures on workplace morale; the importance of transparent communication during difficult times; and strategies for addressing engagement issues through accountability and leadership development at all organizational levels.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:Michele Haugh is a seasoned HR expert with decades of experience across various roles, from specialist to senior leadership positions. Transitioning from corporate HR to consulting a decade ago, she co-founded EarlyHR solutions, offering strategic support to over 200 early and growth stage organizations.Recognizing the crucial link between employee engagement and organizational success, Michele introduced EarlyEngage, a subscription-based service focusing on professional development and fostering engagement.With a BS in Business and SPHR certification, she completed her Masters in HR and Organization Development in December, 2024 and was named "HR Consultant of the Year" by DallasHR in February 2025. Her passion lies in promoting inclusive practices, positive leadership, and people-first cultures.She is also the founder of CollabHRate, a thriving HR Consulting Community fostering collaboration and education for external consultants.Outside of work, Michele finds joy in her role as a wife and mother to three children. Her adventurous spirit has led her to live in Bangkok, backpack across Europe, and raft through the Grand Canyon. Yet, she equally treasures quiet moments with her pups, indulging in a good book, and hosting gatherings with loved ones.Michele Haugh can be reached athttps://www.earlyengage.comhttps://www.earlyhrsolutions.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-haugh-shrm-scp-401722bhttps://www.instagram.com/earlyengageAbout 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. Establish clear policies regarding workplace relationships and family member involvement in employment matters to maintain professional boundaries and prevent conflicts of interest.2. Address declining employee engagement proactively by gathering honest feedback, communicating transparently about organizational challenges, and avoiding defensive responses to criticism.3. Develop leadership behaviors and accountability standards at all organizational levels rather than viewing engagement as solely a management responsibility.

In this solo summer edition of HR Famous, Tim Sackett flies solo with a hot debrief from the 2025 SHRM Annual Conference in San Diego. From presidential keynotes to AI overload and his signature recruiting tech list, Tim delivers an unfiltered look at what really went down at the world's largest HR event. Here's what you'll get in this jam-packed episode:

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss the upcoming anthology book, "Joy@Work: When Women Lead" with three of the authors - Gretchen Schott, Jill Lehman, and Sarah Turner. Topics include: Leading with love Taking a you-powered approach to your career Building your resilience skills In this episode's listener question, we're asked about the best training tools for the shift from in-person to remote training platforms. In the news, personal happiness is a major driver for a satisfying work life, not the other way around. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-226-joy-at-work/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-226-joy-at-work/ To get 0.75 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on July 28, 2026) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/ 

Join us on the final episode of season 5 of the HR Like a Boss podcast! John welcomes Robert Palmer Jr. to discuss the upcoming Ohio SHRM Conference. They explore the purpose of human resources, the importance of networking, and the exciting events planned for the conference, including keynote speakers and social activities. Robert emphasizes the need for HR professionals to be advocates for people and shares insights on how the conference aims to inspire attendees while providing valuable educational opportunities and SHRM recertification credits.

In episode 210, Coffey talks with economist Richard Froeschle about the US economy and how generational demographics are affecting the labor force.They discuss the impact of tariff-related economic uncertainty on the labor market; challenges in the quality of federal statistical data; AI's impact on entry-level positions and experienced workers; generational workforce composition; rising reservation wages and skills mismatches among recent graduates; the importance of work-based learning and trades education; remote work patterns in different workforce segments; challenges with mentorship and feedback for younger workers in a remote workforce; and immigration's critical role in addressing labor force needs.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:Rich Froeschle is a labor market economist and a highly regarded speaker on a wide array of topics relating to the Texas economy, regional labor markets, and workforce and education programs. He is the Senior Labor Market Economist for Texas State Technical College and the former Director of the Labor Market and Career Information department of the Texas Workforce Commission. Mr. Froeschle has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's degree in Manpower and Industrial Relations from the University of North Texas, where he also taught microeconomics and regional labor market analysis. He has made presentations at over 600 conference events over the past twenty-five years on a variety of labor market topics. His many writings include the books How Many is Enough? A Practitioners Guide to Occupational Targeting and Supply/Demand Analysis and Where the Jobs Are, plus a dozen monographs including Life After COVID: Economic & Job Market Phenomena to Ponder Post-pandemic. His most recent research has centered on the use of skills to understand regional labor market dynamics, educational alignment, and career progressions.Richard Froeschle can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-froeschle-01a87b13/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 strategic workforce planning for talent development pathways considering demographics and the impact of AI.2. Address the skills mismatch between educational credentials and market demand.3. Develop structured mentorship and feedback systems that accommodate generational communication preferences while ensuring knowledge transfer from experienced to emerging workers.

Zach sits down with friend of the show Sarah Morgan to talk about the current landscape of work and HR at large. Connect with Sarah https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahkayemorgan/ Check out our merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! https://living-corporate-shop.fourthwall.com/ Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Living Corporate's offerings and services⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. https://work.living-corporate.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! https://www.patreon.com/livingcorporate

What happens when you take a leap from conferences with 2,000 people to 22,700 attendees at a national event? The BecomeMore team discovered both the power of preparation and the humbling reality that what you think is mastery may only be the beginning.This honest leadership conversation takes us behind the scenes of the SHRM 2025 National Conference, where Tammy and Scott's team faced their biggest challenge yet. Through meticulous planning, clear role assignments, and deliberate preparation, the team created a system that allowed everyone to focus on what they did best. "All of that weight that I would normally carry on my shoulders, I was not involved at all, not because I didn't have work to do, but because then I could concentrate on the work I needed to do," Tammy shares, revealing how proper delegation transformed the experience.Perhaps the most powerful realization came when the team discovered they weren't as advanced as they thought. "I thought we had conferences down... I thought we were like, yes, we own conferences on a scale of one to 10. We are a 10," admits Tammy. "And then you go to this national conference and you go... we're still not done." This humbling discovery wasn't deflating but energizing – showing the vast potential for growth that still remained. The conversation also explores breakthrough successes (like finally seeing ROI on social media after years of struggle) and candid discussions about what they'd do differently next time.Whether you're scaling your business, leading a team, or simply trying to improve at your craft, this episode offers valuable perspective on how to prepare for growth, trust your team, and embrace the reality that mastery is always a moving target. Join us as we unpack these leadership lessons that apply far beyond conference halls.

In episode 209, Coffey talks with Mallory Herrin about how experiences throughout the employment lifecycle affect employers' brands.They discuss how recruiting has changed with shifting employee expectations across generations and labor market scarcity; the definition of employer brand; common recruiting mistakes that impact brand perception; the importance of organized onboarding; strategies for transparent career pathing and professional development; handling employee exits and layoffs to protect employer brand; measuring employer brand; the critical role of manager training; and the need for transparency about business circumstances and organizational changes to maintain trust.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 three-quarters of a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.About our Guest:Mallory Herrin is an experienced human resources consultant and industry recognized thought leader, serving as HerrinHR's CEO and Principal HR Consultant. She is a frequent speaker at HR conferences and the author of Intentional HR: A Revolution in Strategic Thinking. With 20 years of HR experience, she holds certifications from both HRCI and SHRM, and has been named one of the Top 5 Most Influential Women Leaders in HR and DallasHR's HR Executive of the Year - Small Company.Mallory Herrin can be reached athttps://www.herrinhr.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/malloryherrinAbout 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. Design streamlined recruiting processes that prioritize candidate communication, realistic timelines, and efficient interview structures to protect employer brand.2. Implement comprehensive onboarding programs with detailed schedules, competency roadmaps, and clear performance expectations to ensure new employees feel valued and prepared for success.3. Develop transparent communication strategies about career paths, business circumstances, and organizational changes while training managers to effectively lead and engage their teams rather than simply manage tasks.

What if AI is more than a tool? What if it's a toddler learning from us? In this mind-expanding episode of The Greatness Machine, futurist Elatia Abate joins Darius to explore the ethical and emotional dimensions of artificial intelligence. From the power of diverse voices shaping AI to how kindness in prompts can actually improve results, Elatia shares a bold vision of co-creating the future with technology. She also reflects on her personal journey—how pretending to be anything less than her full self held her back, and how authenticity unlocked her greatness. In this episode, Darius and Elatia will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Personal Background (03:05) Cultural Heritage and Identity (05:57) Career Journey and Transition to Futurism (09:04) The Impact of Technology on Work (11:55) Education and Influences (15:14) The Role of Humanity in Leadership (18:08) Exploring the Future of Work (20:59) Navigating the Age of AI (25:32) The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Employment (30:37) Navigating the Future of Work (34:55) The Velocity of Change and Workforce Displacement (38:40) Societal Implications of AI and Automation (41:57) Reimagining Value Creation in the Age of AI (48:04) Consciousness and AI: A New Frontier (53:57) The Importance of Diverse Voices in AI Development Elatia Abate is a globally recognized entrepreneur and futurist on a mission to revolutionize leadership in the Age of AI. Named a Forbes leading female futurist, she serves as Futurist in Residence at Paylocity and is the creator of Future-Led Leadership™️, a framework used by organizations such as Verizon, Deloitte, and GMAC. A sought-after keynote speaker and TEDx presenter, Elatia has shared insights on the future of work, leadership, and resilience with audiences from Citi to SHRM. Formerly an HR executive at Anheuser-Busch InBev and Dow Jones, she is also the author of Build a Career You Love and a featured expert in work with Tony Robbins and Trevor Noah. Elatia teaches at Stanford, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and LinkedIn Learning. Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness.  Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Connect with Elatia: Website: https://elatiaabate.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elatiaabate  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elatiaabate/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forced fun is not play. And your team knows the difference. Episode Summary: In this Summer Sip, Jenn and Shelby revisit the playful wisdom of Jeff Harry—top HR voice, bow-tie enthusiast, and workplace play evangelist. This episode isn't about ping pong tables or mandatory karaoke. It's about how real play fuels real performance. Jeff dismantles the myth of “fun-at-work” by reminding us that true play requires psychological safety, freedom, and connection to purpose. He shares how following his love for toys didn't lead to the joy he expected — and how discovering his own play style did. Whether you're trying to beat burnout, build braver teams, or rediscover what lights you up, this sip is a nudge to find your own flavor of play. (Bonus: it might just be where your best work is hiding.) Key Takeaway Your brilliance is in your blind spot. Play is how you find it. Guest: Jeff Harry Named a top HR voice by SHRM and a featured speaker at the NFL and NPR, Jeff Harry helps teams rediscover joy through play. With equal parts research, whimsy, and real talk, he teaches leaders how to build psychologically safe workplaces where innovation and humanity thrive. Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her upcoming book, Joyosity, hits shelves on October 21, 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. Co-Host: Shelby Merryweather Shelby produces many live streaming shows and podcasts, including Joyosity™. She is also founder and CEO of Sunshine Lane, where she helps creative entrepreneurs lead with clarity and calm. Connect with Shelby at shelbymerryweather.com. Pour Yourself a Full Glass: February 2025 Episodes Episode 75: Eight Ways to Overcome Team Struggles and Stop Burnout Apple | Spotify | YouTube Episode 76: Not Forced Fun: How Play Powers Productivity, Part 1 with Jeff Harry Apple | Spotify | YouTube Episode 77: Tackling Toxic Work Environments with Play and Psychological Safety, Part 2 with Jeff Harry Apple | Spotify | YouTube Episode 78: ICYMI: Half-Play or Full Play: Joy and Productivity at Work with Jenn and Shelby Apple | Spotify | YouTube Want to know your play style? Take this quiz! jennwhitmer.com/play-quiz Joyosity Book Coming this Fall: Join the Joyosity™ Works Very Important Party and get: Early sneak peeks of the book with real tools to help you in your life, your work, and in your leadership. An exclusive chance to shape this message, including cover art, and help other leaders create positive culture with complex people. Behind-the-scenes updates and bonuses. Get in here: Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life jennwhitmer.com/books Resources & Links: Free 99 Steps: Why Do I Keep Doing This? Enneagram Motivations. You're not broken. You're just being run by a well-meaning but slightly unhinged internal script. Meet the five motivations behind your leadership quirks and learn how to flip the script with this quick guide. Joyosity Explorer Map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work. Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity™ Jumpstart Get crystal clear on what you want, what's in the way, and what's actually working. In this powerful strategy session, we'll use the Joyosity™ Compass to name your roadblocks and map a leadership plan you can actually follow. No fluff, just traction. Schedule your session here. Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator Tired of trying to figure out your Enneagram type from freebie quizzes that leave you more confused than a group text with no context? In this 1:1 session, I'll help you decode your motivations and blind spots so you can finally lead (and live) with clarity, not guesswork. Book your Navigator session here. Ready to Dive In: Joyosity™ Intensive What if you could clear the fog, realign with your values, and build a practical plan for joyful leadership — in just one transformative day? This personalized experience combines deep self-awareness, strategic clarity, and honest-to-goodness joy to help you lead with purpose and still like your life. Start the process here. A Party for More: Book Jenn to Speak When your whole team needs the spark — not just the spark notes — I bring the energy, expertise, and real talk that shifts culture. With contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter, I help leaders connect, communicate, and make Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who's ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity — in a quick sip.

Expert legal voices Amy Epstein Gluck, Esq., founding partner at Pearson Ferdinand LLP, and SHRM's Allen Smith, J.D., share best practices in applying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) across the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to post-employment. Starting with their own personal experiences with managing a disability, they join host Monique Akanbi to tackle real HR dilemmas in compliance, accommodation requests, performance management, and more — including answering top ADA questions straight from SHRM's HR Knowledge Center. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires August 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz---Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss the importance of business etiquette and cultural training with Pamela Eyring, president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington. Topics include: How skills learned from protocol and business etiquette are central to building relationships and advancing your career When lack of protocol leads to confusion, conflict, and missed opportunities The value of protocol in today's fast-paced, informal work culture How formalizing etiquette practices impacts culture, leadership, and external reputation In this episode's listener question, we're asked about the differences and similarities of in-house recruiters and recruiting staffing firms. In the news, we discuss the link between employee well-being and productivity. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-225-why-business-etiquette-matters/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-225-why-business-etiquette-matters/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on July 14, 2026) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/ 

In episode 208, Coffey talks with David Miklas about the Department of Labor's evolving definitions and interpretations of independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act.  They discuss why DOL interpretations matter for FLSA compliance and overtime requirements; the shift from Biden administration's six-factor economic reality test back to Trump administration's emphasis on control and profit/loss opportunity; the six key factors including nature and degree of control, opportunity for profit and loss, permanence of relationship, worker investments, skill and initiative requirements, and how integral the work is to the principal business; common classification mistakes across industries including misunderstanding IRS versus DOL tests; the risks of supervision and control over workers classified as contractors; how technology can demonstrate control in gig economy situations; the financial consequences of misclassification including unpaid overtime, liquidated damages, and attorney fees; and the importance of proper written agreements and immediate legal consultation when classification issues arise. 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: David Miklas owns a Labor & Employment law firm and for 26 years he has practiced all types of labor and employment law exclusively representing Florida employers. He has written hundreds of employment law articles, is the co-author for the premier legal textbook used by lawyers for Florida employment law, is a frequent employment law presenter and is a nationally recognized speaker and an invited guest lecturer addressing employment law and human resource issues with over thirty universities, including Harvard. Mr. Miklas graduated from the University of Florida College of Law. David Miklas can be reached athttps://www.miklasemploymentlaw.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-miklas-301861121/  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.       Evaluate worker relationships using the Trump Administration's six-factor economic reality test.2.       Differentiate between US Department of Labor independent contractor definitions and those of the and IRS and state regulators.3.       Respond appropriately to classification concerns to avoid liability.

Workleap, a leading Canadian software company building the AI-powered talent management platform teams actually love to use, has acquired Barley, an end-to-end compensation management solution. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in unifying two critical components of talent strategy: performance and compensation. Traditionally managed in isolation through disconnected systems and workflows, these functions are now brought together in one unified platform, enabling HR teams to improve transparency, consistency, and alignment in how they recognize and reward employees. https://hrtechfeed.com/workleap-acquires-compensation-management-platform/ PHILADELPHIA—-Phenom, an applied AI company that helps companies hire faster, develop better and retain longer, will host its Industry Week 2025 livestream July 28 – August 1. The five-day, SHRM-accredited program addresses the unique talent acquisition and management challenges facing six critical industries — retail, hospitality and travel, healthcare, financial services and manufacturing — through real-world use cases and proven progressive AI implementation strategies. https://hrtechfeed.com/phenom-to-host-industry-week-july-28-august-1/ Deel, the leading global payroll and HR platform, today introduced a major wave of AI-powered features in its quarterly product showcase, The Deel Drop: Summer Edition. The update includes more than 500 improvements across onboarding, payroll, HRIS, and client experience, focused on simplifying day-to-day operations for global teams. Deel's all-in-one platform now embeds intelligence at every step, from talent strategy and financial operations to compliance and support. This quarter, the company introduced new capabilities that anticipate customer needs, reduce back-and-forth, and help organizations make better decisions about how and where to scale. At the same time, it continues to reduce operational friction through self-serve payroll features, built-in financial tools, and clearer HR workflows for global teams. https://hrtechfeed.com/deel-adds-built-in-artificial-intelligence-pay-flexibility-and-global-hiring-tools/ Lightcast, a global leader in labor market intelligence, has acquired UK-based Rhetorik—marking a major expansion in people and company data to offer one of the most comprehensive views of the global labor market. The acquisition strengthens Lightcast's position by combining demand-side signals with deeply curated supply-side data to power workforce planning, talent acquisition, sales prospecting, and more. https://hrtechfeed.com/lightcast-acquires-labor-market-intelligence-tool/ WANTED: An entrepreneurial role for an executive in the HR Tech industry to help run the GTM and daily operations of Jobstream. What happens to the 99% of candidates who don't get the job? Jobstream is an AI-technology platform helping employers build long-lasting candidate relationships by referring recommended jobs, even after they get rejected. https://hrtechjob.com/jobs/145495964-business-strategy-operations-gtm HR Tech Job of the Week: Business Strategy & Operations – GTM @Jobstream

Send us a textFrom the floor of SHRM 2025, we're back and sharing the big ideas and real talk shaping the future of work. From AI to employee experience, here's what you need to know about the conversations and insights at SHRM 2025 in San Diego! 

I always enjoy having the opportunity to speak with business professionals and leaders. Fidel Guzman not only is such a professional, but he also works in the corporate training arena teaching his company's employees and leaders about leadership and continuous improvement. Fidel comes by his talents honestly. He grew up in an environment where he needed to learn and grow. He secured a Bachelor's degree and an MBA both from Northeastern Illinois University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Fidel started out wanting to be a kindergarten teacher, but he ended up taking a different road. He went to work for a company where he helped people progress within various industries. The company he worked for was bought by ION Group in Chicago, IL. Fidel flourished and became the Manager of Internal Training for the company. Mr. Guzman is quite adaptable and can train people within the organization even though they may well have their own expertise in different industries. Fidel and I talk about everything from leadership, the future of corporate training and we even take time to explore how AI is and will become more a part of his work and the work we all do. When not working Fidel has various outside activities. His most loved efforts go, of course, into being part of a family. He also serves as Vice President of Education for Toastmasters International. He loves to be involved in Mixed Martial Arts. He keeps quite busy at a variety of activities and clearly loves the challenges he gets to address along the way. About the Guest: Fidel Guzman is a dynamic and enthusiastic Learning & Develoment professional with a proven track record in instructional design, project management, and training development. With a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern Illinois University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, Fidel has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. His extensive experience spans various industries, including finance, telecommunications, and fitness, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. Currently serving as the Manager of Internal Training at ION Group in Chicago, IL. Fidel and his small but mighty team facilitate onboarding programs and training initiatives for over 13,000 employees globally. He has experience developing comprehensive new hire onboarding curricula and career progression pathways for multiple departments, ensuring effective and innovative learning solutions. Fidel's leadership extends beyond his professional role, as he actively participates in numerous company committees focused on community volunteer events, work-life balance education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fidel's passion for personal and professional development is evident in his certifications, including “Creating a Coaching Culture” from SHRM and “Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers” from PMI. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he leverages his bilingual skills to connect with a diverse audience. Outside of his professional endeavors, Fidel enjoys podcasting, judo, triathlons, hiking, and poetry, reflecting his well-rounded and adventurous spirit. In addition to his professional achievements, Fidel has a strong commitment to volunteerism and community involvement. He is serving as the Vice President of Education for Toastmasters International and has been an MMA class instructor and coordinator at St. Bruno Elementary. His dedication to helping others is further demonstrated through his role as an academic tutor at Berwyn Public Library. Ways to connect with Fidel: (1) Fidel Guzman, MBA | LinkedIn New Podcast- The Hero in the Mirror on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44xD76FcF5YFMNyuigFmBm?si=2so3OWJdQby6F91ZaY1AUg The Hero in the Mirror also on Youtube: (3) HerointheMirror - YouTube About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Greetings, everyone. I am Michael Hingson, and you are listening to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet, and today we get to do the unexpected. And of course, what the unexpected is is anything that doesn't have anything to do with inclusion or diversity. So that's most things you know, in a lot of ways. Anyway, our guest today is Fidel, and am I pronouncing it right? Guzman, yes, you got it. Oh, my goodness. Comes from listening to Guzman's who play baseball. Okay, I'll take that. That's a way. So Fidel reached out to me some time ago. We're going to be doing some speaking to his company ion. But in the meanwhile, I also convinced him that he had to come on unstoppable mindset and talk with us, tell us about himself, tell us a lot about what he does and why he does it, and help to contribute to our general theme, which is that we're all more unstoppable than we think we are, and we usually underrate ourselves. So we we try to improve by discovering that more people are unstoppable than we think they are, and that we thought they were. So that works out. Well, Fidel has a degree in business. He has a Masters of Business Administration. You graduated sigma cum laude, which is pretty cool. And I did cum laude, but I didn't get to do sigma or Magna, but that's okay, but that's okay anyway. Fidel, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here.   Fidel Guzman ** 02:56 Michael, it's a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.   Michael Hingson ** 03:00 Well, my pleasure, and I'm looking forward to to chatting and talking about some businessy things and anything else that you want to talk about. So let's start this way. It's always fun to do this. Why don't we start by you telling us kind of, maybe, about the early Fidel growing up and some of that stuff, and what got you started down the road of life as it were.   Fidel Guzman ** 03:20 Yeah, yeah, that's all right, yeah, let's let's go back. Let's go back to where it all started,   Michael Hingson ** 03:25 long time ago,   Fidel Guzman ** 03:30 definitely. So I'm born and raised in Los Angeles, Compton, Huntington Park area. I come from Mexican parents. They they they came here to the United States to give their their family a better future. Some first generation Mexican American, very proud. So actually, we do have a little diversity in here on this call. Oh, good. There we go. Yeah. So first generation Mexican American, my family traveled a lot when I was young. My dad's a truck driver, so wherever there was work, he would take us along. So we grew up and raised Los Angeles. I was seven or eight, then we ended up going to Mexico for a couple years, in Dallas, then St Louis, and then we ended up here in Chicago, here in the Midwest. Wow. Winter, the winters here were a bit surprising and tough. When I was in elementary school, I remember the first snow that I saw. It was, it was beautiful. After two weeks, I was like, All right, when is it? When is it gonna go away? And I was in for the the rude awakening that it's gonna it's gonna stick around for, for a few months or so, yeah, but I've had, you know, since then here, here in Chicago, we started to grow our roots. And I have five brothers and a sister. So I have a big family, a big Hispanic family, and I went to high school. My freshman year, I went to Lane Tech. Tech for all my folks who are familiar with the Chicagoland area. And then I ended up going to transferring over to Morton West in Berwyn. After I graduated high school, I went to Northeastern Illinois University, my alma mater, I got my undergrad in business management and marketing, and also got my Masters in Business Administration. So I am a proud double alumni from Northeastern Illinois University, and I really owe this, this community of Northeastern Illinois University, a lot with respect to the great teachers that they have there, the community that they try to build, and the friends and that I made along the way, as well as the education, of course, that helped, really helped me expand my career opportunities. After I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with my undergrad, I started my first real corporate role inside of backstop solutions. And backstop solutions was a still, you know, it was a great company to be a part of lots of mentors. If I can, actually, I would like to give a quick shout out to a few mentors that I had along the way, such as Deanne Falk, Richard fu our CEO, our legacy CEO, Clint Coghill, Sarah Schroeder, and the current head of learning and development under ion. Alexander Lloyd and I really want to thank them for all their mentorship and leadership, because it's really helped me get and grow to the person that I am today. So with that, yeah, I am the manager of internal training at ion. We came I came in via an acquisition, when backstop was acquired, and throughout that period, like I was, I had some some free time, so to say, and ended up getting my Masters in Business Administration.   Michael Hingson ** 06:48 And so along the way, did you get yourself married and all that? Oh, my   Fidel Guzman ** 06:52 wife is going to kill me. Yes. Along the way, sorry about that. No, yeah, yeah, of course, yeah. Can't forget, can't forget about those significant others. But yes, I am married. My wife has a master's in occupational therapy, so she's in the medical field, and I'm in, like, the business learning and development side of things, so our conversations are pretty interesting, as well as our perspectives on things. I also have a daughter. She's 16, going on 17 people are usually very surprised when I tell them the age of my daughter, but had her early when I was in my early 20s, so young dad and she was a blessing. I wouldn't, wouldn't have it any other way.   Michael Hingson ** 07:33 That's that is great. Why did you decide to go into business and study business in college.   Fidel Guzman ** 07:42 So interestingly enough, when I got into college, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I wanted to be cool Mr. Guzman, because I also really I love kids. I love working with kids. I was also a mixed martial arts program coordinator and instructor at an elementary school on the south side of Chicago for three years, and that was during my undergrad. And I taught all grades kindergarten through eighth grade, some of the basics in boxing, wrestling, jiu jitsu and kickboxing, so a bit of both. But as I was going through through my clinicals, as I was going through the the Yeah, the education aspect of it, I ended up wanting to switch majors. So I was like, I was like, hey, there's probably a lot more opportunity, a lot more opportunity for growth inside of the business segment. So I ended up switching my majors to business management, marketing, and somehow learning just found its way back into my life. So a lot of the stuff that I learned from some of those, those preliminary courses in in education. I mean, still, still resonate to this day, right? Understand your audience. Understand which students are visual learners, which ones are experiential learners. Which one need more repetitive exercise to to drill something in? So, yeah, the universe did not, did not lead me too far away from, from from teaching and being an instructor, and here I am. I know   Michael Hingson ** 09:08 that feeling well. So a couple things. First of all, I was born in Chicago, but we moved to California when I was five, but in Chicago, you start kindergarten at the age of four. So I went for a year to a special kindergarten class that my parents and others advocated for, for premature, blind kids, because there were a whole bunch in the Chicago area during the whole baby boomer area, a number of children were born prematurely and given a pure oxygen environment, which caused them to lose their eyesight. And so the bottom line is that happened to me among others. And so I went to the Perry school. I don't even know if it's around anymore. Somebody told me it wasn't around anymore, but that's where I went to school. And went there for a year of kindergarten, learned braille and other things. And then we moved to California. So I always wanted to be a teacher as well, and I came at teaching from a different standpoint, as you did. That is to say, Well, I wanted to be a teacher. My first job out of college wasn't directly teaching, except I ended up having to write training materials and do other things like that, and then I ended up going into sales, and what I learned is that the best sales people are really teachers. They're counselors. They guide and they help people, especially when you're dealing with major account sales, they help people look at products. They teach about what their product does and the really good sales people are brave enough to admit when their product might not be the best fit for someone, because it's also all about building trust. And good teachers are concerned about building trust as well. Of course.   Fidel Guzman ** 10:57 Yeah, one of my teachers when I was close to graduating, you know, one of the things that you know this teacher, Dr funk, if I remember correctly, he instilled in us, if you're able to synthesize what you learned and explain it to a five year old, you've done a good job. Like you, you you yourself understand that particular concept or that particular topic. And I really took that to heart. So now, you know, and a lot of these roles, if, from the the main instructor, I want and need to be able to explain it, you know, to my kid, to explain it in in simple terms. And, of course, you know, expand on it if needed. But, but   Michael Hingson ** 11:40 it ultimately comes down to you can provide all the information you want, but they have to teach themselves, really, and they're not going to do that, and they're not going to listen to you if they don't trust you. So trust is a vital part of what we do,   Fidel Guzman ** 11:56 exactly spot on,   Michael Hingson ** 11:58 and I have found that that developing that trust is so extremely important. I learned a lot about trust from working with guide dogs, right from the very first guide dog that I obtained back in 1964 when I was 14. It was all about building a team and I and although I didn't know how to really externally, say it necessarily, until many years later, internally, I understood that my job was to build a relationship and that I was going to be the team leader, and needed to be able to gain trust, as well as trust my teammate in in what we did. So worked out pretty well, though. So, you know, I was that was pretty cool. So what does ion do? What is ion?   Fidel Guzman ** 12:49 Yeah, I yeah for sure. So ion is a essentially, you can, you can think of it as a software company for the investment community. We provide a number of different platforms for them to streamline their processes and track information, or be end users of that of data.   Michael Hingson ** 13:07 So people buy your software and do what   Fidel Guzman ** 13:11 they can either leverage the data that's being provided to them, or they can include data within specific platforms.   Michael Hingson ** 13:20 Are you starting to see that this whole concept of so called AI is valuable in what you do, or, as I am working with that yet,   Fidel Guzman ** 13:30 yes, definitely, we are big on streamlining processes and making sure that we're maximizing the best use of everyone's time, and AI really has a really important component in that. So for for learning and development, one of the ways that we're using AI is for content creation, so whether it's just creating a simple outline for a course or starting to use that to create slides, but there, we're also taking a look at the way AI can be used on a regular basis to provide feedback for reps like let's say someone finishes a demo. If they want to do some self reflection, they can leverage AI to get some feedback on what worked well what didn't. Was there enough engagement? How was my use of technology, so on and so forth. So not only is AI being used from, you know, creating content, but also as, like a ad hoc instructor and and way to generate feedback,   Michael Hingson ** 14:31 well, and it offers so much versatility, you can really have it go many different ways. So it is very possible it can be an instructor, as you say, an ad hoc instructor, but it really can present its information in a good teaching way too. So you can have conversations with it. You can do the same sorts of things that you would do with a teacher. I think that AI clearly, is here to stay, but I think. Think over time, AI is going to evolve a lot. I am not of the opinion that AI will replace people for a variety of reasons, but I think that it's here and it's up to us to be smart as to how we use it.   Fidel Guzman ** 15:14 Definitely. I think one of the the tips that we always give people is AI does a really great job of a number of different things, but it's always going to need that human touch at the end of at the end of the day. So don't just take don't just take some content that AI has created and take it to heart. Make sure to review it. Make sure to put that personal touch on there and have it speak your language. Have it really resonate with the audience as well, especially that, oh, go ahead. Or also just on Super mechanical, super scripted,   Michael Hingson ** 15:49 well, and I think as AI grows, it's going to try to emulate, or we're going to use it to try to emulate people more and more, but it still isn't going to get to the point where it truly is me or you, and we do have to put our mark on it. I've used it to help create several articles, and what I've done when I do that is I'll tell it what I want it to write about, and let it do it, and it comes up with some pretty good ideas that I incorporate into the article, that I create, between what it provides and what I add to the mix. And it really should be that way. Exactly what I've really found interesting is the number of people like in classrooms, who say teachers, who say, you know, it's really harder and harder and harder to tell when a student uses AI to write a paper or if the student is doing it themselves. And the first time I heard that, immediately, my idea of what to do was something like this, let the student use AI if they want to, let the have ai do the whole paper. What you ought to do is to have one day after all the students turn their papers in, where you bring each student up to the front of the class and say, defend your paper. Now you have one minute if they don't really know, yeah. I mean, if they don't know what's going on, then they're not going to be able to do very well, and they fail.   Fidel Guzman ** 17:19 Yes, I am a big proponent of comprehensive exercises and also public speaking. How well? How well can you articulate the thought that you gave in that paper? Right? Some of those different talking points, right? Can you convey the same message in front of the classroom?   Michael Hingson ** 17:38 Yeah, and, and, you can tell if a person is just not necessarily a great public speaker, they're nervous, as opposed to whether they know the subject. And those, in a sense, are two different things. But you can use the fact that students are at the front of the classroom to help make them better speakers, too, which is a good thing.   Fidel Guzman ** 17:59 Yeah, no, yeah. I agree with you. If they are using AI, just, you know, turn around a paper, have them present in front of the classroom. Yeah, let's, let's talk a bit more about your paper, yeah, and, and really have it be an interactive exercise. I think that's really where the end goal is going to be, now that AI has really taken over the way the classroom dynamic has changed. So having more of those interactive exercises, really taking a look at comprehension, whether somebody really understands that topic, and giving giving students and an audience an opportunity to discuss, how do we how do we create a hive mind mentality around this particular topic, especially in a classroom, right whether, whether that's in a school setting, in academia, or whether that's in a corporate setting, inside of an office.   Michael Hingson ** 18:54 Several months ago, we had a guest on unstoppable mindset, who's an executive leadership coach in Northern California who was a major proponent of AI. And when he worked with companies, and especially with presidents and leaders who were stuck on how we evolve and how we grow, he would bring AI into all those meetings, and one day he was dealing with one such situation where he told the president, you got to use you ought to use AI to get some great ideas. The President took that to heart, called his senior leadership staff in and said, take the rest of this day and create ideas about how you think we ought to do things better, and so on, and use AI to do it. And when everyone came in the next day, they had a lot of innovative and creative ideas, and all loved the fact that he encouraged them to use AI. And that led to. Us having a discussion about, is AI going to really take over the jobs that people do? And both of us agreed, no, AI won't. Ai can't replace anyone. We can fire somebody and then put AI in their place, which doesn't really work well. But what is a better thing is let ai do what it does well. So example that he gave was say, you have autonomous vehicles. As autonomous vehicles become more and more prevalent, like trucks that are delivering supplies, like shipping vehicles and so on, let the autonomous vehicle drive, but the driver needs to still be in the cabin and needs to be behind the wheel, even though they're not doing anything, because they are going to let the autonomous vehicle do what it can do. But you can give those people other assignments to do for the company that will keep them busy and do things that otherwise might not be done quite as efficiently. So the bottom line is, you keep people busy, you use the autonomous vehicle, and it's a win win situation all the way around.   Fidel Guzman ** 21:08 Yeah, great. I I've heard something very similar to that, and maybe if I can, if I can synthesize this, it's going to be that we want to remove manual task out of people's times, and we want them to focus on more higher value add activities. Do   Michael Hingson ** 21:29 you think that's fair? I think that's true. Isaac Asimov, years ago, the science fiction writer, wrote a really wonderful science fiction story about a young man who lived in a society where everyone had a particular job to do, and you were matched with your talents. And so there you you're you take a test when you're, like, eight years old and or or even younger, and that starts you down the road of what it is you're supposed to do for the whole country. And then you take another test several years later, and that locks you into what you're trained to do. So you always do the same task, but you do it well, because that's what you're trained to do. Well, this kid was in the whole process taking his tests, and he just wasn't comfortable with what was going on. And eventually he ran away. And what, you know, he he took the last test, apparently they looked at him kind of funny when they looked at the results and he didn't like what was going on. And he just left. He said, I'm not going to do this. I don't, I don't. I don't want to be an engineer. I don't want to do whatever it is that they want. And they eventually caught up with him, and they caught him, and they said, Why'd you run away? And he told them, and then said, No, you don't understand what just happened. Some people in society are the people who create the tests, create the processes, and don't get trained to do a specific thing, because they're the innovators and the inventors that keep society going, and you're one of those kids, and this was like, what, 50 years ago that he wrote that? So it's, it is, it is really interesting, but, but very true and, and the reality is, we can be as creative as we choose to be, and some people are more creative than others, but there are always tasks that we can find for anyone to do, and that will make them very happy,   23:40 absolutely, definitely.   Michael Hingson ** 23:42 So it works out. You know, it does work out really well. Well, a question for you. You have a leadership philosophy, needless to say, and you lead a lot in instructional design, what, what are the core principles, or what are the things that kind of make up how you teach leadership, and what it is that you teach people to do, and how do you go about team development?   Fidel Guzman ** 24:13 Yeah, I think some of the core principles that I that I really focus on with learning and development and instructional design. Number one, it has to be collaboration. It really does take a community to put some some really good training sessions and training opportunities in place, and it's really leveraging all the expertise from different subject matter experts. Give them a chance to share their perspectives and their insights on certain things, but also, really, just to enhance, you know, the the use of these training programs, because people are more keen to listen to like, oh yeah, this guy's a subject matter he's an expert in this particular. Their space and for them to to hop on. So I think that collaboration aspect is, you know, getting the Lean In from managers like, hey, this training is important. Your employees are going to benefit from this training, whether it's just for to develop their their education, to develop their career, whatever that may look like. But I want to say one of the, the first guiding principles is going to have to be collaboration. The second one is going to have to be most likely continuous improvement. As we start to roll out a lot of these different training sessions, whether it's public speaking, whether it's product training, whether it's industry training, if we roll it out, we keep our ear to the ground and make sure that we're receptive to the feedback. We take a look at what works well, what doesn't work well, what needs to be tailored. How can we, how can we also manage this across different time zones? So ion is super global company, I want to say, over 13,000 employees in over 13 plus countries. So also managing what those training programs look like for everyone, for everyone, across the board. So besides the collaboration, besides the continuous improvements or the I like to also say that the Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, right, making those small improvements, the last one I want to say is going to be innovation. How can we incorporate, right? We were talking about AI. How can we incorporate some of these ladies, latest tech trends into what our training delivery looks like, whether it's something as simple as, how do we include more polls throughout a lecture to keep people engaged and participate? How do we include knowledge checks at the end of every session to make sure that people are walking away with some of the key takeaways. So, yeah, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation. Yeah, how do we stay innovative and stay creative? I think having having some fun, staying creative along the way Definitely, definitely resonates with your audience as you're trying to do different things and trying to keep things as engaging and and fun as possible.   Michael Hingson ** 27:06 What do you say to someone who says, Look, I've really learned all I need to learn. I'm not really interested in learning anything new. That is, I know, isn't that? Yeah, but you hear it a lot, I'm sure, or too much. I   Fidel Guzman ** 27:22 think some people get comfortable right, like, Hey, I'm comfortable with what I know. And learning does require a certain level of mental energy, and it also requires a certain level of you being willing to take on a new challenge, to take on and learn something new. So to them, I would genuinely ask, what's your interest? How can we supplement what this interest looks like? You know, what are your interests in other avenues? And I think that will plant a seed to let them know that learning and development should be something learning, right? Just learning in general, it should be something that you should do throughout your life. I recently started a podcast called the hero in the mirror, and I wanted to take a moment and actually, thank you, Michael. I don't know if you remember our initial conversation. But we were talking, we were talking about, you had asked me, What ideas do you have? What are you working on? Are you working on, any books, any podcasts? And I had mentioned, I was like, Hey, I actually have an idea for a podcast. And you pause for a moment, and you were like, what's stopping it? Yeah, and it was, it was kind of like, it kind of took me back. I'm like, What? What is stopping me? Right? And sometimes, and in coaching, we call it interference, like you're you probably have a fear of failure. You have a fear that something's not going to go right, or this task seems enormous, that you don't know where to start. Yeah, so making small, small mental changes, making small steps, I think, definitely add up. Since then, Michael, I've had I've had three episodes. I've had some great guests hop on and share their story of resilience and triumph. And as I'm starting to do more episodes, I'm I'm hearing stories of people willing to have that, that mindset of, I want to continue to learn, I want to continue to expand on the person that I am and make myself well rounded in these different, different areas. So So, long story short, if somebody says I don't, I don't need to learn anything, there's always room for growth. There's always room for interest, what, what interests you, and how? And how can we follow that interest and and supplement it with some some training content.   Michael Hingson ** 29:49 I know, for me, I'm extremely comfortable with what I know, and I'm extremely comfortable with what I've learned, but I'm also very uncomfortable in knowing there's a lot of stuff I don't know and that i. Still need to learn. So I love to learn right from the very beginning, when I first discovered the internet, I regarded it and still do, no matter what there is with the dark web and everything else, I think the internet is a treasure trove of information, and it's so fun to discover new things online. And there's so many ways to go. We've got so many places where we can go get books that we never had access to before all of us. There's so many places where we can go to learn about organizations, about people. They're just so many wonderful things, and it's only one way, because I also think there is a lot to be said for real personal interactions, but I think the internet is a wonderful treasure trove that gives us the opportunity to learn a whole lot that we don't necessarily know about, subjects that we don't know anything about.   Fidel Guzman ** 30:55 The Internet is a double sided sword. It is. You can find information that will support right? Maybe you know an opinion that you have on the other side of that, you can find lots of information that does not support independent opinion that you have. And also it's a rabbit hole. Soon as you start going out that rabbit hole. But the one thing I do appreciate from the internet is the channels of communication that it's built. Yeah, and I'm appreciative of being able to have connected with you on LinkedIn, and that's turned out to us having this podcast here today.   Michael Hingson ** 31:34 I think that for me, I'm not as interested on going online and in finding something to change an opinion as much as I am finding something that will tell me about something that I didn't know as much about. Now I might change my opinion from what I thought it might be, but I I really love to try to really get as much as possible into dealing with facts or substance to teach me things, and then I'll form my own opinion from that. Yeah, you know what I'm saying. Of course,   Fidel Guzman ** 32:11 gets a good grounding of all the all the materials, synthesize it yourself.   Michael Hingson ** 32:19 Yeah, I think we should do that. I think we have to be the one to synthesize whatever it is we're dealing with. That's That's our responsibility, and that should always be the way it is, which is, and I don't want to get political or anything, but which is one of the reasons that I say any politician who says, Trust me will be the first person I won't trust until I verify. I am a firm believer in trust, but verify. I don't care who it is. I think it's so important that we really take the time every single person needs to take the time to study what's going on, and and, and really look at all sides of something. I think that's important. I listen to newscasts regularly, and I like to listen to newscasts from all sides. Some I find why I don't want to listen to them very much, because of what they do or don't do, but I still think that it's important to really understand all sides of a subject.   Fidel Guzman ** 33:29 Absolutely, I totally agree with you.   Michael Hingson ** 33:32 So you know, I think it is kind of neat to to have that opportunity, and I think we learn so much when we take the time to really study. I'm amazed. I was at a restaurant once, and my wife and I were there. We were talking about newspapers and what we get from newspapers or online, and our waitress came up and Karen said, so do you read the newspaper? And this woman's 30 years old, and she says, No, I don't. I don't have time, you know. And how little she learns, because she doesn't really seek information, which is too bad.   Fidel Guzman ** 34:07 Yep, you people have to be receptive. People have to be receptive to to gaining new bits of information. And sometimes people are just happy knowing like you, like you mentioned earlier, just happy knowing what they're what they know, just comfortable in in their own space, until some more power to that, more more power to them, more power to them,   Michael Hingson ** 34:31 until something happens to disrupt the happiness and surprises them, because they really didn't learn enough to know that that was a possibility. Yep, I never thought I would be doing a podcast, but when the pandemic occurred, I started to learn about it, and learned all the value of it. Now, I had been at our campus radio station at UC Irvine for six years, and I was program director one year, so I understood radio, and when I started learning about podcasts. They went, this is really pretty cool, and I had never thought about it, and had never been interviewed on a podcast, but I realized I know what I can can do with this, and I know that I can sound intelligent on the air. And so I started to learn about it, and here we are now, just today, actually, we published online and in YouTube episode 324 of unstoppable mindset since August of 2021 Congratulations, Michael. Well, thank you. It's a lot of fun. We actually went to two episodes a week in August of 2022 Oh, wow, because we had such a huge backlog. Yeah, and I don't mind having a huge backlog, but it was growing way too much. So we went to two episodes a week, and and it's a lot of fun to to do it. And as and as I love to tell people, for me, the most important thing is I get to learn from every single person who comes on the podcast. It's so neat to be able to do that, of course. So it works out really well. Well for you, what kind of challenges have you faced? What have you done to overcome challenges, and what are some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how you did you deal with them?   Fidel Guzman ** 36:17 Okay, yeah, that's great. That's some of the questions I use on on my podcast, here in the mirror. So I'm on the I'm on the other side of that chair today. Yes, no, it's good. It's good. It's a good question. So I want to say, you know, there are, there are three main, three main challenges that really stand out for me. One I'm very vocal about, and that is my speech impediment, my stuttering problem. It was really bad when I was little kid. I had a speech pathologist. Even now, talking to you on this podcast, I have to be very conscious with what I'm saying. Some of the listeners might might have caught it in the beginning when I get too excited about a particular topic, or if I haven't formulated my thought yet, but the speech impediments is something that has really made public speaking a passion for me. It was hard for me to have a voice when I was a little kid, I used to try to raise my hand and answer a question when I was in elementary school, and the teacher would be like, All right, next one like you had, you had your turn. And so I, you know, I've struggled, you know, to have a voice. I struggled with just completing sentences, and the way that I overcame that is through a speech pathologist that really gave me the confidence to believe in myself. I remember one exercise she gave me one day is she grabbed me from my classroom. She would pick me up from my classroom every Tuesday and Thursday, and she picked me up one day, and I was kind of down in the dumps. I didn't really like going to the class. We weren't really advancing much. And she's like, Hey, we're going to try something different tonight. Different today. She's like, today I'm going to have the order of pizza. And I was still a little little fat kid, like fourth or fifth grade, so I was like, oh, yeah, I'm all for it. What's going on here? And she was like, but the catch is, you need to order this pizza without stuttering. And you know, right away, kind of my heart dropped. And she's like, okay, like, don't, don't worry, we're gonna practice exactly what you want to order. And she's like, What do you want? And I'm like, Well, I want a large pepperoni pizza with an RC, a two liter RC Cola delivered to McPherson Elementary. And she's like, okay. She's like, write it down. I'm like, Alright, great to like, write it down again. I must have written it like, 10 times. She's like, No, now practice it. So about 15 minutes of doing that, she was like, All right, I think you're ready. She hands me the phone and, you know, I pick it up. My heart's in my throat, and I'm just like, like, I'm like, hi, you know, I want to order a large pepperoni pizza with a two liter RC Cola delivered to McPherson elementary for Fidel Guzman, and I was just astonished. I hung up the phone. I was happy for two reasons. Number one, I was going to get some pizza. Number two, I was able to say it a complete, full sentence without stuttering. And she she really believed in me and instilled in me that confidence that I could overcome this. But it wasn't an overnight success. It still required me go going to the speech pathologist, you know, throughout my elementary school, throughout all those years, and even as an adult, continuing to practice and hone that in in high school, doing presentations, in college, doing presentations. So right now, I am the VP of education for our America's Toastmasters Club, and this is one story i i always tell people, and they're like, No, you don't stutter. I'm like, if I get too excited, I'll lower my words. But that was that was one challenge, that was one challenge, and it's. Is it's still something I have to be very conscious of. And I've caught myself a couple times earlier in this podcast where I kind of mumble a little bit or get caught up in a particular word. But besides that one, I want to say that the second one was more of my in college. In college, I struggled paying for school. I mentioned I'm first generation Mexican American, and I was one, one of the first, first of my brothers to attend college full time. And I did all I could to make ends meet, two, three jobs, just paying for tuition. Financial aid was great, you know, it really helped me with a portion of that, but a lot of it really ended up, you know, being due onto me. And then I had my daughter, and it was just a struggle. I was like, How can I be a dad? How can I be a student? How can I work on my career? And I had gone to a financial aid workshop, and the one thing that stood out in this workshop was when they were talking about scholarships granted in high school when you're about to graduate, they talk to you about it, but it doesn't. It doesn't really materialize until you're until you receive that bill. Yeah, you're just like, hey, here's, here's a $2,000 bill for this college class. And you're like, oh, man, this is, this is not, this is not cheap. It's pretty expensive. And the one thing you know that stood out was, you know, let the scholarships, and they started talking about scholarship applications, and I found that there were a couple common denominators with the scholarships. Number one, they wanted two letters of two letters of recommendation. Number two, they want an essay. What are you going to do with your degree? How are you going to make a positive impact in the community? And number three, sometimes, typically an interview. And so I ran with it. I was like, they want two letter, letters of recommendation. They want one essay. They want an interview. No problem. And I made that my part time job. On the weekends, I would just apply, apply, apply. And I started getting some small wins. I started getting a $250 scholarship here, a $500 scholarship there, $1,000 scholarship, you know, here, and all of it started to add up, and it started to gain momentum. And I was lucky enough to get, get, get accepted for a number of different scholarships and complete my my college education, and even, you know, be strong willed enough to go back and do it again and try to try to get my masters. So those were two, two big ones, but I'll pause here and see if you have any questions around those two challenges for me. Michael, no,   Michael Hingson ** 42:41 but I I really admire what you did. You You made a choice and you followed it through. And I think that's of course, the whole issue is that we have to make choices and we need to follow through. And if we find that, we need to refine our decisions. We do that. I know when I was a student and a program director at the university radio station, I wanted everyone to listen to themselves. I thought it was a great idea to have everyone listen to themselves on the air. And the way you do it is you record it and you give it to them. And I didn't anticipate how hard that was going to be, because for me, I was used to doing it for myself, yeah, but I I didn't realize how much resistance I was going to get from literally everyone at the radio station, they were not interested in and I'm thrilled about doing it at all. What I and the engineer at the station did eventually was to put a cassette recorder in a locked cupboard, and whenever the microphone was activated, the recorder would go on. So, you know, you didn't have to hear the music. You just wanted to hear yourself talk. And we, we really took a major step and said, You have to listen to these recordings. We gave each person a cassette. We expect you to listen to these recordings and improve accordingly. What I didn't say much was, I know what it's like. I'm my own worst critic, and I have to listen to it, so you guys do now. I've changed that, and I'll get to it in a second, but we pushed everyone to do it, and it wasn't long, not only before we started seeing improvement, but before the people themselves started recognizing that they were really getting comfortable listening to themselves and that they were taking this to heart, and by the end of the year, we had people who were loving it and wanting their cassette every day or every week, and also a. Some of them went into broadcasting. For me, what I learned, and it took many years before I learned it is I'm not my own worst critic. I shouldn't be negative, as I said earlier, I'm the only one who can really teach me. I'm my own best teacher. And I think when you make that mind shift from being your own worst critic to your own best teacher, it really puts things in a much more positive light. And I've said that before on the podcast, and I will continue to say it, because I think it's a very important   Fidel Guzman ** 45:29 concept. We actually have a similar exercise for our America's Toastmasters Club, where we'll we'll record some speeches, and we'll have people listen back to their recorded speech. And a lot of people say like, man, it's cringe to hear yourself on the on the other side, on the other side of those iPhones, but it is a very useful exercise. You get a better understanding of your your filler words, your eyes, your arms, your vocal variety, your body language. And if you're looking to be a great, I don't want to say public speaker, but if you're just looking just to speak better in general, even when it's an on a presentation, on a call, or if you have to give up a toast at a wedding or a quinceanera, for you to be able to, yeah, critique yourself and gather feedback from your from your own recording   Michael Hingson ** 46:23 well. And the reality is, the more of it you do, and the more you listen to it, having been up there in front giving the speech, you also see how people react. And if you continue to observe and listen to the recordings as you go forward, you will improve, yeah, for sure, which is which is really important. And one of the things that I try to do regularly now is to record talks. When I go and give a speech somewhere, I will record it so that I can listen to it and I enjoy it, because I discover Did I really say that I shouldn't have said it quite that way, but I'll do better next time. But listening to it helps such a tremendous amount,   Fidel Guzman ** 47:13 especially with those filler words. So when you really listen to the recording, you'll be like, Man, I use a lot of likes or SOS or ands or buts, and if you want to speak eloquently, it is, I mean, like anything, you just gotta practice it. You gotta practice it, and you have to be receptive to that, the feedback. And you have to also celebrate the small wins. One thing I am a big proponent on is celebrate the small wins. Yeah. So if you are able to do your your first speech at a Toastmasters clubs like we, we give you tons of accolades, because it is not an easy fit, an easy feat. If you're able to do the second one, even better. You're, you're progressing, and you're, you know, you're increasing your understanding of some of the fundamentals of public speaking. Yeah, so you're preaching to the choir here.   Michael Hingson ** 48:05 Yeah, no, I understand. Oh yeah, it's good, but it is really important to do, and it's fun to do. If you decide to make it fun, and if you decide that you want to become a better communicator there. There are lots of us and all that sort of stuff that people do. I've heard some people say that's really not such a bad thing. Well, I've got to say that I've never really been used to having a lot of us. And you know, there's a guy out here who I don't think he's alive anymore. He used to be a sports announcer out here. His name was Jim Healy, and you may have heard him when, well, out here in Los Angeles, anyway, he was on K lac, and he had somebody, well, he had a recording of somebody, one of the sports jocks, and he announced that he was going to play this recording, and what you're going to hear is this guy in 60 seconds say, you know, 48 times, that's and he did what's amazing, that   Fidel Guzman ** 49:17 when you when you get to Some of those, it's like, what do they say? Nails on a chalkboard? You're like, Oh, yeah. Like, what are you trying to say? Just, just say it. To say, to say the damn thing.   Michael Hingson ** 49:30 Yeah, talk a little bit slower and just say it.   Fidel Guzman ** 49:33 One thing that I'm trying to be conscious, more conscious of is pauses, like those deliberate pauses, those deliberate pauses to collect your thoughts, like I often need, just to collect myself, but also to build suspense the message and the message that you're trying to give, especially when you're in front of a group of people, in front of an audience, and you're pausing there, they're just like, oh, what? So what is he? What is he gonna say next? What's up? What's going on with this pause? So it's also you have this arsenal of tools when it comes to to public speaking and to engage with an audience and to keep them, to keep them interested in what your next thought is going to be. What What am I going to say next? How am I going to, you know, align this topic to something else that I want to discuss.   Michael Hingson ** 50:24 I love, yeah, I've discovered the value of pauses. You can make a pause last too long, and one of the things you learn is how long to make a pause. But I love pauses. They really do add a lot of value. There they get. Well, you talk a lot about continuous improvement, and clearly you you really love the whole concept. What's an example of a project where you instituted continuous improvement, and how do you make that happen? Thanks, Michael.   Fidel Guzman ** 50:56 Let's pause again. Yeah, right. I know. Yeah. All right. Michaels, Michaels, throw me. Well, not much of a curveball, but yeah, no, that's good. So I know continuous improvement. And one project that I worked on, I want to say one that comes to mind is last year I hosted a series of product boot camps. And what these product boot camps really were, were product training and networking opportunities within ion. I had just gone through the acquisition of backstop into the into the ion family, and I saw a need. I saw a need there for some product training. And what I did is I started to coordinate with subject matter experts, hence the collaboration and community principles that I have with learning and development. And started to piece together a boot camp. So a series of training sessions, and we discussed location, we discussed different components that we can include on there. We discussed remote hybrid in person, what some of those options were, and we had about, I want to say, five or six of these boot camps in 2024 and what I noticed is that for each of the boot camps we would tailor it a little bit, because each of these different products that were under specific umbrellas were for certain audiences, you know, for certain segments of the business. So we had to, I had a template, but we had to tweak that template a little bit. Who do we want to come in here? Who do we want to come in for this particular topic? When do we take breaks? If it's in person, you know? Do we take longer breaks if it's in person? How do we include some interactive components to it? How do we test people's knowledge, whether it's through live polls, whether it's using an LMS platform to do knowledge checks? How do we create a certificate based program around this? And for each of those, it was a learning experience. It was a learning experience because we, every subject matter expert, is different, right? You're building different relationships with different people, and even their style of talking or their style of teaching on a particular topic is going to be different. So those continuous improvements throughout each of those boot camps really started to to resonate and just to showcase themselves. And for each of those, we had a similar template for all of them, but we made minor tweaks to make sure that it was as engaging and and thoughtful as possible.   Michael Hingson ** 53:36 Wow. Well, that's pretty cool. Um, and I think that the very fact that you would make the tweaks and you recognize the need to do that was pretty insightful, of course, because for me, I know when I speak, some people early on told me you should write a talk and you should, you should just give that talk. I tried that once. I didn't like what I sounded like when I read a talk, and I haven't done it since. And I also realized that I do better, and sometimes it isn't necessarily a lot, but when I customize every talk so I love to go early and try to hear speakers who speak before me, or get a chance to meet people at an event, because I will learn things invariably that I will put into the talk. And sometimes I'm tweaking talks up to and including the start of the talk, and sometimes I will tweak a talk when I'm speaking and I'm getting the impression just from all the fidgeting, that maybe I'm not getting through to these people, or I'm not really doing this in the best way possible. And I will change until I get what I expect to be the audience. Reaction, because I know what an audience is like when they're fully engaged, and I also know that not every audience is the same, so I hear what you're saying. I think it's important to do that.   Fidel Guzman ** 55:13 Yeah, for you to be able to do that on the fly, kudos, kudos to that. But yeah, we you got to be able to understand that audience, understand that audience, understand what's what's going on, the dynamic of that, of that situation. So you're, you're a veteran at at this, so no surprise there.   Michael Hingson ** 55:31 Well, that's a lot of fun. Well, what do you do when you're not working you, I know you're involved in various activities and so on. So what do you do when you're, yeah, not an eye on writing, doing, training, stuff and all that.   Fidel Guzman ** 55:45 A number of different hobbies. My wife calls me the Energizer Bunny, because I'm always running around doing something, but some of my main things is right now judo. I did wrestling in high school, and I did mixed martial arts when I was getting my undergrad. And I love martial arts. I think iron sharpens iron. It's good to be around a good group of, good group of people, people who are who are like minded, people who are looking to continue to develop themselves. And yeah, if you're in a room full of tough guys, you have no other choice than to start to be a tough guy yourself. So I love martial arts. I did a couple Judo tournaments, judo and jujitsu tournaments last year, where I placed. And let's see, besides that, triathlons, I love to run, I love to bike, I love to swim. I did my first triathlon last year. I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a phenomenal experience. I mean, it's two three hours of non stop movement, but it was, it was great just to be part of that, of a huge event like that, besides the martial arts and the constant running and swimming and biking, the last thing I want to say is writing and poetry. I have started to compile all all my poems. Hopefully, in the next year or so, I'll, I'll launch a small book of poems. And, yeah, I'll keep you, I'll keep you posted on that. But I do, I do like to write on the sign, you know, hopefully a book of poems. And, you know, since since having my daughter, I've always liked children's books. I would, I would love it if I could launch my my own series of children books, and I'm working on a couple templates with that. So, yeah, stay staying busy, staying busy, physically active, but also mentally   Michael Hingson ** 57:40 active. So you haven't written any books yet. I have a   Fidel Guzman ** 57:44 couple ideas, a couple ideas of what, what kids books want to do, but you don't have any books published yet? No, none yet. None yet. Well, we're anxious to see that happen. You got, you got it, you're gonna, you're gonna light that fire. You're gonna light that fire as well. No, and again, right? I do appreciate you for for really, really motivating me to start my own podcast, because you had really said, like, what's stopping you? Like, like me, I'm stopping myself, you know. But even yet, yeah, even like, you know, being an author, I know that you're an author, you know, I would love to have a conversation offline with you. You know what that publishing experience was like, because I think that's my biggest interference right now with that, is like, I don't know where to start with the publishing. I know I can self publish. I know I can go through publishers and like, the internet, like we said, a double sided sword, yeah, you have information that tells you you should just self publish, and then you have other bits of information. Was like, You should go through a publishing company and just like, where do I Where do I choose? But I think that's why having mentors, you know, and getting to network with people who are experienced, such as yourself, and these different avenues of public speaking and being a keynote speaker and having a podcast, being a podcast host and being an author. I think, I think it's great, and you are definitely an inspiration to me. Michael, well, thank you.   Michael Hingson ** 59:11 You're familiar with Jackson Hewitt, the accounting and tax company. You got it? Okay? So I can't remember whether it was night, whether it was 2016 or 2017 but I got invited to go speak at one of their events, and I did. And while I was there, I met a woman, and I didn't know what she did, and she she, she worked at a Jackson Hewitt, and I just happened to say, what do you own of a firm? Because most of the people there were supposed to be company owners. And she said, No, maybe someday. And I said, why not? You ought to own a company. You ought to you ought to become a company owner. You'll go further Anyway, last year, she sent me an email, and she said, I've never forgotten that, and I think it was like a year later, or two years later, she's. After I and she met, she said, I got my first company, and I now own 10 branches. Wow. Back, I said, that's pretty cool. Oh,   Fidel Guzman ** 1:00:09 Michael, Michael, you are just making ripples in the universe. Just ripples doing something. Yeah, that's good. I don't want to get too religious, but you're doing God's work, man, well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:18 I hope so. You know, expect Hill. Hill. Guy, guide, or she'll guide, yeah, but so what do you think is the future of work, of workplace training and learning?   Fidel Guzman ** 1:00:30 Yeah, I think we, we touched a little bit upon this. But you know, AI, you know, definitely, how can we leverage AI for content creation, creating outlines and also using it as feedback. But I also want to to bring back the the in person training. I know we've all gotten very comfortable with, you know, doing stuff remote, but similar to the example that we talked about earlier, where that teacher was like, oh, all these, all these kids are using AI for these papers, and how do I really test their comprehension? That's, that's something you know, that in person activity, yeah, I think definitely has a tremendous amount of value, not just for the instructor, but for the end learner. Yeah. So I think, I think a mixture of like, okay, great, you know, how can we use AI to create content? How can we use it to provide, you know, feedback for people to continue to improve on certain areas. But how can we bring back that in person component?   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:38 Well, see, oh, go ahead,   Fidel Guzman ** 1:01:39 yeah, to, to to unify. It was probably that pause, that to to unify, to unify a vision, you know, a vision of of continuous improvement. You know that to unify, that vision of what a team might be aiming for, yeah. So, yeah. So, I think, I think, you know, long story short, it's going to be, you know, leveraging a bit of AI and still bringing back that, that in person aspect. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:05 you know, I I've done virtual presentations as well as, of course, lots of in person presentations. I much prefer in person to virtual but my main reason for that is that I can tell what the audience is feeling. I get a lot more information if I'm doing an in person talk than I would get if I'm just doing a virtual talk. Now I've done it long enough that I mostly can do pretty well at a virtual talk, but it's still not the same, yeah, and I still don't get exactly the same information, but I can do virtual talks, and I do and it, and it's fun and and I can play games with it, because I can always turn my video off and really drive people crazy. But you know what? What advice would you give to an aspiring leader who wants to to evolve and make make changes to their organization or to themselves and so on.   Fidel Guzman ** 1:03:06 So advice I would give for aspiring leaders. I think the the main one that I really focus on is opportunities and challenges. Be ready to embrace any opportunities that come your way, but just know that each of those opportunities, it's going to come with its own set of challenges, and be prepared for both, and be okay with dealing both at the same time. And you know last, but you know not least, is that there are there are lots of stories of triumph, and to really curate yours. What does your story of triumph look like? What is your passion and how does, how does all of that connect?   Michael Hingson ** 1:03:53 And it may be evolving, and it may be different in five years than it is today, but both memories are important, yeah, which is cool. Well, Fidel, we've been doing Can you believe we've been doing   Fidel Guzman ** 1:04:08 this for over an hour? Time flies and you're having fun,   Michael Hingson ** 1:04:12 absolutely. And I really appreciate you being here and being a part of this, and I really appreciate all of you who have been listening to us and watching us. We're really excited that you're here. I hope that this has been valuable for you as well, and that you've learned something. Fidel, if people want to reach out to you, how can they do that? I   Fidel Guzman ** 1:04:31 want to say LinkedIn, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. What's your LinkedIn identifier? You can find me as Fidel Guzman, comma, MBA, and I'll also give you a link so you can, you can accompany it alongside this episode, yeah, but feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. That's going to be the easiest way to get in touch with me. And I'll also have some links if you want to check out my podcast. And hopefully I'll have, I'll have that book of poems out, yeah, soon.   Michael Hingson ** 1:04:59 Well, that will be. Good. Well, thank you again and again. Thank you, all of you. If you'd like to reach out to Fidel, I'm sure he would appreciate it. I would, and you're welcome to reach out to me.

In episode 207, Coffey talks with Nicole Morgan about what HR professionals need to know about Medicare to help employees navigate the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare coverage. They discuss the four main parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together; the differences between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and traditional Medicare with supplemental coverage; how creditable coverage determinations affect employees who continue working past age 65; the coordination of benefits between employer group health plans and Medicare based on company size; timing considerations for Medicare enrollment and the importance of planning three months before turning 65; why brokers may have financial incentives to sell Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare; the risks and benefits of different Medicare options including network limitations and out-of-pocket maximums; and the role HR should play in connecting employees with qualified Medicare experts rather than providing specific coverage advice. 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: Nicole A. Morgan is a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of experience, seamlessly blending her clinical expertise as a Registered Occupational Therapist with her proficiency as a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent. As the founder of Morgan Medicare Solutions, LLC, based in Sherman, Texas, Nicole is dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of Medicare, ensuring they make informed decisions tailored to their unique needs.  Her extensive background encompasses various healthcare settings, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and community-based services. This diverse experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges seniors face, particularly in navigating the transition to Medicare. Nicole holds multiple certifications, such as Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®), and Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP), underscoring her commitment to senior care and wellness.  Beyond her professional endeavors, Nicole is deeply rooted in her community. A native of Sherman, she has been married to her husband, Brad, for nearly 30 years and is a proud mother of three young adults. Her passion for service extends to active involvement in her church and local initiatives, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.  At Morgan Medicare Solutions, Nicole offers personalized consultations, educational workshops, and ongoing support, ensuring clients feel confident and secure in their Medicare choices. Her holistic approach, grounded in compassion and expertise, has made her a trusted advisor for many navigating the intricacies of healthcare in their retirement years. Nicole Morgan can be reached athttps://www.morganmedicaresolutions.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-a-morganotr/https://www.facebook.com/morganmedicare/  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.       Understand the basic structure of Medicare parts A, B, C, and D to provide foundational guidance when employees ask about Medicare options and transitions.2.       Recognize when employer group health plans have creditable coverage for prescription drugs and ensure proper notification letters are sent to Medicare-eligible employees by October 15th annually.3.       Establish relationships with trusted Medicare brokers and implement processes to proactively reach out to employees approaching age 65 to ensure proper planning and coordination of benefits.

Advancing in your career often comes with significant trade-offs, but how can organizations better support employees in managing these sacrifices? SHRM researcher Sally Windisch, who led the development of a new report on this topic, The Price of Success: Navigating the Trade-Offs That Shape Career Growth, shares actionable HR and leadership strategies for mitigating these challenges. Discover key findings from the report, including shifting priorities at different career stages, the toll these sacrifices can take on employee well-being and retention, and innovative solutions organizations can implement to build healthier, more balanced workplace cultures.Resources from this Week's Episode - The Price of Success: Navigating the Trade-Offs That Shape Career GrowthSubscribe to the All Things Work newsletter to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/fg444d  ---Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Andy Biladeau, SHRM's chief transformation officer, sits down with guest host Marjorie Morrison, SHRM's executive in residence for mental health, to explore HR's evolving role in organizational transformation. With change management being one of the top CHRO priorities for 2025, Biladeau shares what meaningful transformation looks like, from building trust with teams to identifying the readiness for change and designing strategic action plans. Tune in for actionable insights, leadership lessons, and practical takeaways HR pros can use to lead change with clarity and confidence.This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires July 1, 2026. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz ---Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

Yesterday at the 2025 SHRM Annual Conference & Expo in San Diego, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund named Brian Moynihan, CEO at Bank of America as this year's Ethical Leader of the Year Award winner.Brian Peckrill, Executive Director of the McGowan Fund, presented the award and praised Ethical Leader of the Year Award winner Brian Moynihan's commitment to ethical leadership. With this honor, Brian Moynihan joins an esteemed group of past recipients, including Prudential Financial CEO Charles Lowrey and Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian.In this special HRchat episode, recorded live at SHRM25, Brian Peckrill returns to the show to reflect on the evolving role of HR in championing ethics and purpose in today's organizations. Host Bill Banham and Brian also dive into the Ethical Leader of the Year Award itself - what makes it special, the qualities of its recipients, and what's next for the McGowan Fund.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss Generation Z in the workplace with five Gen Z professionals: Anna Park, Kyle Curtis, Liam Hogan, Mary Gillett, and Ben Holdcraft. Topics include: What motivates our Gen Zers at work How these Gen Zers like to be communicated with The things that annoy these Gen Zers in the workplace What brings them joy at work What other generations can do to help Gen Z employees bring their best selves to work Surprises and takeaways we found in our conversations with Gen Zers In this episode's listener question, we're asked how to help a bad boss change their leadership style if they're not open to feedback or suggestions. In the news, a cocktail server is bringing a lawsuit against her former employer after they terminated her for not wearing high heels to work, despite her request for accommodation due to plantar fasciitis. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-224-gen-z-at-work/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-224-gen-z-at-work/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on June 30, 2026) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/ 

"AI is not going to replace workers – it's going to create super workers." This powerful insight from Lila Nazef, VP of Sales and Marketing North America at Neocase and attendee at this week's SHRM Annual Conference and Expo, sets the tone for a fascinating exploration of how artificial intelligence is transforming HR service delivery while addressing common concerns about this rapidly evolving technology.The conversation delves into the most pressing worries HR professionals express about AI implementation: data privacy, job displacement, and the potential loss of human connection. Lila offers reassurance by explaining how modern platforms like Neocase maintain data security by keeping information within closed systems while leveraging AI's capabilities. She articulates the importance of understanding different generational preferences – while seasoned employees might value face-to-face interactions, younger generations often prefer immediate digital solutions without human intervention.Perhaps most compelling is the discussion around when AI should replace processes versus when human touch remains essential. For routine transactions like timesheet corrections, automation creates efficiency. However, for sensitive matters involving harassment or employee relations concerns, human judgment and empathy remain irreplaceable. This balanced approach allows organizations to deploy their human resources strategically while improving overall service delivery. The metrics supporting this strategy are impressive: up to 95% time reduction for information searches, 81% fewer HR help desk tickets, and 90% improvement in transaction processing times.Lila advocates for a measured implementation approach that begins with AI assistants for meeting summaries and information retrieval before advancing to more complex transaction automation. Throughout this journey, communication remains paramount – employees need to understand how AI will enhance their experience rather than threaten their roles. When implemented thoughtfully, AI creates what Lila describes as "super workers" – professionals whose capabilities are enhanced rather than replaced by technology.Lila and Bill also discuss SHRM25 and other upcoming events for HR pros. Ready to transform your HR operations with AI that respects both efficiency and human connection? Subscribe to the HR Chat Show for more insights, and connect with Lila Nazef on LinSupport the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

What happens when 19 million jobs face potential displacement from automation and AI? And why aren't half of all workers using AI at all? Dr. James Atkinson, Vice President of Thought Leadership at SHRM, uncovers these startling insights and more in our illuminating conversation about workplace transformation.Fresh from celebrating his one-year anniversary at SHRM after an impressive 11-year tenure in HR research at Gartner, Dr. Atkinson separates AI hype from reality. While headlines focus on job losses, James explains to Bill Banham how his team's research reveals a more nuanced future, one where success hinges not on competing against AI but learning to work alongside it. "It's not just about displacement," he explains. "It's really about the transformation of jobs."Beyond technology, James and Bill explore how SHRM's research team tackles today's most pressing workplace challenges, from macroeconomic uncertainties to the shocking $2 billion daily productivity loss caused by workplace incivility. Dr. Atkinson shares exclusive insights from SHRM's economics team on wage inflation, labor market trends, and how HR professionals can navigate these complexities. With SHRM25 in full swing, he also previews the cutting-edge research his team will unveil on multiple stages.Whether you're concerned about AI's impact on your career, struggling with workplace culture issues, or simply trying to stay ahead of workplace trends, this episode delivers actionable intelligence from one of HR's foremost thought leaders. Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Michael D'Ambrose, Board Director at SHRM and former EVP & CHRO at Boeing, about why traditional performance management is failing today's workforce. Michael exposes the flaws of annual reviews, rigid rating systems, and outdated HR processes that demotivate employees and prevent real growth. He shares how empowering managers with real-time feedback, flexibility, and practical leadership can transform company culture, drive business results, and create workplaces where people truly thrive.

In episode 206, Coffey talks with Jill Koob about the Supreme Court decision on “reverse discrimination,” PTO policy trends, and AI adoption in the workplace. They discuss the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services eliminating different standards for "reverse discrimination" cases; how Title VII protects all individuals equally regardless of majority or minority status within protected classes; the challenges and failures of unlimited PTO policies leading employees to take less time off; new flexible PTO approaches allowing conversion to cash, student loan payments, or 401k contributions; mitigating bias in the employee selection process; why diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives should focus on business outcomes and widening candidate pools; the evolution of AI from individual productivity tools to organizational workforce transformation; the need for employees to actively learn and adopt AI tools to remain competitive; and how AI can handle transactional HR tasks while freeing professionals to focus on more strategic human-centered work. Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP206 and include the following topics: Breaking—Supreme Court Unanimously Lowers Bar for “Reverse Discrimination” Claims: Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services Redefines Title VII Litigation More companies are letting workers cash in their vacation days. Should yours? 2025 Benefits and Compensation Trends Report How enterprise AI is reshaping EX, according to expert Josh Bersin AI superworkers ‘coming on like a freight train.' Are you ready? Amazon CEO Jassy says AI will reduce its corporate workforce in the next few years Message from CEO Andy Jassy: Some thoughts on Generative AI  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: Jill Koob, SPHR, SHRM – SCP is the founder and owner of Energize HR, an HR Consulting Firm that focuses on training solutions, strategic HR and organizational development and human resource support. Prior to starting her company, Jill served as a VP for a Houston Based Professional Employer Organization, where they received numerous awards including Best Places to Work and Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing companies. Jill has over twenty-five years of strategic HR experience working directly with hundreds of businesses with their people strategy needs. Jill Koob can be reached at:https://energizehr.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillkoob/   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.       Understand that Title VII protects all individuals equally within protected classes, requiring the same burden of proof regardless of whether someone belongs to a majority or minority group within that class.2.       Design flexible PTO policies with clear guidelines and minimum requirements while offering options for employees to convert unused time to other benefits like cash, student loans, or retirement contributions.3.       Embrace AI as a collaborative tool for analyzing data, reducing bias in hiring processes, and handling transactiona...

Send us a textIs eliminating HR departments the bold new frontier in business leadership, or a recipe for legal disasters? We dive into a provocative New York Post op-ed that's generating tons of views by claiming HR has evolved from protecting companies to enforcing "woke ideology." The rage-bait article from a former Levi's executive proudly announces her intention to run a company without HR, complete with intentional misgendering and rejection of workplace respect policies. We break down why this approach isn't just misguided—it's potentially catastrophic from both business and legal perspectives.Between fits of justified outrage, we explore the real-world situations HR professionals navigate daily, including new hire orientation snafus, handbook questions that could be self-solved, and the delicate balance of workplace dress code enforcement. Our discussion reveals how quality HR actually protects businesses while supporting employees, contrary to the mischaracterization of HR as "head girls" and "hall monitors."The conversation takes fascinating detours into international workplace language differences, the evolution of HR as a strategic function, and why so many managers blame HR for decisions they themselves make. We also touch on SHRM's announcement of Joe Biden as a 2025 keynote speaker and what this signals about the organization's positioning.Whether you're an HR professional tired of your profession being maligned or a business leader wondering about HR's true value, this episode offers critical insights into what happens when companies mistake HR for the enemy rather than a strategic partner in business success. Join us as we separate clickbait from reality in the world of workplace management.Support the showWe want to hear from you.Text us or leave a voicemail (252) 564-9899‬email: feedback@jadedhr.comWant to:* Share a dumb employee question* Share a crazy story* Ask us a question* Share a best practice * Give us feedback Our Link Tree below has links to our social media sites, Patreon, Apple podcasts, Spotify & more.Please leave a review on your favorite podcast player and interact with us online!Linktree - https://linktr.ee/jadedhrFollow Cee Cee on IG - BoozyHR @ https://www.instagram.com/boozy_hr/

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane! This week, I am talking with Shirley Krueger, HR Executive and 2025 President, North Texas SHRMHow did Shirley get started in her career? What ledher to HR and Leadership? What does Shirley share about being curious?When did Shirley “find her lane” in her career?How does Shirley describe leadership?What does Shirley share about listening?What does Shirley share about growth attributes?What does Shirley share about significance?What does Shirley share about volunteer leadership?What advice does Shirley share to help others in theworkplace?…and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions. Interview resources:Favorite quote from Shirley:“Staying stagnant and playing it safe will not getyou into a leadership role.”“Volunteering is a safe place to try new things.”Connect with Shirley on LinkedInVisit Community Forever VillageLearn more about the podcast host Bruce WallerCheck out Bruce's books Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)Life in the Leadership Lane; MovingLeaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.Subscribe to Bruce's Blog “Move to Inspire” Connect with Bruce on LinkTreeGet relocation support for your next householdgoods or commercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at bwaller@goarmstrong.com or visit The Armstrong Company

Leadership expert Jason Lauritsen tackles the question of whether we really need check-in meetings addressing barriers like discomfort, skill gaps, and the drive for workplace efficiency. Don't miss the four key steps for effective check-ins.In this episode of the Happy Space Podcast, Clare speaks with leadership expert Jason Lauritsen about the role of check-in meetings. They explore why regular, intentional conversations between leaders and team members matter—not just for accountability, but for connection and well-being. Too often check-in meetings are discarded in the belief they are not serving real value. But it is perhaps because they are not being well implemented. Jason offers an easy-to-implement process for delivering check-ins that make a difference, making them more comfortable and worthwhile. The episode invites leaders to slow down, get curious, and prioritize relationships as the foundation for more human and productive work environments.A dynamic keynote speaker, Jason Lauritsen is a true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™.He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership.Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity. His thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Talent Management magazine, HR Executive magazine, and SHRM publications.CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro: The Power of Conversation03:30 – What's Driving Interest in Check-Ins?07:50 – Relationship Building is the Work11:45 – The Four Steps of an Effective Check-In18:10 – Frequency & Flexibility: What Works Best?24:00 – Making Space for Connection in Hustle Culture28:40 – The Role of Comfort in Performance34:15 – Relearning How to Connect Post-Pandemic40:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with JasonLINKSIMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)WorkHuman Logo - WikipediaLearn more about and follow Jason:LinkedinYoutubeWebsite

Nuestra  moderadora (host) Ivonne Arroyo Martínez, CEO de FranklinCovey Puerto Rico y República Dominicana, entrevista a Janilia Cruz, Directora de Conferencia 2025 de SHRM-PR, sobre la 52da Conferencia Anual y Exposición de SHRM-PR: Thriving - HR Soaring Beyond Boundaries.Este episodio es auspiciado por SHRM-PR.SHRM-PR es una organización afiliada a SHRM.Moderadora-Ivonne Arroyo Martínez, CEO de FranklinCovey Puerto Rico y República DominicanaProducción Ejecutiva-Sociedad para la Gerencia de Recursos Humanos, Capítulo de PRAudiovisuales y Edición-Víctor Maldonado, Director de Recursos Humanos SAL-PR

In episode 205, Coffey talks with Susan Snipes about challenges and strategies for hiring international talent, particularly through employer of record arrangements.  They discuss the primary drivers for seeking international talent including cost savings and talent shortages; compliance hurdles around employee classification and local employment laws; the role of employers of record versus PEOs in managing international hires; compensation and benefits strategies that account for local customs and legal requirements; integration challenges including time zone coordination and cultural sensitivity; recruitment approaches when working across international borders; data security concerns with remote international workers; managing terminations and severance requirements in different countries; and the importance of understanding local labor laws and cultural differences when building global teams. 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: Susan Snipes is a certified HR professional with 15 years of HR experience. She serves as the Head of People at Remote People, a company that recruits top talent in over 150 countries around the world. Susan Snipes can be reached at https://remotepeople.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-poore-hrm/  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.       Evaluate the compliance requirements and classification issues when hiring international talent, including understanding the differences between employees, independent contractors, and employer of record arrangements.2.       Develop integration strategies for international team members that account for time zone differences, cultural holidays, communication styles, and local customs to maintain team cohesion.3.       Assess the cost-benefit analysis of different international hiring models, from direct employment and local entity creation to employer of record services, based on hiring volume and risk tolerance.

In this episode, we explore the four pillars of a great total rewards strategy and share steps to create a cohesive rewards package tailored to your organization's goals.Find us at https://www.bernieportal.com/hr-party-of-one/BerniePortal: The all-in-one HRIS that makes building a business & managing its people easy. http://bit.ly/2NEQ5QbWhat is an HRIS?https://www.bernieportal.com/hris/BernieU: Your free one-stop shop for compelling, convenient, and comprehensive HR training and courses that will keep you up-to-date on all things human resources. Approved for SHRM & HRCI recertification credit hours. Enroll today!https://www.bernieportal.com/bernieu/Join the HR Party of One Community!https://hubs.ly/Q02mNML90▬ Episode Resources & Links ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬►Free BernieU Courseshttps://www.bernieportal.com/bernieu/► Benefits You Can Offer Without Needing a Broker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5RkLjEjRgY► Free Resource: 10 Questions You May Receive During Open Enrollmenthttps://www.bernieportal.com/10-questions-you-may-receive-during-open-enrollment/▬ Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal▬ Podcast▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-party-of-one/id1495233115► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ViQkKdatT40DPLJkY2pgA► Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1874beb8-2a68-4310-8816-e704e6850995/HR-Party-of-One► iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hr-party-of-one-57127074/#► Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/o6e2auqq►RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/hrpartyofone/ ► Other: https://hrpartyofone.captivate.fm/listen#HR, #HumanResources, #HRTips, #HumanResourcesTips, #SmallBusiness, #HRPartyOfOne

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is one of the top topics SHRM gets member questions about in our HR Knowledge Center. So, host Monique Akanbi sits down with Liz Petersen and Sheri Martel, two FMLA experts within SHRM's own ranks, to tackle the questions HR pros ask the most. Together, they break down key FMLA areas such as eligibility, intermittent leave, compliance, job restoration, and special circumstances.  Whether it's calculating requirements, managing leave patterns that suggest misuse, handling benefit coverage obligations, or navigating tricky return-to-work cases, their conversation delivers practical insights for approaching FMLA with confidence. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires July 1, 2026. Subscribe to HR Daily to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz---Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss the upcoming anthology book, "Joy@Work: When Women Lead" with three of the authors - MeChelle Callen, Kerrie Weinzapfel, and our own JoDee Curtis. Topics include: Eliminating "just" from your vocabulary Owning your superpowers Turning endings into positive steps forward In this episode's listener question, we're asked how in-house recruiters can be better partners to the business. In the news, fully remote workers are the most likely to be engaged at work, but less likely to be thriving in their lives. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-223-joy-at-work/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-223-joy-at-work/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on June 16, 2026) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/ 

In this raw, unscripted drive-home monologue, Anthony Vaughan pulls no punches. He dives headfirst into the recent noise around DEI layoffs, SHRM headlines, and the hollow punditry flooding the space—then flips the script. This episode makes one thing brutally clear: DEI was never meant to be a siloed initiative. It's not a program. It's not a campaign. It's a capability—one that should be embedded across every revenue-driving, decision-making, culture-defining system in your org.From Fortune 50 boardrooms to the language in your job descriptions, Anthony makes the business case for integrating DEI the same way we talk about learning, change management, and leadership development. He calls out the structural mistake organizations made over the last 20 years—and what needs to shift if we want lasting impact.If you're a leader asking, “What now?” this is your wake-up call. This is not about optics. It's about operational power.Listen. Reflect. And rebuild with intention.

In episode 204, Coffey talks with Rosalind Chow about the distinct roles of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing careers and building more inclusive workplaces. They discuss the distinction between mentorship (which helps grow the mentee) and sponsorship (which seeks to change how others see the protege); how sponsorship functions like marketing or PR campaigns for high-potential employees; the four types of sponsorship - creating, confirming, preventing, and protecting; why sponsors risk their own credibility and reputation when advocating for others; how sponsorship doesn't require formal hierarchical relationships but depends on trust and status; how to become more "sponsorable" by being a top performer with clear values and compelling personal story; the risks of having the wrong sponsor or appearing as the "teacher's pet"; and how sponsorship creates inclusion by ensuring high performers are seen, valued, and given opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances. 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: Rosalind Chow is an Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory at Carnegie Mellon University, where she studies the power of social hierarchy and its impact on diversity and inclusion efforts within organizations.  Her forthcoming book, The Doors You Can Open (PublicAffairs, April 8, 2025) distinguishes the concept of sponsorship from mentorship. While mentorship can change mentees for the better through valuable coaching and encouragement, sponsorship takes it one step further — sponsors can change the social environment around their proteges by actively advocating for, raising the social visibility of, and protecting them. Put simply, while mentors act on mentees, sponsors act on external observers – audiences - to change how they see proteges.  We don't just have the ability to change other people; we also have the ability to change other people's relationships with one another. This ability - the power we have as sponsors - is something we can leverage to better ourselves, other people, and our communities. Rosalind Chow can be reached athttp://www.rosalindchow.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalind-chow-6b25541b0/  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.       Distinguish between mentorship (developing the individual) and sponsorship (changing others' perceptions of the individual) to provide appropriate support for high-potential employees.2.       Practice the four types of sponsorship - creating visibility, confirming positive impressions, preventing negative associations, and protecting during criticism - to advance deserving talent.3.       Recognize that effective sponsorship requires risking your own credibility and reputation, making it essential to sponsor only high performers whose values align with your own and the organization's goals.

Send us a textSometimes the most mundane workplace interactions become the most revealing. After Warren's unexpected hospital stay (complete with gallbladder surgery and online quizzes taken while being wheeled to the operating room), we dive into what's really happening in HR departments across America.The SHRM annual conference saga continues with a plot twist worthy of a sitcom: Bradley Cooper cancels his keynote appearance due to "scheduling conflicts," only to be replaced by Jason Sudeikis – the very speaker who notoriously backed out last year to watch a basketball game. With registration fees approaching $3,000 (plus travel expenses), we question whether traditional professional conferences deliver genuine value or if our newly proposed "Free Range Conferencing" might be a better investment.Beyond the conference circuit drama lies a more significant workplace transformation: Gen Z's wholesale rejection of middle management positions. Unlike previous generations who viewed climbing the corporate ladder as the ultimate success metric, younger workers are prioritizing work-life balance and specialized expertise over leadership titles. Smart organizations are responding by creating dual career tracks and implementing project-based leadership opportunities that allow talent to grow without forcing everyone into management.We also tackle the persistent trust deficit between employees and HR, unpacking why 70% of workers report not trusting their HR departments despite HR rarely being the actual decision-maker on terminations, promotions, or compensation. This disconnect manifests in real-world scenarios like our story about a candidate who confirmed understanding a role's on-site requirements three separate times before demanding remote work after receiving an offer.Whether you're navigating hospital bureaucracy, questioning professional development investments, or rethinking traditional career progression models, this episode offers both practical insights and a healthy dose of workplace reality. After all, sometimes you just need someone to say what everyone's thinking.Support the showWe want to hear from you.Text us or leave a voicemail (252) 564-9899‬email: feedback@jadedhr.comWant to:* Share a dumb employee question* Share a crazy story* Ask us a question* Share a best practice * Give us feedback Our Link Tree below has links to our social media sites, Patreon, Apple podcasts, Spotify & more.Please leave a review on your favorite podcast player and interact with us online!Linktree - https://linktr.ee/jadedhrFollow Cee Cee on IG - BoozyHR @ https://www.instagram.com/boozy_hr/

Scaling In The Age of Digital Disruption with Mike Peterson   Are your teams helping you scale—or silently sabotaging your margins? In today's episode, we dig into the critical intersection of people, process, and technology with Mike Peterson, author of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption and founder of Apex Consulting Partners. Mike brings a rare combination of HR and IT expertise to the table—two departments that can either clash or collaborate to drive exponential growth when led strategically. Mike's story is one of corporate reinvention. After a health scare, he left the executive grind to help leaders build high-performing teams that don't just work—but work profitably. If you're stuck with cultural friction, technology that no one uses, or leadership that lacks alignment, this episode is for you.   In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why most businesses underutilize their IT teams and how to align tech with the bottom line. How to turn human capital into a strategic multiplier, not an overhead line item. How digital transformation fails when change management and culture are ignored. Mike's framework for identifying misalignment between people, process, and profit goals. The simple but powerful question leaders should ask to unlock performance (and it's not about KPIs).   Key Takeaways: HR and IT must stop operating in silos. When united, they become the backbone of scalable, high-margin operations. Technology is not a cost center—unless you make it one. ROI from systems comes when people understand the "why" behind the tools. High-performing teams aren't built by perks. They're built by clarity, alignment, and accountability—especially in hybrid or remote environments. If your team isn't supporting your vision, it's draining your cash flow. Mike explains how to recalibrate roles and culture to support strategic goals. Profitability comes from process discipline and people performance. Get both wrong, and growth turns toxic.   Guest Bio: Mike Peterson is the founder and managing partner of Apex Consulting Partners LLC and the author of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption. With nearly two decades of global experience in HR and IT leadership at companies like BioMarin and Structure Therapeutics, Mike now helps companies strategically integrate people and technology to build high-performing, scalable operations. He's a certified HR professional through SHRM and the HRCI.   Conclusion The true cost of poor team performance isn't just friction—it's profit erosion. Mike Peterson reminds us that the businesses that scale profitably aren't the ones with the flashiest tools or the busiest calendars. They're the ones with high alignment, disciplined execution, and a culture that's built to last. If your team feels like a tax on your time and wallet, it's time to recalibrate. Let's make your people your greatest profit center.   Links: www.apexconsulting.partners   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeterson3/   Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page  Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs. #profitfirst

In this inspiring episode of HR Like a Boss, John welcomes HR leader and SHRM advocate Mary Williams to discuss the power of purpose and gratitude in the workplace. Mary shares her career journey, the role of HR in building meaningful connections, and how recognition and empathy can elevate employee engagement. Learn how people-first leadership and a culture of appreciation can transform your organization.ABOUT MARYMary Williams, SPHR, has brought a unique, common sense perspective to the business of HR. Mary inspires individuals to tap into their unique strengths, values, passion and purpose to create stronger, more fulfilling and effective careers & work teams. Mary has many years of progressive human resources management experience ranging from an HR Department of One for start-ups to larger organizations.She holds her Senior Professional Human Resources certification (SPHR) from HRCI. Named to The Most Inclusive HR Influencer List featuring the top 150 HR and HR-adjacent leaders, Mary enjoys giving back to the HR community. She is active in her local SHRM chapter, HRA Oakbrook, HR Hotseat community, HR Unite community and the HR Like a Boss community.Mary has been invited by the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition Blogger / Influencer Teams since 2018 and is a member of the WISHRM (Wisconsin SHRM annual conference) SMILE Team - Social Media Influencers Leading Engagement. Connect with Mary on Linked In or on Bluesky - user name Conmkw. (https://bsky.app/profile/conmkw.bsky.social)

In episode 203, Coffey talks with Kristi Spaethe about advice for emerging HR professionals navigating their early careers. They discuss how people often stumble into HR careers; the misconception that “loving people” qualifies someone for HR work; the importance of gaining foundational knowledge before jumping into employee relations; showing up authentically while maintaining professional boundaries; building a personal board of directors rather than relying on a single mentor; the balance between employer-provided training and self-advocacy for professional development; the value of HR certifications as confidence boosters; networking through local HR associations and professional organizations; managing up with leaders who don't understand HR's strategic value; and whether HR professionals can be friends with other employees. 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: Kristi Spaethe is the Chief Executive Officer of The People Perspective and People Perspective Search and Recruiting designed to be the one stop shop for all things people in the communities that these organizations serve.  Kristi earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Human Resources Development option and also holds the SHRM-CP certification. Kristi is the Immediate Past State Director for SHRM Oklahoma where she has served in prior various roles beginning in 2018.  Kristi has also served in various roles, including President, with the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association since 2014. Additionally, Kristi currently serves on the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has served on the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Kristi also gives back to the community by giving her time to non-profit organizations such as Women in Recovery, Muddy Paws and Lindsey House. Kristi received the President's Award from the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association in 2016 and the Richard R. Messer Excellence in Human Resources award in 2019. She also received the Oklahoma Human Resources Award of Excellence in 2020 from the Oklahoma Human Resources State Council. The People Perspective has also been nominated for various awards through TYPROS Boomtown Awards, the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards and the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce. The People Perspective was selected as the Small Business of the year in 2021 through the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and as the Small Business of the Year in 2023 through the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.  Kristi and her family reside in Broken Arrow, OK. Kristi Spaethe can be reached athttps://pplperspective.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: 1.       Develop a personal board of directors that includes mentors, advocates, cheerleaders, and critics rather than relying on a single mentor relationship.2.       Advocate for your own professional development by requesting training opportunities, certifications, and cross-functional experience while building external networks through HR associations.3.       Maintain professional boundaries by showing up authentically while filtering your communication and avoiding personal friendships with employees to protect both yourself and the organization.

In this episode, we dive into the difference between Stephen Covey's Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence, and how focusing your energy on the areas you can control leads to greater impact in your HR role. We'll also explore how shifting your focus allows you to move up the HR Hierarchy of Needs.Find us at https://www.bernieportal.com/hr-party-of-one/BerniePortal: The all-in-one HRIS that makes building a business & managing its people easy. http://bit.ly/2NEQ5QbWhat is an HRIS?https://www.bernieportal.com/hris/BernieU: Your free one-stop shop for compelling, convenient, and comprehensive HR training and courses that will keep you up-to-date on all things human resources. Approved for SHRM & HRCI recertification credit hours. Enroll today!https://www.bernieportal.com/bernieu/Join the HR Party of One Community!https://hubs.ly/Q02mNML90▬ Episode Resources & Links ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬What Is the HR Hierarchy of Needs? https://blog.bernieportal.com/what-is-the-hr-hierarchy-of-needsWhat Is the HR Hierarchy of Needs?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzWMAuCLBJkWhat's The Difference Between an Employee Handbook and a Culture Guide? https://blog.bernieportal.com/employee-handbook-vs-culture-guideEmployee Rewards vs. Employee Recognition https://blog.bernieportal.com/the-difference-between-reward-and-recognitionBernieU Courseshttps://www.bernieportal.com/bernieu/courses/▬ Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal▬ Podcast▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-party-of-one/id1495233115► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ViQkKdatT40DPLJkY2pgA► Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1874beb8-2a68-4310-8816-e704e6850995/HR-Party-of-One► iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hr-party-of-one-57127074/#► Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/o6e2auqq►RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/hrpartyofone/ ► Other: https://hrpartyofone.captivate.fm/listen#HR, #HumanResources, #HRTips, #HumanResourcesTips, #SmallBusiness, #HRPartyOfOne

Despite making up 70-80% of the global workforce, deskless workers — such as retail associates, healthcare professionals, delivery drivers, and manufacturing staff — face unique challenges that are often overlooked by organizations. Ragan Decker, manager of Enterprise and Executive Network research at SHRM, shares key findings from SHRM and Fidelity Investment's latest research on this essential population.Discover actionable insights into how HR teams can refine their approaches to meet the needs of deskless employees, including rethinking traditional strategies to better engage and retain them.Resources from this Week's Episode - SHRM and Fidelity Investment's Shaping the Modern Workplace Research Series: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/shrm-and-fidelity-investments-shaping-the-modern-workplace-research-seriesSubscribe to the All Things Work newsletter to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/fg444d  ---Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

This week we're rerunning a 2023 episode on a topic we often get suggestions about: different generations in the workplace! In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss generational diversity at work with coach/speaker Lindsay Boccardo. Topics include: What's different with Gen Z compared to Millennials What employers are doing to continue to evolve with the needs of newer employees What organizations can do to retain more seasoned leaders How coaching skills help bring generationally diverse teams together How Lindsay's perspective has changed regarding generations at work, culture, and employee engagement What people do in this area that sucks the joy out of work Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-161-generational-diversity/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-161-generational-diversity/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on August 31, 2025) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/ 

Elizabeth Catterall Ogilvie joins Jennifer Simpson Carr to unpack SHRM's newly introduced BEAM Framework—Belonging Enhanced by Access through Merit—and what it means for law firms navigating today's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape. They discuss the five BEAM questions, explore how merit-based inclusion can strengthen talent strategies, and share how law firms can evolve their DEI programs in light of recent executive orders and court decisions.