Podcasts about Texas Association

In episode 221, Coffey talks with Jason Finkelman about the September 2025 presidential proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions and its potential impact on employers and foreign workers.They discuss the vague proclamation language creating confusion about fee applicability; the H-1B lottery process; how prevailing wage requirements are designed to prevent exploitation; consulting companies farming out H-!B workers; the possible impact on small and medium employers; alternatives to H-1Bs; and what to expect in the spring H-1B lottery.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:Jason Finkelman is an Immigration Attorney working with domestic and foreign businesses, as well as international individuals in a variety of employment-based and family-based immigration matters. He represents U.S. and international companies, entrepreneurs, investors, business-owners, executives, professionals, skilled workers, students, and families in obtaining employment visas, lawful permanent residence ("green cards") and U.S. citizenship. Jason has worked with clients across a number of industries including high-tech, semiconductor, healthcare, higher education, energy, oil and gas, import/export, research, video game, as well as professional athletics, music, and entertainment to help them meet their immigration goals. Jason continues to be at the forefront of immigration law. Please visit www.finkelmanlaw.com for more information on his services.Jason Finkelman can be reached athttps://www.finkelmanlaw.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfinkelman/https://www.facebook.com/finkelmanlawhttps://x.com/FinkelmanLawAbout 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 H-1B visa framework including the annual lottery system, prevailing wage requirements enforced by the Department of Labor, and the current government fee structure.2. Understand the impact of the $1000,0003. Evaluate alternatives to H-1B visas for utilizing foreign talent.

In episode 220, Coffey talks with Ranya Nehmeh about the challenges and limitations of hybrid and remote work arrangements based on research from their new book "In Praise of the Office."They discuss how initial COVID remote work success masked long-term problems; loss of informal interactions and mentoring for newcomers; reduced collaboration and innovation; proximity bias affecting promotions and performance reviews; employee engagement challenges in hybrid settings; designing hybrid schedules with anchor days and structured meeting protocols; redesigning office spaces for collaboration; why hot-desking raises concerns; and adapting performance management to include helping behaviors and mentoring as measurable KPIs.Resources referenced in this episode include:Ranya Nehmeh and former Good Morning, HR guest Peter Cappelli's new book, In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote WorkAnd you can get a preview of their research in the (July–August 2025) Harvard Business Review article, Hybrid still isn't workingWorking From Home, Worker Sorting and Development; David Atkin, Antoinette Schoar, & Sumit Shinde; National Bureau of Economic ResearchEmployee Innovation During Office Work, Work from Home and Hybrid Work; Michael Gibbs, Friederike Mengel, and Christoph Siemroth; University of Chicago—Becker Friedman Institute for EconomicsThe Power of Proximity to Coworkers: Training For Tomorrow or Productivity Today?; Natalia Emanuel, Emma Harrington, & Amanda Pallais; National Bureau of Economic ResearchGood 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:Ranya Nehmeh is a senior HR strategist with expertise in people strategy, HR policy, leadership development, and talent management. She has held key HR roles at the OPEC Fund for InternationalDevelopment in Vienna and the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. She is a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication in Vienna and also the author of The Chameleon Leader: Connecting with Millennials (2019).Ranya holds a master's in industrial relations and human resource management from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and a Doctor of Business Administration from the Swiss Management Center in Zug. Her recent articles, co-authored with Wharton professor Peter Cappelli, include “Hybrid Still Isn't Working” (Harvard Business Review July/August 2025), “Sustainable Agility: How HR Can Survive the Rapid Pace of Change” (People + Strategy Journal, SHRM, July 2024), “It's Time to Do Away with ‘Dry Promotions,'” (Harvard Business Review, July 2024) and “HR's New Role” (Harvard Business Review, May/June 2024 magazine).Ranya Nehmeh can be reached at:https://www.ranyanehmeh.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ranyanehmehhttps://www.facebook.com/ranya.nehmeh/https://www.instagram.com/ranyanehmeh/https://x.com/ranyanAbout 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. Recognize the impact of fully remote environments on collaboration, innovation, and newcomer integration.2. Implement structured hybrid policies designed to promote collaboration and productivity.3. Redesign performance management systems to include measurable KPIs for mentoring, timely response to help requests, and cross-functional collaboration to counteract the individual contributor mindset that remote work can foster.

Rio Hondo Prep (6-0) has never traveled out of state to play a football game. In Week 6 the Kares will be under the Friday Night Lights of Dallas, Texas to take on First Baptist Academy (4-1) in front of their Homecoming crowd. The Saints are defending back to back State Champions in Division 4 of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). Our special guest this week is FBA Head Coach Jason Lovvorn who couldn't be more excited to host the 16 time CIF Southern Section Champions from California. Both schools are two of the smallest enrollments out there that play Championship level 11 man football and have more in common than both fan bases may realize. It's the Golden State vs the Lone Star State this Friday night in an unprecedented matchup of small school football programs that accomplish big things on and off the field.

In episode 219, Coffey talks with Rose Ann Garza about strategies to personalize employee engagement.They discuss defining engagement as safety and appreciation rather than superficial perks; using the Great Game of Business approach to financial transparency and employee involvement; reducing turnover through cultural changes; prioritizing practical benefits over traditional perks; creating special interest groups beyond typical affinity programs; sourcing engagement ideas through HR office hours and direct employee feedback; addressing soft skills gaps in the emerging workforce; and the importance of trust-building through hands-on leadership presence.Check out Episode 112 of Good Morning, HR featuring Monica Guzmán, author of I Never Thought of It That Way. Her insights on the value of curiosity and conversation when engaging with opposing viewpoints are especially relevant today.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:Rose Ann Garza, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Kerbey Lane. During her time at Kerbey Lane the organization has more than doubled in size and has won several prestigious awards related to their impact within the community and on their team members.Prior to joining Kerbey Lane, Rose Ann built her career in the restaurant and hospitality industry working with Destination Hotel and Resorts and Brinker International.A member of Kerbey Lane's Executive Team, she leads the execution of Kerbey Lane's people strategy as well as builds organizational capability and team member culture to further enable Kerbey Lane's growth and impact.She also serves as the strategic business advisor to senior leadership and the Managing Partners of each location regarding key organizational and management issues.In addition to her role at Kerbey Lane, Rose Ann serves on the SHRM Membership Advisory Council (2025-2026) representing the Southwest Central Region and over 50,000 SHRM Members across ten states. She also serves on the Texas SHRM Board of Directors Executive Council as the Immediate Past State Director.Rose Ann previously served Texas SHRM in the roles of State Director, State Director Elect, Assistant State Director- District Directors and Core Leadership Area Directors, District Director and as the Workforce Readiness Director. Rose Ann has also served her local SHRM chapter, Austin SHRM, as President, President Elect, and Vice President of Programs.In 2024 Rose Ann was named the HR Executive of the Year by Austin SHRM and recently, in June 2025, Rose Ann was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Austin Business Journal's HR Impact Award.Rose Ann received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas State University and a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.Rose Ann Garza can be reached athttps://kerbeylanecafe.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanngarzaAbout 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 transparent financial sharing and employee involvement in business decisions to create ownership mentality, teaching financial literacy that benefits both company performance and personal employee development.2. Design engagement benefits that address actual employee needs rather than assumed preferences, focusing on practical support like meal allowances for families instead of traditional corporate perks.3. Establish regular face-to-face contact with frontline employees through scheduled office hours and hands-on work experience to build trust and gather authentic feedback for engagement initiatives.

In episode 218, Coffey talks with Ryan Englin about recruiting and retaining skilled workers in the blue-collar trades, addressing labor shortages, and changing perceptions of trade careers.They discuss the retirement wave with 40% of tradespeople leaving in 7-10 years; barriers to entry including complex licensing requirements and limited apprenticeship slots; shifting cultural attitudes away from trades toward college; recruiting as a marketing activity requiring better messaging; retention problems masquerading as labor shortages; the need for career progression paths and leadership development; creating friction in hiring processes to assess cultural fit; and specialized leadership training approaches for hands-on learners.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:Ryan Englin is passionate about supporting growing businesses, particularly in blue-collar industries, to build amazingly productive companies by hiring the right people.Growing up, he saw his own father working 12-hour shifts and weekends as an owner/operator, witnessing firsthand the struggles that these companies have in hiring quality frontline employees. Ryan was determined to help them find a better way.His company, Core Matters, provides coaching and training on attracting, hiring, and retaining rock star employees. Using his proven process, the Core Fit Hiring System, small and midsize businesses learn how to start hiring better people, faster. With almost a decade in the business, Ryan has worked with over a hundred clients, helping business owners achieve their goals by hiring the right people.Ryan Englin can be reached athttps://corematters.comhttps://linkedin.com/in/ryanenglinAbout 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. Reframe recruiting efforts as marketing activities that sell the lifestyle, earning potential, and career advancement opportunities in trades rather than focusing solely on job descriptions and technical requirements.2. Develop comprehensive career progression pathways with clear visual representations showing advancement from entry-level to leadership roles, addressing the retention crisis caused by unclear growth opportunities.3. Design hiring processes that assess cultural fit and behavioral alignment first, using practical tests like punctuality expectations and environment-specific interviews rather than relying solely on technical skills assessment.

As parents, we are concerned that our kids and teens may engage in high risk behaviors as they grow up. How can we, as parents, encourage our children away from engaging in these high risk behaviors? Or, if they are already doing any of these behaviors, how can we encourage them to stop them? In today's episode Janine and Dr Collier discuss:Dr. Collier's work in addiction and adolescence developmentHow your brain can change and the affect you can have on your reactionsHow parents can reduce high risk behaviorHow to keep lines of communication open between parent and childChatting with your child with framework, ‘We feel, we deal and we trust.'Finding coping skills and strategies How Dr Collier likes to rest and relaxAnd remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!About The Guest - Dr. Crystal CollierDr. Crystal Collier, LPC-S, herself a person in long-term recovery, is a therapist and educator whose comprehensive prevention model, which teaches the neurodevelopmental effects of risky behavior to students, school staff, and families, was selected for the Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Dr. Collier received the Torch Bearer Award from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups, and voted Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association. In her books and free online prevention program, KnowYourNeuro.org, she strives to help people fall in love with their brain, keep it safe from high-risk behavior, and grow executive functioning skills.Website - www.knowyourneuro.orgSocial Media - https://www.instagram.com/instaccollier/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-collier-phd-lpc-s-657191105/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drcrystalcollierAbout The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play' which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

In episode 217, Coffey talks with HRSouthwest Conference keynote speaker Steve Cadigan about the evolving nature of work.They discuss ongoing remote work debates; the evolution from hiring for skills to hiring for learning ability; the need for experimentation in remote team management; AI's role in skills analysis and internal talent mapping; building learning ecosystems between companies and educational institutions; the importance of knowing employee capabilities outside of their role-specific tasks; and HR's evolving role as facilitators of organizational awareness and AI governance.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:Steve Cadigan is a highly sought-after talent advisor to leaders and organizations across the globe. As Founder of his own Silicon Valley-based firm, Cadigan Talent Ventures, Steve advises a wide range of innovative organizations that include Google, Cisco, Intel, and The Royal Bank of Scotland, Manchester United Football Club, The Country Music Association and the BBC. He is also regularly retained by some leading VC (Venture Capital) and Consulting firms such as Andreesen Horowitz, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, and Greylock Partners for his counsel on a wide range of talent topics.Since 2021 Steve has been recognized every year as a top 100 thought leader in the world of Talent and People.Steve speaks at conferences and teaches in major universities around the world. His work in helping shape the culture at LinkedIn led Stanford University to build a graduate-level class around this ground-breaking work. Steve is frequently asked to appear on global TV and is a frequent guest on Bloomberg West, CBS, and CNBC.Throughout his career, the teams, cultures, and organizations he has led and helped build have been recognized as exceptional, “world-class” performers by the Wall Street Journal and Fortune Magazine.Before launching his firm, Steve worked as an HR executive for over 25 years at a wide range of companies and industries including ESPRIT, Fireman's Fund Insurance, Cisco Systems, PMC-Sierra, Electronic Arts and capped by serving as the first CHRO for LinkedIn from 2009 through 2012, taking the company from a private firm of 400 employees, through an IPO and helping set it up to be the powerhouse that it has become today. In 2021 Steve received the high honor of being invited by both The University of San Francisco and Stanford University to deliver their commencement speeches.Today Steve serves on the Board of Directors to three companies and also sits on the Advisory Board of several other progressive organizations. His passion is helping leaders and companies build compelling talent strategies.In August of 2021 Steve published a ground-breaking book on the Future of Work titled Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of Working.Even before its official release it realized #1 on the Amazon list of Hot New Releases. In the summer of 2025 Steve launched a new podcast series called Workquake Weekly.Over his career, Steve has lived in Singapore, Canada, and the United States. He has interviewed, hired, coached and mentored thousands of employees and leaders within a wide range of industries and geographies. This is what sets Steve apart from others who speak about the future of work. Steve has lived deep inside the world of work as an employee AND as an employer. His experiences and achievements give him a unique and authoritative point of view, essential to all discussions about the future of work.Today Steve lives in California with his family. He is the father of four boys and the stepdad to two girls. When he is not speaking, teaching, or writing, you can find Steve coaching basketball, playing tennis, body surfing, driving his kids everywhere, or cheering them on at their activities.Steve graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in History and received a Master's Degree in HR & Organization Development from the University of San Francisco.Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of Working : https://a.co/d/3uORSF4Workquake Weekly Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workquake-weekly/id1815731966Steve Cadigan can be reached at https://stevecadigan.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. Shift hiring strategies from evaluating what candidates already know to assessing their capacity to learn new skills quickly, as the shelf life of current competencies continues to shrink.2. Develop comprehensive internal talent mapping systems that identify employees' transferable skills and potential for different roles within the organization, similar to how companies track customer data.3. Create experimental approaches to remote work management rather than rigid policies, to determine what productivity and culture practices work best for specific team dynamics.

AUSTIN — Wilson County Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Chief Clerk Wanda Reid is among more than 900 county officials from across Texas who attended the Texas Association of Counties' (TAC) 2025 Legislative Conference, held Aug. 27-29 in Austin. The annual three-day event — the largest in Texas focused on county government — brought together local leaders, legislators, and policy experts to discuss key outcomes of the 89th Texas Legislature and their impact on counties and local taxpayers. “Staying current with legislative developments is essential to ensuring that Wilson County continues to provide the highest standard of public service,”...Article Link

In episode 216, Coffey talks with Carolyn Troyan about overcoming challenges in delivering effective feedback.They discuss why managers struggle with feedback and difficult conversations; building trust before challenging feedback becomes necessary; cultural differences in feedback acceptance across organizations and countries; avoiding the ineffective "feedback sandwich" approach; when to be specific and when to ask open-ended questions; managing employee emotional responses through the SARA model; addressing resistance and performance improvement barriers; and knowing where to draw the line between performance counseling and trying to solve employees' personal issues.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:Carolyn Troyan currently is the President & CEO of Leadership 360. Leadership 360 is aHuman Resources consulting and leadership coaching firm. Carolyn provides coaching to leaders at all levels to accelerate their learning and take a holistic view on their development.Trained in the Hudson Institute's leadership coaching model, Carolyn works with leaders to design a 3 to 6 month coaching program that results in a comprehensive plan to accelerate their development. Carolyn has over 20 years of HR leadership and coaching experience spanning industries as diverse as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, and interactive entertainment.Carolyn held global HR executive roles at Electronic Arts, TIBCO Software, Siebel Systems, and was a strategic rewards consultant at Mercer Consulting. Carolyn can quickly understand your leaders' strengths and challenges, help them move to insights and partner with them to develop successful strategies in order to thrive and deliver results. Carolyn holds a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from Miami University and an MBA in Corporate Strategy from the University of Michigan.In addition to running Leadership 360, Carolyn is an advocate for diversity in leadership, regularly contributing to thought leadership in the field and volunteering her time to mentor and support emerging leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.Carolyn can be reached at https://www.leadership-360.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-troyan-5861331About 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 trust-based relationships with employees through consistent positive feedback over time before delivering developmental feedback.2. Deliver feedback effectively and in congruence with organizational and cultural norms.3. Respond to employee resistance or external challenges that make performance change difficult.

In episode 215, Coffey talks with Gabriela Norton about employee engagement challenges, performance management approaches, and hiring process improvements based on current workplace trends and research.They discuss Gallup's mid-year survey showing low engagement and high turnover intent; psychological safety and mental health support strategies; individualized management approaches vs one-size-fits-all policies; problems with forced ranking performance systems; ongoing feedback versus annual reviews; the costs of poor management training; rebuilding disengaged teams through bias awareness and peer input; and streamlining hiring processes that currently involve excessive interview rounds.Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP215 and include the following topics:Gallup: Anemic Employee Engagement Points to Leadership Challenges.Web Pro News: Big Tech Mandates Low Performer Quotas, Eroding Morale and InnovationHarvard Business Review: 6 Steps to Reset a Demotivated TeamReddit: What is up with 3+ Rounds of Interviews for jobs paying less than $100K? : r/interviewsHR Reporter: Are employees building emotional connections with ChatGPT?Reddit: ChatGPT is my best friend : r/ChatGPTReddit: My Boyfriend Is AIReddit: AI Soulmates HR Reporter: With IBM laying off 100s of HR people, is automation replacing HR? | Canadian HR ReporterThe Wall Street Journal: IBM CEO Says AI Has Replaced Hundreds of Workers but Created New Programming, Sales JobsHarvard Business Review: Research: Executives Who Used Gen AI Made Worse PredictionsTopgrading, 3rd Edition: The Proven Hiring and Promoting Method That Turbocharges Company Performance by Bradford D. Smart, PhD https://a.co/d/9N2pJXlGood 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:Gabriela established People Performance Resources (PPR), a full-service Human Capital consulting firm, in 2010. Since then, Gabriela and her team have continued to expand their reach in providing strategic and best practice expertise with a proven track record of enhancing operational excellence.Gabriela is a highly regarded and sought-after trusted advisor to many local, national, and international organizations and their decisionmakers. Here are a few of Gabriela's areas of focus: bilingual/bicultural expertise, organizational analysis and development, C-level business continuity planning, executive coaching, executive compensation, change management, strategic planning, employment compliance, board governance guidance, and more.Gabriela serves as board of directors for Out Teach, Catch Up & Read, and The Dallas Summit. In addition, she supports several local and national causes that empower education, social justice, women's causes, children at risk, and conservation efforts. When not enjoying her professional adventures, Gabriela is a foodie who loves traveling, running, hiking, snorkeling, and spending time with her friends, family, and rescue dog, Harley.Gabriela Norton can be reached at: https://www.pprhr.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielanorton https://www.facebook.com/pprhr https://www.instagram.com/ppr_hrAbout 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. Create psychological safety environments where employees can openly discuss workload concerns and receive supportive responses rather than punitive reactions to mental health needs.2. Implement ongoing performance feedback systems with specific behavioral expectations and regular check-ins instead of relying on annual reviews with subjective rating scales.3. Design efficient hiring processes with clear competency rubrics and bias acknowledgment techniques while limiting interviews to three meaningful rounds focused on skills and cultural fit.

Air Date - 18 August 2025Numbers are integral to the workings of astrology. Explore the mathematical and statistical side of this science with astrologer/mathematician Christopher Benton, who has blended the disciplines for years.Christopher Benton has a great passion for mathematics, ancient wisdom, and mundane astrology. He has a doctorate in mathematics and has worked as a statistical consultant for the State of Texas. He also taught college-level mathematics, including statistics, abstract algebra, and multivariable calculus, for 38 years, worked as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research for his college for six years, and is a past-president of the Texas Association for Institutional Research. In true Gemini fashion, he has gone through several life adventures, including dancing in a musical with Ginger Rogers, being a hippie in Austin, Texas, in the 1970s, having a roommate who was a full-blood Kiowa medicine man, and studying rabbinic literature with a renowned Talmudic scholar. He has published five statistical studies of astrology in the peer-reviewed journal Correlation, and he has several more currently in progress. He is also a board member of the Cosmobiology Institute, where he additionally serves as International Research Coordinator. His goal is to expand the scope, scientific evidence, and understanding of evidence-based astrology until it is once again recognized as a serious, scientific discipline.Website: https://www.docbenton.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christopherbenton6530#ChristopherBenton #KathyBiehl #CelestialCompass #AstrologyVisit the Celestial Compass Show Page https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/celestial-compass/Connect with Kathy Biehl on her website https://empowermentunlimited.net/Subscribe to our Newsletter https://omtimes.com/subscribe-omtimes-magazine/Connect with OMTimes on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Omtimes.Magazine/ and OMTimes Radio https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousRadiowebtv.OMTimes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/OmTimes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omtimes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2798417/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/omtimes/

In episode 214, Coffey talks with Joe Frodsham about CMP's fourth annual national pulse check on C-Suite mental health, wellbeing, and leadership challenges.   They discuss executive mental health normalization since COVID; executive well being; clinical support and performance psychology for executives; individual vs one-size-fits-all wellness approaches; ROI metrics including career health indicators and management reviews; improved communication and engagement trends; remote work impacts on introverts vs extroverts; executive job security varying by ownership structure with private equity creating highest stress; and the importance of clear cultural decisions during mergers and acquisitions. CMP's C-Suite State of Mind Pulse Check 2025 is available at https://www.careermp.com/csuite-pulse-check-2025.  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: Joe Frodsham is President of CMP, the largest minority- and woman-owned talent solutions firm in the nation. CMP supports thousands of professionals in career transition annually while deploying contemporary assessment, coaching, and training solutions for targeted succession and development. Joe has extensive experience across Fortune 500 companies in leading human resource functions and building cutting-edge talent management systems. Joe is a regular contributor to Forbes, co-hosts the American Narratives podcast, and has co-authored two seminal books on careers—Make it Work and Don't Dread Monday. Joe will be presenting at the Fort Worth HR Strategic Mindset Conference on September 12th. And you can learn more about that conference at fwhr.org. Joe Frodsham can be reached at https://www.careermp.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfrodsham 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: Recognize that executive mental health directly impacts business outcomes and implement clinical support resources and individualized wellness strategies rather than generic programs. Develop better metrics for measuring engagement including career health indicators, management reviews with upward feedback, and individual assessment tools that drive real-time conversations. Understand that job security and stress levels vary significantly by ownership structure (private equity vs public vs privately held) and tailor retention strategies accordingly. 

Ryan Glenney is in his ninth season with the Dallas Baptist University Men's Basketball team and serves as the team's Associate Head Coach. During his eight seasons with the Patriots, DBU has advanced to the NCAA Tournament six times, won two Lone Star Conference Division titles, a pair of Heartland Conference regular-season titles, clinched the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship in 2018, and posted a 107-75 record. In 2019, Glenney was named the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Small College Assistant Coach of the Year. Before arriving at DBU, Glenney was the top assistant coach at North Platte Community College in North Platte, Nebraska, and also had coaching stints at Jacksonville College and Western Texas College.Glenney began his coaching career at Iowa State University, serving as a student assistant under current Creighton University Coach Greg McDermott. After graduating from Iowa State, he joined the Dallas Baptist University staff as a Graduate Assistant Coach. On this episode Mike and Ryan discuss why selflessness and camaraderie are paramount for sustained success. Throughout this discussion, we delve into Coach Glenney's journey from a humble upbringing in Iowa to his current role, exploring the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way. We reflect on the unique dynamics of coaching in junior college versus a Division II setting, where the emphasis on character and shared values plays a pivotal role in team cohesion. Additionally, we examine the rigorous preparation process for each game, highlighting the importance of film analysis and the meticulous attention to detail that underpins the DBU training regimen. Ultimately, Coach Glenney's commitment to nurturing both players and staff fosters an environment where everyone can thrive, reinforcing the notion that happiness in the profession transcends mere wins and losses.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you're subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you're there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you're hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Grab a notebook and pen before you listen to this episode with Ryan Glenney, Men's Basketball Associate Head Coach at Dallas Baptist University.Website - https://dbupatriots.com/sports/mens-basketballEmail - ryan@dbu.eduTwitter/X - @coachglenneyVisit our Sponsors!Dr. Dish BasketballOur friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team's training this off-season with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only Buy Now, Pay Later payment plans to make getting new equipment easier than ever.The Coaching PortfolioYour first impression is everything when applying for a new...

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.  

East Central Independent School District (ISD) school board Vice President Emilio Carrasco has completed the Texas Association of School Boards' (TASB) Leadership program and earned the distinguished Master Trustee designation — one of the highest honors in Texas school board service. The district is proud to recognize Carrasco for his achievement, after completing the year-long Leadership TASB program, one of the state's premier leadership development opportunities for school board members. Carrasco, who represents District 6 on the East Central ISD board of trustees, began his service in 2022; his present term expires in 2028. He has served as board vice...Article Link

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.

TWiRT is live at the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) 2025 convention. This year TAB chose the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, TX, for their convention location. What a huge turnout of radio and TV broadcast engineers! It’s a social event, learning event, BBQ eating event, and a time to meet with broadcast technology manufacturers. Join us as we talk with nine broadcast engineering and tech professionals who are attending, speaking, and displaying the latest tech at this year’s TAB Convention. Show Notes:Texas Association of Broadcasters - TABTexas Association of Broadcasters 2025 Convention Guests:Bob Stroupe: Regional Engineering Manager at iHeartMedia (retired)Clay Walker - Vice President of Content OperationsGreg Siddons - Director of Sale - Telos AllianceChris Roth - VP of Business Development at The MaxxKonnect GroupHans van Zutphen - CEO at Thimeo Audio Technology B.V.Jim Armstrong - Director Of Eastern US SalesPaul Shulins - Co-owner Over the air RF Consulting LLCChase Daniels - Senior Support Specialist - Aiir / On Air - WALL Radio & Lake FMDavid Smedley - Senior Customer Support Specialist at Aiir.com Host:Kirk Harnack, The Telos Alliance, Delta Radio, Star94.3, South Seas, & Akamai BroadcastingFollow TWiRT on Twitter and on Facebook - and see all the videos on YouTube.TWiRT is brought to you by:Broadcasters General Store, with outstanding service, saving, and support. Online at BGS.cc. Broadcast Bionics - making radio smarter with Bionic Studio, visual radio, and social media tools at Bionic.radio.Aiir, providing PlayoutONE radio automation, and other advanced solutions for audience engagement.Angry Audio and the new Rave analog audio mixing console. The new MaxxKonnect Broadcast U.192 MPX USB Soundcard - The first purpose-built broadcast-quality USB sound card with native MPX output. Subscribe to Audio:iTunesRSSStitcherTuneInSubscribe to Video:iTunesRSSYouTube

TWiRT is live at the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) 2025 convention. This year TAB chose the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, TX, for their convention location. What a huge turnout of radio and TV broadcast engineers! It's a social event, learning event, BBQ eating event, and a time to meet with broadcast technology manufacturers. Join us as we talk with nine broadcast engineering and tech professionals who are attending, speaking, and displaying the latest tech at this year's TAB Convention.

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.

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to an inspiring guest: Dr. Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S. Dr. Collier is a therapist, educator, and author, known for her powerful work in prevention education and brain development. She is the author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide and the Know Your Neuro children's book series. The Know Your Neuro prevention model was selected for the Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Dr. Collier received the Torch Bearer Award from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups, and was voted Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association. In this episode, Dr. Collier dives deep into: Risky behaviors to watch for in elementary students How early intervention impacts brain development The effects of screen time and technology on the brain The case for phone-free and watch-free schools Why it's never too early to talk to kids about feelings, empathy, and healthy coping She shares sobering insights, like how 50% of anxiety disorders are diagnosed by age 6, and how exposure to drugs, alcohol, and even pornography can start as early as elementary school. But the good news? The brain can change! We can equip kids with tools early, long before they reach their “peak” development years. The key lies in prevention, consistent brain-based education, and empowering parents and counselors with the right strategies. Key Takeaways for School Counselors: Feelings education is critical: Teach students to name and express emotions to avoid avoidant coping strategies. Social experience matters: Lack of play and exposure can lead to higher anxiety. Early empathy-building can prevent bullying down the road. Prevention strategies must begin in early childhood and evolve as students grow. Teach executive functioning through brain-based praise and risk education. Use tools from www.knowyourneuro.org to implement evidence-based practices. Pro tip from Dr. Collier: Encourage parents to have six 10-minute brain conversations per year with their kids—it's a simple but powerful way to build awareness. Birth to age 3 is foundational—more kids are sitting with screens than moving their bodies, which affects motor skill development. Tune in to hear how you can be part of this essential work in your school and community!   Resources Mentioned:   Join IMPACT   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube Connect with Crystal: www.knowyourneuro.org  www.drcrystalcollier.com More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!    

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.

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.

In this episode, Coach Matt Sayman sits down with Matt Farmer — Assistant Athletic Director at New Caney ISD, longtime coach, and current President of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). They dive into building winning culture, sustainable daily habits, and the importance of serving others in leadership.Coach Farmer reflects on 16 years of coaching experience, his journey to becoming TABC President, and how his faith and family shape his professional life. He shares daily routines rooted in discipline, the value of limiting screen time, nutrition changes that fuel better leadership, and tools like the Strides app to stay accountable.They explore best practices for supporting multi-sport athletes, the art of scheduling with purpose, and why program pillars must be lived out—not just laminated on the wall. Coach Farmer also discusses how coaches can step into servant leadership roles and why young coaches should get involved with TABC right away.Whether you're a head coach, assistant, or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, laughs, and deep encouragement. Tap in and be reminded of why we coach and how to do it better.

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.

In this episode, Coach Matt Sayman sits down with Matt Farmer — Assistant Athletic Director at New Caney ISD, longtime coach, and current President of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). They dive into building winning culture, sustainable daily habits, and the importance of serving others in leadership.Coach Farmer reflects on 16 years of coaching experience, his journey to becoming TABC President, and how his faith and family shape his professional life. He shares daily routines rooted in discipline, the value of limiting screen time, nutrition changes that fuel better leadership, and tools like the Strides app to stay accountable.They explore best practices for supporting multi-sport athletes, the art of scheduling with purpose, and why program pillars must be lived out—not just laminated on the wall. Coach Farmer also discusses how coaches can step into servant leadership roles and why young coaches should get involved with TABC right away.Whether you're a head coach, assistant, or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, laughs, and deep encouragement. Tap in and be reminded of why we coach and how to do it better.

In this episode, Coach Matt Sayman sits down with Matt Farmer — Assistant Athletic Director at New Caney ISD, longtime coach, and current President of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). They dive into building winning culture, sustainable daily habits, and the importance of serving others in leadership.Coach Farmer reflects on 16 years of coaching experience, his journey to becoming TABC President, and how his faith and family shape his professional life. He shares daily routines rooted in discipline, the value of limiting screen time, nutrition changes that fuel better leadership, and tools like the Strides app to stay accountable.They explore best practices for supporting multi-sport athletes, the art of scheduling with purpose, and why program pillars must be lived out—not just laminated on the wall. Coach Farmer also discusses how coaches can step into servant leadership roles and why young coaches should get involved with TABC right away.Whether you're a head coach, assistant, or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, laughs, and deep encouragement. Tap in and be reminded of why we coach and how to do it better.

In this episode, Coach Matt Sayman sits down with Matt Farmer — Assistant Athletic Director at New Caney ISD, longtime coach, and current President of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). They dive into building winning culture, sustainable daily habits, and the importance of serving others in leadership.Coach Farmer reflects on 16 years of coaching experience, his journey to becoming TABC President, and how his faith and family shape his professional life. He shares daily routines rooted in discipline, the value of limiting screen time, nutrition changes that fuel better leadership, and tools like the Strides app to stay accountable.They explore best practices for supporting multi-sport athletes, the art of scheduling with purpose, and why program pillars must be lived out—not just laminated on the wall. Coach Farmer also discusses how coaches can step into servant leadership roles and why young coaches should get involved with TABC right away.Whether you're a head coach, assistant, or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, laughs, and deep encouragement. Tap in and be reminded of why we coach and how to do it better.

In this episode, Coach Matt Sayman sits down with Matt Farmer — Assistant Athletic Director at New Caney ISD, longtime coach, and current President of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). They dive into building winning culture, sustainable daily habits, and the importance of serving others in leadership.Coach Farmer reflects on 16 years of coaching experience, his journey to becoming TABC President, and how his faith and family shape his professional life. He shares daily routines rooted in discipline, the value of limiting screen time, nutrition changes that fuel better leadership, and tools like the Strides app to stay accountable.They explore best practices for supporting multi-sport athletes, the art of scheduling with purpose, and why program pillars must be lived out—not just laminated on the wall. Coach Farmer also discusses how coaches can step into servant leadership roles and why young coaches should get involved with TABC right away.Whether you're a head coach, assistant, or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, laughs, and deep encouragement. Tap in and be reminded of why we coach and how to do it better.

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.

In this episode of Texas County Voice, host Jody Seaborn sits down with Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services at the Texas Association of Counties, to break down the regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature. What passed? What didn't? And what should counties prepare for next? Don't miss this update as we head into a special session in July and look forward to the 2025 TAC Legislative Conference in August.

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...

In this episode, Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Tracy Ginsburg, Ed.D., CAE, executive director of the Texas Association of School Business Officials. With over 40 years in association leadership, Tracy shares how she helped transform TASBO through strategic planning, legislative advocacy, and a strong focus on member value. She offers insights on overcoming fear around finance, the power of data-informed decisions, and why transparency and teamwork are essential for lasting impact. This episode is sponsored by Higher Logic. Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

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 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.

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 episode 202, Coffey talks with Shannon Norris about a federal court ruling that invalidated portions of the EEOC's 2024 harassment guidance related to sexual orientation and gender identity.  They discuss Norther District of Texas Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's decision in State of Texas v. EEOC; the narrow scope of the Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County; the EEOC's broad interpretation of the Bostock ruling in its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace; the elimination of courts' deference to agency's opinions under the Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision; the distinction between agency guidance and actual law post Loper; practical workplace challenges concerning bathrooms, pronouns, misgendering, and dress codes; the difference between harassment based on biological sex versus sexual orientation or gender identity; why the Texas v. EEOC ruling doesn't change existing anti-harassment law; the importance of maintaining respectful workplaces regardless of legal requirements; and advice for employers to avoid becoming test cases in emerging litigation. Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP202 and include the following topics: State of Texas and The Heritage Foundation v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, et al: Memorandum Opinion and Order EEOC  Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit  Federal judge in Texas rules LGBTQ+ people can be discriminated against at work Federal Judge Scraps Biden EEOC's Gender Identity Guidance: Here's What It Means for the Workplace 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: Shannon Norris has represented a broad range of clients since he began practicing in 1993 in the areas of employment law, business litigation, trade secrets, civil fraud, and employee benefits.  During that time, he has represented Fortune 100 companies to small businesses and individuals.  Mr. Norris has extensive experience with employment litigation, noncompete agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, and occupational fraud.  He is a regular speaker on topics relating to employment law, civil litigation, and human resources. Mr. Norris began his career in 1993 at the law firm of Jones Day, where he was a member of the Labor & Employment Law Section.  He formed his own practice in the year 2000.  He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Mr. Norris is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated.  Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary.  Martindale-Hubbell® PEER REVIEW RATINGS™ fall into two categories—legal ability and general ethical standards. Shannon Norris can be reached athttps://www.norrisfirm.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sdnorris/ 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 constitutional limitations on federal agencies like the EEOC under current law.2.       Understand the limitations of State of Texas v. EEOC and continue to prohibit any workplace harassment or disparate treatment based on sex.3.    &n...

In episode 201, Coffey talks with Jodi Brandstetter about using “design thinking” to effectively integrate AI into HR processes.  They discuss how design thinking focuses on understanding problems from both business and human perspectives; the importance of starting with one specific HR challenge when implementing AI; how AI can assist throughout each stage of the design thinking process; ethical considerations when selecting AI vendors; concerns about job displacement versus job evolution; the value of transparency when implementing AI that affects employees; practical applications like improving communication and automating administrative tasks; security considerations when using AI tools; and the need to continuously test AI tools for bias and effectiveness. 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: Jodi Brandstetter is an HR consultant, bestselling author, and speaker who specializes in integrating design thinking and AI into HR practices. As the founder of Lean Effective Talent Strategies, she helps small to midsize companies in science, manufacturing, engineering, and technology modernize their talent strategies. With over 20 years of experience, she is certified in Design Thinking and has authored books like Hire by Design and HR by Design. Jodi lives outside of Cincinnati, OH with her husband, daughter and fur babies. Jodi Brandstetter can be reached at:https://jodibrandstetter.com https://linkedin.com/in/jodibrandstetter  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.       Apply design thinking methodology when implementing AI to ensure solutions address both business needs and employee experiences.2.       Evaluate AI tools with a focus on responsible vendors, data security, and potential bias to protect both organizations and individuals.3.       Prepare employees for workplace evolution by being transparent about AI implementation and providing upskilling opportunities for roles affected by automation.

In episode 200, Coffey talks with Gary Fowler live from the North Texas SHRM Conference about alternative dispute resolution especially mediation when a lawsuit may be involved.  They discuss the distinctions between mediation and arbitration; the confidentiality protections in mediation; the difference between mediation and arbitration; preparation for effective mediation sessions; why decision-makers need to be present during mediation; economic and non-economic factors that can be addressed through mediation; the mediator selection process; who pays for mediation; and how a good mediator helps parties reach agreement. 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: Gary Fowler is a mediator and arbitrator with JAMS. He has been Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1994 and is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. With over 35 years of experience in all areas of labor and employment law, he has served as a mediator and arbitrator since 2015. He is a frequent speaker on alternative dispute resolution, focusing on mediation of discrimination, harassment, trade secret, executive compensation, and wage/hour disputes. He was co-chair of the Jackon Walker L&E section from 2013 to 2021, when he joined JAMS. Gary Fowler can be reached athttps://www.jamsadr.com/fowler/  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 the different forms of alternative dispute resolution2.       Prepare effectively for mediation3.       Understand the confidentiality provisions in mediation agreements and under Texas law

In episode 199, Coffey talks with David McLaughlin about evolving leadership styles and their impact on the workforce. They discuss the evolution of leadership styles from historical figures like Julius Caesar to modern executives; the contrast between transformational and transactional leadership approaches; the connection between leadership, culture, behavior, and results; the importance of developing people rather than just focusing on short-term metrics; and the impact of collaboration on 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.  Special thanks to Steve Peglar of HR Strategies of Texas for creating the Good Morning, HR theme music.  About our Guest: David B. McLaughlin, M. Ed, SHRM-SCP, CWMF, has been a leader in human resources and organizational development for over 20 years.  He is the founder of Pendulum Coaching, LLC as a coach and consultant, as well as the newly created Modern Leadership Research Lab focusing on leadership research. He has been a leader in the corporate world for some of the most well-known organizations in Oklahoma, including being on the Fortune Best Companies to Work For list in Oklahoma City for 18 years.   David has a M. Ed in Adult Education and B.S. in Accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma. He is also a Ph. D student at Kansas State University researching the intersection of mindfulness and emotional intelligence among leaders.  David is the host of The Modern Leader podcast. He has proudly served on numerous non-profit, association, and business leadership boards across Oklahoma.  David is the author of Modern Leadership: Leaving Vintage Leadership Behind (https://a.co/d/5xxZ7iH).  David McLaughlin can be reached athttp://pendulumcoaching.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbmcThe Modern Leader Podcast with David B. McLaughlin  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 "vintage" leadership (hierarchical, metrics-focused) and "modern" leadership (collaborative, people-focused) to adapt leadership style to today's workforce needs.2.       Implement transformational leadership practices that invest in employee development rather than using transactional approaches that treat employees as replaceable assets.3.       Recognize how team-level culture often has more impact on employee experience than organization-wide culture, emphasizing the critical role of frontline and middle managers.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Speaker of the Texas House Burrows, fires his general counsel and policy director. His holding the position to begin with shows the incestuous nature of the Austin power crowd and how they don't even notice such anymore. These types of conflicts of interests, often through self-serving “power couples,” are all too common in Austin and Washington.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Key bills are being held up by Rep. Ken King and pressure, from you, needs to be brought to bear.House State Affairs Committee Members:  Chairman Ken King (512) 463-0736 Vice Chairwoman Ana Hernandez (512) 463-0614 Rep. Rafael Anchia (512) 463-0746 Rep. Drew Darby (512) 463-0331 Rep. Yvonne Davis (512) 463-0598 Rep. Charlie Geren (512) 463-0610 Rep. Ryan Guillen (512) 463-0416 Rep. Lacy Hull (512) 463-0727 Rep. John McQueeney (512) 463-0608 Rep. Will Metcalf (512) 463-0726 Rep. Dade Phelan (512) 463-0706 Rep. Richard Pena Raymond (512) 463-0558 Rep. John T Smithee (512) 463-0702 Rep. Senfronia Thompson (512) 463-0720 Rep. Chris Turner (512) 463-0574  Also, pressure needs to be brought to the House Public Education committee to get a hearing and vote on HB 1313, banning taxpayer funded lobbying by school districts.Watch: Reining in the Texas Association of School Boards.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

In this episode, we tackle a pressing issue affecting healthcare systems across the nation: the Aging Crisis in healthcare facilities management. Aging employees, aging infrastructure, and aging buildings are converging to create a perfect storm of challenges.Join us as healthcare facilities management experts Michael Hatton and Skanda Skandaverl share insights from the Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Management Spring Conference. Together, we explore the risks, impacts, and potential solutions to this growing crisis, including how healthcare systems can address operational inefficiencies, regulatory risks, and knowledge gaps.

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

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

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

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

Episode 101 – Fairness for Small Biz: The Fight for HB 2428 in Texas Latino Business Report Welcome to the show! In this episode, we're diving into a critical conversation unfolding right here in Texas—one that could reshape how small businesses across the state operate and survive. We're joined by two powerhouse guests:

Get a sneak peek at the 2025 County Management & Risk Conference! Bee County Auditor April Cantu shares her role on the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool Board and what she hopes to gain from this year's conference, while TAC's Clem Zabalza breaks down key sessions on cybersecurity, risk management and more. Don't miss this essential preview on Texas County Voice!

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

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

Many student athletes (or at least their parents) dream of earning a full ride to the college of their dreams. What most applicants find is that having sports on their resumes yields different but still substantial advantages. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Matt Arant to demystify Division III and Ivy League athletic recruitment. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Who is an athletic/admission liaison and what do they do? How does the recruitment process differ between Division III and Ivy/Patriot League schools and Division I and Division II schools? Can Division III athletes be awarded athletic scholarships? Do athletes typically apply earlier than non-athletes? How should I approach my application as a prospective DIII athlete? What are the test score requirements for DIII athletes? MEET OUR GUEST Matt Arant is the founder of Arant Academic Planning, LLC. Prior to becoming an independent counselor, Matt worked as an admission representative at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. At F&M, Matt was the primary athletics liaison for the Office of Admission, working closely with over two dozen intercollegiate sports throughout the entire application cycle.  Matt has been invited to present on college athletic recruitment and the admissions process to public and private schools all across the country and is an active member of both the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC). He is also a current associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), based in Metro Austin, Texas.  Find Matt at https://www.arantacademicplanning.com/. LINKS NCAA Eligibility Center Division I and II Recruitment Calendars Division Recruiting Fact Sheet Ivy League Recruit Information NESCAC Admission Statement RELATED EPISODES MYTHS ABOUT TESTING AND COLLEGE SPORTS LOOKING FOR A FULL RIDE HOW TENNIS AND TEST PREP ARE SIMILAR ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.