Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast My Friend in HR
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presenting To The C-Suite With Clarity And Control | 31 août 2026 | 00:31:57 | |
The fastest way to lose a C-suite room is to start like every other meeting. We are talking about executive presentations that land: the kind where you walk in with calm authority, get to the point, and make it easy for leaders to say yes, no, or “here’s what we need next” without wandering for an hour. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Interview Edition: Hope Is Not a Strategy. with Qiara Suggs, Chief People Officer | 08 mai 2026 | 00:55:28 | |
If you've ever stayed somewhere too long because the title looked good on paper, this one's for you. Qiara Suggs got told no for a promotion she'd earned twice over — and turned that no into the executive seat she holds today. We pulled the curtain back on what it actually takes to drive your own career when nobody else is going to drive it for you. About the Guest Qiara Suggs is the Chief People Officer at TDECU, the largest credit union in Houston and one of the four largest in Texas, where she leads people strategy, corporate real estate, enterprise strategy, and enterprise project management. A fixture in the Houston HR community and a U of H alum, she's the kind of senior HR voice this show was built for. What You'll Learn
Timestamps 00:00 — Cold open: why this conversation matters now 01:49 — Qiara's role at TDECU and the case for going "non-traditional" 04:01 — Mentors, and why your village beats your résumé 06:52 — The leader's job: betting on people who haven't yet bet on themselves 09:18 — "I won't do extra work for free" vs. showing your real ceiling 13:36 — Career growth isn't always vertical — and why that's the point 17:49 — Don't get stuck. Get in the driver's seat. 19:10 — The promotion that didn't happen — and what Njsane did next 24:13 — Every "no" is a "yes" somewhere else 26:54 — Total comp, the dollar trap, and the long game 30:36 — Don't quit mad. Make it a business decision. 33:53 — HR as friend, not villain — and what's really happening behind the scenes 41:12 — Being the only one in the room without losing yourself in it 50:02 — When leadership requires courage, not consensus 52:37 — Closing reflections and what's next Referenced episode: From Hourly to Salary: Promotion or Prank? — Season 1 on Buzzsprout Your Move
#MyFriendInHR #HRLeadership #CareerGrowth Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Interview Edition: The War for Talent Is Over. Here's Who Won. ft. Jim Link, SHRM CHRO | 11 avr. 2026 | 00:50:19 | |
The talent market feels calmer on the surface, but the real shift is deeper: after the pandemic, people rewrote their relationship with work, and companies were forced to take human capital management seriously. I’m joined by Jim Link, Chief Human Resources Officer at SHRM, to talk about what actually happened to the so-called war for talent and why HR leaders suddenly became essential to keeping business moving when the world got unpredictable. Register for the SHRM 2026 Talent Conference: https://shop.shrm.org/SHRM-TALENT-2026?_ga=2.11244402.75391506.1775908899-634450247.1775908899&_gl=1*6e2gv8*_ga*NjM0NDUwMjQ3LjE3NzU5MDg4OTk.*_ga_HQNM4FGPDS*czE3NzU5MDg4OTkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU5MDg5MzAkajI5JGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*MTAzNzc4ODA0My4xNzc1OTA4ODk5 Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Why Toxic Employees Keep Their Jobs | 30 mars 2026 | 00:23:49 | |
One person can hit every target and still poison the room and the worst part is that keeping them can look “logical” on a spreadsheet. We dig into the real reasons toxic employees stay employed, from the at-will employment myth to the HR documentation gap that turns obvious bad behavior into a legal gray area. If you have ever stared at a teammate like “Why is Dave still here?”, you are not alone and your manager is probably navigating risks you cannot see. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Salary Negotiation Part 2: The Exact Words to Say (And When to Shut Up) | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:18:01 | |
You interviewed 10 times. You've been waiting by your phone for days. Then the recruiter finally calls—you got the job! Your heart is racing, you're thrilled, and they're giving you the offer right now. What do you say? Do you accept on the spot? Do you negotiate? And if you do negotiate, what the hell are you supposed to actually SAY? Haven't listened to Part 1 yet? Go back and start there first. We tackled the fear that holds most of us back when we think about negotiating our salary—and I showed you exactly why that fear is costing you money. We broke down what's really happening behind the scenes, what companies actually expect, and why you have way more power than you think. In Part 2, we get tactical. I'm giving you the exact script, the specific FBI hostage negotiation techniques that work in salary talks, and the one skill most people completely blow: knowing when to shut up. We walk through a real salary negotiation step-by-step—from the moment you get the offer to closing the deal. You'll learn calibrated questions that put the hiring manager in problem-solving mode, how to use strategic silence as your most powerful weapon, and why filling that awkward pause costs candidates thousands of dollars. But here's what matters most: I'm giving you permission to advocate for yourself. Research shows that by not negotiating your starting salary, you sacrifice over $500,000 in lifetime earnings. Half a million dollars. Is five minutes of discomfort worth that to you? We also cover what most negotiation advice misses—character and integrity. How to negotiate powerfully without burning bridges, when to hold firm on your number, and how to close with class no matter the outcome. Your job is meant to support your life. Your life is not meant to support your job. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Salary Negotiation Part 1: Why You're Afraid to Ask (And Why You Shouldn't Be) | 25 janv. 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
By not negotiating your starting salary, you could be walking away from over $500,000 in lifetime earnings. But 70% of professionals never even try—because they're terrified the offer will be pulled. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what REALLY happens behind the scenes when you negotiate. After 21 years in HR and nearly a decade as a recruiter, I've made over 1,000 job offers—and I've NEVER seen one pulled just because someone asked to negotiate. In Part 1, you'll discover:
This episode is for you if: You've ever accepted the first offer out of fear. You're underpaid and don't know how to ask for more. You're evaluating a job offer right now and feeling anxious about negotiating. I'm Njsane Courtney, VP of HR at American Bureau of Shipping and creator of "My Friend in HR." I've spent two decades on both sides of the negotiation table, and I'm giving you the insider playbook companies don't want you to have. Your job is meant to support your life. Your life isn't meant to support your job. 🎧 Listen to Part 2 for the exact words to say and when to shut up during negotiations. 📧 Questions? Email me at myfriendinhr@gmailcom 📱 Connect: @MyFriendinHR YouTube @MyFriendIn_HR on Instagram & Twitter | Njsane Courtney on LinkedIn Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Underpaid & Micromanaged? 5 Steps to Change Your Career NOW (2026 Exit Plan) | 11 janv. 2026 | 00:19:47 | |
Are You Building an Exit Strategy or Just Surviving Until Friday? If Monday mornings fill you with dread, your micromanager questions every move, and you KNOW you're underpaid by at least $20K but feel paralyzed to do anything about it—this episode is your intervention. This isn't about setting fluffy 2025 goals. This is about building LEVERAGE. In this no-BS episode, Jassani Courtney breaks down the exact 5-step blueprint to stop being overlooked and start commanding the respect (and compensation) you've earned. Whether you're planning your exit or fighting to transform your current role, you need OPTIONS—and options require strategy, not hope. You'll discover:
Here's what most career advice gets wrong: They tell you to work harder, be more visible, or "lean in." But you're already exhausted. What you actually need is a system to build leverage while you're still employed—so you negotiate from power, not desperation. This episode delivers the scripts, the tactics, and the Monday morning checklist that changes your trajectory immediately. No corporate fluff. No motivational platitudes. Just the strategic moves that create real options. Your job is a contract, not a prison. But only if you do the work to create alternatives. Ready to stop settling and start leading? Press play. 💬 After listening, drop a comment: Which of the 5 steps are you executing first? Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Own Your Career Or Someone Else Will! | 29 déc. 2025 | 00:21:18 | |
Careers don’t stall because you lack talent; they stall because you lack leverage. We zoom straight into the POWER framework—five pillars that turn you from a passenger into the driver of your own path. No fluff, no clichés, just the playbook: personal accountability, options through money, work your network, ever battle ready, and reputation as currency. We start by dismantling the myth that managers are responsible for your growth. Ownership looks like asking precise feedback, chasing the ugly projects that matter, and building skills without waiting for approval. From there, we get real about money as a career tool. A walkaway fund gives you breathing room to negotiate, leave toxic roles, and take strategic moves that compound into leadership scope. You don’t need a windfall—just a halt to lifestyle creep, small automatic transfers, and a clear target for six months of expenses. Networking becomes simple when you treat it as generosity on a schedule: consistent check-ins, thoughtful comments, helpful intros, and showing up when it’s inconvenient. Then we shift to readiness. Quarterly resume refreshes, a clean LinkedIn headline that signals outcomes, and a grab-and-go portfolio keep you sharp when opportunities show up fast. Finally, we get honest about reputation. How you act when things go sideways, how you share credit, and how people feel after working with you determine who speaks your name in the rooms that matter. By the end, you’ll choose one pillar to focus on for the next 30 days and leave with small, specific actions that build real momentum. If this hit home, share it with a friend who’s stuck, connect with me on LinkedIn at Jassani Courtney for deeper dives on each pillar, and hit subscribe for more straight talk that actually moves your career forward. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Betrayed by Leadership: Why Trust Is the Real Workplace Currency (S2E2) | 01 sept. 2025 | 00:22:01 | |
Trust isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the hidden currency driving every workplace. When it breaks, the fallout is bigger than missed deadlines or disengaged employees—it fractures culture. In this episode of My Friend in HR, we rewind the clock to humanity’s earliest tribes and connect ancient leadership lessons to today’s boardrooms, Zoom calls, and corporate cultures. Drawing from Simon Sinek’s insights, Edelman’s Trust Barometer, Harvard Business Review research, and real stories of leaders and employees betrayed by broken promises, we unpack the human side of why trust is collapsing in the modern workplace—and how to rebuild it. You’ll hear:
This is not another “10 leadership tips” conversation. This is a hard look at the broken social contract between employees and organizations, and how trust—not just money—decides whether your culture thrives or collapses. 👉 If you’re a leader, this will challenge how you think about psychological safety, employee loyalty, and the true cost of layoffs. Because when leaders stop protecting their people, perks stop feeling earned. And when employees stop showing up with reliability and honesty, teams collapse from within. Listen in, reflect, and let’s rebuild workplaces where trust is more than a slogan—it’s the foundation. 🔗 Want more? Subscribe on YouTube for video versions of this podcast, career tips, and my new series The Mic Drop. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 2: Episode 1: Congrats on the Promotion… Now Don’t Screw It Up | 14 juil. 2025 | 00:29:52 | |
SEASON 2 IS HERE: “You Got Promoted… Now What?”
After a few months of silence (life got busy, y’all—but I’ve been cookin’ behind the scenes), My Friend in HR is BACK for Season 2 and we’re coming in HOT with real talk for every new leader, reluctant manager, or “oh crap, now I’m in charge” moment. In this firestarter of an episode, we’re digging into: This isn’t just advice—it’s a survival strategy. Plus, I’m spilling the behind-the-scenes tea on where I’ve been, why HR on the Rocks is your new favorite YouTube series, and why this season of the pod is going to change how you lead—for real. 🎧 Press play, power up, and let’s get into it. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 10: From Fear to Success: Taking Control in 2025! | 26 déc. 2024 | 00:19:16 | |
"Feeling uncertain about your career's future? In episode 10, we dive into how you can transform those fears into steps for success in 2025. We'll explore strategies to navigate layoffs, technological changes, and more. Join us to discover how to stay ahead and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. Let's get you ready to conquer your career journey!" Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 9: Written up at Work: From Write-Up to Right Path | 31 oct. 2024 | 00:32:07 | |
Handling discipline in the workplace requires finesse and fairness. Through illustrative scenarios, I emphasize the importance of accountability, warning against the dangers of favoritism. Hear real-world examples that highlight the need for clarity and proper communication to resolve misunderstandings. Discover how documentation can be a tool for both protection and improvement, ensuring that employees and managers alike act on complete information. This episode promises to be a guide to equip you with the tools to navigate write-ups and improve workplace dynamics. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: From Hourly to Salary: Promotion or Prank? | 01 oct. 2024 | 00:15:18 | |
Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 7: I QUIT! | 18 avr. 2024 | 00:23:34 | |
Are you considering bidding farewell to your employer? Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 6: Dear Managers, DO BETTER! | 30 déc. 2023 | 00:24:00 | |
Have you ever considered a career transition or found yourself at a professional crossroads, unsure when to take the leap towards something new? Join your friend in HR, Jasani Courtney, as we navigate these life-defining moments, outlining clear strategies for those eyeing a future in human resources and offering guidance on when to part ways with your current job. As we walk Tevon, a college senior with logistics savvy, through his entry into the HR world, you'll get a front-row seat to the actionable insights and relatable experiences that can catapult your own career journey. For anyone wrestling with the question of timing their exit from a role, we dive into the critical factors, from personal growth to mental well-being, that signal it's time to move on—wisdom that could spell the difference between stagnation and fulfillment. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 5: Behind the Scenes - Let's Ask a Recruiter! | 13 nov. 2023 | 00:33:25 | |
Have you ever wondered what recruiters are really looking for when they sift through piles of resumes? Our guest, Talent Acquisition Manager, Alejandra Villegas, reveals the truth behind the job application process. From the ideal length of a resume to the common mistakes made during interviews, Alejandra provides invaluable advice that could help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 4: Turning the Tables - Navigating Job Offers like a Boss | 13 sept. 2023 | 00:26:57 | |
What if, by tuning into this podcast episode, you could learn how to negotiate a job offer like a seasoned pro? Welcome onboard, Career Conquerors! I'm Njsane Courtney, your host, and ally in this exciting journey of professional growth. Together, we'll unravel the art and science behind successful negotiations, and discuss why nine out of ten times, you should never hesitate to negotiate. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 3: Mastering Your Next Job Interview: Strategies from Start to Finish | 10 août 2023 | 00:24:54 | |
What if the next call you receive could land you your dream job? This episode of "My Friend in HR" arms you with powerful tips to ace your next interview. We start right from the beginning, emphasizing the critical role of a professional voicemail and preparedness for a recruiter's call. We debunk some common interview myths and reveal that your interview actually begins the moment the recruiter rings you! Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 2: From Resume to Interview | 21 juil. 2023 | 00:28:47 | |
Hey there, career conquerors! Welcome back to "My Friend in HR," the podcast that's like a warm hug from your HR BFF, sprinkled with humor and a side of career wisdom. In our last episode, we unleashed the power of your career story, proving that your life isn't just a series of awkward family dinners and embarrassing high school photos – it's the key to unlocking your dream job! We're diving headfirst into the battlefield of job applications in this thrilling Part 1 of our epic 3-part series. Picture it like a high-stakes game show where the prize is a shiny new job title and an unlimited supply of office snacks (yes, we're that generous).
Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||
| Season 1: Episode 1: Let's Be Friends! | 10 mai 2023 | 00:18:59 | |
In this inaugural episode, our friend and host Njsane talks about how to present your story in the best light to put you on the path to getting the types of jobs you want, and how the choices you make NOW have an impact on where you end up later in your career. Visit: MFIHR.com Instagram: myfriendin_hr | |||