HRchat Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever wondered why your leadership training efforts aren't yielding lasting change? Listen as Dr. Mike Ashby from The Breakthrough Co. unravels the mystery behind the ineffectiveness of traditional leadership development programs.

Promising more than just theory, Dr. Mike shares how aligning training with real business goals and fostering emotional intelligence can create workplaces that are not only more human but also more productive. Discover how adopting a growth mindset can transform challenging roles into rewarding experiences and why bridging the gap between learning and application is the key to overcoming management failures.

Step into the world of transformative leadership with us as we explore the art of delegation and the journey it initiates. Through powerful stories and actionable insights, we uncover how coaching can empower leaders to transition from mere task assignments to inspiring team autonomy. Delve into the dynamics of self-awareness and deliberate practice as essential components of leadership evolution, while addressing the potential vulnerabilities that leaders face when embracing change. Reimagine what it means to lead in HR and people-intensive industries, challenging the traditional bias towards authoritarianism and championing empathy, integrity, and humility. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how tailored training can elevate leadership capabilities and drive organizational success.

Learn about The Breakthrough Co at thebreakthrough.co

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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Curious about how love can transform leadership? We welcome the insightful Dr. Glenn Thomas, a self-described recovering bad leader, to share the Heartwork Leadership Framework on this episode of the HRchat Show.

Drawing from his journey, Dr. Glenn illustrates how genuine care and effective communication can yield positive outcomes both in the workplace and beyond. As we navigate the often challenging landscape of post-Covid workplace cultures, he reveals startling research about employee disengagement, stressing the urgent need to align personal fulfillment with professional roles.

Explore the vital role of self-awareness in leadership as we discuss why only 30-40% of leaders excel in this area and how it impacts workplace culture. Dr. Glenn guides us through the initial steps organizations must take to create environments where employees are excited to return each week. 

By acknowledging cultural shortcomings and fostering trust through love and support, leaders can inspire a sense of openness and accountability. We also hear heartwarming anecdotes about mentors Leslie Johnson and Michael Duvall, who epitomized these values in their leadership. Connect with Dr. Glenn and uncover his transformative work at Heartwork Leadership, as we embrace a new paradigm grounded in compassion.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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Ever wondered how your commute could help save the planet? Join us as we explore the power of green employee benefits. Bill Banham sits down with Tom Baker, Partnership Manager at Octopus Electric Vehicles, who reveals how salary sacrifice schemes can make sustainable commuting more accessible and affordable.

Learn about the staggering impact of transportation on UK emissions and discover how your company can reduce its carbon footprint by embracing greener transportation options.

Employee expectations are changing, with a growing demand for climate-conscious employers. Our conversation centers on how businesses are integrating green benefits like sustainable transport solutions and green pensions to attract and retain eco-minded talent.

Tom provides a deep dive into the innovative initiatives at Octopus Electric Vehicles; highlighting how businesses and individuals can partner with them to support a greener future. 

Whether you're an HR manager juggling various employee requests or a business leader committed to meeting environmental goals, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for promoting sustainability through impactful employee benefits.

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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In this HRchat episode, we talk about developing strategic people capabilities in times of business transformation. Bill's guest this time is Mary Glowacka, Learning & Leadership Development Lead at Rolls-Royce.

With 15+ years of strategic practitioner experience with an unusual journey from operations into HR, Mary is also a member of Josh Bersin’s Senior Faculty, a regular speaker at HR industry events, a founding member of Hacking HR Experts Council, mentor for HR Tech start-ups through the Workplace Accelerator program, and winner of the 2020 WinTrade Global Women in Leadership Award in recognition of progressive thinking in the banking sector.

Questions for Mary include:

• You have an unusual journey from operations into HR. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career journey
• We met at UNLEASH in Paris. What are your thoughts on the 2023 event and why do you believe other senior People Leaders should attend? 
• You're a founding member of the Hacking HR Experts Council. What do you respect about Enrique and the Hacking HR group? 
• Tell me a bit about your role at RR - what you love and challenges? - includes mention of  strategic capability
• Can you elaborate a bit more on why systems thinking is so imperative for HR Leaders?

We do our best to ensure editorial objectivity. The views and ideas shared by our guests and sponsors are entirely independent of The HR Gazette, HRchat Podcast and Iceni Media Inc.   

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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• Check out our in-person events

In this episode of the AI series, Pauline James and David Creelman delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence, HR practices, ethics, and law.

The extended edition offers up three expert guests - Frank Rudzicz, Kate Bischoff, and Jesslyn Dymond - to discuss the ethical considerations, legal risks, and potential benefits associated with the integration of AI at work.

We explore the potential of generative AI and the legal issues it might introduce for HR. Plus we share valuable advice for HR leaders on navigating the short-term challenges and opportunities posed by advancing AI technologies.

Tune in and discover:

• How should leaders navigate the ethical landscape as AI becomes more commonplace in organizations? 
• To what extent does employee privacy come into play when tracking keystrokes? 
• Can AI be a tool for fostering ethical, objective decision-making?
• What are the new recruiting challenges caused by AI? 
• How can HR diligently embed AI into their operations while managing associated risks?

About Our Guests

Frank Rudzicz is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, co-founder of WinterLight Labs Inc., founding faculty member at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, status professor at the University of Toronto, and CIFAR Chair in Artificial Intelligence. 

Kate Bischoff is the founder of k8bisch LLC (formerly tHRive Law & Consulting). She's a renowned expert in employment law and HR and has a background that includes roles at the consulate general in Jerusalem and the US Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia.

Jesslyn Dymond is the Director of Data Ethics at TELUS leading the approach to responsible data-driven innovation, drawing on a background of privacy and information management expertise. 

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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In this episode, we look at what causes burnout and stress in education and in the workplace.

The guest this time is Bill's good friend, Leigh Mitchell. Leigh is an educator and Co-Founder of Bee Happy Mindfulness and the Founder of Bee Happy HR, Hire Her Career Board and Women in Biz Network. She hosts a podcast called the Bee Happy Podcast for Change Makers and is a Marketing & PR Instructor at York University.

Statistics Canada recognized Leigh as an EDI Expert in Gender Diversity and the Bee Happy HR Blog received accolades for ranking number 13 out of the Top 60 Canadian HR & Diversity Blogs awarded by FeedSpot.

Questions for Leigh include: 

• In 60 seconds or less, tell me about the mission of Bee Happy Mindfulness
• What are the most common causes for teacher burnout?
• How can a balance be struck between the demands of the education system and the well-being of educators to ensure both effectiveness and satisfaction?
• Are there specific policies or practices that you believe contribute positively or negatively to employee retention within the education sector?

We do our best to ensure editorial objectivity. The views and ideas shared by our guests and sponsors are entirely independent of The HR Gazette, HRchat Podcast and Iceni Media Inc.   

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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• Check out our in-person events

In this HRchat episode, we discuss how to equip leaders with the knowledge needed to construct an organization where people are recognized as the primary driving force behind business success.

The guest this time is Roza Szafranek, Founder & CEO of HR Hints, an HR boutique operating on a subscription model. Roza is an HR expert with psychological and managerial experience who has led tech companies from early startup through exit.

Roza is also the author of Culturivy: The Power of Changing a Workplace and the CEO of Culturivy.

Questions for Roza include:

• How do you perceive the relationship between business and HR, considering the equal triangle of products/services, sales, and people as the foundation? 
• Can you discuss your approach to analyzing and adapting HR processes based on the unique needs of different stages of company development?
• Considering the notion that the People area within organizations is not a black box, how should leaders ensure transparency and accountability in HR practices?
• How do you approach building processes per stage rather than per industry, especially in diverse sectors such as medtech and fintech?
• In your opinion, what are the key challenges in aligning HR strategies with the equal triangle of products/services, sales, and people? How have you overcome these challenges in your previous roles?
• Can you share an example of how you applied the concept of the equal triangle in optimizing HR practices within a business context? 

More About Roza

Roza is a mentor at the Founder Institute, 1871 Chicago, P33 Chicago, TechRise, mHUB Chicago, and InCredibles, Sebastian Kulczyk's mentoring program. She’s been featured on such lists as 100 Women of 2022 by Forbes, 100 Most Inspiring Women of the CEE Startup Ecosystem by Vestbee VC, and Strong Women in IT ‘21 and ‘23.

More About Culturivy: The Power of Changing a Workplace

In the book, Roza outlines a comprehensive guide on how to cultivate a resilient company culture that fosters the growth of both individuals and businesses.

The book delves into key areas such as Leadership, People & Culture,

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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In the second episode of our new AI-focused series, guest hosts Pauline James and David Creelman investigate some key ways that large HR vendors are utilizing new forms of AI.

Joining David and Pauline this time are Mike Bollinger, Ben Zweig, and Jarik Conrad. 

Mike Bollinger is an accomplished executive with 20 years of industry experience. He has deep technology and HCM domain skills including strategic workforce planning, communications, change management, team building, business case development, and leadership. In his current role as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with Cornerstone, Mike is responsible for internal research as well as strategy development around outcome-based goals. In 2020, Mike helped found, and currently manages, the Cornerstone People Research Lab (CPRL), whose mission is to generate data-driven discoveries about the world of work today and identify emerging trends that will give rise to new work models. 

Ben Zweig is a prominent figure at the intersection of Data Science and Human Resources. With a PhD in Economics specializing in Labor Economics and Economic Development from CUNY Graduate Center, he has a strong academic background. Ben's expertise extends to Natural Language Processing, Labor Economics, Human Resources, and Occupational Transformation. Notably, he spent several years as a Managing Data Scientist at IBM's Chief Analytics Office, where he utilized Natural Language Processing (NLP) to develop data-driven solutions for businesses. Currently, Ben serves as the CEO of Revlio Labs, an organization that supports the convergence of Data Science and HR. The company focuses on applying data-driven methodologies to enhance workforce management and adapt to the changing job market.

Dr. Jarik Conrad, EdD, SPHR, SHRM-CSP, NACD.DC, is vice president of the Human Insights team at UKG, which consists of former HR practitioners, business leaders, and consultants who are distinguished experts in the HCM field and uniquely qualified to help leadership teams reach their organizational goals. With an acute pulse on industry trends, best practices, and technological innovations, Jarik and his team serve as liaisons, trusted advisors, and thought leaders who help to shape HR industry conversations and direction. 

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

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In this episode, we talk about ways to develop and enhance career websites.

Bill's guest this time is Jim Taylor, Managing Director of HappyDance, a Ph.Creative company. HappyDance is an enterprise careers site platform with a mission to elevate your employer brand at every turn!

Jim is a digital innovator specializing in careers sites. Jim says his "true passion lies in discovering ingenious ways to optimize career site performance, enriching candidate experiences, and crafting stunning platforms that magnify (the) organization's employer brand."

Questions include:

• Tell us about the mission of HappyDance
• Where does the name HappyDance come from – it’s not a typical SaaS product name is it?
• On your LinkedIn page, you say "every day, I foster a culture that thrives on conquering challenges and delivering outstanding results." From a leadership perspective, what does it take to create and sustain an engaged culture of innovation?
• From your social posts, it looks like you're a big fan of RecFest. What makes it a special event? 
• What is the most fundamental element in designing an excellent candidate experience? And why do so many companies get it wrong?
• What advice would you offer to hiring managers and HR pros looking to do a better job of telling the story of their employer brand and attracting higher-quality candidates? 
• Can you name some brands that stand out for you as awesome employers? E.g. Domino's, ADP, NationWide, Pinterest.
• What in your opinion, are some of the opportunities for, and the best use of, AI and other technologies in the Talent Acquisition landscape?

We do our best to ensure editorial objectivity. The views and ideas shared by our guests and sponsors are entirely independent of The HR Gazette, HRchat Podcast and Iceni Media Inc.   

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Check out our in-person events

In this episode, Bill Banham talks with Jim Stroud about whether or not AI will replace recruiters. Listen as Jim offers his take on what functions of recruitment will and will not be replaced by the bots. 

Jim is the author of 5 HR-related books, producer of the YouTube series - "The Jim Stroud Show," and producer of "The Jim Stroud Podcast." He is also the creative mind behind "The Recruiting Life," a comic strip and newsletter about the world of work. More details highlighting his career, media citations, creative writing and public speaking events can be found on his blog, JimStroud.com.

Questions for Jim include: 

• How has AI changed, enhanced or diminished the ways you create content?
• You say you love ChatGPT. Why? 
• Recruiting is a relationship business and machines don't have feelings. So, recruiters are safe, right? 
• In some cases AI is replacing workers, how vulnerable are recruiters?
• What can recruiters do to remain valuable in the marketplace?
• AI can do so much, what stops it from ultimately replacing recruiters?
• Will AI replace podcasters? 

More About Jim Stroud

Jim has built expertise in sourcing and recruiting strategy, public speaking, lead generation, video production, podcasting, online research, competitive intelligence, online community management, and training.

He has consulted for such companies as Microsoft, Google, MCI, Siemens, Bernard Hodes Group (acquired by Findly), and a host of startup companies.


We do our best to ensure editorial objectivity. The views and ideas shared by our guests and sponsors are entirely independent of The HR Gazette, HRchat Podcast and Iceni Media Inc.   

Support the show

Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here.

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Check out our in-person events