HRchat Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

How much of your benefits budget actually helps people live and work better?

In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham sits down with David Duckworth, Co-Founder and COO at Ben, to explore why so much global benefits spend gets wasted—and how a smarter, more human approach can turn perks into performance.

David draws on his background in payments, financial services, and HR tech to reframe benefits as what they really are: complex, recurring payments that deserve the same precision and transparency as payroll. That mindset, he argues, is key to building cleaner, simpler, and more impactful experiences for employees everywhere.

The conversation covers:

• The shift from work-life balance to work-life integration—and how policy design must evolve
• How Ben encourages real-time off and embeds wellbeing into daily workflows
• Why boldness and resilience define great hires and high-performing teams
• The mechanics of fixing a fragmented benefits ecosystem with AI, automation, and open architecture
• How to measure ROI in practical ways—through adoption, engagement, experience scores, and retention impact

We also preview Disrupt London 25.0, hosted at Ben on November 12, 2025, and discuss why bringing innovators together accelerates progress in employee experience and HR tech.

If you’re rethinking your benefits strategy or building the next generation of workplace experience, this conversation is your playbook.

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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.

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Policy headwinds are rising, but the work still needs doing. In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham sits down with Pavel Shynkarenko, founder of Mellow, to unpack the ripple effects of proposed H-1B and L-1 visa reforms—and a possible 25% outsourcing levy—on the global freelance and contractor economy.

Pavel has spent more than 20 years in financial and HR technology, building platforms that help freelancers access fair pay, benefits, and social protections on par with employees. He brings a pragmatic, data-informed view of how these policy changes could reshape the cost calculus for U.S. employers, HR leaders, and cross-border teams in 2025 and beyond.

Together, Bill and Pavel explore how tightening U.S. visa policies could unintentionally accelerate the shift toward remote-first and distributed workforces. When companies face rising administrative costs or talent shortages at home, they often turn to Employer of Record (EOR) and Contractor of Record (COR) models to stay compliant while continuing to access top talent worldwide. Pavel walks through the hidden math behind total landed cost—how everything from currency fluctuations to social contributions can alter hiring decisions—and why the real bottleneck isn’t policy, but supply: there simply aren’t enough local workers to replace the global freelance engine that powers innovation.

The conversation then turns to platform evolution. Legacy marketplaces once promised cheaper rates through mass competition, but that model no longer serves enterprise needs. Today, trust, verified track records, and long-term fit matter far more. Pavel explains how Mellow is redefining the space by using AI and behavioral data to connect companies with freelancers they’re statistically more likely to succeed with—based on shared networks, past project outcomes, and verified credentials. This AI-first approach also simplifies complex backend tasks such as KYC, tax, and payments across 100+ countries, giving HR teams one compliance-ready platform to manage their distributed workforce.

Bill and Pavel also compare U.S. protectionist trends with Europe’s fragmented response. Some countries, especially those with aging populations and shrinking workforces, may loosen immigration for high-skill talent, while others tighten entry. The result? A global balancing act where companies must blend onshore, nearshore, and offshore strategies to

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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.

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In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Craig Saxby, HR Solutions Director at Morson Talent.

Craig is a recruitment leader passionate about building high-performing teams and helping HR leaders navigate complex people and talent challenges. At Morson, he partners with Chief People Officers, HR Directors, and Talent Leaders to design and deliver strategic solutions—spanning RPO, outsourced HR, screening and vetting, and Morson Training.

The conversation covers:

• Craig’s career journey and what drives his passion for developing high-performing HR and talent functions
• The biggest challenges HR Directors and Chief People Officers are facing right now
• How Morson supports organisations through services like RPO, outsourced HR, and workforce training
• The significance of Morson Group’s appointment to the Procurement Services HR Support Services Framework (Y25006), which makes it easier for public sector organisations to access expert HR solutions
• Why Morson is hosting the next edition of Disrupt Manchester on September 24th and what excites Craig about the event series
• The future of HR and recruitment, including opportunities for innovation around AI, automation, and addressing skills shortages

You’ll also hear about Morson’s role in supporting local business community events and Craig’s practical advice for HR leaders tasked with doing more with less in today’s climate.

Listen in to get insights on evolving HR and talent solutions—and discover how Morson Talent is helping organisations improve people and performance.

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 HRchat episode 760, we look ahead to Disrupt Manchester happening this evening. Joining Bill on the pod is Jon Sleightholme, Disrupt Manchester speaker and Director of Talent Acquisition Solutions at NFP, an Aon Company.

Listen as Jon shares how his evolution from a professional rugby player to a corporate leader is filled with lessons from the sports world. Discover how the relentless pursuit of marginal gains and constant improvement can revolutionize talent acquisition and HR strategies. Jon sheds light on the impact coaches and leaders have in both arenas by unlocking individuals' potential through understanding their unique motivations.

John also offers a glimpse into his Disrupt Manchester session on the "Wild West" of talent acquisition, inspired by his love for Western films.

About Disrupt Manchester, Nov 6th

Join us after day 1 of the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition for networking and fast-paced presentations focused on improving the #worldofwork.

The format: Local business experts will present for 5 minutes each. It's fast-paced, entertaining, and lots of fun! Check out the latest Disrupt lightning talks from around the world to get a feel for what to expect.

Get your tickets here. 

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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The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE) is happening next week! Joining Bill Banham on the pod is CIPD 2024 panelist and Principal Consultant at Woosh Ltd, Woosh Raza.

Woosh shares his remarkable career path from private banking to founding Woosh Limited. Woosh's dedication to fostering meaningful, high-trust conversations propelled him into impactful HR roles within the healthcare and not-for-profit sectors. With a commitment to values like equality, diversity, and inclusion, Woosh has become a passionate advocate for transformative change in HR.

Woosh also talks about the panel he'll be on at ACE and some of the speakers he's excited to see on November 6 and 7 at Manchester Central Convention Complex.

Join us for a great conversation about the charity sector with Woosh, chair of Radical Recruits and trustee for the Charity HR Network. Discover how Radical Recruits is reshaping recruitment by supporting marginalized groups and reinvesting in its social mission. Woosh also sheds light on the unique resources offered by the Charities HR Network, the only membership group dedicated to HR leaders in the charity space.

About CIPD

The CIPD is a professional body for world of work experts. The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE) is a two-day event that's a major HR event of the year. It's a highly-anticipated networking event for people professionals from around the world. The conference features speakers, exhibitors, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and more.

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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Today we unlock some of the secrets of modern compensation strategies and the transformative power of pay transparency with our special guest, Trapper Yates, VP of Global Compensation for HP.

Trapper brings his expert insights on managing equitable pay structures for HP's vast workforce and how his team navigates the complexities of global compensation across 60 countries. Discover how HP is tackling new legislation mandating salary range postings and the positive ripple effects this transparency has on closing the gender pay gap and promoting fairness within the company.

Bob Goodwin and Trapper also spotlight a fascinating study examining the impact of pay transparency on California state government employees. Learn how transparent pay ranges can influence employee satisfaction, turnover intentions, and the crucial role of managers in discussing compensation openly. More importantly, we explore the growing trend of skills-based hiring, advocating for the recognition of potential over traditional qualifications and the alignment of job roles with the actual skills of employees.

Our conversation takes a deeper dive into HP’s innovative tools like the Career Hub, designed to enhance internal mobility by matching employees’ skills and aspirations with suitable roles. Trapper shares the importance of measuring proficiency, especially for essential soft skills, and how documented experience distinguishes candidates. As we explore the hiring landscape, you'll gain valuable perspectives on the advantages of internal versus external candidates, the role of AI, and the necessity of reducing bias in hiring decisions. Finally, we underline the significance of balancing competency with visibility for continuous professional development and career growth.

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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Ever wonder how improv can change your life? In this HRchat episode Lynda Goodfriend joins Bill Banham to unpack the magic of acting and improv classes and how lessons can be taken into the office.

Lynda Goodfriend is an American actress who is perhaps best known for playing Lori Beth Cunningham (née Allen), Richie's girlfriend then wife on the TV sitcom Happy Days.

Having built lasting connections with legends like Ron Howard and Henry Winkler, Lynda shares fond memories and lessons from her time on the iconic sitcom. She brings to light the power of improvisation, recounting a friend’s inspiring journey from stage fright to public speaking prowess. Through personal stories, we highlight how embracing life’s spontaneity can boost your confidence and communication skills.

As the great Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli once said, "A positive attitude can really make dreams come true." Lynda exemplifies this attitude and shares good vibes as she discusses how acting classes nurture authenticity and vulnerability, crucial traits for personal growth and leadership. From quick thinking to creative expression, these skills transcend the stage and are invaluable in any profession. 

Our guest from the New York Film Academy wraps up the episode by sharing insights from their experience teaching both acting and directing, encouraging a broader audience to explore these transformative practices. 

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 latest episode of the HRchat pod, we try to unlock the secret to turning people metrics into business success. Joining Bob Goodwin on the show this time is Kevin McDonald, VP of People Services and Insights at the EW Scripps Company.

Tune in to discover how a company that's been around since the days of the Penny Press has transformed its HR operations to thrive in today's digital age. Kevin delves into the tangible costs of employee turnover and reveals how HR analytics can provide the insights needed to steer organizational success. From managing teams to creating a culture that resonates even in remote work settings, Kevin offers a wealth of knowledge that every HR and business leader will find invaluable.

Listen as Bob and Kevin Explore the future of business operations with a special focus on the role of AI, both in the workplace and everyday life. Kevin shares a personal story about planning a family trip using AI, demonstrating its practical and transformative potential. 

Bob and Kevin also discuss how AI tools are revolutionizing areas like survey analysis and job description creation. 

Whether you're an HR professional, a manager, or just fascinated by the intersection of technology and human resources, this episode promises actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions. Tune in to learn how to empower your people leaders and leverage AI to elevate your business operations.

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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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

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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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.

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