Punk Rock HR – Details, episodes & analysis

Pat Wadors, an expert in the HR field, joins Laurie on Punk Rock HR to light the path from discovering a passion for human resources at just 19 to leading workplace cultures at giants like LinkedIn and UKG. Prepare to be inspired as Pat unpacks her insights into the critical role of managers in safeguarding employee well-being and the power of aligning corporate promises with reality. With stories from her tenure at LinkedIn and ServiceNow, Pat highlights how a commitment to culture and development can drive impressive business outcomes. Her vision for the future of HR prioritizes talent, leadership, and mental health, offering a roadmap for anyone eager to build healthy, high-performing workplaces. Navigating the dynamic landscapes of organizational change and growth, we explore the challenges and rewards of aligning leadership with a company's maturity curve. Pat emphasizes fostering inclusion and belonging as we consider the human cost of leadership transitions and cultural shifts. The conversation takes a creative turn, discussing using fables and folktales, like the story of Mulan, to impart valuable HR leadership lessons. Through this unique lens, we reflect on authenticity and the journey of learning from imperfections to lead effectively. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and insight for those passionate about transforming the workplace into a more inclusive and effective environment. In this episode, you will hear: Pat Wadors’s journey in HR, from discovering her passion at 19 to leading transformative cultures at LinkedIn and UKG Managers’ role in employee well-being and aligning corporate promises with reality Insights on navigating organizational change, emphasizing inclusion, belonging, and aligning leadership with a company's maturity curve The use of fables and folktales, such as Mulan, to teach HR leadership lessons The importance of authenticity and learning from imperfections Pat Wadors’s new book, "Unlocking Your Leadership Story," which uses fables to impart leadership lessons Driving change within traditional corporate structures and striving for high-performing, inclusive workplaces Fostering diverse perspectives to create better business outcomes The human cost of leadership transitions and cultural shifts Resources from this Episode Pat Wadors’s website: wadors.com Get the “Unlocking Your Leadership Story” book: amzn.to/3YzuVb5 Connect with Pat on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patwadors Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Can AI revolutionize how we lead and manage teams? On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie sits down with Jim Barnett and Marc Maloy of Wisq to explore this question. From their successful stint with Glint, where they became leaders in employee engagement, to their current mission at Wisq, Jim and Marc share how AI is opening up continuous, personalized coaching to a broader audience. This episode uncovers the pivotal manager-employee relationship and how AI can create a more dynamic and thriving workplace. We'll also unpack the practical applications of Wisq, a groundbreaking AI tool that provides managers with personalized coaching and expert advice within platforms like Slack and Teams. By focusing on soft skills like trust, authenticity, compassion, and empathy, Wisq aims to transform managers into more effective and people-centric leaders. Jim and Marc passionately discuss how these skills can be developed with the right tools and mindset, ultimately creating better workplace dynamics. Don't miss this deep dive into the evolving landscape of AI in leadership and management! In this episode, you will hear: AI-powered coaching for managers: continuous, personalized support The importance of manager-employee relationships and enhancing workplace dynamics Introducing Wisq, an AI tool integrated with Slack and Teams for managerial coaching An emphasis on soft skills: trust, empathy, and a service-oriented leadership approach A discussion on whether good management skills are innate or can be learned AI's role in making difficult conversations easier and encouraging honest feedback Insights on the ideal customer profile for Wisq The impact of AI on managerial effectiveness Resources from this Episode Visit the Wisq website: wisq.com  Connect with Marc Maloy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marcmaloy Connect with Jim Barnett on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jim-barnett-a5312 Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

Have you ever felt tongue-tied or had your mind blank in the middle of a conversation? You're not alone. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, you’ll get strategies to conquer those moments. Laurie’s guest is communication expert Matt Abrahams, who unpacks the essentials of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. They explore the science of crafting messages that resonate with audiences and the power of speech variation to keep their attention rapt. This isn't just another chat about talking; it's an arsenal of techniques to transform anyone into a communication pro – debunking the myth that you're either born with it or you're not. Matt and Laurie also get real about the sweaty palms and racing hearts that come with high-stakes communication. From revealing HR policies to pitching business ideas to the toughest crowds, Matt shares methods to cope and shine. Controlled breathing, focus grouping, ditching filler words – they cover it all, ensuring you walk away poised to present with confidence. And for those wondering about the fine line between authenticity and performance, they tackle that, too. Plug in and prepare to level up your communication skills – and possibly your entire approach to engaging with others. In this episode, you will hear: Strategies from Think Faster, Talk Smarter for improving engagement by tailoring messages and varying speech Overcoming the myth that effective communication is innate Effective communication is an acquirable skill applicable in various speaking situations Techniques for conveying ideas to skeptical audiences and managing anxiety, like controlled breathing and palm cooling Authenticity in communication How focusing on connecting rather than performing leads to more genuine interactions Exploring the “Talk Smarter” method, a six-step approach that includes mindset shifts and message structuring for spontaneous speaking Practical tips on anxiety management and effective communication, such as focus grouping, removing hedging language, and practicing delivery Listening well by giving pace, space, and grace to fully understand and respond to communication in the moment Resources from this Episode Visit Matt Abrahams’ website: MattAbrahams.com Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maabrahams Get Matt’s book: amzn.to/48NKpub Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, my guest is Dr. Nick Taylor, founder, and CEO of Unmind. Today’s conversation talks about how to empower your employees with evidence-based digital tools that manage and improve their mental wellbeing, the role of leadership and what wellbeing is, and whether or not there is an optimal way to operate in the world. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/take-control-of-your-mental-wellbeing-with-dr-nick-taylor

My guest in today’s episode is Ted Nielsen, vice president of product management at UKG. Tune in as we converse about all kinds of things, from classic languages and individual motivations to ethical AI and the future of work. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/ethical-ai-the-future-of-work-with-ted-nielsen

In this episode, Bret Starr, founder and CEO of The Starr Conspiracy, talks about the distinction between HR and work, the future of human resources, and how adopting the “reverse mullet” concept can increase your employee’s overall happiness. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

In this week's episode of Punk Rock HR, Kristy McCann Flynn shares her career journey, the exact moment she decided enough is enough in HR and why she felt compelled to go on an entrepreneurial journey to fix work at a higher level. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Star Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

In this week’s episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m joined by best-selling author and repeat guest, Minda Harts. We are discussing her struggles within a broken work system, her efforts to fight against that and how she’s giving a voice to those who haven’t been heard in the past. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Star Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m focusing on middle age and your career. Most importantly, anyone who is middle-aged can be a career-focused individual and stay on the good side of management while maintaining their dignity and fueling their soul.

In this episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m unpacking the mindset of knowing that your work is not your worth as I prepare for the launch of the paperback version of “Betting on You.”