Explore every episode of the podcast SpeakEasy HR

In this energizing episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by the dynamic team behind "But, First Coffee"—John and Jackye—for a feel-good, real-talk conversation about something every workplace needs more of: celebration. We dive into how leaders and teams can intentionally encourage, recognize, and celebrate the good times—big or small—and why that matters more than ever in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment. From spontaneous shoutouts to structured recognition, we explore how celebration creates connection, boosts morale, and helps build resilient, people-first cultures.Plus—we’re celebrating a milestone of our own: ONE YEAR of SpeakEasy HR! 🎉 So grab your favorite cup of coffee and join us as we talk about:Why celebration isn’t fluff—it’s fuelWays to make recognition personal and meaningfulHow to celebrate without a big budgetEncouraging joy, gratitude, and connection at workBecause when we take time to celebrate what’s good, we create workplaces where people want to stay, grow, and thrive.

What really defines effective leadership today—and how can leaders spark transformation that actually sticks? In this powerful episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by Jordyne Carmack, the Owner & CEO of AuthentiLead, a boutique leadership development firm known for energizing teams, enhancing creativity, and achieving remarkable outcomes. Jordyne brings a fresh, engaging perspective on leadership that’s aligned, connected, and—most importantly—enjoyable.We’ll explore how values, emotional intelligence, and intentional connection create the cornerstone of strong leadership—and how even small shifts in how we lead can make a big impact on performance, culture, and morale. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a people manager, or simply passionate about leadership growth, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and energize you. Expect real-world stories, actionable insights, and a few laughs along the way.

🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative continues in the afternoon with a fresh round of impactful interviews featuring industry leaders who are shaking up how we think about recruiting, leadership, performance, and workplace culture.At 2:25, Kim Dube of ReFlex Recruiting dives into how organizations can build a Recruiting Culture of Agility, sharing strategies for staying responsive and effective in a fast-changing talent landscape. Then at 2:40, Kristie Dierig, founder of Every Spark, delivers an energizing conversation around her session It’s Time to Be Disruptive!—challenging traditional thinking and encouraging bold moves in HR.At 2:55, leadership coach and consultant Todd Bertsch explores The Power of Discomfort and Small Shifts, offering practical insights into how stepping out of our comfort zones can fuel real growth—for ourselves and our teams.After a brief break, the conversations ramp back up at 3:30 with Kathleen Snyder of Clark Schaefer Strategic HR, who shares how Targeted Skill Development can unlock higher performance and long-term retention. Closing out the day at 3:45 is Becky Foster, also from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR, leading a meaningful discussion on Civility in the Workplace—why it matters now more than ever, and how to bring it back into our daily work culture.These 15-minute episodes are fast, focused, and full of real-world value—perfect for today’s busy HR pros. Be sure to tune in and catch the bold ideas and authentic voices shaping the future of work. 

🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative is bringing you exclusive 15-minute interviews with some of the event’s most dynamic and thought-provoking speakers.I sit down with each guest for quick, insightful conversations that dig deeper into their sessions, leadership philosophies, and real-time takeaways from the event floor.At 11:00am, Andre Young, author and keynote speaker, kicks things off with a powerful look at the 7 Professional Languages of Leadership, sharing how leaders can improve connection and communication across teams. At 11:15, Kathy Seidel from MRA breaks down the key to Mastering Retention in today’s ever-shifting workforce—exploring what loyalty looks like in 2025.The momentum continues at 11:30 with Scott McGohan of one Morning, who explores why Culture is an Inside Job and how organizations can transform from the inside out. At 11:45, Sammie Kelly, founder of Beyond Neurodiversity, shares lessons in leadership and training from the neurodiverse community—focusing on how to recognize and leverage the unique strengths of every team member.Wrapping up the live lineup at 12:00, Jen Beck of Complete Health Revolution brings fresh insight on Redefining Corporate Wellness, balancing real employee well-being with results that matter to the bottom line.These rapid-fire interviews are packed with energy, ideas, and inspiration—don’t miss this special edition of SpeakEasy HR, live from one of the year’s most impactful HR events! 

🚀 Creativity in HR: Shattering Policies & Procedures 🚀Is HR stuck in a policy-and-procedure mindset? 🤔 Or is there room for creativity, innovation, and bold new approaches?This week on SpeakEasy HR, we spoke about Creativity in HR with the incredible Dr. Melanie Peacock, author of "HR Can Be Murder"! 🎙️🔥 Are policies meant to be broken?🔥 How can HR professionals rethink “the way things have always been done”?🔥 What happens when innovation meets compliance?Dr. Peacock shared fresh, fearless insights on balancing structure with creativity—and why breaking the mold might just be the best thing for today’s workforce.💡 HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about people, adaptability, and evolution. Let’s talk about it!

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Ethics in Hiring & Effective Interviewing with Katherine McCord This week on SpeakEasyHR, we sit down with the incredible Katherine McCord—HR consultant, dynamic speaker, and fierce advocate for ethical, inclusive hiring. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it truly means to hire with integrity in today’s ever-evolving workforce. Katherine brings the heat with practical insights on:✅ Building fair and inclusive interview processes✅ Avoiding common hiring missteps✅ Reducing bias in decision-making✅ Creating a culture of ethical accountability from day one Whether you're an HR leader, a hiring manager, or someone who cares about doing things the right way—this episode is for you.

Traci Austin, Chief Talent Officer with Elevated Talent Consulting, joined me for a game-changing conversation on Turning Complaints Into Requests.In this episode, we explored: ✅ How to shift workplace complaints into productive conversations✅ Practical strategies for leaders to foster a solutions-focused culture✅ The impact of reframing challenges on engagement and retention

Jeff Palkowski, State Director of the Wisconsin State Council SHRM, joins me to dive into The Power of Connectivity in HR and explore how building strong connections can transform workplace culture, boost engagement, and drive success.💡 What to Expect:✅ Real-world insights on the impact of networking and relationship-building in HR✅ Strategies for fostering authentic connections within your organization✅ How connectivity can be a game-changer for both HR professionals and employeesWhether you're an HR pro, a business leader, or simply passionate about creating meaningful connections at work, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Terry Wilson joins me to explore the Seven Essential Skills for Effective Leaders. With over 40 years of experience and his current role as Training & Development Practice Manager at Clark Shaefer Strategic HR, Terry shares invaluable insights on what it takes to lead with impact in today’s ever-evolving workplace. To learn more, visit https://strategichrinc.com/

In this episode, Andy Matthews—Director of Golf Performance at Neuropeak Pro, former professional golfer, entrepreneur, and certified business coach—shared powerful insights on how mastering breathing can help leaders overcome stress and perform under pressure. Drawing from his experiences coaching elite athletes, leading businesses, and navigating his own entrepreneurial journey, Andy explains the science behind stress and its impact on decision-making and performance in high-pressure situations. He introduces simple yet effective breathing techniques to help leaders stay calm, focused, and resilient, offering practical tools to enhance leadership and thrive in both business and life.

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we explored the evolving landscape of HR compliance in 2025 and beyond. As a seasoned HR leader and compliance expert, Sabrina shares valuable insights on how businesses can navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment while staying proactive and prepared. To learn more about Sabrina, visit www.sabrinalouisa.com

Chris McClure, author of The Magnetic Leader, shared key insights from his book, which outlines 18 essential actions that make leaders truly inspiring and easy to follow. He discussed why magnetic leadership is more important than ever in today’s workplace, where engagement and retention are major challenges. By embodying these principles, leaders can foster stronger connections, boost team morale, and create a thriving work culture. Find his work at www.mcclurecoaching.com

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by special guest Diane Allen for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to lead with purpose and elevate employee engagement. Diane shares actionable insights on how leaders can tap into their purpose to stay energized, focused, and effective—especially in today’s fast-paced workplace. If you’re looking to boost performance, inspire your team, and show up as your best self, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

🚀 AI in HR & Talent: Are We Asking the Right Questions? 🤖Think you're up to speed on the latest AI trends in HR and talent? Tim Sackett, President of HRU Technical Resources, joined me for a deep dive into how AI is truly shaping the future of our industry.The real challenge? We haven’t been asking the right questions. In this conversation, we tackle the ones that really matter—questions that drive impact, innovation, and smarter decision-making in HR and talent strategy.

Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s Inc., joined me to explore the power of human connection in an AI-driven, tech-filled workplace. He is a true HR rock star and legend in the industry! 🌟 What to expect:Steve shared inspiring insights and stories about getting out from behind your desk, building genuine relationships, and truly enjoying the work you do alongside your team.Don’t miss this powerful conversation about balancing technology with the human touch.!

Tim Hagen, President of Progress Coaching, joined me to share how leaders can coach better and partner with HR to foster a positive workplace culture—reducing conflict and driving meaningful change.

Nicole Roberts, Founder and President of People Solutions Group, joined me to talk about an important topic for managers and leaders. The Gift of Delegation, Empowering and Trusting Your Team.Delegation is a powerful tool for empowering and trusting your team. Delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks; it’s about fostering growth, building trust, and unlocking your team’s potential. We’ll discuss why effective delegation is essential for leaders, how it strengthens team dynamics, and tips to overcome the fear of letting go. Learn how to delegate with clarity, ensure accountability, and create an environment where your team thrives. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, this episode will inspire you to embrace delegation as a cornerstone of success!

Get ready for 2025! 🎉 Sammie Kelly, owner of Beyond Neurodiversity, joined me to share game-changing insights on inclusive HR strategies for the year ahead. Don’t miss this episode packed with tips to build a workplace where everyone thrives! 💡✨

In this episode, I’m joined by John Bernatovicz, founder of Willory and author of HR Like a Boss. Together, we uncover the transformative potential of HR, diving into strategies to enhance workplace experiences, reignite employee engagement, and fuel business success. John shares powerful insights on how thoughtful HR practices can extend beyond the workplace, positively impacting communities and addressing critical issues like suicide. Tune in for an eye-opening and inspiring conversation about leveraging HR to drive meaningful, lasting change.

Are you a member of your local Chamber of Commerce? Are you taking full advantage of the benefits it offers and actively engaging with its programs? Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance, joined me to highlight how Chamber membership goes far beyond the basics, offering valuable opportunities and resources.

Kendra Ramirez, CEO of KR Digital Agency, joined me to talk about the future of AI and HR trends for 2025. She share details about her past and she started in the world of AI. Hope you listen and learn something to apply back to your role!

Do you recognize the signs of burnout? Struggling to proactively address burnout within your organization? In this episode, Dr. Paul DeChant shares his expert insights, drawn from over 25 years of experience in various roles, primarily within the healthcare industry. Now, Dr. DeChant focuses on combating burnout across all sectors, leveraging his wealth of knowledge and experience to make a lasting impact.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Towers, the owner of HR Avenger, about a powerful topic: leadership and the importance of silencing the lies that hold us back from becoming our best selves. Michael is deeply committed to empowering HR professionals to confront the often-overlooked mental health challenges within their organizations. Get ready to be inspired and take actionable steps to improve not just your own well-being, but also that of those around you!

Starting the month long one-year podcast anniversary with a bang!Peter Phelan—Your favorite HR Comedian’s favorite HR Comedian—is bringing the humor and the heat in our latest episode:"HR Comedy: What's Your Net Mirth? HumoR in HR!"We dive into the lighter (and laugh-out-loud) side of Human Resources with a conversation packed full of:💼 Why humor belongs in the workplace😂 How laughter builds connection and boosts culture🔥 Hilarious real-life HR moments (yes, they exist!)🛠️ Tips for leading with levity—even when things get heavyIf you’ve ever rolled your eyes at mandatory fun or needed a laugh between policy updates, this one’s for YOU. Come for the insights, stay for the punchlines. 

If you're in HR, you won’t want to miss this fantastic episode featuring an incredible guest! Jennifer McClure, CEO of Unbridled Talent and Disrupt HR, joined me to discuss how HR can evolve beyond the role of policy enforcer and the traditional hiring and firing functions. Her insights and advice are genuinely inspiring for anyone in the HR field or those considering a career shift into this dynamic profession.

How would you rate your culture? Does it attract top talent and help retain your best employees? Are you losing good people because of the culture? Do you know how to even address culture issues? Bruce Manchion with Trinity Advanced Leadership joined me LIVE on October 21 and provided some amazing insight to the world of culture. Make sure to contact Bruce if you liked his episode and need his help. You can learn more about Bruce at https://www.trinlead.com/

What is an HR partner? What role does HR play in your organization? Jamie Bierman from HR Elements joined me to talk about why an HR Partner is so important in every business.

About my guest: Roberta Matuson has over 25 years of experience in helping Fortune 500 companies, small to medium-size businesses achieve dramatic growth and market leadership through the maximization of talent. Businesses she's worked with include General Motors, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and The Boston Beer Company. She is author of seven books on talent and leadership, and a contributor to HBR, Forbes & Fast Company. Roberta is joining me to talk live about Talent Magnetism and provides some amazing insight on the world of attracting and retaining talent.

Join me as I talk with Brock Mealer, to hear his powerful story about redefining the impossible. After a life changing car accident, he was given a 1% chance to ever walk again. He defined all odds, found the strength to keep going, now embodies a spirit of hope and resilience. Prepare to be inspired and motivated!

I dive into ways someone can become a brilliant manager with President of Adventure Bright, Jill McCarthy. She offers several core elements for managers to consider focusing on to be better in their role. She also offers a training program called the Brilliant Manager Program.

Having employee engagement issues at work? Listen to Cathleen Snyder, Director of Training & Development, talk all about it. Hear her tips and advice to help your company improve employee engagement!

Join me as Bruce Waller talks about his work in HR, writing and his topic about moving your career beyond success to significance. Had a great time talking with Bruce on this topic!

I was joined by my friend Gary Mertz from MRA to talk about ageism in the workforce. Come hang out with us as we dive into this important topic in the current working landscape and learn how you can apply awareness to your personal situation.

Top Shelf Topic: Motivation - How to Keep the Spark Alive Guest: Lance Miller, Coffee With Champions We dive into the topic of motivation and how to really bring it alive in your life. Skip through the first two minutes of the live countdown to start the show! Enjoy!

On this week’s SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with Dr. Angela Crawford—an accomplished leadership strategist, consultant, and author of Leaders SUCCEED Together.Angela shares her Superpower Pyramid framework, revealing how leaders and organizations can tap into purpose, passion, and performance to drive real results. With experience leading a 23-country study on workplace motivation and a career spanning Fortune 500 companies, academia, and consulting, she brings a global perspective and practical wisdom.You’ll walk away with insights on building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of growth, and leading with clarity and heart.

Guest: John Baldino, Humareso Topic: Dynamic HR

Guest: Scott McGohan, One Morning Topic: Bringing Life to Mental Health Scott brings up his journey as a business owner, the personal mental health struggles he faced and how he has come to create a new company called One Morning. Tune in for a compelling topic that hits a lot of people to relate with Scott.

In this insightful episode of SpeakEasy HR, we welcome Erich Kurschat, a respected voice in the HR community, to dive into the power and importance of diverse communication styles in the workplace. As the founder of Harmony Insights and HRHotSeat, Erich brings a wealth of experience helping individuals and teams better understand themselves—and each other—through the lens of personality and communication.Get ready to push yourself beyond your comfort zone as we challenge assumptions, embrace differences, and uncover what it really takes to lead and connect in today’s workplace.Whether you're an HR pro, a team leader, or someone looking to grow in emotional intelligence, this episode offers practical takeaways and thoughtful reflections to help you build stronger connections at work—one conversation at a time. 

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sat down with Sean Luitjens from Salary.com to explore how the role of payroll has evolved—and why it’s becoming a more strategic player in the total rewards conversation. Gone are the days when payroll was seen as purely transactional. Today, it’s a critical part of how organizations attract, retain, and engage their workforce. Sean broke down how technology, data, and transparency are transforming payroll into a powerful lever for compensation strategy, internal equity, and employee satisfaction. 🔍 Topics We Covered: The intersection of payroll and total rewards strategy How pay transparency is shifting expectations Why payroll teams should have a seat at the table Trends shaping compensation and HR tech Actionable advice for HR leaders and payroll professionals If you’re in HR, payroll, or total rewards—or simply trying to understand how pay drives performance—this episode was packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

This week on SpeakEasy HR, I was joined by the incredible Neil Thompson — engineer, Inc. Magazine contributor, children’s book author, speaker, and founder of Teach the Geek. We got into why strong communication skills are a game-changer for leadership, career growth, and especially for those in technical fields. From boardrooms to classrooms, Neil shares how mastering your message can elevate your impact.If you're looking to grow your influence, lead with clarity, or simply speak with more confidence — this one's for you

When we talk about the "experience" at work, it’s usually focused on employees — but what about the people who advocate for them every day?In this episode, we flip the script and take a closer look at the experience of HR itself. I’m joined by Jennifer DuPont, a passionate HR leader who shares her insights on what it really means to be the voice for employees, balancing organizational needs while championing people-first practices.We dive into:✅ How HR shapes the employee experience behind the scenes✅ The challenges (and rewards) of being an advocate for employees✅ Why the HR experience matters for building a strong, supportive workplaceIt’s a real, honest conversation you won’t want to miss — full of takeaways whether you’re in HR, leadership, or just passionate about creating better workplaces.

Not every workplace disagreement or discomfort equals a "toxic culture." So how do we separate real toxicity from miscommunication, growth pains, or mismatched expectations?In this powerful episode of SpeakEasy HR, Keith Wilson joined me for a real, no-fluff conversation about the overuse of the word "toxic," how it's impacting workplaces, and what leaders and employees can do to create clarity, accountability, and healthier work environments.We dive into:✅ Why labeling everything as toxic is a problem✅ How to handle tough conversations and feedback✅ The difference between a bad day and a bad culture✅ Strategies to shift the workplace narrative—for goodWhether you're in HR, leadership, or just navigating your own work story, this one’s worth a listen

In this episode of Top Shelf Topic, we sit down with Damon Clark, Founder of Talent Optimizers, to explore how organizations can build high-performing teams by leveraging data, behavioral science, and sustainable development strategies.Damon shares his insights on how data-driven approaches can help leaders strategically prioritize focus areas, monitor progress, and maximize ROI. He explains why traditional development initiatives often fail and how Talent Optimizers’ programs are designed for sustained impact, integrating learning into daily practices to ensure long-term results.Listeners will also learn about the power of science-backed development, combining behavioral science and neuroscience insights to enhance outcomes, and how these programs can now train at scale, extending beyond leadership to every level of the organization to foster a shared language and culture.Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or executive, this episode offers actionable strategies for aligning talent, optimizing team performance, and driving organizational success with data-informed insights.Tune in to discover how to move from theory to practice and create teams that don’t just perform—but thrive. Check out the Free Talen Strategy Assessment offer! A $3000 value to SpeakEasy HR listeners. https://www.talentoptimizers.com/free-team-strategy-session

In this episode, I’m joined by Christie Engler, a passionate HR leader and champion of people-centric workplace culture, to explore why HR’s greatest advantage in 2026 won’t be technology — it will be humanity.With 20 years of hands-on HR experience across industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and nonprofit work, Christie brings real-world insight into what it truly takes to build strong teams and meaningful employee experiences. We talk about leading with intention, supporting people through change, and why putting employees first isn’t optional — it’s essential. Christie also shares her commitment to advancing the HR profession through mentoring, speaking, and her blog Living in the Gray, along with lessons learned from being a two-time small business owner — experience that gives her a deep appreciation for the realities leaders face every day. This conversation is honest, energizing, and forward-looking — a reminder that while tools and trends will evolve, HR’s human edge remains the differentiator.  Catch Christie on the upcoming HR Cruise! https://hrcruise.com/2026/Cruise2/index.cfm

In this episode, we’re joined by Casey Webster, CEO and Founder of My HR Extension, for a conversation on aligning business goals with HR strategies for 2026. Casey shares how leaders can start preparing now—by connecting their people strategy to long-term growth, fostering stronger engagement, and using data to guide smarter workforce decisions.Get ready for practical insights and forward-thinking ideas to help your HR strategy fuel your business success in 2026 and beyond.

Recording LIVE on Oct. 13, 2025 In this eye-opening conversation, we sat down with Matt Charney, Executive Editor at ERE Media & Media Bistro — one of the most respected voices in talent acquisition. Top Shelf Topic: Are Employers Acquiring Talent or Inventory? Matt shared sharp insights into the subtle ways hiring practices have slipped into a purely transactional mindset and why the words we use — talent vs. inventory — have a deeper impact than most leaders realize. Together, we explored: How data-driven recruiting has both helped and hurt the human side of hiring The cultural and leadership habits that either elevate people as unique talent or reduce them to “headcount” Metrics that truly measured talent value, not just time-to-fill Practical advice for job seekers who want to join organizations that invest in people, not just fill positions What AI, automation, and the gig economy have meant for the future of “talent-first” hiring Whether you were a business leader, recruiter, or job seeker, this episode challenged listeners to rethink how organizations define — and value — the people who power their success. To connect with Matt, visit https://mattcharney.com/.

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we welcome Steven Rothberg from CollegeRecruiter.com for a conversation that’s as timely as it is thought-provoking.Steven’s Top Shelf Topic dives into a question on every recruiter’s and graduate’s mind: How will artificial intelligence reshape early career opportunities?Together we explore:What kinds of entry-level roles are most likely to change—or even disappear—as AI adoption acceleratesWhen these shifts are expected to have the biggest impact on job seekers and employersWhere the most promising opportunities will emerge for the next generation of talentWhether you’re an HR leader, a hiring manager, or a student preparing to launch your career, Steven’s insights will help you anticipate the future—and position yourself (and your organization) to thrive.Tune in for a clear-eyed look at the future of early career work in the age of AI.

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by the one and only William Tincup—editor, analyst, advisor, and the dynamic host of the WRKdefined podcast community.It’s an ask-me-anything conversation, and nothing is off limits:💡 The future of HR and talent strategy🤖 How AI is reshaping the workplace🎧 Insights on podcasting, audience-building, and authentic storytelling📈 His perspective on business trends and what leaders need to know nextWilliam brings a wealth of knowledge and candid insight, making this a must-listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone curious about where work is headed.So pull up a seat in the speakeasy and join us for a fun, insightful conversation that’s equal parts wisdom and wit

Recorded live on September 15, 2025. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sat down with the founder of Monster.com—one of the most groundbreaking job boards in history—and now the visionary behind the newest platform, Boomband. With decades of experience shaping how people search for jobs and how employers find talent, he shares insights on the evolution of job boards, what’s changed in the hiring landscape, and where recruiting technology is headed next. We discussed: 1. The early days of Monster.com and lessons from building a category-defining platform.2. The biggest shifts in how candidates and employers connect today.3. What inspired the launch of Boomband and how it reimagines the job search experience.4. What HR leaders should be paying attention to as technology reshapes recruiting. We even discovered some of Jeff’s boldest marketing stunts from his days at Monster—including setting a world record for water-skiing behind a blimp. Don’t miss the full story in this episode! If you’ve ever posted a job, searched for one, or wondered what’s next in the talent marketplace, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Learn more about Boomband at https://boomband.com/

In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of work with guest John McCarthy, Founder & CEO at AGI Management. Together, we explore the new psychology of work—how shifting employee expectations, workplace culture, and leadership practices are reshaping the way people find meaning and motivation in their careers. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or employee looking to better understand the changing dynamics of work, this episode offers practical strategies and thought-provoking perspectives on building healthier, more human-centered organizations. To learn more about AGI Management, http://www.agi.jobs Check out this special "SpeakEasy " offer from John! https://agimanagement.com/retention-risk-snapshot?utm=speakeasyhr