All About HR

Welcome back to All About HR! In this episode, host Laura Hundley sits down with Ed Brzychcy, a versatile expert with a career spanning the military, academia, and entrepreneurship. Ed shares his wealth of experience in consulting organizations on building effective teams, executing new strategies, and fostering innovative mindsets.

Ed delves into the intricacies of organizational culture, defining it as the unspoken norms and behaviors that unify a team. He discusses the importance of intentional culture-building led by top-down leadership and the challenges organizations face in maintaining a cohesive culture, especially in mature organizations.

The conversation also touches on the impact of hybrid work models on organizational culture and the emerging digital divide. Ed shares best practices for integrating remote employees and emphasizes the importance of gratitude and active engagement in team-building.

Join us for an insightful discussion on how to create a thriving organizational culture that enhances the employee experience and drives long-term success. Don't miss Ed's valuable tips and inspiring stories from his consulting and teaching journey.

Stay tuned for more engaging conversations and expert insights on All About HR!

Where to find Ed:

Website - leadfromthefront.net

Linkedin: Ed Brzychcy

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

In this episode of 'All About HR', host Laura Hundley delves into the transformative potential of AI in human resources with expert Michelle LeFavor. With over 15 years at top consumer brands like Nike and Wayfair, Michelle now focuses on AI adoption, helping organizations enhance productivity and creativity. They discuss AI's role in applicant tracking, job requisition writing, bias reduction, and employee engagement. Michelle also shares practical tips for using AI in everyday life and emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI applications. Tune in to learn about the future of AI in HR and how to leverage it for sustainable success.

About our Guest: Michelle LeFavor is a leading AI adoption consultant with over 15 years of experience in transforming top consumer brands. She specializes in guiding organizations through disruptive change with customizable programs that enhance productivity, creativity, and employee satisfaction. Michelle's expertise in change management, combined with her ability to unite diverse perspectives, fosters innovation and sustainable success. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, she actively promotes responsible AI adoption and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry.

Where to find Michelle:

Linkedin - Michelle LeFavor

Website - prestaconsult.com

Noted in Podcast:

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist”

• Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

www.peopleelement.com

LinkedIn: People Element

Twitter: @People_Element

This episode features an engaging conversation between Laura Hundley and Dana Skaggs about setting boundaries, work-life balance, and the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace. Dana, known as the Queen of Boundaries, shares insights on recognizing boundary issues, dealing with difficult coworkers, and seeking therapy without stigma. She also discusses her upcoming course and resources for managing boundaries effectively.

About our Guest: Meet Dana, also known as the Queen of Boundaries! With over 15 years of experience in private practice, she’s a true expert in helping clients understand how healthy boundaries (or the lack thereof) can impact their overall wellbeing. Dana specializes in anxiety and adjustment issues, as well as trauma work, and takes great pride in supporting her clients on their journey towards healing and personal growth. Dana earned her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at East Tennessee State University in 1992. She is also licensed as a Senior Psychological Examiner with a Health Service Provider designation.

Where to find Dana:

LinkedIn: Dana Skaggs

Website: danaskaggs.com

Dana's Podcast: Phoenix & Flame

Noted in Podcast:

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist”:

• Word Up - Cameo

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

www.peopleelement.com

LinkedIn: People Element

Twitter: @People_Element

This episode delves into the importance of gratitude in personal and professional life, discussing the benefits, effects on mental health, and practical strategies to incorporate gratitude. Dr. Peggy DeLong shares personal anecdotes, insights, and recommendations for building a gratitude practice, emphasizing its impact on individual well-being and workplace dynamics.

About Our Guest:  Dr. Peggy DeLong is a psychologist, known as The Gratitude Psychologist. She teaches people how to harness the power of gratitude, joy, and nature to live their best lives, especially through difficult times. She does this through speaking engagements, psychotherapy, on-line courses, books, and even bracelets.

Peggy is the author of: 1) I Can See Clearly Now: A Memoir about Love, Grief, and Gratitude, 2) The Gratitude Journal: A 365 Day Gratitude Journey, and 3) Feeling Good: 35 Proven Ways to Happiness, Even During Tough Times. She is also the owner of LOVE in a Bracelet, where she designs bracelets for coping with grief and loss, mental health, and inspiration. When she’s not focusing on her businesses, you’ll find Peggy in the mountains, downhill or telemark skiing, kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking.

Where to find Dr. Peggy:

LinkedIn: Dr. Peggy DeLong

Instagram: @The.Gratitude.Psychologist

Website: Dr.PeggyDeLong.com

Noted in Podcast:

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist”:

• Rhinestone Cowboy, Glen Campbell

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

www.peopleelement.com

LinkedIn: People Element

Twitter: @People_Element

Episode 36: Vanessa Zazueta Discusses How to Launch Successful Wellbeing Programs in the Workplace

3/5/2024

Vanessa Zazueta joins us to discuss how HR leaders can help employees thrive in their personal and professional lives by focusing on three wellbeing pillars: physical, mental, and financial health. As a director-level HR Generalist, Vanessa shares her experience launching successful wellness programs and fostering an open, inclusive work culture. 

Vanessa also emphasizes the importance of navigating your own wellbeing journey — while also leading wellbeing initiatives for your team. Additionally, the conversation includes a fun anecdote about an office fish named Tugboat, which brought the team together and created a sense of community.

Noted in Podcast:

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist”:

• Jump in the Line by Harry Belafonte

• How to Get Rich - Netflix

• For practical advice on improving your financial wellbeing

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

www.peopleelement.com

LinkedIn: People Element

Twitter: @People_Element

Episode 35: Erich Kurschat Talks About Creating Meaningful Connections

9/13/2023

Erich joins us to talk about creating meaningful connections, building community and developing lasting relationships.  We also delve into our time spent both working in the restaurant industry.  Erich is passionate about helping organizations build and grow teams that value productive communication with diverse personality styles.  He provides insight into DISC and how it can help transform organizations. 

Noted in Podcast:

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist”:

• Dancing Queen – there’s a story to this, you have to listen!

• Music: Justin Roberts

Where to Find Erich!

Twitter: @HarmonyInsights

LinkedIn: Erich Kurschat

Harmony Insights

HRHotSeat.com

Find Us:

On Twitter: @AllAboutHRPod, @TomsEngagingHR

Spotify: Spotify: All About HR Podcast

Apple Podcast: All About HR on Apple Podcasts

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

www.peopleelement.com

LinkedIn: People Element

Twitter: @People_Element

8/29/2023 

Karen Eber joins us to talk about the power and importance of great storytelling. With the upcoming release of her book “The Perfect Story”, I couldn’t be more excited to have had the opportunity to sit down with her. Can eating crayons change your eye color? What if Dolly Parton wrote the song 9 to 5 today, what would that song be? Just a few of the questions that get answered in this masterclass on storytelling.  

Noted in Podcast: 

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist”:  

• Taylor Swift: All Too Well (10 Minute Version)  

• The Perfect Story, How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire 

Where to Find Karen 

• Twitter: @KarenEber1 

• Eber Leadership Group 

Find Us:  

On Twitter: @AllAboutHRPod, @TomsEngagingHR 

Spotify: Spotify: All About HR Podcast 

Apple Podcast: All About HR on Apple Podcasts 

Our Sponsor: People Element   

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.  

www.peopleelement.com  

LinkedIn: People Element  

Twitter: @People_Element  

8/15/2023

Claire Stroh, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP is currently the Director of Technology Talent Management at Lighthouse Technology Services and President & CEO of Claire is Coaching. She has used LinkedIn and Twitter to build her personal brand and uncover new opportunities for herself and the companies she’s worked for and she’s passionate about helping others do the same! She is currently on the board of the Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association, a member of SHRM’s young professional advisory council, and was named a 2022 HR Impact Award Winner by Buffalo Business First. 

Noted in Podcast: 

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist”:  

• With Confidence: We'll Be Ok  

• What Claire is listening to:  

• Music: Illenium, William Black 

• Claire's Blog:  A Note on Confidence 

• Claire's Blog: Confidently Writing About Yourself 

Where to Find Claire! 

Twitter: @_strclaire 

LinkedIn: Claire Stroh 

Claire is Coaching 

Find Us:  

On Twitter: @AllAboutHRPod, @TomsEngagingHR 

Spotify: Spotify: All About HR Podcast 

Apple Podcast: All About HR on Apple Podcasts 

Our Sponsor: People Element   

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.  

www.peopleelement.com  

LinkedIn: People Element  

Twitter: @People_Element  

5/24/2023

Today we delve into another great topic that you all know about but most likely don’t realize the true power of.  Sue Collin joins us to talk about the best practices for collecting, utilizing, and driving action with Qualitative Data.  So often quantitative data takes the spotlight, X% said Y, and so forth but the power of understanding the why behind the data is just as powerful.  Tune in and learn the important nuances around leveraging Qualitative Data.

Noted in Podcast:

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist” :

• A Thousand Miles, Vanessa Carlton & Greatest Day, Take That

• What Sue is listening to:

• Music: Chicago, Steely Dan, Tony Bennett

Our Guest, Sue Collin

Sue Collin is Senior VP, Director of Qualitative Research at RTi Research. Sue spent 25+ years guiding corporate teams through Quantitative research. She now designs and moderates quantitative conversations as a Human Stories Champion. When she is not helping clients find the consumer truth and develop a brand strategy, she is in her little art studio making mixed media collages with lots of layers.

[email protected] 

LinkedIn Sue Collin

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

www.peopleelement.com

LinkedIn: People Element

Twitter: @People_Element

Find Us:

On Twitter: @AllAboutHRPod, @TomsEngagingHR

Spotify: Spotify: All About HR Podcast

Apple Podcast: All About HR on Apple Podcasts

Episode 32: Paul LaLonde Shares How Philosophy is a Difference-Making Pursuit in Life & Business

5/10/2023

Today's conversation covers some serious ground!  We talk about Stone Cold Steve Austin and Metallica before diving into a phenomenal conversation about Paul’s approach to bringing Philosophy to both his life and work. 

Noted in Podcast:

• HR HOTSAUCE “Favorite song to bring you out of a funk playlist” 

• Metallica: Blackened

• What Paul is listening to:

• Metallica’s new album 72 Seasons

• You are going to run into people that are naysayers, people that are going to cheat you…but remember they are still human beings and you’re still here to work with them the best you can

Our Guest, Paul LaLonde

Paul A. LaLonde, SHRM-CP, is a deliberate HR professional, who believes philosophy is a difference making pursuit in life and business. Learning, teaching, and being of service to others are his purpose. Currently, Paul serves as the VP of People & Culture for CEDA of Cook County, Inc. in Chicago. He writes for his award winning blog the HR Philosopher and is also a bestselling author of the book People Fusion: Best Practices to Build and Retain a Strong Team. Paul is a proud husband, father, disobedient cat owner, Star Wars nerd, and metalhead. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter at @HRPaul49.

Twitter: @HRPaul49

LinkedIn: Paul LaLonde

 https://hrphilosopher.com/

Book: People Fusion  

Our Sponsor: People Element 

Understand, engage, inspire, and retain your people like never before.  People Element's employee experience and engagement solution delivers powerful intelligence, giving you the confidence to act.

www.peopleelement.com

LinkedIn: People Element

Twitter: @People_Element

Find Us:

On Twitter: @AllAboutHRPod, @TomsEngagingHR

Spotify: Spotify: All About HR Podcast

Apple Podcast: All About HR on Apple Podcasts