Blended Workforces at Work

IN THIS EPISODE...

Laurie Rowen, founder and co-owner of Montage Legal Group, joins us today to discuss how her company revolutionized legal consulting with a network of over 450 freelance lawyers. She shares her journey from UCLA and USD Law School to founding Montage Legal Group alongside Erin Giglia, driven by their need for flexibility as new mothers.

Laurie explains how they overcame early skepticism about contract lawyers and how remote legal work has evolved post-COVID. She highlights Montage Legal Group's unique matchmaking model, the integration of freelance lawyers with law firms, and future expansion plans. The episode closes with Laurie's insights on leading with intellectual horsepower.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Laurie”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    How does Montage Legal Group match freelance lawyers with law firms?

2.    What are the benefits of using freelance lawyers for law firms?

3.    How do freelance lawyers integrate with full-time staff in law firms?

4.    What is Montage Legal Group's target market?

5.    What challenges exist in hiring experienced freelance lawyers post-COVID?

6.    How does leading with intellectual horsepower apply in the legal industry?

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[03:16] Laurie's Personal Background

[04:52] Laurie's Professional Journey and Founding Montage Legal Group

[08:45] Challenges and Successes of Montage Legal Group

[14:16] Montage Legal Group's Business Model and Client Relationships

[20:04] Signature Segment: Laurie's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Integration of Freelance Lawyers with Full-Time Staff

[22:02] Target Market and Business Expansion

[24:19] Challenges and Future Plans

[29:31] Signature Segment: Laurie's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Intellectual Horsepower

IN THIS EPISODE...

Kamal Pradhan is a distinguished HR executive and the Vice President of HR Technology and Operations at Signify Health. In this conversation, Kamal shares insights on blending workforces, integrating technology, and the evolving role of HR in a digital era. He highlights trends in remote employment and the challenges of HR technology implementation, stressing the importance of stakeholder involvement and user experience.

Kamal also discusses the strategic role of people analytics, board oversight, and the need for holistic HR governance. He concludes with thoughts on courageous agility in leadership, advocating for adaptability and informed decision-making.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Kamal”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    How has COVID-19 impacted remote work and technology adoption?

2.    What are the challenges in implementing HR technology?

3.    Why is it essential to involve key stakeholders in HR technology implementation?

4.    How can people analytics help organizations with talent management?

5.    What role does HR governance play in business strategy?

6.    What is courageous agility in leadership?

7.    Why is flexibility necessary in leadership?

8.    What is micro-informed leadership?

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[01:46] Guest Introduction

[03:38] Kamal's Personal Life and Well-being

[09:41] Blended Workforces and Technology Integration

[18:08] Signature Segment: Kamal's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Bridging the Gap in Tech Implementation

[22:17] The Role of People Analytics and Board Oversight

[27:29] Signature Segment: Kamal's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Courageous Agility

[32:48] Connect with Kamal

IN THIS EPISODE...

Russell Meiselman, President & Co-Founder of ClarkStaff, discusses his company's role in business process outsourcing (BPO). He highlights strategies for retaining talent through career development and a positive work environment. He addresses concerns about outsourcing, emphasizing the need for strong remote management and clear communication. Lastly, he discusses leading with executive presence, explaining its importance in leadership and how he applies it within his team to drive business success.

Russell explains how ClarkStaff helps businesses cut costs by outsourcing administrative tasks while elevating local employees to more strategic roles.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Russell”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    How does ClarkStaff help companies with outsourcing?

2.    Why is it important not to replace local employees with outsourced workers?

3.    What are some common concerns companies have about outsourcing?

4.    How can managers effectively handle remote teams?

5.    What strategies does ClarkStaff use to retain and motivate employees?

6.    Why is executive presence important for leadership?

7.    What steps can be taken to implement executive presence in a leadership team?

8.    Why is the ability to convince others essential for business success?

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[03:06] Personal Background

[05:38] ClarkStaff's Services and Operations

[15:54] Challenges and Concerns in Outsourcing

[22:53] Signature Segment: Russell's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Retaining and Motivating Talent

[30:40] Signature Segment: Russell's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Executive Presence

[32:02] Contact Information

IN THIS EPISODE...

In this fascinating episode, we explore key trends and challenges in HR, including AI adoption, inclusion, and the impact of the geopolitical climate on business strategy. Shari Simpson discusses her transition from mental health to HR, her role in thought leadership at Paylocity, and the importance of listening more and talking less. She shares insights from her journey in HR and her contributions to the HR community.

Shari is the Senior Manager of Thought Leadership at Paylocity and the host of the HR Mixtape podcast. She’s a lifelong learner, and a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Shari”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    Why is listening more and talking less critical for building connections?

2.    What challenges do HR departments face when adopting AI tools?

3.    How is AI transforming HR processes and efficiency?

4.    What trends are influencing the future of workplace inclusion and equity?

5.    How does the geopolitical climate affect HR practices and business strategy?

6.    What does leading with courageous agility involve?

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[02:55] Shari’s Personal Background

[05:05] Shari’s  Professional Journey

[11:33] HR’s Biggest Challenges and Opportunities

[17:25] Signature Segment: Shari’s entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: How Thought Leaders Choose Their Focus

[20:15] Shari’s Podcast - A Podcast Covering the Real Conversations in HR

[21:59] HR’s Role in Shaping Workplace Culture

[26:33] Signature Segment: Shari’s LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Courageous Agility

[38:32] Connect with Shari

IN THIS EPISODE...

Mine Dedekoca is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Happy Work Studio. By transforming workplace culture, her company helps organizations create happy, fulfilled, and self-aware employees.

In this conversation, Mine discusses how Happy Work Studio evolved from Stardust, shifting focus from remote work logistics to employee well-being. She highlights the impact of the pandemic on the work culture and explores trends like blended workforces, fractional roles, and the importance of company culture and courageous agility in leadership.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Mine”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    How does Happy Work Studio help companies improve their work culture?

2.    Who are the target clients of Happy Work Studio?

3.    What impact did the pandemic have on employee well-being and work culture?

4.    What are blended workforces, and why are they becoming more popular?

5.    How can companies maintain a strong company culture?

6.    What is meant by courageous agility in leadership?

7.    What strategies can companies use to prioritize employee well-being?

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[03:39] Mine's Life Outside of Work

[06:08] Overview of Happy Work Studio

[09:24] Target Market and Services

[12:24] Signature Segment: Mine's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Impact of the Pandemic on Work Culture

[18:54] Blended Workforces and Fractional Roles

[24:38] Crafting and Maintaining Company Culture

[28:22] Signature Segment: Mine's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Courageous Agility

IN THIS EPISODE...

Sam Naficy, Chairman and CEO of Prodoscore Inc., shares insights into how his AI-powered platform optimizes employee productivity by analyzing data from cloud tools like email, CRM, and chat applications. He addresses cultural concerns, emphasizing Prodoscore's employee-centric approach and business benefits, such as performance insights and fair evaluations.

The discussion also explores Prodoscore's role in organizational network analysis, potential applications in education, and the importance of strategic decision-making for startups and middle-market companies to drive growth and efficiency.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Sam”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    What is the mission of Prodoscore?

2.    How does Prodoscore capture employee productivity data?

3.    Why is employee productivity tracking different from the early days of CRM?

4.    What cultural objections exist to Prodoscore, and how are they addressed?

5.    Who are the primary customers of Prodoscore?

6.    How does Prodoscore assist with performance and compensation decisions?

7.    Which major organizations use Prodoscore?

8.    What future features are planned for Prodoscore?

9.    How is Prodoscore used for organizational network analysis?

10. What key strategic decision-making principles should young CEOs follow?

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[03:33] Sam's Personal Background

[06:09] Prodoscore's Mission and Technology

[10:13] Employee and Employer Benefits of Prodoscore

[12:38] Target Market and Use Cases

[15:25] Signature Segment: Sam's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Future Plans and Market Expansion

[19:59] Organizational Network Analysis and Additional Applications

[25:10] Signature Segment: Sam's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Strategic Decision Making

[26:35] Contact Information

IN THIS EPISODE...

Emily Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Overalls, is on a mission to simplify life's complexities through tech-enabled concierge services. A startup veteran, she was the third employee at AppNexus, co-founded Tutorlist (now known as Selected), and led product teams at LearnVest, Haven Life, Fabric, and Dayforward. Now, at Overalls, she blends technology and human support to enhance employee well-being.

In this conversation, Emily shares her journey, the evolution of Overalls, and the power of human-assisted concierge services. She also discusses entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and challenges for women in tech.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Emily”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    How did Overalls evolve from an insurance wallet to its current model?

2.    What types of tasks do Overalls help with?

3.    Why is the human touch important in Overalls' services?

4.    How is the Overalls team structured?

5.    How do employers and users benefit from Overalls?

6.    What challenges did Emily face as a woman in tech?

7.    How has tech culture evolved over the years?

8.    What is Emily's approach to entrepreneurial leadership?

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[03:29] Emily's Background and Personal Life

[04:59] Journey in Tech and Overalls' Origin

[12:40] Signature Segment: Emily's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: The Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World

[17:21] Business Model and Market Strategy

[22:13] Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Tech

[27:02] Signature Segment: Emily's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Entrepreneurship

[28:27] Contact Information

IN THIS EPISODE...

The busiest times of the year can overwhelm employees and HR teams alike, requiring companies to rethink how they support their workforce. How can businesses navigate these peak seasons effectively while maintaining productivity and employee well-being?

Cheryl Swirnow, founder of CMS Consultants, joins us today to share insights on optimizing HR processes, managing workload surges, and fostering a resilient workforce. With experience at top brands like Four Seasons, Nike, and Rent the Runway, Cheryl dives into practical strategies for handling high-demand periods, preventing burnout, and ensuring employees feel supported throughout the year.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Cheryl”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    How can companies successfully integrate blended workforces?

2.    Why is proactive HR planning important, and how can businesses avoid last-minute crises?

3.    Why should organizations rethink traditional benefits and policies to stay competitive?

4.    How does leadership play a role in preventing burnout and promoting work-life balance?

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[03:01] Cheryl’s journey from corporate HR to founding her own firm.

[09:49] The most significant challenges consultants face when working with clients.

[15:36] How HR leaders can prepare for the busiest times of the year.

[19:09] Understanding and addressing burnout across generations.

[22:10] How companies can ensure fair and equitable compensation structures.

[27:48] Signature Segment: Cheryl’s tactic of choice: Leading with intrapreneurship.

IN THIS EPISODE...

We bid goodbye to a tremendous Season 1 of the podcast while we also wish our listeners a safe and wonderful holiday season. We also welcome all of our listeners, new and old, back for Season 2, which will launch February 1, 2025.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork.

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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IN THIS EPISODE...

In today's fast-changing corporate environment, the concept of a blended workforce has emerged as an approach for firms seeking agility and creativity. Companies that combine full-time employees with freelancers and contractors can gain access to a wide labor pool, increasing flexibility and scalability. This method enables firms to respond quickly to market changes and seasonal demands and provides access to specialized knowledge that can create breakthrough inventions. According to research, most executives understand the value of integrating flexible talent to meet corporate objectives and preserve a competitive advantage.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Karan”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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1.    What is a blended workforce?

2.    How does the speed of the market affect a company’s competitiveness?

3.    How do blended workforces drive innovation and competitive advantage?

4.    How can a blended workforce help reduce overhead and labor costs for a company?

5.    How does a blended workforce enhance a company's ability to adapt to unexpected market changes?

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[01.40] Blended workforce.

[02.40] The competitive edge of blended workforces

[04.13] How blended workforces drive innovation.

[06.17] The financial benefits of a blended workforce.

[08.00] Embracing flexibility.

[10.10] Creating access to specialized talent.