Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School

Send us Fan Mail

In this candid conversation, Dawn and guest Kelsey Neff unpack what makes a workplace truly toxic (hint: it’s not just one cranky manager), share personal experiences from the trenches, and lay out practical ways employees and leaders can identify, interrupt, and repair unhealthy dynamics. We cover the cost of toxicity—on people, culture, and the bottom line—plus how to navigate change, advocate for yourself, and find support when trauma and PTSD are part of the picture.

What We Covered

• Defining a toxic workplace: patterns of harm vs. isolated bad days
• Our lived experiences: what it felt like, what we missed, what we won’t ignore again
• Red flags & early indicators: gaslighting, retaliation, blame-shifting, “rockstar” exceptions, chaotic change, and policy-by-favoritism
• Management’s role: how leaders create, enable, or correct toxicity
• Navigating change & seeking solutions: internal channels, documentation, and realistic timelines
• The cost of turnover: financial (often ~50–200% of salary), productivity, reputation, and the silent tax on well-being
• PTSD & trauma-informed workplaces: recognizing symptoms, responding vs. reacting, and building safety

Resources & Further Reading

• Books
  • The No Asshole Rule — Robert I. Sutton
  • The Asshole Survival Guide — Robert I. Sutton
  • Toxic Workplace! — Mitchell Kusy & Elizabeth Holloway
  • The Fearless Organization — Amy C. Edmondson (psychological safety)
• Guidance & Research
  • SHRM: Spotting and addressing toxic culture; anti-retaliation best practices
  • APA (American Psychological Association): Work & Well-Being, stress & trauma resources
  • CDC/NIOSH: Total Worker Health® guidance on psychosocial hazards
  • HBR (Harvard Business Review): Psychological safety; fixing toxic culture
• Support
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — call or text 988

Contact: Kelsey Neff

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-neff/
• Website: https://www.bydesignconsulting.space/

Call to Action

If this episode hit a nerve, you’re not “too sensitive”—you’re probably on to something.
✅ Share this episode with a manager who wants to build a healthy team.
✅ DM me “TOXIC CHECKLIST” and I’ll send you the one-page PDF you can use in your next 1:1.
✅ Leaders: want an audit + action plan in 30 days? Let’s talk.

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

In this eye-opening episode of Dear HR Diary, I sit down with attorney Brian Williams ⚖️ to unpack a growing workplace concern: bullying and the liability employers face when it goes unchecked 🚨.

Brian takes us through his fascinating career journey, including his decision to “switch sides” 🔄 — giving him a unique perspective on both employer defense and employee advocacy. Together, we explore the line between bullying, harassment, and discrimination, and how these issues can quickly become not just cultural problems but legal and financial risks 💼💸 for organizations.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• 👨‍⚖️ Brian’s personal journey of switching sides and the insights it brought him
• ⚖️ The difference between workplace bullying and discrimination — and where liability begins
• 📈 The rising concern of workplace bullying and its impact on employee well-being and employer risk
• 👥 The importance of treating adults like employees: with structure, accountability, and respect
• ✅ Actionable steps leaders can take to build a culture that prevents bullying and fosters psychological safety

📌 Episode Summary

Workplace bullying is more than just “bad behavior” — it’s a ticking time bomb for liability, culture, and retention. In this episode, Brian Williams breaks down what employers need to know, how to take proactive steps, and why treating employees with respect and accountability is non-negotiable in today’s workplace.

🎧 Call to Action

👉 Tune in now to learn how to recognize, address, and prevent bullying in your workplace before it turns into a legal or cultural disaster. And don’t forget to share this episode with leaders in your network who need a reminder: a safe workplace is a strong workplace. 💪

🔗 Connect with Brian Williams

• 📧 Contact: https://ggtriallaw.com/attorneys/brian-williams/

📚 Resources You Can Use

• 📑 EEOC – Workplace Harassment Guidance
  
  
• 🛡️ Workplace Bullying Institute – https://workplacebullying.org
  
  
• 📘 SHRM – Bullying in the Workplace Toolkit
  
  

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a full-blown workforce crisis. In this episode of Dear HR Diary, I sit down with Nina Nesdoly, workplace well-being researcher and speaker, to dive deep into the neuroscience behind stress and burnout and how managers can recognize, prevent, and address it.

What We Discussed:

• 🧠 The Neuroscience of Stress & Burnout – why our brains and bodies respond the way they do.
• 🌍 The Prevalence of Burnout Across the Globe – the pandemic didn’t just open Pandora’s box; it dumped it all on the workforce.
• 💔 The Emotional Toll of the Pandemic – what it did to resilience, recovery, and mental health.
• 🏢 Building a Culture of Well-Being – how neuroscience and management research can guide leaders to make employee wellness a true priority.
• 🚩 Signals of Burnout – what managers need to look for before it’s too late.

Quote from Nina:

Resources:

• World Health Organization – Burnout Definition
• Harvard Business Review: Beyond Burned Out
• Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski

Connect with Nina:

• 🌐 Website: ninanesdoly.com
• 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ninanesdoly

✨ Whether you’re a manager trying to protect your team or an employee trying to survive the hustle, this episode gives you the science-backed insights you need to spot burnout before it spirals and build a healthier workplace.

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to explore his fascinating journey from writing poetry to building a successful press release distribution company. Mickie shares candid insights into his personal evolution as a leader—opening up about his early struggles as a micromanager and the steps he took to overcome it.

We dive into how he learned to recognize the value of his employees, embrace flexibility, and develop leadership practices that foster trust and empowerment. Mickie also pulls back the curtain on his hiring philosophy, offering advice on attracting and retaining top talent in today’s business climate.

Whether you’re a creative professional curious about entrepreneurship, a leader looking to let go of control, or someone who wants to understand how to build a team-centered culture, this episode is packed with wisdom and real-world takeaways.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• From Art to Business: How Mickie’s creative background in poetry shaped his storytelling skills and influenced eReleases’ brand.
• Leadership Growth: The mindset shifts that helped him move from micromanaging to empowering.
• Employee-Centered Culture: Why recognizing employee value and offering flexibility pays off in loyalty and performance.
• Hiring Insights: Mickie’s approach to finding the right people and building a culture that attracts talent.

📚 Recommended Reading & Resources

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – for building trust and strong teams.
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink – for understanding employee motivation.
• eReleases Blog – Mickie’s own insights on press releases and PR strategy. : https://www.ereleases.com/pr-fuel/

💬 Quote from Mickie Kennedy

📞 Connect with Mickie Kennedy

• Website: https://www.ereleases.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/publicity
• Email: [email protected]

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

Middle management – it's not the glamorous corner office, and it's not the boots-on-the-ground work anymore… it’s the in-between zone where careers either take off or burn out. In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Sigel, an accomplished leader, middle management expert, and author of "The Middle Manager Mindset." We dig into the messy, magnificent role of middle managers and how organizations (and humans!) can better support and grow in that critical role.

We tackle questions like:

• How do people really get promoted into management?
• What makes the middle manager role so uniquely difficult—and uniquely valuable?
• What are the three key identities managers must balance: doer, leader, and influencer?
• How do you manage up, down, and sideways without losing your sanity or your credibility?
• Why is learning from your mistakes not optional—but essential—as a manager?

Whether you're a new manager, a seasoned leader trying to coach middle managers, or someone wondering why you’re constantly stuck in the middle… this episode gives you practical, candid advice with a good dash of "oh, that’s me."

🧠 Mic-Drop Moment from Jeff:
"Middle management is where leadership actually gets practiced. It's not about titles or authority—it’s about building trust while getting the job done, day after day."

📚 Resources & Recommended Reads:

• The Middle Manager Mindset by Jeff Sigel – Get the book on Amazon
• Connect with Jeff Sigel on LinkedIn
• The Leadership Pipeline by Ram Charan, Stephen Drotter, and James Noel
• Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott – because feedback is a gift, even if it’s wrapped in awkwardness.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Promotions often happen because of performance—not potential. That’s a setup, not a strategy.
• Middle managers must unlearn doing and relearn leading.
• Credibility is earned by showing up consistently, communicating clearly, and owning your growth.
• Leadership isn’t a solo sport. Ask for feedback. Admit when you’re wrong. Grow out loud.
• The biggest failure isn’t making a mistake—it’s pretending you didn’t.

📞 Connect with Jeff Sigel

• 🌐 Website: proprioceptive.io 
• 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-sigel/

💬 Let’s Talk!
Have a middle manager horror story or triumph? Drop it in the comments or tag us on social @ManageWithHart using #DearHRDiary.

🗂️ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a manager in the middle of it all.

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

Let’s be honest—if your hiring strategy starts with “I’ve got a good feeling about them,” you’re probably gambling with your company’s time, budget, and retention rate.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mark Smith, talent psychologist and author of A Better Choice: The Manager’s Guide to Skills-First Hiring, to challenge outdated hiring practices and explore how skills-first strategies and structured assessments create better, fairer, and more effective hiring outcomes.

From role-play simulations to breaking up with gut instinct, we’re diving into what evidence-based hiring really looks like—and how it actually works.

💡 What We Covered:

✅ Skills-First Hiring:
Why prioritizing what someone can do over where they did it leads to stronger hires and more diverse teams. Dr. Smith shares how top companies are leading this movement.

✅ The Role of Assessments:
Not all assessments are created equal. We break down which ones are worth the investment (hint: think job simulations and cognitive ability) and which to ditch.

✅ Bye-Bye, Gut Instinct:
We unpack how unconscious bias shows up in instinctual hiring—and how structured interviews and scoring systems help keep things fair and consistent.

✅ Structured Interviews for the Win:
Behavior-based questions, anchored scoring, and repeatable rubrics? They don’t just sound fancy—they reduce bias and boost prediction accuracy.

✅ Innovative Simulations & Role Play:
Dr. Shaw spotlights companies using scenario-based hiring—putting candidates into real-life challenges to see their skills in action.

✅ Evidence-Based Hiring:
Why data beats guesswork. We talk about integrating hiring analytics, assessment validation, and how to measure what really matters.

🔍 Key Quote from Dr. Mark Smith:

📚 Recommended Reading & Resources:

 LinkedIn Economic Graph – “Skills‑First: Reimagining the Labor Market and Breaking Down Barriers”
https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/research/skills-first-report?utm_source=chatgpt.com

World Economic Forum – “Adopting a ‘Skills‑First’ Approach Could Help More Than 100 Million People Worldwide Get Better Jobs”
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/05/adopting-a-skills-first-approach-help-people-better-jobs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

SHRM Foundation – “Skills‑First at Work” report
https://www.shrm.org/foundation/skills-first?utm_source=chatgpt.com

📬 Connect with Dr. Mark Smith:

🔗 LinkedIn: 
🌐 Website: 
📩 YouTube:  

💬 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and let us know how your hiring mindset is shifting!

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

In this compelling episode, we dive into the realities—and opportunities—of aging in today’s workforce. HR expert Deborah Heiser, Applied Developmental Psychologist and CEO/Founder of The Mentor Project, shares insights on why thriving in later career stages isn’t just vital—it’s purposeful.

🔍 Topics We Covered

1. Aging, Work & Purpose
   Deborah highlights how finding purpose in work gives older employees motivation and meaning—strengthening mental well-being and productivity.
2. Generational Perspectives
   We unpack stereotypes and real generational dynamics, and why each generation brings unique strengths. Age diversity fosters innovation!
3. Shifting Toward Entrepreneurial Ventures
   More professionals are launching second-act businesses in their 50s and 60s. Deborah outlines how these ventures let people leverage lifelong expertise.
4. The Role of Mentorship
   Age brings leadership—and with it, an opportunity to mentor. Deborah explains how mentoring is a two-way street, benefiting both mentor and mentee.
5. Creating a Mentorship Legacy
   Mentorship isn’t just about today’s impact; it’s a legacy-building tool. Deborah shares how leaving a legacy goes beyond financial inheritance—it’s about wisdom and cultural continuity.
6. Finding Mentorship Opportunities
   Whether formal programs or informal chats over coffee, Deborah provides practical tips for older professionals to become mentors—and for organizations to tap into this goldmine.

💬 Featured Quote from Deborah

📊 Why This Matters: Age-Based Workforce Trends

• Nearly 47% of employees over 40 report facing age discrimination—despite the protections offered by the ADEA. 
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against workers aged 40 and older in hiring, promotions, pay, and other employment-related matters. 
• The portion of workers aged 50+ surpassed one-third of the U.S. workforce in 2020, and by 2030, 25% of workers will be 55 or older. 

📬 Connect with Deborah Heiser

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-heiser-phd-3963693/
• Website & The Mentor Project: https://deborahheiser.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebbieHeiser

✅ For HR Leaders & Managers

• Audit your mentorship programs—make room for senior mentors and reverse mentors.
• Spotlight entrepreneurship: offer internal resources or partnerships.
• Address ageism: reinforce ADEA protections and throw shade at stereotypes. Awareness goes a long way.

🔗 References & Further Reading

• ADEA overview and enforcement insights: https://www.eeoc.gov/age-discrimination
• Workforce aging stats: Built In, EEOC data, U.S.–aging trends
  https://builtin.com/diversity-inclusion/ageism-in-the-workplace
• Mentor-focused commentary: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mentor-project/

Thanks for tuning into Dear HR Diary!
Let’s ditch age bias and embrace the power of purpose, experience, and mentorship. 🎙️

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered why some people naturally take charge while others thrive as team players? Or why certain colleagues seem more diplomatic, creative, or perfection-driven? Turns out, your birth order might have something to do with it!

In this fascinating episode of Dear HR Diary, I sit down with Dr. Bob Hurst, an expert on personality and workplace dynamics, to explore how birth order influences behavior, communication styles, career paths, and even leadership potential.

We discuss:
 ✅ The psychology of birth order – how being the firstborn, middle child, youngest, or an only child shapes personality traits
✅ Double birth order – what it means and how family structure or blended families can shift typical patterns
✅ Birth order in the workplace – why some employees naturally take the lead, while others prefer support roles
✅ Practical applications – how managers can use birth order knowledge to improve team dynamics and communication
✅ Career choices by birth order – the surprising link between your family position and your professional strengths
✅ Communication styles – why firstborns tend to be assertive, middle children diplomatic, and youngest siblings more persuasive and charming

Dr. Hurst also shares how understanding birth order can:
 ✔ Improve hiring and team placement
✔ Enhance manager-employee communication
✔ Foster better conflict resolution strategies
✔ Help employees discover careers that align with their natural tendencies

💡 “Birth order isn’t destiny—but it’s a powerful lens to understand why people think, feel, and work the way they do.” – Dr. Robert Hurst

If you’re a manager, HR professional, or just someone curious about human behavior, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of looking at your team (and yourself!).

📖 Want to learn more?
Check out Dr. Hurst’s book, Life's Fingerprint - Your Birth Order, here: https://dr-hurst-books.myshopify.com/

📩 Connect with Dr. Robert Hurst:

• Website: https://www.mybirthorder.com/index.php
• Email:  [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifesFingerprintYourBirthOrder

🎧 Listen now and unlock the birth order secrets shaping your workplace!

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

In this inspiring episode of Dear HR Diary, Dawn Hart sits down with Ken Kunken, a powerhouse of resilience, purpose, and advocacy. Ken’s journey from a life-altering accident to a successful career in law is nothing short of extraordinary. Through his story, we explore the realities of disability in the workplace—and more importantly, how we can all be agents of change.

Ken shares his firsthand experience overcoming adversity, finding motivation in the face of unimaginable challenges, and the power of a support system that believes in your potential. We dig into the barriers that still exist for individuals with disabilities when it comes to employment and advancement, and Ken offers practical insights into the importance of accommodations, accessibility, and addressing unconscious bias.

From courtroom victories to workplace equity, this episode challenges all of us—leaders, HR pros, and colleagues—to do better and be better.

🔥 Topics Covered:

• Ken’s personal journey and what kept him motivated after becoming quadriplegic
• The power of purpose and perseverance in overcoming obstacles
• The state of employment for people with disabilities—what’s working, what’s not
• Why support systems (personal and professional) make or break success
• Breaking barriers in the legal field and becoming a role model for inclusive success
• Understanding the role of reasonable accommodations in building equitable workplaces
• The need to confront unconscious bias in hiring and promotion decisions
• Celebrating ability, not just “accommodating” disability
• Moving from performative DEI to impactful change

💬 Ken's Quote:

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues
• The ADA National Network – Information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Disability:– Promoting disability inclusion in business
• EEOC – Disability Discrimination – Federal guidance and resources on workplace rights
• Book Recommendation: "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist" by Judith Heumann
• Book Recommendation: "I Dream of Things That Never Were" by Ken Kunken: https://kenkunken.com/buy-the-book/

📬 Connect with Ken Kunken:

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
•      Website: https://kenkunken.com/
• 📞 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-j-kunken-b4b0a9a8/
• 🎤 Speaker & Advocate: Available for keynotes and DEI panels

🎧 Listen Now wherever you get your HR real talk!
💼 Tag us: #DearHRDiary | #DisabilityInclusion | #ManageWithHart

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart

Send us Fan Mail

In this eye-opening episode (or ear-opening), we're diving deep into the generational divide—and how to bridge it—with none other than communication coach and generational whisperer, Geoff Weinstein.

We explore:

• 📣 Why communication is the #1 source of frustration between generations at work
• 🧠 How Generation Z is boldly advocating for mental health and authentic expression
• 👂 The evolving art of listening—and how your listening style impacts team dynamics
• 💬 What empathy actually looks like in real-world conversations (hint: it’s not just nodding and saying “I hear you”)
• 🧍‍♀️ The critical importance of face-to-face communication—and how remote work is changing the game
• 🛠️ Practical strategies to connect with Gen Z employees without sounding like you downloaded TikTok just to “relate”

Whether you're a seasoned leader or a Gen Z newbie trying to make your voice heard, this episode is packed with insights on building meaningful, human-centered communication in the workplace.

💡 Quote from Geoff:

📚 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Harvard Business Review: Why Employees—and Gen Z in particular—Need Empathetic Leaders
• Pew Research Center: On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future – Gen Z Research
• Book: “You're Not Listening” by Kate Murphy – A powerful read on rethinking how we truly listen in a noisy world
• Geoff’s Website & Newsletter: geoffweinstein.com
• Article: Why Face-to-Face Communication Still Matters – Forbes.com

📞 Connect with Geoff Weinstein

Helping busy people cut through the noise and be more influential in the age of AI, overload, remote work, and constant change. | Executive Coaching | Powerful Presentations | Lean Email

• 🌐 Website: geoffweinstein.com
• 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geoffweinstein

👂 Take Action:
After listening, take a minute to reflect on your own communication habits. Are you truly listening—or just waiting to reply? Are you creating space for Gen Z voices—or expecting them to adapt to outdated norms?

Then, share your biggest aha! moment with us on LinkedIn and tag @DearHRDiary + @ManageWithHart. Let’s keep the convo going!

Support the show

Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart