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Buckle up, friends — because chaos isn't just coming. It’s already sitting at your conference table, sipping bad coffee, and emailing you at 7 p.m.

In this episode, I sit down with the fantastic Summer Jelinek, leadership expert and former Disney leader, to talk about the swirling, messy reality of chaos in today’s workplace. Spoiler alert: Chaos isn't always bad. But leaders who ignore it? Yeah... that's when the real trouble starts.

We dive headfirst into the real, raw impact of chaos on work and life, and more importantly, how you, your team, and your sanity can actually survive — and even thrive — in the midst of it.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• 🔥 What Chaos Really Means in Leadership Today: It's not just spilled coffee and missed deadlines. (Although... there’s that too.)
• 📉 The Impact of Workplace Chaos on Your Life: Spoiler: chaos at work doesn’t stay at work.
• 🧹 Redefining Dependability and Work Expectations: Because "always available" is not a personality trait, folks.
• 🧓🧑‍🦰 Generational Perspectives on Chaos: Yes, Gen Z and Boomers are looking at this whole “chaos thing” very differently. And yes, it matters.
• 🔧 Strategies for Controlling the Chaos You Can Control: Newsflash: you can’t fix everything, but you can stop making it worse.
• 💪 Empowering Your Team and Redefining Success: Maybe success isn't "doing it all" — maybe it’s "surviving with style."
• 🧘 Finding Balance and Centering Yourself in the Middle of the Madness: Your peace of mind deserves a spot on your to-do list. (Right after “send 14th follow-up email.”)

Why You’ll Love This Episode: If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling flaming swords at work while riding a unicycle... this episode is your new best friend. Summer brings real-world wisdom, smart strategies, and just the right amount of tough love.

🎧 Listen Now! Grab your favorite beverage (may I suggest something stronger than coffee?) and hit play. It’s time to stop surviving workplace chaos and start owning it.

About Our Guest: Summer Jelinek is a seasoned leadership expert, keynote speaker, and a proud graduate of the Disney School of Leadership (yes, that Disney). She's passionate about teaching leaders how to embrace the chaos — without losing their minds or their people.

Contact: Summer Jelinek

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/summerjelinek

Websites

• summerjelinek.com (Company)
• youtube.com/summerjelinek (Blog)

Phone: 337-764-3866 (Mobile)

Email: [email protected]

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

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In this episode, we pull up our colorful socks and step into a conversation with Samuel Moses, the brilliant and bold founder behind Sockrates Custom Socks. What started as a fun, fashionable idea became a full-blown culture brand—and today, we dig into the business smarts, team culture, and leadership lessons behind this sole-ful success.

Samuel shares how custom socks became more than swag—they became statements. We dive into building a purpose-driven brand, how he created a team that walks the talk (and the sock), and why intentional culture best fits retention, performance, and creativity.

Oh, and we promise—we don’t toe the line on this one. 😉

🧠 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The story behind Sockrates and its meteoric rise
• How creativity + culture can drive team engagement
• Why branded swag needs to be more than just stuff
• Samuel’s thoughts on the importance of employee recognition
• The sock that started it all (you know we had to ask!)

Research Articles
✔️ https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends/2023/future-of-workforce-management.html

✔️ https://www.quantumworkplace.com/future-of-work/importance-of-employee-recognition

✔️https://www.achievers.com/blog/why-employee-recognition-important-benefits/

🎧Contact Sam Moses
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammoses/
Website: https://www.sockratescustom.com/
Phone: 18333838817

Support the show

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

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Get ready to go way beyond "just a number"! In this Part II episode of our Enneagram series, we're bringing the heat 🔥 with Libby Cole, Certified Enneagram Coach and fan-favorite guest. This time, we’re deep diving into all 9 Enneagram types—what makes them tick, how they show up at work, and most importantly, how to manage each one effectively (without losing your sanity).

Whether you're a no-nonsense Type 8, a harmony-seeking Type 9, or a detail-loving Type 1, this episode is your practical guide to making the Enneagram work for work.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✨ A quick refresher on the 9 Enneagram types (because yes, we all need the cheat sheet again)

🧠 What motivates each type—and what drives them up the wall

💼 Tips for leading, managing, and collaborating with each type (Spoiler: What works for a Type 2 will not work for a Type 5)

🔍 Real-talk examples of each type in the workplace: the helper, the achiever, the loyal skeptic, and more

💬 How self-awareness through the Enneagram can reduce conflict, build trust, and make your team stronger

Takeaways You’ll Love:

✔️ Specific phrases, approaches, and feedback styles that work best with each type
 ✔️ What not to say to certain types if you want to keep morale intact
✔️ A new perspective on that one co-worker who always seems a little... extra (we all have one)
✔️ Why knowing your own type as a leader is the ultimate power move

🎧 Listen Now & Share Your Thoughts!
Have you discovered your Enneagram type? How has it impacted your life? Drop us a comment or message—we’d love to hear from you!

🔗 Connect with Libby Cole:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/libbyelliscole
• Website: expandcandc.com 
• Email: [email protected]

📌 Follow & Subscribe:
🔹 Manage With Hart on LinkedIn
🔹 Dear HR Diary on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Support the show

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

Support the show

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this insightful first part of a two-part series, I sit down with Enneagram expert Libby Cole to explore the fundamentals of the Enneagram and its impact beyond just personality types. We dive into the importance of the Enneagram, its transformative power in relationships, and how understanding your Enneagram type can lead to personal and professional growth. We also share our Enneagram journeys and discuss the challenges and insights of self-discovery. Whether new to the Enneagram or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!

What We Discuss in This Episode:

✅ Introduction to the Enneagram – What it is and why it matters
✅ Understanding the Basics – The nine types and their significance
✅ Beyond Personality Types – How the Enneagram Goes Deeper Than Surface Traits
✅ Personal Experiences – Our journeys with the Enneagram
✅ Transformative Power in Relationships – Using the Enneagram for better communication and connection
✅ How to Discover Your Type – Tips, resources, and common misconceptions
✅ Challenges & Insights – What makes the Enneagram complex yet powerful
✅ The Enneagram in Professional Settings – How leaders and teams can benefit

About Our Guest:
Libby Cole is a Certified Enneagram Coach, Speaker, and Consultant who specializes in helping individuals and teams harness the power of the Enneagram for personal and professional development. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for guiding people toward self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and stronger relationships.

💡 Stay Tuned for Part 2! In the next episode, we’ll dive deeper into applying the Enneagram for leadership, team dynamics, and growth.

🎧 Listen Now & Share Your Thoughts!
Have you discovered your Enneagram type? How has it impacted your life? Drop us a comment or message—we’d love to hear from you!

🔗 Connect with Libby Cole:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/libbyelliscole

Website: expandcandc.com 

Email: [email protected]

📌 Follow & Subscribe:
🔹 Manage With Hart on LinkedIn
🔹 Dear HR Diary on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Support the show

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this insightful episode of Dear HR Diary, host Dawn Hart sits down with returning special guest Dr. Anne Welch to discuss the realities of work-life integration as a parent. They explore working parents' challenges, the importance of organizational support, and how companies can foster a culture of care. Dr. Welch shares strategies for flexibility, trust, and innovative workplace policies that empower parents to thrive personally and professionally.

Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The real challenges of balancing work and parenthood
✅ Why companies must prioritize support for working parents
✅ Creating a culture of care in the workplace
✅ How flexibility and trust lead to higher engagement and retention
✅ Innovative policies that help working parents succeed

Why You Should Listen:
Whether you're a working parent juggling multiple roles or an employer striving to build a supportive environment, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Dr. Welch and Dawn dive deep into the evolving workplace landscape and share real-world strategies for making work-life integration a reality.

Connect with Dr. Welch:
🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drannewelsh/
Website: https://www.drannewelsh.com/

Connect with Us:
🔗 Follow Dawn Hart & Manage With Hart on LinkedIn
🎙️ Subscribe to Dear HR Diary for more candid conversations on leadership & workplace culture

#WorkLifeIntegration #WorkingParents #HRLeadership #FlexibilityAtWork #CultureOfCare

Support the show

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

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 Episode Overview

Toxic workplaces don’t just make you dread Mondays—they can seriously affect your mental health, productivity, and even your physical well-being. In this episode, we’re diving deep into what makes a workplace toxic, how it impacts employees long-term (including PTSD), and strategies for healing and moving forward.

If you’ve ever left a job feeling drained, undervalued, or even traumatized, you are NOT alone. We’ll explore real-life examples of toxic workplaces, statistics on workplace trauma, and expert-backed recovery strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and professional happiness.

🛑 Signs of a Toxic Workplace

A toxic work environment can be subtle or outright destructive. Some common signs include:
✅ Micromanagement & Lack of Trust
✅ Poor Leadership & No Accountability
✅ Constant Fear of Retaliation or Job Loss
✅ Unrealistic Workloads & Burnout
✅ Workplace Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
✅ No Work-Life Balance or Boundaries

💡 Did you know? A 2023 study found that 62% of employees say their workplace negatively impacts their mental health, and 1 in 4 employees report experiencing PTSD-like symptoms from work-related stress.

🧠 Can You Experience PTSD from a Toxic Workplace?

Yes. In Part II, we will discuss what that looks like and the steps you can take to help yourself.

📌 Question for Listeners: Have you ever felt lingering anxiety or fear about work, even after leaving a toxic job? Please share your experiences with us

Got a question about navigating workplace toxicity? Send it in for a future episode!

📞 Resources & Support

If you’re struggling in a toxic workplace, here are some resources to help:
📌 Mental Health Support: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – 1-800-950-6264
📌 Workplace Harassment Help: EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) – 1-800-669-4000
📌 Legal & Labor Rights: U.S. Department of Labor
📌 Workplace Trauma Support: The Workplace Bullying Institute

🎙️ Final Thought: No job is worth your health. You deserve a workplace where you feel valued and respected.

👉 Subscribe to "Dear HR Diary" for more insights on leadership, workplace culture, and career growth.

🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: Manage With Hart
🔗 Connect with Dawn Hart: LinkedIn

Support the show

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

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In this insightful episode of Dear HR Diary by Manage with Hart, host Dawn Hart sits down with Julie Livingston to explore the dynamic relationship between Public Relations (PR) and Human Resources (HR) and how their collaboration can transform workplace culture. Dawn and Julie discuss the importance of interdepartmental collaboration, aligning PR and HR messaging, and how employees can become effective brand ambassadors.

Together, they uncover best practices for consistent messaging across departments and share actionable tips for fostering employee representation that reflects the company’s values. Whether you’re an HR leader, a communications professional, or a business leader looking to break down departmental silos, this episode is packed with valuable insights to strengthen your internal and external brand.

Key Takeaways:
✅ The Power of PR & HR Collaboration – How these two departments can align to shape a cohesive employee and external brand experience.
✅ Messaging Consistency Matters – Why unified communication across departments enhances brand trust and transparency.
✅ Employees as Brand Ambassadors – Strategies to empower employees to represent your organization authentically.
✅ Best Practices for Employee Representation – Proven techniques to ensure employees reflect the company’s mission and values in public and internal spaces.
✅ Fostering Collaboration – Practical steps to break down silos and create a culture of partnership across departments.

About Our Guest:
Julie Livingston is a seasoned communications expert who bridges the gap between Public Relations and Human Resources. With years of experience helping organizations craft cohesive messaging and empowering employees to represent their brand, Julie brings unique insights into fostering collaboration and maintaining a strong, consistent voice.

Listen Now:
Tune in to discover how aligning PR and HR efforts can strengthen your organization’s culture, elevate your brand, and engage employees as powerful company advocates.

Connect with Julie Livingston:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielivcomms/

Website: http://www.wantleverage.com/

Blog: https://wantleverage.com/blog/linkedin-video-tab-10-tips-for-leveraging-the-new-in-feed-carousel/

Email: [email protected]

Support the show

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

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In this insightful episode of Dear HR Diary by Manage with Hart, host Dawn Hart welcomes special guest Robert Brill, an expert in advertising and entrepreneurship. Together, they dive into the risks of employment versus entrepreneurship, exploring what it means to step out on your own and build something from the ground up.

Robert shares key strategies for effective advertising, breaking down why understanding advertising is crucial—whether you're growing a business, managing a team, or navigating corporate life. They discuss how advertising isn't just about selling a product but also about building relationships, trust, and visibility—factors that are essential in any professional setting.

Through their conversation, Dawn and Robert connect the dots between advertising, leadership, and the workplace, showing how the same principles that drive successful marketing campaigns can also drive employee engagement, brand awareness, and business success.

Key Takeaways:
🔹 The risks and rewards of entrepreneurship vs. traditional employment
🔹 Why advertising matters—even if you’re not in marketing
🔹 How to create advertising strategies that work
🔹 The role of branding and messaging in business success
🔹 How advertising principles apply to team leadership and workplace culture

Tune In Now:
Don’t miss this conversation packed with practical insights and real-world applications for anyone looking to understand advertising and its impact on business and career growth.

💬 Join the Conversation:
What’s your experience with advertising—whether in business or in your career? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media! #DearHRDiary #ManageWithHart #Entrepreneurship #Advertising #Leadership

Connect with Robert:

Website: https://brillmedia.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbrill/

Support the show

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this enlightening episode of Dear HR Diary by Manage with Hart, host Dawn Hart is joined by Debra Boggs, CEO of D&S Executive Career Management. Debra is an Executive Job Search & Board Candidate Expert, a Corporate Outplacement Leader, a Forbes NEXT 1000 Entrepreneur, and an enthusiastic people connector. Together, they dive deep into executive career management, unpacking challenges and opportunities in today’s job market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Unique Challenges of Executive Job Searches: Insights into executives' distinct hurdles when seeking new opportunities.
2. Navigating Ageism in Executive Roles: Strategies to overcome biases and highlight experience as a strength.
3. Current Job Trends and Insights: Understanding the shifting landscape of the job market and how it impacts executives.
4. Shifting Motivations in Executive Compensation: Exploring how priorities around benefits and work-life balance are evolving.
5. Key Takeaways for Job Seekers: Actionable advice for standing out in a competitive executive job market.

Key Highlights:

• Debra shares the importance of personal branding and how it aligns with board candidacy and executive leadership roles.
• Practical tips for building and leveraging networks effectively as an executive job seeker.
• An in-depth discussion on the value of emotional intelligence and adaptability in executive positions.

Connect with Debra Boggs:
Website: http://www.dscareermanagement.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/

Don’t Forget to Subscribe and Share!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to Dear HR Diary by Manage with Hart and leave us a review. Sharing is caring—let your network know about this insightful conversation!

Support the show

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

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In this enlightening episode of Dear HR Diary by Manage With Hart, I sit down with Bonnie Davis to explore what it truly means to create a human-centered workplace. With a focus on communication, generational perspectives on feedback, and empathy-building, this conversation offers actionable insights for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone interested in fostering a more people-centric work environment.

Episode Highlights:

1. What is a Human-Centered Workplace?
Bonnie Davis explains the core principles of human-centered workplaces, emphasizing that these environments prioritize employees' well-being, growth, and individuality. Companies can drive engagement, productivity, and long-term success by fostering trust, respect, and inclusion.

2. The Role of Communication in Human-Centered Workplaces
Communication is at the heart of human-centered workplaces. We discuss how clear, honest, and empathetic communication can help build stronger relationships between leaders and employees. 

3. Generational Perspectives on Feedback
Bonnie dives into how different generations approach feedback in the workplace. While younger employees may crave regular, real-time feedback, more seasoned employees might prefer structured, periodic reviews. Understanding these differences can help leaders tailor their communication strategies to meet their teams' needs better.

4. Building Empathy in the Workplace
Empathy is a critical skill for today’s leaders. We discuss practical ways to build empathy within teams, including active listening, recognizing individual challenges, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. 

Key Takeaways:

• Human-centered workplaces prioritize employee well-being and individuality.
• Effective communication builds trust and fosters open dialogue.
• Understanding generational differences in feedback preferences can enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Empathy is a vital leadership skill that can improve workplace culture and employee engagement.

Practical Tips for Leaders:

• Develop Active Listening Skills: Practice active listening to show employees their voices are heard and valued.
• Tailor Your Feedback Approach: Adapt your feedback style to suit the preferences of different generations in your team.
• Create Safe Spaces: Encourage open conversations by creating a culture where employees feel safe to share their thoughts and concerns.
• Lead with Empathy: Show genuine care for your team members by acknowledging their unique challenges and offering support when needed.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Bonnie Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniedavis01/
• Website: https://huworkteam.com/

Stay Connected with Manage With Hart:

• Website: www.managewithhart.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manage-with-hart/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagram: @managewithhart

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Dear HR Diary and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more insightful conversations to the HR community.

Support the show

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