In this episode, we’re talking about AI’s Role in the Modern HR Function. Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations recruit, manage, and support employees — but with these innovations come important questions about ethics, fairness, and the future of work.

Joining me today is Joey Price, CEO of Jumpstart HR, TEDx speaker on AI in the workplace, and author of the book The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People Professional.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis

Today’s conversation sits right at the intersection of people, policy, and performance. We're going to focus on Parental Leave Policies. Our guest is Beth Wanner, the founder of Mother Cover, an agency that provides interim and fractional leadership coverage to help organizations maintain momentum while employees take parental or caregiver leave. Beth brings a rare and powerful dual perspective to this work. She’s led teams as a tech executive, and she’s also navigated the personal transformation of becoming a mother. That combination gave her a front-row seat to a persistent workplace tension: how organizations can genuinely support employees through major life transitions without sacrificing business continuity.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis

Today’s episode is about AI, but not in the usual way. We’re not talking about fear, replacement, or hype. Instead, we’re asking a much more practical question: Busy Work is the First Thing AI Should Take: How to Break Down Your Job Into ‘AI Tasks’ and ‘Human Tasks’—and Why It Matters. And how can we break our jobs into AI tasks and human tasks—in a way that actually gives us back time, energy, and agency? Our guest is Sharon Gai, an international keynote and TEDx speaker, AI and innovation expert, former Alibaba executive, and author of the book How to Do More with Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI-Driven Economy.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Host: Kelly Minnis

Christian “Boo” Boucousis (“Boo") is a former fighter pilot turned CEO of the company Afterburner., which helps organizations translate high-stakes aviation thinking into business execution. He’s the author of The Afterburner Advantage, an Amazon bestseller in leadership, and he works with Fortune 500 companies—and even NFL teams that went on to win the Super Bowl—to build purpose-driven, high-performing cultures. He’s known for turning chaos into clarity. Book talks about what HR leaders can learn from a fighter pilot cockpit drill.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Host: Kelly Minnis

Our guest is Erika Sinner, Founder and CEO of Directorie, a $15 million healthcare commercialization company and a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree. She also serves as the Chief Empathy Officer at the nonprofit TinySuperheroes, empowering critically ill children to discover their strength and voice. A passionate advocate for pet-inclusive workplaces and a leading voice on pet bereavement leave, Erika is the bestselling author of Pets Are Family. In this episode, she talks about the Importance of Celebrating Our Pets in the Workplace. From Slack channels full of puppy pics to thoughtful pet bereavement policies, organizations are recognizing what many of us already know—pets are family, and honoring that truth can transform culture.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis

Today’s episode dives into a frustrating but all-too-common experience for job seekers — submitting dozens of resumes and hearing... nothing. Why are qualified candidates getting ghosted? And what exactly are recruiters — and the bots they use — really looking for?

To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Steph Cartwright, a Job Search Strategist, Certified Resume Writer, and the solopreneur behind Off The Clock Resumes. Since 2014, Steph has helped hundreds of job seekers break through barriers and get noticed, offering guidance on everything from resumes to LinkedIn strategy.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis

Our guest is Hanna Hasl-Kelchner, the international award-winning author of Seeking Fairness at Work. She was named one of the Top 9 Impact Authors by the 2024 Goody Business Book Awards. A former business lawyer turned strategist and host of the syndicated podcast Business Confidential Now, Hanna blends legal, social, and practical insight to help leaders build fair and high-performing workplaces.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis

In this episode, we welcome Leandro Cartelli, founder of Lana Talent, a firm dedicated to connecting businesses with exceptional Latin American talent while ensuring both skills alignment and cultural fit. With over 15 years of experience leading Talent Acquisition efforts at companies like Accenture and DeliveryHero, Leandro brings a wealth of knowledge in building scalable, data-driven recruitment strategies.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis

In this episode, we talk with Aaron Smith, the co-founder of Savi, a platform helping millions navigate student loan repayment. He’s spent over a decade in student loan policy and higher ed tech, working with organizations like AARP and The National Education Association to unlock nearly $5 billion in projected savings for borrowers. Aaron is also the founder of Young Invincibles, an advocacy organization he started while still managing his own student debt. He’s collaborated with the Department of Education and even the White House on meaningful student loan reforms.

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis

Matthew Hellrung is co-Founder & Partner at Meltzer Hellrung LLP. He helps companies create scalable and compliant immigration programs that withstand audits and policy changes. With over a decade of experience, he’s a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and HR leaders for his expertise in I-9 compliance, global mobility, and visa sponsorship. In this episode, Matthew talks about “What HR needs to know before sponsoring that next work visa".

Host: Marie-Line Germain, Ph.D.

Mixing: Kelly Minnis