Episode Summary:

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling welcome back Jon Hyman, an employment and labor law practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted introduction, in which Jon shares insights into his law practice, particularly his work with small- and mid-sized businesses and his niche representation of craft breweries.

As the discussion progresses, the trio delves into the evolving landscape of HR and employment law under the new administration, focusing on the implications of recent executive orders and the changing definitions surrounding discrimination and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Jon emphasizes the importance of filtering out the noise from the EEOC and maintaining established legal practices, regardless of political shifts.

The conversation then shifts to workplace retaliation, where John provides practical advice for employers on navigating claims and maintaining proper documentation.

We also touch on the role of AI in HR, discussing its potential benefits and challenges, and the necessity for businesses to adapt their policies to keep pace with technological advancements.

The episode wraps up with a discussion of the current state of the National Labor Relations Board and the implications of its political composition for labor relations, highlighting the need for stability in workplace policies amid ongoing changes.

Takeaways:

00:00Introduction to John Hyman

01:02John's Law Practice and Brewery Representation

05:40Navigating HR Under the New Administration

12:44Understanding Retaliation in the Workplace

18:37The Role of AI in HR

25:54Current State of Labor Relations Board

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort speak with Deb Muller, founder and CEO of HR Acuity, about the evolving landscape of employee relations as we approach 2026.

The conversation covers key trends in employee relations, the impact of AI on HR functions, the importance of trust and risk management, and the mental health challenges faced by employee relations teams.

Deb emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to changing workplace dynamics, implement effective governance around AI, and prioritize employee well-being. The episode concludes with practical advice for smaller organizations and insights into the future of HR practices.

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Employee Relations resources here.

Takeaways

In this “Snackable HR” episode, Robin unpacks the real reason your team is running on empty before December even starts - and it's not the tryptophan.

She examines how eleven months of "do more with less," unmet promises, and relentless pushing has left people exhausted, disengaged, and quietly checking out. This is a call to stop blaming something “mysterious”

Does AI free up HR to focus on strategy?

Together, they examine how artificial intelligence is transforming the HR landscape, questioning whether it truly frees HR professionals to focus on strategic work or merely replaces one set of administrative tasks with another.

The discussion highlights AI’s potential to deliver real-time analytics and deeper insights, enhancing decision-making and strengthening the strategic role of HR teams.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Drive Through HR and Guest Introduction

00:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

On this episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling talks with Kristen Kavanaugh, co-author of Courage Over Fear and co-founder of The Agency Initiative.

Kristen shares her journey from the Marine Corps to HR leadership at Tesla, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to authenticity, agency, and growth. The conversation explores the book’s core ideas: courage as small but powerful 5% shifts, the “Agency Loop” framework, and finding ways to lead with values even in polarized or high-pressure environments. Kristen also reflects on the challenges and future of DEI, urging

The episode leaves listeners with practical inspiration for building resilience,

In this host-only episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort dig into the latest 2025 U.S. jobs report that reveals virtually zero net job growth and the ripple effects of economic uncertainty on talent strategy. They unpack the simmering Starbucks union impasse and the optics of leadership’s return-to-office workaround as a lens on culture and credibility.

And then the conversation pivots to a forward-looking challenge for HR pros: transform yourself, stay relevant amid tech/AI shifts and consolidation, and don’t let disruption become stagnation. 

The episode is topped off with a celebratory nod to Humareso’s 13th anniversary!

In this episode of Drive Thru HR, hosts Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling welcome Clay Martin, the owner of Isla Talent, who specializes in recruiting from Puerto Rico.

Clay shares his unique journey from the Peace Corps to establishing a recruiting firm that addresses labor shortages in the U.S. by connecting employers with skilled workers from Puerto Rico.

The conversation delves into the challenges of traditional visa programs, the benefits of hiring from Puerto Rico, and the importance of building trust and communication with both employers and employees. Clay emphasizes the human aspect of recruitment and the need for genuine engagement in the hiring process.

In this conversation, Michael VanDervort and John Hyman discuss various topics related to labor relations, the current crisis within the NLRB, and the implications of political actions on workplace rights. They examine the challenges faced by unions, the significance of employee rights, and the necessity of thoughtful responses to workplace threats. The discussion also touches on the political landscape in the U.S.

In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling engage with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, to discuss the importance of durable skills in the hiring process and organizational culture.

Caitlin explains how durable skills, such as innovation and communication, are more predictive of job success than traditional skills. The conversation also covers the need for organizations to align their culture with strategy, the significance of cultural dexterity, and how companies can future-proof themselves in a rapidly changing world, particularly with the rise of AI.

*****

Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and Co-founder of Plum, is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. With Plum, business leaders gain access to vital talent data that aligns employees with roles where they’ll flourish, setting the stage for the entire business to thrive.

In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling engage with Rebecca Trotsky, Chief People Officer at HR Acuity, discussing the evolution of employee relations, the importance of talent development, and the role of technology in HR.

They explore the significance of communities like empowER in improving HR practices, the necessity of continuous learning, how HR tech has changed employee relations, and the adaptability of HR professionals across various industries. The conversation ends with a fun speed round of HR-related questions, emphasizing the human aspect of HR and the employee experience.