Happy Hour Hustle

How is it already mid-way through January?!

Maddie and Ashley sit down to talk about planning for 2025 (hopefully you already got started). They discuss the dos and don'ts of keeping everyone on track and why project management systems can be key to success.

From Gen X to Gen Z, there has been a lot of conversation in recent years about how to best manage multigenerational workplaces.

We brought in Jennifer Maxson, of Jennifer Maxson & Associates, to talk about strategies to approach different generations, the differences she's seen in her training, and what we all have in common.

Rosalynn Carter famously said: "There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

That's what this episode is all about.

We are currently facing a growing caregiver crisis - with more and more families filling this crucial role amid a shortage of people to do that work.

Sarah Milanowski, with LifeCircles PACE, joins Maddie to talk about what they are seeing on the front lines, why it's happening and what we can all do about it.

We are excited to introduce you to our incredible graphic designer Hannah Cline - who makes all of our shit look good.

Hannah and Maddie talk about agency life, how she comes up with designs, and the next big thing in the industry.

We are back this week with part two of our conversation with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan - this time, making the economic case for inclusion in the workforce and beyond.

Jen, Kim and Maddie talk about some of the startling statistics behind the issue, how people with disabilities are currently treated as they look to enter the work force, and how Special Olympics Michigan is hoping to change things with its new Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.

When it comes to inclusivity, it's so important we do more than just talking. That's why Kim and Maddie sat down with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan. The nonprofit is changing the game in inclusivity and empowering athletes far beyond sports.

In part one of their conversation, Jen dives into her journey as a parent of a child with a cognitive disability, and how the systems built to accommodate those with intellectual disabilities need to do a hell of a lot better.

We are deep in the heart of event season right now, which is both a fun and crazy time for 8THIRTYFOUR. As we head out on yet another flight, Kim and Maddie sit down to talk about the importance of showing up - and why it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your business.

At 8THIRTYFOUR, we are lucky to have an incredible network of freelancers and contractors we work with to get the job done. But how do you best work with someone who isn't on your staff full-time?

Maddie sat down with Jenna Brooks, a freelancer and Graphic Design BA from Calvin University, to talk about how she manages those relationships, her client's expectations and what advice she has for anybody who wants to work with a freelancer in the future.

As a woman-owned business, we put a lot of stake in supporting other women as they work to grow their careers. This week on Happy Hour Hustle, we sit down with Shannon Burkel and Kaitlyn Olson of Axios HR to talk about women in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and so so much more.

Small businesses already deal with enough, and now this. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) forces small businesses to provide their personal information to the federal government or face fines and even imprisonment if they don't.

We've written about it before, but there is still a lot at stake.

That's why Kim brought in Kelli Saunders, Vice President of Policy and Engagement for the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). They are one of several groups across the country fighting to put an end to the CTA. Kim and Kelli touch on what the law means for small businesses, why it's so detrimental and what we all can do to help.