HR Data Labs

HR Data Labs host David Turetsky gathers the team for a candid roundtable on what pay means, what people need from it, and how today’s economy is reshaping expectations around compensation. The conversation spans fairness, transparency, growth, respect, and the real pressure of inflation and job insecurity. The discussion features every member of the team who contributed substantively, including Angela Bailey, Ellen Gonzalez, IBEJesus Prince, Desiree Goldey, Mark Lane, Amy Brandt, Sushma Tripathi, and Leelee Johnson. 

Key topics 

Timestamps 

00:00 - David introduces the HR Data Labs team and sets up a roundtable on compensation 01:18 - Angela Bailey’s introduction and poet reveal  

01:51 - Ellen Gonzalez introduces herself and admits to being a workaholic  

02:08 - Ebegis Prince shares her background and the story of naming her daughter after herself  

02:26 - Desiree Goldey’s global work experience and life abroad  

02:45 - Mark Lane on marketing, saxophone, and Carnegie Hall  

03:26 - Amy Brandt on studying in France  

04:19 - Miracle introduces herself as a lead developer and singer  

04:53 - Sushma Tripathi is introduced after microphone issues  

05:21 - Topic shift to perspectives on pay in 2026  

06:08 - What pay means as affirmation, survival, and motivation 

07:24 - Pay as a reward for effort and a means to support family  

08:13 - Pay as a way to fund dreams and life goals  

10:14 - Pay as the foundation of a career and a practical way to support family  

10:58 - Pay as value, creativity, and meaningful work  

11:56 - Amy’s view of pay as earned freedom and enjoyment 12:38 - Sushma on pay as a trust contract  

13:30 - David’s perspective on pay as organizational value and personal values  

14:26 - What people require from pay beyond the paycheck  

15:17 - Amy wants consistency from pay  

15:42 - Desiree wants respect, challenge, non-toxic culture, and fair compensation 17:23 - Ellen wants respect, growth, and the basics covered  

18:06 - Leelee defines pay as compensation and appreciation  

18:51 - Mark wants fairness plus meaningful, stimulating work  

19:23 - IBEJesus wants fairness, transparency, structure, and a framework  

20:46 - Leelee’s direct answer: appreciation and value in the workplace  

21:07 - Transition into career growth and transparency  

22:14 - Leelee on growth, executive assistant work, and knowing her worth  

23:24 - Sushma on growth through AI, automation, and process improvement  

24:26 - IBEJesus on moving toward community impact and restoring energy to workers 25:02 - Mark on evolving, learning new tools, and solving bigger problems  

26:03 - Angela on growth as impact, teaching AI, and expanding outreach  

26:59 - Desiree on learning, podcasting, and eventually working for herself  

28:11 - Amy on exploring options before committing to a direction  

28:43 - Ellen on becoming a compensation professional and learning from the team 29:36 - David on stepping outside his comfort zone to build something meaningful  

31:39 - The economy makes pay feel fragile and compressed  

33:09 - Desiree on empathy for job seekers and people struggling to find work  

35:39 - Amy on inflation, minimum wage, and the cost of getting to work  

36:40 - Sushma on AI, layoffs, and the collision of strategy, emotion, and math  

38:46 - Angela on control, confidence, and why current merit increases feel like pay cuts 40:53 - IBEJesus on the collapse of rugged individualism and the need for community 42:59 - Leelee on underpayment, basic needs, and the link between wages and dignity 45:44 - Mark shares how job loss and podcasting reshaped his perspective  

49:32 - IBEJesus closes with a solution-oriented call to tie pay to business objectives 51:18 - David wraps up the conversation and thanks the team 

Notable quotes 

In this episode, we reflect on the most impactful themes from season eleven of the HR Data Labs Podcast, emphasizing the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of work. Host David Turetsky discusses how AI has become a central focus across industries, influencing regulation, data governance, organizational change, and HR practices. Tune in for a comprehensive summary of trends, predictions, and key conversations that are shaping HR’s future. 

Key Topics Covered: 

Timestamps:  

00:00 - Welcome and season eleven wrap-up overview 
00:33 - Changes in HR over the past years and current transformations 
01:31 - Introduction of chickens and personal updates 
02:29 - Recap of season eleven and its focus on artificial intelligence 
03:12 - AI’s influence on organizational change, trust, and data governance 
03:57 - The importance of data foundations for AI initiatives 
04:27 - The increasing integration of AI into daily work and business practices 
04:56 - The evolution from early computer use to AI today 
05:54 - The proliferation of AI tools in corporate technology stacks 
06:24 - Environmental and infrastructure challenges of AI data centers 
07:10 - Advances in small form factor AI hardware and local hosting options 
08:07 - Real-world AI applications at the desk and secure data practices 
09:34 - Building AI models with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques 
10:03 - Resources available at hrdatalabs.ai and hrdatalabs.com 
11:02 - Notable interviews, including legal, security, talent acquisition, and leadership insights 
12:29 - Reflection on season eleven, personal connections, and upcoming season twelve topics 
13:00 - Highlights from upcoming episodes, including county HR challenges and practical AI applications 
14:26 - Reviewing past predictions and setting new forecasts for the next six months 
15:25 - Using AI to evaluate predictions and industry trends 
16:17 - The shift from AI experimentation to measurable ROI in HR 
17:44 - Current state of HR AI use cases, human-in-the-loop importance, and regulatory outlook 
19:11 - Predicted regulation developments at the state and federal levels 
20:44 - Host’s forecast: increased progress in AI adoption and ROI validation in HR 
22:36 - The impact of AI-related layoffs, rehiring, and reputational considerations 
25:02 - Exciting plans for future episodes, conferences, and continued industry insights 
26:26 - Appreciation for listeners and partners, and encouragement to follow the show 

This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of HR technology, emphasizing AI’s transformative potential and ongoing challenges. Whether you’re an HR professional, a business leader, or an enthusiast of HR innovation, these insights provide vital context for navigating the future of work. 

In this episode, we explore the complex issue of burnout within organizations, its predictors, and how HR leaders can proactively address systemic risks that impact employee well-being and productivity. Alison Campbell, founder of Unburnt, shares her extensive research and practical strategies to recognize and mitigate burnout at every level of the organization. 

Key Topics Covered: 

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Alison Campbell and the importance of addressing burnout 
02:27 - The moment that led Alison to focus on burnout and her personal journey 
04:01 - Alison’s creative side and her graphic novel "HR Datadoodles" 
06:16 - The research partnership with Bentley University on burnout predictors 
07:44 - The link between systemic organizational risk factors and burnout 
08:49 - How high burnout employees can still appear visibly active in their roles 
09:39 - The significance of capacity to think strategically and translate plans into value 
10:40 - The disconnect between perceived stress and actual burnout risks 
12:02 - External vs internal stressors and the inability to compartmentalize life and work 
13:09 - Leadership’s role in recognizing and mitigating burnout risks 
14:47 - Organizational challenges in managing AI transformation and burnout 
16:26 - The importance of leadership development and systemic change over siloed HR initiatives 
17:50 - Lessons from early computer adoption and AI integration in the workplace 
19:21 - The necessity of strategic, outcome-driven AI implementation and avoiding wasteful spending 
20:31 - The role of diagnostics and ongoing measurement in early burnout detection 
22:09 - The importance of communication from leadership and the board level 
23:55 - Addressing the aging workforce and demographic considerations in burnout 
26:49 - The impact of caregiving, obligation stressors, and generational differences 
28:20 - Practical advice for HR leaders: assessing current tools, engaging with the C-suite and board 
30:46 - The significance of transparent, frequent communication around organizational goals 
33:55 - Final thoughts on the complexity of burnout and the need for comprehensive solutions 

Resources & Links: 

Connect with Alison Campbell: 

In this episode, HR thought leader Tim Sackett joins host David Turetsky to explore the current landscape of artificial intelligence in HR, talent acquisition, and broader workforce management. They discuss the gap between technological potential and real-world application, legal and ethical challenges, and how government regulation could shape the future of AI in HR. 

In this episode: 

Timestamps:  

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on AI's impact in HR 
00:48 - Insights into Tim's recent conference experiences and the state of AI learning among HR professionals 
02:35 - The hype versus the real application of AI in talent acquisition 
02:57 - Fun facts about Tim Sackett: a Belieber and a Swiftie 
03:48 - The quality and impact of recent Super Bowl performances and music preferences 
05:02 - Discussing the upcoming Rush tour anniversary and nostalgia for classic rock 
06:34 - The intersection of AI and HR conference trends, gap analysis between practitioners and tech providers 
07:50 - The knowledge gap in HR regarding AI capabilities and the risk of vaporware marketing 
09:01 - Foundations of HR's misunderstanding of existing HR tech systems and AI's rapid evolution 
11:33 - Legal challenges with AI, including Wells Fargo and Workday litigations, and compliance risks 
13:07 - The potential for AI to cause or prevent legal liabilities and litigation 
15:00 - New leadership at the Department of Labor and its implications for AI regulation 
17:10 - Political influences on regulatory approaches and the need for national AI legislation 
19:54 - Blockchain's dormant potential for workforce data sovereignty and validation 
22:07 - The future of digital identity verification and the use of blockchain for employee records 
24:11 - Risks of identity fraud and the importance of robust verification methods 
26:22 - How AI can both combat and exacerbate identity fraud and security vulnerabilities 
28:25 - Insider threats, employment fraud, and the importance of vigilance in digital security 
31:10 - Strategies for HR leaders to become AI literate with minimal time investment 
33:24 - The importance of understanding what "agent" and "automation" truly mean in HR tech markets 
35:23 - Aligning AI initiatives with business and HR strategies to solve real problems 
37:07 - Cost considerations, the hidden expenses of AI, and the importance of planning for ROI 
38:48 - The "free" AI myth and the real costs of tokens, processing, and hardware investments 
40:08 - The impact of AI data quality on recommendations and organizational decision-making 
41:04 - Closing remarks and appreciation for Tim Sackett’s insights 

Resources & Links: 

Connect with Tim Sackett: 

Note:  

For HR leaders, gaining a foundational knowledge of AI is critical. Resources like Anthropic's short videos or AI primer courses can accelerate understanding and help avoid vendor hype and legal pitfalls. 

Are we staring into the abyss of a hiring chaos or on the brink of a revolution? Join us as we dive deep into the messy truth behind current job boards, AI's role in hiring, and how the market is reshaping the talent game. This is raw, real, and everything you need to understand where work is headed today. 

In this episode: 

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Introduction: Unpacking the chaos in recruiting tech 
02:22 - Fun facts about Chris: Kayaking and hiking adventures 
04:40 - The real trouble with job boards: Struggling giants and market share battles 
07:12 - Is the market slowdown due to fewer jobs or just hiring shifts? 
08:41 - Employer behavior shift: Quantity over quality and ghosting culture 
09:56 - AI's potential to eliminate ghosting and streamline the recruitment process 
11:11 - How companies like Greenhouse are rethinking candidate experience 
12:54 - The fundamental business problems facing job boards today 
14:29 - Why secondary job boards are failing to overtake giants 
17:50 - Trends in blue collar vs. white collar hiring challenges 
19:04 - The nightmare of application processes and resume parsing 
22:57 - The future of AI agents for job seekers and hiring automation 
26:24 - Will smaller, more AI-driven companies dominate the future? 
28:52 - How job seekers are feeling: Fear, hope, and AI optimism 
30:33 - The human side of AI: From greeting cards to personalized connections 
31:49 - The coming era of smaller teams powered by AI efficiency 
33:35 - Creative visions: HR Data Doodles and comedy in Human Resources 

Resources & Links: 

Connect with Chris Russell: 

Stay tuned for more episodes where we challenge the status quo, ignite the future of work, and boldly explore what’s next in HR and recruitment. 

Imagine a world where AI is not just a tool but a partner that elevates human judgment, responsibility, and ethics. That’s exactly what Helena Almeida, VP of Ethics at ADP, reveals in this electrifying episode, a true call to action for every HR leader and business executive.

Dive into the real talk about AI governance, responsible use, and how to stay human in a tech-driven world. Your organization’s future depends on it. 

In This Episode: 

Helena Almeida’s journey from litigator to AI ethics pioneer. 

The human side of AI: trust, hallucinations, and accountability. 

How responsible AI standards are shaped by legal and ethical boundaries. 

Practical advice for HR leaders: leveraging AI without losing the human touch. 

The critical role of friction in HR processes to ensure fairness and accuracy. 

Why AI isn’t a replacement but an enhancer — and the importance of smart design. 

Navigating complex legal landscapes: pay transparency, union rules, and cross-state regulations. 

How business leaders without tech backgrounds can champion responsible AI. 

The future of HR workflows with AI: rethinking old processes and embracing healthy friction. 

What “responsible AI” really looks like for your organization. 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the bold new era of AI in HR 
02:00 - Helena’s transition from litigation to AI ethics leadership 
04:00 - The myth of AI without human oversight 
07:00 - Hallucinations in AI and how to manage trust 
09:30 - Balancing AI accuracy with human judgment 
12:00 - Ensuring data integrity in AI-driven HR systems 
15:00 - Managing variations in employment law with AI 
18:00 - The challenge of complex, multi-layered HR rules 
21:00 - Standards for responsible AI: high stakes decisions 
24:00 - The importance of skilled designers and human oversight 
27:00 - The impact of automation on HR talent and friction 
30:00 - How business leaders can lead AI governance without technical expertise 
33:00 - Rethinking HR workflows for AI integration 
36:00 - Healthy friction: the secret to responsible AI in HR 
38:00 - Final thoughts: humans and AI working together for better workplaces

Resources & Links: 

ADP 

Helena Almeida - LinkedIn 

Responsible AI Guidelines 

Book: "Human + Machine" by H. Simmons 

Connect with Helena Almeida: 

LinkedIn 

Twitter 

Final Call:

The future of HR is human. The future of AI is responsible. You have the power to shape both. Listen now — and be bold enough to lead with integrity, insight, and purpose. 

An Intimate Conversation with Mark Stelzner Delves into a candid, passionate exploration of how the landscape of HR, business, and leadership has transformed over two decades. Mark Stelzner shares raw insights about the accelerating pace of change, the rise of AI, and the shifting dynamics of organizational survival. 

In this episode: 

The relentless acceleration of business change and its impact on leadership (00:50) 

Why traditional five-year plans are now laughable and what that means for HR (07:20) 

The profound influence of social and digital currency on organizational momentum (08:14) 

How disruption is no longer an exception but the new normal, BlackBerry to Apple (09:45) 

The rise of holding companies and the collapse of monolithic giants (11:05) 

Navigating complexity factors and the importance of agility over size (12:30) 

The real story behind beta and growth opportunities in turbulent times (13:42) 

The amplified role of HR as a strategic, pivotal driver of organizational resilience (28:10) 

The shift from administrative to strategic HR—what is lost, what is gained (39:45) 

The evolving role of AI in HR operations and strategy (42:36) 

Mark's reflections on two decades of growth, adaptability, and leadership (43:11) 

The urgent need to rethink HR's purpose and practices in this fast-changing era (39:16) 

Resources & Links: 

Mark Stelzner on LinkedIn 

IA Consulting 

Amazon: "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen 

Connect with Mark Stelzner: 

LinkedIn 

Twitter 

This episode is an unmissable journey through the raw truth of transformation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of relevance in an ever-evolving world.  

Prepare to challenge your assumptions and ignite your passion for change. 

This episode dives deep into the transformative power of AI in bridging the communication chasm between HR leaders and frontline employees. Brodie Meyer shares candid insights on how a simple SMS strategy turned into a revolutionary tool that improves engagement, safety, and retention, proven among industries that most need it.

In this episode: 

Brodie's journey from blue-collar roots to HR tech innovator 

The story behind YourCo, a frontline employee communication platform 

Why traditional tools failed frontline workers and how SMS changed the game 

The magic of two-way texting and real-time conversations 

Metrics revealing improved engagement: from immediate reach to 86% two-way after 90 days 

The tangible outcomes: decreased turnover, higher safety, and increased productivity 

The strategic use of AI: frontline insights and sentiment analysis 

Practical advice: meet employees where they are on their devices and habits 

Brodie’s thoughts on AI’s role in scaling HR communications effectively 

Timestamps:

00:33 - Welcome to the HR Data Labs podcast with Brodie Meyer 
01:08 - Meet Your Co: transforming frontline communication in traditional industries 
02:14 - Brodie's personal motivation and background 
03:01 - Juggling family and startup life with new born Nolan 
04:12 - Brodie’s fun fact: love for Italian cooking 
05:32 - The gap between HR and frontline workers — origins of the idea 
06:15 - Struggling with Slack in blue-collar environments 
07:55 - The breakthrough: SMS as the go-to communication channel 
08:29 - Why texting works: older devices, language barriers, and habits 
11:11 - Building a two-way platform that’s accessible and effective 
12:05 - Employee and management feedback: engagement truths 
13:05 - Impact: exceeding expectations and improving workforce sentiment 
14:33 - Scaling solutions for large enterprises while maintaining engagement warmth 
15:38 - Metrics: Achieving 86% two-way engagement after 90 days 
16:52 - The importance of real conversations with frontline staff 
17:39 - The ROI focus: reduced turnover, safety, productivity improvements 
19:57 - AI in frontline communication: frontline intelligence and sentiment analysis 
21:24 - Ensuring data accuracy and transparency with citations 
23:08 - Practical advice: meet employees where they are to unlock results 
23:43 - Closing thoughts and the power of meeting employees where they truly are.

Resources & Links: 

Your Co -The frontline communication platform transforming industries 

Book: HR Transformation by John Smith 

Brodie Meyer - LinkedIn | Twitter 

AI & Sentiment Analysis Tools — Google Cloud AI 

Connect with Brodie Meyer: 

LinkedIn 

Twitter 

End on this: 

If you want to revolutionize HR and frontline engagement, meet your employees where they already are, on their phones, their language, their habits. That’s the secret sauce to unlocking productivity, safety, and retention at scale. Don’t just imagine it, do it! 

Dive deep into the messy truth about recruiting today, where human laziness, outdated systems, and misguided AI tools collide. Find out how smarter strategies and better incentives could revolutionize talent acquisition and HR.

In this episode: 

How AI amplifies bias and noise in recruiting, not fixes it 

The pitfalls of traditional assessment methods and the rise of work trials 

Why incentive structures for recruiters need a massive overhaul 

The future of gig and flexible work in talent sourcing 

Practical ways AI can enhance matchmaking, not replace human connection 

The importance of evolving HR processes alongside new tech tools 

The potential for independent recruiters to change the game 

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Welcome and intro to today's hot topic in HR 
00:32 - Meet John Kim: CEO of ParaForm, HR innovator 
01:03 - John’s background and why mobility shaped his worldview 
02:39 - The superpower of adaptability from constant moving 
03:27 - Why AI often worsens recruiting chaos instead of fixing it 
04:56 - The noise problem: How AI creates more applications and confusion 
05:53 - The laziness behind superficial hiring practices 
06:47 - How current metrics incentivize shortcuts in recruitment 
08:33 - Using AI to address asymmetries and better assess candidates 
10:36 - The evolution and necessity of performance-based assessments 
12:01 - On-site work trials and mutual company-candidate evaluation 
13:00 - Speed dating vs panic room: new interview models 
14:14 - The discipline gap in talent acquisition teams 
15:27 - The role of AI in transforming candidate and recruiter interactions 
16:02 - Can AI really match candidates with limited data? 
18:12 - The importance of data quality in AI-driven hiring 
19:30 - Changing transparency around candidate and employer feedback 
20:00 - How platforms like ParaForm align incentives for better matches 
22:08 - Rethinking recruiter compensation models for higher quality hires 
23:23 - The potential of independent recruiters for more outcome-focused hiring 
25:57 - Balancing internal teams and external experts for best results 
28:32 - How AI can reduce recruitment grunt work and increase efficiency 
30:36 - The shift to gig, contract, and flexible work models 
33:01 - Lessons from HR’s past mistakes and the need for continuous learning 
35:28 - Harnessing the power of new tools and tech in HR evolution.

Resources & Links: 

ParaForm 

Upwork 

Fiverr 

Connect with John Kim: 

LinkedIn 

Twitter 

Feel the energy? It’s time to rethink your hiring game, embrace automation, challenge old norms, and prioritize real human connection. The future of talent acquisition depends on it. Now go out there and lead the charge! 

Hold tight. Today’s episode? It’s a wild ride through the chaos and clarity of AI in the workplace. We’re digging into how HR and leaders can embrace innovation without shooting themselves in the foot. If you're feeling overwhelmed or skeptical about AI boundaries, this is your reality check and rally cry all in one.

In this episode: 

The true impact of hotels on community and human experiences 

The metaphor of AI tools as gym equipment—hidden potential and the importance of guidance 

Guardrails around AI: costs, ethics, and performance illusions 

Why access to AI is a must—no gates, no barriers, big opportunities 

The need for specific training versus generalized skepticism 

The parallel between AI in education and employment—breaking down misconceptions 

How we should focus on the results not just the means 

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Meet Carlee Wolfe: HR leader redefining talent and organizational effectiveness 
01:12 - The heart of hospitality: impact on community & human connection 
02:16 - Hotels as spaces for life's biggest moments—marriages, tragedies, celebrations 
03:32 - How hotels influence local economies & culture 
04:59 - The fascinating kosher hotel fact in Chicago—layered infrastructure and community needs 
06:25 - Carlee’s fun facts—skydiving, bungee jumping, and the importance of knowing your limits 
09:38 - What’s rattling Carlee’s mind for 2026? The future of AI, HR, and disruption 
10:22 - Guardrails on AI: costs, ethics, and misconceptions about performance 
12:10 - Why restricting AI access can hinder performance—and why that’s a mistake 
13:33 - Rethinking performance metrics in the age of AI: productivity, quality, and innovation 
14:02 - The risk of private vs. corporate AI use—leaking secrets or gaining speed? 
15:02 - The training gap: equipping your team to harness AI effectively 
17:21 - The gym metaphor: AI tools as machines—and the overlooked ‘back of the gym’ space 
18:46 - Building a culture around exploration & experimentation in AI adoption 
19:34 - The variety of AI ‘machines’: Claude, Perplexity, ChatGPT—the importance of understanding differences 
21:08 - How applicants and employers can use AI ethically & effectively in hiring 
23:24 - Education’s role: from cheating to enhancing learning using AI tools 
24:55 - Embracing AI as a workforce builder, not a barrier—why resistance stalls progress 
25:24 - The evolution of research & referencing—AI as a thinking partner 
26:19 - The importance of maintaining mental agility—training the muscle, not just the machine 
27:04 - Results over methods: why focus on outcomes?

Resources & Links: 

Book: Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI by H. James Wilson & Paul R. Daugherty 

GPT-4 by OpenAI 

Claude AI 

Perplexity AI 

Connect with Carlee Wolfe: 

LinkedIn 

Twitter 

This episode is a bold call to see AI as a tool, not a threat.

Change your mindset, unlock your potential, and remember, you get to choose whether AI becomes your crutch or your launchpad. Stay curious, stay bold. The future is yours to shape.