AI is streamlining HR tasks—but could it be quietly stripping away the dignity of work? In this episode, we explore how to balance automation with humanity and what HR leaders must do to protect what makes work meaningful.

In this episode:

• We play “Real or Robot” and roast overused AI quotes
• Explore how AI impacts employee value beyond job security
• Share real-world stories (and pies) that show the power of the human touch

Connect with us:

Dakota on LinkedIn
Felicia on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more real-talk HR insights!

Is the four-day work week really the solution we’ve been waiting for—or just a flashy band-aid for a bigger issue?

In this episode of HR Leaders Lounge, we explore the deeper questions behind the four-day work week conversation:
- Why the five-day work week isn’t as “traditional” as we think
- How burnout, flexibility, and productivity are shaping employee expectations
- Why shorter weeks don’t necessarily mean better work-life balance


Plus, our hosts dive into how remote work, generational shifts, and family life all tie into the evolving future of work—and why flexibility might matter more than the number of days you clock in.

👇 Got thoughts on the four-day work week? We want to hear from you on LinkedIn!

Connect with us:
Dakota on LinkedIn
Felicia on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more real-talk HR insights!

You don’t need a full-time exec to make a full impact. More companies are turning to a new model called fractional twinning—bringing in seasoned executives part-time to bring high-level expertise without the full-time cost.

In this episode of HR Leaders Lounge, we explore what fractional leadership actually is (and why it’s gaining traction)

• How it helps companies reduce overhead while leveling up talent
• The cultural shift and how full-time staff really feel about fractional execs
• Best practices for integrating fractional leaders without the friction
  
  

Plus, our hosts go head-to-head in a “Fractional Draft Pick” to build their dream team of part-time execs

👇 Have you worked with a fractional leader—or been one? Tell us your experience on LinkedIn!

Connect with us:
Dakota on LinkedIn 
Felicia on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more HR insights!

Step into the HR Leaders Lounge—LIVE from a 1920s-style distillery in NYC during the NBOA conference. In this special episode, we go off-script and into the speakeasy to chat with independent school leaders and HR professionals about what’s really happening in education HR.

In this episode:

• Outdated HR practices that used to be completely normal in schools
• Why teachers are leaving—and what’s keeping them
• How AI is changing classrooms and hiring
• Candid interviews with NBOA attendees

Connect with us:

Dakota on LinkedIn 
Felicia on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more HR insights!

Welcome to Part 2 of our two-part generational deep dive!The modern workplace just became a whole lot more crowded—with Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha in the mix. And guess who’s holding it all together? HR.In this episode, we break down the challenges (and opportunities) of managing the most generationally diverse workforce in history: 🧠 How communication preferences are clashing across generations.

• The power of mentorship, reverse shadowing, and knowledge transfer
• How generations can play their strengths off one another and learn from each other

• 🧙‍♂️ And yes, we talk about Millennials... and Harry Potter

👇 Leave a comment: What’s one workplace habit you’ve learned from another generation?

Connect with us:
Dakota on LinkedIn 
Felicia on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more HR insights!

Welcome to Part 1 of our two-part generational deep dive! We’re exploring what happens when Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z (and even a few Gen Alphas) all collide in one workplace—and what HR needs to know to manage it.

In this episode:

- How Gen Z doesn’t trust Slack but loves a text 
- How generational differences shape expectations, communication, and even work-life balance
- Why mentorship programs might work better across surprising generational lines

👇 Leave a comment: Which generation do you identify with most—and why?

Connect with us:

Dakota on LinkedIn 
Felicia on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more HR insights!

📚 Study referenced: https://simonsinek.com/podcast/episodes/gen-z-in-the-workplace-with-jonah-and-david-stillman/

HR’s Role Is Evolving But Is It Losing Power?

HR isn’t just about hiring anymore, but as the role expands, is HR losing its real influence? Today in the HR Leaders Lounge, we dive into how HR has shifted from personnel management to a strategic powerhouse, why employees trust HR more (or less) than ever, and whether stepping into the C-suite actually hurts HR’s impact.

In This Episode:
- The surprising reason younger employees trust HR more than older generations.
- Why HR’s move into leadership could be a double-edged sword.
- Who’s REALLY responsible for employee retention? (Hint: It’s not HR.)
- How HR can break free from the “principal’s office” reputation.

Plus: Tough conversations, fresh insights, and the unexpected HR superpower that no one talks about.

Join us in the Lounge where leadership, HR, and workplace trends collide (minus the corporate fluff). Don’t forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow HR Leaders Lounge on LinkedIn so you never miss an episode!

Connect with us:
Dakota on LinkedIn 

Felicia on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more HR insights!

The Office Isn’t Dead—It Just Needs a Rebrand 

Traditional office spaces are crumbling, but are offices really over—or do they just need a glow-up? Today in the HR Leaders Lounge, we unpack the evolution of workspaces, why remote work is losing its shine, and how the next-gen office will look more like your favorite café than a cubicle farm.

In This Episode:

• Remote work vs. RTO—is one actually better?
• Why companies get hybrid work so wrong.
• The REAL reason employees hate return-to-office (hint: it’s not the commute).
• How HR & Marketing can team up to make the office a place people want to be.

Plus: Hot takes, rapid-fire debates, and the perks that are actually getting people back in the office.

Join us in the Lounge—where leadership, HR, and workplace trends collide (minus the corporate fluff). Don’t forget to subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and follow HR Leaders Lounge on LinkedIn so you never miss an episode!

Connect with us:
Dakota on LinkedIn 
Felicia on LinkedIn

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more HR insights!

Why do some employees rave about their jobs while others stay silent? The truth is, perks alone won’t create a thriving culture. We’re diving into what truly makes a workplace irresistible—beyond free snacks and pickleball courts (even though we love these too).

In this episode:

- Why employees actually brag about their jobs
- The biggest culture mistakes HR leaders make
- How to craft an Employee Value Proposition (EVP) that attracts top talent
- What perks don’t do—and what actually matters

If you want to build a workplace where employees feel engaged, valued, and excited to show up every day, this episode is for you!

Tell us—what’s one thing your company offers that no one else does? Send us a message on LinkedIn or comment on YouTube!

Connect with us:

Dakota on LinkedIn 

Felicia on LinkedIn

🔗 Subscribe to us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRLeadersLounge

👉 Tune in to Episode 1, where we talked about developing your EVP! Don't miss this insightful discussion on crafting a compelling Employer Value Proposition.

📌 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DiNFtvLon9pOicXCXm38Y?si=f6294ae747fa423f

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more HR insights!

What if firing an employee the wrong way is hurting your company more than you realize? Learn how to handle tough departures with professionalism and compassion while protecting your team and brand. Whether you're an HR professional, manager, or business owner, this conversation will help you navigate terminations with clarity and confidence.

In this episode: 

• The complexities of employee termination and how to know when it’s time to fire. 

• Best practices for communication and the critical role HR plays in ensuring a smooth transition. 

• Strategies for handling difficult conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Connect with us: 

Dakota on LinkedIn

Felicia on LinkedIn