In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Jayma DuChene, a passionate HR professional and fellow podcast host. They discuss the importance of supporting employees and the need for HR professionals to take care of themselves. Jayma shares her journey in HR, her experiences with creating workflows, and her podcast 'What's in a Name?' which explores the significance of names and their meanings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal development and the impact of names on identity.

ABOUT JAYMA

Jayma DuChene is a seasoned human resources professional and senior product owner at OneDigital, holding a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, SHRM-SCP certification, and SAFe® Practitioner certification. With deep expertise in project management and solutions architecture, Jayma excels at researching emerging technologies and designing CRM solutions that empower Sales, Implementation, and Service teams. She is dedicated to implementing process automation initiatives that streamline business operations and drive efficiency. Prior to joining OneDigital, Jayma held key leadership roles at Resourcing Edge, including director of training and development, lead corporate systems trainer, and senior applications specialist. Beyond her professional achievements, Jayma hosts the “What’s In a Name?” podcast, pursues her passion for photography, and actively volunteers with the HRACO Workforce Readiness Committee.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Ben Eden, an HR executive turned author and speaker. They discuss the importance of self-perception in HR, the purpose of aligning people with their organization's goals, and the journey of overcoming personal struggles. Ben shares his experiences of vulnerability, the impact of HR on individual lives, and the creation of his book, 'How We See Ourselves.' The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to own their value and the transformative power of understanding one's identity.

ABOUT BEN EDEN

Ben Eden is a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and author of How We See Ourselves—a groundbreaking book that helps high-performing leaders break free from burnout and self-doubt by shifting how they see themselves. As the creator of the Eden Model™, Ben equips individuals and teams with a framework for identity-based transformation, unlocking clarity, confidence, and fulfillment that lasts. With a background in HR and a passion for people development, Ben helps leaders do more than succeed—he helps them become who they were meant to be.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, host John Bernatovicz interviews leadership consultant Laurie Maddalena, author of 'The Elevated Leader.' They discuss the evolution of leadership and the need for modern leadership skills in today's workplace. Laurie shares transformative moments from her coaching experiences, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance and the shift from traditional work models to more flexible arrangements. Check out this insightful episode!

ABOUT LAURIE

Laurie Maddalena is the founder and CEO of Envision Excellence, a leadership development consulting firm that provides engaging keynote speeches, leadership development programs for managers and executives, executive coaching, management training, and leadership assessments. Laurie has been personally mentored by Jack Canfield, author of The Success Principles, and is a certified Success Principles Trainer. Laurie is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation earned by less than 17% of speakers worldwide. She writes a monthly online column for next generation leaders for CUES, is a contributing writer for CUInsight, and has published articles in Credit Union Management. Laurie is the author of the book, The Elevated Leader: Boost Your Confidence and Transform Your Team by Mastering Coaching, Accountability, and Difficult Conversations. She is a contributing author to the international best-selling books, Women Who Empower and Women Who Shine. Prior to establishing her own coaching and consulting business, Laurie served as Vice President of Human Resources/Organizational Development at Montgomery County Teachers Federal Credit Union (MCT). Under Laurie’s leadership, MCT was awarded the “Excellent Place to Work” designation by the Maryland Work~Life Alliance for seven years in a row. Laurie started her credit union career as the assistant manager of the call center, and has been in the industry for over 26 years. Laurie earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Master of Science degree in human resources/organizational development from The University of Maryland Global Campus. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Syracuse University. Laurie is a certified executive coach through The Coaches Training Institute, and completed team and organizational coaching training through The Center for Right Relationship and Team Coaching International. Laurie lives in Maryland with her husband, Rino, and their three children, Olivia, Luca and Clara. She loves the outdoors and nature, good food and wine (especially Cabernet Sauvignon), enjoys playing tennis, and is an avid reader and cappuccino lover.

HR Like a Boss is back from the holidays! And for today's exciting episode, John interviews Paige Knott, the Cumberland Valley SHRM President and fellow podcaster from the Beyond HR Podcast. Hear Paige share her insights on the importance of community in HR, the power of coaching, and the role of mentorship in professional growth. She also emphasizes the need for HR professionals to make employees feel seen and valued, and discusses how coaching can transform workplace dynamics. Don't miss this episode!

ABOUT PAIGE KNOTT

Paige Knott is an experienced HR leader who’s spent nearly a decade helping organizations become healthier, more effective places to work. From strategic workforce planning to leadership coaching (and being the friendly, authentic HR face everyone counts on), she’s passionate about making workplaces work better—and more human. Her mission is to move HR beyond policies and into what really matters: people. By day, Paige works full-time for a genuinely caring organization that reignited her passion for HR and reminded her why this work matters. She’s also the co-host of The Beyond HR Podcast, where she brings her signature blend of humor, heart, and curiosity to real conversations about what it means to lead and grow in today’s workplace. Outside of work, Paige soaks up time with her husband and two adorable girls, plays volleyball, and chases sunshine at the beach whenever she can. She also tends to a small backyard menagerie—two dogs, a few pampered chickens, and a couple of bunnies—earning her the unofficial title of “leader of the flock.” 🐔🐇🐶 Known for her dry wit, thoughtful insight, and people-first perspective, Paige brings candor, warmth, and just the right spark to every conversation she’s part of.

In this episode of the HR Like A Boss podcast, John speaks with Katie Duarte, a business leader from Canada, about the importance of feedback in organizations. Katie shares her journey from a sales career to becoming an expert in feedback dynamics, emphasizing the need for connection and curiosity in feedback conversations. They discuss the subjective nature of feedback, the role of empathy, and the challenges of navigating difficult conversations in the workplace. Check it out!

ABOUT KATIE

Katie Duarte is on a mission to improve feedback at work by challenging traditional approaches. With a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and having conducted research in feedback dynamics, she brings insights to help organizations make impactful improvements to feedback by considering the parts that both the giver and the receiver play. While most organizations know the value of feedback, few have a clear shared approach to doing it well. Katie helps teams reframe feedback as a mutual process - one that builds connection, supports accountability, and improves effectiveness.

Let's talk about payroll! In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by fellow podcaster Pete A. Tiliakos to discuss the critical role of payroll in organizations. They explore the challenges faced by payroll professionals, the importance of engagement, and the future of payroll leadership. Hear Pete advocate for the elevation of payroll roles within organizations and emphasize the need for education and awareness in the payroll profession.

ABOUT PETE

Pete leverages unique market expertise from over 30 years in HR and payroll technology, services, and transformation. Pete is globally recognized for his extensive knowledge, coverage, research, and strategic advisory of leading and emerging solution providers across the payroll, employer of record services, payments, and HCM technology marketplaces. Both practitioners and providers widely leverage his research and perspectives as he is a regular contributor to industry associations, podcasts, publications, and events and the co-host of the HR and Payroll 2.0 podcast, and host of The Source podcast by DailyPay.

In light of technical difficulties at the SHRM NY State Conference, on today's episode of HR Like a Boss, John shares his experiences and insights from attending multiple SHRM conferences across different states (and stay tuned till the end to hear from some of the people he got to speak to at NY State SHRM Conference). During the recap, John emphasizes the importance of human resources in transforming workplace culture and driving business results. John discusses key principles such as ownership, love, and the need for HR professionals to prioritize people while also understanding financial aspects of the business. He reflects on the significance of building relationships within the HR community and the impact of engaging employees in meaningful ways.

Guests in order of appearance -

Jill Dowling, Jennifer Massey, Mark Fogel

Join John on this episode of HR Like a Boss, where he takes the podcast to Stone Mountain, Georgia, for the 2025 SHRM Georgia Conference & Expo! John talks to attendees of the conference, keynote speakers, and people who helped put the conference together about all things HR. Check it out!

Guests in order of appearance -

Amanda Petroff-Smith

Jodie Braner

Stephanie Thompson

Dr. Timothy Williams, Sr.

Luke Goetting

Lisa Hughes

Ron Williams

Kristal Swaby

David Suarez

Adriane Lockwood

John is continuing to take HR Like a Boss on the road and had the amazing opportunity to join this years Maryland SHRM conference to interview a variety of attendees. Hear from each of their unique perspectives about what the purpose of HR is, what they got from the conference, and, of course, what it means to do HR Like a Boss!

Guests in order of appearance -

Andy Nielsen

Stephanie Bidle

Shari Arends

Monica Kennedy

Marjorie Bedjamin

Jennifer Eyler

Taylor Cisneros

Antoinette (Toni) Robinson

Raghad Mohamed

Katherine Fry

Elise Smith

On today's episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Jennifer Watson, a former Division 1 athlete turned HR leader and coach. They discuss the importance of leadership, the role of HR in bringing out the best in individuals, and the significance of wellness in the workplace. Jennifer shares her insights on the athlete's mindset, the value of individual coaching, and the necessity of feedback for personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to be aware of their own wellness and to implement strategies that foster a healthy work environment. Check it out!

ABOUT JENNIFER

Jennifer Watson is a dynamic speaker, executive-performance strategist and wellness- practitioner with a gift for visionary, intuitive coaching. She helps CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigate growth, challenge, and high-stakes transitions with clarity and resilience. A former D1 collegiate track athlete and two-time All-American, she has been featured on the TEDx stage, NBC, FOX Radio, and top summits. With a clinical background in physical therapy and over 25 years of experience in behavioral science, mind-body performance, and leadership development, she guides top-tier professionals in mastering their internal ecosystem for elite results—without burnout. Her work blends neuroscience, performance psychology, intuitive leadership development, and strategic business alignment. She is a catalyst for visionary leaders ready to expand their legacy and impact from the inside out. Whether I’m facilitating a boardroom workshop, keynoting a leadership summit, or advising an executive in transition, she helps people unlock their next-level leadership through embodied strategy, powerful insight, and deeply human performance tools. She integrates science and energetics to elevate mind-body wellness, leadership expansion, and performance optimization through transition, growth, and change.