In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Catherine Fry, a former HR executive turned executive coach. They discuss Catherine's journey in HR, the importance of self-care, and the challenges of burnout in the profession. Catherine shares her experiences with equity in the workplace and the need for bravery and advocacy in HR. They explore the purpose of human resources and the significance of managing thoughts to prevent burnout.

ABOUT KATHERINE FRY

Katherine Fry, SHRM-SCP Executive Coach | Burnout Expert | Thought Intelligence™ Pioneer

While many professionals lose steam in the second half of their careers, Katherine Fry’s passion and perseverance are only accelerating. Her career vision is bold: to revolutionize the HR profession by replacing archaic leadership and management practices with approaches rooted in neuroscience. Katherine has been named the 2024 and 2025 Top Burnout Coach in the United States by Evergreen Awards and Best Future of Work Keynote Speaker by Biz Weekly. She is the CEO and founder of Marble Peak Consulting and creator of Refresh HR, a first-of-its-kind app, providing HR professionals and people leaders with 24/7, on-demand access to 100+ accredited SHRM and HRCI recertification workshops. As president of Elevate HR and founder of HR Empower Hour, Katherine is the driving force being a growing, modern-day movement that helps HR professionals reclaim their energy, amplify their influence, and transform organizational culture from the inside out. Her signature framework, the ETHOS Method, improves leaders’ mental health in less than five minutes a day; proving that meaningful change doesn’t require more time, rather, just practice with a powerful, proven tool. Her breakthrough workshop, Ditch the PIP, went viral in 2023 and has guided 15,000+ HR leaders worldwide to replace outdated performance improvement plans with a neuroscience-backed, six-step framework that drives accountability and measurable performance gains. Her most-requested keynote, Thought Intelligence™: The Unknown Prerequisite to Emotional Intelligence in the AI Era, equips leaders to upgrade their thinking, unlearn ineffective leadership habits, and implement strategies that beat burnout—both individually and organizationally. Known for her high-energy delivery, science-backed insights, and immediately actionable tools, Katherine is a three-time speaker for HRCI’s global audience with a three-part-series launching in 2026, trusted executive coach to senior HR leaders and a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop presenter for SHRM chapters across the country. Katherine doesn’t just teach Thought Intelligence™—she embodies it. As an ultra-runner, skier, environmental advocate, and volunteer, she finds renewal and growth in nature, perspective through travel, and joy in her family and community near Aspen, Colorado. Katherine’s mission is clear: to empower people who empower people with Thought Intelligence™.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Nicole Hall, the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development at TCT Federal Credit Union. Nicole shares her unique journey into HR, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and the human element in the workplace. She discusses her passion for teaching and how she balances the needs of employees and the organization. Nicole also reflects on the impact of mentorship and the significance of advocating for oneself in one's career.

ABOUT NICHOL HALL

Born and raised in Upstate NY. Wife and mother of 2. BS in Psychology. Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 30 year career in Telecommunications, Marketing, L&D, Financial Wellness, Coaching, HR, Process Improvement and Strategy. Currently the VP | Director of HR & OD at TCT Federal Credit Union. My passion lies in empowering individuals and teams to achieve their full potential through thoughtful preparation and innovative solutions. I enjoy singing and playing my flute at church, reading, yoga, skiing, and spending quality time with friends and family

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John speaks with Dr. Scott J. Allen about the critical role of leadership in organizational culture. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the purpose of human resources, and the challenges faced in leadership development. Dr. Allen emphasizes the need for intentional training and alignment within organizations to foster effective leadership.

ABOUT SCOTT J. ALLEN

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., is an award-winning educator passionate about working with people at all levels and across industries. He serves as an instructor in SMU’s Cox School of Business Executive Education and spent more than 18 years as a professor of management. Scott has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He’s the co-author of several books, and hosts Practical Wisdom for Leaders, ranked among the world's top 2.5% of podcasts. Along with the podcast, he publishes a weekly newsletter. Scott frequently serves as a keynote speaker. In addition, he consults, facilitates workshops, and leads retreats across industries.

In this milestone 200th episode of HR Like a Boss, John reflects on the journey that sparked a movement. Joined by Joe Szafraniec, Lauren Rudman, and George Sample, they each share how they first heard of HR Like a Boss and how they've seen it evolve. The group discusses authenticity in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and why HR professionals must understand the broader business landscape to truly lead “like a boss." From personal stories of resilience and family influence to practical insights on ownership, community engagement, and professional growth, this celebratory episode highlights one core truth: people matter in the people business.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Rob Dubin, a former documentary filmmaker turned motivational speaker. Rob shares his incredible journey, including surviving a life-threatening snowstorm and the lessons learned from high achievers he filmed. The conversation delves into the importance of optimism, resilience, and purpose in both personal and professional life, particularly in the context of human resources. Rob emphasizes that happiness can be cultivated and discusses practical strategies for navigating burnout and fostering engagement in the workplace. The episode concludes with insights on how HR professionals can adapt to change and lead with purpose.

ABOUT ROB DUBIN

Rob Dubin is a resilience and leadership expert who has spent his life studying how people perform under pressure, adapt to uncertainty, and lead with clarity when the stakes are high. His insights come from two profoundly different worlds: surviving real-life adversity and working closely with world-class leaders at the highest levels of achievement. Rob’s journey into resilience began with a harrowing ordeal—five days trapped in a Colorado blizzard where he and his wife were ultimately left for dead. That experience reshaped his understanding of fear, focus, and high-stakes decision-making. He later spent 17 years sailing around the world to over 100 countries, learning firsthand how to stay calm, adaptable, and resourceful when conditions changed without warning. But Rob’s lessons don’t come from adventure alone. Before becoming a keynote speaker, he spent decades as an award-winning documentary filmmaker interviewing and observing some of the most accomplished people on earth—Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, Hollywood icons, and U.S. Presidents. Watching how elite performers think and act under pressure, he uncovered the patterns, habits, and leadership behaviors that set them apart. Rob distills those insights into his proven Purpose–Mindset–Action framework, giving leaders practical tools to navigate disruption, think clearly in uncertainty, and build teams that stay engaged even when circumstances are turbulent. His programs are known for blending riveting storytelling with actionable strategies grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, and real-world leadership. Today, Rob teaches leaders across industries how to convert adversity into opportunity and lead with confidence in a world defined by change.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews HR leader Tammy Luby, who shares her journey in human resources, her impactful experiences, and her unique presentation titled 'Stop Flicking Chickens.' Tammy discusses the purpose of HR, the importance of making a difference in people's lives, and her aspirations to turn her presentation into a book. The conversation emphasizes the need for positivity and mentorship in HR, as well as the importance of looking beyond daily challenges to create a meaningful impact.

ABOUT TAMMY LUBY

Tammy Luby, MBA, SPHR, AI+HI, & SHRM-SCP Director of Human Resources, Riverhead Building Supply Adjunct Professor & Faculty Team lead, Southern New Hampshire University. Meet Tammy Luby, a dynamic HR professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. With an MBA and certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Tammy is a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise. She is fluent in the entire lifecycle of the employment process, including multi-state and union environments. Tammy is not just an HR generalist; she is a proactive agent of change, certified in AI+HI, and known for her support of HR initiatives on Long Island. Often referred to as the HR ambassador of the East End, Tammy is deeply involved in professional groups to advance the HR profession and ethics. She is passionate about building the workforce of the future by engaging students in high schools, colleges, and technical/trade schools through presentations, tours, and workshops. In addition to her role at Riverhead Building Supply, Tammy co-founded and chairs The HR East End Circle, a Human Resource round table based out of Eastern Long Island, NY. She is also a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors with the Long Island Chapter of The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Tammy's volunteer work includes contributions to the United Way, Cystic Fibrosis, American Heart Association, and The American Cancer Society. She is proud to be part of a company committed to a respectful workplace, honesty, and integrity. When she's not shaping the future of HR, you can find Tammy sharing her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University or leading the HR faculty.

In the world of Human Resources, the journey is often marked by continuous learning and community engagement. Join us on this episode of HR Like a Boss as Kimberly Smith and Cherish Holland from Central California discuss the upcoming Workplace Symposium on March 19th. They also share their insights on navigating a career in HR, the significance of volunteering, and how to truly make an impact in the workplace.

ABOUT KIMBERLY SMITH

HR & Payroll Manager for 13 Prime Steak, Yolked Kitchen, PC Solutions, and MP Consultants, President of Central California SHRM. Kimberly has been in the human resource and payroll field for over 27 years. She brings a deep understanding of both people and business operations. Kimberly is passionate about creating opportunities for HR professionals to connect, learn, and grow. During her time on the CCSHRM board, she has focused on strengthening partnerships within the Central California HR community and ensuring CCSHRM continues to be a trusted resource for members and employers alike. Kimberly is committed to building a strong, inclusive network where professionals can share best practices and support one another’s success.

ABOUT CHERISH HOLLAND

Cherish has 20+ years in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by Tom Schin, an experienced HR professional and business owner. They discuss the importance of community in HR, the impact of human resources on people's lives, and the challenges faced by middle managers. Tom shares personal stories of making a difference in individuals' careers and emphasizes the need for ongoing support and training for managers. The conversation also touches on the significance of building relationships and the role of HR in fostering a positive workplace culture.

ABOUT TOM

Tom Schin, Leadership Development Professional With over two decades of experience in HR, recruiting, and management, Tom Schin, owner of Build Better Culture, helps organizations improve company culture, increase employee engagement, through the development of leadership skills. His programs are designed to equip managers with tools to better engage employees, strengthen performance, and build upon your existing company culture. His coaching approach is customized to each client’s needs and goals, with a focus on areas including communication skills, strategic thinking, team engagement, accountability, delegation, and conflict resolution. His tailored Learning and Development solutions are built off his two+ decades of hands-on experience and his academic background (with a Masters in Education Theory and Practice). His content is aimed to bring a solutions focused, growth mindset approach to people managers at all levels. Tom has extensive experience working with companies of all sizes across various industries, including manufacturing, non-profit, technology, financial, logistics, education, professional services, scientific and healthcare. He is an experienced presenter, having delivered motivational keynotes and topical presentations. He is co-host of “This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast” and serves as President of the Capital Region Human Resource Association (CRHRA) Board of Directors, which provides learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities to over 600 members. Website: www.buildbetterculture.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/schinnn

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by Biz Williams, a seasoned professional in the HR tech space. Biz shares her journey through various roles in HR, her experiences with imposter syndrome, and her transition to entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the importance of financial acumen in HR, the role of HR in business success, and the impact of tax credits on hiring practices. Biz emphasizes the need for effective communication between HR and leadership and the value of understanding business operations to drive success.

ABOUT BIZ

Biz has been in the HR Tech space for 14 years - supporting talent acquisition, applicant tracking, onboarding, flex shift work and now the compliance side with tax credits, I9, Unemployment Claims Management and Employment & Wage Verifications. She created Ryze, a tax credit mapping tool in December, 2024 and merged with HRlogics in June, 2025 coming on board as CRO.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John welcomes Jamie Lewis Smith, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group. They discuss the critical role of human resources in organizations, the importance of effective leadership, and the need for proper training and coaching for managers. Jamie shares insights on how our brains can hinder our performance and the significance of curiosity in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to take control of their roles and make impactful changes within their organizations.

ABOUT JAMIE

Jamie Lewis Smith, PhD (aka the NeHRd Lady) is what happens when a psychologist escapes the therapy room and infiltrates Corporate America with one mission: make managers suck less. As CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, she transforms burnt-out bosses and mediocre managers into talent-boosting rockstars using simple, science-backed strategies. Her team of nerdy-but-fun executive coaches delivers no-fluff, evidence-based leadership development (no trust falls, kumbaya circles, or corporate jargon allowed). A published author, international speaker, and Forbes Coaches Council member, Jamie helps leaders level up and build kickass cultures so HR can finally get some sleep at night.