In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson welcomes Justin Clifford, CEO of Bereave, to discuss the critical yet often overlooked topic of supporting employees through grief and loss. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of employee experience and holistic wellbeing, especially in light of recent events that have highlighted the need for compassionate workplace policies. Justin shares insights on bridging the gap between personal loss and workplace support, emphasizing the need for proactive planning and empathetic leadership.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how to create a comprehensive plan for supporting employees during times of grief.

Discover why traditional bereavement policies often fall short and how to improve them.

Explore strategies for training managers in empathy and effective communication during difficult times.

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights on enhancing your organization’s approach to grief support!

Guest(s): Justin Clifford, CEO, Bereave

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson welcomes Rachel Shaw, President and Principal Consultant of Shaw HR Consulting, to discuss the evolving landscape of reasonable accommodations under the ADA. This conversation is particularly timely as it reflects the significant shifts in workplace dynamics since the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership and creative problem-solving in HR practices. Rachel shares insights on fostering a culture that values employee experience and the role of technology, including AI, in enhancing HR processes.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how to approach ADA accommodations with a mindset focused on finding solutions.

Discover why the interactive process is essential for effective communication and employee support.

Explore strategies for leveraging technology to streamline accommodation requests and improve efficiency.

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your approach to HR!

Guest(s): Rachel Shaw, President and Principal Consultant, Shaw HR Consulting

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson welcomes Dr. Kevin Wright, a Senior Racial Equity Facilitator and Consultant at the Center for Equity and Inclusion. They dive into the critical topic of financial literacy in the workplace, discussing the significant gaps in access to financial education and the role employers can play in bridging these gaps. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of employee experience and well-being, especially in light of evolving financial systems and the need for inclusive leadership.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how to assess your organization's current financial literacy offerings and identify gaps.

Discover why expanding financial education resources can enhance employee retention and productivity.

Explore strategies for leveraging existing partnerships to provide valuable financial literacy training.

Hit “Play” to gain insights that can transform your workplace culture and empower your employees!

Guest(s): Dr. Kevin Wright, Senior Racial Equity Facilitator and Consultant, Center for Equity and Inclusion

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Leah Marone, a psychotherapist and corporate mental wellness consultant, to discuss the critical issue of burnout in HR professionals. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of employee experience and mental wellness, especially in high-stress environments. Leah shares insights from her new book, "Serial Fixer," emphasizing the need for HR professionals to break free from the habit of solving others' problems and to establish healthier boundaries.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how to identify your role in conversations and avoid the urge to fix others' problems.

Discover why setting boundaries is essential for maintaining mental wellness in HR.

Explore strategies for fostering a culture of self-awareness and resilience within your team.

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your approach to HR and enhance your well-being!

Guest(s): Leah Marone, Psychotherapist and Corporate Mental Wellness Consultant

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson welcomes Anita Roach, founder of the Safe and Sound Workplace Alliance, to discuss the critical concept of trauma-informed workplaces. This timely conversation delves into how organizations can foster psychologically safe and equitable cultures, especially in light of increasing employee trauma due to societal pressures and crises. Anita shares unique insights on trauma awareness, the impact of workplace dynamics on employee experience, and the importance of inclusive leadership in mitigating trauma responses.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how to identify and address trauma weaponizing in the workplace.

Discover why fostering a trauma-informed culture can enhance employee retention and productivity.

Explore strategies for implementing clear behavioral guidelines to create a safe work environment.

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your organization’s approach to employee well-being!

Guest(s): Anita Roach, Founder, Safe and Sound Workplace Alliance

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first Chief HR Officer and founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures. They delve into the evolving landscape of the modern workforce, focusing on the shift from traditional job security to career security. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations face rapid changes driven by digital transformation and the need for agile talent strategies. Steve emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, making this episode a must-listen for HR professionals navigating today's challenges.

Learn how to shift your focus from employee retention to career development.

Discover why fostering a culture of learning can enhance employee loyalty.

Explore strategies for building partnerships with educational institutions to future-proof your talent pipeline.

Hit “Play” to gain insights that can transform your HR approach!

Guest(s): Steve Cadigan, Author, Future of Work expert, LinkedIn’s first CHRO, Cadigan Talent Ventures

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Margaret Andrews, author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others and a leadership educator at Harvard University. They delve into the critical role of self-awareness in effective leadership, especially in today's fast-paced, hybrid work environments. This conversation is timely as organizations navigate complexities like AI integration and the evolving employee experience, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership and personal growth.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how understanding your values can guide decision-making under pressure.

Discover why self-awareness is essential for fostering strong interpersonal skills in leadership.

Explore strategies for creating a culture of open communication and feedback within teams.

Hit “Play” to gain insights that can transform your leadership approach!

Guest(s): Margaret Andrews, Author, MyLo Center

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Dave Garrison, co-founder of Garrison Growth, to discuss the critical role of leadership in fostering a culturally intelligent and collaborative workplace. With a wealth of experience as a CEO and board member, Dave shares insights on how leaders can inspire their teams to engage fully and create an environment of psychological safety. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations navigate the evolving employee experience landscape, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven leadership and inclusive practices.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how to cultivate psychological safety by prioritizing human connection over tasks.

Discover why aligning on a compelling purpose can enhance employee engagement and retention.

Explore strategies for effective feedback that reinforces trust and encourages open dialogue.

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your leadership approach and improve team dynamics!

Guest(s): Dave Garrison, Co-founder, Garrison Growth

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Collin Williams, founder and chairman of New Era ADR, to explore the critical role of transparency in conflict resolution within organizations. This conversation is timely as many companies grapple with fostering a positive employee experience while managing risks associated with traditional HR practices. Collin emphasizes that viewing conflict as navigable rather than fearsome can transform workplace culture, making this discussion both unique and insightful for HR leaders.

Listener Takeaways:

Learn how transparency can significantly reduce workplace conflict and build trust.

Discover why rigid rules can stifle creativity and how flexible policies can enhance employee engagement.

Explore strategies for implementing effective mediation and arbitration processes to resolve disputes amicably.

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can reshape your approach to HR!

Guest(s): Collin Williams, Founder and Chairman, New Era ADR

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Scott Tillema, corporate trainer, retired SWAT hostage negotiator, and co-founder of the Negotiations Collective. Scott draws from his experience as an FBI-trained negotiator to share how HR professionals can use proven negotiation and communication techniques to manage high-stakes conversations with confidence.

Listener Takeaways:

Why listening is your most powerful negotiation tool as an HR leader.

How to use emotional intelligence to build trust, even in tough conversations.

Strategies for staying grounded when negotiations get emotional.

Why silence can be one of the most effective tools in HR conversations.

Guest(s): Scott Tillema, Keynote Speaker | Corporate trainer | Retired SWAT Hostage Negotiator | Founder, Negotiations Collective