HR Mixtape

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. They discuss the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach in the workplace, especially in the context of conflict and the rise of AI.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for managing workplace conflict, the significance of validating emotions, and how to balance data-driven decision-making with empathy.

• Understand the role of inner dialogue in conflict resolution.

• Learn techniques for validating employee feelings without agreeing with inaccurate information.

• Discover how to approach difficult conversations with empathy and clarity.

• Explore the importance of building trust in union environments.

Recognize the value of employee engagement data in decision-making.

00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest.

00:16 -- Kacy's journey in HR and passion for people.

00:57 -- The impact of AI on workplace credibility.

02:14 -- Best practices for double-checking AI information.

03:38 -- The importance of critical thinking in AI use.

05:04 -- Skills for leaders to navigate workplace conflict.

06:53 -- Managing inner chatter before conflict resolution.

07:45 -- The power of acknowledging and validating feelings.

09:26 -- Developing empathy in HR roles.

12:10 -- The importance of not solving others' problems.

15:33 -- Using data to support tough organizational decisions.

20:17 -- Building trust in union environments.

22:03 -- Final advice for HR practitioners.

Guest(s): Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. She leads HR strategy in complex environments, focusing on trust and operational clarity. Kacy has over 20 years of experience in HR and has developed skills in conflict resolution and employee engagement.

Keywords: workplace conflict resolution, validating employee feelings, HR strategies, AI in the workplace, trust in unions, employee engagement data, critical thinking skills, managing difficult conversations, HR leadership, human-centered workplace

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Meghan Grace, consultant at the Institute for Generational Research and Education, about the challenges and opportunities of working with multiple generations in the workplace. They discuss how to address common misconceptions about Gen Z and the importance of creating inclusive environments that foster collaboration.

Listeners will learn practical strategies to enhance team dynamics and improve communication across age groups.

• Understand the root causes of generational misunderstandings in the workplace.

• Recognize the importance of listening to younger employees without creating a power dynamic.

• Implement informal check-ins to build rapport and trust among team members.

• Encourage mentorship and reverse mentorship to facilitate knowledge sharing.

• Create a culture that values transparency and accountability in organizational practices.

00:00 -- Introduction to the episode

00:59 -- Meghan's background and experience

02:28 -- Common misconceptions about Gen Z

04:44 -- Creating inclusive work environments

06:05 -- Designing for different generational preferences

08:18 -- Key elements for effective communication

10:03 -- Trust and safety in the workplace

12:05 -- Importance of human connection at work

14:00 -- Marketing workplace culture to Gen Z

16:21 -- Listening to employees without bias

17:36 -- Speeding up collaboration in teams

19:56 -- Practical advice for team meetings

Guest(s): Meghan Grace is a consultant at the Institute for Generational Research and Education. She specializes in helping leaders understand generational dynamics in the workplace without relying on stereotypes. Meghan has conducted research on Gen Z and their impact on the workforce.

Keywords: generational dynamics, workplace collaboration, Gen Z misconceptions, inclusive work environments, mentorship strategies, employee engagement, communication styles, workplace culture, listening skills, team dynamics

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Christy Engler about the unique HR challenges faced by small businesses and how to address them effectively. Listeners will learn why even small organizations need robust HR practices, the importance of having a solid foundation in HR, and how to foster a positive workplace culture while remaining compliant with laws.

By the end of the episode, you will understand actionable steps to enhance your HR strategy and support your organization’s growth.

• Small businesses need to prioritize HR even with few employees.

• Establishing a strong HR foundation is crucial for success.

• Outsourcing payroll and benefits can save time and resources.

• Engaging with local communities can enhance recruitment efforts.

• Building a network of HR peers provides valuable support.

00:00 -- Introduction to the episode

00:33 -- Christy's passion for small business HR

01:48 -- Unique HR challenges in small businesses

02:21 -- Importance of addressing people problems quickly

04:27 -- Common myths about HR in small businesses

05:24 -- The need for HR even in small teams

06:02 -- Foundations for effective HR practices

07:10 -- Changing the narrative around HR policies

09:00 -- Automations for small HR teams

10:57 -- The role of brokers in HR support

12:23 -- Utilizing HR communities for resources

13:24 -- Common mistakes small businesses make

15:16 -- Competing for talent in small businesses

17:08 -- First steps for new HR leaders

19:00 -- Encouragement for HR professionals

Guest(s): Christy Engler, Owner of New Day HR. She provides practical HR solutions for small and growing businesses. With over 20 years of experience in small business HR, she focuses on helping organizations protect their people and reduce risk.

Keywords: HR practices, small business HR, employee engagement, HR foundations, outsourcing payroll, recruitment strategies, HR community support, small business challenges, compliance in HR, building workplace culture

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys, about the challenges of succession planning in organizations. They discuss how to shift the perception of succession planning from a reactive process to a proactive strategy that involves all levels of the organization.

Listeners will learn practical steps to identify critical roles, engage employees in the process, and create a culture of shared responsibility for leadership development.

00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest

00:30 -- Importance of proactive succession planning

01:05 -- Personal story that sparked passion for succession planning

02:25 -- Difference between succession planning and replacement planning

04:03 -- Basketball analogy for succession planning

05:14 -- Limitations of focusing on high-level positions

07:03 -- Identifying critical roles in organizations

08:49 -- Committee approach to succession planning

10:29 -- Peer recognition in succession planning

11:24 -- Overcoming ego and turf wars in leadership

12:43 -- Common language for succession planning discussions

14:02 -- HR's role versus business leaders' responsibilities

15:02 -- Engaging employees in succession planning

16:20 -- Handling employees who are not interested in advancement

18:05 -- Ensuring fairness and equity in succession planning

20:04 -- Final thoughts and actionable question for leaders

Guest: Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys. She helps organizations strengthen leadership pipelines and develop intentional succession strategies. With extensive experience in leadership development, Megan focuses on creating proactive approaches to succession planning that involve all levels of an organization.

Keywords: succession planning, leadership development, employee engagement, critical roles, committee approach, organizational culture, skills development, HR responsibilities, workforce planning, talent management

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Dr. Rosina McAlpine, founder of Win-Win Parenting, about the challenges working parents face and how employers can better support them. The discussion highlights the misconceptions surrounding working parents and caregivers, emphasizing that the issues they encounter are systemic rather than individual.

Listeners will learn actionable strategies to create a more supportive workplace environment that reduces burnout and enhances employee well-being.

Understand the systemic issues affecting working parents.

Recognize the importance of data in addressing employee needs.

Implement targeted programs that genuinely support families.

Train leaders to foster a family-friendly workplace culture.

Create a community for parents to share experiences and solutions.

00:00 -- Introduction to the episode
00:36 -- Rosina's personal experience as a working parent
01:18 -- The realization of the need for support
03:23 -- Misconceptions about working parents and caregivers
05:02 -- Defining what it means to be parent-friendly
07:36 -- Successful programs that prevent burnout
11:16 -- The importance of flexibility in support programs
12:20 -- Training managers to support employees effectively
14:29 -- Creative initiatives organizations can implement
16:43 -- The role of leaders in sharing personal stories
17:18 -- Engaging C-suite leaders in supporting parents
18:27 -- Key takeaway for organizations to support parents

Guest: Dr. Rosina McAlpine, founder of Win-Win Parenting. She equips HR and leaders with research-based strategies to support working parents and reduce burnout. Rosina has over a decade of experience in developing programs that address the unique challenges faced by working families.

Keywords: working parents support, employer strategies, burnout prevention, family-friendly workplace, employee well-being, leadership training, workplace culture, caregiver challenges, data-driven solutions, community for parents

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Will Ortiz-Febus, HR Healing Advocate at Beyond HR podcast, about the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by HR professionals. They discuss the emotional toll of the HR role, the importance of setting boundaries, and practical strategies for maintaining well-being while supporting others. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing signs of stress in themselves and their teams, as well as actionable steps to foster a healthier workplace environment.

Listener Takeaways:

• Understand the unique mental health challenges HR professionals face.

• Learn how to set effective boundaries in the workplace.

• Identify warning signs of disengagement in HR teams.

• Discover strategies for fostering emotional intelligence in leadership.

• Gain insights on creating a supportive HR community.

Timestamps:

00:00 -- Introduction to the episode

00:39 -- The emotional labor of HR work

01:51 -- The loneliness of being an HR professional

03:52 -- Why mental health is a hidden topic in HR

06:14 -- Importance of boundary setting in HR

09:33 -- Educating leaders on supporting HR teams

12:22 -- Unique stressors in manufacturing HR roles

14:01 -- Warning signs of disengagement in HR staff

17:10 -- Prioritization conversations with business leaders

18:34 -- Building community among HR professionals

Guest: Will Ortiz-Febus, HR Healing Advocate at Beyond HR podcast. He focuses on the emotional well-being of HR professionals and the challenges they face in their roles. With over 20 years of experience in HR, he advocates for mental health awareness and support within the industry.

Keywords: HR mental health, emotional labor in HR, boundary setting, HR community support, disengagement signs, emotional intelligence in leadership, HR stressors, workplace well-being, HR professional challenges, supporting HR teams

In this episode of HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Steve Goble, Chief People Builder at The Goble Group, about the sensitive topic of employee terminations. They discuss the importance of treating employees with dignity during layoffs and how leaders can approach these difficult conversations.

Listeners will gain insights into building empathy, providing support services, and fostering a culture of respect, even in challenging situations.

• Understand the emotional impact of being fired and how to process it.

• Learn the importance of clear communication during termination conversations.

• Discover ways to provide dignity and support to employees being let go.

• Recognize the long-term benefits of investing in employee relationships.

• Explore how to build career resilience through continuous learning and networking.

00:00 -- Introduction to the episode

00:52 -- Steve's moment of reinvention

01:46 -- The impact of being fired

03:10 -- The importance of empathy in HR

04:55 -- Steps to rebuild confidence after termination

06:38 -- How to approach termination conversations

08:44 -- Providing support services for terminated employees

10:02 -- The role of social media in employee experiences

11:13 -- Building career resilience as an individual

13:14 -- Employer responsibilities in employee development

14:36 -- Lessons learned from past experiences

16:04 -- Advice for new leaders on making an impact

17:07 -- The value of curiosity in leadership

18:21 -- Final thoughts on relationships and support

Guest: Steve Goble, Chief People Builder at The Goble Group. He helps leaders and teams improve performance through practical people strategies and real-world leadership lessons. Steve's expertise in navigating employee terminations provides valuable insights into fostering a respectful workplace culture.

Keywords: employee termination, HR best practices, communication during layoffs, supporting terminated employees

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Claude Silver about the importance of heart-led leadership in creating a psychologically safe workplace. Listeners will learn how to cultivate trust and empathy among team members, leading to improved performance and collaboration. Claude shares practical insights on how to have difficult conversations while maintaining kindness and clarity, ensuring that employees feel valued and understood.

Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to enhance their leadership approach and foster a more inclusive work environment.

Understand the significance of empathetic leadership in business outcomes.

Learn how to create psychological safety within teams.

Discover effective ways to give and receive feedback.

Recognize the importance of transparent communication in leadership.

Identify strategies to support both high performers and those needing improvement.

00:00 -- Introduction to heart-led leadership
01:26 -- The role of emotional intelligence in leadership
03:38 -- Connecting empathy to business outcomes
05:42 -- Building trust through vulnerability
08:24 -- The impact of communication on team dynamics
10:52 -- Addressing performance issues with kindness
12:47 -- The importance of regular feedback
15:24 -- Managing legal risks while being human
17:10 -- Engaging top performers effectively
20:49 -- Essential leadership skills for the future

Guest: Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Claude focuses on fostering human-centered cultures that prioritize emotional intelligence and psychological safety. She has extensive experience in leadership development and is passionate about helping organizations create environments where employees can thrive.

Keywords: psychological safety, empathetic leadership, trust in teams, feedback strategies, transparent communication, performance improvement, HR best practices, employee engagement, leadership skills, heart-led action

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Enrique Rubio about the current state of work and the significant changes driven by technology, particularly AI. They discuss the challenges organizations face in adapting to these changes and the importance of creating human-centered workplaces. Listeners will gain insights into how HR can navigate these transformations and support employees in a rapidly evolving job market.

Listener Takeaways

• Understand the impact of AI on job security and workforce dynamics.

• Learn how organizations can balance technology and human needs.

• Discover strategies for HR to support employee transitions in a changing landscape.

• Explore the importance of skills-based hiring and career mapping.

• Recognize the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being alongside customer focus.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the episode

00:41 – Enrique's perspective on the future of work

01:51 – The impact of AI on job loss

03:33 – Shifts in employee treatment post-pandemic

06:04 – The importance of human-centered organizations

08:04 – Skills-based hiring and its relevance

10:33 – HR's role in employee development

19:01 – Key skills HR practitioners should learn

Guest(s): Enrique Rubio is the Founder of Hacking HR, bringing a global perspective on HR innovation, technology, and the future of work. He focuses on practical solutions for organizations navigating the complexities of modern employment.

Keywords: future of work, HR innovation, AI impact, employee well-being, skills-based hiring, workforce transformation, human-centered organizations, career mapping, job security, organizational change

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of employee benefits and how organizations can leverage them to enhance retention and engagement. Jordan Peace, CEO of Fringe, shares insights on the importance of personalizing benefits to meet the diverse needs of employees. Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating a culture that values employee experience and how to effectively communicate the value of benefits to finance teams.

Listener Takeaways

Timestamps

Guest(s): Jordan Peace is the CEO and co-founder of Fringe, where he focuses on enhancing employee experience through innovative benefits and rewards that resonate with individual needs.