On this episode of HR Nightmares, the team sits down with Travis “The HR Dude” McCracken of Global Laser Enrichment to unpack how to scale fast without turning HR into the department of no. Travis shares what it took to grow from 15 to 110 employees, build an HR business partner model, and hire for highly specialized roles inside a heavily regulated environment where mistakes are not an option.

The conversation also tackles credibility in HR, including the ongoing debate around certifications like SHRM and SPHR, and why credentials only matter when paired with sound judgment and real problem-solving. The group digs into the role of AI in modern HR, where it adds value, where caution is required, and how teams can use it responsibly even in restricted environments. From avoiding unhelpful HR archetypes to measuring success by speed, quality, and trust, this episode offers clear, practical guidance for HR leaders navigating growth in complex organizations.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.

Ever worked with someone who hits every goal but leaves a trail of chaos behind? This episode of HR Nightmares digs into the tension between high performance and toxic behavior. Lisa, Amy, and Beth break down how gossip, manipulation, and emotional outbursts quietly drain teams, no matter how talented the person causing them may be. They explore the archetypes of workplace drama, from the nonstop talker who spreads tension to the polished leader who charms upward while stirring conflict below.

The team shares practical tools to bring calm back to the workplace. You’ll learn how to shut down gossip respectfully, set clear boundaries, and spot red flags before bringing drama into your team. They also challenge leaders to look in the mirror and stop rewarding chaos disguised as engagement. If you want a team that runs on trust instead of tension, this conversation will help you see the signs, make tough calls, and protect your culture.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.

If the real meeting happens after the meeting, you’re not alone. This week on HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney talk about what happens when culture drifts—when feedback goes quiet, side conversations take over, and the “inmates” start running the asylum. They share what it looks like to bring a team back to balance and rebuild trust before things fall apart. 

The group breaks down practical steps to reset culture: having direct, honest conversations that stay in the room; communicating clearly so decisions actually reach everyone; and giving employees a real voice through culture committees and open feedback. They also explore how to hire for culture add, not culture fit, and why protecting your best culture carriers keeps credibility intact. 

Through real client stories and lessons from the field, Lisa, Amy, and Beth show how leaders can replace fear and avoidance with healthy tension and accountability. Whether your workplace is too nice or too noisy, this episode will help you get your team back on track. 

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.

Harassment in the workplace isn’t just a headline issue—it’s a lived reality for far too many employees. On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney dig into high-profile cases and share real-world encounters from their own careers.

From inappropriate comments to boundary-crossing behavior, the crew brings candid critiques and hard truths to each example. With one in five women experiencing gender-based harassment at work annually, the team takes on the culture of silence and complicity that allows bad behavior to thrive. From executives who scream and throw objects to the gray areas of compliments gone wrong, Lisa, Amy, and Beth make their stance clear: accountability isn’t optional. Packed with practical advice, humor, and a call for change, this episode gives listeners strategies for building safer, more respectful workplaces.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.

Struggling to afford executive-level HR talent but need more than basic compliance?

On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney break down the power of fractional HR leadership. Unlike traditional consultants who make recommendations and move on, fractional leaders embed within organizations as true partners — drawing from diverse experience to solve people problems, build scalable HR systems, and create psychological safety for employees who may hesitate to approach internal HR.

The team shares real-world transformations, from repairing toxic cultures to replacing ineffective practices with strategic talent systems. They also highlight the surprising financial upside: eliminating costly PEOs, negotiating better benefits, and implementing right-sized HR tech that often saves companies tens of thousands. What makes fractional HR unique is its adaptability — leaders scale their involvement to match business needs, diving in during growth or crisis and stepping back when stability returns.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

The HR nightmares never stop coming — and in this episode of Leath HR, co-hosts Lisa, Amy,

and Greg crack open the inbox to tackle more of your most head-scratching workplace

dilemmas. From surveillance concerns to emotional outbursts, they share the stories that keep

managers second-guessing and employees walking on eggshells.

What happens when your CEO installs Alexa devices in every conference room? The crew talks

about the fine line between workplace convenience and perceived privacy invasion — and how

to communicate tech policies in a way that builds trust instead of suspicion. From virtual happy

hours that drift into too-casual territory, to political messages on clothing, to the surprisingly

divisive practice of taking Zoom calls from bed, Lisa, Amy, and Greg weigh in on where to draw

the line. They balance empathy with practicality, offering strategies that protect company

culture without killing morale.

Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this

conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the

frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

Lisa Leath and the HR Nightmares team open up their inbox to tackle real-world workplace dilemmas ranging from micromanaging bosses to unconventional emotional support animals. The team provides practical advice for HR professionals and managers navigating these challenging situations.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as the team unpacks how trust issues manifest in management styles, exploring why some leaders feel compelled to verify every sick day claim or monitor employees' social media activity. They provide practical guidance for addressing these behaviors without creating additional workplace tensions, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches and direct communication.

Throughout the episode, the HR Nightmares team brings their combined decades of experience to these real-world scenarios, offering solutions that balance compliance with compassion. Whether you're an HR professional facing similar challenges, a manager looking to improve your leadership approach, or simply someone fascinated by workplace dynamics, you'll find valuable insights and practical takeaways to apply in your own professional life.

Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

Workplace whiplash is real. Since the pandemic, companies have swung wildly between remote, hybrid, and return-to-office mandates—and employees are feeling the impact. In this episode of HR Nightmares, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney unpack the real reasons behind these shifts.

Is it truly about collaboration and culture, or are deeper motives at play—like commercial real estate, poor management, or quiet downsizing?

Drawing from their HR consulting work, the hosts share powerful client stories and challenge the logic of outdated office mandates—especially when workers are commuting just to sit on Zoom calls. They explore the human toll of sudden policy reversals, like employees being forced to relocate or leave jobs entirely. The takeaway? Rigid one-size-fits-all policies don’t work. Flexibility, performance-based decisions, and clear expectations are the future of work—and this episode offers actionable ideas to get there.

Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

Is the entry-level job... extinct? In this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney dive into the AI-fueled shake-up that’s redefining what it means to “get your foot in the door.” As automation handles more of the repetitive and routine, many roles that once served as launchpads for new grads are either vanishing or morphing beyond recognition.

The team explores which industries are still welcoming humans with open arms—think healthcare, construction, sales, and data science—and why some skills will always outmatch a machine. They also call out the frustrating trend of “entry-level” roles requiring 3–5 years of experience and unpack the growing disconnect between higher education and hiring realities.

Whether you're a recent grad wondering where the jobs went, a parent trying to make sense of this new world, or an employer rethinking early-career hiring, this episode is packed with honest talk, sharp insights, and a few laughs along the way.

Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcast. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!

In this episode of HR Nightmares, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney tackle one of the most challenging scenarios HR leaders face: immigration enforcement in the workplace. What do you do when ICE shows up unannounced? 

The team shares real-life stories, including the heartbreaking account of an employee deported after decades in the U.S., and breaks down actionable strategies for employers—from conducting regular I-9 audits to setting up clear front desk protocols.

More than just compliance, the conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and support for remaining staff. Learn how to prepare your business legally while maintaining compassion for your workforce during these disruptive events.

Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcast. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!