What kind of leader do you want to be?  

Pause and really think about that. Or better yet, write it down on paper.  

Susannah Robinson, Founder and President of Partnership for Talent emphasizes the importance of defining your leadership vision. In this episode, she explains how self-awareness, trust, and consistency shape leadership and why your approach should evolve over time.

Having guided countless leaders through this process, Susannah shares how authenticity builds trust and fosters accountability. She also gives advice to help HR leaders become more business-minded, ensuring their work drives tangible outcomes that align with company goals.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Susannah Robinson

(04:38) The value of fractional HR and org design

(08:45) Why leadership self-awareness matters 

(16:19) Evolving leadership styles over time

(19:11) How to think about and handle mistakes

(26:23) How to strategically embed HR into the business 

(31:40) Making time for leadership development

(34:09) Figure out who you are as a leader 

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five’s HR Leader’s Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover: https://www.15five.com/guide-to-reducing-regrettable-turnover?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Reducing

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Susannah Robinson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannah-robinson-ba7a581a/

Partnership for Talent: https://www.partnershipfortalent.com/

Beyond the Boxes and Lines:  https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Boxes-Lines-Transforming-Organizational/dp/195033693X

HR teams provide emotional, mental, and strategic support to their organizations, but who’s supporting them? As burnout among HR leaders reaches alarming levels, it’s clear that those responsible for employee well-being often struggle themselves. 

Recorded live at the 5th HR Superstars Summit, this episode features Brittany Fowler at Kickstarter and Stephanie Smith at Tagboard as they share their personal experiences with burnout, the warning signs to watch for, and the strategies they’ve implemented to create a healthier, more sustainable approach to HR. 

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Meet HR Superstars: Brittany Fowler and Stephanie Smith

(03:40) Recognizing the warning signs of burnout

(08:52) Challenges that overwhelm HR teams 

(14:35) How to support teams in times of stress 

(21:34) Balancing administrative tasks and strategic work

(25:28) Ways to boost employee morale

(27:30) Using AI for admin tasks

(29:34) Mitigate burnout through engagement surveys 

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five’s Manager Enablement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/content/15fives-manager-enablement-playbook-for-hr-leaders/?utm_source=&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast​​

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Brittany Fowler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyfowler/

Stephanie Smith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniergsmith/

Kickstarter’s Website: https://www.kickstarter.com/

Tagboard’s Website: https://tagboard.com/

There is no magic formula for creating a happy and engaged workforce. 

Every employee has unique needs and values, and understanding those differences is the key to building thriving teams. 

Kelly Mackin, CEO of Motives Met, explains why a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement doesn’t work. Her firsthand experience in a toxic work environment inspired her to develop a framework for understanding the 28 human motives that drive well-being. By uncovering what matters most to each individual, both leaders and team members can co-create a healthy culture where everyone feels seen and supported. Kelly also shares how leaders can begin taking small but meaningful steps to create a more personalized approach to work-life harmony.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kelly Mackin

(02:02) The impact of toxic workplaces on well-being

(07:52) Debunking well-being myths

(10:42) How to create space to honor everyone’s needs and motives

(22:42) Success story of motives being met at work  

(26:13) Make a work-life harmony playbook with your team

(30:44) Workplace well-being is mandatory

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five’s Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Kelly Mackin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mackin-52793110/

Motives Met assessment tool: https://www.motivesmet.com/the-motives-met-human-needs-assessment/

Work Life Well-Lived: https://www.motivesmet.com/book/

All teams strive for stronger connections, better communication, and true alignment. Offsites can help make that happen—but only when designed with purpose.

In this episode, Jared Kleinert, Founder and CEO of Offsite, shares what makes an offsite truly effective. He explains how to move beyond basic event planning and create experiences that deepen engagement, reinforce company culture, and boost retention. He also discusses how HR leaders can gain executive buy-in and ensure your offsite is more than just a line item on the budget.  

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jared Kleinert

(05:23) Why in-person retreats are more effective than remote meetings

(07:38) The logistics behind successful offsite planning

(12:58) How offsites improve company culture and strategic alignment

(17:09) Employer branding and attracting a multigenerational workforce

(28:05) Making the business case for offsites and long-term ROI

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five’s Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Jared Kleinert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredkleinert/

The Offsite Blog: https://offsite.substack.com/

Offsite’s website: https://www.offsite.com/

How do you create a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and inspired to stay?

Mark Crowley, author of Lead From the Heart and a pioneer in human-centered leadership, believes it starts with cultivating a culture of care. Drawing on groundbreaking research and decades of experience, Mark explains how emotions, trust, and belonging shape employee well-being and performance.

Mark also shares the science behind the heart’s role in decision-making, revealing how positive emotions, like safety and appreciation, lead to innovation and loyalty. He shares actionable insights for managers and HR leaders on creating a thriving team dynamic—one that balances well-being and performance for long-term success.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Mark Crowley

(01:25) How life shaped Mark’s leadership approach

(04:28) The moment Mark recognized his leadership style

(08:12) The heart’s role in leadership and performance

(15:20) The “rule of four” for workplace emotions

(16:53) Addressing resistance to heart-centered leadership

(24:13) Tips for HR to drive meaningful change

(28:28) HR needs both a heart and a backbone

(31:26) Belonging’s impact on team performance

(36:45) The power of one-on-ones for remote teams

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn.

Click here to download 15Five’s Employee Engagement Playbook!

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.

Mark Crowley’s LinkedIn - click here!

Burnout isn’t a sign of overwork—it’s a sign of internal misalignment.

In this replay episode, leadership coach Jim Marsden reframes burnout as a powerful signal to realign with your values and purpose. He shares advice on how to combat burnout by embracing curiosity, reconnecting with nature, and finding small but meaningful moments of perspective.

Jim also introduces his "street-of-life" metaphor, a framework for identifying stress states and shifting to a more grounded, intentional mindset.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jim Marsden

(04:09) The deep roots of burnout

(07:57) Why it’s important to find perspective

(13:57) The street-of-life concept for navigating stress

(19:45) Supporting others during burnout

(24:07) Practical steps to regain balance

(32:05) Avoiding big decisions during stress and finding small wins

(34:42) Dare to imagine: Aligning your work with what truly brings you alive

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn.

Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! And don’t forget to sign up for the HR Superstars Summit 2025 here.

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.

Jim Marsden’s LinkedIn - click here!

This episode marks an exciting new chapter for HR Superstars as Adam Weber passes the mic to Karina Young, the new host and VP of People at 15Five. Adam reflects on his journey as the podcast's host, sharing highlights, lessons, and the incredible connections he’s made with HR leaders around the world.

Karina steps in to share her vision for the future of the podcast, focusing on empowering managers, navigating organizational change, and exploring cutting-edge trends in HR. With a passion for creating thriving workplaces, Karina aims to spotlight innovative strategies and foster meaningful conversations with today’s leading people leaders.

Join us as we celebrate Adam’s legacy and welcome Karina’s fresh perspective on shaping the future of HR leadership.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Karina Young

(00:52) Adam reflects on his journey with HR Superstars

(02:11) Meet Karina: the new host of HR Superstars

(03:08) Karina’s focus on scaling and manager empowerment

(07:17) How early career experiences shaped Karina’s HR approach

(10:28) What excites Karina in being the host of HR Superstars

(19:13) Karina interviews Adam on favorite podcast moments

(24:42) Adam shares proud memories and lessons learned

(29:10) Adam’s parting advice on authenticity

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn.

Here are Adam's favorite episodes from this season:

• HR Superstars LIVE From Austin!

• Amplifying Positivity in the Workplace with Claude Silver

• Finding Success in Results-Only Work Environments with Cali Ressler

• Finding Solid Ground Amidst Burnout with Jim Marsden

Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook!

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.

As we go into 2025, we must keep this in mind...

Empathy isn’t a personality trait. 

According to Liesel Mertes, Founder of Handle with Care Consulting, it’s an essential workplace skill we need to hone.

And at the same time, people who go through disruptions and hard times have to eventually return to the office and add value to the organization. There’s a balance between having empathetic conversations and being honest about the nature of the employer/employee relationship.

In this episode replay, Liesel shares practical ways to strengthen your empathy muscle as a manager, HR leader, and friend. She explains what is and isn't effective at helping someone through hardship and offers tangible tools to care for people well.

Join us as we discuss:

[09:00] How to handle the pivotal first moments after a disruptive event

[15:30] Creating an “empathy menu”

[20:00] Managing change fatigue

[23:00] Rituals to care for yourself as an HR leader

[28:00] Metabolizing the hard stories you hold

[35:00] Balancing fortitude and empathy

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community!

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn.

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.

Liesel Mertes’ LinkedIn - click here!

Your company’s mission and values can shape its culture globally.

In this episode, Jignasha Amin, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at DISCO, shares how organizations can create a consistent and unified culture across different locations and generations by embedding core values into every part of the business. 

Jignasha explains how this approach strengthens employee engagement and drives long-term success.

By aligning everyone from leadership to new hires around a shared mission, companies can build a culture that thrives worldwide.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jignasha Amin

(02:28) Key elements of a successful global workforce strategy

(09:18) How Jignasha built a unified culture across a global, multi-generational workforce

(13:41) Employee recognition programs that reinforce company values

(16:55) How engaged employees boost productivity and business performance

(18:20) Jignasha’s strategies for addressing disengaged employees and fostering re-engagement

(25:06) Embracing the multi-generational workforce and its unique motivations

(27:16) Tailoring development opportunities for all generations with HR technology

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community!

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn.

Click here to download 15Five’s Employee Engagement Playbook!

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.

Jignasha Amin’s LinkedIn - click here!

How do you turn managers into mentors for a higher retention rate?

Clint Pulver, Emmy Award Winner, Top Keynote Speaker, and #1 Bestselling Author, believes it starts with connection and setting high standards. Drawing from his research and over 11,000 undercover interviews, Clint reveals how having a “mentor manager” can be the secret to employee engagement and commitment.

Clint shares how leaders can move beyond traditional management by implementing strategies like status interviews and fostering meaningful conversations. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and continual growth, showing how the right leadership approach can turn challenges into opportunities.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Clint Pulver

(06:15) How great leaders create a workplace people never want to leave

(07:07) Mentorship’s role in shaping better careers

(14:30) Why self-awareness makes better leaders

(18:49) Implementing the “mentor manager” concept at scale

(23:42) Three essential questions leaders should ask

(26:39) The importance of having a Director of Happiness

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community!

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn.

Click here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook!

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here. Clint Pulver’s LinkedIn - click here!