In a world filled with cynicism, one force stands stronger: optimism.

In this episode, Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, offers a refreshing perspective on amplifying positivity while steering clear of toxic positivity. She shares how an unexpected meeting with Gary Vaynerchuk led her to New York and to a role tasked with building "the single greatest human organization."

Drawing from her past in hospitality and advertising, Claude shares insights on transforming traditional HR, managing a large organization with empathy, and leading by example.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Claude Silver (02:23) Claude’s journey to leadership and authentic optimism

(09:55) Why optimism is crucial for leadership

(15:06) Top performers focus on the present, not the past

(20:20) Making fast decisions and building trust at scale

(22:41) Building a service-oriented HR team

(27:04) The power of HR communication in shaping culture

(30:12) Owning your space and initiating change without waiting

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. Claude Silver’s LinkedIn - click here!

Can a strong HR-COO partnership transform employee engagement and company culture?

Jon Rosenson and Molly Perenic believe it absolutely can.

As leaders at Expedient, Jon and Molly share how their close collaboration has led to a thriving work environment where employees are engaged and aligned with the company’s goals. They discuss the power of clear communication, the impact of small but meaningful changes, and the importance of meeting employees where they are—whether in the office or remotely.

Jon and Molly also provide insights into scaling tribal knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous feedback, demonstrating how a united leadership team can drive significant positive change across an organization.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jon Rosenson and Molly Perenic

(03:52) Defining employee engagement and its impact on organizational success

(06:14) Encouraging feedback and creating a culture of psychological safety

(07:25) The impact of small changes

(09:50) Scaling tribal knowledge across a growing organization

(13:01) Adapting engagement strategies for different worker types

(19:54) Flexibility in a 24-hour work environment

(23:47) Leadership reflections and the importance of cross-team collaboration

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.

Molly Perenic LinkedIn - click here!

Jon Rosenson LinkedIn - click here!

Share your impact to instill belief across the company. 

As an HR leader, you can inspire your team and create a culture of trust by consistently showcasing the meaningful work you're doing. 

In this episode, Adam Weber, host of HR Superstars, explores how the best HR leaders build company-wide confidence through transparency and storytelling.

He shares practical steps for communicating successes in a way that resonates with every level of the organization. From crafting compelling narratives to using every available medium, this episode will guide you on making your initiatives not just seen but truly believed in.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) An introduction to the fifth secret  

(01:33) An overview of the Five Secrets

(03:01) The fifth and final secret that differentiates top HR leaders

(03:50) Balancing optimism with transparency  

(04:39) The power of repetition in communication  

(06:42) Three steps to inspire company-wide change

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.

It’s time to speak the language of the business while elevating the HR professional.

And to do this, there must be a mindset shift.

As the CEO of People Leader Accelerator, Andrew Bartlow draws on his experience to reveal how HR leaders can shift from traditional roles to becoming strategic business partners. He breaks down the critical importance of aligning HR goals with the company’s top priorities and how this alignment can redefine the value HR brings to the table.

Andrew also offers clear, actionable strategies for overcoming common challenges like burnout and disconnected goals. By focusing on business impact and adopting a management consultant mindset, HR leaders can elevate their roles and make a lasting difference in their organizations.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Andrew Bartlow

(02:20) What’s most broken about HR today

(03:08) The shift in HR’s role over the last five years

(04:45) How to elevate HR professionals to strategic roles

(11:39) How to act as a management consultant within HR

(16:42) Prioritize business needs within your strategy

(17:54) Dealing with burnout within HR

(21:02) Personal strategies for managing your workload and priorities

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.

Andrew Bartlow LinkedIn - click here!

While HR leaders often juggle many challenges, Adam Weber, Host of HR Superstars, suggests that effective people management is one of the most critical issues they face. 

Adam shares that strategic HR is not about doing everything yourself but about leveraging the power of your managers. He introduces the fourth secret from the top 5% of HR leaders, highlighting the necessity of activating managers to drive organizational success.

Adam also shares compelling statistics that underscore the impact of managerial efficiency on employee engagement and performance while offering practical strategies to empower managers, such as creating clear expectations, providing ongoing support and resources, and implementing a system to assess managerial effectiveness.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the fourth secret of the top 5% of HR leaders  

(01:11) The superhero mindset in HR and its drawbacks  

(05:05) The importance of activating managers  

(05:12) One-third of HR time is spent on issues caused by poor managers  

(08:41) Practical steps to support and empower managers  

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 Manager Enablement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.

The key to retention lies in understanding why employees truly stay.

In this episode, Adam Weber sits down with Dr. Sherry Woosley, Director of Analytics and Research at Elentra, to explore the surprising phenomenon of being "busy but bored" and how it impacts motivation and retention. 

Sherry explains the difference between meaningful engagement and mere task completion. She shares insights on innovative solutions like Fun Day Friday initiatives that not only challenge employees but also rejuvenate their interest in their work. 

Sherry also discusses why employees stay, from job adventure to skill development, and why personalized meaning is crucial for satisfaction. Her advice on balancing work loyalty and future career growth provides a comprehensive approach to fostering a thriving workplace.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) An introduction to the episode with Sherry Woosley

(03:06) The impact of COVID-19 on employee retention

(05:03) What motivates employees to stay at their jobs

(07:49) What work-life balance mean to different employees

(10:48) Exploring boredom in the workplace

(12:53) Understanding the concept of "busy but bored"

(15:04) Strategies for managing different types of boredom

(22:33) How to combat boredom by focusing on the future of employees

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 Leader’s Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover!

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

Sherry Woosley LinkedIn - click here!

Ever felt like your career is stuck in a loop of rejection and frustration? 

@Adam Weber, Host of HR Superstars, offers insights for HR leaders facing constant roadblocks when pitching innovative ideas. 

In this episode, Adam shares the third secret of top HR performers:––how to show courage when pitching your ideas.

Drawing on examples from his own experiences, Adam discusses the importance of confidently presenting, understanding the business context, and leveraging data to strengthen your pitch. He also provides practical steps and motivational advice for handling rejection and fighting for a "yes." 

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode  

(01:52) The importance of pitching with courage in HR  

(07:07) How to turn rejection into success  

(08:56) Seeking approval vs. selling ideas effectively

(11:24) Maximizing manager effectiveness through key talent metrics

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 Manager Enablement Playbook!

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

Have you ever wondered if CEO favoritism can shape the culture of an entire organization? 

According to Alex Seiler, it definitely can. 

Alex, a seasoned Chief People Officer with over 15 years of global experience, shares the often-overlooked impacts of CEO favoritism on organizational culture and how it manifests in promotions, decision-making, and social dynamics.

Drawing from his experience, Alex discusses practical strategies for tackling these challenges and fostering a fairer, more inclusive workplace. He shares how intentionality, communication, and strategic thinking are the tools to transform your leadership approach.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) An introduction to the episode with Alex Seiler

(02:17) How CEO favoritism impacts company culture

(07:12) Strategies for addressing CEO favoritism and fostering intentional leadership

(15:42) How to find quick wins to impact the culture as a new Chief People Officer

(21:10) How Alex transformed an entire HR department in 18 months

(31:48) Alex’s visions of the future of HR with accountability, Four-Day Workweeks, and DEI

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 Performance Review Playbook!

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

Alex Seiler LinkedIn - click here!

Can gut instinct alone guide strategic HR decisions effectively? 

Adam Weber doesn’t think so. 

In this episode, he discusses the second secret of the top 5% of HR leaders: the pivotal role of data and metrics in advancing bold initiatives.

Adam highlights the transformation HR is undergoing, drawing parallels to the marketing industry's shift from intuition to data-driven strategies. He shares insights on how data empowers HR leaders to move from a reactive to a proactive stance, prioritizing work that aligns with critical business outcomes: maximizing employee performance, increasing engagement, and reducing regrettable turnover.

Join us as we discuss:

[00:00] An introduction to the episode

[01:00] Why your gut instinct isn’t enough

[03:47] How to use data to focus on what’s important

[08:16] Real-world example: implementing a four-day work week

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.

A little bit of empathy makes a big difference in the workplace. 

In this episode, Adam Weber sits down with Wendy Sellers, known as "The HR Lady," to explore the power of empathy, the value of personality assessments, and the importance of clear communication.

Wendy offers valuable insights into recognizing different personality styles and the often misunderstood concept that "common sense is not common" can improve employee performance and satisfaction.

Wendy’s advice on creating a work environment where everyone feels understood, valued, and equipped is valuable for all.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) An introduction to the episode

(01:27) How Wendy became "The HR Lady"

(03:09) Why Personality Assessments are important in the workplace

(09:36) The dynamics of introversion vs. extroversion in the workplace

(16:55) Why common sense is not common

(21:12) The importance of having accurate job descriptions

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 Manager Enablement Playbook!

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

Wendy Sellers LinkedIn - click here!