As we wrap up 2024, it's time to start thinking ahead to 2025—and let’s be honest, it’s about time we take our place as the experts in the room. 

From fixing the broken candidate experience to building stronger bridges with other teams, it’s time for HR to show up and show out!

This episode features a series of friends/leaders sharing their bold wishes for the future, and why 2025 is our year to make real change happen. We’re not holding back!

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:00:55 - Tara Turk-Haynes’s Wish for HR in 2025

00:10:01 - Sarika Lamont’s Wish for HR in 2025

00:16:02 - Cassidy Edwards’s Wish for HR in 2025

00:19:35 - Noah Warder’s Wish for HR in 2025

00:26:52 - Cassandra Babilya’s Wish for HR in 2025

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Tara:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttaraturkhaynes/

Follow Sarika:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarikal/

Follow Cassidy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-edwards-yyom/

Follow Noah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahwarder/

Follow Cassandra:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-babilya/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

As People Leaders, we love our people, but sometimes we miss how the two worlds of business strategy and people strategy need to work together to drive results. 

Joining me is the brilliant Halai Shukran, COO at Pluribus Digital, who’s built her career around understanding exactly how people and business strategy intersect. From leading talent functions to overseeing operations, IT, and comms, Halai’s insight is next level. 

She’s breaking down how to speak the language of other business units, why you should get your seat at the table, and how to prioritize when resources are tight.

Plus, we talk about the big picture—how seeing the whole organization helps shape better leadership and decision-making.

So, if you’ve ever felt stuck in the HR bubble, today’s episode is your guide to breaking out and making a real impact. 

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:02:27 - One Thing People in HR Should Rethink

00:06:10 - How Halai Discovered Her Zone of Genius

00:10:43 - Keeping Business and People Strategies Aligned

00:18:10 - The Process for Diagnosing Organizational Challenges

00:23:30 - Prioritizing When Resources are Limited

00:37:18 - Approaching Prioritization When Working Across Multiple Teams

00:42:57 - How Seeing the Bigger Picture Influences Leadership and Decision-making

00:48:14 - Advice for Leaders who Want to Cultivate the “Big Picture” Mindset

00:50:58 - What Excites Halai About the Future of Work

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Halai:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halai-shukran-sphr/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

If HR should be anything it’s these two things: creative and curious.

This week’s guest is as delicious as the bagels her company makes (and that’s saying something). 

Nikki Rappaport, Chief People Officer at Call Your Mother—aka my go-to for stress-eating bagels—is here to share her creativity and wisdom!

With a decade of experience in creative marketing and employee experience design, Nikki shares how curiosity and creativity drive exceptional HR practices. 

From storytelling to culture-building, we’re exploring how HR can learn from marketing to build trust, align teams with company values, and create meaningful employee experiences.

Also, yes, we talk a little bit about bagels. Obviously.

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:03:50 - One Thing People in HR Should Rethink

00:04:53 - How Nikki Found Her Zone of Genius

00:07:20 - How Creativity Translates into Exceptional Employee Experiences

00:10:50 - The Overlap Between Marketing and HR

00:15:38 - The Connection Between Marketing and a Strong Workplace Culture

00:18:53 - How HR Can Utilize Storytelling to Strengthen Culture and Branding

00:24:53 - How to Align Employees With Company Missions and Values

00:36:30 - Lessons From Customer Experience Design That HR Should Learn

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Nikki:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkirap/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Ever feel like recruiting is just herding cats—or maybe gremlins? 

And job searching? Let's call it what it is these days: a special kind of torture.

In this episode, I’ve rounded up some previous guests and we’re tackling the dual headache of being a recruiter and a job seeker in today’s chaotic market!

With 2025 shaping up as the “Year of the Personal Brand,” we’re dishing out the tea on trust, relationships, and why recruiters who don’t build a foundation are always playing defense.

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:02:22 - Shannon’s Biggest Piece of Advice for Recruiters

00:04:41 - What Job Seekers Should Consider in This Market

00:09:32 - Rhona’s Biggest Piece of Advice for Recruiters

00:11:42 - Tips for Job Seekers of Today

00:15:21 - Brandon’s Biggest Piece of Advice for Recruiters

00:17:34 - Brandon’s One Tip for Job Seekers

00:21:15 - Sean’s Biggest Piece of Advice for Recruiters

00:22:24 - Sean’s One Tip for Job Seekers

00:26:53 - Can you Beat the ATS?

00:34:58 - What is the Best ATS System to Use?

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Shannon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonogborn/

Follow Rhona:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/

Follow Brandon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandohires/

Follow Sean

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-page-capm/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Hot take: Nobody is inherently a good leader. Being a leader is a learned skill.

What does it really take to be a good leader? 

It’s not about being perfect, having all the answers, or walking in like a natural-born boss! Leadership is messy, vulnerable, and learned. 

In this episode, my unofficial co-host (and leadership guru) Jessica Winder is back to break it all down. 

We talk about why vulnerability is a must (not an option), how to lead when you have zero authority, and why leadership isn’t a natural-born trait—it’s a skill you grow over time.

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:01:35 - Jessica’s Background 

00:03:45 - One Thing That HR People Should Rethink

00:06:30 - What Does it Mean to be a Leader?

00:11:57 - How Jessica’s Leadership Style Evolved Over the Years

00:16:13 - When Jessica Realized Leadership as Her Zone of Genius

00:19:20 - Common Myths About Leadership, Debunked

00:23:38 - What Qualities Differentiate a Good Leader From a Great Leader?

00:30:40 - Balancing Empathy and Decision-making as a Leader

00:36:48 - Advice for People Stepping Into Their First Leadership Role

00:38:27 - What Leadership Could Look Like in 5-10 Years

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Jessica:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadwinder/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Just how different is a work environment that’s unionized versus one that isn’t?

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of unionized workplaces with the brilliant Morgan Williams! 

Spoiler alert: unions aren’t just about strikes and tension—they can actually make your organization stronger if you know how to play the game. 

Morgan’s expertise? Managing unionized environments, reducing conflict, and building collaboration that lasts. 

She’s here to drop some knowledge on how you can navigate union demands without breaking a sweat (or losing your mind).

Plus, why you should care about union negotiations—because, trust me, what they’re asking for today might just be what your employees are eyeing tomorrow.

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:02:15 - Something That HR Folks Should Rethink

00:04:20 - What Sparked Morgan’s Interest in Working With Unions

00:07:30 - How the Election Could Impact Unionized Work

00:10:47 - Working in a Unionized Environment VS a Non-unionized Environment

00:13:04 - Common Misconceptions About Unionized Workplaces

00:20:00 - Why Some People Don’t Support Unions

00:22:17 - Fostering Positive Labor Relations and Reducing Conflict

00:28:58 - How Employee and Union Relationships Have Changed Over the Years

00:38:10 - Where Can People Educate Themselves on Unions?

00:45:22 - Where to Get in Touch With Morgan

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Morgan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganbwilliams/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Last week, the US elected its 47th president.

As I was sifting through the reactions of family, friends, and coworkers online, feelings of excitement and feelings of sadness were all over the place, and it was a lot to think about.

But the thing I kept coming back to was the mission of I Hate It Here and the ways that elections affect us all!

So today, we’re taking a stroll down HR memory lane, digging into the laws that flipped the script on how we work. From the Fair Labor Standards Act to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, we’re exploring the major pieces of legislation that shaped HR as we know it.

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:01:00 - The Misson of I Hate It Here

00:01:50 - The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

00:03:55 - The Civil Rights Act of 1964

00:06:00 - The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

00:08:05 - The Employee of Income Retirement Security Act (ERISA)

00:10:04 - The Americans With Disability Act

00:11:04 - The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

00:13:17 - The Affordable Care Act

00:15:05 - The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

00:17:40 - The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Most of us have experienced it before—there’s nothing worse than working for a company that doesn’t practice what it preaches. 

If you don’t actually stand for the things you’re talking about, how can your employees gain the trust you need for them to succeed?

Today, we’re talking about authenticity and why the “long game” in business means actually living up to what you say. 

Joel Lalgee, aka The Realest Recruiter, joins us with insights from his 2 billion views of no-BS content on how companies and brands can truly earn employee trust. 

Joel shares his take on building a personal brand, keeping creative energy alive, and why he cranks out videos every single day (yep, every day). Let’s dive in!

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:06:00 - Something That HR Folks Should Rethink

00:15:24 - Joel’s Zone of Genius: Creative Work and Connecting People

00:21:15 - The Beginning of Building a Personal Brand

00:34:05 - How to Stay Creatively Inspired

00:39:14 - How Many Videos Joel Makes on an Average Day

00:46:50 - The One Thing you Need to Start a Personal Brand

00:49:10 - Where to Connect With Joel 

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Joel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellalgee/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

This episode of I Hate It Here is getting spooky with a second edition of HR Horror Stories! 

Last year, we dove into tales that had us shaking our heads, and this year? 

Let’s just say my jaw’s still on the floor after these submissions. 

I’ll be reading these stories exactly as they were submitted, and trust me, they’re a reminder that nobody outside of HR quite understands the unique trauma we face. 

Tune in to hear about The Bad Employee, The Unhinged CEO, and yes, even a Rubber Duck and Plastic Dinosaur making their grand entrance.

00:02:09 - The Tale of the Bad Employee

00:05:33 - The Tale of the Interesting Meeting

00:08:30 - The Rubber Duck and Plastic Dinosaur

00:10:35 - The Tale of ‘Do Not Disturb’

00:11:55 - The Tale of Lack of Gratitude

00:12:51 - The Tale of the Group Text

00:16:10 - The Tale of the Unhinged CEO

00:19:02 - The Tale of Bad References

00:20:50 - The Tale of the Mediator

00:22:29 - The Tale of the Pervert

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

 Got an HR horror story of your own? Submit it here!

What does it really take to make HR more human?  

Today, we’re exploring that question by diving into the concept of the zone of genius—that flow state where you’re most creative and impactful. 

Joining me is Demario, a powerhouse connector, community builder, and unofficial HR bestie. 

We talk about everything from leading with authenticity to why curiosity is the key to shaking up HR (yes, we need more people asking “why”!). 

Demario opens up about his journey in building inclusive spaces, fostering a genuine culture, and why the future of HR is all about connection. 

Whether it’s building strong relationships with your team, manager, or broader community, Demario shows us how human connection is at the core of it all. 

Now, Working Not Working is helping to keep that talent with NTRNL— the new platform that unlocks employee passions and ignites productivity. So you can see your people as they see themselves: as humans, not headcount. Visit seeyourpeople.com to learn more or book a demo.

00:04:14 - Something That HR Folks Should Rethink

00:06:23 - How Demario Became a Connector of People and What That Means

00:15:20 - How to Connect People From Different Backgrounds and Walks of Life

00:22:40 - Building an HR Community Without an HR Background

00:32:56 - Bridging the Gap Between Conceptual HR Ideas and Directly Practicing in the Field

00:41:55 - How Leading an HR Community for the First Time Influenced Demario’s Perspective

00:46:16 - Demario’s Culture First Community

And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.

https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/

And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!

Follow Demario:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demario-bell-7a510994/

Follow Hebba: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef