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Unlock the potential of HR advocacy as we engage with Stephen Towns from the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana, along with Sarah Weiss and Tracy Justice from local NIRA and Indy SHRM chapters. Discover how HR professionals can proactively influence government policies and workplace environments by leveraging SHRM’s advocacy platform. Listen as our guests provide expert insights into how early engagement in legislative processes, like the Family and Medical Leave Act, can shape future workplace dynamics.

Explore the critical intersection of workplace advocacy and government regulations, emphasized through the lens of the Northeast Indiana Chamber. We introduce the concept of an advocacy tree, a powerful tool that transforms employee concerns into collective action, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaboration. This discussion also highlights the struggle small businesses face against complex regulations, urging business owners to become proactive participants in advocacy, utilizing invaluable resources such as local chambers of commerce and advocacy groups.

Gain strategic insights into effective government relations for HR professionals. Our conversation delves into building foundational knowledge and confidence, encouraging HR professionals to engage with local legislators and participate in community advocacy efforts. We underscore the importance of networking and community involvement to navigate political changes, offering actionable strategies for HR professionals to become informed, empowered, and active participants in shaping policies that affect their organizations and communities.

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How can you transform difficult workplace conversations into opportunities for growth? Inspired by Sarah Noel Wilson's "Don't Feed the Elephants," we unpack the metaphor of "elephants in the room"—those unspoken issues that can hinder trust and productivity. Through strategies like building conflict capacity, compassionate curiosity, and intentional engagement, we explore how you can address these uncomfortable truths head-on. Our discussion aims to equip you with the tools to improve team dynamics and foster a culture of vulnerability and understanding.

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Can you find greater purpose and satisfaction in your current job without needing to change roles? Discover the transformative power of job crafting with insights from our expert guest from Evolve Me. This episode promises you new ways to reflect on what might be missing in your job and identify opportunities for skill expansion and personal development, ultimately enhancing both your career satisfaction and retention. Learn how workshops and lateral moves can support your growth and experimentation within your existing role.

We take a detailed look into the importance of career visioning and job crafting for long-term personal and professional growth. Understand how regular career conversations with your manager can align your aspirations with organizational goals, and why organizational buy-in is crucial to make job crafting effective and fair. From self-initiated research to networking, get equipped with valuable tools to explore other roles and opportunities within your company, and to navigate potential challenges like favoritism and political dynamics.

Navigating the logistics of job crafting within a team is not without its challenges. We discuss how managers can ensure equity and fairness while supporting individual growth. Hear inspiring success stories, such as a CEO who recommitted to her role through self-discovery and leading new initiatives. Additionally, we touch on the benefits of HR membership and volunteering, highlighting the dynamic offerings of the New York Retail Alliance and how they can propel your career forward. To wrap it all up, enjoy personal anecdotes and favorite moments that will leave you inspired and ready to take action on your own career journey.

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Discover how mastering soft skills can unlock new opportunities in your career with insights from our distinguished guest, Ashley Adamson, Senior Program Manager at JA Innovation Team. Learn why employers are shifting their focus from technical skills to competencies like collaboration and communication. We'll explore the groundbreaking JA Career Ready Credential, a digital platform that equips students with micro-credentials in essential soft skills, making them more appealing candidates in today's competitive job market.

In this episode, we dive into the collaborative effort to implement a micro-credentialing system in Fort Wayne Community Schools, specifically for 11th graders. Hear from experts Carly Buchanan, Nick Dara, and Patrick Bushing on the role of employer feedback in shaping a system that meets the varied needs of students and businesses alike. We'll discuss how industry leaders are ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and effective, preparing students for the workforce by fostering essential habits and self-determination.

From early education to entering the workforce, we emphasize the value of nurturing soft skills across all stages of development. Our conversation includes success stories from partnerships with Junior Achievement and how these initiatives are addressing talent shortages in the community. Don't miss out on this enriching episode that highlights the importance of recognizing and cultivating these often-undervalued competencies in the workplace. Join us for more valuable discussions in our upcoming episodes.

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Discover the transformative power of education as we're joined by the passionate team from Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, including Haley Beck, Sue Jackson, Karen Cooper, Pat Morello, Sarah Garrison, and Ashley Adamson. Through their stories, we unlock the doors to career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programs that are shaping the future workforce right from the playground to graduation. With nearly 185,000 students impacted in 29 counties, we uncover the real-life experiences and volunteer-driven initiatives that fuel a generation of savvy upcoming adults and the indispensable role of education in fostering HR excellence.

Step into the world of JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, where students don't just learn about business and finance—they live it. Our guests share the ins and outs of these capstone programs, where young minds take on roles in a simulated town, and older students master the art of budgeting in a supportive, dynamic environment. Hear personal accounts, like the eye-opening experience of my own daughter, that illustrate the lasting effects of these immersive educational adventures. It's not just about teaching kids; it's about preparing them for the responsibilities and opportunities that await in adulthood.

As we round off this enlightening conversation, we spotlight the remarkable outcomes of JA's career readiness initiatives and the 3DE by JA program, known for significantly improving attendance and graduation rates. Listen as we delve into the stories of student empowerment and the upcoming Inspire to Hire event. 

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Transitioning careers in midlife can seem like a Herculean task, but Judy and Linda from Evolve Me turn this daunting journey into an adventure of self-discovery and growth. Their stories of personal reinvention remind us that it's never too late to pivot, and with their Reinvention Collective program, they're leading a charge to empower women navigating midlife career changes. Their insights into building a supportive community and fostering vulnerability are not just inspiring—they're game-changing for companies looking to retain and engage their seasoned female talent.

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As AI continues to shape our future, this episode exposes the pivotal skills leaders must hone to navigate this new terrain. From adaptability to emotional intelligence, we dissect the ten commandments of modern leadership, showing you how to wield AI as an ally in productivity, without losing sight of the human touch. Experience a glimpse into the Innovative Leadership Institute's digital avatar initiative and how such tools can amplify, not replace, the human element in leadership development.

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Tune in for our exploration of the current recruitment climate, where factors like election cycles can influence a candidate's decision to leap into a new role. We tackle the revolutionized hiring strategies that now prioritize social media presence, community engagement, and workplace flexibility. This episode sheds light on the art personalized appreciation that fuels candidate motivation. From AI's impact on resume screening to addressing bias in the hiring process, this episode is packed with actionable insights for HR professionals and job seekers alike.

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This episode peels back the curtain on the real-world application of IO Psychology, revealing how it serves as a crucial cog to ensure the smooth running of internal operations and the alignment of complex human dynamics with overarching business goals. Britni and I delve into her approach to solving organizational issues, demonstrating that it's not just about what's visible on the surface but about digging into the deep-rooted problems that often evade detection.

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NIHRA welcomes the following new members: Chelsea Cosgrove, Paychex; Victoria Plaise, Rea Magnet Wire; Kurt Briner, Indiana Air National Guard; Christine Johnson, Indiana Auto Auctions; Michael Williams & Greg Davis, Paycor; Taylor Fisher & Lisia Francisco, Brightpoint; Adam Surface, Steve Wineland, Nawmartha Htoo, Tesla Flores, Kyaw Soe, Master Spas.

Ed San Inocencio, outgoing NIHRA president, shares memories of serving over his 2022 & 2023 term.

Carly Buchanan, NIHRA president (2024 & 2025) and Julie Hess, President-Elect share a vision for the future and upcoming events.

12 Interesting Christmas Facts

Member Spotlight with Barry Bender, Centurion Industries, Inc. and Anne Whitney, Board Member-At-Large.

Board Member Spotlights with Denise Mills, outgoing Director, Community Engagement; LaTanya Ackerson, Director, DEI; Shiloh Schleppi, Treasurer; Rachel Howell, Director, Programs & Hospitality; Brittany Briscoe, Director, Technology; Olivia Kumfer, Director, Community Engagement.

Community Spotlight with John Metzinger, Citilink and Elizabeth Hoffman, Director of Workforce Readiness. Explore Fort Wayne Public Transportation - Citilink Bus (fwcitilink.com)

Jim Scoggin, Marsh & McLennan Agency, shares his 42 years' experience in the health and welfare industry.  [email protected]

Jody Fosnough, Fort Financial Credit Union, shares her passion for Organizational Development. linkedin.com/in/jodyfosnough

The Night Before Christmas, Clement Moore