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Trust isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the hidden currency driving every workplace. When it breaks, the fallout is bigger than missed deadlines or disengaged employees—it fractures culture.

In this episode of My Friend in HR, we rewind the clock to humanity’s earliest tribes and connect ancient leadership lessons to today’s boardrooms, Zoom calls, and corporate cultures. Drawing from Simon Sinek’s insights, Edelman’s Trust Barometer, Harvard Business Review research, and real stories of leaders and employees betrayed by broken promises, we unpack the human side of why trust is collapsing in the modern workplace—and how to rebuild it.

You’ll hear:

• Why ancient tribes chose leaders based on trust, not strength—and what that means for today’s executives.
• The silent betrayals that fracture workplace culture (missed recognition, layoffs handled poorly, and leaders who go quiet when employees need them most).
• How layoffs send psychological shockwaves that destroy productivity and loyalty.
• The science of trust and stress: why oxytocin builds collaboration and cortisol kills it.
• Why perks and bonuses don’t inspire when they’re not matched with purpose.
• What both leaders and employees must do to build a high-trust culture.

This is not another “10 leadership tips” conversation. This is a hard look at the broken social contract between employees and organizations, and how trust—not just money—decides whether your culture thrives or collapses.

👉 If you’re a leader, this will challenge how you think about psychological safety, employee loyalty, and the true cost of layoffs.
 👉 If you’re an employee, this will give you language to articulate why culture feels “off” when trust is missing—and what role you play in fixing it.

Because when leaders stop protecting their people, perks stop feeling earned. And when employees stop showing up with reliability and honesty, teams collapse from within.

Listen in, reflect, and let’s rebuild workplaces where trust is more than a slogan—it’s the foundation.

🔗 Want more? Subscribe on YouTube for video versions of this podcast, career tips, and my new series The Mic Drop.
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📲 Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X for daily HR insights, coaching, and career strategies.

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SEASON 2 IS HERE: “You Got Promoted… Now What?”

Let’s get one thing straight: getting promoted is not the finish line—it’s the starting block. And this episode? It’s your leadership wake-up call.

After a few months of silence (life got busy, y’all—but I’ve been cookin’ behind the scenes), My Friend in HR is BACK for Season 2 and we’re coming in HOT with real talk for every new leader, reluctant manager, or “oh crap, now I’m in charge” moment.

In this firestarter of an episode, we’re digging into:
 🔥 The messy reality of managing your old work besties
 🔥 The politics no one warned you about in your new role
 🔥 The culture shifts that’ll humble even the most confident leaders
 🔥 And why your first 90 days could make—or break—your leadership brand

This isn’t just advice—it’s a survival strategy.
No fluff. No BS. Just the truth about what it really takes to thrive after the promotion.

Plus, I’m spilling the behind-the-scenes tea on where I’ve been, why HR on the Rocks is your new favorite YouTube series, and why this season of the pod is going to change how you lead—for real.

🎧 Press play, power up, and let’s get into it.
Because leadership isn’t for the faint of heart—and neither is this podcast.

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"Feeling uncertain about your career's future? In episode 10, we dive into how you can transform those fears into steps for success in 2025. We'll explore strategies to navigate layoffs, technological changes, and more. Join us to discover how to stay ahead and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. Let's get you ready to conquer your career journey!"

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Handling discipline in the workplace requires finesse and fairness. Through illustrative scenarios, I emphasize the importance of accountability, warning against the dangers of favoritism. Hear real-world examples that highlight the need for clarity and proper communication to resolve misunderstandings. Discover how documentation can be a tool for both protection and improvement, ensuring that employees and managers alike act on complete information. This episode promises to be a guide to equip you with the tools to navigate write-ups and improve workplace dynamics.

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Ever wondered if transitioning from an hourly role to a salaried position is the right move for you? We break down the essentials, from the financial implications of overtime pay to the stability of a fixed annual salary. Discover the pros and cons of each employment type and gain practical tips for evaluating your personal circumstances and job benefits. Don’t miss this comprehensive guide to making an informed decision about your career path, packed with insights to help you thrive professionally.

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Are you considering bidding farewell to your employer?

Well,  before you hand in your resignation, tune in to this episode for essential advice and considerations. In this episode, "I QUIT!," we delve into the pivotal decision of leaving your current job. Whether you're working in a toxic environment, been overlooked for a promotion, or contemplating a separation package, we discuss the crucial factors you should ponder before making the big decision.

Here, we provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you, your family, and your career.

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Have you ever considered a career transition or found yourself at a professional crossroads, unsure when to take the leap towards something new? Join your friend in HR, Jasani Courtney, as we navigate these life-defining moments, outlining clear strategies for those eyeing a future in human resources and offering guidance on when to part ways with your current job. As we walk Tevon, a college senior with logistics savvy, through his entry into the HR world, you'll get a front-row seat to the actionable insights and relatable experiences that can catapult your own career journey. For anyone wrestling with the question of timing their exit from a role, we dive into the critical factors, from personal growth to mental well-being, that signal it's time to move on—wisdom that could spell the difference between stagnation and fulfillment.

The episode continues to dissect the nuanced art of people management, a skill set often overlooked in the promotion of new managers. Listen in as I candidly share lessons from my own climb up the HR ladder, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, proactive learning, and the ability to leverage team strengths. The conversation turns to debunking managerial myths and lays bare the high costs of ineffective leadership, from sunk morale to soaring turnover. With a focus on consistency, fairness, and direct conflict resolution, this episode is a treasure trove of management strategies and insights that will transform not just how you lead, but how you recognize and champion the varying contributions of your team for a truly collaborative and dynamic work environment.

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Have you ever wondered what recruiters are really looking for when they sift through piles of resumes? Our guest, Talent Acquisition Manager, Alejandra Villegas, reveals the truth behind the job application process. From the ideal length of a resume to the common mistakes made during interviews, Alejandra provides invaluable advice that could help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.

We don't stop at resumes and interview tips. Alejandra also offers a unique perspective on applying for multiple positions within the same organization and the art of negotiating job offers. Her insights provide a roadmap of the job market, outlining how to avoid potential pitfalls and turn challenges into opportunities.

In addition, we take a look at the role technology plays in recruitment. She helps us understand the implications of AI in the hiring process and how to use it to your advantage. Don't miss out on this conversation filled with valuable insights that could transform your job search strategy. 

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What if, by tuning into this podcast episode, you could learn how to negotiate a job offer like a seasoned pro? Welcome onboard, Career Conquerors! I'm Njsane Courtney, your host, and ally in this exciting journey of professional growth. Together, we'll unravel the art and science behind successful negotiations, and discuss why nine out of ten times, you should never hesitate to negotiate.

Imagine having the confidence to discuss not just your salary, but also medical benefits, bonuses, and vacation time! We'll shed light on these often overlooked components of job offers, equipping you with the knowledge to negotiate your way to a wholesome and satisfying job offer. This value-packed episode is your guide to understanding every aspect of a job offer and how to negotiate each one effectively. Remember, the key is to see the offer in its entirety, not just the base salary. 

While professional growth is essential, let's not forget the importance of self-care and personal wellness. Your job should be a support system for your life, not the other way around. So, let's journey together towards a career that serves you and not just your bank balance. Remember, you're not alone in this journey - feel free to reach out with any queries or thoughts. Let's conquer our careers together, one episode at a time!

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What if the next call you receive could land you your dream job? This episode of "My Friend in HR" arms you with powerful tips to ace your next interview. We start right from the beginning, emphasizing the critical role of a professional voicemail and preparedness for a recruiter's call. We debunk some common interview myths and reveal that your interview actually begins the moment the recruiter rings you! 

Our journey through the interview process doesn't stop there. We discuss the importance of understanding your potential employer, preparing for both expected and unexpected questions, and even how to handle end-of-interview inquiries.  Whether you're extroverted or introverted, a first-time job seeker, or an experienced professional, our advice will help you navigate your next job interview with confidence and poise. We're here to increase your chances of landing that job and maybe even enjoy the process along the way!

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