In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle talks with Jessica Wright, Founder and CEO of Wright Workforce Solutions, about redefining what HR looks like for small and growing businesses. Jessica shares her journey from nonprofit leadership to building a thriving minority- and woman-owned firm that offers hands-on HR, payroll, recruiting, and strategy support to small businesses. Together, they explore how businesses can overcome challenges like delegation, resource access, and talent management—while staying mission-driven and prioritizing strategy and growth.

In this episode, host Cindi Koetzle is joined by Sara Taylor, Founder of deepSEE Consulting, to explore our competency around unconscious bias and how it shapes our actions, decisions, and workplace conflicts. Sara breaks down the concept of “filters” and shares practical strategies to recognize and shift them. With timely insights on conflict, communication, and polarization, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for leaders and HR professionals striving to create more inclusive and aware workplaces.

Heidi Barnett, President, Talent Acquisition Solutions at isolved, joins Nine to Thrive HR for a deep dive into the future of hiring and employee experience. Heidi shares how ApplicantPro’s full integration into isolved is helping organizations streamline recruiting, enhance employer branding and create more engaging candidate journeys. She also unpacks the critical balance between AI-powered efficiency and the human elements that make a workplace thrive. Tune in for actionable insights on how HR leaders can attract top talent, improve retention and build people-first cultures in today’s competitive landscape.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle chats with Dr. Steven Stein, renowned clinical psychologist and founder of Multi-Health Systems (MHS). Steve was an early adopter of the power of emotional intelligence and has since been involved in the conversation about the intersection of emotional intelligence and psychological hardiness in the workplace. As they explore hardiness, the level of mental resilience when faced with stress, they discuss the learnable ability to manage emotions and grow through stress — using the "3 Cs" of Challenge, Control, and Commitment — leads to stronger leadership and healthier teams. A fascinating listen for HR practitioners, leaders, and team members looking to build healthy resilience.

As big brands pull back on DEI&B, small and midsize businesses are stepping up. In this episode, Opal Wagnac shares why DEI&B is more than a trend — it’s a business necessity. She explores how SMBs are uniquely positioned to lead with inclusion, close the gender gap, and create workplaces where everyone belongs. From allyship to the bottom-line benefits of belonging, this conversation offers real insights for HR leaders navigating today’s evolving workforce.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle is joined by Seth Turner, Founder and Senior Advisor at AbsenceSoft, to explore the growing complexities of leave and accommodation in the workplace. They break down the biggest insights from our 2025 State of Leave and Accommodations Report, based on a survey of 2,400 employees and HR managers. Leave requests are rising, increased demand for mental health support is a growing factor, and compliance remains a challenge—so what does this mean for HR? We’ll share findings leading to why leave and accommodations requests are increasing, how employers can balance compliance with employee support, and the biggest FMLA mistakes to avoid. Plus, we’ll explore the importance of manager training and how technology can streamline processes while preserving a positive employee experience.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle welcomes back Dr. Steve Yacovelli, also known as "The Gay Leadership Dude," for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. With insights backed by data and real-world examples, Steve and Cindi explore the backlash against DEI efforts including potential challenges organizations will face and the unexpected impact of performative allyship. They further the conversation with the business case for inclusive leadership, the shifting generational perspective on workplace belonging and how leaders and allies can continue the drive for meaningful change.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle sits down with William Warren, Founder and CEO of The Sketch Effect, to explore the power of visual communication in the workplace. From graphic recording to video animation, William discusses how HR professionals and business leaders can revolutionize meetings, training, and collaboration with the art of sketching. He shares how these “doodles” enhance learning, boost engagement and bridge generational gaps. Tune in to discover why visuals are not just about art but about making ideas more memorable, actionable, and emotionally impactful.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle sits down with Jenni Kovach, Chief People Officer at IGS Energy, and Alissa Durbin, VP of HR, to discuss the evolution of their HR function. They explore how IGS Energy’s "People Are Why" (PAW) team has transformed HR from a reactive function into a true strategic partner, leveraging people analytics, holistic employee well-being initiatives, and skills-based hiring. Jenni and Alissa share insights on leadership, compensation transparency, and fostering a culture of conscious capitalism. Don’t miss this compelling story of how a well-known energy organization turned their focus on employee engagement into a thriving HR business model and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

In this must listen episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle explores the power of inclusive language with linguistic anthropologist Dr. Suzanne Wertheim. Together, they dive into the hidden biases within everyday speech, the impact of language in workplace culture, and practical strategies for HR professionals to foster more inclusive communication. Dr. Wertheim shares insights from her book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide, shedding light on how small language shifts can lead to big changes in employee experience and organizational success. Tune in for a mind-opening conversation on creating a more respectful and inclusive workplace!