Practitioners Corner

By WRKdefinedBusiness Education Self-Improvement Careers Management

Practitioners Corner episodes

December 20, 2024From FBI Dreams to HR Excellence: Mariah Hantis on Global Payroll, Compliance, and Career Growth at Deel
Global payroll isn’t just cutting checks—it’s a minefield of compliance, cultural nuances, and ever-changing regulations. Mariah Hantis, Senior Director of Global People Operations at Deel, unpacks her journey from aspiring FBI agent to HR leader. From payroll anxiety to AI-driven solutions, she shares the realities of managing 5,000 employees across 110 countries.
In this episode, we look at HR, global payroll, compliance, people operations, payroll management, employee benefits, onboarding, international HR, career path, workforce management, payroll processing, open enrollment, insurance communication, AI in payroll, career development, HR challenges, and workplace culture.
Key Takeaways
Managing global payroll for 5,000 employees across 110 countries requires compliance expertise and local knowledge.
US payroll is uniquely challenging due to intricate state-level regulations.
Expanding into new countries demands thorough compliance research to avoid risks.
California’s HR regulations stand out as particularly complex.
Mariah’s teaching background enhances her HR approach, focusing on diverse learning styles.
AI tools streamline payroll processes but still require human oversight.
Communication during open enrollment is critical for employee engagement and understanding.
Insurance complexities highlight the need for transparent, effective benefits communication.
Payroll accuracy is non-negotiable—mistakes erode trust and create significant issues.
Career paths in HR can be non-linear; Mariah transitioned from education to B2B marketing and payroll.
Employee needs and cultural nuances shape benefits and workplace strategies.
Future HR innovation will hinge on adapting to AI and evolving global workplace trends.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Practitioner Corner Podcast
05:57 Understanding Global Payroll vs. Domestic Payroll
12:01 The Journey into HR: Mariah's Career Path
18:05 Transitioning from Education to B2B Marketing
24:52 Navigating Payroll Challenges and Human Errors
30:03 The Complexity of Insurance and Employee Communication
35:40 Career Reflections and Future Aspirations

This episode features Mariah Hantis, Sr. Director, Global Operations, Payroll, and Benefits @ Deel. You can connect with Mariah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhantis/
Learn more about Deel, a Global People Platform that simplifies the way you onboard, offboard, and everything else in between.

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William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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41 min
November 27, 2024A Chief People Officer’s Guide to Career Progression, Talent Strategies, and Mentorship
Jill Larsen, Chief People Officer at Synopsys, shares her inspiring career journey from Division I athlete to HR leadership, emphasizing the power of mentorship, self-awareness, and building innovative talent strategies. She dives into navigating family and executive roles, the evolving workforce, and how technology and AI are reshaping talent acquisition.
In this episode, we look at Jill’s approach to recruiting, leadership, workforce planning, change management, problem-solving, and skills development. Her insights highlight the importance of mentorship, career progression, and adapting to a tech-driven HR landscape, with practical advice for professionals at every stage of their journey.
Key Takeaways
Strong support systems are critical for navigating executive roles.
Balancing career and family requires understanding trade-offs and priorities.
Diverse perspectives drive innovation and better problem-solving.
Technology and AI are revolutionizing talent acquisition and workforce planning.
Self-awareness and continuous learning are vital for professional growth.
Jill’s innovative strategies address inefficiencies and repurpose skills.
Mentorship and networking play key roles in career advancement, especially for women.
Recruiting expertise enhances hiring practices and builds stronger teams.
Early-career voices bring fresh perspectives to leadership discussions.
Effective communication strengthens relationships, especially during crises.
Taking risks can open unexpected opportunities for growth.
Companies must adapt to a changing job market by embracing workforce transformation.

Chapters
00:00 Who is Jill Larsen
05:55 The Importance of Support Systems
11:54 From Sports to Career: Jill's Early Aspirations
18:03 Problem Solving and Diverse Perspectives
23:09 Career Progression and Transformational Change
30:06 Navigating Workforce Planning and Skills Development
35:43 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking
41:04 Advice for the Younger Generation

Connect with Jill Larsen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-larsen-hrexec/
William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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46 min
November 13, 2024Transforming HR from the Inside Out: Neil Lenane’s Journey at Progressive
Neil Lenane walks us through a remarkable 37-year career, from managing claims to shaping HR strategy at Progressive Insurance. In his journey, he emphasizes influence, adaptability, and empathy as essential skills for creating a unified employee experience. Neil’s insights into offboarding, technology in HR, and career resilience redefine what it means to build intentional employee and customer experiences.
In this episode, we look at career paths, talent acquisition, HR challenges, Progressive Insurance, employee experience, growth mindset, claims management, talent management, offboarding, recruitment, customer experience, technology in HR, and the art of influence and adaptability in HR.
Key Takeaways:
Neil's career showcases a 37-year journey from claims to HR at Progressive.
Influence and credibility are core skills for success in HR.
Employee experience is integrated with customer care principles at Progressive.
A growth mindset and adaptability are emphasized in career development.
Offboarding with respect is crucial for a strong company culture.
Technology in HR can be transformative but must be balanced with empathy.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Neil Lenane's Career Journey
02:08 From College to Claims: The Unexpected Path
10:11 Growth and Learning in Claims Management
12:47 Transitioning to Progressive: Embracing Growth Mindset
16:10 Finding Purpose: The Shift to HR
18:15 Navigating the HR Journey at Progressive
20:39 Navigating Career Paths in HR
22:32 Building Employee Experience from the Ground Up
24:50 The Pillars of Employee Experience
26:07 Integrating Customer Experience into Employee Experience
28:02 The Importance of Offboarding
30:03 Transitioning to Talent Management
32:19 Challenges in Talent Management
34:50 Unexpected Realities of Recruiting
37:40 The Role of Technology in Recruitment
38:09 Future Aspirations in HR
40:58 Advice for the Younger Self

Connect with Neil Lenane here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neillenane/
William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/
Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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45 min
September 25, 2024AI in Learning: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Employee Development Cornerstone Connect Live
Craig Lutz, Director of Learning and Development at Gannett, explores the future of learning and development, emphasizing the transformative power of digital tools and AI. He highlights the shift from traditional classroom training to personalized, technology-driven learning strategies, underscoring the need for organizations to foster curiosity and adaptability among employees.
In this episode, we look at Learning and Development, Technology in Learning, AI in Education, Upskilling, Personalized Learning, Change Management, and Employee Development. Discover how to create effective learning strategies that align with the evolving demands of the future of work.
Key Takeaways:
Technology and AI are revolutionizing Learning and Development, creating more dynamic and effective learning experiences.
The transition from traditional training methods to digital learning requires strategic change management and adaptability.
Upskilling and reskilling are essential as organizations prepare for the evolving future of work.
Personalized learning enhances employee engagement and development, addressing individual needs and goals.
Curiosity and agility are critical traits for navigating the changing landscape of work and skills development.
Organizations must adopt flexible learning strategies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing workforce.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Learning and Development
03:01 The Evolution of Learning Approaches
05:53 Navigating Change in Learning Environments
08:49 The Role of Technology in Learning
11:54 Embracing AI and Upskilling
15:02 Fostering Curiosity and Agility in Learning
17:48 Understanding Learner Needs
21:09 Creating Personalized Learning Experiences

Connect with Craig Lutz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craiglutz/
Get your free copy of Workforce Agility for Dummies here: https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/resources/article/Workforce-Agility-For-Dummies-Cornerstone-Special-Edition/
Learn more about Cornerstone here: https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/

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26 min
September 18, 2024Navigating Cultural Insights in HR: Gabrielle Caron's Journey from Summer Camp to VP at 1Password
Gabrielle’s career journey highlights the balance between confidence and humility as she oversees multiple HR functions at 1Password. From cultural insights and the power of coffee to navigating remote work security, Gabrielle reflects on leadership development, parental support, and the critical role of asking questions in team success.
In this episode, we look at cultural insights, HR, leadership, career journey, security, remote work, and parental support to understand the dynamics of Gabrielle’s professional growth and the evolving landscape of hiring in today’s remote-first world.
Key Takeaways:
Cultural insights shape HR strategies, influencing leadership approaches.
Coffee serves as both a routine and a personal energizer, impacting workplace dynamics.
Security concerns, especially in remote hiring, are growing in significance for HR professionals.
Leadership involves asking the right questions to empower teams and encourage problem-solving.
Parental support can play a pivotal role in shaping career trajectories and professional decisions.
Balancing confidence and humility is critical for long-term career growth and leadership success.

Chapters
00:00 Cultural Insights and Language Barriers
02:59 The Role of Coffee in Daily Life
05:51 Introduction to Gabrielle and Her Role
09:05 Navigating Multiple Responsibilities in HR
12:05 Gabrielle's Journey to 1Password
15:01 Leadership Development Through Experience
17:56 The Transition from Camp to Corporate
20:59 The Importance of Parental Support
24:08 Using Questions to Guide Others
26:55 Career Progression at McKinsey
30:00 The Balance of Confidence and Humility
33:03 Leaving McKinsey for Industry
35:47 Hiring Strategies in a Growing Company
38:56 Addressing Security Concerns in Remote Hiring
42:04 Advice for the Younger Self

Connect with Gabrielle Caron, VP of Talent, DEIB & People Insights, here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-caron-5607ab13/

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46 min
September 11, 2024The Power of Communication: Enhancing the Hiring Process at Ford Motor Company
Melissa Thompson, Head of Global TA at Ford Motor Company, shares her no-nonsense approach to improving the hiring process. From coaching hiring managers on interviewing to aligning decisions with business strategy, she gives actionable insights to reshape your talent acquisition process and boost team collaboration.
In this episode, we look at Melissa Thompson, Ford Motor Company, hiring process, communication, feedback, recruiters, hiring managers, and business strategy to provide a roadmap for HR leaders looking to align recruitment practices with business goals while elevating interview standards across the board.
Key Takeaways:
Clear communication between recruiters and hiring managers is essential for effective hiring.
Specific feedback from hiring managers ensures better candidate alignment with role requirements.
Training hiring managers on interviewing techniques significantly boosts the quality of hires.
Aligning hiring decisions with business strategy is critical for long-term success.
Fostering a collaborative environment in talent acquisition leads to more impactful results.
Succession planning and promotion from within builds future leadership and organizational stability.

Chapters
00:00 Who is Melissa Thompson?
03:20 Transition from Technical to Automotive Industry
06:25 Differentiating Automotive Industry as a Technology Company
09:43 Implementing Different ATSs by Region
13:04 Managing High Volume of Applicants at Ford
16:22 Transition from Retail to HR
19:43 Working with Atlas Systems and Travelers Express
23:31 The Importance of Asking Questions and Seeking Feedback
24:30 Treating People with Respect and Creating a Supportive Environment
25:55 Promoting from Within and Addressing Succession Planning
26:53 Teaching Hiring Managers Effective Interviewing Techniques
28:17 Improving Hiring Manager Engagement and Feedback
29:37 The Importance of Specific Feedback in Art and Hiring
31:30 Creating a Collaborative and Supportive Environment in TA
32:57 Identifying Future Leaders and Succession Planning
34:44 Addressing Hiring Manager Behavior and Feedback
36:37 Leveraging a Recruiting Process Model and Training Hiring Managers
38:03 Encouraging Specific Feedback and Avoiding Biases in Hiring
39:25 The Importance of Clear Communication and Feedback in Hiring
40:22 Closing Remarks

Connect with Melissa Thompson here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcthompson1/

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44 min
September 04, 2024The People-First Approach at Southwest Airlines: Building Relationships in Talent Acquisition
In this episode, we look at Southwest Airlines, talent acquisition, company culture, candidate experience, internships, career guidance, and employee engagement. Greg Muccio highlights the importance of a people-first strategy, innovative ideas from employees, and creating awareness for career opportunities that ensure staffing success.
Key Takeaways:
Southwest Airlines prioritizes a people-first approach to talent acquisition, focusing on company culture and values.
Innovative ideas often come from frontline employees, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Building relationships is critical in recruitment, not just filling positions.
Southwest’s talent acquisition operates like a full-service staffing agency, offering a seamless candidate experience.
Creating career awareness for young students helps bridge the opportunity gap.
The business imperative at Southwest Airlines ensures talent acquisition meets both present and future staffing needs.

Connect with Greg Muccio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-muccio/
Sponsored by the great people behind Pillar

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50 min
August 21, 2024Carina Cortez on Transforming Your HR Career: From Entry-Level to Strategic Leadership
Carina Cortez, Chief People Officer at Cornerstone On Demand, shares her HR career journey from an entry-level role at Visa to leading strategic initiatives at PayPal. Mentorship, continuous learning, and passion drive her success. Cortez emphasizes the importance of HR business partners focusing on strategic initiatives and creating positive employee experiences.
In this episode:
We look at the HR landscape, focusing on Carina Cortez, Chief People Officer, HR business partners, strategic management, employee experience, and internal mobility. Tune in for insights that can shape your career and transform your approach to HR.
Key Takeaways:
Mentorship thrives when it’s organic, with mentors who challenge and encourage growth.
Practical experience and continuous learning are crucial for HR professionals, especially in compliance and strategic management.
HR has evolved from personnel departments to strategic roles focused on managing knowledge workers.
Discovering your passion within HR is vital; exploring various roles can help identify your strengths.
HR business partners must prioritize strategic initiatives over routine tasks to drive organizational success.
Internal mobility and taking calculated risks are key to professional and personal growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:57 The Value of Mentorship and Continuous Learning in HR
05:54 The Shift from Personnel Departments to Strategic HR
09:00 Exploring Different Areas within HR to Find Your Passion
17:26 Carina's Entry-Level Role at Visa
20:20 The Role of HR Business Partners
23:33 HR's Focus on Providing Value
25:21 Increasing Engagement through Internal Mobility
30:55 The Importance of Taking Risks in Your Career

Connect with Carina on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinacortez/
Learn more about Cornerstone here: https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/

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45 min
July 31, 2024Unveiling the Journey: Rachel Dalboth’s 25 Years in Talent Acquisition
We talk with Rachel Dalboth from The Talent Labs. Rachel shares her 25-year journey in talent acquisition, discussing her experiences at Nokia, Unilever, and now leading TA excellence at The Talent Labs.
In this episode, we look at the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, remote work strategies, HR tech innovations, talent management, rebranding efforts, and career growth. Rachel dishes on practical advice for HR professionals navigating the complexities of today's recruitment world.
Key Takeaways
Rachel Dalboth's journey from Nokia to The Talent Labs.
Strategies for managing fully remote teams effectively.
The importance of rebranding and connecting talent management, development, and acquisition.
Tips on building a long-term career in a single organization.
Insights into the future of talent acquisition and HR tech innovations.
Practical advice for creating a positive and engaging work culture.

Connect with Rachael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-dalboth-1a92423/

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48 min
July 17, 2024Strategic HR: Elevating Employee Care and Cross-Functional Communication with Richa Gupta
We look Richa Gupta's career journey, exploring her humble beginnings and rise in HR. We discuss parenting, personal reflections, and HR leadership. We talk about the importance of treating employees uniquely, finding CEOs with intellectual humility, and fostering cross-functional communication in manufacturing.
We examine personal reflections, parenting, HR profession, treating employees differently, challenges of HR leadership, career journey, humble beginnings, support, caring, courageous, fearless, HR, manufacturing, CEO, intellectual humility, people and culture, cross-functional communication, operational efficiency

Key Takeaways:
Treating employees differently is crucial in HR.
HR leaders need to be caring, courageous, and fearless.
Personal reflections and taking breaks are important for career growth.
Support from others plays a significant role in career success.
The HR profession is diverse and allows for different backgrounds and perspectives.
Finding CEOs with intellectual humility and genuine care for people and culture is crucial for HR professionals.
HR should have a direct reporting line to the CEO and be involved in strategic decision-making.

Chapters

00:00 Who is Richa Gupta
05:09 Treating Employees Differently in HR
08:07 The Importance of Reflection and Breaks in Career Growth
11:19 The Impact of Support in Career Success
12:46 The Qualities of an Effective HR Leader
15:36 The Diversity of the HR Profession
20:39 The Importance of Intellectual Humility in CEOs for HR
23:48 Cross-Functional Communication and Operational Efficiency in Manufacturing
26:14 The Transformation of HR as a Critical Function
35:30 The Role of HR in Strategic Decision-Making
38:26 Taking a Break and Exploring Possibilities

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47 min

About Practitioners Corner

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Practitioner Corner with Laura is a podcast designed specifically for HR and Talent Pros; it is a cozy nook where we chat through what is taking up space in our hearts and minds about this profession.…

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Practitioners Corner

Practitioners Corner episodes

About Practitioners Corner