Practitioners Corner

By WRKdefinedBusiness Education Self-Improvement Careers Management

Practitioners Corner episodes

July 10, 2024Determination, Family, Impact. The Story of Mandy Mekhail and how ClickUp has become her home
We talk with Mandy Mekhail, Director of People and Chief of Staff at ClickUp about determination, family, and impact. Her story is inspiring (not cheesy) - a story that you can learn from. She opens up about her family, immigration, her role at ClickUp and self awareness.

Here's what we discuss:
How empathy directly impacts career
Growing with intention
How her father built 1 gas station and turned that into 13
How she built her inner circle and what motivates her decisions to lead people

Connect with Mandy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandymekhail/

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Chapters
00:00 Who is Mandy Mekhail
01:25 Is Cali breaking off into the ocean?
02:27 Mandy's Career Journey: From Teaching to ClickUp
05:37 The Importance of Passion, Potential, and Choices
15:35 Creating a Supportive and Collaborative Environment for Impact
16:53 Using Time Wisely for Growth and Learning
18:23 Drawing Inspiration from Personal Stories of Resilience
22:20 Developing Skills through Intentional Opportunities and Mentorship
41:45 Practitioner Video Intro Epidemic NEW.mp4

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46 min
June 26, 2024Navigating Company Culture and Acquisitions in HR with Maggie Smith SVP HR at Traliant
In this episode we speak with Maggie Smith SVP, HR at Traliant on how she navigates company culture in the midst of multiple and ongoing acquisitions. We talk deeply about the challenges she has faced and the strategies that she has deployed covering the integrating compensation strategies, managing benefits, and soliciting employee feedback.

Takeaways
The importance of understanding and integrating different company cultures during acquisitions
The role of technology and tools in managing HR processes and employee engagement
Challenges and strategies for integrating new employees into the existing organizational culture Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities
The importance of adapting to change in HR
Challenges of integrating compensation strategies
Strategies for managing benefits and employee feedback
The dynamic nature of HR and the need for continuous improvement

Chapters
00:00 Understanding Company Culture and Acquisitions
09:59 Integrating New Culture and Employee Engagement
24:25 Journey to HR: From the Army to Boston
27:21 Discovering HR: Enlisting in the Army and Career Beginnings
30:42 The Role of Mentors in HR and Career Development
36:26 Challenges of Managing Compensation and Benefits in HR
45:47 Advice to Younger Self: Embracing Mistakes in HR

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49 min
June 19, 2024Global HR Challenges and Strategies: Insights from Jeri Hawthorne, SVP, CHRO at Aflac
In this episode we speak with Jeri Hawthorne, SVP and CHRO at Aflac about the global HR challenges and strategies she is confronted with as she leads the worlds #1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. We learn about her career journey and her insights on the impact of technology, employee wellness, AI's impact on HR and how to ensure continuity with human touch.

Takeaways
Insights into Jeri Hawthorne's career journey and experiences in global HR
Challenges and strategies for building and managing teams in different countries
Evolution of HR practices and the impact of technology on global HR operations The importance of employee wellness and the need for organizations to ensure that employees are well-informed about available benefits.
The impact of AI on the workforce and the ongoing conversation around re-skilling employees to focus on value-added work.
The significance of human touch in HR, especially in emotionally impactful situations, and the need for employees to be engaged and not feel obsolete.
The value of personal and professional growth, including the advice to try new things and take on challenges without preconceived notions.
The challenges of frequent travel, experiences in the military, and the impact of burnout on employees during the pandemic.

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51 min
May 29, 2024Employers Vs. Employees: No Trust + No Loyalty = A Fractional Mindset with The Realest Recruiter, Joel Lalgee
"Corporate trust is low and employees are more focused on their own skill growth and career advancement" - This is what we dissect today in our conversation with @RealestRecruiter, Joel Lalgee. Nothing is off limits - we talk culture, loyalty, skill growth, the fractional mindset, compensation, why employers hate side hustles, toxic work environments...

We cover it all.

Takeaways
Corporate trust is low and employees are more focused on their own skill growth and career advancement.
The younger generation entering the workforce has a more fractional mindset, valuing skills and time over long-term loyalty to a single company.
Traditional interview questions often force candidates to lie about their motivations, and companies should be more transparent and flexible in their approach to culture.
Compensation is a key factor for employees, and companies need to understand and meet their financial expectations. Side hustles should be seen as a normal part of work, not something to be demonized.
Employer branding should focus on attracting the right people and repelling those who are not a good fit.
Recruiters should prioritize being advocates for candidates and providing transparency throughout the process.
Focusing on quantity over quality in recruitment can lead to poor outcomes and dissatisfaction.
Authentic and unpolished content is often more engaging and relatable than highly produced content.

Chapters
00:00 Who is @RealestRecruiter - Joel Lalgee
07:16 The Changing Dynamics of Culture in the Workplace
14:11 The Employee Perspective on Culture
33:48 Transparency in Employer Branding
40:29 Quality over Quantity in Recruitment

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50 min
May 22, 2024Jean Bays, Head of People at Neat: The Power of Internships, Effective Communication, and Global Experience
In this episode we speak with Jean Bays, Head of People at Neat to explore the critical role of internships, effective communication, and global experience in attracting and retaining top talent. We look at fair treatment of employees, and strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace.
We answer the question: How do these elements combined create a thriving, innovative company culture?
Here's what we cover:
Internships
Communication
Attracting Talent
Cross-Training
Fair Treatment
Global Experience

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Jean's Current Role
03:00 Gene's HR Practitioner Journey
04:54 Differences in Parental Leave Policies
07:57 Working with a Nordic Company
11:26 Ranking Countries in Parental Leave
16:30 Rotations and Internships
23:03 The Fair Distribution of Tips in the Hospitality Industry
25:23 The Changing Landscape of Hiring and Onboarding
27:30 The Impact of COVID-19 on Talent Attraction
30:39 The Value of Global Experience
32:51 Overcoming Shyness and Building Confidence
35:15 The Challenges of Right-Sizing and Layoffs
39:39 The Importance of Leaders in Difficult Times
42:03 Conclusion and Future Collaboration

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43 min
May 15, 2024Empathy and emotional intelligence in HR: Adapting and Pivoting in Your Career with Tiffani Martinez of Otter PR
In this conversation, Tiffani Martinez from Otter PR discusses her career journey and her role as the Head of HR. We discuss overcrowded applicant pools, the lack of empathy, and what role emotional intelligence plays in today's version of HR.
The role of HR has evolved to become a driver of business, impacting revenue and employee well-being. Where does your company fall on this spectrum?

Takeaways
The role of HR involves various responsibilities, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
Hiring can be challenging, with a large number of applicants to review and assess.
Empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial skills for HR professionals to effectively support employees and manage relationships.
Career paths can change unexpectedly, and it's important to be adaptable and open to new opportunities.
Personal relationships and life events can influence career decisions and priorities. HR professionals should prioritize empathy and treat employees as human beings
The role of HR has evolved to become a driver for the business, impacting revenue and employee well-being
Continuing education and personal growth are important for HR professionals
Companies should focus on hiring HR professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences
Open communication and support are crucial in building trust and maintaining employee satisfaction

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:05 Tiffani's Role in HR and Challenges of Hiring
09:09 The Importance of Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in HR
21:14 Personal Relationships and Career Decisions
21:53 Introduction and Background
22:09 Discovering Pregnancy and Career Choices
23:03 Taking Time Off and Exploring HR
25:02 Finding Purpose in Volunteering and Church
26:14 Transitioning to HR and Gaining Experience
28:41 The Role of HR and Changing Perceptions
32:04 The Shift in HR and the Need for Supportive Professionals
34:38 The Future of HR and the Importance of Empathy
45:17 Professional Goals and Achievements
46:20 Closing Remarks

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50 min
May 08, 2024Do Companies Care? The Role of a Chief People Officer with Tara Fournier, Chief People Officer at Enthusiast Gaming
Tara Fournier, Chief People Officer tackles change management and employee retention, communication, access, and caring. We ask hard the hard questions to understand where HR should fall as it relates to support. Should HR be an advocate for the employee or should they be an advocate for the betterment of the company?
It's a fine line. Here's the story.

Takeaways
The role of a Chief People Officer is to oversee HR operations, manage people, culture, and engagement, and help organizations navigate through periods of change.
Employee retention is a significant challenge, and companies need to create a caring culture to keep employees happy and productive.
In a remote or flexible work environment, it is important to provide platforms for employees to connect and form interest groups outside of work.
Caring can be validated by examining the budget, communication strategy, and access to executives and the board that support initiatives.
Companies should prioritize open and transparent communication, provide access to leadership, and allocate resources to demonstrate their commitment to caring. Being a hustler is important in the staffing industry, and learning the political game is crucial in corporate recruiting.
Joining professional organizations like SHRM can provide valuable networking and learning opportunities.
Balancing the needs of the company and the employees is a challenge for HR professionals, but caring for employees is essential.
Young professionals should do the hard things first, not be afraid to use their voice, and weigh the facts when making decisions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Etiquette
06:08 Navigating Organizational Change
16:02 Companies Struggle with Caring
31:41 The Role of PYRA in HR

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50 min
May 01, 2024Amy Miller Gets Personal: Authenticity and Genuine Connections The Skills and Qualities of Successful Recruiters
In this episode, we speak with industry veteran Amy Miller who shares her thoughts about what keeps her up at night. We get into it all - staffing vs. corporate, agency hustle vs. navigating corporate politics, being your candidates advocate, and knowing when to say enough is enough when the hiring manager oversteps.

Here's what we covered:
Recruiting is challenging and unpredictable
Humor and personal anecdotes engage candidates
Family dynamics shape our approach to work
Authenticity leads to stronger connections
Engagement and authenticity are vital in recruiting
Word-of-mouth and networking are powerful tools
Successful recruiters have agency and corporate experience
Hustle and navigating politics are crucial skills
Hiring managers should set realistic expectations
Right-size job descriptions for better outcomes
Recruiters should advocate for candidates
Authenticity attracts the right candidates
Finding a mentor provides valuable guidance

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
05:59 The Power of Humor in Recruiting
11:57 Recruiting Journey and Childhood Stories
26:42 The Importance of Hustle in Recruiting
33:06 Setting Realistic Expectations in Job Descriptions

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46 min
April 24, 2024Investing in People's Potential: Katie Breault's Journey The Importance of Internships and Work-Based Learning
In this episode Katie Breault, Chief Delivery Officer at YUPRO shares her story of mentorship and her work as a skills-first placement firm connecting nonprofit workforce development training program graduates with corporate partners. We explore how investing in peoples potential from internships to mentorships changes how employees connect with their employer.

Takeaways
YUPRO is a skills-first placement firm that connects nonprofit workforce development training program graduates with corporate partners.
They focus on helping talent with limited work experience navigate the job search process and overcome hiring barriers.
Katie Breault discovered her passion for investing in people's potential and found her role at YUPRO.
Job placement is an impactful way to make a difference in individuals' lives and communities. Internships and work-based learning opportunities are crucial for early career talent to gain practical skills and experience.
A successful internship should provide a balance between soft and hard skills training, with an emphasis on teaching professionalism and workplace etiquette.
Mentorship plays a vital role in guiding young professionals and helping them navigate the corporate environment.
YUPRO serves as a staffing company, connecting entry-level talent with corporate partners and providing a pathway to full-time employment.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Unusual Conversation
08:35 Katie Breault's Role at YUPRO
15:00 Katie's Journey and Passion for Investing in Potential

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42 min
April 17, 202410exa and Inspiring Teams to Achieve Greatness with Lisa Sterling, Chief People Officer at Perceptix
In this episode, we talk with Lisa Sterling, Chief People Officer at Perceptix. We explore Lisa's journey and uncover her triumphs and the hurdles she overcame on her path to the C-Suite. Lisa candidly discusses workplace dynamics, leadership transitions, the essence of corporate culture, and the pitfalls of silencing one's voice, emphasizing its impact on personal growth. She reflects on the visionary leadership of CEOs such as Rudy Karsan, Troy Kanter, David Ossip, and Scott Scherr, who serve as catalysts for team success. Drawing from her role as a CHRO and an executive, Lisa shares insights on alignment, navigating the CHRO-CEO dynamic, and the strategic choices involved in leadership transitions.
Takeaways
Passion for the product and service of the company you work for is crucial in driving success.
Leveraging technology in HR can greatly improve the employee experience.
Visionary leaders inspire and motivate their teams to achieve greatness.
Working for companies with a strong culture and values can make a significant impact on your career. Passion and alignment are crucial in organizations, as they create a sense of purpose and attract like-minded individuals.
The relationship between the CHRO and CEO should be a strategic partnership, with open communication and collaboration.
Knowing when to transition between leaders is a personal decision based on factors such as vision alignment and personal growth opportunities.
Prioritizing self-care is essential for long-term success and well-being.
Don't let others quiet your voice or limit your potential; embrace your unique perspective and contribute confidently.
Reflect on your career journey and the impact you have had on others, celebrating the success and growth you have facilitated.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Lisa's Journey in HR Tech
10:58 Breaking the Mold: Challenging HR Norms
25:59 Transitioning Between Leaders

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41 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