Principal Office Hours

Summary:

In this episode our host Dr. Jim sits down with Brittany Burton at HR Transform in Las Vegas to delve into the nuances of talent strategy within high-growth organizations. Theirdiscussion covers the gamut from cultivating hidden leadership potential to adapting HR practices in rapidly evolving business landscapes.

Brittany underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing emergent leaders within a company, especially in the fertile ground of start-ups. She offers a compelling narrative on how identifying and developing these individuals is essential for innovation and growth, emphasizing the personalized nature of effective talent development. Dr. Jim and Brittany's conversation pivots around the principle of avoiding groupthink and maintaining a proactive talent strategy to sustain a high-growth trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

* Successful HR leadership in high growth environments involves recognizing leadership potential where individuals may not see it themselves.

* It's imperative to cultivate a talent strategy that's innovative, avoiding habitual groupthink and one-size-fits-all solutions.

* Start-up phases are ripe for developing leaders through intentional opportunity creation and experiential growth.

* Continuous improvement and iteration are vital, but a dynamic and flexible approach is required for a rapidly changing business.

* Understanding the unique competencies and motivations of emerging leaders is crucial for designing targeted development programs.

Chapters:

0:00:00

Introduction to the HR Impact show with Dr. Jim and guest Brittany Burton

0:01:04

Brittany's expertise lies in rapid change and growth projects

0:02:52

Brittany transitioned to consulting to work in her zone of genius

0:04:06

Identifying potential leaders who don't recognize their own potential

0:05:08

Cultivating leadership skills through tailored training and opportunities

0:06:15

Leaders must be intentional about seeking talent outside their circle

0:08:04

HR leaders drive innovation by bringing in fresh perspectives

0:09:18

Ways to contact Brittany Burton and join the Startup Stage community

0:09:40

Key takeaways: intentional talent strategy, problem-solving focus, proactive growth

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Brittany Burton: linkedin.com/in/blburton

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Allison Mairena, Global VP of People at New Globe, joins Dr. Jim to bust the myth that HR can't be trusted. Allison explains that HR teams genuinely care about employees and their needs, and their goal is to create a happy and engaged workforce. To dispel this myth, HR leaders should have open conversations with employees at all levels and collect feedback to make a case for happier and more productive employees. Connect with Allison on LinkedIn to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

* Allison Mairena's background in teaching English internationally influenced her approach to corporate leadership and HR.

* New Globe, where Allison serves as a VP, partners with governments to enhance public school education through technology and curriculum in developing countries.

* A persistent myth in HR is that employees can't trust HR and should be afraid of it, which Allison Mairena aims to debunk.

* Employee engagement is crucial for productivity, as happier employees tend to be more productive, supported by reports from reputable sources like McKinsey.

* HR strategies should include listening tours and conversations with employees at all levels to gather candid feedback and to demonstrate genuine employee advocacy.

Chapters:

0:00:00

Introduction and welcome to Allison Mairena

0:00:39

Allison's background and role at New Globe

0:01:39

Impact of teaching experience on leadership philosophy

0:02:56

Myth: "You can't trust HR"

0:03:52

Dispelling the myth and changing perceptions of HR

0:04:54

Importance of employee engagement and productivity

0:05:13

Conclusion and contact information

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Allison Mairena: linkedin.com/in/peoplexenthusiast

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Dr. Jim interviews Kate Manahan from Built, discussing HR myths and its strategic role. They explore HR's transition from administrative to strategic at Built. The talk covers Built's modernization of the construction industry and HR's role in boosting competitiveness through effective management beyond mere legal compliance.

Key Takeaways:

* HR should be recognized and leveraged as a competitive advantage, not just a policy enforcer or problem solver.

* Integrating a people-first approach within a business strategy can maximize shareholder value without the needless expansion of personnel.

* Inclusion of HR leadership in all aspects of business decisions is crucial for aligning people strategy with business objectives.

Chapters:

Timestamp

0:00:00

Introduction to the conversation with Kate Manahan, Chief People Officer at Built

0:00:30

Kate's background and role at Built

0:01:53

How finance and program management experiences shaped Kate's talent strategy

0:02:36

The underserved construction industry and Built's niche

0:03:29

Myth: HR is only for policy and problem-solving

0:04:49

CEO's role in allowing HR to be more people-centric

0:06:14

Balancing people as a competitive advantage with maximizing shareholder value

0:07:15

How to connect with Kate Manahan for further conversation

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Kate Manahan: linkedin.com/in/katemanahan

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Jim and B are joined by JD Peterson, CEO of Matheson, to bust the myth that leaders are born, not made. JD shares his personal journey and how he realized that leadership is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. They discuss the importance of understanding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and how fear often drives resistance to it. Tune in to gain insights into the true nature of leadership and the value of continuous learning and growth.

Key Takeaways:

• DEI has become overly politicized, leading to misgivings and fear that drive some CEOs' negative perceptions.
• There is a potential need to rebrand 'DEI' to focus on its core principles of fairness, quality, and boosting business performance.
• The myth that leaders are born, not made, is debunked through JD Peterson's personal growth and observation of others' development into leadership.
• Fear, particularly among white male CEOs, of losing status or jobs may contribute to resistance against DEI initiatives.
• Continuous learning and facing failures are critical components in evolving effective leadership skills.

Chapters:

0:00:00

Dr. Jim introduces JD Peterson, CEO of Mapperson, at Transform 2024.

0:01:34

JD Peterson discusses the misconception that DEI is a waste of time.

0:03:11

JD Peterson challenges the myth that leaders are born, not made.

0:04:30

JD Peterson shares how his own failures led to a shift in his mindset.

0:05:37

Dr. Jim and JD Peterson discuss ways to continue the conversation.

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with JD Peterson: linkedin.com/in/jdpeterson

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Dr. Jim talks with Cleary CEO Thomas Kunjappu about leadership myths in HR. They discuss the importance of leadership in startups and personal branding for talent recruitment.

Thomas shares his transition from Twitter to his tech startup Cleary, highlighting personal brand importance in recruiting and vision communication. They debunk the myth that startups need leadership skills less, with Thomas stressing their importance in small teams and how reflection and iteration lead to business success.

Key Takeaways:

* Leadership dynamics significantly affect a small team's effectiveness and the speed of an organization's advancement.

* When moving from a large company to a startup, having a strong personal brand and network is crucial.

* Regularly evaluating results is essential to improve leadership tactics and approaches.

* Hiring for a startup means presenting an attractive vision and displaying convincing leadership to persuade people to take on the risk.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to the conversation with Thomas Kunjappu, CEO of Cleary

00:01:03 Thomas shares his background and the founding of Cleary

00:02:02 Lessons learned from transitioning from Twitter to a startup

00:03:11 Overcoming the lack of an established brand as a startup

00:04:17 Dr. Jim asks Thomas about the HR myth he wants to bust

00:05:05 The importance of leadership skills in a startup environment

00:06:37 Impact of focusing on leadership competencies on team velocity

00:07:24 How progress and results indicate success in leadership

00:07:45 Closing remarks and contact information for Thomas Kunjappu

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Thomas Kunjappu: linkedin.com/in/thomaskunjappu

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Episode 200 is the premiere of season 3 of the podcast and signifies some significant changes in the show.

Dr. Jim and CT discuss the podcast's progress and outline plans for season 3, focusing on expanding leadership topics beyond HR. They summarize key lessons from past episodes and acknowledge the contributions of guests and listeners.

Dr. Jim and CT highlight important topics from earlier episodes, such as the crucial role of managers in HR, the necessity of leadership training before managing teams, and the significant impact of strategic leadership on a company's success. They emphasize the need for a leadership approach grounded in data and the importance of a strong employee value proposition to attract and keep the best staff.

Dr. Jim and CT introduce an updated podcast direction. Leaving behind its HR-focused beginnings, the podcast will now cover a broader range of leadership skills that affect all teams' performance.

What used to be The HR Impact Show is now Engaging Leadership.

Key Takeaways:

* Leaders at all levels are the lynchpins of effective HR initiatives and the successful building of elite teams.

* Early investment in leadership development pays substantial dividends by mitigating costly churn and nurturing a leaderful culture.

* Organizations must cultivate a compelling value proposition to attract and retain discerning talent, especially in a competitive market.

* Deep listening coupled with decisive action based on employee feedback is a hallmark of corporations that excel at engaging their workforce.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to the 200th episode and changes for season three

00:01:08 Importance of managers as the key activation node for HR initiatives

00:03:26 Investing in leaders early and quantifying the impact of HR activities

00:05:26 The need to articulate the employee value proposition to attract the right talent

00:07:35 Focus on organizational transformation and connecting mission to execution

00:09:23 Importance of effective managers in connecting strategic objectives to day-to-day tasks

00:12:08 The habit of deep listening and taking action based on employee feedback

00:13:13 Emphasis on taking action to build high performing teams

00:15:15 Exploring the common threads of successful leaders

00:16:21 Bridging the gap between strategy and execution

00:17:00 Importance of retaining and developing talent

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode Dr. Jim welcomes Mike Staffiej, the dynamic CEO of ERIN, to debunk common myths in leadership and HR. Dr. Jim and Mike have a candid discussion about the entrepreneurial spirit within HR tech, and the power of specialized, passion-driven startups in cultivating profound impacts on the business landscape.

Mike shares his outlook on the nuances of growing a successful startup. He emphasizes the importance of laser focus in problem-solving and the importance of immediate impact. Mike also opens up about the challenges and realities of hiring in the startup world, asserting the need for passion and fit over mere expertise.

Mike dissects the common belief that hiring good people alone can drive success. Instead, he advocates for a combination of skill and adaptability to intense business environments. This conversation underscores the necessity of thoughtful recruitment processes that align with a company’s unique demands and culture.

Key Takeaways:

Selective Recruitment: A strong hiring process that evaluates passion and adaptability is crucial for successful integration in a high-growth startup environment.

Niche Focus: Specializing in a particular aspect, like employee referrals, can cut through the noise and deliver targeted solutions for complex enterprise workflows.

Start-Up Passion: The intensity and dedication required in a start-up setting go beyond professional competency; raw passion and problem obsession are key.

Hiring Philosophy: Adopting a "hire slow, fire fast" mentality, while sometimes viewed as controversial, can lead to more effective team-building in dynamic business landscapes.

Transparency in Hiring: Open communication about the rigors of the hiring process helps set clear expectations and aligns candidate motivations with company culture.

Chapters:

00:00:00

Introduction to the conversation with Mike Staffiej, CEO of ERIN

00:00:23

Mike introduces himself and talks about his passion for HR tech

00:00:56

The allure of startup life and the satisfaction of immediate impact

00:01:56

Choosing the employer referral space as the focus for ERIN

00:03:12

The myth of "hire good people and the rest will follow"

00:04:07

Common themes of failure in the startup environment

00:05:34

The importance of problem obsession in startup success

00:07:22

Validating problem obsession in the interview process

00:08:52

Balancing the interview process with candidate experience

00:09:34

Hiring slow to get to the heart of things

00:09:49

Importance of transparency in the hiring process

00:10:20

How to get in touch with Mike Staffiej

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Mike Stafiej: linkedin.com/in/michaelstafiej

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode Dr. Jim sits down with Tony Jamous, the CEO of Oyster, to dismantle prevailing HR and leadership myths. As an expert in creating global and decentralized teams, Tony speaks with authenticity about the transformative power of remote work.

Firstly, Tony debunks the misconception that high-performing organizations necessitate an on-site presence. He passionately argues for remote setups, offering insights on how CEOs can nurture a culture that values employee well-being and personal choice. Secondly, he discusses how embracing remote work can widen talent pools and enhance organizational diversity—a strategy that falls perfectly in line with his company's mission. By embedding intentional practices in trust-building, collaboration tools, and defining success, Tony illustrates how remote environments can drive remarkable results.

Key Takeaways:

Authentic Leadership: Leaders need to foster trust rather than force office attendance to maintain credibility and show genuine care for their team's welfare.

Global Talent Pool: Remote work strategies enable companies to access a broader talent pool beyond the traditional 20-mile office radius.

Intentionality in Remote Work: Success in remote environments hinges on intentionality in building trust, using collaborative tools, setting clear work structures, and defining success metrics.

Success Redefined: Remote work necessitates a shift from valuing physical presence to measuring success based on output and results.

Empowering Work Choices: The modern leader supports employees in choosing their own work environments, which can range from bustling cities to tranquil remote islands.

Chapters:

Timestamp

0:00:00

Introduction and background of Tony Jamous

0:01:39

Debunking the myth that high-performing organizations require employees to be on-site

0:02:44

The impact of forcing employees to work on-site on talent acquisition

0:03:22

Challenging the myth that success requires being in an urban area

0:03:49

Building trust, intentional collaboration, and measuring success in a distributed environment

0:04:51

Conclusion and contact information for Tony Jamous

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Tony Jamous: linkedin.com/in/teljamou

Music Credit: winning elevation - Hot_Dope



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

Jenny DeForno, Chief People Officer from Touch Bistro, joins us to share her journey and insights into the HR world and beyond. In this episode, DeForno shares an insider's perspective on the unexpectedly high level of customer service required in the tech sector, especially within the restaurant and hospitality industry. Shedding light on the significance of customer obsession and its correlation to how employees are treated and in turn, tend to their customers, she provides a narrative of how internal company dynamics can ripple outward to customer interactions. Additionally, Jenny challenges the pervasive myth that HR alone is responsible for building an organization's culture, underscoring her belief that it is a collective effort across all levels.

Key Takeaways:

* Culture is a collective responsibility, not just an HR one.

* Customer obsession can fuel company culture and product innovation.

* Incorporating cultural embodiment into the compensation structures to bolster a values-driven organization.

* The episode highlights the contagious nature of customer-centric business practices on internal employee treatment and stakeholder engagement.

Chapters:

0:00:00

Introduction to the podcast with guest Jenny DeForno

0:00:20

Jenny DeForno shares her background and role at Touch Bistro

0:01:51

Discussing the unique customer service aspect of the restaurant and hospitality industry

0:02:33

How customer obsession shapes the internal culture at Touch Bistro

0:03:14

Myth: HR is solely responsible for building the culture in an organization

0:04:10

Ways HR practitioners can make culture building a shared responsibility

0:05:10

Conclusion and contact information for Jenny DeForno

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Jenny DeForno: linkedin.com/in/jennydoforno

Music Credit: winning elevation - Hot_Dope



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Jim welcomes Tami Rosen, the Chief People Officer of Pagaya, for an engaging talk live from HR Transform at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. The discussion delves into the integral relationship between HR leadership and company success, busting prevalent myths in the corporate sphere.

Tami Rosen outlines the critical fallacy that outstanding products and services are enough to draw people to a company, which she refers to as the "Field of Dreams strategy". Instead, she argues for the importance of aligning a solid people strategy with business objectives. The episode converges on the idea that companies should drive forward with an intrinsic motivating mission to spearhead growth and sustain high-performing teams. Rosen's insights offer a fresh perspective on cultivating a workplace environment where employees are connected to the overarching goals of the organization.

Key Takeaways:

* The "Field of Dreams strategy," which presumes that excellent products draw people to a company, is a myth that needs busting.

* The people strategy should be in lockstep with business strategy to foster high-performing and diverse teams.

* Intrinsic motivation tied to a company's mission is more powerful than extrinsic incentives for long-term employee engagement and performance.

* Aligning individual purpose with the company's mission can significantly enhance team effectiveness.

* Effective leadership must prioritize mission alignment for organizational success.

Chapters:

0:00:00

Introduction to the conversation with Tammy Rosen, Chief People Officer of Pagaya.

0:00:35

Tammy Rosen explains her role at Pagaya and the company's mission.

0:01:21

Tammy Rosen debunks the myth that great products and services alone will attract people to a company.

0:02:20

Dr. Jim and Tammy discuss the importance of mission alignment in driving employee motivation and engagement.

0:03:53

Tammy shares her contact information for further conversation.

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Tami Rosen: linkedin.com/in/tamirosen

Music Credit: winning elevation - Hot_Dope



Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact