Rebel HR Podcast: Life and Work on Your Terms

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What if the biggest leadership opportunity you have… is you?

In this powerful Rebel HR Podcast replay, host Kyle Roed sits down with Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer, co-authors of Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It, to explore how true leadership begins with self-leadership. Together, they unpack what it means to take ownership, make wiser decisions, and empower others to do the same — without waiting for permission.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 🧭 The 8 Essentials of Self-Leadership: From knowing your real self to empowering others, Doug and Chuck share a blueprint for leading with purpose and integrity.
• 💭 The Four-Step Decision Framework: Recognize, Reflect, Reframe, and Respond — a practical guide to overcoming emotional landmines, overconfidence, and bias.
• ⚡ The Power of Awareness: How tools like the freeze exercise can help you slow down, reflect, and align your actions with your values.
• ❤️ Human-Centered HR: Why HR’s greatest impact comes from focusing on people, not processes — and how stress, when reframed, can become a tool for growth.
• 🔥 Empowerment in Action: Why waiting for someone else to fix things is the enemy of progress — and how to become the kind of leader who inspires action in others.

Featured Guests:
👤 Doug Lennick — CEO of Think2Perform, thought leader in leadership and behavioral finance.
👤 Chuck Wachendorfer — President of Think2Perform, executive coach, and expert on values-based leadership.

Resources Mentioned:
📘 Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It: 8 Essentials to Enhance Your Leadership Impact at Work, Home, and Anywhere Else That Needs You
🌐 Think2Perform.com

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Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

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In this episode of The Rebel HR Podcast, host Kyle Roed reconnects with Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn’s first CHRO and author of Workquake, for a conversation that feels more relevant than ever. Four years after their first interview, Kyle and Steve dive deep into how work, technology, and humanity continue to collide — and what HR leaders must do to adapt.

Together they explore:

• 💡 AI’s Impact on Work: How fear, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities are shaping the AI conversation — and what great leaders are doing differently.
• 🧩 Building Teams in a Short-Tenure World: Why traditional models of loyalty and retention are dead, and how to build winning teams when no one stays long.
• 🏗️ The New Architecture of Work: From upskilling to experimentation, how forward-thinking companies (like Walmart!) are reimagining their cultures for agility and innovation.
• 🧠 AI Philosophy for Organizations: Why every HR leader should define their stance on AI now — before someone else defines it for them.
• ❤️ Reclaiming Our Relationship with Technology: How reflection, creativity, and human connection can coexist with digital transformation.

Steve’s insights cut through the hype and offer practical wisdom for anyone navigating this unprecedented shift in work.

📚 Mentioned in this episode:

• Workquake by Steve Cadigan — available wherever books are sold
• Walmart’s AI experiment
• Hilti’s “AI for people” strategy
• Brene Brown on leadership and vulnerability

Connect with Steve:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/

https://stevecadigan.com/

https://stevecadigan.com/workquake/

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Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

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http://www.kyleroed.com
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One of my favorite guests, Alden Mills talks about how to become UNSTOPPABLE!  

Unlock the power of self-leadership with the wisdom of Alden Mills, former Navy SEAL and celebrated author, in our latest Rebel HR podcast. Alden brings the firepower of his new book "Unstoppable Mindset" to the fore, providing invaluable insights on the impact of leading oneself to lead others effectively. As we explore this concept together, expect to discover how to harness an unstoppable mindset, vital for thriving in HR roles and beyond. Our conversation dives into the potent ripples self-leadership creates within team dynamics and the broader organizational culture, emphasizing the profound effect our thoughts, focus, and beliefs have on our capacity to shape not only our futures but also those of the companies we serve.

Perfection is a pursuit that can paralyze, and Alden Mills knows this all too well. With a fresh perspective that challenges the traditional approach to perfectionism, he guides us through the labyrinth of leadership beyond the boundaries of titles. Throughout this episode, we share strategies for those struggling with the pursuit of perfection, advocating progress over an unattainable ideal, and granting you the permission to embrace imperfection. By redefining perfectionism and emphasizing the need for prioritizing tasks, Alden helps lift the weight of unrealistic expectations, freeing leaders to act decisively and improve continuously.

Lastly, we tackle the transformative power of positive focus, equating the need for multiple positive affirmations to neutralize a single negative thought. This positively charged discussion underscores the importance of HR professionals as organizational leaders and the revolutionary role they play in cultivating successful mindsets and challenging outdated practices. By aligning our gut, heart, and head, Alden Mills propels us towards congruent decision-making, encouraging a leadership stance that is as bold as it is effective. Tune in for a thought-provoking session that invites you to rebel against the conventional, and instead, become an unstoppable force within your domain.

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Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

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http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/ 

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In this special solo episode, Kyle pulls back the curtain on the chaos of HR process management — the constant firefighting, last-minute audits, and onboarding headaches that every HR practitioner, founder, and small business leader knows all too well. Drawing on 20 years as a HR Practicioner and CHRO and over 250 conversations on the Rebel HR Podcast, Kyle shares why systemizing HR is no longer optional and how building repeatable, flexible processes can save hours of wasted time and stress.

Kyle introduces the HR Strategy Toolkit, a Notion-based system packed with proven templates for compliance, onboarding, employee experience, and strategy — all built from real-world best practices. Available as individual modules or a discounted bundle, this toolkit is designed to help HR leaders and small business owners run HR with the confidence and clarity of a Fortune 500 company.

👉 Explore the toolkit and launch pricing here: hrtoolkits.kyleroed.com

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Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
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http://www.kyleroed.com
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Episode Summary:
In this episode, we break down how to write and implement workplace policies that are fair, clear, and actually useful—no fluff, no meaningless jargon. Whether you’re an HR pro, a manager, or running your own business, we’ll walk you through the principles of good policy design, common pitfalls to avoid, and tools you can use to make your policies work for real people.

What You’ll Learn

• The difference between good policies and “because we said so” policies
• How to write policy language that’s clear, enforceable, and fair
• Common mistakes that make policies useless or even harmful
• How to roll out policies so employees understand and respect them
• Checking for bias, avoiding legal issues, and aligning with company culture

Key Takeaways

1. Clarity Above All – Simple, plain language beats fancy HR speak every time.
2. Consistency + Flexibility – You need a baseline of rules, but also allowance for reasonable judgment.
3. Transparency – Let people see why policies exist and how they apply; it builds trust.
4. Feedback Loops Matter – Policies should evolve. Solicit input and update them when needed.
5. Don’t Be Overly Punitive – Discipline should be fair and predictable; punishments that seem arbitrary or extreme erode morale.

Piece to Check Out

If you want a ready-to-use guide to writing good policies, check this out:

Policies that aren’t stupid
 – a resource for creating HR policies that make sense.

Who This Episode Is For

• HR professionals looking to refresh or build policy frameworks
• Managers who are enforcing policies and want them to feel fair
• Small business owners who need to write policies from scratch
• Anyone interested in workplace culture, fairness, and good leadership

Quotes / Highlights (Optional)

Next Steps & Resources

• Review your current policies. Identify anything that’s vague, punitive, or doesn’t relate directly to business needs.
• Ask for feedback from employees about how policies are perceived or enforced.
• Use the “Policies that aren’t stupid” guide to audit your policies or draft new ones.
• Stay up-to-date with legal requirements in your state or country so your policies stay compliant.

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Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/ 

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📌 Podcast Notes

In this episode of the Rebel HR Podcast, host Kyle Roed sits down with Iowa SHRM Conference Co-Directors Millie Fiebelkorn and Lucas Sperfslage to talk about the upcoming Iowa SHRM State Conference – HR Full Throttle (October 8–10).

From the motivation behind volunteering as conference leaders to the trends shaping the future of HR, this candid conversation highlights both the hard work and the excitement that goes into creating a high-impact event for HR professionals.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why leading a SHRM state conference is a labor of love—and a two-year commitment
• How HR leaders are rethinking engagement in a rapidly changing workforce
• The technologies, like real-time language translation, that could transform workplace culture
• Why the future of HR is about being employee forward while still driving organizational success
• How to connect with the Iowa SHRM community and get the most out of the upcoming conference

👥 Connect with the Guests:

• Millie Fiebelkorn → LinkedIn
  | Iowa SHRM Website
• Lucas Sperfslage → LinkedIn
  | Eastern Iowa SHRM

📅 Event Details:

• Iowa SHRM State Conference
• Theme: HR Full Throttle
• Dates: October 8–10
• Location: Iowa (see agenda & registration on the Iowa SHRM website
  )

🎧 Whether you’re attending the conference or just looking for inspiration on where HR needs to keep “rebelling,” this episode will give you energy, insights, and a front-row seat to the future of the profession.

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Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/ 

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How do we create workplaces where well-being isn’t an afterthought, but a core capability?

In this episode of the Rebel HR Podcast, Kyle Roed sits down with Professor Thomas Roulet, Professor of Organizational Sociology and Leadership at Cambridge Judge Business School, to discuss his new book Well-Being Intelligence (co-authored with Dr. Karen Blakeley). The book—out October 7 in the U.S. and already available internationally—translates cutting-edge research and clinical insights into practical tools for HR leaders, managers, and employees to protect and improve mental health at work.

Together, Kyle and Thomas explore:

• Why “Well-Being Intelligence” matters — and how it builds on emotional intelligence through self-awareness, reflection, and practical action.
• The hidden costs of remote work — from burnout to the struggle to disconnect, and why balance (not mandates) is the key to hybrid success.
• Why in-person connections still matter — how water-cooler conversations, mentoring, and psychological safety reduce stress and normalize challenges.
• Technology and mental health — the surprising downsides of over-reliance on AI tools, including social disconnection, sleep issues, and weaker onboarding experiences.
• The role of boundaries — why setting limits, taking real holidays, and modeling healthy behavior as leaders is essential for building sustainable cultures.
• What HR can do upstream — moving beyond crisis response to designing cultures, systems, and roles that prevent mental health issues before they escalate.

Thomas also shares insights from his research during the pandemic, his work on mentoring in high-stress professions like policing, and why simple reflection on the root causes of stress can unlock meaningful organizational change.

📘 Well-Being Intelligence is a must-read for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone who wants to build healthier, more resilient organizations. Pre-order your copy now (U.S. release October 7).

👉 Learn more about my work and access HR Strategy Tools—including assessments, templates, and AI-powered resources designed to help small and mid-sized businesses build great cultures—at www.kyleroed.com

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. Your support helps bring more world-class thinkers like Thomas Roulet to the Rebel HR community.

Support the show

Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work. Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/

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Support the show

Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/ 

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In this bonus episode, Kyle re-lives his glory days of being a touring musician!  

Kyle will utilize the concepts of music to help HR professionals understand:  

1. What genre are you supposed to be playing, and how does that correlate to your company? 

2. What does being on stage do you a musician and a HR professional? 

3. How can you prevent burnout and truly fulfill your purpose 

Rebel ON, HR Rebels!  

Support the show

Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/ 

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Dr. Brad Harris joins Rebel HR to blow the lid off the leadership industry. In this candid and evidence-based conversation, we unpack why most leadership books are built on fluff, what actually works when developing leaders, and how HR pros can cut through the noise to create real organizational impact.

We dive into:

• The science vs. fiction behind popular leadership advice
• How to spot snake oil in the HR world
• What effective leadership development looks like today
• Advice for HR leaders sick of copy/paste frameworks

Brad is a leading researcher, author, and professor who's helped organizations across the globe rethink leadership from the ground up — using data, not dogma.

Support the show

Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/ 

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Ever wonder why large companies struggle to innovate despite having vast resources at their disposal? According to Andy Binns, co-founder of ChangeLogic and co-author of "Corporate Explorer," we've been looking at innovation all wrong.

The secret to corporate innovation isn't hiring outside entrepreneurs or creating flashy innovation labs. It's identifying and empowering the "corporate explorers" already within your organization. These individuals aren't necessarily the loudest or most charismatic people in the room. Often they're humble, introspective problem-solvers with deep institutional knowledge and the social capital to navigate complex organizational systems.

Binns challenges our assumptions about innovation, revealing that ideas aren't the problem—most organizations have plenty. The real challenge lies in properly incubating and scaling those ideas. He outlines a three-discipline approach: ideation (understanding customer problems), incubation (experimenting with data-driven learning), and scaling (converting experiments into revenue). While most companies obsess over ideation, the latter two disciplines determine success.

Creating separate systems for exploration is crucial. Corporate explorers need protection from the optimization-focused core business, which naturally squashes innovation for efficiency. This doesn't mean relocating to different buildings, but it does require distinct metrics, cultural norms, and management approaches. Surprisingly, special financial incentives aren't necessary to motivate these internal innovators—they're driven by impact, autonomy, and the opportunity to create meaningful change within organizations they care about.

For HR leaders, this means rethinking talent identification and development. The approach works for organizations of all sizes, not just corporate giants. By recognizing and empowering your internal explorers, you might discover that large companies actually have advantages over startups in the innovation game.

Ready to unleash the innovation potential of your organization? Start by looking within—your next breakthrough innovator is probably already on your payroll.

Support the show

Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work.  Please connect to continue the conversation!

https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/