🎙️ New Episode Alert: Ethics in Hiring & Effective Interviewing with Katherine McCord

This week on SpeakEasyHR, we sit down with the incredible Katherine McCord—HR consultant, dynamic speaker, and fierce advocate for ethical, inclusive hiring.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it truly means to hire with integrity in today’s ever-evolving workforce.

Katherine brings the heat with practical insights on:✅ Building fair and inclusive interview processes
✅ Avoiding common hiring missteps
✅ Reducing bias in decision-making
✅ Creating a culture of ethical accountability from day one

Whether you're an HR leader, a hiring manager, or someone who cares about doing things the right way—this episode is for you.

Traci Austin, Chief Talent Officer with Elevated Talent Consulting, joined me for a game-changing conversation on Turning Complaints Into Requests.
In this episode, we explored:

✅ How to shift workplace complaints into productive conversations
✅ Practical strategies for leaders to foster a solutions-focused culture
✅ The impact of reframing challenges on engagement and retention

Jeff Palkowski, State Director of the Wisconsin State Council SHRM, joins me to dive into The Power of Connectivity in HR and explore how building strong connections can transform workplace culture, boost engagement, and drive success.
💡 What to Expect:
✅ Real-world insights on the impact of networking and relationship-building in HR
✅ Strategies for fostering authentic connections within your organization
✅ How connectivity can be a game-changer for both HR professionals and employees
Whether you're an HR pro, a business leader, or simply passionate about creating meaningful connections at work, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Terry Wilson joins me to explore the Seven Essential Skills for Effective Leaders. With over 40 years of experience and his current role as Training & Development Practice Manager at Clark Shaefer Strategic HR, Terry shares invaluable insights on what it takes to lead with impact in today’s ever-evolving workplace. To learn more, visit https://strategichrinc.com/

In this episode, Andy Matthews—Director of Golf Performance at Neuropeak Pro, former professional golfer, entrepreneur, and certified business coach—shared powerful insights on how mastering breathing can help leaders overcome stress and perform under pressure. Drawing from his experiences coaching elite athletes, leading businesses, and navigating his own entrepreneurial journey, Andy explains the science behind stress and its impact on decision-making and performance in high-pressure situations. He introduces simple yet effective breathing techniques to help leaders stay calm, focused, and resilient, offering practical tools to enhance leadership and thrive in both business and life.

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we explored the evolving landscape of HR compliance in 2025 and beyond. As a seasoned HR leader and compliance expert, Sabrina shares valuable insights on how businesses can navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment while staying proactive and prepared. To learn more about Sabrina, visit www.sabrinalouisa.com

Chris McClure, author of The Magnetic Leader, shared key insights from his book, which outlines 18 essential actions that make leaders truly inspiring and easy to follow. He discussed why magnetic leadership is more important than ever in today’s workplace, where engagement and retention are major challenges. By embodying these principles, leaders can foster stronger connections, boost team morale, and create a thriving work culture. Find his work at www.mcclurecoaching.com

Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s Inc., joined me to explore the power of human connection in an AI-driven, tech-filled workplace. He is a true HR rock star and legend in the industry!

🌟 What to expect:
Steve shared inspiring insights and stories about getting out from behind your desk, building genuine relationships, and truly enjoying the work you do alongside your team.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation about balancing technology with the human touch.!

Tim Hagen, President of Progress Coaching, joined me to share how leaders can coach better and partner with HR to foster a positive workplace culture—reducing conflict and driving meaningful change.