SpeakEasy HR

AI is everywhere in HR right now—but is it actually solving the problems leaders care about most?
In this episode of the SpeakEasy HR Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Eubanks to cut through the hype and get real about where technology helps, where it falls short, and why people challenges still require human leadership, clarity, and trust.
We explore why organizations often look to AI as a shortcut for engagement, performance, and retention—and what gets missed when leaders try to automate what should be understood. Ben shares insights from years of research across HR, talent, and learning technologies, helping us reframe AI as a tool that supports better decisions, not a replacement for relationships, purpose, or accountability.
This conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders and executives who want to use AI wisely—without losing the human edge that actually drives results.
About the Guest:
Ben Eubanks is a bestselling author, researcher, and award-winning speaker with more than 13 years of experience analyzing HR and talent technology trends. He speaks with 300+ vendors annually and has conducted research with tens of thousands of employers and workers, shaping insights featured in his books Artificial Intelligence for HR and Talent Scarcity. Ben is also a passionate educator, longtime HR volunteer, dad of five, and advocate for global workforce development through his support of a ministry in Guatemala. To learn more about his FREE summer school for HR professionals, visit hrsummerschool.org

In this episode of Top Shelf Topic, we sit down with Damon Clark, Founder of Talent Optimizers, to explore how organizations can build high-performing teams by leveraging data, behavioral science, and sustainable development strategies.
Damon shares his insights on how data-driven approaches can help leaders strategically prioritize focus areas, monitor progress, and maximize ROI. He explains why traditional development initiatives often fail and how Talent Optimizers’ programs are designed for sustained impact, integrating learning into daily practices to ensure long-term results.
Listeners will also learn about the power of science-backed development, combining behavioral science and neuroscience insights to enhance outcomes, and how these programs can now train at scale, extending beyond leadership to every level of the organization to foster a shared language and culture.
Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or executive, this episode offers actionable strategies for aligning talent, optimizing team performance, and driving organizational success with data-informed insights.
Tune in to discover how to move from theory to practice and create teams that don’t just perform—but thrive.

In this episode, I’m joined by Christie Engler, a passionate HR leader and champion of people-centric workplace culture, to explore why HR’s greatest advantage in 2026 won’t be technology — it will be humanity.
With 20 years of hands-on HR experience across industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and nonprofit work,

Christie brings real-world insight into what it truly takes to build strong teams and meaningful employee experiences. We talk about leading with intention, supporting people through change, and why putting employees first isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Christie also shares her commitment to advancing the HR profession through mentoring, speaking, and her blog Living in the Gray, along with lessons learned from being a two-time small business owner — experience that gives her a deep appreciation for the realities leaders face every day.

This conversation is honest, energizing, and forward-looking — a reminder that while tools and trends will evolve, HR’s human edge remains the differentiator. 

Catch Christie on the upcoming HR Cruise!

https://hrcruise.com/2026/Cruise2/index.cfm

https://linktr.ee/centerformentoringexcellence

Catch Mike on these podcasts:

 Totally Talent: https://www.hr.com/en/resources/podcasts/talent/ 

I’m joined by Todd Cherches, CEO & Co-Founder of Big Blue Gumball, for an eye-opening conversation on the true power of visual thinking. Todd breaks down how visuals, metaphors, and simple sketches can transform the way leaders communicate, engage their teams, and bring complex ideas to life.

We explore why visual tools stick, how they boost clarity and creativity, and how anyone—no artistic talent required—can use them to become a more effective and memorable leader.

In this episode, Jessica Noon joins us for a top-shelf conversation on what it really takes to build a workplace culture that thrives — and what leaders can do when it starts to fall apart. From intentional design to practical recovery strategies, Jessica shares her insights on aligning values, leadership, and everyday behavior to create a culture that truly works.

Tune in for a dynamic discussion packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and a few lessons learned the hard way. To get a free strategy call with Jessica, use the link below.

https://calendly.com/daybreak-ideas/founder-strategy-sesh

SpeakEasy HR Hits the Road — Live from CincySHRM!

We broadcasting straight from MadTree Brewing for a special live episode! I was joined by Melanie Booher, Engagement & Experience Officer at Talent Magnet Institute and Amazon Best-Selling Author, as we dive into what it really takes to build workplaces people love — from the inside out.

Real talk. Real leaders. Real culture. To learn more about Melanie and her work at Talent Magnet Institute, visit www.talentmagnet.com