SpeakEasy HR

Not every workplace disagreement or discomfort equals a "toxic culture." So how do we separate real toxicity from miscommunication, growth pains, or mismatched expectations?
In this powerful episode of SpeakEasy HR, Keith Wilson joined me for a real, no-fluff conversation about the overuse of the word "toxic," how it's impacting workplaces, and what leaders and employees can do to create clarity, accountability, and healthier work environments.
We dive into:
✅ Why labeling everything as toxic is a problem
✅ How to handle tough conversations and feedback
✅ The difference between a bad day and a bad culture
✅ Strategies to shift the workplace narrative—for good
Whether you're in HR, leadership, or just navigating your own work story, this one’s worth a listen

🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative continues in the afternoon with a fresh round of impactful interviews featuring industry leaders who are shaking up how we think about recruiting, leadership, performance, and workplace culture.
At 2:25, Kim Dube of ReFlex Recruiting dives into how organizations can build a Recruiting Culture of Agility, sharing strategies for staying responsive and effective in a fast-changing talent landscape.

Then at 2:40, Kristie Dierig, founder of Every Spark, delivers an energizing conversation around her session It’s Time to Be Disruptive!—challenging traditional thinking and encouraging bold moves in HR.
At 2:55, leadership coach and consultant Todd Bertsch explores The Power of Discomfort and Small Shifts, offering practical insights into how stepping out of our comfort zones can fuel real growth—for ourselves and our teams.
After a brief break, the conversations ramp back up at 3:30 with Kathleen Snyder of Clark Schaefer Strategic HR, who shares how Targeted Skill Development can unlock higher performance and long-term retention.

Closing out the day at 3:45 is Becky Foster, also from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR, leading a meaningful discussion on Civility in the Workplace—why it matters now more than ever, and how to bring it back into our daily work culture.
These 15-minute episodes are fast, focused, and full of real-world value—perfect for today’s busy HR pros. Be sure to tune in and catch the bold ideas and authentic voices shaping the future of work. 

🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative is bringing you exclusive 15-minute interviews with some of the event’s most dynamic and thought-provoking speakers.
I sit down with each guest for quick, insightful conversations that dig deeper into their sessions, leadership philosophies, and real-time takeaways from the event floor.
At 11:00am, Andre Young, author and keynote speaker, kicks things off with a powerful look at the 7 Professional Languages of Leadership, sharing how leaders can improve connection and communication across teams.

At 11:15, Kathy Seidel from MRA breaks down the key to Mastering Retention in today’s ever-shifting workforce—exploring what loyalty looks like in 2025.
The momentum continues at 11:30 with Scott McGohan of one Morning, who explores why Culture is an Inside Job and how organizations can transform from the inside out.

At 11:45, Sammie Kelly, founder of Beyond Neurodiversity, shares lessons in leadership and training from the neurodiverse community—focusing on how to recognize and leverage the unique strengths of every team member.
Wrapping up the live lineup at 12:00, Jen Beck of Complete Health Revolution brings fresh insight on Redefining Corporate Wellness, balancing real employee well-being with results that matter to the bottom line.
These rapid-fire interviews are packed with energy, ideas, and inspiration—don’t miss this special edition of SpeakEasy HR, live from one of the year’s most impactful HR events! 

🚀 Creativity in HR: Shattering Policies & Procedures 🚀
Is HR stuck in a policy-and-procedure mindset? 🤔 Or is there room for creativity, innovation, and bold new approaches?
This week on SpeakEasy HR, we spoke about Creativity in HR with the incredible Dr. Melanie Peacock, author of "HR Can Be Murder"! 🎙️
🔥 Are policies meant to be broken?
🔥 How can HR professionals rethink “the way things have always been done”?
🔥 What happens when innovation meets compliance?
Dr. Peacock shared fresh, fearless insights on balancing structure with creativity—and why breaking the mold might just be the best thing for today’s workforce.
💡 HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about people, adaptability, and evolution. Let’s talk about it!

🎙️ 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