Story Time with Mack!

Project management and project managers are very different things.  Project management is a science unto itself, part science, part psychology.  Having our current virtual business environment presents new challenges to that already difficult business.  Fortunately, our guest today, Ken Schlechter has a ton of experience in this and shares his tips on being an effective project manager in this episode.  As an HR professional, you can use these tips in running your department and function even better!

HR professionals always seek a seat at THE TABLE.  Today, they're probably leading the discussion there!  Our guest today, Katie Parker, is an HR consultant with expertise in business ethics.  We talk about the role of HR during the pandemic as well as ways to prepare the workplace for the inevitable return of normal.  Lots of good tips here so take notes!

2020 is a tough year for businesses.  Many are forced to lay people off.  How you do it is important not only to the individuals affected, but to your organization as well. Our guest today is Iris Culp of IC-Growth. Iris helps individuals in career transition and also partners with organizations, helping them provide services to employees who have to be let go due to economic conditions.  Iris has actionable strategies for you to use if you have to do the tough job of letting employees go.  Be sure to listen at the end for a very special offer.

It's not often you run across someone who has the perfect blend of personal and professional success and when you do, you HAVE to interview them!  I had the privilege of interviewing David Roger, Co-Founder and CEO of Felix Gray. His company makes eyewear for people who spend a lot of time online and complain about strained eyes, headaches and blurry vision - all symptoms of too much Blue Light!  I love the technology, but David is a very interesting guy and has also developed a company culture that most would envy.  In our wide-ranging interview, we talk about his journey, his vision, his company, his culture, and also his message to young people who have been affected by COVID-19.  Enjoy!

In times of uncertainty, people handle the changes very differently.  If you're an HR Leader, you have to be the one to make sure your team is ok.  Our guest today is Jeremy Evans, Principle Consultant at Constant Consulting LLC.  Jeremy is an expert in helping companies deal with significant changes.  In this episode, we talk about what makes any type of change uncomfortable and what strategies leaders need to take to get their people through it.  This topic is very relevant right now so be sure to take good notes!

Right now scientists are waging a war against Covid-19.  As an HR Professional, you need to be in the fight too.  Your enemy though is against the psychological effects this virus is having on our team.  Our guest today is Dr. David Clayman, an Award-Winning clinical and forensic phycologist.  David talks about how the virus and the fear and anxiety it causes affects us and our team and gives us actionable strategies on winning the many battles and the war against Covid-19.  

I think all of us have visions of grandeur for ourselves and our careers. We start off with big plans and dreams and then life happens.  What we do to continue that journey though takes courage. Our guest on this episode, Shannon Carlton, has a tool and technique that she used to create an amazing life for herself and her family.  And no, she didn't have it easy.  Shannon is the author of Manifest Your Vision with Grace, Gratitude, and Growth.  She facilitates vision board retreats and has helped many women start down a path for personal and professional success.  She's super inspirational and I know you'll find this interview motivating and informative.

As an HR professional, you have to be a master communicator. If you think you can do this with a busy PowerPoint deck, you're sadly mistaken!  Our guest today, Jill Greenbaum argues that by using visual facilitation techniques, you can engage your audience and get your message across.  Jill is a great teacher and facilitator and I've really enjoyed using the techniques she's taught me!  

2020 will forever be known as the year of Coronavirus.  As of publication day, there is lots of uncertainty, particularly in the world of business.  As a leader, it's up to you to provide some comfort in times of chaos.  Our guest on this episode, Margi Bush, President of Wisdom Tree Coaching and MBTI expert talks to us about how to leverage the power of Temperament to engage your team and bring out their very best.  You'll learn a lot about yourself in this issue and get actionable strategies so listen carefully and enjoy!

This podcast is dropping on St. Patrick's Day, 2020.  Yet, nobody is celebrating.  Right now the world is struggling with the Coronavirus and businesses, other than retail, have either shuttered or are going remote.  There needs to be some guidelines for remote work in order to stay successful. Our guest today is Alexa Beavers, CEO of the Axela Group.  Alexa brings us practical, actionable strategies for navigating the world of remote and/or virtual work and the dynamics it brings.  She has a webinar that takes her strategies a step further.  It's being held on Friday, March 20, 2020. To register for this free webinar, click HERE.