The All-In Employee Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the C.A. Short Company All-In Employee Podcast with special guest Kim Huffman. 

Kim, the Vice President in Human Resources at Dollar General Corporation, has been with the company since 2012, showcasing what it truly means to be All-In. With a background in business management, marketing, accounting, and statistics, Kim's journey includes significant roles in government, nonprofits, and major retailers. Currently, she serves on the board of Recognition Professionals International, holding the position of Vice President and Director of Communications. 

In this episode, we delve into Kim's passion for intentional employee experiences. Dollar General, under her leadership, focuses on strategies prioritizing employee development, engagement, and essential business priorities. Kim shares stories from her diverse experiences, emphasizing the critical role of engagement and connection in every sector, from working with Airmen in the military to implementing programs in nonprofits. 

We explore the impact of engaged employees on a company's success and the importance of leadership support in fostering a culture of engagement. Kim sheds light on how technology, like the companywide app, facilitates communication and shares positive impacts across Dollar General's 20,000 stores. She stresses the value of feedback through engagement surveys for continuous improvement. 

What sets Kim apart is her holistic approach to life. Beyond professional achievements, she prioritizes intentional moments, continuous learning, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her commitment is reflected not only in her personal life but also in her leadership style, positively influencing those around her.   

Kim encourages listeners to take small steps in connecting with others, expressing gratitude, and fostering relationships. The episode concludes with a discussion about Recognition Professionals International (RPI) and the valuable resources it offers for those interested in employee recognition and engagement. 

Welcome to a compelling episode of the All-In Employee podcast, where your host, Cheri’ Lucas, engages in a dynamic conversation with Coach of Champions, Cathy Compton

Dive into Cathy's extensive experience, not just in the realm of athletics but also as a coach working with Olympic athletes. The dialogue takes an intriguing turn as they dissect a pivotal game where the opposing team, misjudging Cathy's team based on mere appearances, inadvertently sabotaged themselves. This sparks a thought-provoking exploration of the universal challenge of getting in one's own way, a concept that extends beyond the boundaries of sports.

The discussion then delves into the crux of the matter – recognizing and overcoming self-sabotage. Cathy introduces the concept of positive intelligence, a transformative tool that unveils the internal saboteurs running the show.

Get ready to immerse yourself in insights that will not only inspire but also equip you to navigate the intricate game of life.

Join host Cheri’ Lucas in this episode of C.A. Short Company’s All-In Employee podcast, where she engages in a captivating discussion with Jason Phillips, Director of Information Technology at C.A. Short Company, and Tarek Kamil, CEO and Founder of Cerkl.

Delve into the world of innovative AI-driven communication platforms with Tarek as he unveils the fascinating story behind Cerkl. The host, Cheri’, explores the potential impact of Cerkl on employee engagement and dives into its origins, unraveling the challenges it adeptly addresses.

The conversation navigates the importance of tailoring communication to individual employees, drawing parallels to personalized experiences on platforms like Netflix.

Tarek emphasizes the value of breaking down silos and cultivating a culture devoid of ego for meaningful collaboration within organizations. The discussion culminates in a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to be "All-In" according to Tarek, highlighting the significance of a people-centric approach and the elimination of ego for a thriving organizational culture. Tune in for an insightful journey into the world of employee engagement and innovation!

Join us for a compelling conversation with the incredible Melinda Doolittle, a renowned artist, author, and now, an ambassador of appreciation.

In this episode of The All-In Employee Podcast, Melinda takes us on a journey through her experiences on American Idol, revealing the profound lessons she learned about patience, faith, and the true meaning of success.

Melinda shares insights from her book, "Beyond Me," where she explores the importance of dreaming beyond oneself and finding purpose in the journey, not just the destination. Discover the powerful concept of "chewing the hay and spitting out the sticks," a metaphor Melinda uses to navigate criticism and grow from life's challenges.

As a board member of Porter Call (an organization providing therapy for artists), Melinda discusses her newfound passion for helping emerging talents cope with the unique pressures of the entertainment industry. Learn how she serves as a mentor, offering guidance on maintaining mental health, managing insecurities, and fostering a harmonious relationship between artists and their teams.

Whether you're a fan of Melinda's music, interested in the entertainment industry, or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey, this episode is a must-listen. Melinda's authenticity, wisdom, and humor shine through as she shares valuable life lessons that resonate far "Beyond Me."

Amber shares her journey from humble beginnings to building a successful US-based virtual assistant company. She highlights the importance of trust in virtual assistant relationships.

Throughout this engaging conversation, Cheri', Ashlee, and Amber explore the dynamic landscape of goal setting. They

Amber's story is a testament to the power of hard work,

Yasmine draws upon her experience as a refugee, discovering she was undocumented, and working in unsafe conditions to lead ROAR in its mission to empower and protect others.

This podcast episode addresses the often-overlooked topic of workplace safety and employee well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive workplace culture and the growing awareness of mental health in corporate settings. It highlights the need for diverse resources and support mechanisms for employees.

The discussion also explores the significance of de-escalation training in empowering frontline workers and managing workplace conflicts.

The episode concludes with a message of hope, encouraging the planting of seeds for positive change, even if results are not immediate. It serves as a call to action for employers to prioritize employee well-being and safety, making it a must-listen for those dedicated to creating a healthier and safer work environment.

On this episode of the C.A. Short Company All-In Employee Podcast, Cheri' Lucas has the privilege of hosting special guests Lynn Boucher and Cathi Furlani from Baystate Health, along with Jimmy Spencer, an account director from C.A. Short.

Lynn and Cathi share their heartwarming story of collaboration and recognition, where Baystate Health partnered with C.A. Short to create a truly exceptional holiday gift program for their 13,000 employees.

Join us as we explore the behind-the-scenes details of this incredible employee recognition initiative, from personalized cards to customized swag; and discover how effective communication, reminders, and a responsive admin portal made this program a resounding success.

But that's not all! Tune in to hear the heartwarming stories of gratitude and connection that emerged from this program, as employees experienced the joy of recognition, even during a challenging year.

And to add a touch of surprise and celebration, C.A. Short honors Baystate Health with the "2023 Best Performing Holiday Program" award, a testament to the dedication and teamwork that made this initiative shine.

If you're curious about the power of recognition, the ripple effect of employee engagement, and the value of a true partnership, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we celebrate the incredible impact of recognition at Baystate Health.

Ashlee Green joins C.A. Short Company as our Director of Sales! She also joins Cheri' Lucas & R. Scott Russell on this episode of The All-In Employee Podcast.  

In this podcast episode, the importance of the employee experience is highlighted. Historically, employee well-being and engagement were often overlooked, similar to how workers building the Pyramids weren't considered for their thoughts and feelings.  

However, in recent years, companies have realized that improving the employee experience leads to better business performance. Engaging employees at a higher level positively impacts customer engagement and overall business success.  

The discussion covers the entire employee journey, from onboarding to departure, emphasizing the value of creating a consistent and positive experience.  

The conversation touches on the significance of communication, recognition, and creating a culture of appreciation within organizations to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.  

The podcast also reflects on how CA Short, a recognition company, has evolved over its 86-year history, embracing technology to adapt to changing business needs. 

C.A. Short Company Account Director, Cheri' Lucas joins VP of Engagement Strategies, R. Scott Russell as the new host of The All-In Employee Podcast!

Highlights from this episode include:

Recognition for Armorous starts at the top. Eric Hanson, CEO for Armorous, puts focus on his employees. As a former security guard, he wanted to do things differently for his own organization – putting people over profit to create a culture that people loved to work for. The security industry isn’t known for this.  

Employees typically churn within the first 30-90 days. Armorous wanted a recognition program that recognized and engaged employees on the day they’re hired. Early recognition throughout the first 90 days of employment has made a huge difference for Armorous’ retention.  

The orientation and onboarding process for Armorous focuses on culture and the instrumental role each employee plays in the success of the company.  

Traditional methods of recognition are not enough anymore. You cannot affect retention as an organization if you wait until an employee’s one year milestone to begin recognition. C.A. Short Company’s recognition programs allow the flexibility to start recognizing employees on day one.  

In today’s world, it’s rare for an employee to show up for orientation, so employees are recognized the second they walk through the door. The tone is set immediately for our core values.  

Flexibility is key to the success of Armorous’ recognition program. Recognition is done in the following ways for their program: 

As part of their culture, Armorous also has 1:1 check ins with their employees that focuses on three key questions: 

The recognition program is consistently an answer to keep doing.  

And the results speak for themselves – the average tenure of an Armorous employee has increased from 4 months to 8 months as the average tenure.