Helen G. Sneed, Principal Partner of Drive The Goal, LLC is joined by Heather Flaherty, founder of Align 360 HR, who discusses the importance of HR in improving business operations and increasing profits. 

Heather emphasizes the need for process improvement and efficiency to achieve financial growth. Heather shares her approach to helping businesses improve their operations, which includes conducting a deep dive into workflows and processes, identifying bottlenecks and pain points, and implementing solutions such as technology and employee retention programs. She also highlights the role of HR as a business partner and the importance of investing in the employee experience. 

Heather shares a feel-good story of helping a client address a toxic culture and improve employee morale. She rounds out the conversation with advice for business owners on managing remote workforces and retaining top talent.

In this episode, we dive into:
*Process improvement and efficiency are vital to achieving business growth.
*HR plays a crucial role in improving business operations and increasing profits.
*Investing in the employee experience is essential for retaining top talent.
*Addressing toxic cultures and improving employee morale can significantly impact a business.
*Managing remote workforces and retaining top talent are common challenges for business owners.

Remember to visit Align360HR and Drive The Goal, LLC on LinkedIn!

Thank you for joining us inside The Career Suite!
Your host, Helen G. Sneed, Principal Partner of Drive The Goal, LLC

Helen G. Sneed, Principal Partner of Drive The Goal, LLC, sits down with Shannon Herrera, Co-founder of Maven Leadership Solutions, for an engaging and insightful discussion on the critical role of talent in organizational success, especially within the non-profit sector. In this episode, Shannon shares her expertise on navigating common pitfalls such as mission drift and the overwhelming focus on fundraising that can sidetrack non-profits from their core mission.

Together, we delve into the importance of placing the right talent in the right roles, including key positions on the Board of Directors, and how this alignment can drive an organization’s mission forward. We also explore the powerful impact of a well-crafted LinkedIn profile, effective networking strategies, and the importance of fostering meaningful relationships in the professional realm.

Goal-getters will gain valuable insights into Shannon’s innovative concept of FAP-Q and its application in both the non-profit world and job interviews. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge for anyone involved in non-profits or interested in organizational dynamics and talent management. 

In this episode, we dive into:

• Navigating common pitfalls like mission drift and excessive focus on fundraising
• The importance of placing the right talent in the right roles, including key positions on the Board of Directors
• Crafting a powerful LinkedIn profile and effective networking strategies
• Fostering meaningful professional relationships
• An innovative concept of FAP-Q and its application in both the nonprofit world and job interviews

Visit Maven Leadership Solutions and Drive The Goal, LLC on LinkedIn!

Thank you for joining us inside The Career Suite!
Your host, Helen G. Sneed, Principal Partner of Drive The Goal, LLC

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Season 2 of The Career Suite is here, and we're kicking it off with an incredible story of career transition and talent acquisition.

🎙️ Episode Title: A Story of Career Transition – Playing to a New Beat!

Host: Helen G. Sneed, Principal Partner of Drive The Goal, LLC

Guest: Gregory Sneed, Retired Chief of Police and Saxophonist

In this season, we’re bringing fresh insights and exciting changes:

✅ A new logo and mini-icon – don't miss that microphone!

✅ Exclusive swag – something to keep you warm and stylish!

✅ Inspiring guests – goal-getters from all walks of life!

Join me, Helen G. Sneed, as we explore the dynamic world of Talent Acquisition – a strategic approach to assessing and acquiring talent to drive your organization forward.

Our first guest is very special and close to my heart, my husband of 24 years, Gregory Sneed. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey from Chief of Police to saxophonist, and a story from the 1980s that remains relevant today.

📺 Watch it on YouTube

It's time to drive goals, careers and futures forward! 🚀

#CareerTransition 
#TalentAcquisition 
#TheCareerSuitePodcast

#DriveTheGoal  
#GoalGetters

Podcast, “The Career Suite”
S1 E13
Title:  Did You Invest in Yourself?
Host: Helen G. Sneed
Ready to drive your future forward? 
Then you’re in the right place! 
Let's step inside The Career Suite, where Career conversations begin with you!

Welcome to the final episode of our first season! It's been an incredible journey exploring all the elements that go into researching, landing and excelling in the workplace. Today, represents your investment. 

We've spent Season 1 talking about the importance of having a current & professional resume, LinkedIn profile and a positive social media persona from episode #5. These are three of the many facets in presenting yourself as a desirable candidate and being competitive in today’s job market. 

I hope this Season has provided valuable insights and action items that you can immediately implement in your own career, business and personal life.  Very often, it starts with a blend of awareness and desire to be better and achieve more.

As we close out Season 1, I have a compounded question for you:  Did you invest in yourself and achieve at least one career goal?

Today's 3 takeaways:

1)   Listen to learn 

2)  Invest in your professional growth

3)  Add someone to your professional network that has a different skill set, talent or interest than you

If you need help with your career or you’re a business owner without an HR Business Partner email me and include your name & the organization to [email protected].

S1 E12

Title:  The Owner’s Manual – Your Employee Handbook

Host: Helen G. Sneed

Ready to drive your future forward? 

Then you’re in the right place! 

Let's step inside the Career Suite, where Career conversations begin with you!

Welcome to "The Suite," and thank you for joining me today.  Previously, in episode #11, we discussed the importance of checking for three things before leaving the house: your cell phone, keys, and wallet, as well as their workplace equivalents - the company's mission, your department's goals, and a pay-for-performance system.  As we delve deeper into the topic of performance, consider your most recent automobile purchase. Just like your car came with a vehicle owner's manual as a guide for maintenance and optimal performance, think of this discussion as a similar resource for your own performance. Your employee handbook helps to navigate your Career GPS and achieve ideal performance.

This brings me to the question inside "The Suite" today: Do you fully understand the contents of your employee handbook and know who to go to for questions and clarification?

One of your goals is understanding the company policies, procedures, and expectations.  By reading and understanding the employee handbook, you can ensure that you know the rules and guidelines you need to follow while working there.  This will help minimize misunderstandings or mistakes that could cost you money, your job, and your reputation.   If your employer doesn't have an employee handbook, or it hasn’t been updated within the past twelve months then you’ve just increased the likelihood of “not meeting” expectations.

A well-designed employee handbook will provide you with valuable information about your rights, shared responsibilities and benefits as an employee, as well as details about how to handle various situations that may arise in the workplace.  Reading the employee handbook is essential in becoming a knowledgeable, well-informed, and a responsible team member.

If you need help understanding, updating or designing an employee handbook email me and include your name and the organization to [email protected].  I'm Helen G. Sneed; join me again in “The Career Suite”, where I promise to save you a seat!  You'll be glad you did!

Podcast, “The Career Suite”

S1 E11

Title:  Buckle Up for Greatness!

Host: Helen G. Sneed

Ready to drive your future forward? 

Then you’re in the right place! 

Let's step inside the Career Suite, where Career conversations begin with you!

Thank you for joining me today inside the Suite.  Congratulations on your remarkable journey! You've gone above and beyond to perfect your resume, craft a captivating cover letter, ace the interview process, secure a written job offer, and negotiate a stellar compensation package. You've truly mastered the art of navigating an unpredictable job market. 

Now it’s time to Buckle up for Greatness!  It’s time to gas up or recharge your battery! Brace yourself for an incredible adventure that awaits you.  Turn on your new and improved mindset and get ready to revolutionize your professional GPS. 

Today, together, inside the suite we will unveil an innovative approach; one that could propel your career to new heights.  Pop on those sporty sunglasses, I want you to have a crystal-clear vision of what lies ahead. 

Which brings me to the question inside the Career Suite.  What three (3) things do you need to keep your Career GPS on the preferred track?

I’m willing to bet that before you leave the house you look for three things:  your cell phone, keys & wallet. Today, I’m going to give you the workplace equivalent of your cell phone, keys & wallet.

S1 E10

Title:  More $ More Outcomes! Negotiating a Better Salary

Host: Helen G. Sneed

Ready to drive your future forward? 

Then you’re in the right place! 

Let's step inside the Career Suite, where Career conversations begin with you!

Thank you for joining me today inside the Suite.  Today’s conversation is plain and simple.  If you want to negotiate more money, then you have to deliver more outcomes.  While your reason for wanting more money might be personal, for the organization hiring you, it’s strictly business.

Eight (8) steps to negotiating a better salary:

1.      Be prepared.

2.     Research the company and the marketplace. (Glassdoor, LI & Payscale)

3.     Know how your actions impacted outcomes at previous employers.

4.     Make sure your “value add” is included in your resume, on your LinkedIn profile and part of your interview.

5.     Review their benefits before they make an offer.

6.     Be ready to compromise.

7.     Remember, demonstrating your value is an ongoing process. Continuously strive to excel in your role, exceed expectations, and identify new ways to contribute and grow within the organization.

8.     Track your own progress; how else will you be ready for the next opportunity?

S1 E9

Title:  The Right (Write) Job Offer!
Host: Helen G. Sneed

Ready to drive your future forward? 

Then you’re in the right place! 

Let's step inside The Career Suite, where Career conversations begin with you!

This week, the week of October 15th; The Career Suite Podcast hit another milestone, 100 days of podcasting!  Making todays thank you – very special, I appreciate you whether you listen to one or all of my podcast and virtual hugs to everyone who has shared a podcast!  Thank you!

You probably noticed my play on words with episode 9’s title The Right (Write) Job Offer!  I wanted to make a point very quickly.  The right job offer means you received a written job offer.  This is true regardless of the industry, level of position or rate of pay, the right job offer means you received a written job offer.

When you take the time to interview for a job, the company has spent at least $200.00 in resources and you’re worth at least $200.00 so don’t you think you deserve a written receipt of the terms and conditions of the job offer?  The answer is any industry or language is YES!

Today we'll look at five basic reasons why a written job offer is so important.

S1 E8

Title:  10 Great Questions to Ask your Interviewer!

Host: Helen G. Sneed

Ready to drive your future forward? 

Then you’re in the right place! 

Let's step inside the Career Suite, where Career conversations begin with you!

Thank you for joining me inside “The Suite” today.  I'd like to open our conversation with one word, options.  I personally appreciate having options.  Today, I’ll share 10 great interview questions to ask your interviewer, it’s an opportunity to better evaluate your options.

In Episode number 9, we'll discuss, the job offer; which should always be in writing!

Episode 7 of The Career Suite opens with a pervasive interview question.  "Tell me about yourself." These four words can evoke anxiety in even the most polished professional.  The reality is every interviewer is asking for a different reason.  So, let's place your hands on the steering wheel and drive your future forward!  

"Tell me about yourself," reflect and think of three (3) points you want to get across.

1. Proud accomplishment/s significant to the role and the company's mission

2. Relevant qualification/s found in the job description

3. Help erase doubt about a skill or requirement in the job posting

Click, play and listen to how you can incorporate these three points in your response to "Tell me about yourself."

Hint:  Your answer will change depending on the opportunity.

Join me inside "The Career Suite"; you'll be glad you did!