Exploring HR Strategies with CARC Inc.'s Chris Harris | Shifting People Podcast

Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast! Co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough dive deep with Chris Harris, Human Resources Director at CARC Inc., about practical HR insights you can apply in your business today. Harris shares his journey from paramedic to HR professional, discusses the diverse services offered by CARC Inc., and elaborates on recruitment, retention strategies, and the importance of a passionate workforce. The conversation also covers innovative ideas like stay interviews, the use of AI in hiring, and opening up learning management systems for employee development. Tune in for valuable insights into people management and creating a more inclusive workplace.

You can follow along with Chris on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harris-sphr/

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Chris Harris: HR Director at CARC Inc.

00:44 Chris Harris' Journey into HR

01:26 Day-to-Day Operations at CARC Inc.

02:17 Understanding CARC Inc.

03:24 Programs and Services at CARC Inc.

06:09 Employee Development and Learning Management

07:43 Veterans in the Workforce

13:57 The Hidden Power of Stay Interviews

18:08 Hiring Philosophy and the Role of AI

22:13 Declining a Candidate Due to Location

22:26 The Role of AI in Recruitment

23:18 Ethics in AI and HR

25:14 Challenges and Limitations of AI

26:16 The Importance of Human Oversight

29:33 Exploring Social Media Engagement

32:58 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Leveraging Creativity in HR and Elevating Company Culture with Brittany Di Nicolò Pride

Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast! In this episode, hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough sit down with Brittany Di Nicolò Pride, HR Manager at KFC, Latin America and Caribbean. Brittany shares insights into her diverse career journey, spanning roles in ed tech, global digital teams, and advertising agencies. She discusses the importance of creativity in HR, promoting internal talent, and fostering a resilient company culture. Learn how to effectively monitor employee engagement and use relationship-building as a foundation for organizational success. Whether you're a leader in the HR field or managing a team, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your business.

You can view and interact with Brittany's LinkedIn post offering help and support for job-seekers here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brittanycpride_i-helped-my-mom-re-enter-the-job-market-after-activity-7396632713815986177-lOqp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABg4U-sB8YOLI6sjk_64r3-gwDAxbUG_itw

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Brittany Di Nicolò Pride

01:40 Brittany's Background and Career Journey

03:35 The Impact of Sports on Personal and Professional Life

06:47 Marketing and Creativity in HR

09:31 Global HR and Cultural Sensitivity

13:26 Building and Changing Company Culture

17:31 Promotions and Career Pathing

23:02 The Role of Engagement Surveys in Assessing Culture

23:44 Taking Action on Survey Results

26:21 Timing and Objectivity in Surveys

27:22 Bonuses Tied to Engagement Scores

29:27 Personal Goals and Manifestation

31:59 Helping Others in the Job Market

35:18 Final Thoughts on Company Culture and Engagement

00:00 Episode #16: Navigating the Global HR Landscape with Brittany Di Nicolò Pride

Chasing Magic: Empowering Guest Experiences with Ryan Tiffin

In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough dive deep into guest experience and empowerment with Ryan Tiffin, Vice President of Brand Strategy and Guest Experience at Incredible Food and Fun Restaurant. Ryan shares his unconventional journey through various industries, including his transformative time at Disney. He highlights the importance of empowering employees, the impact of small changes in language, and the value of transparency in leadership. Tune in for insightful stories and practical takeaways to apply in your business today.

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:32 Meet Ryan Tiffin: An Unconventional Journey

03:03 The Value of Non-Traditional Career Paths

05:52 Lessons from Disney: Transformational Training

11:25 Implementing Disney's Magic in Other Companies

14:24 The Power of Empowerment and Transparency

20:09 Creating Magical Guest Experiences

22:56 Inspiring Employees Through Personal Stories

25:50 Empowering Employees for Success

26:36 Applying Disney Principles Anywhere

26:55 The Importance of Human Interaction

28:12 Empowering the Entire Team

30:12 Hiring for Hospitality: Finding the Spark

34:59 The Journey to Writing a Book

37:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

00:00 Episode #15: Creating Impact: Lessons from Disney and Beyond with Ryan Tiffin

Navigating Leadership & Culture: Insights from Ed Janikowski on the Shifting People Podcast

Join hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough on the Shifting People Podcast as they sit down with Ed Janikowski, District Manager at a National QSR Brand. Ed shares his extensive journey in the service industry, detailing his experiences and leadership evolution over the years. From discussing the importance of internal recruitment and the nuances of effective leadership to tackling the realities of managing high-volume and struggling locations, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Ed also shares his perspective on fostering a positive work culture, the significance of flexibility in hiring, and the impact of genuine leadership. A must-listen for anyone in people management and the service industry!

You can follow along with Ed's inspiring posts on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-janikowski-00445128/

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Ed Janikowski: A Journey to His Current Role

00:37 Ed's Early Career and Military Aspirations

02:53 Transition to the Restaurant Industry

04:41 Leadership and Career Growth

08:31 Personal Life and Family

09:21 Insights on Leadership and Recruitment

22:50 Challenges and Strategies in Managing Locations

27:10 The Importance of Store Culture

28:59 Building a Positive Work Environment

31:48 Challenges in Enforcing New Policies

36:05 Flexibility in Hiring Practices

40:47 The Power of Social Media and Mentorship

42:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

From Teaching to HR Leadership: Justin Ostrynski's Journey & Insights | Shifting People Podcast

In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Justin Ostrynski, Director of People and Culture Development at Hendricks Commercial Group. Hear Justin’s incredible journey from teaching to corporate HR, including his impactful roles at Chick-fil-A and Krispy Kreme. He shares his experiences in navigating career transitions, championing frontline workers, implementing successful training programs, and fostering company culture. Gain actionable insights on listening to employees, executing change management, and measuring the ROI of investing in people. Whether you're in HR, talent acquisition, or business leadership, Justin’s story will inspire and offer practical strategies you can apply in your own organization.

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Justin Ostrynski: From Teacher to Director of People and Culture

01:48 Journey into the Restaurant World with Chick-fil-A

02:54 Corporate Experience and Return to Operations

04:58 Navigating COVID and Transitioning to Krispy Kreme

07:13 Joining Hendricks Commercial Properties

08:55 Challenges and Strategies in People Development

11:15 Importance of Frontline Worker Engagement

16:50 Values and Culture in Organizations

20:56 Project Spark: Building an LMS from Scratch

23:36 Collaborative Training Development

24:27 Project Spark: Igniting Learning

24:59 Celebrating Small Wins

26:33 Executive Support and ROI

31:56 Scaling Culture for Growth

33:54 The Value of the Food Service Industry

37:08 Listening to the Frontline

39:31 Calculating Turnover Costs

44:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Inside Dunkin's Success: CEO Christopher Angiolillo's Journey & Insights

Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast! In this episode, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough delve into the intricacies of people management and the service industry with Christopher Angiolillo, CEO of Dunkin and Signify Ventures. Discover how Christopher's journey from growing up in the family business to leading a major franchise has shaped his unique approach to management. Learn about the value of sports and team environments in leadership, the importance of simplifying processes, and the strategies for retaining long-term employees in a franchise model. This episode is packed with lessons on balancing growth, protecting established processes, and using social media to document and share valuable business insights. If you're involved in or curious about the franchise business, this episode is a must-watch!

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Christopher Angiolillo: CEO of Dunkin and Signify Ventures

00:52 Christopher's Journey: From Family Business to CEO

02:39 The Impact of Sports and Construction on Leadership

05:58 Franchisee Challenges and Strategies

10:26 Simplifying Management for Longevity

20:34 The Importance of Information and Exit Interviews

22:55 Creative Solutions for Employee Retention

24:03 The Importance of Conversations and Information

25:58 The Video Series: Concept and Execution

27:59 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction

29:26 Engaging Employees Through Social Media

32:31 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

34:35 Reflecting on the Conversation

00:00 Episode #12: Generational Growth: The Dunkin' Dynasty of Christopher Angiolillo

Mastering Restaurant Operations: Insights from Qristen Allen of Doghaus

In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough sit down with Qristen Allen, a seasoned expert in restaurant operations at Doghaus. Qristen shares her extensive journey from starting at her grandparents' restaurant to working at Disneyland, Courtyard Marriott, Shake Shack, and finally Doghaus. She discusses the importance of being adaptable in the constantly changing environment of the restaurant industry, prioritizing guest satisfaction, and effective franchise management. This episode is packed with real-world insights and practical advice that can be applied to improve your business operations.

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Qristin Allen: From Childhood to Doghaus

00:50 Qristin's Journey Through Various Roles

03:06 Transitioning to Doghaus: Corporate and Franchise Insights

05:27 Challenges and Learning in Restaurant Operations

09:30 New Restaurant Openings: A Team Sport

12:50 Handling Emergencies and Constant Change

20:31 Generational Differences in the Workforce

23:37 Spotting and Nurturing Talent

25:08 Hiring the Right People

25:58 Evaluating Resumes and Initial Phone Screenings

26:53 Interview Techniques: Dining Experience Stories

28:00 Empowering Employees to Handle Guest Complaints

30:10 The Importance of Apologizing in Customer Service

34:21 Qristen's Career Aspirations and Industry Insights

36:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Transforming QSR Industry Leadership with Jolene Clayton of Whataburger

In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough dive deep with Jolene Clayton, Operating Partner at Whataburger, to discuss effective people management and leadership in the QSR industry. Jolene reflects on her 17-year journey in food service, transitioning from casual dining to quick service, and the unique perspectives she brought along. Key topics include fostering employee morale, one-on-one coaching, the importance of recognizing team members, and creating a culture where employees feel valued and motivated. Jolene also shares insights into her new leadership blog, 'People Over Patties,' aimed at revolutionizing leadership in the food industry.

Visit and subscribe to Jolene's blog, People Over Patties, here: https://www.peopleoverpatties.com/

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Jolene Clayton: A Journey in Food Service

02:07 Transitioning from Full Service to Quick Service

03:37 The Whataburger Experience

10:14 Investing in Team Members

16:56 Creating a Positive Work Environment

24:56 Adapting Coaching with Compassion

25:28 The Shift in Job Priorities

26:17 Generational Changes in Job Seeking

26:53 The Role of Technology in Hiring

29:34 The Importance of Leadership Development

30:27 Finding and Developing the Right Managers

33:31 Launching a Leadership Blog

35:27 The Transferability of Leadership Skills

37:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Unlocking Employee Potential: Insights from Connie Beal on Supporting Workforce Stability

In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough engage in an in-depth conversation with Connie Beal from United Way's Working Bridges. Connie delves into the intricacies of the Working Bridges program, which collaborates with employers to enhance employee retention, advancement, and financial stability through community resources. She shares real-life examples of how the program addresses critical employee needs like housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health. The discussion also explores barriers to implementing such programs in small businesses, the importance of assessing employee benefits, and the broader systemic issues affecting workers today. This episode underscores the vital role of comprehensive support systems in creating thriving workplaces.

You can learn more about United Way's Working Bridges here: https://www.gmunitedway.org/working-bridges

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Meet Connie Beal from United Way's Working Bridges

00:39 Understanding Working Bridges

03:54 Real-Life Examples of Employee Support

05:08 Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

07:11 Navigating Financial Stability and Benefit Cliffs

10:33 The Importance of Mental Models in the Workplace

15:16 Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses

19:45 Supporting Small Businesses Through Training and Education

26:05 Assessing and Enhancing Employee Benefits

32:00 Encouragement for Employers to Seek Help

35:09 Employer's Role in Problem-Solving

36:16 Boundary Setting and HR's Role

37:41 Challenges Faced by HR

39:21 Employee Benefits and Community Resources

40:29 Supporting Essential Workers

42:11 The Importance of Trust and Support Systems

44:58 The Privilege of Showing Up for Work

47:50 The Role of Workplace Support in Employee Stability

49:46 Systemic Challenges and Worker Resilience

50:36 Reflecting on the American Worker

54:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations

Climbing the Corporate Ladder: From Entry-Level to VP in Restaurants - Anthony Rodriguez's Story

In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough sit down with Anthony Rodriguez, Vice President of Operations at Gratitude Restaurant Group, franchisee of Dunkin' and Baskin Robbins. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from his first job at Bill Miller's Barbecue to becoming a key leader in the restaurant industry. Learn about the importance of homegrown talent, leadership versus talent shortage, and the significance of mentorship. Tune in for real insights on how to grow your career in the restaurant industry!

00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast

00:27 Anthony Rodriguez's Journey in the Restaurant Industry

07:13 Lessons Learned from TGI Fridays

09:38 Mentorship and Leadership in the Restaurant Business

14:19 The Transition from Doer to Delegator

17:22 Focus Fridays: Innovative Communication

23:02 Addressing Leadership Shortages

24:51 The Power of Gratitude in Leadership

26:21 Opportunities in the Restaurant Industry

30:19 Building a Strong Leadership Team

32:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

00:00 The Shifting People Podcast - Episode #8:The Leadership Difference: Anthony Rodriguez on Talent vs. Leadership Shortage