The TroopHR Podcast

In this mini-episode, host Taylor Bradley takes us on a journey back to the late 1800s, exploring the inspiring story of Anna Bissell. Widely recognized as America's first female CEO, Anna's tale is a testament to breaking barriers and redefining leadership in the face of systemic constraints. It's a great story of a legendary leader in workforce history to reflect on after Labor Day.

Credits: 

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin 

Show Producer: Nicole Fealey 

Show Host: Taylor Bradley 

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley dives deep into the art of storytelling with experts Jared Cozart and LeAnne Harper, co-founders of Unlock. Together, they explore how compelling narratives can transform HR leadership and set professionals apart in a competitive corporate landscape. Discover how to harness storytelling to inspire, persuade, and build lasting connections, both in your career and within your team.

Key Topics:

The Essentials of Masterful Storytelling: Learn what makes a story memorable and how HR leaders can use this skill to stand out.

Discovering Your Superpowers: How to identify and articulate your unique strengths through the art of storytelling.

Overcoming Adversity: Strategies for sharing stories of resilience and growth in interviews and executive profiles.

Cultural Add and Personal Branding: Insights into how personal stories contribute to building trust and finding alignment in organizational roles.

Navigating Career Challenges: Advice on addressing short tenures or layoffs with integrity and confidence.

Credits

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin

Show Producer: Nicole Fealey

Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley engages with Jessica Zwann, a former CHRO and current COO, to delve into the dynamic world of HR leadership. Jessica narrates her unique career transition from journalism and law to HR and operations, highlighting essential skills for HR leaders aspiring to broader roles. She discusses the integration of HR initiatives with business objectives and the application of product management principles to HR, as detailed in her book "Built for People." 

Additionally, Jessica offers a sneak peek into her forthcoming book on finding purpose in work and introduces the idea of the "transformation economy." Throughout the conversation, Jessica imparts actionable advice for HR leaders to enhance their commercial acumen and grasp wider business operations. She presents a compelling case study on addressing HR challenges through product management methodologies, providing valuable insights for HR professionals aiming for C-suite positions and business leaders seeking to optimize people operations. This episode offers a novel perspective on crafting transformative employee experiences and achieving business success.

Mentioned in the Episode:
 
"Built for People: Transform Your Employee Experience Using Product Management Principles" by Jessica Zwann 

Upcoming book: "Was Sisyphus Smiling?" (working title) by Jessica Zwann

Credits:
TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin 
Show Producer: Nicole Fealey 
Show Host: Taylor Bradley
Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley explores the intersection of venture capital and HR leadership with Rebecca Price, a seasoned HR executive turned VC partner at Primary Venture Partners. Rebecca offers a deep dive into the venture capital landscape, detailing the role of VC firms in nurturing startups and the various specializations within the industry. She shares her unique insights as an operator within a VC firm, emphasizing how Primary Venture Partners leverages operational expertise to support its portfolio companies.

Rebecca also discusses her transition from HR leadership to venture capital, providing valuable lessons for HR professionals interested in expanding their career horizons. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies for integrating HR leadership with investment strategies, offering listeners a fresh perspective on driving startup success through effective people operations.

Mentioned in the Podcast 

The Advantage by Patrick M. Lencioni 
Who by Geoff Smart and Randy Street
The Definitive Guide To VC Career Growth (Article) by Rebecca Price 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to the Troop HR Podcast
00:54 Understanding Venture Capital with Rebecca Price
02:06 Specializations in Venture Capital
03:20 Rebecca's Journey from HR to VC
04:50 Building a Strong VC Firm
06:37 Breaking into Venture Capital
10:00 Competency Framework for VC Investors
11:14 Challenges and Trends in Venture Capital
18:38 Advice for HR Leaders in VC-Backed Startups
26:11 Final Thoughts and Career Advice
29:09 Closing Remarks

Credits 

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show 

Producer: Nicole Fealey 

Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley takes listeners on a journey from broad labor market trends to granular compensation strategies. The episode features three distinguished guests, each offering unique insights into different aspects of the evolving workforce landscape.

First, Ron Hetrick Vice President, Staffing Strategy and Sr. Labor Economist at LightCast, discusses macro-level labor market trends. He delves into demographic shifts, immigration's role in workforce growth, and the challenges facing various industries in filling positions. Ron also addresses the impact of technology and AI on job creation and displacement.

Next, Erica White, Executive Director, HR Search & Recruitment at Frazer Jones, provides an inside look at the current HR job market. She explores the changing dynamics of executive-level placements, the ongoing debate around return-to-office policies, and the increasing emphasis on work-life integration in career decisions.

Finally, Forbes’ 30 under 30 CEO & Founder Rani Mavram from Complete, offers expert insights into modern compensation strategies. She discusses the importance of sustainable compensation practices, creative approaches to equity and incentives, and the critical role of transparency in attracting and retaining top talent.

Throughout the episode, Taylor and his guests explore the interconnections between these topics, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the current state of the workforce and valuable strategies for navigating these complex issues.

Credits 

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show 

Producer: Nicole Fealey 

Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this special 4th of July mini-episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley shares an inspiring story of an unsung hero in the history of the American Workforce. Taylor recounts the courageous actions of James G. Thompson, who played a role in the development of the American workforce and laid groundwork for the civil rights movement.

The episode explores Thompson's experience as an African-American worker during World War II, highlighting the contradictions between fighting for freedom abroad while facing discrimination at home. Taylor details Thompson's powerful letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, which proposed the influential "Double V" campaign - calling for victory against fascism abroad and victory against racism at home.

Mentioned in the Episode
James G. Thompson's Letter to The Pittsburgh Courier

Credits 

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin

Show Producer: Nicole Fealey 

Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

Taylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, accomplished author of "Do This Daily" and founder of Community of Seven, to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. Lan shares her journey from corporate executive to purveyor of equitable talent development, emphasizing the critical need to democratize access to leadership training. She illuminates the key differences between managers and leaders, offering practical strategies to cultivate trust, psychological safety, and a culture of inclusive innovation.

Throughout the episode, Lan underscores the importance of empowering even the least powerful voices within an organization, fostering a sense of belonging across generations, and aligning one's career with deeply held personal values. She shares candid insights from her own experience writing and publishing "Do This Daily," encouraging listeners to chase their dreams and build a life of purpose.

Listeners will walk away with a renewed sense of mission, equipped with actionable tools to become purpose-driven leaders, nurture talent at all levels of their organization, and create a thriving, multigenerational workplace culture.

Mentioned In the Podcast 

Do This Daily by Lan Phan 

Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace by Mita Mallick

Credits

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin

Show Producer: Nicole Fealey

Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

Taylor Bradley sits down with Helen Dayen, the dynamic CEO of the Dayen Group, to dive deep into the intricacies of navigating a multigenerational workforce. With now up to five possible generations collaborating in workplaces, Helen illuminates the key differences between them,  from their unique relationships with technology to their distinct communication styles and evolving workplace expectations. She provides HR executives with a treasure trove of actionable strategies to create impactful training programs, design engaging awareness campaigns, and effectively attract and retain top talent across generations.

Throughout the episode, Helen emphasizes the critical importance of cultivating adaptability, open-mindedness, and a culture of knowledge sharing to foster a truly productive and cohesive multi-generational team. Listeners will walk away with a powerful toolkit to navigate the complexities of a diverse multi-generational workforce, drive organizational success, and unlock the full potential of their multigenerational teams.

Credits

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin

Show Producer: Nicole Fealey

Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

Host Taylor is joined by Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta, an accomplished Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Mita shares the inspiration behind her book Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace.

Mita and Taylor discuss eye-opening examples of persistent gender bias in areas like pay equity and performance reviews. Mita gives practical advice for HR leaders to uncover and address these issues.

The discussion also covers the recent DEI backlash, with Mita helping  HR executives craft a compelling business case for why inclusion is a competitive advantage. She shares inspiring stories of companies leading the way.

Mentioned in the Episode
Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace by Mita Mallick

Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life  by Lan Phan

The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower by  Morra Aarons-Mele

Credits

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin

Show Producer: Nicole Fealey

Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this powerful episode from the 2024 TroopHR retreat, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Zamena Ladak, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Business Development at Assemble, and Josh Saterman, CEO of Saterman Connect, to discuss the critical topics of transformation and inclusion in today's ever-changing workplace. Zamena and Josh share their insights on leading through change, communicating effectively during layoffs, fostering a culture of belonging, and authentically embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion values into organizations. And they do it all with joy and a powerful sense of humor!

Mentioned in the Podcast 

• Arrive Drive Thrive by Joshua Saterman, Gerald Hutchinson, Nettie Nitzberg
• Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life by Lan Phan
• Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace by Mita Mallick
• Inclusion Revolution by Daisy Auger-Dominguez

Credits

TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin

Show Producer: Nicole Fealey

Show Host: Taylor Bradley