Transparent HR Podcast

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We unpack why performance reviews trigger anxiety and how to turn that fear into a confident, credible story of impact. In this bite-sized conversation, we’ll explore practical strategies to prepare early, sharpen your message, and advocate for your growth.

✅ Shift from fear to storytelling that highlights your value
✅ Get clear on expectations and align through one-on-ones
✅ Track wins and gather proof that shows real impact
✅ Use mentorship to strengthen your narrative and confidence
✅ Pre-wire your review by syncing early with your manager

🎧 Don’t miss the HR Mentorship Summit hosted by La Shanique Plumber, where I’ll be a featured guest speaker! Visit balanceis.com/mentorshipsummit or check my LinkedIn page to sign up.

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💼 Connect with Prince Tate

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We dig into why workplace communication often fails, how family patterns shape our style, and what people can do to improve communication without waiting for perfect conditions. Colette Revere, founder of Open360™, shares a simple, repeatable method for future-focused feedback and explains why repair always beats perfection.

✅ Roots of workplace miscommunication in family norms
✅ “Little truth” vs. “Big Truth” to reduce power struggles
✅ Future-focused feedback with consent and support
✅ Stopping HR escalations through early coaching
✅ Practical scripts for starting tough talks

🎀 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
We remember and recognize those affected by breast cancer. Please consider donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Every dollar helps in the search for a cure. - https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TR?px=27336749&fr_id=10831&pg=personal

🔗 Connect with Colette
Find Collette on LinkedIn and at myopen360.com for psychologically healthy feedback systems.

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What if the colleague who drives you crazy is actually the person you need the most?

In this eye-opening conversation, communication expert and Certified DISC® Facilitator E.G. Sebastian reveals how understanding personality differences through DISC can transform workplace relationships and dramatically reduce conflict. With over 20 years of experience inspiring 500+ audiences worldwide, E.G. breaks down the four primary styles and shows how they impact teamwork, leadership, and communication.

✅ Dominance (D): fast-paced, task-oriented, decisive—but sometimes too blunt
✅ Influence (I): energetic, people-focused, inspiring—but may overlook details
✅ Steadiness (S): supportive, loyal, steady—but can resist change
✅ Conscientiousness (C): precise, analytical, quality-driven—but may overanalyze

You’ll learn how to spot each style, flex your own communication to connect better, and see why the traits that frustrate us most in others are often the very strengths our teams need.

Whether you’re a leader building balanced teams or simply trying to get along better at work, this episode gives you practical tools to reduce conflict, boost collaboration, and appreciate the unique wiring of your colleagues.

Want to go deeper with what we covered in this episode?

Here are a few next steps to keep learning:

• Get Sebastian’s book, Communication Skills Magic – Chapter 3 explains the DiSC Model in detail, while Chapters 4–7 break down each style: what motivates them, their fears, how to avoid conflict, how to build stronger relationships, and more. Grab the free digital version here: https://communicationskillsmagic.com/free-download
• Join one of Sebastian’s free upcoming webinars – Live, interactive sessions to help you sharpen your people-reading and communication skills: https://communicationskillsmagic.com/future-events

Remember: DiSC is not about judging or putting people in boxes. It’s about understanding natural tendencies, improving communication, and strengthening relationships at work and in life.

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Soft skills might not show up on your resume, but they often determine how far you’ll go in your career—and in today’s changing workforce, they’re more essential than ever.

In this episode, Coach Sherita Price shares her powerful message of “Skilling You Softly”—a fresh take on developing emotional intelligence, communication skills, and influence that truly elevate careers.

✅ Emotional intelligence as the foundation for leadership and growth
✅ Communicating effectively—especially when choosing the right channel for tough conversations
✅ Building relationships that create trust and drive performance
✅ Managing conflict before small issues become big problems
✅ Using creativity to keep teams engaged, especially younger generations
✅ Understanding why today’s workforce values flexibility and meaningful connection
✅ How younger professionals’ career expectations differ from previous generations
✅ Why companies must develop soft skills at every level to retain top talent

Visit Sherita at FSP Enterprises (fspenterprises.net) or connect with her on LinkedIn to explore her coaching, books, and apparel line dedicated to personal and professional development.

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Dr. William T. Lewis shares his story of being fired from his “dream job” and how it became the turning point for his entrepreneurial success and his new book, Perched in the Storm. Discover how to navigate career storms and develop the Seven Behaviors of Resilient Leaders.

✅ Career storms are inevitable—you're in one, coming out of one, or heading toward one
✅ Losing a “dream job” can open doors to unexpected opportunities
✅ Mindset mastery, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are key to resilience
✅ Build your personal brand and integrate work and life for lasting success
✅ Career interruptions can lead to greater purpose and fulfillment

Connect with Dr. Lewis:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-t-lewis-msw-phd-b545a62b/
- Website: https://www.wtlewis.com/drlewis
- Pre-order his book: https://www.wtlewis.com/perch
- Email: [email protected]

0:00 Dream Job Termination
9:45 Dr. Lewis's Firing Story
17:57 The Reality of Dream Jobs
22:10 Perched in the Storm
31:38 Seven Behaviors of Resilient Leaders
40:32 Work-Life Integration
47:32 Finding Strength Through Storms

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We explore Denzel Washington's powerful quote: "Without commitment you'll never start, but, more importantly, without consistency you'll never finish," and unpack why these two elements are essential for achieving any meaningful goal.

• Commitment is necessary to overcome both positive and negative distractions when beginning any endeavor
• Jim Rohn's insight on how talking about goals prematurely gives you the psychological reward before doing the work
• How announcing goals to others can reduce your motivation to actually complete them
• Personal example of starting the podcast but facing technical challenges with camera equipment
• The importance of persistence in finding simple solutions to seemingly complex problems
• Consistency as the key factor in moving past obstacles and completing what you start

Join us next time for more bite-sized career inspiration to help you achieve your professional goals.

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Prince Tate teams up with the brilliant Dr. Mary M.J. McConner to break down the big buzzword in today’s workplace—DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

They’re keeping it real as they unpack what DEI actually means, tackle common myths, and dive into how political noise is shaking up the way we talk about inclusion at work. From explaining how DEI differs from affirmative action to highlighting why everyone benefits from these efforts, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

Dr. McConner brings the heat with fresh insights, emphasizing community, the role of the EEOC, and how organizations can truly support their people—not just check boxes. It’s informative, honest, and packed with the kind of clarity that makes this podcast your go-to for real HR talk.

Key Takeaways:
🔍 DEI is under the microscope in today’s political world.
🌍 Diversity includes way more than just race and gender.
⚖️ Equity is about leveling the playing field—not giving handouts.
🤝 Inclusion = belonging for everyone.
❌ DEI ≠ hiring unqualified people.
✅ When done right, DEI helps all employees thrive.
🎭 Some companies are rebranding DEI to dodge backlash.
🧠 Staying informed and building community helps you navigate the noise.
🛡️ The EEOC is still here to protect employee rights.
💛 A people-first mindset is the real key to a healthy workplace culture.

Connect with Dr. MJ McConner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmjmcconner/

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College degrees aren’t the only path to success. In this Career Chat episode, we explore how real-world experience, certifications, and connections are shifting the way we define career readiness and advancement.

✅ Many professionals and entrepreneurs succeed without formal degrees
✅ Industry certifications are becoming key, especially in tech fields
✅ Networking and personal connections drive career opportunities
✅ Lifelong learning and adaptability matter more than any single credential

Connect with Elena https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenadoolan/

🎙️ Don’t miss our recent episode on work-life balance with Elena and Mario! (Ep. 14) 

#CareerSuccess #SkillsOverDegrees #TransparentHR #HRInsights #WorkforceTrends #NetworkingMatters #LifelongLearning #CollegeDebate #CertificationsCount #CareerGrowth

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Hosts Prince Tate and Mario Hunt sit down with special guest Elena Doolan to unpack the evolving challenges of work-life balance—especially with the shift back to in-office work.

They explore what real balance looks like today, how to spot burnout before it spirals, and why both employees and employers play a role in making balance sustainable. This conversation is full of real talk, practical tips, and encouragement for anyone trying to stay grounded in a demanding world.

✅ Work-life balance is a daily practice, not a one-time achievement
✅ The return to the office is impacting employee mental health
✅ Employers and employees share responsibility for creating balance
✅ Setting boundaries increases respect and productivity
✅ Recognizing burnout signs helps protect your well-being
✅ Take inventory of your commitments to reduce stress
✅ Therapy and support systems help keep you grounded
✅ Blocking off time for self-care boosts long-term focus
✅ Every season of life requires different priorities
✅ Balance starts with knowing what matters most to you

Connect with Elena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenadoolan/

🎧 Subscribe to the Transparent HR Podcast for transparent, real-world HR and career insights that empower you to thrive at work and beyond. Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs it!

#TransparentHRPodcast #WorkLifeBalance #BurnoutPrevention #ReturnToOffice #MentalHealthAtWork #CareerGrowth #HRInsights #WorkplaceWellness #SettingBoundaries #EmployeeWellbeing

Support the show

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🎙️ Got a burning question for your career?
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Lashaunique Plummer shares her incredible career transformation—going from a business background to landing an HR Generalist role in just 90 days without prior experience. Despite not meeting the job requirements, she secured a $70K starting salary and quickly climbed the ranks to become a Global HR Business Partner and even served as an interim HR Director.

🚀 How She Did It:
✅ Started in sourcing with a business degree before discovering her passion for employee engagement
✅ Landed an HR Generalist role in 90 days—despite a 5-year experience requirement
✅ Fast-tracked her career to Global HR Business Partner with minimal experience
✅ Leveraged mindset shifts to make bold career moves
✅ Translated everyday workplace skills into valuable HR experience
✅ Proved that change management happens in any role—you just have to frame it right
✅ Crafted a standout resume that showcased personality, not just job duties
✅ Used networking as her secret weapon to break into HR
✅ Mastered interview techniques to navigate 2025’s employer-driven job market

🔥 Want to learn how to interview like a pro in 2025? Watch Lashaunique’s full episode for expert career transition strategies!

Here's a FREE Interview Guide: https://www.balangize.com/freeinterviewguide

Connect with with LaShaunique:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/plummerl/

🎙️ Podcast: Balangize: Radically Own Your Career

🔔 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: balangize.com

Support the show

🔔 Subscribe for more tips on workplace survival and career success!

🎙️ Got a burning question for your career?
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💼 Want to share your insights?
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🌐 Connect with the Transparent HR Podcast on Social Media:
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💼 Connect with Prince Tate

💼 Connect with Mario Hunt