In this episode, you’ll learn how intentional people practices help fast-growing organizations maintain culture, trust, and connection as they scale. The conversation explores how HR leaders can design meaningful employee experiences, hire for the right mindset, strengthen culture beyond perks, and build human connection in distributed and hybrid environments—all while supporting business growth. Join us as Emma Belconis shares practical, real-world lessons from helping a healthcare fintech company grow rapidly without losing its human core.

This episode is supported by Insperity.

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Connect with Emma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-belconis/

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AI is not ending HR but accelerating its evolution into a more strategic function.

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Join host Ben Eubanks for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Cari Miller about one of the most pressing questions in today's workplace: When does using AI cross the line from productivity tool to cheating? From academic integrity to job applications and workplace performance, they explore the blurred boundaries of AI usage and what it means for workers, employers, and the future of work. This episode tackles the double standards, ethical dilemmas, and practical realities of AI adoption in hiring and beyond.

Timestamps

Episode Topics & Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction & Guest Background
0:50 - Dr. Cari Miller's Research on AI & Worker Impacts
3:00 - Academic Integrity vs. AI Literacy Debate
5:00 - Defining AI "Cheating" in Education
5:40 - Domain Knowledge & Copyright Considerations
6:50 - Spell Check Analogy: Tools vs. Cheating
11:00 - The Hiring Double Standard
12:30 - Should We Test Candidates on AI Skills?
13:50 - 61% of Jobs Don't Match Interview Descriptions
15:20 - The Broken Application Process
17:30 - Emotional Toll of Job Searching
18:00 - Networking & Volunteer Work Strategy
19:40 - Ben's Story: Volunteering to Break Into HR
21:20 - Genuine vs. GPT: When Does AI Feel Like Cheating?
23:30 - Disclosure & Context Matter
25:00 - Survey Results: What Employers Consider Cheating
27:00 - The AI Arms Race in Job Applications
30:00 - The Entry-Level Crisis
30:50 - Learning in the File Room: Foundation Skills
32:00 - Junior vs. Senior Workers Using AI
33:00 - The DOS to Windows Analogy
35:30 - CEOs vs. Managers: Who Decides on AI?
36:30 - AI Procurement & Process Design
38:30 - Finding the Middle Ground
39:00 - Connect with Dr. Cari Miller on LinkedIn
40:15 - Closing Thoughts

Connect with Cari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari-miller/

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🎧 Episode 219 

Guest: Amandeep Shergill

In this episode, we explore the realities of modern recruiting, the pressure of “doing more with less,” and the challenge of navigating uncertainty in today’s global talent market. Ben and Amandeep discuss how economic shifts, evolving business priorities, and organizational ambiguity shape the day-to-day experience of recruiters.

Amandeep shares practical examples from his career—ranging from prioritizing high-impact roles to building stronger partnerships with business leaders. This conversation dives deep into what it truly means to be a strategic advisor instead of a reactive firefighter in talent acquisition.

You’ll hear insights on:
 • Market uncertainty and its effect on TA planning
 • Productivity vs. unrealistic “do more” expectations
 • The role of tech and efficiency in the future of TA
 • How recruiters can better understand business impact & prioritization
 • Real-world examples of shifting from reactive to proactive hiring
 • Why understanding revenue, OKRs, and leadership goals changes recruiting outcomes

Whether you're a recruiter, hiring leader, or people leader, this episode provides immediately applicable frameworks for better decision-making in TA.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:03 – Welcome to Episode 219
00:16 – Introducing guest Amandeep Shergill
00:55 – Amandeep’s background and global role at Automattic
01:59 – Life outside of work: parenting, sports, and model building
03:16 – Creativity, hobbies & high performance
04:49 – The biggest recruiting challenges today
05:11 – How economic uncertainty shapes hiring plans
05:54 – Productivity, efficiency & “doing more with less”
06:28 – The disconnect between expectations and TA bandwidth
07:22 – Why “doing more” isn’t a real strategy
08:06 – What investment vs. volume actually means for TA
09:46 – Moving from reactive to proactive recruiting
10:26 – Practical strategies for strategic partnership
10:30 – Amandeep’s story from Intuit: prioritizing 38 open roles
11:48 – Understanding business impact behind hiring requests
12:49 – Revenue today vs. revenue tomorrow: prioritizing for impact
13:58 – Why recruiters must understand OKRs, revenue, and strategy
14:46 – Pausing hiring until business impact is clear
15:13 – How proactive planning creates better long-term outcomes

🔗 Connect with Amandeep

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandeepsshergill/?originalSubdomain=uk

🎓 Learn more about HR Summer School

https://hrsummerschool.org

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In this episode of We’re Only Human, Ben Eubanks talks with Travis Hunsicker about the power of curiosity, trust, and belonging in shaping great leadership. From the warehouse floor to executive coaching, Travis shares lessons on how to see people for who they can become—not just who they are today. Together, they explore why leaders must first build trust before driving performance, how genuine curiosity opens doors to growth, and what it means to create space where people truly belong.

Listeners will hear practical advice on developing talent, coaching with empathy, and recognizing potential before it’s visible. Whether you’re a manager, a mentor, or simply someone who wants to lead more authentically, this conversation is a reminder that human connection is at the heart of every lasting impact.

Connect with Travis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunsicker/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
 03:15 Travis’s Journey: From Forklifts to Leadership Coaching
 08:40 The Moment That Changed His Perspective on People
 12:25 Why Trust Must Come Before Performance
 17:42 How Curiosity Builds Stronger Leaders
 22:10 Seeing Potential Before Others Do
 26:35 Creating a Culture of Belonging and Growth
 31:18 Coaching Conversations That Unlock Confidence
 35:27 Real-World Examples of Human-Centered Leadership
 39:42 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

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🎧 Episode Description

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jason Thrasher, one of the most inspiring voices from HR Summer School, to explore how choosing joy can transform your work, leadership, and life.

Jason shares his belief that “joy is now”—not something you wait for, but something you choose every day. From his journey in HR to lessons learned from country music and Chick-fil-A, he reveals how gratitude, authenticity, and purpose can create a culture that people truly want to be part of.

The conversation dives deep into the mindset of joyful leadership, practical ways to bring joy into daily work, and how self-awareness and connection empower teams. You’ll hear personal stories, actionable insights, and a reminder that owning your joy is the first step to owning your impact.

Check out HR Summer School: https://hrsummerschool.org

🕒 Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
 01:20 Meet Jason Thrasher — From Music Dreams to HR Leadership
 02:45 “Joy Is Now” — Why Joy Can’t Wait for Tomorrow
 04:38 Practical Habits for Choosing Joy Every Morning
 05:56 The Culture You Create Determines the Audience You Keep
 07:40 Balancing Joy and Mental Health in the Workplace
 09:50 Real-Life Story: “Thank You for Coming to Work Today”
 11:55 How Joy Drives Engagement, Belonging, and Productivity
 13:24 The Sound of Joy — How Music Changes the Atmosphere
 14:35 Breaking Out of the “Check-the-Box” Mindset
 15:20 Knowing Your Why and Leading with Purpose
 16:40 Just Own Yourself — The Simplicity of Authentic Joy
 17:35 Final Reflections and Takeaways

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Episode Description

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of HR — not by replacing humans, but by amplifying what makes us uniquely effective: empathy, creativity, and connection. The conversation digs into how HR leaders can use AI responsibly to simplify workflows, enhance decision-making, and create more human-centered experiences for employees. You’ll hear how organizations can strike the right balance between automation and authenticity, and why embracing AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch.

We also discuss the mindset shift HR professionals need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, and how curiosity and adaptability have become the most valuable leadership skills of all.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
 04:32 The AI Conversation: Fear vs. Opportunity
 09:15 How HR Can Use AI Without Losing Humanity
 14:48 Practical Examples of AI in Recruiting and Talent Development
 19:56 The Mindset Shift: Curiosity, Creativity, and Adaptability
 24:20 Redefining the Role of HR in an AI-Driven Workplace
 28:37 Advice for Leaders Navigating Change
 32:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Lane:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanem1/

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Episode Description

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Micki Sievwright of Andersen Corporation to discuss how one of America’s most recognized brands connects, engages, and empowers its 14,000+ employees across manufacturing, distribution, and corporate environments.

The conversation dives into how Andersen’s internal communication strategy bridges the gap between frontline and office workers, creating a culture where every employee feels informed, valued, and connected. Micki shares how her team uses storytelling, technology, and intentional design to build belonging at scale — and how leaders can cultivate trust even in large, distributed organizations.

You’ll hear practical lessons on improving employee communication, fostering inclusion, and using tools like MangoApps to bring people together — no matter where they work.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
04:15 The Challenge of Connecting 14,000 Employees
08:42 Communication That Builds Belonging
13:17 Storytelling as a Culture-Building Tool
17:29 How Technology Supports Human Connection
21:50 Engaging Frontline Workers: Lessons from Andersen
26:18 Leadership’s Role in Employee Communication
30:44 Creating an Inclusive, Connected Culture
34:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links for show notes:
Thanks to the team at MangoApps for connecting us with Micki and the team at Andersen Corporation for this conversation!
Connect with Micki: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mickisievwright651_prsa-andersenwindows-inclusion-activity-7115015573226364929-s6X3/

Connect with MangoApps: https://www.mangoapps.com/

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Episode Description

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Terry Terhark of NXTThing RPO to explore how hiring is evolving faster than ever in 2025 — and why keeping the human element in recruiting still matters more than ever.

They discuss how organizations are adapting to unprecedented speed and scale in hiring, how AI and automation are reshaping recruiter roles, and where people still make the biggest impact in the process. Terry shares his unique perspective from decades in the talent space, including the balance between efficiency and empathy, the importance of culture fit, and how technology can empower — not replace — great recruiters.

You’ll hear real-world insights on candidate experience, the future of RPO partnerships, and what leaders should prioritize to stay ahead in a tech-driven talent market.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
04:12 Why Hiring Is Moving Faster Than Ever
09:35 The Human Element: Why It Still Matters
14:58 How AI and Automation Are Changing Recruitment
19:47 Balancing Speed, Scale, and Candidate Experience
24:26 Building Trust and Culture in High-Volume Hiring
28:53 The Future of Recruiting Partnerships (RPO Insights)
33:10 What Leaders Should Focus On in 2025
36:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links for show notes:
Connect with NXTThing RPO: https://nxtthingrpo.com/

Connect with Terry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryterhark/

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n this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks explores one of the biggest questions of our time: what does it really mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence? As AI tools become faster, smarter, and more deeply integrated into the workplace, many HR leaders and employees are asking the same question — where do people fit in?

Ben unpacks why staying human-first is not just a mindset but a strategy for success. The conversation dives into how HR can balance automation with empathy, how learning and curiosity are becoming the most valuable skills, and why emotional intelligence remains a competitive advantage even when technology takes over repetitive work.

You’ll hear reflections on fear, hope, and the future of work — plus practical guidance on how to lead with humanity in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
03:15 Why “Being Human” Still Matters in an AI World
08:02 Balancing Efficiency and Empathy in HR
13:47 Automation, Learning, and the Changing Role of Work
19:11 Hope vs. Fear: How HR Can Lead the AI Conversation
24:36 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in the Machine Age
28:59 Redefining Human Value Beyond Data and Speed
33:42 How to Stay Curious, Relevant, and Human
36:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links for show notes:
Check out the AI Livestream Replay: https://streamyard.com/watch/9GTfDMQ8GeTE

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