In this episode, we dive into why employee experience matters more than ever—and how it impacts company culture, productivity, and long-term success. Together with our guest, we explore practical ways leaders can improve the workplace environment and create lasting change.

We also reference insights from Insperity’s research report:
👉 A Critical Moment: Why Employee Experience Should Be Every Company’s Priority 

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks talks with Kelly Burlage, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Lineage. They discuss strategies for improving the recruitment process, creating better impacts for candidates, and the challenges faced by TA leaders today. Kelly shares insights on the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment, the importance of focusing on people, and the value of internal mobility. They also explore practical advice for leaders receiving pressure to adopt AI and the significance of building strong business partnerships within HR. Additionally, Kelly highlights the achievements of her team in transforming their reputation from order takers to valued business partners.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Kelly Burlage's Background and Role at Lineage
02:32 The Importance of Talent Acquisition
04:15 Challenges Facing TA Leaders: AI and Innovation
05:53 AI's Role in Enhancing Human Skills
16:30 Internal Mobility and Talent Development
23:43 Proud Achievements and Team Success
26:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a detailed conversation with Alicia Jones, a senior HR business partner for a global medical company. They delve into the complex role of an HR business partner, discussing essential skills like understanding the business context, influencing, and synthesizing data insights. Alicia shares her career experiences, the importance of integrity and resiliency, and the challenges HR teams face today. The discussion provides valuable advice for current and aspiring HR business partners keen on making a significant impact in their organizations.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:41 Alicia Jones' Background and Experience
01:26 Defining HR's Role and Context
04:32 Challenges Facing HR Today
05:57 The Importance of Organizational Agility
07:35 Alicia's Personal Learning Journey
13:01 Aligning HR with Business Needs
22:47 Key Skills for HR Business Partners
28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks chats with Matt Leitzman, VP of Talent Acquisition at MasterCard, and Craig Drysdale, VP of Talent and Engagement at Leonardo. The discussion delves into the role of AI in hiring, effective candidate screening techniques, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Both guests highlight their organizations' experiences with AI-driven tools for screening, such as automated interview scheduling and video assessments, and emphasize the importance of testing, human connection, and strategic alignment with hiring managers. The episode provides valuable insights for improving candidate experience, recruiter efficiency, and making data-driven hiring decisions.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds
02:39 The Evolution of Candidate Screening
07:04 High Volume and Early Career Hiring Challenges
10:10 Technology and Screening Tools
20:50 Data-Driven Talent Acquisition
32:48 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities and Cautions
39:23 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

Thanks to Phenom for connecting us for this episode

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks connects in an insightful discussion with Debra Squyres from Bonusly and Hope Weatherford from Fountain. They delve into strategies to improve workplace performance and the evolving nature of performance management. The conversation covers the significance of real-time feedback, building trust between managers and employees, leveraging recognition platforms, and the importance of addressing the human element in work environments. Both guests share practical tips for managers to enhance employee engagement, foster personal growth, and create meaningful relationships within teams.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:45 Hope Weatherford's Background and Insights
01:55 Debra Squyres' Background and Insights
04:08 Challenges in Current Performance Management
07:08 Solutions and Best Practices for Performance Management
12:03 The Importance of Real-Time Feedback and Recognition
24:36 Engaging Managers in the Performance Process
30:25 Final Thoughts and Top Recommendations

Connect with Hope on LinkedIn

Connect with Debra on LinkedIn

Check out the 2025 State of Recognition report from Bonusly

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Michael Cleavely, founder of CoComply, to discuss the complexities of compliance in contingent workforce management. Michael shares the journey of CoComply, a platform that assists organizations in classifying, managing, and discovering their contingent and non-permanent workforce. The conversation delves into the challenges companies face with worker classification, common compliance risks, and the two-fold benefits of leveraging AI in compliance tools for both risk mitigation and strategic workforce optimization. They also explore the broader implications of having a total workforce view, encompassing all talent acquisition channels. Michael provides practical insights and suggests how firms can better manage compliance and make informed workforce decisions. This episode offers valuable perspectives for HR leaders and procurement professionals looking to enhance compliance and workforce efficiency.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:57 Michael Cleavely's Background and CoComply's Mission
02:31 The Importance of Compliance
04:02 Common Compliance Challenges
15:44 AI in Compliance Management
21:18 Strategic Benefits of Compliance
24:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

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In this episode, Kellee Webb shares the remarkable journey of Cenikor Foundation since 2009, growing from 82 employees across three locations to nearly 600 employees today, with 75 people in their corporate office (or "operations support," as they call them at Cenikor). The discussion highlights significant milestones such as the adoption of technology, the creation of a robust back office support system including a call center, and the strategy behind twelve acquisitions. The conversation delves into leadership development programs, employee motivations, and the importance of compassion and servant leadership in a service-oriented organization. The transformative impact of expanding services like detox, outpatient programs, and recovery support specialists is also discussed. Finally, the episode touches on HR challenges and strategies, the importance of aligning organizational and individual goals, and the rewarding experience of helping employees grow and thrive.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Growth
01:32 Challenges and Strategic Moves
04:09 Leadership Development and Employee Engagement
07:19 Substance Abuse Treatment Services
11:06 HR Strategy and Cultural Integration
17:23 Performance Metrics and Bonus System
27:18 Personal Reflections and Leadership Insights
32:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series.

Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challenges

Connect with Kellee on LinkedIn

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n this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a dynamic conversation with Ryan Faught, HR leader at Milo's Tea Company. Ryan shares insights into Milo's unique culture, emphasizing values like safety, responsibility, and integrity, along with their 'HAT' values: Hungry, Agile, and Together. The discussion delves into how Milo's fosters cross-departmental collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development through authentic leadership pillars and comprehensive feedback mechanisms. Ryan highlights the importance of having a 'teachable spirit,' celebrating wins, and maintaining humility while growing both personally and professionally within the company. Whether discussing the joy of discovering hidden talents or the power of genuine care and concern for team members, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for creating a people-centric workplace that drives both individual and company success.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 Milo's Tea Company Culture and Values
02:21 Employee Growth and Cross-Departmental Opportunities
05:50 Discovering and Nurturing Talent
12:48 Leadership and Teachable Spirit
19:26 Authentic Leadership and Feedback Culture
34:26 Celebrating Wins and Continuous Improvement
38:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series.

Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challenges

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

• See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a dynamic conversation with Ryan Faught, HR leader at Milo's Tea Company. Ryan shares insights into Milo's unique culture, emphasizing values like safety, responsibility, and integrity, along with their 'HAT' values: Hungry, Agile, and Together. The discussion delves into how Milo's fosters cross-departmental collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development through authentic leadership pillars and comprehensive feedback mechanisms. Ryan highlights the importance of having a 'teachable spirit,' celebrating wins, and maintaining humility while growing both personally and professionally within the company. Whether discussing the joy of discovering hidden talents or the power of genuine care and concern for team members, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for creating a people-centric workplace that drives both individual and company success.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 Milo's Tea Company Culture and Values
02:21 Employee Growth and Cross-Departmental Opportunities
05:50 Discovering and Nurturing Talent
12:48 Leadership and Teachable Spirit
19:26 Authentic Leadership and Feedback Culture
34:26 Celebrating Wins and Continuous Improvement
38:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series.

Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challenges

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

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In this episode of ‘We’re Only Human,’ host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jen McCann and Maria Jugin from Insperity to discuss the evolving landscape of human resources. The conversation covers a range of topics including the increasing interest and uncertainty surrounding AI, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and the differences in priorities between business and HR leaders. Jen and Maria also highlight the importance of aligning company vision with HR practices and the challenges companies face as they expand and adapt. The episode offers actionable insights for HR leaders looking to move from administrative tasks to strategic initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of HR in driving business success.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
01:41 Current HR Challenges and AI
04:49 Recruitment and Retention Strategies
06:35 HR Conversations with Business Leaders
12:07 Adapting to Remote Work and Compliance
19:16 Strategic HR and Outsourcing Benefits
25:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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