We're Only Human

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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In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Conrad Riddle, HR technology leader at Aimbridge Hospitality, to explore how frontline hiring and scheduling are being reimagined in today’s fast-moving workplace. They dig into the challenges of recruiting and retaining hourly workers, why scheduling is the heartbeat of retention, and how technology can empower employees while easing the load on managers.

You’ll hear practical examples of streamlining the candidate journey—from frictionless mobile applications to instant interview scheduling—plus insights on self-service scheduling tools that give employees more flexibility and control. Conrad also shares how automation is saving thousands of hours for managers, improving compliance, and transforming the onboarding experience.

Whether you’re an HR leader, a hiring manager, or simply curious about the future of frontline work, this conversation offers actionable takeaways on speed, simplicity, and employee empowerment.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
02:01 Inside Aimbridge Hospitality: Scale and Challenges
05:18 Why Scheduling is the Core of Frontline Retention
09:01 Fixing the Candidate Experience: From Application to Interview in Minutes
13:28 Competing with Amazon and Uber: Speed Matters
17:02 Empowering Employees Through Self-Service Scheduling
22:19 Balancing Manager Control and Employee Flexibility
26:44 Automation in Onboarding: Saving 40,000+ Hours
31:12 Compliance Wins and Smarter HR Tech
34:20 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Links for show notes:
Thanks to the team at Fountain for connecting us with Conrad and the team at Aimbridge Hospitality for this conversation!
Connect with Conrad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradriddle/

Connect with Fountain: https://www.fountain.com/

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In this episode, Ben sits down with Nicole Eisdorfer to uncover how curiosity, courage, and creativity can reshape the world of HR. From breaking out of the “HR Matrix” to asking better questions, Nicole shares her journey from traditional reporting into human-centered, impactful work. Together, they explore how technology and data can empower—not replace—HR professionals, and why cultivating curiosity is the most critical skill for the future.

You’ll hear stories from Nicole’s experience, insights into making data meaningful, and practical guidance for rethinking how HR operates today. If you’ve ever felt stuck in dashboards, metrics, or endless processes, this episode will inspire you to step back, reimagine, and lead with curiosity.

Read Nicole's Substack: https://nicoleeisdorfer.substack.com/

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neisdorfer/

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
04:12 Nicole’s Background and HR Journey
08:47 Escaping the “HR Matrix”
13:25 Why Curiosity Is the #1 Skill for HR Professionals
17:41 From Reports to Real Impact: Making Data Useful
22:09 Technology’s Role in Supporting (Not Replacing) HR
26:55 Asking Better Questions and Driving Change
30:18 Courage and Creativity in HR Leadership
33:42 Final Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

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In this episode, the host explores why employee experience (EX) has become a board-level priority and how organizations can move from ideas to impact. Drawing on insights from the research report A Critical Moment: Why Employee Experience Should Be Every Company’s Priority, the conversation covers practical ways to elevate EX without massive budgets, how to measure what matters, and where AI can support (not replace) a human-centered approach. You’ll hear actionable tactics for quick wins, guidance for building leadership buy-in, and a real-world example of EX in practice.

Read the research we reference during the episode: https://www.insperity.com/resources/guide/a-critical-moment-why-employee-experience-should-be-every-companys-priority/

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
05:24 Why Employee Experience Should Be a Priority
11:57 Research Highlights: Key Findings from the Report
15:38 From Insight to Action: Quick Wins for EX
19:13 Measuring What Matters: EX Metrics and KPIs
24:47 Technology & AI: Enabling Human-Centered EX
26:23 Real-World Example / Case Discussion
28:46 Building Leadership Buy-In and Strong Partnerships
30:40 Wrap-Up and Final Takeaways

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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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