What The HR!

Eric Harkins is the President and Founder of GKG Search & Outplacement, a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that helps organizations Get, Keep & Grow talent. He is also an Amazon #1 best-selling author of: Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck.

His goal is simple: Help every company he works with make sure Monday morning doesn’t suck for their employees. Eric is a motivational speaker, consultant, executive-coach, and an expert in helping companies create a culture high performers want to be a part of. 

During his 25-year career in corporate America, Eric held leadership roles ranging from Manager to Chief Human Resources and Chief Administrative Officer. 

Guest:

Eric Harkins | President and Founder of GKG Search & Outplacement | https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-harkins-3144296/

Resources:

https://ericharkins.com

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Leaders-Monday-Morning-Doesnt/dp/1950863832/

Hosts:

Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

Tiffany McDaniel, an Absence Consultant at Brown and Brown, explained the new Minnesota paid leave program, which takes effect on January 1st. Tiffany explained that employees are eligible for up to 20 weeks of paid time off with job and benefit protection for various reasons, including caring for a family member, bonding with a child, or their own serious health condition.

Tiffany McDaniel also clarified employer options for administering the program, communication requirements, and eligibility for different family structures, including fostering, adoption, and surrogacy, addressing concerns raised by Becky Lauseng and Lena Scullard. The main talking points were program eligibility, employer responsibilities, and specific provisions for new parents and diverse family definitions.

Guest:

Tiffany McDaniel: Absence Consultant at Brown & Brown

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-mcdaniel-clms-790394205

Resources: https://paidleave.mn.gov/

Hosts:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

Becky Lauseng and Jay Olson introduced Keynote Speaker, Janice Litvin, who defined burnout as chronic, unmanaged work leading to complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, impacting organizational productivity and employee retention. Janice emphasized that individual awareness, effective managerial support, setting boundaries, and a top-down culture of well-being are crucial in preventing burnout. Her final message was to "know yourself and know your people," encouraging connection with professional communities.

Janice Litvin, Founder of Banish Burnout Academy, is a keynote speaker, author, and workplace wellness consultant who helps organizations prevent burnout and build thriving teams. With a career spanning software consulting, tech recruiting, and workplace well-being, Janice knows what it takes to keep people engaged and motivated under pressure. She is the author of Banish Organizational Burnout: 26 Tips for Managers and Banish Burnout Toolkit.

Known for her interactive, high-energy style, Janice equips leaders and managers with practical tools to strengthen culture, coach with emotional intelligence, and help employees stay in the game. Her sessions inspire teams to move from stress to success—boosting retention, productivity, and morale.

Guest:

Janice Litvin | Founder of Banish Burnout Academy | https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicelitvin

Resources:

Free Banish Organizational Burnout: 26 Tips for Managers is available at: https://janicelitvin.com/resources-book/

The Burnout Cycle Self-Check is available at: https://janicelitvin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Burnout-Cycle-Self-Check-Janice-Litvin-Banish-Burnout-Academy.pdf

Hosts:

Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

In this episode, we talk with J.P. Paul, Vice President of Stadium Operations for the Minnesota Vikings, now in his 23rd season with the team. J.P. has been instrumental in creating world-class game day experiences for fans, leading initiatives in food service, crowd management, and facility operations at U.S. Bank Stadium. He also plays a key role in shaping the future of TCO Stadium at Viking Lakes, driving community-focused growth and innovative events.

Best known for building the Vikings’ award-winning Guest and Premium Experience teams, J.P. was a driving force behind the team’s #1 ranking in the NFL’s 2024 Voice of the Fan survey. He also helped design the Vikings’ signature SKOL Service initiative, setting the gold standard for fan engagement and hospitality across the league.

Beyond the gridiron, J.P. lends his leadership to the InSports Foundation, supporting youth access to athletics, and recently completed six years of service on the NFL Guest Experience Committee. In this conversation, he shares insights on leadership, building unforgettable experiences, and the importance of community both inside and outside the stadium.

Guest:

J.P. Paul | Vice President of Stadium Operations for Minnesota Vikings | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jppaul29/

J.P.'s Game Day Vision - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-vision-game-day-j-p-paul/?trackingId=ZbrTG6onSky%2BHPrWrvYYTQ%3D%3D

Hosts:

Jay Olson | Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/

Lena Scullard | Professional Speaker, Facilitator, Program Designer, and Consultant | https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

Becky Lauseng introduced Jay Olson and Lena Scullard as the new co-hosts for the "What the HR podcast," with both new co-hosts expressing enthusiasm for joining and engaging with the TCSHRM community. Jay Olson and Lena Scullard shared their non-traditional career paths into HR/Talent, their personal hobbies and passions, and their motivations for joining the podcast, with Lena Scullard aiming to maintain a strong professional network and utilize performance skills, and Jay Olson drawn to the opportunity by their natural curiosity and desire to learn.

Becky Lauseng, Lena Scullard, and Jay Olson all expressed a desire to challenge HR stereotypes, bringing more personality and openness to discussions about the complexities of HR, while also discussing the importance of regularly refreshing HR policies to consider the "spirit of the law" and adapt to current shifts like the "return to office" and the growing impact of AI in HR.

Jay serves as the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic, bringing over 20 years of HR leadership and talent acquisition expertise. He is passionate about fostering success through collaboration and effective communication and is continually seeking innovative ways to enhance processes and outcomes.

Lena is a top-rated professional speaker, facilitator, program designer, and consultant. Lena Scullard is on a mission to help individuals and teams improve their confidence and sense of capability for achieving success.

Guest:

Jay Olson | Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/

Lena Scullard | Professional Speaker, Facilitator, Program Designer, and Consultant | https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/

Hosts:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

Kristen Brown is a Certified Speaking Professional, bestselling author, and interactive and funny keynote speaker and trainer who helps organizations unlock high-impact leadership, team engagement, and performance by harnessing the power of energy. With nearly two decades in corporate leadership and market research, she brings deep expertise in human behavior, workplace dynamics, and results-driven strategies that resonate with HR leaders and executive teams alike.

Through her signature 7 Energies of Results framework, Kristen equips organizations with actionable tools to elevate motivation, communication, and connection in today’s fast-changing world of work. She’s worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and forward-thinking HR teams to drive measurable business results, and she does it with humor, heart, and hard-hitting insight.

She’s been featured in Forbes, Psychology Today, Live with Kelly, and on major networks like CNN, FOX, and ABC, and when she’s not on stage, you’ll find her reading, traveling, or seeking the next tropical sunset!

Guest:

Kristen Brown, CSP | Keynote Speaker | Bestselling Author | Energy & Performance Expert

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenkbrown/

Hosts:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

Kendra Q. Dodd - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-q-dodd/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

Dr. Rosie Ward is a fierce advocate for humanity who is sought-after to help rehumanize workplaces that free, fuel and inspire people to bring their best selves to work – and home – each day. She serves as CEO and Founder of Salveo Partners, which was awarded the 2024 Stellar Business Award for best business consulting in the United States, and focuses on future-proofing organizations by strengthening culture and equipping leaders and teams to show up courageously and more effectively navigate change and disruption. Rosie recently received a Female Voice Award as the Business Coach of the Year. She is also a Top Voice in Leadership, Leadership Development and Culture on LinkedIn, an award-winning author and an award-winning podcast host; Rosie has an incredible gift for synthesizing complex ideas about culture, leadership, behavior change, and what it means to be human and presenting them in a way that makes them relevant, understandable, and meaningful for people.

White paper: https://salveopartners.com/future-proofing-leadership-white-paper/

Books: https://salveopartners.com/resources/#books

Podcast: https://drrosieward.com/my-podcast/

Guest:

Dr. Rosie Ward, Ph.D., MPH, MCHES, BCC: CEO and Founder of Salveo Partners

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rward/

Hosts:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

Larry Bourgerie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrybourgerie/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

John Christensen is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and the CEO of ChartHouse Learning, the company behind the globally recognized FISH! Philosophy. In 1998, during a visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market, he was inspired by the fishmongers’ energetic and joyful approach to their work. This experience led him to create the FISH! video, which evolved into a worldwide movement promoting workplace engagement and positivity.

Guest:

John Christensen: Founder & CEO of FISH!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnchristensenfish/

Hosts:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member

Attend a TCSHRM Event

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

Mark Smith is a seasoned global talent leader with over 20 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, and Talent Management. Currently serving as Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic, a leading medical technology company, Mark oversees a global team that drives innovative hiring solutions to advance Medtronic's mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending lives. Under his leadership, Medtronic’s TA team has consistently delivered excellence across more than 150 countries, supporting a workforce of over 90,000 professionals. Mark’s team plays a pivotal role in ensuring Medtronic continues to lead in healthcare innovation, addressing 70 health conditions and impacting millions of patients globally.

Guest:

Mark Smith: Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markedwardsmithta/

Hosts:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources: Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, we are an active SHRM group always looking to promote, influence, and educate our members through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member. https://www.tcshrm.org/

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only. 

We’ve made it to 100 episodes of What the HR! — and we’re marking the moment with a special farewell to our original hosts, Jessie Novey and Mike Thul. Since 2019, they’ve brought thoughtful conversations, expert insights, and plenty of personality to the mic as dedicated TCSHRM volunteers.

In this milestone episode, new host Becky Lauseng sits down with Mike and Jessie for an interview looking back on their journey, favorite moments, and the evolution of the podcast.

Looking ahead, Becky will continue as the lead host, joined by two rotating co-hosts who will help shape the next chapter of What the HR!.🎙️💼

Guests:

Mike Thul - linkedin.com/in/thulmichael

Jessie Novey - linkedin.com/in/jessienovey

Host:

Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/

INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email [email protected].

Twin Cities Society For Human Resources: Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, we are an active SHRM group always looking to promote, influence, and educate our members through multiple channels.

Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member. https://www.tcshrm.org/

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners. 

© MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.