In this episode of What’s Next with Lacey, Lacey sits down with the brilliant Michelle Griffin—CEO, founder, and all-around HR powerhouse behind Griffin Resources.

Michelle helps small- and medium-sized businesses tackle the big HR stuff (think: building the right team, navigating mergers, and surviving layoffs with sanity intact). In this conversation, she spills on her journey from industrial-organizational psychology to HR executive to full-on entrepreneur, plus what it really takes to run a multi-entity business.

We get into the highs, the hard parts, and the behind-the-scenes realities of building a company—along with Michelle’s best advice on scaling a business, creating strong client relationships, and fostering a workplace culture people actually want to be part of.

Whether you’re dreaming about starting your own business, already deep in the HR world, or just love hearing how smart women make big moves, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.

Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.

00:00 Welcome to What's Next with Lacey

00:15 Introducing Michelle Griffin: CEO of Griffin Resources

00:51 Michelle's Journey to CEO

01:59 The Role and Growth of Griffin Resources

05:07 Operational Insights and Team Management

07:14 Balancing Client Work and Internal Operations

21:16 Challenges and Surprises in Running a Business

25:31 Reflecting on Success and Future Goals

33:20 Michelle's Early Career and Transition to HR

34:45 Struggles in Human Behavioral Research

35:07 Transition to IO Psychology and HR

36:01 First HR Job at ConnectWise

36:19 Challenges and Growth in HR

37:33 Starting a Business and Pursuing a PhD

38:39 Impact of Higher Education on Career

40:06 Research Skills and Legal Knowledge

41:45 Importance of Employee Happiness

43:42 Pursuing a PhD: Personal and Professional Motivations

46:51 Research on Reverse Knowledge Transfer

48:24 Experience in Auto Theft Adjustment and Insurance

53:19 Best Career Advice Received

59:48 Advice for Entrepreneurs and HR Professionals

01:03:35 Future Plans and Travel Goals