World's Greatest Boss

Today, we have an incredible guest, Lesleigh, who's going to take us on a thrilling journey through the ins and outs of scaling HR and culture in a tech consulting company. If you've ever wondered how to navigate moving abroad, embracing remote work, or making a career transition, this episode is a must-listen!

Lesleigh shares her personal experiences and valuable insights on career change, especially when it involves stepping into a leadership role in HR. You'll be inspired by her story and the lessons she's learned along the way. We'll also dive deep into the world of remote work and the challenges of building a thriving culture in a virtual environment. Lesleigh sheds light on the critical aspects of HR compliance and coaching in the tech industry, ensuring that your team is not only compliant but also motivated and engaged!

And for all you aspiring culture builders out there, Lesleigh walks us through the exciting journey of creating your team culture from scratch. Discover the challenges, milestones, and valuable lessons she's picked up along the way.

Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or just starting your journey as a leader, this episode has something for everyone. Join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of HR, culture, and leadership in the tech consulting world.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Scaling HR and culture in a tech consulting company.

[2:00] Moving abroad, remote work, and career transition.

[5:05] Career change and leadership in HR.

[9:20] Building culture in a remote work environment.

[15:00] HR compliance and coaching in a tech company.

[19:35] Effective one-on-one meetings for team success.

[24:40] Creating a people and culture team from scratch.

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112. Mastering Remote Work and Culture with Graeme Barlow

107. Crafting Your Ideal Remote Work Strategy

100. Today's Startup Landscape and Remote Work Success Secrets with Peter Benei

* Connect with Lesleigh on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleigh-gennace-b7a9154/

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Molly is back! And we're talking all about layoffs and performance management in your business. I share my insights on handling layoffs within a team while considering performance and termination options. Molly and I stress the importance of addressing performance concerns before jumping to termination decisions.

Unemployment eligibility and performance-based termination are next on our agenda. We shed light on the potential consequences of inadequate communication and warnings when letting an employee go, including their eligibility for unemployment benefits. Curious about how unemployment actually works? We've got you covered, explaining the process that isn't as straightforward as it may seem. Plus, we discuss the importance of setting up hiring plans in advance to avoid penalties and ensure the right candidates are hired.

Moving on to hiring and interviewing strategies in today's competitive job market, we stress the importance of knowing exactly what you're looking for in a candidate. I also share my strategy for managing a candidate who's received another job offer while considering our opportunity, emphasizing the need to buy time and stay flexible.

If you're ready to tackle these tough HR and management topics with us and want some practical insights, you won't want to miss this episode!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Layoffs and performance management in a business

[3:15] Layoffs, performance issues, and management responsibilities.

[5:40] Unemployment eligibility and performance-based termination

[13:45] Hiring and interviewing strategies

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Tough Conversations and Effective Communication: Insights from Lori Harder

Leading with Clarity to Chart the Course of Expectations

Scaling Smarter: Conquering Three Common Habits that Hinder Business Growth

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

I'm tackling a crucial topic vital for all small business owners and bosses: wage and hour compliance. Neglecting these matters can lead to costly investigations and legal penalties. But don't worry, we'll explore the complexities of wage and hour laws, from minimum wage to overtime pay. These laws vary by state and locality but we'll discuss the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which outlines minimum wage, overtime pay, and more at the federal level.

Now, onto common payroll mistakes. Small businesses often trip up with errors like rounding down work time or paying based on schedules instead of actual hours worked. I'll highlight these pitfalls and how to avoid them. Let's not forget employee classification – a big deal. Misclassification can lead to legal trouble!

I'll share tips on researching your state's wage and hour laws and following them diligently. Plus, we'll talk about setting clear policies, using technology, and providing transparent pay stubs.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:05]Wage and hour compliance for business owners

[4:05] Wage and hour laws and their complexities

[8:45] Labor laws and common mistakes in payroll management

[13:20] Wage and hour compliance for businesses

[16:45] Wage and hour laws and their impact on businesses

[21:55] Wage and hour compliance for businesses

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Back to the Basics: Your Compliance Checklist

HR Essentials for Small Business Owners: Avoiding Mistakes and Promoting Growth

Salaried vs. Hourly Hiring

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Myca Williamson is a multifaceted entrepreneur and strategist with a background in journalism, marketing, and education. She's here to share her expertise on the importance of marketing strategy for business success. It's a conversation that you can't afford to miss!

To start, I have the pleasure of interviewing Myca about her incredible entrepreneurial journey, from taking on random projects to founding Myca Raqeuel Consulting. Myca also reflects on her undergraduate degree in journalism and its role in preparing her for her current work in marketing. We also dive into marketing strategy and AI tools for research gathering. I share advice on starting with research on your target audience, while Myca introduces the "numbers to narrative" framework for crafting data-informed stories.

We close out the episode with a discussion on marketing strategy and tactics for small businesses so be sure to stay tuned until the end. If you're an entrepreneur or creative looking to master marketing strategies and elevate your business, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Marketing strategies for entrepreneurs and creatives

[3:10] Entrepreneurship journey and lessons learned

[10:20] Marketing strategy and AI tools for research gathering

[16:35] Marketing strategy and tactics for small businesses

[19:15] Marketing strategy development and execution

[25:00] Marketing strategy and team building

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Mastering Your Sales Strategy with Heather Wylde

Unveiling Sales Success with Jillian Murphy

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* Connect with Myca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mycaraquelconsulting/

* Find more information on her website https://www.mycaraquel.com

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Today's episode is a rollercoaster of topics that will leave you both informed and entertained. We kick things off with a discussion about the world of hiring strategies and candidate assessment. We dive deep into the importance of evaluating candidates based on their strengths, weaknesses, and the skills required for the job.

In the realm of HR best practices and legal compliance, I share an intriguing story about helping a business leader handle a difficult termination call. We'll talk about the importance of establishing at-will employment relationships through employment agreements and keeping those contracts up to date with current laws and best practices.

Our episode takes an unexpected turn as we delve into the world of phishing scams and email security. Molly shares a nail-biting story about almost falling for a phishing scam. And just when you thought you'd heard it all, I'll shock you with a story of an incredibly elaborate phishing scam that almost fooled even the CEO and CFO of a company!

Tune in for all of our recommended best practices!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] What Jackie and Molly did for Thanksgiving

[3:40] Hiring strategies and candidate assessment

[9:25] HR best practices and legal compliance

[15:40] Phishing scams and email security

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Behind the Scenes: How to Strategize Your Job Search Like Recruiters Do

How to Fire Somebody (The Right Way) with Karly Wannos

Hiring for Impact: Making the Right Choice for Your Business

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Creating policies for employment issues is a critical step for any business owner. I can't stress enough how crucial it is to have policies in writing that your employees sign off on. We'll talk about the importance of establishing clear policies and procedures ahead of time to save you from confusion and potential legal troubles down the road.

But that's not all – we'll also explore legal policies for small businesses. This includes vital topics like paid time off, expense management, and data protection. I'll walk you through the importance of having policies in place in advance to protect both your company and your employees.

Plus, you'll learn about the ins and outs of creating a travel and expense policy that keeps everyone on the same page. We'll delve into best practices for business travel, cell phone and internet reimbursements, remote work, and even the occasional office dog. We'll also touch on paid parental leave policies and other HR essentials that will make your life a whole lot easier!

Trust me; it's essential to have clear guidelines in place for ALL of these scenarios to maintain a harmonious and efficient workplace. Tune in to get all of the details!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:05] Leadership, management, and entrepreneurship

[1:50] Creating policies for employment issues

[5:35] Legal policies for small businesses, including paid time off and expense management

[9:55] Creating policies for business travel, cell phone and internet reimbursements, remote work, and more

[14:00] HR policies for small businesses

Listen to Similar Episodes:

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HR Essentials for Small Business Owners: Avoiding Mistakes and Promoting Growth

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Today we have an incredible guest with us, John McGlothlin. In this episode, we delve into the world of military lessons and skills and how they can be applied to everyday life and business. John shares how his military experience has profoundly shaped his perspective on leadership and the invaluable lessons he's learned during his military career that can help others develop resilience and confidence.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of self-awareness and team building in the military. John emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership. We also discuss setting standards and enforcing boundaries, drawing inspiration from a drill sergeant's impactful one-on-one conversation during basic training.

From there, we delve into the world of transferable skills and self-promotion for veterans in the workplace. John highlights the importance of recognizing veterans' skills and contributions without excessive validation or praise. We discuss the challenges veterans face in self-promotion and the benefits of a balanced approach to validation.

As we wrap up this enlightening episode, John shares more about his book, "How to Deal with Damn Near Anything: The Paratroopers Guide to Life," which offers profound lessons on resilience and adaptability. Don't miss out on this incredible conversation about transferrable military skills and leadership. Tune in now!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Military lessons and skills applied to everyday life

[4:50] Military transition and judgment

[9:05] Self-awareness and team building in the military

[12:15] Leadership, self-awareness, and setting standards

[17:30] Transferable skills and self-promotion for veterans in the workplace

[21:05] Military service, leadership, and self-promotion

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Workshop Reflections: Unraveling Leadership and Team-Building with Molly

* Connect with John on https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmauthor/

* Buy John's book: How to Deal with Damn Near Anything: The Paratrooper's Guide to Life

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Today, I'm thrilled to have Molly as my guest, and we're bringing you behind the scenes of People Principles into the world of unemployment insurance, hiring challenges, and small business benefits. Get ready for some valuable insights!

First up, we reminisce about our days at a startup with an unheated office with mice running across our feet! Clients often send us perplexing emails from payroll providers or HR software. Molly explains that these notifications usually pertain to state unemployment insurance (UI) updates. We have key advice on setting up accounts and understanding unemployment rates in different states for new hires.

Shifting gears, we talk about the importance of having a structured hiring process in today's competitive job market. It's time to move beyond word of mouth and random job postings! Clear job requirements and criteria are crucial to avoid bias and streamline hiring.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[4:10] Unemployment insurance and its impact on businesses

[9:20] State unemployment insurance and its complexities

[15:30] Hiring process and candidate evaluation

[17:45] Hiring plans, benefit negotiation, and insurance changes

[23:55] Benefits and HR for small business owners

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Back to the Basics: Your Compliance Checklist

Hiring for Impact: Making the Right Choice for Your Business

5 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make While Hiring

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

In 2024, small business owners must prioritize HR tasks, no matter how small they seem! Entrepreneurs often focus on marketing and sales, but their late-night worries often revolve around finances and HR issues. It might not be glamorous, but addressing these matters head-on is essential for long-term business success. Compliance issues can haunt your business but I've got the insights you need to keep your business in the clear.

Join me to level up your leadership, take control of HR, and make 2024 your best year yet!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:05] Leadership, entrepreneurship, and managing a team

[3:00] HR best practices for small businesses

[6:55] Business finance and compliance

[11:05] HR compliance and best practices for a positive workplace culture

[15:40] HR best practices for small businesses

Listen to Similar Episodes:

HR Essentials for Small Business Owners: Avoiding Mistakes and Promoting Growth

HR Essentials for Small Business Owners: Compliance Strategies that Fuel Business Growth

Creating a Refreshing Company Culture from the Start with Greta Schmid

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

In this episode, Susan Trumpler and I dive deep into the world of influence and sales techniques, with a special focus on mindset and neuroscience. Susan is on a mission to empower women entrepreneurs to find their authentic voice and influence others effectively. She shares principles rooted in neuroscience and psychology that can help you connect with your ideal audience and move them into action.

We kick off the conversation with Susan's journey, where she acquired a business a decade ago and grew it into a success. This experience laid the foundation for her passion project, supporting women entrepreneurs. We discuss how influencing decision-makers is crucial for entrepreneurs, especially in the realms of sales and marketing. One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of understanding the emotional needs and motivations of decision-makers when trying to influence them.

Susan and I explore the concept of storytelling in entrepreneurship and discuss the three main points of friction that can arise during decision-making. Susan offers valuable advice for improving your ability to influence others and she also emphasizes the significance of soft skills, such as connecting with people and understanding their needs, for both personal and professional success.

So, if you're ready to supercharge your influence, sales skills, and entrepreneurial mindset, don't miss this insightful episode with Susan Trumpler. Tune in now and get ready to take your business to the next level!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:05] Influence and sales techniques with a focus on mindset and neuroscience

[2:40] Influencing decision makers in entrepreneurship

[8:10] Influencing others through understanding their needs and building trust

[15:00] Influencing senior leaders for business success

[22:20] Sales mindset and growth strategies

[26:10] Overcoming procrastination and mind drama in business

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Harnessing Your Influence with Expert Advice from Vanessa Bohns

Mastering Your Sales Strategy with Heather Wylde

Selling Your Business Through Storytelling with Marisa Corcoran

* Connect with Susan on LinkedIn

* Find more information on her website https://unstoppablewomeninbusiness.com

* Check out Susan's Book: Oh Sh*t I'm In Sales?

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/