HR Power Hour

In business, we have information coming at us a mile a minute. Some of it’s useful, some of it not-so-much. At the same time, each of us (and our employees) have lives outside of work. Big things, little things, old things, new things, all the things that we carry with us that makes us who we are–but which also can interfere with productivity and general ability to be “present” at work. In this ep...

Building a Legacy can seem far off and out of reach, but actually your legacy is a mindset, an awareness of the impact you’re having on your relationships, your organization, and your family. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Jann E. Freed, PhD, leadership consultant, podcaster, and author, her book Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering. This book...

With talent in high demand and short supply, organizations are looking to unleash the potential of new talent that may not have the experience or credentials they need. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Michelle Rhee, Co-Founder of Build Within, Modern Apprenticeships: A Talent Strategy Solution. You may not know that apprenticeships are now an option for any industry not jus...

Most employees don’t step into leadership roles and find themselves effectively managing teams on day one. While many individuals may possess some natural ability to lead, for most, you would likely hear stories of struggles and failures as they learned what worked and what was less effective.   How can organizations better equip team members to move into leadership positions and experience succes...

DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs and trainings have been increasingly coming under more scrutiny as both supporters and critics have been more vocal about the results. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Debra Weiss Ford, Managing Partner at the Law Firm of Jackson Lewis, Workplace Diversity Programs – Doing More Harm Than Good? Listen and learn about DEI Trainin...

The four-day work week is not a new concept, but in the last year we have seen more and more companies who are “making it work.” Additionally, we are seeing states introduce legislation that incentivizes companies to switch to four-day work week, providing state tax credits to both public and private employers who make the switch. At the federal level, in 2023, we have seen the proposal of a bill...

In an increasingly complex and chaotic world where leaders are in short supply, people of all personality types are needed to lead.  Rather than asking aspiring quiet leaders to “fake it” or pretend to be something they aren’t, the new book Quiet Leader, Loud Results provides real-world tested advice, and strategies on navigating the difficulties of having a quieter personality.  In this episode,...

"There is a strategic approach to salary negotiation -it starts by understanding the employer's point of view. Despite stories of amazing signing bonuses and generous pay increases, most of us haven't been wowed by our own compensation. HRPH brings you Executive Coach Mark Gonska with a 4-Step Approach to Salary Negotiation... it works. Learn 5 tips of Salary Negotiation that may be...

Managers are often promoted into the role because they are operationally skilled.  However, this often sets up first-time managers for failure. Unfortunately, they frequently lack the management skills necessary for success. In this episode of HR Power Hour, join host Tawny Alvarez as she talks with Jen Serei, SHRM-CP, HR Partner at MP. They’ll discuss useful tips and best practices for first-time...

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and the pace of HR compliance change has been at a record setting pace in 2022 and now 2023 with no signs of it slowing down anytime soon. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Chris Cluff, President of Papertrails, Evolving HR Compliance Challenges for Small Businesses. Learn what and how your small business can do to co...

In this episode of The HR Power Hour, join Tawny Alvarez as she talks with Melissa Denbow, Vice President Community Experience Manager at Machias Savings Bank.   Tawny and Melissa talk about the work that she has done to help Machias Savings Bank become a key member of the community it serves, and steps other companies can take to communicate the value of community engagement to its team members.

Employers often ask their employees to “bring their whole self to work.” Companies ask employees to engage in inclusion endeavors and to help the organization achieve its mission as it relates to culture, diversity, and growth.   Often, however, when the organization is unsuccessful in achieving any of these goals, the organization blames the individual—using terms and phrases such as “they weren’...

Retail is the heartbeat of a thriving economy and community, and our guest’s mission is to inspire a new era of leadership, one that teaches leaders to value their most precious asset, their people.  In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with April Sabral, author of her new book The Positive Effect: A Retail Leaders Guide to Changing the World. April shares her personal journey, lesso...

Can you go ten minutes without checking your email? Do you find yourself picking up your phone and suddenly realizing you’re not sure what you were planning to search for or what app you were going to visit? Does the same thing happen when you’re on a tight deadline? When you have to be productive, but the envelope icon keeps flashing on your screen or your phone keeps pinging? On this episode of...

Did you know that if you have an Employer Group Health Plan, you have a fiduciary responsibility to comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) by Jan 1, 2023, or face real fines? In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Healthcare Purchaser Alliance of Maine Co-Founder and President Peter Hayes, the new requirements, and fiduciary best practices for employer sponsored hea...

If you are aspiring entrepreneur, growth-focused founder, family business owners, and government and technology professional, you will value the Levys’ business and personal success stories, with guidance on how to manage a marriage and business simultaneously, creating boundaries with a home office, and showing mutual respect in the boardroom. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses wi...

A longtime broadcast journalist, ABC News correspondent, and business communication strategist shows how you can craft an honest and authentic response to any scandal, rather than try to deny it, and ultimately bolster your brand. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with T.J. Winick, SVP at Issues Management Group his new book , Reputation Capital: Navigate and Protect Your Greatest...

While companies would prefer to operate “crisis free,” such a goal is usually unobtainable. The crisis could be small—a difficult employee who takes up significant time and energy and appears uncoachable—or a larger crisis—supply chain issues, recalls, active shooter situations. The question, however, that should be asked is whether managers in the organization have the skills and resources to dec...

Want to know a uniquely powerful approach from cutting-edge neuroscience, behavioral science, psychology, and world champions, that makes you feel better? Then read a new book called The Habit Mechanic; Fine Tune Your Brain and Supercharge How You Live, Work and Lead. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Dr. Jon Finn, leadership consultant, best-selling author, and Tougher Minds...

Do you have the right people, in the right roles, doing the right work? Not just that, but even if the right people are in the right role, are they happy? Do they enjoy the work that they do daily? Does it bring them joy? What if there was a resource that could help you determine the right role for your team members—while also making sure that they feel included and engaged in your organization’s...

There are currently about 430,000 jobs in the cannabis industry and with more states poised to legalize it, the industry is soaring to new heights. This growth opens the door to a high demand for HR professionals who have an entrepreneurial mindset, can creative problem solve, and provide needed strategic planning. In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Jacques Santucci, President...

It’s work party time. As we enter the fourth quarter of the calendar year many HR departments are likely discussing end of the year or holiday parties. You know, that time of year where we kick off our shoes, drink a glass of eggnog and try to prepare for the arrival of the new year. Whether you are excited to join your colleagues in holiday festivities or are dreading wearing your happy face and...

Are you a little too comfortable with Self-loathing? Tired of felling like you are not enough? Our guest says this book is for you!  In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with author, attorney, single mom, and business owner Carrington Smith her new book Blooming: Finding Gifts in the Shit of Life. We discuss how shit is quite literally fertilizer that can take you from trauma to triu...

On this week’s episode of HR Power Hour. It’s easy to say that your work environment is inclusive, but what does it take to attract and retain female leaders?   Join Tawny as she speaks to April Paradis, HR Specialist at Bank of America about the work that Bank of America is doing to invest in women.   April will discuss the work that Bank of America does in focusing on retention and development w...

For the most part, employers want to comply with the laws. But the wage and hour laws are surprising complicated, and not intuitive. Problems usually arise in one of three ways: random audit employee complaint or referral from another agency In this episode, host CMA’s David Ciullo discusses with Margaret (“Peg”) O’Brien, Director of the Employment Law Practice Group at McLane Middleton, the US DO...