Practitioners Corner

In this episode, Laura Mazzullo speaks with generational expert Mary Cooney, PhD, about navigating multiple generations in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. They explore how pressure surrounding AI, the economy, job stability, and high expectations can create stress that limits curiosity, trust, and collaboration. Mary encourages us to challenge our assumptions, understand the historical experie...

In this episode, I spoke with Nicholaos Papadopoulos ("Coach Nick"), Talent Management expert, about what it really takes to create learning experiences that truly add value. We explored the importance of connecting the dots for leaders—moving beyond one-off events to create an intentional arc of learning with a clear beginning, middle, and meaningful touchpoints along the way. Coach Nick sha...

Laura sits down with Fred Leong, Head of People and Culture, to explore what it takes to build high-performing, human-centered teams. They discuss radical candor, trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence, alongside the impact of AI, productivity, and the challenge of finding real ROI. The conversation highlights the importance of learning and development and why success is a team sport. Above al...

In this episode, Laura Mazzullo speaks with Ekta Lall Mittal, a former HR executive turned founder, about the evolving intersection of people, technology, process, and change. They explore how emerging women leaders can build authentic networks, embrace different perspectives, and bring empathy and emotional intelligence into an increasingly AI-driven workplace. As HR teams rethink how w...

In this episode, Laura speaks with Liz Mattila, Chief People Officer and explores how HR professionals can use AI to improve recruitment, talent development, and workplace processes without losing the empathy, judgment, and personal connection that make HR effective. Listeners will learn where technology can streamline transactional work, where human involvement remains essential, and how organiza...

In this episode, Erin Nesbitt, a strategic People leader, shares insights on the power of equality and equity in our thinking—and why HR professionals need to prioritize advocating for themselves. We explore the evolution of HR from “people policy” to strategic business partner, the importance of knowing your worth, taking your PTO, and recognizing that no one will advocate for you more than you....

In this conversation with Dan Goyeneche, a Talent AcquisitionLleader, we unpack the rapid rate of disruption in recruitment—from AI intervention and the uncertainty it creates to the shifting dynamics of power, ego, and personal branding on LinkedIn. We explore the caution and trepidation people are feeling in today’s market, the post-COVID rollercoaster the industry has experienced, and the troub...

In this episode, I speak with Andy Chown, a strategic Head of Talent Acquisition to explore what’s keeping him up at night—from whether hiring practices are really working as they should, to how we collectively are using AI without losing sight of the candidate experience. We talk about second-guessing our instincts, the race to evolve, and how hiring managers can become true advocates for Talent...

This conversation between Laura and Rachel Cupples, a strategic Talent Acquisition Pro, examines what is changing in talent acquisition as AI becomes more embedded in recruiting and job searching. The discussion looks at what is being automated, what should remain human, and whether the industry is losing sight of the connection between intent and impact. It also explores the challenges job seeker...

From pulling weapons at Six Flags to scaling a global HR org, this is what happens when you chase people, not titles. Most careers don’t break. They drift. Jessica Kozak didn’t drift. She pivoted fast, learned what she hated early, and kept saying yes when it counted. From high-volume recruiting chaos to enterprise HR strategy, this is about ownership, risk, and building real leverage through peop...

Global payroll isn’t just cutting checks—it’s a minefield of compliance, cultural nuances, and ever-changing regulations. Mariah Hantis, Senior Director of Global People Operations at Deel, unpacks her journey from aspiring FBI agent to HR leader. From payroll anxiety to AI-driven solutions, she shares the realities of managing 5,000 employees across 110 countries. In this episode, we look at HR,...

Jill Larsen, Chief People Officer at Synopsys, shares her inspiring career journey from Division I athlete to HR leadership, emphasizing the power of mentorship, self-awareness, and building innovative talent strategies. She dives into navigating family and executive roles, the evolving workforce, and how technology and AI are reshaping talent acquisition. In this episode, we look at Jill’s approa...

Neil Lenane walks us through a remarkable 37-year career, from managing claims to shaping HR strategy at Progressive Insurance. In his journey, he emphasizes influence, adaptability, and empathy as essential skills for creating a unified employee experience. Neil’s insights into offboarding, technology in HR, and career resilience redefine what it means to build intentional employee and customer e...

Craig Lutz, Director of Learning and Development at Gannett, explores the future of learning and development, emphasizing the transformative power of digital tools and AI. He highlights the shift from traditional classroom training to personalized, technology-driven learning strategies, underscoring the need for organizations to foster curiosity and adaptability among employees. In this episode, w...

Gabrielle’s career journey highlights the balance between confidence and humility as she oversees multiple HR functions at 1Password. From cultural insights and the power of coffee to navigating remote work security, Gabrielle reflects on leadership development, parental support, and the critical role of asking questions in team success. In this episode, we look at cultural insights, HR, leadershi...

Melissa Thompson, Head of Global TA at Ford Motor Company, shares her no-nonsense approach to improving the hiring process. From coaching hiring managers on interviewing to aligning decisions with business strategy, she gives actionable insights to reshape your talent acquisition process and boost team collaboration. In this episode, we look at Melissa Thompson, Ford Motor Company, hiring process,...

In this episode, we look at Southwest Airlines, talent acquisition, company culture, candidate experience, internships, career guidance, and employee engagement. Greg Muccio highlights the importance of a people-first strategy, innovative ideas from employees, and creating awareness for career opportunities that ensure staffing success. Key Takeaways: Southwest Airlines prioritizes a people-first...

Carina Cortez, Chief People Officer at Cornerstone On Demand, shares her HR career journey from an entry-level role at Visa to leading strategic initiatives at PayPal. Mentorship, continuous learning, and passion drive her success. Cortez emphasizes the importance of HR business partners focusing on strategic initiatives and creating positive employee experiences. In this episode: We look at the H...

We talk with Rachel Dalboth from The Talent Labs. Rachel shares her 25-year journey in talent acquisition, discussing her experiences at Nokia, Unilever, and now leading TA excellence at The Talent Labs. In this episode, we look at the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, remote work strategies, HR tech innovations, talent management, rebranding efforts, and career growth. Rachel dishes on pr...

We look Richa Gupta's career journey, exploring her humble beginnings and rise in HR. We discuss parenting, personal reflections, and HR leadership. We talk about the importance of treating employees uniquely, finding CEOs with intellectual humility, and fostering cross-functional communication in manufacturing. We examine personal reflections, parenting, HR profession, treating employees differen...

We talk with Mandy Mekhail, Director of People and Chief of Staff at ClickUp about determination, family, and impact. Her story is inspiring (not cheesy) - a story that you can learn from. She opens up about her family, immigration, her role at ClickUp and self awareness. Here's what we discuss: How empathy directly impacts career Growing with intention How her father built 1 gas station and turne...

In this episode we speak with Maggie Smith SVP, HR at Traliant on how she navigates company culture in the midst of multiple and ongoing acquisitions. We talk deeply about the challenges she has faced and the strategies that she has deployed covering the integrating compensation strategies, managing benefits, and soliciting employee feedback. Takeaways The importance of understanding and integrati...

In this episode we speak with Jeri Hawthorne, SVP and CHRO at Aflac about the global HR challenges and strategies she is confronted with as she leads the worlds #1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. We learn about her career journey and her insights on the impact of technology, employee wellness, AI's impact on HR and how to ensure continuity with human touch. Takeaways Insights i...

"Corporate trust is low and employees are more focused on their own skill growth and career advancement" - This is what we dissect today in our conversation with @RealestRecruiter, Joel Lalgee. Nothing is off limits - we talk culture, loyalty, skill growth, the fractional mindset, compensation, why employers hate side hustles, toxic work environments... We cover it all. Takeaways Corporate trust i...

In this episode we speak with Jean Bays, Head of People at Neat to explore the critical role of internships, effective communication, and global experience in attracting and retaining top talent. We look at fair treatment of employees, and strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace. We answer the question: How do these elements combined create a thriving, innovative company culture? Here's wh...