Guerrilla HR

What happens when a demanding full-time career collides with the responsibility of caring for aging parents? In this episode of the Guerrilla HR Podcast , host Becky Drozdz dives into the complex realities facing the "sandwich generation"—working professionals balancing children and full-time jobs while managing the care of senior family members. Becky is joined by Cindy Hall, a senior l...

Are leaders born or are they made? I'm talking to strategist, speaker, and author Jim Carlough to explore his core philosophy: leaders aren't born, they are developed. Drawing from over 30 years of experience transforming teams and mentoring professionals, Jim discusses his book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success . He shares real-world stories and actionable ins...

We're exploring a topic becoming increasingly central to modern workplace dynamics: the intersection of professional leadership and the responsibilities of caring for aging parents. Becky is joined by Janice Goldmintz , founder of Talk About Aging and author of Getting Older But Not Old , to discuss the unique challenges faced by the "sandwich generation"—those balancing the needs of...

In this episode of the Guerrilla HR Podcast , host Becky Drozdz sits down with Ivonne Ferneaux , founder of EmpowerUp Consulting , to explore why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing a significant backlash and how organizations can move toward more pragmatic, structural success. Ivonne introduces her powerful concept of "Ghost Gaps" —the invisible organizational...

I'm sitting down with Sandra Coker , founder and CEO of Human Power Solutions and author of People Profit . Together, they dive into the critical role of employee development within the total rewards framework and discuss why traditional leadership often fails to retain top talent. Sandra shares her "boots on the ground" philosophy, arguing that leadership isn't just about style—...

We dive into the shifting landscape of the 2026 workplace. While recent reports show that fewer employees are planning to leave their organizations, only a fraction actually feel energized by their work. I'm joined by Dr. David Shar , a consultant and University of Maryland researcher who specializes in why people fall out of love with their careers and how to rekindle that passion. David shares h...

"Forced fun is never fun." In this episode of the Guerrilla HR Podcast , host Becky sits down with Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins , whose career path is anything but ordinary. From being the youngest professional bass fisherman in the U.S. to reaching the C-suite in higher education, Mickey explains why she walked away from it all to focus on the future of Learning and Development (L&D). W...

We're tackling the sobering reality of financial stability in 2026. Opening with data from the Bank of America Institute and Bankrate, Becky highlights that nearly a quarter of households are living paycheck to paycheck, with pessimism about the economic future reaching new highs. Becky is joined by Brenton Harrison , a certified financial planner and founder of New Money, New Problems , to discus...

In this episode of the Guerrilla HR podcast, Becky is joined by Traci Austin , Chief Strategy Consultant and owner of Elevated Talent Consulting. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of the workforce—specifically the rise of "new collar" jobs—and how organizations can identify and develop leadership potential in traditionally overlooked roles. Key Discussion Points *The Rise of...

Becky is joined by Joni Hough , owner of Rise Up Consignments , to discuss how to dress for interviews in a changing workplace landscape. From "size-inclusive" professional wear to the nuances of tech vs. corporate attire, Joni shares expert advice on how to look your best without breaking the bank. The duo also covers the do's and don'ts of accessories, makeup, and even how to dress for your prof...

In this episode of the Guerrilla HR podcast, host Becky Drozdz sits down with Barry Wolfe, founder of Argos HR Solutions and author of It's All in Your Head . They challenge traditional HR "doom and gloom" by discussing why psychology-based tools often fail employees and why leadership should focus on "nouns" (deliverables) rather than "verbs" (tasks). From drivin...

In this episode of the Guerrilla HR Podcast , Becky Drozdz is joined by IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) expert Michael Bach to challenge traditional approaches to diversity work. Michael explains why moving from a "social justice" or "moral" justification to a data-driven business case is the key to making organizational change truly "sticky". F...

While many professionals are familiar with the "5 Love Languages," applying these concepts to a professional setting is a game-changer for retention and culture. In this episode of the Guerrilla HR Podcast , Becky Drozdz sits down with Dr. Paul White to discuss how managers can move beyond vague "good job" emails and connect with their teams on a deeper level. From navigating a...

Becky Drozdz sits down with Anu Jassal, owner and president of TeamLogic IT, to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing organizations today: data security. From rising benefits costs to the growing threat of cyberattacks, Becky and Anu explore how employers can safeguard sensitive information while supporting their workforce. 💡 Key insights you’ll hear: Why rising benefits costs demand smar...

Becky Drozdz welcomes Jessica Arellano—strategic HR leader and retired U.S. Marine—to explore the parallels and differences between military and civilian human resources. Jessica shares her 20-year journey in the Marine Corps, where she managed HR functions like benefits, performance management, and succession planning, and how those experiences translate into today’s corporate world. 💡 Key takea...

In this episode of Guerrilla HR , Becky Drozdz sits down with Bill Kasko , President and CEO of Frontline Source Group, to unpack the evolving world of recruiting and staffing. From the days of fax machines to the rise of LinkedIn, Bill shares how technology, recessions, and the Great Resignation have reshaped the balance of power between employers and employees. 💡 Key insights you’ll hear: Why f...

Becky Drozdz tackles the emotional weight of a divided world and pivots toward personal agency, starting with your paycheck. After a heartfelt reflection on legacy and how we show up in the world, Becky dives into the wage gap debate, busts myths about gender and negotiation, and delivers a no-nonsense guide to asking for a raise. 💡 What you'll learn: Why your employer doesn’t care why you want a...

Becky dives into the latest CEO compensation data and the jaw-dropping gap between executive pay and employee wages. But that’s just the warm-up. From the myth of the “shit sandwich” feedback model to the emotional toll of toxic coworkers, Becky lays out a clear, practical framework for accountability in the workplace. Whether you’re a new manager, a seasoned HR pro, or just tired of eye rolls and...

Becky sits down with Dr. Crystal Maxwell ; family physician, entrepreneur, and founder of Light Family Wellness, to unpack the real cost of traditional healthcare and introduce a smarter, more human alternative: direct primary care. From predictable pricing and same-day access to personalized treatment without insurance interference, Dr. Maxwell explains how DPC works, why it’s affordable, and how...

Becky dives into the uncomfortable truths that shape our workplaces—from child labor violations in poultry plants to the emotional toll of pretending everything’s fine. With her signature mix of humor, honesty, and coaching clarity, Becky walks us through the “ugly truths” managers and employees need to hear. Whether it’s learning to say no, setting boundaries, or fixing your Zoom face mid-meeting...

Becky kicks off this episode of the Guerrilla HR Podcast with a sweaty gym anecdote that leads into a powerful conversation about workplace burnout—specifically a rising phenomenon called “quiet cracking.” From Rhode Island’s new menopause accommodation law to the emotional toll of staying in toxic jobs, Becky blends humor, empathy, and HR expertise to unpack what it means to truly support employe...

Becky tackles one of the workplace’s most persistent taboos: talking about money. Why are employers still so cagey about compensation? And what does that silence say about your brand? Becky breaks down the myths, the legal realities, and the strategic advantages of pay transparency. From outdated handbooks to secretive salary ranges, she calls out the practices that erode trust—and offers clear, a...

In this episode of the Guerrilla HR Podcast, host Becky welcomes Sarah Price , Founder of Live In Your Strengths, for a candid and empowering conversation about the challenges facing new graduates in today’s job market. From viral HR gossip to actionable career advice, Sarah shares her 25+ years of HR expertise to help young professionals navigate the hiring landscape with confidence. Learn how to...

Do you know if your paycheck stacks up in today’s market? In this episode, Becky unpacks the loaded concept of competitive pay —what it means, how it's calculated, and why it matters. From minimum wage myths to market-based compensation data, we explore what employers are offering, what workers need to survive, and how far apart those figures really are. Becky shares actionable insights from both...

This week Becky is answering YOUR top Human Resources questions. What would you like to ask Becky? Leave a comment or email podcast@guerrilla-hr.com