HR Mixtape

Leaders are burning out quietly, and most organizations are still pretending it isn't happening. Mel Doman, organizational psychologist, author, and founder of the Workplace Mental Health Method, has spent years equipping leaders at Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce with the skills to have real conversations about mental health at work. In this episode, she breaks down why we've systematically deh...

Your people strategy shouldn't be a support function. It should be a competitive advantage. In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson sits down with James Terry, Head of US Revenue at IndeedFlex, to talk about what it really means to build an agile, flexible workforce in today's labor market. James brings a frontline revenue perspective on how companies can stop treating staffing as a headache and start...

Most performance problems aren't about effort. They're about unclear expectations. When employees don't know exactly what they're responsible for, how much authority they actually have, or what happens when they hit it out of the park (or don't), the whole system breaks down. In this episode, you'll learn: Why trust and communication breakdowns are the real root cause of most organizational chaos,...

Most leaders are quietly using AI tools to get more done, but the real question isn't whether AI can automate tasks. It's whether your team can do the work AI can't: building relationships, pushing the frontier, and creating ideas that didn't exist before. Steven Puri, founder of The Sukha Company and a veteran of motion picture studios, three startups, and $20M in venture funding, brings a refres...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Madeline Kipperman, Human Resource Leader at Gorilla Glue, about the importance of leading with humanity in the workplace. They discuss how compassion and transparency can enhance leadership effectiveness, especially in high-pressure environments. Listeners will learn practical strategies for fostering trust and psychological safety among team members...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Jillian Ambrose, Counsel at Crowell, about the urgent legal and compliance risks associated with using AI in hiring processes. As organizations increasingly adopt AI tools for recruitment, understanding the evolving landscape of state laws and potential biases is crucial. Listeners will gain insights into how to effectively engage with AI vendors, ens...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Meghan Focht, Human Capital Director at Concurrency, about the intentional design of workplace culture. They discuss how to identify cultural strengths and weaknesses through values and behaviors, and how to implement systems that support a positive environment. Listeners will learn practical strategies for assessing their organizati...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Steve Jaffe, author at Jaffe Marketing and Publishing, about the emotional and practical impacts of layoffs. They discuss how to approach layoffs with empathy and the importance of understanding the stages of grief that accompany job loss. Listeners will learn how to support employees during layoffs and how to rebuild their own identities...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. They discuss the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach in the workplace, especially in the context of conflict and the rise of AI. Listeners will learn practical strategies for managing workplace conflict, the significance of validating emotions, and how to...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Meghan Grace, consultant at the Institute for Generational Research and Education, about the challenges and opportunities of working with multiple generations in the workplace. They discuss how to address common misconceptions about Gen Z and the importance of creating inclusive environments that foster collaboration. Listeners will learn practical st...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Christy Engler about the unique HR challenges faced by small businesses and how to address them effectively. Listeners will learn why even small organizations need robust HR practices, the importance of having a solid foundation in HR, and how to foster a positive workplace culture while remaining compliant with laws. By the end of the episode, you wil...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys, about the challenges of succession planning in organizations. They discuss how to shift the perception of succession planning from a reactive process to a proactive strategy that involves all levels of the organization. Listeners will learn practical steps to identify critical roles, engage employees in th...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Dr. Rosina McAlpine, founder of Win-Win Parenting, about the challenges working parents face and how employers can better support them. The discussion highlights the misconceptions surrounding working parents and caregivers, emphasizing that the issues they encounter are systemic rather than individual. Listeners will learn actionable strategies to cr...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Will Ortiz-Febus, HR Healing Advocate at Beyond HR podcast, about the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by HR professionals. They discuss the emotional toll of the HR role, the importance of setting boundaries, and practical strategies for maintaining well-being while supporting others. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing signs...

In this episode of HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Steve Goble, Chief People Builder at The Goble Group, about the sensitive topic of employee terminations. They discuss the importance of treating employees with dignity during layoffs and how leaders can approach these difficult conversations. Listeners will gain insights into building empathy, providing support services, and fostering a...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Claude Silver about the importance of heart-led leadership in creating a psychologically safe workplace. Listeners will learn how to cultivate trust and empathy among team members, leading to improved performance and collaboration. Claude shares practical insights on how to have difficult conversations while maintaining kindness and clarity, ensuring...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Enrique Rubio about the current state of work and the significant changes driven by technology, particularly AI. They discuss the challenges organizations face in adapting to these changes and the importance of creating human-centered workplaces. Listeners will gain insights into how HR can navigate these transformations and support employees in a rapi...

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of employee benefits and how organizations can leverage them to enhance retention and engagement. Jordan Peace, CEO of Fringe, shares insights on the importance of personalizing benefits to meet the diverse needs of employees. Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating a culture that values employee experience and how to effectively co...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the importance of people-first leadership and how it can transform workplace culture. Jeremy York discusses practical strategies for leaders to enhance communication, build trust, and prioritize employee well-being, ultimately leading to improved team performance and reduced turnover. Listener Takeaways Understand the critical role of people-first leader...

In this episode, we explore the exciting yet risky landscape of AI in human resources. Lisa McConnell shares insights on how HR professionals can effectively implement AI tools while maintaining a people-first approach. Listeners will learn about the ethical considerations, the importance of human connection, and practical strategies for leveraging AI to enhance workplace efficiency without compro...

In this episode, we explore the critical role of HR operations in driving organizational success beyond mere compliance and administrative tasks. La Tonya Roberts shares insights on how HR can evolve from a reactive function to a strategic partner, emphasizing the importance of data, process maturity, and proactive engagement with leadership. Listeners will learn actionable steps to enhance their...

In this episode, Alfredo Borodowski discusses the critical mistakes leaders make when attempting to future-proof their workforce, particularly the risk of employee burnout. He emphasizes the importance of understanding character strengths and fostering resilience within teams. Listeners will learn practical strategies to create a culture of nourishment rather than fixing, ultimately enhancing empl...

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Laura Varn about the unique challenges and opportunities of building HR from the ground up in the manufacturing sector. Listeners will learn about the importance of establishing a strong culture, the role of HR in startups, and practical strategies for engaging hourly workers. Laura shares insights on how to create a people-first environment that fost...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Dr. Shari Simpson welcomes Tracy Austin, Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting. They dive into the often-overlooked world of skilled trades, discussing the misconceptions surrounding these roles and the importance of effective leadership in these environments. This conversation is timely as organizations face challenges in attracting and retaini...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Lily Zheng, a FAIR strategist and consultant at Zheng Consulting. They delve into the pressing topic of fairness in the workplace, emphasizing the need for measurable DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices that drive real outcomes. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the importanc...