The Work Wire

In this bold and unfiltered episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, dismantle the myths surrounding one of the most misused phrases in today’s workplace lexicon: psychological safety. Far from being a license for comfort or an excuse to dodge accountability, psychological safety—originally defined by Harvard’s Dr. Amy E...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, break down one of the most audacious talent policies in recent memory: Shopify’s new rule that no new hires will be approved unless teams can prove that AI cannot do the job. This isn't just a headline—it's a signal flare. The age of AI-first hiring has o...

In this episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. dig into a controversial practice making headlines: Meta’s “Do Not Rehire” lists—and the silent consequences they carry for careers. What happens when a top performer is quietly marked as ineligible for rehire—without explanation, without appeal, and with no way to challenge the l...

In this insightful second part of The Work Wire podcast, hosts Bob Goodwin and Johnny C. Taylor Jr. delve deeper into the ramifications of the "BullDOGE Era," examining critical topics impacting the workforce today. From the rapid adoption and disruptive potential of AI, to the tangible effects of newly imposed tariffs, Bob and Johnny unpack what these changes mean for both employers and employees...

In this eye-opening episode of *The Work Wire*, Bob Goodwin is joined by Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President & CEO of SHRM, to unpack the sweeping changes taking shape under what Bob dubs the "Bulldoze Era"—a rapid-fire effort to dismantle bureaucracy, slash federal agencies, and upend traditional policies. From the Department of Education's possible shutdown to AI-fueled layoffs and the implosion of...

In this compelling episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin sits down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President & CEO of SHRM, to unpack his recent Congressional testimony on the state of education, workforce readiness, and untapped talent pools. Johnny shares unfiltered insights on why America’s education system is failing both students and employers, why traditional degrees aren’t always the answer, and...

With major executive orders and shifting workplace trends, the balance of power between employers and employees is changing fast. Bob Goodwin and Johnny C. Taylor Jr. discuss the federal return-to-office push, the future of DEI, and why companies are reevaluating how they measure employee value. Is the remote work era over? What’s next for workplace culture? Find out in this must-listen episode of...

A CEO's harsh firing of 90% of his employees via Slack reveals significant issues in leadership, communication, and employee accountability. The incident serves as a poignant reminder for leaders about the importance of setting expectations, cultivating a respectful culture, and demonstrating emotional intelligence in challenging situations.  • A shocking story of a CEO firing 90% of his staff  •...

What if the hierarchical structures that have defined our workplaces are holding us back from true productivity and profitability? Join us as we explore "The Great Flattening" trend reshaping the business landscape for 2025 with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Despite record profits and soaring stock market performances, companies are reconsidering the role of middle management an...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO and President of SHRM, as we uncover the essence of embracing change in a rapidly evolving world. Discover how swift advancements in technology, like AI tools such as ChatGPT, demand that we adapt or risk obsolescence. We'll explore how embracing change transforms potential stress into powerful advantages, propelling us into the...

Unlock the secrets to effective leadership decision-making with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Discover how Johnny navigated the weighty consideration of a potential role as Secretary of Labor, sharing the emotional complexities and strategic thinking involved. This episode promises to equip you with a robust decision-making framework, focusing on clarifying values...

Can your off-duty escapades lead to a pink slip? Join us in a captivating discussion featuring Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO and President of SHRM, as we dissect the case of Joe Gall, a tenured professor dismissed for producing pornographic content. Together, we explore the complexities of First Amendment rights for public sector employees and the potential professional fallout from personal activitie...

Unlock the secrets to fostering civility and respect in the workplace amidst post-election tensions with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., the President and CEO of SHRM, and your host, Bob Goodwin. We tackle the thorny issue of post-election workplace dynamics, sharing strategies to cultivate a culture that values diverse perspectives—even when political views clash. Learn how HR professionals c...

Are you ready to rethink how pay structures can transform the workplace? Join us for a captivating conversation with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, as we unpack the compelling world of incentive-based pay. This episode opens up a window into the rising trend of pay-for-performance models, not just in sales but spreading to various other sectors. We'll take you behind the curtain...

The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry sparks a compelling exploration of power dynamics in celebrity circles, with a spotlight on ego, charisma, and wealth. In this thought-provoking episode of WorkWire, I sit down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO of SHRM, to dissect these intricate relationships and their consequences. Through Perry's unfortunate overdose and the involvement of his...

Unlock the secrets to combating burnout in the workplace with insights from Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Burnout is more than just an individual issue; it's a complex problem influenced by political unrest, economic uncertainty, and personal challenges. In this compelling discussion, discover why addressing burnout is a shared responsibility between employers and employees and...

When 100-hour work weeks become the norm, who pays the ultimate price? Join us on this gripping episode of the Work Wire as Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO of SHRM, and I uncover the startling realities of extreme work hours faced by junior bankers at Bank of America. We pull back the curtain on the life-threatening consequences of relentless overwork, sharing harrowing anecdotes from a Wall Street Jour...

What happens when a beloved CEO like Howard Schultz steps down, and how does that impact the corporate culture at a giant like Starbucks? We explore this and more with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, as we dissect the leadership hurdles and cultural shifts following the latest CEO departure at Starbucks. Learn from the contrasting story of Brian Nickel's remarkable turnaround at C...

Can psychedelics boost business performance? Join Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, and Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, as we delve into tech executives using ketamine and psilocybin for enhanced focus, creativity, and empathy. We discuss the risks and ethical concerns of self-prescribing these drugs, the balance between short-term benefits and long-term impacts, and draw par...

What if non-compete agreements are holding back your career? Join us for an insightful episode of The Work Wire as we welcome Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, and Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, to dissect the controversial world of non-compete clauses. With recent FTC developments shaking up the landscape, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the potential economic benefit...

Join Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, and Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, on The Work Wire as they discuss California's proposed "right to disconnect" law. This episode challenges traditional views on work-life balance, offering insights into the benefits of allowing employees to truly recharge. Dive into the nuances of work-life integration versus balance, and explore the i...

Can background checks truly make or break the safety and integrity of your workplace? Join us for an insightful conversation as Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club and Johnny C Taylor Jr, President and CEO of SHRM, shares his eye-opening personal experiences that highlight the critical importance of thorough background checks. We discuss how these essential measures can coexist harmoniously with...

Are traditional resumes becoming relics of the past? Tune in as I, Bob Goodwin, alongside the insightful Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, unravel the complex tapestry of talent acquisition. We dive into the debate over whether industry experience and academic pedigree should remain the linchpins of the hiring process, potentially sidelining untapped talent. Together, we navigate th...

Join SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. and President of Career Club Bob Goodwin as we explore the future of work in a post-pandemic world. This episode delves into the complexities of hybrid work environments, balancing remote flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration. We discuss how hybrid models impact diverse employee demographics, especially underrepresented minorities, and...

Discover why being a follower might just be as crucial as being a leader with Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club and Johnny C. Taylor Jr., SHRM's President and CEO. This episode takes a surprising turn as we scrutinize the societal obsession with leadership and the overlooked art of followership. Prepare to have your notions of success and influence turned on their head as we uncover what it me...