Bob 'n Joyce Talk HR 'n OD

In this episode, Bob 'n Joyce sit down with someone who really knows how to spark transformation from the inside out—Ernesto Gómez Arzapalo. He’s worn a lot of hats—OD consultant, c-suite exec, academic, serial entrepreneur—and somehow manages to still be one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Ernesto brings the kind of wisdom you only get from decades in the trenches—leading people-first cultur...

In this episode, Bob and Joyce explore the critical importance of handling employee terminations the right way. When done poorly, these moments don’t just affect the individuals involved—they send shockwaves through the entire organization, damaging culture and trust. The conversation is sparked by the troubling trend of mass layoffs via impersonal emails, as seen recently in the U.S. government....

In this episode, Bob and Joyce reflect on the evolving role of HR and OD amidst today’s profound global disruptions. Drawing inspiration from Meg Wheatley—author and organizational wellness expert—we explore the concept of creating islands of sanity in a world where many feel isolated, ignored, or overwhelmed. We discuss practical ways to build strong, sustainable work communities that foster poss...

In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce welcome Dr. Rob Lion, a strategist, professor, and expert in workplace culture, leadership development, and performance improvement. With a passion for helping students, business leaders, and HR/OD practitioners grow and thrive, Rob blends academic rigor with real-world experience to create sustainable, high-performance practices. His consultancy, Black River Performa...

In today’s episode, Bob ‘n Joyce dive into how people react to change—especially in the workplace. If you’re a change agent or work in organizational development, you won’t be surprised by resistance to change. But what may surprise you are the practical steps you can take to minimize chaos and increase the chances of success. With most organizational changes falling short of their intended benefi...

In this episode, we tackle a conversation we’d rather avoid—but know we must have. How can leaders create the conditions for constructive dialogue in divisive times? Do they take a stand based on their company’s vision, values, and business needs, even if it alienates some? Or do they stay silent, wary of the risks in today’s political climate? We don’t claim to have “the” answer, but we do offer...

In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce explore the power of deliberate and intentional leadership. Too often, we miss opportunities to maximize our impact by reacting impulsively to the chaos around us. Instead of leading with purpose, we get swept up in the moment. Leading with intention means consciously choosing our words and actions to shape outcomes rather than merely responding to circumstances. This...

In today’s episode, Bob ‘n Joyce welcome Mark Carpenter, author and leadership consultant, to discuss his work helping leaders bring their full humanity to work. Mark’s leadership premise is that there are leadership positions and there are leaders and that the two should not be confused. They may coexist together but too often they don’t. Mark helps front line leaders and executives connect the d...

In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce discuss the findings of a Strategy + Business Newsletter article on the 5 qualities that leaders must possess to succeed in today’s world. These qualities imply a shift from the metrics of efficiency and performance to managing the more intangible aspects of the business such as governance, environmental impact, and a positive work culture. We muse about the implicati...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce talk with Ryan Englin about what businesses can do to fully leverage the power of the people closest to the work. Englin is a gritty, no bull coach who helps business owners get real about what’s needed to build strong teams that drive business success. Some of Ryan’s thought-provoking insights include: Being authentic to your brand, even if it’s edgy and doesn't appeal...

Today, Joris Merks-Benjaminsen joins us from the Netherlands to share his work helping companies cultivate leaders who emphasize both accountability and human connection to achieve extraordinary results. Joris is an award-winning author, brand and marketing expert, successful business leader, and entrepreneur. In 2022, after 22 years in various corporate roles, Joris launched his company, Managing...

Bob’ n Joyce look ahead to 2025 and share what workplace pundits tell us what we can expect this year. Instead of regurgitating a boring list, they synthesize them down to the 4 biggies, and then play their “What-if?” game to stimulate our thinking about actions we can take. There are some pleasant surprises about what the experts* predict resulting in more productive, healthy and fulfilling workp...

In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce put the spotlight on OD/HR practitioners and their role helping organizations navigate these exhilarating but terrifying times. Institutions, governments, and people worldwide are being challenged in ways not seen before. What can organizational development and HR people do help their companies thrive in these times? And what can we do on this podcast to support you?...

In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce talk about the emotional highs and lows that surround the holidays. At a time when people feel compelled to be joyful, the holidays can also be a profoundly sad time. Today, we explore the power of expressing both the negative and positive emotions on any given situation or topic. We use the context of the holidays but it applies to most life circumstances and especia...

In today’s episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss the impact OD/HR practitioners have shaping culture and transforming organizations. The spotlight, much to her chagrin, is on Joyce and her impact first at Central Maine Power, and later at Hannaford and Delhaize. It underscores the importance of what great leaders do – drive positive change while focusing on the business and its people, and not on themselves...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss why building community and connection in the workplace should be every leader’s responsibility. Research shows that the loneliness crisis is worsening as people are feel more isolated and marginalized. When this is prevalent in the workplace, overall morale, productivity, and safety suffer. The opportunity for HR, OD, and Leadership is that a healthy workplace c...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on the recent trend of abandoning DEI programs in organizations and institutions. Companies that once were the champions of making all voices heard and valued, are tiptoeing, and in some instances, running away from their diversity initiatives. Spoiler alert – we think this is ill-advised and harmful. There are many reasons for DEI’s demise - a prevailing scarcity...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discussed the power of guided dialogue for jumpstarting a team. This is a non-linear approach where new or struggling teams get together and use the power of dialogue to open up new possibilities and build trust. In HR/OD, some of our most important work involves getting teams and organizations unstuck. This inquiry methodology, in our experience, works better than most...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce muse about the paradox of being 'all in.' With the world in disarray, many consider withdrawing and checking out but more often than not end up choosing engagement and purpose. So what is going on here? Being all in requires discipline and commitment to weather the tough patches. There is an expression that most of us start with the best of intentions and then life gets...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce muse on the X factor in why some leaders excel and thrive. The context is today’s podcast was recorded on November 5th, America’s election day and a new leader will be chosen. By the time you read this, we all will know the results and hopefully, what we shared will make sense of why either Trump or Harris won. My bet is that the winner possessed many of the attributes...

In this Episode, exactly one week before the U.S. elections, Bob’nJoyce take on the timely topic of getting unstuck when uncertainty and anxiety run rampant. As a country, we are trying to figure out how to move forward post-election despite half of the country being disappointed and angry. The same is true when a business is suddenly disrupted and what worked before no longer does. Bob’nJoyce lea...

In this episode, Joyce shares the characteristics and unique qualities of high performing CEOs she has worked with over her career. Again, Joyce reaches into her treasure chest of written reflections and makes them available to you, our valued listeners. Her observations are anything but your typical list of traits or rigid leadership models. What she shares may surprise you. In Episode #165, Joyc...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce interview Corey Spitzer - serial entrepreneur, IT expert, start-up guru, and business change agent. Corey is a fractional CTO who helps clients solve the thorniest of product development and business growth challenges. He describes himself as an interpreter of sorts helping tech and business development people communicate and collaborate better. Corey brings a wealth of...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss how a network of auto repair tradespeople loosely organize as entrepreneurs to provide value and quality. There are a lot of ideas and lessons to be gleaned from this entrepreneurial innovation - think outsourcing done where everyone, especially the customer, wins. What can the rest of us learn from their example about org structure and how, when, and where work...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss ways to unleash our best thinking when feeling stuck. We share concrete ideas to go from linear to lateral thinking that gets the creative juices following. In a world where dull thinking is way too common, these simple but effective ideas promote creativity and new thinking. You will get: Meeting check-ins that get a group revved up and ready. How to use synect...