SpeakEasy HR

Mike Wood from HR.com joins to discuss Talent Acquisition in our Top Shelf Topic: The 2026 TA Forecast: What Leaders Should Expect. Mike provides a forward-looking analysis of the talent acquisition landscape, highlighting emerging trends and the challenges HR leaders will face in 2026.The conversation explores strategies for attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent in a highly competitive m...

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of talent, leadership, and people development with Lilith Christiansen, Chief Consultant and Founder of HumanGenuity. Lilith brings years of expertise helping organizations reimagine how they onboard, engage, and continually grow their people. We unpack the concept of Everboarding—why the traditional “first 90 days” mindset is outdated, and how...

I’m joined by Todd Cherches, CEO & Co-Founder of Big Blue Gumball, for an eye-opening conversation on the true power of visual thinking. Todd breaks down how visuals, metaphors, and simple sketches can transform the way leaders communicate, engage their teams, and bring complex ideas to life. We explore why visual tools stick, how they boost clarity and creativity, and how anyone—no artistic talen...

In this episode, Jessica Noon joins us for a top-shelf conversation on what it really takes to build a workplace culture that thrives — and what leaders can do when it starts to fall apart. From intentional design to practical recovery strategies, Jessica shares her insights on aligning values, leadership, and everyday behavior to create a culture that truly works. Tune in for a dynamic discussion...

SpeakEasy HR Hits the Road — Live from CincySHRM! We broadcasting straight from MadTree Brewing for a special live episode! I was joined by Melanie Booher, Engagement & Experience Officer at Talent Magnet Institute and Amazon Best-Selling Author, as we dive into what it really takes to build workplaces people love — from the inside out. Real talk. Real leaders. Real culture. To learn more about Me...

Tina-Marie Wohlfield is the founder and Chief People Strategist at TIMAWO, HR storyteller, author, and passionate champion of people-centered leadership. With 25+ years in HR, Tina-Marie will share insights on how leaders can move beyond metrics to bring humanity back into leadership, foster meaningful connections, and create HR partnerships that truly support their people. She’ll also highlight l...

We've made it to our 50th episode! For this milestone episode, Pete Schramm joins me to explore the power of intentional relationships in career growth. We discuss how to build your own personal boardroom — a network of mentors, coaches, and peers who guide, challenge, and champion your success. Pete shares practical strategies for identifying the right people to include, nurturing those connectio...

In this episode, we’re joined by Casey Webster, CEO and Founder of My HR Extension, for a conversation on aligning business goals with HR strategies for 2026. Casey shares how leaders can start preparing now—by connecting their people strategy to long-term growth, fostering stronger engagement, and using data to guide smarter workforce decisions. Get ready for practical insights and forward-thinki...

Recording LIVE on Oct. 13, 2025 In this eye-opening conversation, we sat down with Matt Charney, Executive Editor at ERE Media & Media Bistro — one of the most respected voices in talent acquisition. Top Shelf Topic: Are Employers Acquiring Talent or Inventory? Matt shared sharp insights into the subtle ways hiring practices have slipped into a purely transactional mindset and why the words we use...

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we welcome Steven Rothberg from CollegeRecruiter.com for a conversation that’s as timely as it is thought-provoking. Steven’s Top Shelf Topic dives into a question on every recruiter’s and graduate’s mind: How will artificial intelligence reshape early career opportunities? Together we explore:What kinds of entry-level roles are most likely to change—or even disapp...

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by the one and only William Tincup—editor, analyst, advisor, and the dynamic host of the WRKdefined podcast community. It’s an ask-me-anything conversation, and nothing is off limits:💡 The future of HR and talent strategy🤖 How AI is reshaping the workplace🎧 Insights on podcasting, audience-building, and authentic storytelling📈 His perspective on bu...

Recorded live on September 15, 2025. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sat down with the founder of Monster.com—one of the most groundbreaking job boards in history—and now the visionary behind the newest platform, Boomband. With decades of experience shaping how people search for jobs and how employers find talent, he shares insights on the evolution of job boards, what’s changed in the hiring...

In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of work with guest John McCarthy, Founder & CEO at AGI Management. Together, we explore the new psychology of work—how shifting employee expectations, workplace culture, and leadership practices are reshaping the way people find meaning and motivation in their careers. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or employee looking to better...

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, I sat down with Bob Goodwin for an insightful conversation on The Four C’s for Career Success. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, Bob shared strategies that will inspire and equip you to reach the next level in your career. Whether you’re just starting your professional journey or looking to refine and strengthen your path, Bob delivered practica...

In this powerful episode of SpeakEasy HR, Tammy Castro joins us to explore what she calls The Great Trust Reset. We dive deep into how trust—once lost—can be relearned, rebuilt, and repaired in today’s workplace. From leadership accountability to rebuilding team dynamics, Tammy shares bold truths and actionable strategies to create cultures rooted in authenticity and integrity. Tune in to hear why...

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we welcome bourbon industry expert Ruth Moore, SVP of HR at Lofted Spirits, for a fascinating conversation that distills career growth into its own unique mash bill. With deep experience in both the spirits world and HR leadership, Ruth shares the perfect blend of insight, intention, and grit it takes to grow a successful career—no matter your industry. You’ll hear...

In this energizing episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by the dynamic team behind "But, First Coffee"—John and Jackye—for a feel-good, real-talk conversation about something every workplace needs more of: celebration. We dive into how leaders and teams can intentionally encourage, recognize, and celebrate the good times—big or small—and why that matters more than ever in today’s fast-paced, high...

What really defines effective leadership today—and how can leaders spark transformation that actually sticks? In this powerful episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by Jordyne Carmack, the Owner & CEO of AuthentiLead, a boutique leadership development firm known for energizing teams, enhancing creativity, and achieving remarkable outcomes. Jordyne brings a fresh, engaging perspective on leadership...

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we’re joined by special guest Diane Allen for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to lead with purpose and elevate employee engagement. Diane shares actionable insights on how leaders can tap into their purpose to stay energized, focused, and effective—especially in today’s fast-paced workplace. If you’re looking to boost performance, inspire your team,...

Starting the month long one-year podcast anniversary with a bang! Peter Phelan—Your favorite HR Comedian’s favorite HR Comedian—is bringing the humor and the heat in our latest episode:"HR Comedy: What's Your Net Mirth? HumoR in HR!"We dive into the lighter (and laugh-out-loud) side of Human Resources with a conversation packed full of:💼 Why humor belongs in the workplace😂 How laughter builds co...

On this week’s SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with Dr. Angela Crawford—an accomplished leadership strategist, consultant, and author of Leaders SUCCEED Together. Angela shares her Superpower Pyramid framework, revealing how leaders and organizations can tap into purpose, passion, and performance to drive real results. With experience leading a 23-country study on workplace motivation and a career spann...

In this insightful episode of SpeakEasy HR, we welcome Erich Kurschat, a respected voice in the HR community, to dive into the power and importance of diverse communication styles in the workplace. As the founder of Harmony Insights and HRHotSeat, Erich brings a wealth of experience helping individuals and teams better understand themselves—and each other—through the lens of personality and commun...

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sat down with Sean Luitjens from Salary.com to explore how the role of payroll has evolved—and why it’s becoming a more strategic player in the total rewards conversation. Gone are the days when payroll was seen as purely transactional. Today, it’s a critical part of how organizations attract, retain, and engage their workforce. Sean broke down how technology, d...

This week on SpeakEasy HR, I was joined by the incredible Neil Thompson — engineer, Inc. Magazine contributor, children’s book author, speaker, and founder of Teach the Geek. We got into why strong communication skills are a game-changer for leadership, career growth, and especially for those in technical fields. From boardrooms to classrooms, Neil shares how mastering your message can elevate you...

When we talk about the "experience" at work, it’s usually focused on employees — but what about the people who advocate for them every day? In this episode, we flip the script and take a closer look at the experience of HR itself. I’m joined by Jennifer DuPont, a passionate HR leader who shares her insights on what it really means to be the voice for employees, balancing organizational needs while...