Strategic Shift

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt speaks with David Barnette, Co-Founder and President of Avant Executive Search, about the rise of fractional work and global talent. David shares how companies are rethinking traditional full-time roles, when fractional leadership makes sense, and how borderless work is expanding access to talent and opportunity around the world.    Timestamps:...

In this episode of Strategic Shift, executive coach Carrie Fabris discusses the critical shift toward human-centered leadership as organizations navigate the complexities of AI, hybrid work, and shifting employee expectations. The conversation provides actionable insights for HR leaders on bridging the gap between C-suite ROI demands and the human needs of the workforce    Timestamps:   01:34 Carr...

Join us as Matt Baxter, CEO of WedgeHR, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in HR tech. Discover how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are transforming the future of hiring and why hope and trust are more vital than ever in workforce innovation.    Timestamps:   00:00 - Introducing Matt Baxter and his journey from lawn care entrepreneur to HR innovator  00:25 -...

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of workforce strategies, AI integration, and talent mobility with Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer of EMPLOY. Stephanie shares her insights on how HR can lead change, foster a human-centric approach amidst technological advancements, and adapt career evolution models to modern organizational needs.    Timestamps:   1:24 - Stephanie's...

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Huw Newton-Hill, Managing Director of Attensi, to explore why confidence and behavior change matter more than information in workforce training. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of work, including digital twins, human-centered AI, and the growing importance of communication and problem-solving skills.    Timestamps...

In this episode, discover actionable strategies to stand out in today's competitive job market, harness the power of personal branding, and leverage digital and social platforms to amplify your professional presence. Stacey Ross Cohen, CEO of Co-communications and author of Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success in the Digital World, shares her insights on self-aware...

Discover how Jason Putnam, CEO of Vetty, is transforming talent verification, onboarding, and leadership with a focus on trust, human experience, and innovative tech. This episode explores the evolving landscape of HR, AI, candidate trust, and community building in the workforce. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or job seeker, the insights shared by Jason Putnam provide a roadmap for navigating...

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Angela Sycz, VP of People Operations at Counslr, discusses the critical importance of mental health in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for self-care, work-life harmony and the generational shifts in attitudes towards work. The conversation explores how organizations can better listen to employee sentiment, the role of AI in mental health and practical adv...

We keep calling Gen Z “unprepared” … while giving them work that isn’t worth doing. L-EAF LAB co-founders Pinny Sutkin (20+ years in talent acquisition) and Simon Holzapfel (former head of school) join Strategic Shift to explain why early talent is misunderstood and how companies can stop losing great people before they even start. From “you can’t schedule innovation” to “it’s time for resumes to...

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt speaks with AI strategist Tori Begg on navigating the AI shift inside modern organizations. They explore human-first AI adoption, enablement in real workflows and where leaders are seeing tangible value today. The discussion offers practical perspective for executives shaping strategy, teams and culture in an AI-driven workplace.    Timestamps:...

Change doesn’t fail because of technology — it fails because of how people experience it.  In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt sits down with HR advisor and change strategist Mindy Honcoop to unpack what really sits beneath AI resistance at work. They explore curiosity as a leadership skill, the emotional layers of change and why readiness starts long before new tools are introdu...

This episode explores how clarity, confidence, and community can change your career trajectory. Anna Morgan, Career BFF and founder of EVOLVE, joins Christy Honeycutt to share how to truly stand out in a crowded job market, network with intention and rebuild the in-person connection so many of us are craving. It’s a refreshing, human-centered take on navigating work in a chaotic world.    Timestam...

This episode features author and Three Ears Media founder Katrina Kibben, who breaks down why hiring feels harder than ever and what it really takes to create a candidate experience people can trust. They explore the failures of traditional job postings, the rise of fraud and why frontline workers hold the key to the future of work—along with insights from The Bounce Back Factor on navigating unce...

This episode dives into the story of two leaders who turned a bold idea into an eight-figure company and are now helping people unlock the next chapter of their lives. Dr. Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, co-authors of The Business of You, share how understanding your values, shaping your personal brand and telling your story with confidence can change your trajectory. They explore the rise of c...

In this conversation, Scott Birkhead shares insights from his extensive experience in recruitment and talent acquisition, particularly in the context of his current role at Geostabilization. He discusses the importance of hiring veterans, the need for upskilling in a changing workforce, and the metrics that matter in measuring recruitment effectiveness. Scott emphasizes the role of technology in e...

This episode dives into the future of work by reimagining how we prepare people for it. Dr. Kevin Fleming, founder and CEO of Catapult Masterclass, challenges the “graduate and figure it out later” mindset and shows how aligning purpose, talent and opportunity creates strong career momentum.    Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Kevin Fleming  00:29 - Mission of Catapult Masterclass  01:51 -...

In this episode, Hart Brown, CEO of Future Point of View and certified futurist, joins Christy Honeycutt to break down the truth about AI, the future of work, and why this moment matters more than any other in modern business. From rethinking education to transforming workforce culture, Hart shares bold insights and a surprisingly optimistic vision, one where AI gives us back time, strengthens hum...

This episode explores the future of work through the lens of public education and equity. Karim Abouelnaga, CEO of Practice, explains why potential is universal but opportunity is not and how Title I schools can raise proficiency through thoughtful design, transparent tools and the practical use of AI. He unpacks “possibility versus probability,” the importance of modeling new technology and the t...

Season 2 of Strategic Shift kicks off with a conversation about thriving in today’s multi-generational workforce. Mark Beal, professor and Gen Z thought leader, explains how younger professionals are working smarter with AI, while also showing why human interaction and cultural fit remain essential. He offers practical guidance for candidates, leaders and anyone navigating the evolving workplace. ...

🎙️ In this episode of Strategic Shift, Dion McIntosh sits down with Jude Reser — former VP of HR for a top hospitality company turned Head of HR at Thomas More University. They dive deep into: -Why she left corporate HR for a purpose-driven university role -Creative ways to retain talent when budgets are tight -How to compete for great hires without sky-high salaries -Why she’s removing performanc...

What if the biggest challenge facing education, work, and technology isn't innovation — but misalignment? In this episode, Silas Ellis dives deep into the cracks forming between generations, tech, and workforce expectations. From his work with tribal nations in Oklahoma to solving real-time gaps in economic development, Silas offers a front-line view of what’s working, what’s broken, and how...

🔧 America’s skilled trade crisis is real—and it’s your opportunity to thrive. In this episode of Strategic Shift, Rob Holmes, co-founder of Forge Now, breaks down why 9 million trade jobs are going unfilled while college grads struggle with debt and unemployment. This powerful, eye-opening interview reveals: ✅ How you can earn $28/hour in just 7 weeks ✅ Why 80% of tradespeople are retiring in t...

🚨 The education system is BROKEN — and this CEO has the data to prove it. In this episode of Strategic Shift , Kim Kelly, CEO of pepelwerk, explains why college is missing the mark for 85% of people, and how she’s revolutionizing hiring by ditching resumes altogether. If you’re a parent, student, employer, or anyone questioning the value of traditional education, this episode will shift your pers...

Welcome to Strategic Shift, a podcast by pēpelwerk exploring bold decisions and workforce innovations shaping the future of work. In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Dr. Ayers, Coordinator for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming at Little Elm ISD in North Texas, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the hidden challenges within the education system and how we can bet...