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Whether you’re buried in paperwork or just looking for a break from the grind, we’ve got your back with HR Mixtape. Tune in each week to hear thought-provoking interviews with industry leaders, compliance tips, coffee chats with human resources trendsetters, and the latest HR-related news. It’s like nothing else out there: it’s the perfect mix of practical advice and stories that just hit different so that work doesn’t have to feel like...well...work!

Meet the Host:
Shari Simpson, MBA, MHRM, SHRM-SCP
16+ years of experience as an HR professional, Shari Simpson brings a unique, veteran perspective to a range of topics, from training and development to talent acquisition and employee relations – many of which she dives into with other industry experts. When she’s not lending her voice there, she’s finding other ways to elevate HR, payroll, and business professionals in and outside of her day job by collaborating with other leaders and speaking at local and national conferences. Shari also co-leads a women’s employee resource group called SHEroes.
Find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter
Join the Conversation: thehrmixtape.com
Episodes

6 hours ago
6 hours ago
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Luis Garcia, president and co-founder of PETE, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on workforce training and learning development. With over 25 years of experience in digital education and ed tech, Luis shares his journey and insights into how AI can enhance personalized learning experiences and improve evaluation methods in the workplace.
Key Takeaways:
- AI in Learning: Discover how AI can create adaptive learning models that personalize training experiences and evaluate learning outcomes effectively.
- Challenges in Hiring: Understand the complexities of modern hiring processes and how AI can complicate rather than simplify recruitment.
- Getting Started with AI: Learn practical tools and strategies for individuals and businesses to embrace AI technology in their professional lives.
Tune in to explore how AI is reshaping the future of work and education!
Guest(s): Luis Garcia, President and CoFounder, PETE

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Paul Butler, Client Partner at Newleaf Training and Development. They delve into the critical importance of financial acumen for HR professionals, emphasizing how understanding financial metrics can enhance decision-making and drive business success. Paul shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the need for HR to partner with finance to maximize organizational performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Financial literacy is essential for HR professionals to align human resources with business results.
- Building relationships with finance colleagues can create a safe space for HR to ask questions and improve their financial understanding.
- Implementing zero-based budgeting encourages a more strategic approach to financial planning and resource allocation.
Tune in to learn how HR can leverage financial insights to foster a more effective workplace!
Guest(s): Paul Butler, Client Partner, Newleaf Training and Development
Book: Business Financial Intelligence: A mindset and skillset few people have and all organizations need.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Siri Chilazi, a senior researcher at the Women in Public Policy program at Harvard Kennedy School. They discuss the importance of data-driven approaches to advancing gender equality in the workplace and explore practical strategies for creating fairer work environments. Siri shares insights from her book, "Make Work Fair," emphasizing how organizational design can influence equity and inclusion.
Key Takeaways:
- Data-Driven Design: Learn how small changes in workplace design, like table shapes and resume formats, can significantly impact fairness and inclusivity.
- Flexibility in Work: Discover the benefits of hybrid work models and how they can enhance job satisfaction, especially for caregivers.
- Building Fairness: Understand that fairness should be integrated into everyday practices rather than treated as a one-off program.
Tune in for actionable insights that can transform your HR practices!
Guest(s): Siri Chilazi, Senior Researcher at the Women in Public Policy program, Harvard Kennedy School
Book: Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes David Dilger, director and co-founder of Edge Legal, to discuss the critical topic of psychological safety in the workplace. David shares his extensive experience in employment law and HR, emphasizing the legal risks associated with employees feeling unsafe to speak up.
Listeners will learn about the importance of fostering a people-first approach in management, the biological factors influencing managers' fear of confrontation, and effective strategies for addressing performance issues while maintaining trust.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the legal risks of psychological safety, including workers' compensation and anti-discrimination claims.
- Practical strategies for managers to balance empathy and accountability in performance conversations.
- The significance of building trust within teams to enhance communication and overall workplace culture.
Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your approach to HR and management!
Guest(s): David Dilger, Director and Co-Founder, Edge Legal
Email: ddilger@edgelegal.com.au

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
In this episode of "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Heather Hansen, CEO of Advocate to Win, keynote speaker, and former trial attorney. Heather shares her journey from medical malpractice defense to empowering leaders with advocacy skills. She emphasizes the importance of using psychology and conflict resolution techniques in high-stakes corporate environments.
Key Takeaways:
- Advocacy Skills: Learn how to effectively ask for what you want in your career and for your team, using the energy of delight.
- The Three C's: Discover the significance of compassion, curiosity, and credibility in conflict resolution and leadership.
- Reframing Failure: Understand how to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, enhancing your resilience and decision-making.
Guest(s): Heather Hansen, CEO, Advocate to Win
Books:
- The Elegant Warrior: How To Win Life's Trials Without Losing Yourself
- Advocate to Win: 10 Tools to Ask for What You Want and Get It

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Becca Short, the leader of people strategy at 88 Acres. They dive into the critical topic of supporting deskless workers and ensuring they remain connected and engaged in the workplace. Becca shares innovative strategies for introducing flexibility in roles that require physical presence, emphasizing the importance of communication, employee experience, and career development for frontline employees.
Key Takeaways:
- Flexibility for deskless workers can include job rotation and shift swapping to accommodate personal needs.
- Effective communication with frontline employees requires face-to-face interactions and the use of technology that mimics social media.
- Employee engagement can be enhanced by actively seeking feedback and implementing changes based on their input.
Tune in to discover how to create a more inclusive and engaged workforce!
Guest(s): Becca Short, Director of People and Culture, 88 Acres Foods Inc.

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Sarah Katherine Schmidt, VP of Customer Experience at PeopleLogic, to discuss the transformative approach of agile performance management. With over 16 years of experience in HR and customer experience, Sarah shares insights on how to shift from traditional performance reviews to a more continuous feedback model that fosters growth and engagement.
Key Takeaways:
- Real-Time Feedback Loops: Learn how implementing continuous performance management can enhance employee engagement and performance.
- Cultural Shift: Discover the importance of psychological safety and a growth mindset in creating an environment ripe for agile performance management.
3 - Practical Steps: Gain actionable strategies for initiating a successful transition to agile performance management, including starting small and measuring results.
Tune in for valuable insights that can help reshape your organization's performance management practices!
Guest(s): Sarah Katherine Schmidt, VP of Customer Experience, PeopleLogic

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
From Crisis to Care: The Case for Trauma Informed Cultures with Stephanie Lemek
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Stephanie Lemek, founder and CEO of The Wounded Workforce. With over 16 years of HR experience, Stephanie discusses the importance of creating trauma-informed workplaces. She shares insights on how trauma affects employees and the critical role HR professionals play in recognizing and addressing these issues.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Trauma: Learn about the prevalence of trauma among employees and its impact on workplace dynamics.
- Self-Care for HR Professionals: Discover the significance of self-awareness and self-care for HR leaders to combat secondary trauma and compassion fatigue.
- Seven Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Explore actionable steps to foster a supportive work environment that prioritizes safety, trust, community, and empowerment.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in HR practices.
Guest(s): Stephanie Lemek, Founder and CEO, The Wounded Workforce