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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

5 days ago
5 days ago
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Dr. Joey Faucette, an executive coach and culture architect at Work Positive. They dive into the concept of "dream teams" in today's hybrid work environment, emphasizing the importance of positivity and active listening in fostering a successful workplace culture. Dr. Faucette shares practical strategies for leaders to cultivate a strengths-based approach, highlighting the significance of gratitude and collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
- Active Listening: Learn how to enhance team dynamics by truly listening to your colleagues, especially in a hybrid setting.
- Positivity vs. Toxic Positivity: Understand the difference and how to maintain a realistic yet optimistic workplace culture.
- Empowering Teams: Discover how to shift from providing answers to asking powerful questions that encourage team collaboration and innovation.
Tune in for insights that can transform your leadership style and workplace culture!
Guest(s): Dr. Joey Faucette, Founder & President, Work Positive

Tuesday May 20, 2025
Navigating Belonging Through Personal Connection with Dan Berger
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Dan Berger, founder and CEO of Assemble Hospitality Group, to discuss the critical concept of workplace belonging. Dan shares his personal journey of adoption and the impact of belonging traumas on his life, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual experiences in the workplace. He introduces the idea of belonging archetypes and outlines six paths to foster belonging both personally and professionally.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding your belonging archetype can help you navigate relationships and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace.
- Employers should create spaces for employees to build connections outside of work to enhance workplace culture.
- Measuring belonging goes beyond traditional metrics; focusing on feelings of acceptance and value is essential for a thriving workplace.
Tune in to explore how to cultivate a culture of belonging in your organization!
Guest(s): Dan Berger, Founder and CEO, Assemble Hospitality Group

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Leah Stiegler, a principal employment attorney at Woods Rogers. Leah shares her expertise on navigating toxic workplaces, discussing the legal implications of a toxic work environment and how HR professionals can identify early warning signs. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in termination discussions and the need for consistent documentation to protect organizations from potential lawsuits.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the legal definition of a toxic workplace and the signs of a potentially actionable environment.
- Learn best practices for handling terminations, including the importance of clear communication and documentation.
- Discover strategies for managing "brilliant jerks" in the workplace while maintaining a positive company culture.
Tune in for practical advice and insights that can help transform your workplace dynamics!
Guest(s): Leah Stiegler, Principal Employment Attorney at Woods Rogers

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Dr. Caroline Brookfield, a veterinarian, researcher, and keynote speaker specializing in creative leadership and embracing ambiguity. With over 25 years of experience, Caroline shares insights on how leaders can foster creativity within their teams, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and the need to redefine creativity beyond traditional artistic boundaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Creativity: Creativity isn't just about art; it encompasses problem-solving and innovative thinking in everyday tasks.
- Embracing Ambiguity: Leaders must cultivate an environment where team members can sit with uncertainty, which can lead to greater creativity and resilience.
- Practical Strategies: Caroline introduces the "DANCE" model, highlighting habits like daydreaming and curiosity that can enhance creative thinking in the workplace.
Tune in to discover how to inspire innovation and navigate change effectively!
Guest(s): Dr. Carolline Brookfield, Author, Keynote Speaker https://carolinebrookfield.com/

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Dr. Andy Garrett, a strategic growth consultant and clinical psychologist at AG Thrive. They delve into the concept of authentic identity and its crucial role in personal and professional growth. Dr. Garrett emphasizes the importance of aligning individual values with organizational goals to foster a thriving workplace culture.
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity as Leadership: Discover why authenticity is the ultimate leadership skill and how it enhances team dynamics.
- True North Blueprint: Learn about the True North Blueprint and how defining personal and organizational values can reduce burnout and increase engagement.
- Courageous Conversations: Gain insights on how to address inauthenticity in leadership through compassionate and constructive dialogue.
Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking insights that can transform your approach to HR and leadership development!
Guest(s): Dr. Andy Garrett, Psy D., Strategic Growth Consultant, Coach and Clinical Psychologist, AG Thrive Psychological Consultation, Inc.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson sits down with Jared Rosenthal, founder and CEO of Health Street. Jared shares his unconventional journey from healthcare CEO to entrepreneur, highlighting his innovative approach to mobile DNA testing and the evolution of his tech platform. The conversation delves into the importance of embracing technology, fostering a culture of innovation, and navigating challenges during uncertain times like COVID-19.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Technology: Small businesses can significantly improve efficiency by adopting scalable tech solutions rather than relying on outdated systems.
- Foster Innovation: Encouraging a culture where employees feel empowered to take risks and innovate can lead to substantial growth and adaptability.
- Transparent Leadership: Open communication during crises builds trust and helps employees understand the company's direction and their role in it.
Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of small businesses!
Guest(s): Jared Rosenthal, Founder & CEO, Health Street

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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.