HR Mixtape

From Cake to Connection: Redefining Fun in Corporate Culture with John Baldino

😂 From prom pictures to childhood posters, learn how simple conversations can spark joy and connection in the workplace!

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes John Baldino, speaker and president of Humareso, to discuss the importance of incorporating fun into workplace culture. Recorded live on the SHRM floor, Shari and John explore how genuine fun can enhance employee engagement and foster a positive work environment. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for HR professionals to create a more enjoyable workplace, whether in-person or remote.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Fun: Discover how to intentionally integrate fun into daily tasks and team interactions, especially in distributed workforces.
2. Authentic Engagement: Learn the difference between transactional fun and authentic engagement, and how to create genuine connections among team members.
3. Leadership Buy-In: Understand how to approach leadership about the value of fun in the workplace, using relatable stories and examples to gain support.

Tune in to gain insights on transforming workplace culture through fun and connection!

 

Guest(s): John Baldino, President, Humareso

HR Like a Boss: Transforming Work Culture with John Bernatovicz

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes back John Bernatovicz, author of "HR Like a Boss" and founder of Willery. They dive into the transformative power of HR in the workplace, discussing how HR professionals can enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. John shares his personal journey of writing his book, the importance of assertiveness in HR, and the misconceptions that often surround the field.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to foster a positive workplace culture and the critical role HR plays in connecting employees to the organization's purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Ownership and Assertiveness: John emphasizes the need for HR professionals to take ownership of their roles and be assertive in advocating for employees.
• Building Relationships: The importance of creating genuine connections with employees to improve engagement and satisfaction is highlighted.
• Simplifying Priorities: John advises HR leaders to focus on a few key initiatives rather than overwhelming themselves with too many tasks, ensuring they drive meaningful change.

Tune in to discover how to elevate your HR practices and make a lasting impact in your organization!

Guest(s): John Bernatovicz, Author of HR LIke A Boss and Willory Founder

Dynamic Foresight in HR: A Deep Dive with Dr. John Austin

In this episode of HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. John Austin, the Dean of the University of New England Honors College and a partner at Dynamic Foresight. They discuss the shift from change leadership to strategic foresight and how HR professionals can navigate uncertainty in the workplace. Dr. Austin shares insights on the importance of adaptability, resiliency, and the integration of foresight and change management in organizations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Uncertainty: Dr. Austin emphasizes the importance of engaging with uncertainty rather than avoiding it, as it can lead to anxiety and missed opportunities.

2. Building Resiliency: By preparing organizations to be future-proofed and adapting to changing circumstances, HR professionals can help build resiliency within their teams.

3. Foresight in HR: Dr. Austin suggests incorporating discussions of uncertainties into HR facilitations and developing customized futures for organizations to stress test strategies effectively.

Guest(s): Dr. John Austin, Dean of the University of New England Honors College and a partner at Dynamic Foresight

DEIA Fatigue: Revitalizing DEI Efforts in Organizations with Dethra Giles

💼 Looking to make DEIA initiatives more than just a trend?

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast hosted by Shari Simpson, Dethra Giles, a people and culture strategist, discusses combating DEIA fatigue in organizations. They delve into the importance of attaching results to DEIA initiatives and making them practical for business success. Dethra shares a success story of reviving a fatigued organization by aligning DEIA efforts with business strategies, ultimately saving and potentially making millions. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding business acumen as an HR professional and implementing fresh, engaging approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Three Takeaways:

1. Attach Results to DEIA: Combat DEIA fatigue by linking initiatives to performance, profits, and productivity.
2. Focus on Business Acumen: HR professionals should understand the financial aspects of their organizations to drive DEIA efforts effectively.
3. Expand Dimensions of Diversity: Encourage conversations about diverse populations beyond race to create a more inclusive workplace culture.

Guest(s): Dethra Giles, Speaker, Author, & Chief Human Resources Officer at ExecuPrep

Navigating Employment Law Trends with Louis Lessig

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson interviews Louis Lessig, a partner at Brown and Connery LLP, specializing in labor and employment law. They discuss key legal trends in employment cases, focusing on the impact of AI in the workplace and recent landmark cases like the Muldrow case. The conversation delves into the importance of compliance training, fostering a compliance-focused culture, and the future of HR law.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI Impact in Employment Cases: Learn about the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI in the workplace, including a groundbreaking case against Workday.

2. Landmark Legal Cases: Gain insights into recent landmark cases like the Muldrow case and understand their implications for HR professionals.

3. Compliance Culture: Discover the significance of fostering a compliance-focused culture in organizations and the importance of effective compliance training.

Listen to the full episode for valuable insights into navigating legal challenges in the HR industry and staying ahead of compliance issues.

Guest(s): Louis Lessig, Partner, Brown and Connery LLP,

Adapting to Social Trends in the Workplace with Dr. Eric Canny

🚀 Uncover the impact of social trends on HR and how to adapt for the future.

In this episode of HR Mixtape hosted by Shari Simpson, Dr. Eric Canny, consultant and assistant teaching professor of education at the University of Southern California, discusses social trends impacting HR today. The conversation covers topics such as remote work, leadership development, leveraging social media, and promoting inclusivity through DEI initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stay Ahead of Social Trends: Dr. Canny emphasizes the importance of staying informed about social trends impacting HR to adapt proactively.
2. Utilize Data for Decision-Making: The discussion highlights the significance of using data to predict future workforce trends and make informed HR decisions.
3. Promote Inclusivity: Dr. Canny suggests developing flexible and inclusive programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.

Listeners can gain valuable insights into navigating the evolving landscape of HR and leveraging social trends to drive positive change within their organizations.

Guest(s): Dr. Eric A. Canny, Assistant Teaching Professor of Education, University of Southern California 

Developing Business Acumen in HR with Jennifer Currence

In this episode of HR Mixtape hosted by Shari Simpson, Jennifer Currence, Senior Partner at HR Soul Consulting, discusses the importance of developing business acumen in HR professionals. They explore how understanding the financial aspects of a business can enhance HR's role as a strategic partner. The conversation also delves into the impact of business acumen on culture, innovation, and mental wellness in the workplace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Importance of Business Acumen: Learn why understanding the financial aspects of a business is crucial for HR professionals to add value to the organization.
2. Skills Development: Explore the skills beyond technical expertise that HR professionals need to cultivate, such as critical evaluation and executive presence.
3. Future of HR: Gain insights into the evolving landscape of HR, focusing on mental wellness, leadership, negotiation skills, and the increasing demand for flexibility in the workplace.

Guest(s): Jennifer Currence, MBA, SHRM-SCP, PCC , HR and Leadership Trainer | Coach | Speaker | 3x Author

The Changing Face of Recruitment with Tim Sackett

🌟 Are you struggling to keep candidates engaged in your hiring process?

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson interviews Tim Sackett, president of HRU Technical Resources, about his book "The Talent Fix, Volume 2." The discussion covers various topics related to talent acquisition, leadership, and the evolving workforce dynamics. They delve into the importance of building a hiring machine, leveraging data, and having confident conversations with leadership teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a Hiring Machine: Tim Sackett emphasizes the significance of building a perfect hiring machine, which involves leadership behavior, technology, and treating candidates well.
• Leadership and Trust: The episode highlights the importance of trust between HR leaders and company executives, showcasing the need for confident conversations and leveraging data to gain trust.
• Remote Work and Productivity: The conversation also touches on the shift towards remote work and the need for HR professionals to focus on employee productivity regardless of the work environment.

Guest(s): Tim Sackett, Author “The Talent Fix Volume 2” and President at HRU Technical Resources