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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

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

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson sits down with Tom Schin owner of Build Better Culture, to explore the critical importance of workplace culture in today's organizations. Tom shares his journey from recruiting to becoming a culture expert, emphasizing how effective leadership and employee experience can transform company culture.
Listeners will discover:
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The Importance of Culture: Understand why culture is a top concern for HR professionals and how it impacts employee retention and engagement.
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Building a Feedback-Rich Environment: Learn strategies for creating psychological safety and encouraging open communication within teams.
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Adapting to Hybrid Work: Gain insights on how to maintain a strong company culture for remote and hybrid employees, ensuring inclusivity and connection.
Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking insights that can help organizations thrive in the evolving workplace landscape.
Guest: Tom Schin

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Shari Collins, a consultant specializing in HR, education, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They delve into the often-overlooked topic of ageism as a critical component of DEI initiatives in the workplace. Collins shares her personal experiences with ageism and discusses the cultural implications of aging, emphasizing the need for organizations to address age-related biases.
Listeners will gain insights into the following key takeaways:
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Understanding Ageism: Learn how ageism affects employees of all ages and why it is crucial to recognize and address this bias in the workplace.
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Coded Language: Discover common phrases and coded language that perpetuate ageism, and how to communicate more inclusively.
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Actionable Strategies: Explore practical strategies for fostering intergenerational relationships in the workplace, such as mentoring programs and shadow boards.
Tune in to this enlightening conversation to better understand the importance of inclusivity across all age groups in your organization.
Guest(s): Shari Collins, Owner and Lead Consultant, Shari Collins Consulting