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Episodes
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!
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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
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Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Are you feeling more connected or distant in the era of remote work?
In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast hosted by Shari Simpson, the guest Paula Allen, Senior Vice President of Global Leader Research and Client Insights at TELUS Health, discusses the impact of loneliness in the workplace, especially in the context of hybrid and remote work environments. They delve into the effects of loneliness on physical and mental health, productivity, and engagement, highlighting the importance of building trusted relationships and fostering genuine connections.
Guest(s): Paula Allen, SR VP, Global Leader Research & Client Insights, Telus Health

Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Organizational Network Analysis in Performance Management with Josh Merrill
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Are traditional performance reviews outdated?
Join host Shari Simpson on the "HR Mixtape" podcast as she interviews Josh Merrill, CEO and founder of Confirm, discussing the innovative approach to performance reviews using Organizational Network Analysis (ONA). In this episode, Josh shares his journey from Carta to founding Confirm, highlighting the importance of understanding employee influence and impact.
Guest(s): Josh Merrill, CEO & Founder, Confirm
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Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Unleashing the Power of Negotiation with Mark Raffan
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Looking to up your negotiation game?
In this insightful episode of "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson is joined by negotiation expert Mark Raffan, founder of the Negotiations Ninja podcast and training company. Mark shares his unexpected journey into the world of negotiation, which began with a dare and led to him providing training to some of the world's most renowned organizations. Throughout the episode, listeners gain valuable knowledge on negotiation strategies, the importance of preparation, and the psychological aspects of negotiating.
Guest(s): Mark Raffan, Founder and CEO, Negotiations Ninja
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Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Navigating the Final Rule on Worker Classification with Corinne Tirone
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
🤔 Confused about the ABC test vs. the new final rule? We've got you covered! Discover the differences and understand how state laws may come into play when classifying workers.
Shari Simpson hosts the latest episode of "HR Mixtape" with guest Corinne Tirone, discussing the new DOL final rule on worker classification. The episode delves into the importance of correctly classifying workers as employees or independent contractors under the FLSA. Three key takeaways from the episode include understanding the economic realities test, familiarizing oneself with the six-factor analysis, and recognizing the impact of state laws on worker classification. Join Shari and Corinne for an informative and engaging discussion on navigating worker classification in the HR landscape.
Guest(s): Corinne Tirone, Senior Director Compliance & Government Relations, Paylocity
Upcoming Event: FLSA Update: What the Independent Contractor Rule Means for You

Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Uncover the hidden talents of neurodiverse employees and learn how to support them in the workplace.
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson interviews Tara Beaton, an expert in disability management and accessibility. Tara shares her personal journey with ADHD and how it has changed her perspective on disability management. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating neurodiversity into the workplace and highlights the superpowers that individuals with ADHD can bring, such as creativity, pattern recognition, and hyperfocus. Tara also debunks common misconceptions about neurodiverse individuals and discusses the need for employers to create a culture of accommodation and inclusivity.
Three key takeaways from this episode are:
- Disability management should include a focus on cognitive impairments and neurodiversity, just as it has addressed physical and sensory disabilities in the past.
- Neurodiverse individuals, such as those with ADHD, possess unique strengths and abilities that can benefit the workplace, including creativity, proactivity, and lateral thinking.
- Employers play a crucial role in fostering an environment where neurodiverse employees feel comfortable asking for accommodations. This requires creating a culture of inclusivity, questioning traditional norms, and being open to different ways of doing things.
Guest(s): Tara Beaton, Owner, Tara Beaton

Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Curious about the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on job accommodations?
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson interviews Lorrie Coffey, an expert in HR and ADA compliance. They discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding accommodations in the workplace.
Three key takeaways from the episode are:
- The fear and complexity surrounding ADA compliance: Employers often feel overwhelmed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to its complexity and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
- Myths and misconceptions about ADA: There are many myths surrounding ADA, such as the belief that employers cannot terminate employees with disabilities or that accommodations are always costly. In reality, accommodations can be low-cost or even free, and termination is possible if an individual is not qualified for the role.
- The importance of understanding essential functions and qualified individuals: Employers need to accurately determine the essential functions of a role and assess whether an individual is qualified for the position. It is crucial to engage in an interactive dialogue with employees to find effective accommodations and avoid potential legal issues.
Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into ADA compliance and offers practical advice for HR professionals.
Guest(s): Lorrie Coffey, Talent Management Consultant, Horizon Point Consulting, Inc.

Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
The Future of Connection and Engagement in the Workplace with Woodrie Burich
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Diving into the depths of connection and engagement in the workplace as we discover how organizations and individuals can truly make a difference.
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson interviews Woodrie Burich, an expert in setting boundaries and cultivating intentional conversations in the workplace. They discuss the challenges of the hybrid work environment and how water cooler chats have been replaced by virtual interactions. Woodry emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and creating cultures of permission to avoid burnout and promote well-being.
Three key takeaways from this episode are:
- The need for intentional conversations and cultivating deeper connections in virtual workspaces.
- The importance of setting boundaries and creating cultures of permission to avoid overworking and burnout.
- The impact of multitasking on cognitive and emotional control, and the need for focus and attention in the workplace.
Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and strategies for navigating the evolving dynamics of connection and engagement in the workplace, especially in the context of remote work and technological advancements.
Guest(s): Woodrie Burich, CEO and Founder, The Integration Group

Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Unleashing Team Potential: The Renaissance of Good Teamwork with Mark Cruth
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Discover the secrets to transforming your team into a cohesive and dynamic force.
In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson interviews Mark Cruth, an expert in team collaboration and employee engagement. Mark, who works at Atlassian, shares insights on modern work practices and how they influence employee engagement. He emphasizes the importance of alignment and inclusion within teams, as well as the power of working agreements to improve collaboration. Mark also discusses the transformation of a team he coached and highlights the need for continuous improvement.
Three key takeaways from this episode are:
- Alignment and inclusion are crucial for employee engagement. Teams need to feel connected and understand the purpose of their work.
- Working agreements are a powerful tool for fostering collaboration. They make implicit assumptions explicit and provide clarity on how teams should work together.
- HR professionals should focus on experimentation and customization when it comes to employee engagement. Instead of trying to solve the entire problem at once, they should empower teams to find solutions that work for them.
To learn more about these strategies and gain insights into boosting employee engagement and collaboration, listen to the full episode of the HR Mixtape podcast with Shari Simpson and guest Mark Cruth.
Guest(s): Mark Cruth, Modern Work Coach, Atlassian