The HR Sound Off Podcast Show (Julie Turney)

If you are an HR Manager, VP, Director, CHRO, how would you describe your leadership style? Are you approachable? Does your team like working with you? or do you rule with fear?

This week, Lotus Buckner joins me to discuss what authentic leadership in HR means and what it should look like. Some key takeaways from this episode include:

🎯 How to build trust as a leader

🎯 The power of vulnerability in leadership

🎯 How to become more self-aware as a bad leader and turn behaviours around

🎯 How to have courageous conversations with a bad leader

🎯 When to give up and move on

Lotus was very open about her HR career and the changes going on in her life and we also took the time to discuss the one misconception that people have about HR that really bothers her.

Be sure to connect with Lotus on LinkedIn.

Galen Emanuele joins me in this episode to talk about why organizations need to be intentional about creating a culture built on a code of conduct that people can be proud of and can call each other out on when necessary. Galen is a powerhouse, and he brings his passion and energy for culture to this discussion.

In this episode you can find out:

🔸 Galen's origin story

🔸 What a day in the life of team "Shift Yes" looks like

🔸 Why company culture matters

🔸 One misconception about HR that he is setting the record straight on

Connect with Galen on LinkedIn:

Subscribe to his YouTube Channel:

Galen's book recommendations:

Traction

Fierce Conversations

This is the first episode in a series of shows that will focus on how companies can build intentional People first cultures. My first guest in Shannon Brodie from DTE and her company was listed in the top 20 companies in the US by a recent Gallup survey.

In this episode, Shannon shares:

🔸 Her HR origin story

🔸 What it is like to be a part of the COLD Team

🔸 How the Disney Institute help them to create their culture code

🔸 Her top 3 culture-building tips

Shannon's resources

The Grid - By Gretchen Bakke

You're Not Listening - By Kate Murphy

That's What She Said - By Joanna Lipman

Be sure to connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.

Thanks to Hiretual for sponsoring this episode.

2020 has gotten off to a very rocky start. Everywhere we turn we are bombarded by news reports, WhatsApp messages, e-mails and other forms of social media messaging as it relates to COVID-19. Businesses have been forced to lay off, reduce salaries and find other ways to keep their day to day going or shut down altogether. Families are reduced to waiting on government grants and other contributions to keep things going and at the heart of all of what is happening are the HR professionals who are working non-stop to process paperwork, give consoling messages and work with leadership on damage control. This podcast focuses on positive ways to get through each day, despite the difficult times we are going through.

How self-aware are you?

As HR professionals, we are conscious of giving to others but how do we take care of ourselves, so that we can continue to be of service to others?

In the Soundbooth with me to discuss this and more is author and speaker Eliot Kelly. Eliot is recognized as a Serial Entrepreneur, and has been featured on CNN, BBC Three’s Be Your Own Boss, and an extensive list of magazines and articles. His four books have been translated into over 7 languages and are sold in 29 countries, recently being shortlisted for Best Self-Help and Best Advice Books 2019 by The Author Academy.

In this episode we discuss:

Dealing with loss and burnout as an HR Professional

Feeding your why

Humanizing the interview process during Covid-19

Eliot had lots of information to share. Be sure to connect with Eliot and to check out his books.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliotkelly/

Eliot Kelly TV

Eliot Kelly books

In this episode, I sound off with Steve Browne, HR Guru and author of the book HR On Purpose. We are talking about how HR can be reignited, by becoming more visible in the organization, finding new purpose in our role. What opportunities are open to our profession as a result of Covid-19 and what #hrcommunity means to him.

Monique Russell is a communications expert, trainer, podcaster and sought after keynote speaker. In this episode, we discuss how HR professionals can effectively communicate with their leadership team and cover the following:

🔸 The fundamentals of effective communication

🔸 Activating self-awareness

🔸 Effectively communicating with leaders driven by ego

🔸 Connecting cultures through storytelling

Be sure to connect with Monique to learn more about how she can help you unleash the communicator within.

Connect with Monique on LinkedIn

Resources:

Self Care Matters A Revolutionary's Approach - Anana Johari Harris Paris

Lauren Ostrowski Fenton

Vivian Acquah joins me in the Sound Booth this week to talk about why she felt the need to champion for workplace wellness and how questions from her son forced her to create a virtual summit that she has dubbed the Netflix of DEI.

There is vulnerability in spades in the episode. Vivian bares her soul on a bad workplace experience that almost caused her to take her life and why she never wants her son or anyone else to go through what she went through.

A strong DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) mission within the workplace is one of the most important pillars for business success and employee wellness.

The Amplify DEI 2020 Summit will feature 60+ guest speakers who will be:

• imparting knowledge on what successful DEI is;
• sharing experiences highlighting why DEI is important;
• providing evidence on why DEI needs to be a part of the DNA of any company.

Implementing successful DEI should not be treated like a one night stand or as a checklist. It’s a long term program and a never-ending commitment to making the workplace a safe and prosperous place for anyone and everyone.

Click on the link to register today: http://bit.ly/ampdeievent

The multitalented Rochelle James joins me in the Sound Booth this week to talk about her HR origin story, recruitment, and writing her first HR book on recruiting called "Best Fit".

Rochelle is an advocate for recruiting using LinkedIn, using practical scenarios in the interview process and she is the brainchild behind the Caribbean Society for HR Professionals (CSHRP).

Aubrey Blanche is an absolutely incredible human being. Aubrey joins me today to talk about her journey in the DEI space and why she is so passionate about the work she does. Aubrey is the Director of Equitable Design, Product & People at Culture Amp and I am a huge fan of her and this organization. In this episode you will learn:

1. What equity in the workplace means to Aubrey
2. Aubrey's mental health story
3. Why building a culture of belonging in the workplace matters
4. What it means to bring your whole self Vs your authentic self to work

Aubrey's resources

• The Calm App
• The Inner Work of Racial Justice - By Rhonda Magee and Jon Kabat-Zinn
• This Bridge Called My Back - By Cherrie Moraga
• Chicana Feminism books

Also, listen out for our very open conversation about fat-shaming in the workplace.

Be sure to follow Aubrey on LinkedIn.

Joining me in the Sound Booth on this episode is Anthony Vaughn fellow podcaster and host of the E1B2 (Employees 1st Business 2nd) podcast and we are talking about the highs and lows of Employee Experience. What does this phrase mean and how can HR professionals ensure that they are creating authentic experiences for the people their organizations with the collaboration of leadership.

Anthony is also a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for helping others succeed through purposeful collaborations and we hope you enjoy this episode.

Judon Bowden is no stranger to Industrial Relations and Compliance. He gives credit to his mother for seeing something in him that moved him to develop his career in HR. Judon joins me in this episode, to touch on one of the most heated topics in the HR space at this time and that is the subject of mandatory vaccinations in the workplace.

In addition, we discuss:

🎯 Judon's career highs and lows

🎯 His thoughts on the future of men in HR

🎯 Why HR is not about people-pleasing

🎯 Judon gives his advice to HR professionals on how to handle delicate conversations around vaccinations

Judon's references:

📚 The Pause Principle - By Kevin Cashman

📚 The First 90 Days - By Michael Watkins

📺 Manifest on Netflix

🎧 Essence - WizKid

Be sure to follow Judon on LinkedIn and Twitter

Tisha Peters loves career coaching. You can see it in her face when you talk to her, and it was a pleasure to have this conversation with her. In this episode, Tisha and I discuss:

🔸 Doing what you love on the side

🔸 Her passion for training and development (L&D)

🔸 Creating your own fit

🔸 Personal branding

Tisha's Resources:

Find Your Why - Simon Sinek

Vanessa Lau on YouTube

Erin on Demand on YouTube

Be sure to connect with Tisha on LinkedIn and check out Careercoach246.

Favourite quote, "When you cannot find the right fit, make your own fit."

In this episode, we answer the question of how you can make that transition from your current career into HR. My guest in this episode made a transition from the pulpit to HR and I believe that he has some great advice on how to make the transition.

Brian Bachand is the Founder & CEO of evolution evolution but he started his working career as a priest in a small parish, transitioned to the Vatican, decided to pivot, and enter the world of work. How do you articulate to potential employers why you want to be in HR after being a priest?

Brian shares some tips on how to articulate your dialogue in interviews, restructuring your resume, and putting that winning formula together to transition to the career of your dreams.

Connect with Brian

Resources:

The Monk Who Sold his Ferarri

For episode 60, I am joined by the amazing Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid, who is taking over my show to interview me and discuss my new book and more. In this episode you will learn:

My HR origin story

🔸 What inspired me to write my book

🔸 What makes me anxious and how I cope with it

🔸 Who really runs my business HR@Heart

🔸 My plans for the future

My Resources

I'm Judging you and Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

Gumbo by PJ Morton

Thank you for sticking with me through 60 episodes. I appreciate you so much and look forward to sharing the next 60 and beyond with you.

Be sure to pick up my book Confessions of an HR Pro: Stories of Defeat & Triumph available at Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.

Laurie Ruettimann is now on my official HR Hero list! It was an absolute pleasure and honor to interview this amazing woman, speaker, podcaster, and author.

The breadth and depth of Laurie's experience come to life in this episode as we discuss:

🔸 Her HR origin story.

🔸 Why doing the work of your life is important.

🔸 Why HR cannot fix work without fixing self first.

🔸 What the future of HR looks like.

My favorite quote in this episode: "The sooner we get going with the work of our lives, the bigger the impact." 🔥🔥🔥

Be sure to connect with Laurie on LinkedIn

Listen to Punk Rock HR

Laurie's Book Recommendation: Mindful money - by Johnathan K DeYoe

Check out Laurie's book: Betting on You

Joining me in the sound booth for this episode is Sana' Rasul who is the Chief Girlfriend at HR Girlfriends LLC. One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do, so the song goes. HR Girlfriends is a community that ensures that you are never alone and Sana' explains how the network and portal work and extends an open invitation for you to join the community.

Sana' shares her story, why the community exists, how it works and what is next for HR Girlfriends.

Connect with Sana' and join the community today, using these links:

https://hrgirlfriends.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanarasul/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-girlfriends-llc/

Known as authentic, transformational business leaders, Co-Founders Hema Crockett and Jamie Jacobs believe that people should do what they love and love what they do. Synthesizing decades of combined experience as business and HR executives across a broad range of companies and industries, Hema and Jamie provide their vast consultant and client base with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

In this episode, we discuss:

🌟 Their HR origin stories

🌟 The birth of Gig Talent

🌟 The transformation of HR careers

📚 Their book Designing Exceptional Organizational Cultures

Resources:

📚 Drunk tank pink - Adam Alter

Check out Gig Talent

Be sure to connect with Jamie and Hema on LinkedIn

Mandisa Diggs joins me in the sound booth to close out 2020. In this episode she shares:

Her HR origin story

Why she believes that DEI is a movement and not a moment

Points from her article: I am NOT OK: A Grief Stricken Confession from a D&I Professional

Mandisa shows an admirable strength and vulnerability in this episode that will make you look at DEI in a different light and hopefully give you a new appreciation for what we do in HR.

Resources:

How to be an Antiracist

Inclusive conversations

Black Fatigue

The Inclusion Paradox

How to be an Inclusive Leader

HR Girlfriends

Cornell University

1:1 with Mandisa

In this episode, I Sound Off with Simmone L. Bowe from the Bahamas on the topic of Sexual Harassment in the workplace. What is Sexual Harassment? Does it only happen to women? Can it happen in the HR space? How do we help employees who have been harassed? What can HR professionals do to improve the experience an employee has when they go through the grievance process? Simmone shares her personal experience of being sexually harassed and how she came out on the other side as well as what she is doing to create a safe space for employees to engage with her and how we can learn from her.

In this episode, Francis Wade of the CaribHR Forum joins me to discuss why he and his beautiful wife saw the need to form this online community and their upcoming virtual conference. Francis believes that now is the time for HR to put on their own mask to develop themselves to be of true value to their organizations.

The CaribeHR virtual conference takes place from September 17 - 19, 2020 and we hope that you will register and join us to see 40+ speakers coming together to discuss pertinent topics relating to the development and growth of the HR community. Please also take this opportunity to join the CaribHR Forum today and network with HR professionals throughout the Caribbean.

You can register here: https://gumroad.com/a/738915443/GRAaK

Individual access: https://gumroad.com/a/738915443/WKIol

Multiple access: https://gumroad.com/a/738915443/zUACa

I met Darlene Slaughter earlier this year while I was moderating a panel discussing at the Hacking HR conference on moving from insight to action in DEI. I knew from that moment that we needed to continue the conversation we started from the panel, on the show.

Darlene is the VP, Chief People Officer with March of Dimes and her knowledge and experience in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion space is so great that we wanted to share it with you.

In this episode, Darlene and I discuss:

🎙 How the Black Lives Matter movement has impacted her as a human and DEI practitioner

🎙 What DEI means to Darlene

🎙 Why having a heart of gratitude matters to Darlene

🎙 The misconception about HR that bothers her the most

Darlene briefly shares her story of losing her husband to COVID, as we have a very vulnerable conversation about where do we go from here to create inclusive workspaces knowing what we know now.

Darlene's resources:

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Be sure to connect with Darlene on LinkedIn

Ricklyn Woods is an HR Pro on a mission to support her fellow colleagues in landing the job they deserve and she does it with great passion and style.

Taking all of her knowledge and experience from her HR career, Ricklyn chose to pivot in 2020 during the pandemic to offer her services to the people supporting the people. In this episode, Ricklyn and I discuss:

🌟 Her inspirational HR origin story

🌟 Advice to young women on how to rise from unexpected detours in life

🌟 The impact of connecting with intention on LinkedIn

🌟 How her career pivot has changed her life and the lives of those she serves

🌟 Our petition to HR leaders to support the personal and professional development of their HR teams

Listen to us put Tracie Sponenberg on the spot as we petition for our first HR Rebels retreat to be in Barbados.

Ricklyn's Picks

📚 Betting on You - Laurie Ruettimann

📚 Own Your Career, Own Your Life - Andy Storch

📚 Redefining HR - Lars Schmidt

🎙 Side Hustle Pro

🎙 Switch Pivot or Quit

Be sure to connect with Ricklyn on LinkedIn and check out her podcast show "So You Think You Can HR".

In this episode, I sit down with Katrina Sam to talk about the recent digital transformation that she and her team at the Caribbean Development Bank are undergoing to streamline their HR processes and procedures. Join us as we sound off on the highs and lows of her journey.

In this episode I talk to the very talented Rishita Jones about why HR needs to become more Agile. Known for working in the tech space Agile has become the new way to bring teams together to create products over a shorter and faster time, but can this really work for HR? Join Rishita and I as we sound off on this topic.

Connect with Rishita on LinkedIn

NRG HR

Agile People Principles

Danielle Tait is a huge advocate for innovation in HR in the Caribbean. It was such a pleasure to sit down and have this conversation with her about how we can move organizations in the Caribbean forward using the analytics available to them to create meaningful work.

In this episode, we discuss:

🔸 The Interview JM and the 1 million interviews project

🔸 Her partnership with BambooHR

🔸 Why attending global HR conferences will help with your professional development

🔸 How to step up your game in HR

Resources

🔸 joshbersin.com Josh Bersin Academy

🔸 Work Rules by Laszlo Bock

🔸 AIHR | Academy to Innovate HR

Be sure to connect with Danielle.

Jon Thurmond joins me in the sound booth this week and we talk about his passion for recruitment and why he believes it is connected to Marketing. Jon has a wealth of knowledge to share including his experience in union negotiations and we have a blast as he shares some of his stories.

Jon is a fellow podcaster and co-hosts the #hrsocialhour with Wendy Dailey who will be in our next episode. Join Jon and me for this thought-provoking discussion which also includes his thoughts on:

• Why you need people in your life that will challenge you
• Why you should not be in HR because you "love people"
• Why you should start a podcast
• His love for comics and more...

You can connect with Jon on Twitter and LinkedIn and be sure to join the HR Social Hour community on Twitter.

Jon Thurmond

HR Social Hour

Jon's recommendations include:

Punk Rock HR

Hostile Work Environment

Gethin Nadin joins me in the sound booth this week to talk about employee wellbeing through the pandemic and beyond. Gethin is an award-winning MBPsS Psychologist, employee wellbeing champion, author and speaker, and likely to be the one to walk up to your employees on the street to ask them, "do you believe that your employer cares about you?"

In this episode, we talk about why employee wellbeing matters, what employers got wrong at the start of the pandemic and how we can move forward to intentionally include wellbeing in our organization strategy moving forward.

Gethin's resources

Your Honor on HBO

The Truth Manifesto

Connect with Gethin on LinkedIn

Alex Her joins me in the sound booth to talk about employer branding and how we can succeed as a department of one or more.

Are you maximizing your branding strategy to attract the best talent to your organization?

While most companies in the Caribbean may not be rated on Glassdoor or other company rating sites, we are not far away from this becoming a part of our culture.

Alex shares insights on how to boost your employer brand as an HR pro and why this matters and he drops some serious bombs on why reviews on these rating sites matter.

Be sure to connect with Alex to learn more.

Resources:

Give and Get to Employer Branding

Talent Chooses You

James Ellis

Employer Brand Magazine

The Boys

Charlene Pedro, Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Conventus Consultinc joins me in the sound booth for this episode. When is the right time to step away from the business and start your own firm? Should HR Pro's even consider consulting? Charlene shares her story and is very vulnerable in doing so, she shares her challenges and triumphs and why she is optimistic about the future.

Conventus Consultinc is a human resource company with one simple mission-helping organizations and people grow. Conventus Consultinc helps organizations address their people and performance challenges. They design and execute customized human resource solutions to drive organizational and personal performance and growth.

https://www.conventusconsultinc.com/about.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlenepedro/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/conventus-consultinc/

Sejal Thakkar is a woman on a mission to bring awareness to the many unconscious beliefs we hold in the workplace that limit our ability to create great relationships and experiences with others. Sejal is an employment law expert and currently holds the position of Chief Culture Officer at Nobody Studios in California.

In this episode, I had the privilege of talking to Sejal about:

🌟 The inspiration behind her first TED Talk

🌟 Defining unconscious beliefs

🌟 Microaggressions and affirmations

🌟 The Power of making intentional connections on LinkedIn

🌟 Biases in recruitment

🌟 The HAT theory

Listen out for us fangirling over Luvvie Ajai Jones and our shout out to Brian Bachand.

Sejal's picks:

📚 Blank Canvas by Craig Stanland

🎙 How to be a Professional Trouble-Maker - Luvvie Ajai Jones

Be sure to watch Sejal's TED Talk The Pain, Power, and Paradox of Bias and follow her on LinkedIn

Kurtis Tompkins is the Owner of Jobready2dey out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and he is extremely passionate about recruitment. So much so that he wrote and published a book called "Resume Writing Simplified." In this episode Kurtis talks about:

🔸 Why HR professionals need to humanize the recruitment process

🔸 Tips on crafting a winner resume

🔸 His book

🔸 What he believes is the biggest misconception about our profession and more.

Connect with Kurtis

Resources:

Resume Writing Simplified

Escaping The Trap

Project Help You Grow

Wendy Dailey is an awesome Mum, avid blogger, Cohost of the HR Social Hour & HR Wonder Woman podcast shows, and she loves talent acquisition. In this episode, Wendy and I talk about:

• Navigating your career in talent acquisition.
• White privilege
• Why she does not interview people that are not a part of the #hrsocialhour community.
• The challenges of talent acquisition in the medical profession.

Wendy and I had a great time talking about all of these things and many more and we hope that you enjoy this episode.

Connect with Wendy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyrhdailey/

https://hrsocialhourpodcast.podbean.com/

https://hrsocialhourpodcast.podbean.com/e/hrsocialhour-wonder-women-episode-1-wendy-anne-talk-to-margaret-spence/

Wendy's recommendations:

https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776

Nicky Hoyland is the Founder and CEO of Huler and a very dear friend of mine. In this week's episode, we talk about the amazing platform that Nicky and her team have created and that we have now christened as the "Glastonbury" of platforms.

I am truly honoured to have Huler as the sponsor of this episode and to be using this platform in my coaching programs. Want to learn more about how you can bring your organization closer together with Huler? Listen as Nicky explains why she created it, how it works and where you can plug in and get connected.

Nicky also shares her HR story and you can learn more about Huler by clicking on this link.

Nicky's resources:

Transformational HR by Perry Timms

The HR Social Hour Podcast

Redefining HR Podcast

Be sure to connect with Nicky on LinkedIn

Fat phobia is defined as the fear of fatness and fat people and is something that Dr. Joy Cox and I are no strangers to, unfortunately. Dr Cox joins me in this episode to discuss her book, "Fat Girls in Black Bodies: Creating Our Own Communities," as well as to share her insights on how we can create a more inclusive workplace by showing support to employees who are fat.

When I read Dr Cox's book there were many things that resonated with me about how I have been treated as a fat black woman by family, friends and work colleagues. I hope that our conversation moves you to become more educated about fat phobia and causes you to think about how you frame your conversations with us.

Dr. Cox shares some practical tips for HR and leaders on how to make the workplace a more inclusive space for fat bodies and some words of encouragement to the fat community.

Dr. Cox's resources:

🎯 Ragen Chastain - Dances with fat

🎯 Ivy Felicia - Fat women of colour

🎯 Dr. Veronica Garnett (LinkedIn)

🎯 Tigress Osborn (LinkedIn)

📚 Leah Vernon - Unashamed: Musings of a fat black Muslim (Amazon)

🎯 Jabbie (FaceBook)

Be sure to connect with Dr. Cox on LinkedIn and Instagram @freshoutofthecocoon

My favourite quote from this episode would be, "The magic that you (organizations) need is resting in the bodies you reject."

Aura Telman is one of my nearest and dearest of friends. She is one of the kindest and gentle people I have ever met and it was a pleasure to have this conversation with her. She is the Founder of the now rebranded Aura Telman Consulting formerly Huresources Consulting.

In this episode, Aura and I talk about:

Holistic HR

Authentic Inclusion

The Be Human Hour

Her HR origin story is going to blow you away and she also shares her true passion in life, and be sure to check out her new Leadership Spirit Quiz at the top of her website using the link below.

Connect with Aura

Website: https://www.auratelman.com/

Resources:

Brene Brown

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748

What is the Gig Economy and what are the chances of this being the way forward for companies coming out of COVID-19? Here to discuss this topic with me in the sound booth is Dr. Rochelle Haynes. Dr. Haynes is very passionate about this subject and brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the fore. HR professionals, need to engage in discussions that lead to recruiting talent for the smooth and effective operations of companies. Coming out of this pandemic one of those conversations will surround, does everyone need to go back to the office, and if not which jobs can continue to work from home or anywhere in the world? In addition, what positions can you now consider recruiting for outside of your country and benefit from the immediate expertise of a candidate you would have once dismissed? Join Rochelle and me in the sound booth for this engaging episode.

In this episode, I sound off with Ron Johnson who is the Co-Founder of Blueprint Creative Inc. a branding agency in Barbados. we talk about this formula that he has created that sees the marriage between branding and HR and why organizations should want to include HR in their branding strategy meetings. We also sound off on company culture, employee engagement, Disrupthr Barbados and a misconception about HR that bothers us both, So listen now as we sound off.

Meighan Newhouse is a powerhouse! She is smart, funny and an amazing advocate for people-first cultures.

In this episode, Meighan shares:

• Her HR Origin Story and claims that she is #newtohr.
• What the future of work looks like.
• Why she struggles with change.
• What she has learned about her white privilege.

We also connect on why rocking the boat matters and how we can do this is a positive way.

Connect with Meighan

Resources

Indistractable

How to be an Anti-racist

Born A Crime

In this episode, I talk to Debra Corey, Co-author of the book "Build It: The Rebel Playbook for World Class Employee Engagement". Join us as Debra shares her story of how she got into HR, why it is important to think outside of the box when engaging employees, the misconception about HR that bothers her the most, and what she is up to next.

Welcome to the rebellution.

What is a CHRO? How do they support the business? What keeps them up at night? Dr. Cassida Jones-Johnson joins me in this episode to answer these questions and more.

Dr. Jones-Johnson has a career that has taken her worldwide and exposed her to numerous cultures. In her last role as CHRO at Grace Kenedy in Jamaica, she grew in leaps and bounds. Her presence is both commanding and heartwarming, and it was a pleasure to sit down with her to discuss:

🔸 The impact of the CHRO role on the business.

🔸 Why it is important to put your leaders in the driver's seat of their careers.

🔸 How to become a strategic thinker and partner.

🔸 Why you need to think like a CEO while in HR.

I apologise for this episode's sound quality; I am sure you will enjoy it nonetheless.

Be sure to connect with Dr. Jones-Johnson on LinkedIn.

Listen out for her explanation on why she uses LinkedIn.

Joining me in the Sound Booth this week is Enrique Rubio of Hacking HR. In this episode, we discuss how he came up with the concept for Hacking HR, where this movement is to date, and where it is heading in the future. Come and learn how Enrique got into HR and what he believes is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about HR that he wants to set the record straight on. #hrsoundoff #letssoundoff #hackinghr #futureofwork

In this episode, I explore the world of HR transformation with Perry Timms. Why does HR need to transform? What are we missing and how can we close the gap to give organizations what they require while achieving self-fulfillment? What in the world is an HR Hackathon? This episode will disrupt you in a great way.

In this episode, I talk to the very passionate Ms. Jolene king of 246 King Consulting on the topic of mental health in the workplace. The numbers are in from numerous reports around the world and they all say that mental health needs to be a higher concern on the agenda for employers. What can we as HR practitioners do to help remove the stigma and increase awareness? Jolene and I sound off on this and more.

Dr. Tana M. Session joins me on this episode to share her thoughts on Organizational Development. I am a huge fan of Dr. Session, she is an organizational development strategist, author, speaker, and in 2017, she was recognized by Forbes.com as a top business leader speaking out about D&I.

We are both products of the amazing Cher Jones and so we spend a few moments talking about how awesome Cher truly is.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why you should have a mentor that pushes you to be the best.
• How to get your start in HR.
• The top 3 people you need to know in your organization to help you understand the business of the business
• Dr. Session's LinkedIn Live show "HR in the News"
• What is Organizational Development?

and much, much more. Be sure to follow Dr. Session and learn more from her. We hope you enjoy this episode.

Connect with Dr. Session

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtanamsession/

https://www.tanamsession.com/

https://www.tanamsession.com/products

In this episode, Jennifer McClure visits the sound booth and we discuss DisruptHR. The speaker event series that she started with her friend Chris Ostoich in 2013 to engage HR and business professionals in her home town of Cincinnati. What started as a potentially one-off event to fill a need for professionals in their home town, has exploded into a global rebelution.

What inspired them to create this event? What is the format? How global is it? Jennifer answers these questions and more as we sound off in this disruptive episode.

Want to learn more about DisruptHR go to www.dirsupthr.co

Adam Posner describes himself as a human connector and has a firm belief that to be the best recruiter, you need to fully understand the needs of your client and the candidate. A formula that many in the talent acquisition space get wrong. In this episode, Adam and I discuss:

🎯 Adam's origin story into recruitment

🎯 Life as an entrepreneur and lessons learned

🎯 Why everyone cannot recruit

🎯 The impact of extended open roles on the employee experience

🎯 Reflections and advice to his younger self

Adam also shares his thoughts on the "great resignation" and why he would prefer to refer to it as the "great migration."

Poz's Picks

📚 Betting on You - Laurie Ruettimann

📺 Below Deck Meditteranean

📺 White Lotus

📺 Ted Lasso (Apple TV)

📺 Never Have I Ever

📺 Billions

📺 The Morning Show

Be sure to connect with Adam on LinkedIn and check out the PozCast which is available on all podcast platforms.

According to statistics there are more women in HR than men. Why is that and what can we do to draw more men to the profession? Joining me to sound off on this topic is Shane Howell.

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Emma El-Karout from One Circle an online HR consulting platform. Emma gives us the tea on why she created One Circle, how it works, and how you can get involved.

Emma is an amazing and warm person and we had such good fun talking about how HR professionals can consult using her portal. If you are currently unemployed in the HR space and looking for new ways to develop and grow, One Circle is just what you have been looking for. Join the community today https://www.onecirclehr.com/.

In this episode of HR Sound Off, I speak to the amazing Katrina Collier about her book "The Robot-Proof Recruiter" and the importance of keeping the "human" in the recruitment process despite the increasing use of AI. We talk about DisruptHR and as always misconceptions about the HR profession that need to be put right.

Katrina is a native Australian based in the UK and we talk about the impact the Australian bush fires have had on everyone. Should you wish to donate to the recovery of this beautiful country and it's wildlife, you can click on the links below to learn more.

https://www.wires.org.au/

https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate

I love to share HR communities with you because it is not easy being in this profession, and community is everything. This week, I have the privilege of magnifying the voice of Adese Okojie, who is the Founder of the Black Women in HR (BWHR) community. In this week's episode, we will learn:

🌟 Adese' HR origin story

🌟 The origin story of BWHR

🌟 What the BWHR community can do for you

🌟 The upcoming BWHR conference in November

🌟 The highs and lows of putting the conference together

We will also learn about the biggest misconception about HR that bothers Adese.

Adese' resources:

Amend - Netflix

Be sure to connect with Adese on LinkedIn and pick up your conference tickets using this link.

My introvert brother Erich Kurschat joins me for this weeks episode of the HR Sound Off Podcast Show. Erich and I first met over 2 years ago when we sat on a panel for the Hacking HR Global Conference. We discussed networking as introverts in that talk, and our introvert sister Tracie Sponenberg was part of that conversation.

We have all remained great friends since making that first connection. It was great to have this conversation with Erich and to share with you his passion for making intentional connections in our HR community.

Join the conversation as we discuss:

🔸 Erich's HR origin story

🔸 Being a DISC nerd

🔸 Creating the HR Hot Seat Community

Erich's Resources

The Obstacle is The Way

Getting to Yes

Listen to the HR Social Hour

Be sure to connect with Erich on LinkedIn and check our video short on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe while you are there.

Believe it or not, Tim Sackett was born into HR. His early career in the recruitment space started with his mother who was a recruiter and entrepreneur and he is proud to share that she taught him everything he knows.

Today Tim runs the family business started by his mother and has recruited in various industries through out his career. It is his great passion for what he does brings him to the sound booth to discuss:

1. How to be a self taught Recruiter
2. His worst recruiting experience
3. Striking the balance as an HR Pro
4. Recruitment tech tips
5. Humanizing recruitment

Also, hear Tim clear up the biggest misconception about HR that really bothers him and why the other Tim Sackett may not be so pleased with him.

Connect with Tim:

Tim Sackett on LinkedIn

Tim Sackett on Twitter

Resources:

The Tim Sackett Project

Malcolm Gladwell Books

Workday

The Prof G Show

The Economist

In this episode, I talk to Madison Butler about the special ingredients to recruiting right. Madison is the VP of People & Culture at Sourced Craft Cocktails. She is a huge advocate for building inclusive organizational cultures and creating a highly engaged workforce. On this edition in the Sound Booth, we hear the "Blue Haired Recruiter" talk about how she got into HR, how she feels about recruiting with purpose, what she believes is the biggest misconception that people have about HR and how she plans to keep on making an impact in the HR space. 

As leaders, you want to ensure that you are getting the best out of your team and that does not happen with rigid processes and procedures.

Research shows that teams thrive when they understand the organization's strategy, where they fit in the big picture and finally they need to know that they belong.

My guest Marjorie Wharton is a Transition Specialist, Host of LinkedIn Local Barbados, and legend in her own right. In this episode, Marjorie and I discuss why coaching matters, why we need to move beyond managing a bum in a seat, and how her company Breakthrough Performance Coaching can help your organization to thrive.

Connect with Marjorie

Resources:

Abundance Now - Lisa Nichols

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind - Vishen Lakhiani

Mind Valley Talks

Joining me in the Sound Booth this episode is Lucy Adams. Lucy is the CEO of Disruptive HR based in the UK and she has a wealth of experience in the HR field which has led her on this new journey to disrupt the way we as HR professionals practice HR in our organizations. Lucy shares her story with me and gives some sage advice on how we can bring HR into the 21st century and beyond. I also encourage everyone to check out her book Disruptive HR on Amazon.

Joining me for this episode is my dear friend and mentor through my Agile HR journey, the amazing Natal Dank.

Natal has the most infectious bubbly personality you will ever come accross and is the exact person you need to bring energy to such a topic. Natal has a passion for helping leaders, organizations and brands build awesome places to work, where talented people want to be. She has worked with organizations both great and small to embrace the Agile mindset, redefine their culture and co-create healthy, happy and financially successful working environments.

So just what is this Agile mindset and why must we as HR start to embrace it? Join Natal and myself on this episode to learn more.

Kris Dunn joins me in the sound booth today to talk about his book "The 9 Faces of HR". If you are struggling to figure out who you are in the HR space, this book is just what you are looking for. In this episode, Kris and I discuss:

🔸 His HR origin story

🔸 Building your career in HR

🔸 His prediction on returning to work

Kris' Resources

🔸 The 9 Faces of HR

🔸 Betting on You - Laurie Ruettimann

🔸 The HR Capitalist

🔸 Fistful of Talent

Be sure to connect with Kris on LinkedIn and interact with his content in his newsletters.

This episode I sound off with Dessalen Wood who is the Chief People Officer at Thought Exchange. Dessalen and I talk about her experience working 100% remotely while leading the people experience in her organization, what keeps her up at night and how Thought Exchange can benefit your organization.

Shannon Pritchett is the Head of Community at Hiretual/Evry1 and joins me this week to discuss the Evry1 community and why creating such a forum matters to her. In this episode, we will also discuss:

🎙 What sets Evry1 apart from other online communities in Talent Acquisition

🎙 What Shannon believes Recruiters should be focussing on to enhance the candidate experience coming out of COVID

🎙 Her experience of being recruited and how it has impacted her career as a recruiter

🎙 Qualities of a great Recruiter

Shannon also shares her fangirl story of an encounter that she had with Drew Brees during a university scouting tour as a swimmer. Be sure to follow and connect with Shannon on LinkedIn and check out the Evry1 community.

Shannon's resources:

The Moment of Lift - Melinda Gates

Below Deck on Bravo

Marketing Podcasts

Torin Elis Joins me in this episode for a riveting conversation on how organizations can create a DE&I strategy that is robust and holds everyone in leadership accountable.

Torin specializes in working with companies to create their DE&I strategy using a top-down/bottom-up approach and is very passionate about what he does.

Torin lays out the fundamentals of creating your DE&I strategy as:

🔸 Make a declaration to the organization stating your commitment to having a diverse workforce.

🔸 Allocate the necessary resources for your DE&I initiatives to succeed.

🔸 Hold people accountable and call out non-inclusive behaviors.

Connect with Torin on LinkedIn

Website

Resources:

🔸 Russel Reynolds Inclusive Leadership report

🔸 Larry Fink Letter to CEOs 2018

🔸 Me and White Supremacy

Winona Rajamohan and Keke Mcclaney join me for this episode to talk about Hiretual. I am so honoured to have Hiretual as a sponsor, and I look forward to working with them for a long time.

Hiretual was made by recruiters for recruiters and is the candidate search and data engine for your sourcing and recruiting efforts. Integrate with your tech stack for a complete top-of-the-funnel solution — source across 750M+ profiles, engage with personalized campaigns and rediscover lost profiles in your ATS.

Winona and Keke discuss their stories on how they joined the team at Hiretual, what they love about the team and communities they have created, and I get them to share what they would tell their younger selves as young women of colour. Listen as they set the record straight on that one misconception that people have about recruiters that drives them crazy.

Resources:

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man - Emmanuel Acho

The Existentialist's Survival Guide: How to Live Authentically in an Inauthentic Age

Beloved

Connect with Winona and Keke on LinkedIn

Check out Hiretual

Tiffany Jones not only connects people to jobs but she connects mentees to mentors and so much more. When I first met Tiffany, I was amazed at how much she loves recruitment and that she was intentional about putting the right people in the right jobs for the right organizations. She is the Managing Director of The Job Connect, the company she passionately calls "her baby" which she started in 2018 after seeing a message from a frustrated job seeker on social media who was ready to end it all.

Tiffany is one of the most kind-hearted and giving people I have ever met and she does it without expecting anything in return. Her focus and dedication to her side hustle while working a steady nine to five with a very demanding role is nothing short of impressive to see in someone so young. I expect to see even more amazing things from Tiffany in the future as she is definitely a young entrepreneur to look out for.

In this episode, Tiffany shares the joys and struggles of her journey, what keeps her up at night, and clears up what she believes is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about HR Professionals.

Connect with Tiffany:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-jones-b44174135/

https://www.thejobconnect.co/

Tiffany's resource corner:

Recruiting 101

Sincere apologies for the sound quality in this episode.

Jarrod Best-Mitchell joins me for episode 50, and this time, we take a little twist as we discuss branding on LinkedIn as an HR Pro.

Jarrod is from the twin-island of Trinidad & Tobago and is known for sales, LinkedIn and his love for the colour yellow. In fact, Jarrod admits that if he could have a national colour to represent him, it would be yellow.

Jarrod took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss:

🔸 The importance of a good LinkedIn profile

🔸 Intro video tips

🔸 Personal branding

Many HR professionals are losing out because they are not marketing themselves properly on LinkedIn, so listen to why Jarrod believes that your digital presence on the most important digital platform for professionals should matter to you.

Connect with Jarrod on LinkedIn

Website

Jarrod's resources

Competitive Strategy by Michael Forde

Favourite quote: "Your LinkedIn profile is your house."

Bill Banham the Co-Founder of Innovate Work, joins me in this episode to talk about the event series that is fast sweeping the world and heading to the Caribbean. Bill talks about what it takes to create an HR magazine while sharing his story of how he developed his passion for the HR function.

Innovate Work takes place on July 30th 2020 and you can feel free to use this link to register https://innovatework.co/caribbean-july-30-2020/

Over the last year, I have had the awesome privilege of getting to know Tracie Sponenberg. Tracie is smart, humble, and very knowledgable in the HR space. I have learned that we have many things in common and our biggest commonality is that we are both introverts.

Despite this, we are able to build relationships, champion for the people in our organizations, network and speak publicly. As a result of all that we do, we both have had occasions where people speak in disbelief that we are introverts.

In this episode, Tracie and I discuss:

• Networking as an introvert
• Tracie's HR origin story
• The power of building your HR Community
• What HR really is

Connect with Tracie

Resources

The Memo

HR On Purpose

HR Rising

How to Be an Antiracist

HR Social Hour

Not the HR Lady

Melony James lives and breathes occupational safety and health. Her passion for this profession exudes in our conversation today as we talk about why HR and occupational health & safety go hand in hand.

In this episode, you will learn:

🔸 How Melony started her career

🔸 Why Melony believes that Health and safety should be an entrenched value in every organisation

🔸 Why lack of accountability from leadership can affect employee engagement

🔸 Steps HR can take to create a purposeful safety culture

Connect with Melony on LinkedIn

Melony’s resource:

American Mental Health association Newsletter

The amazing Yonica Squires joins me in the sound booth to discuss why it is important to find the right tech for your business.

Yonica is passionate about ensuring that companies have the right tech and that there is a smooth transition into utilizing the systems purchased.

Yonica is determined to break the stigma of being a black woman in tech and it is a firm belief in herself and having faith in the process, that she continues to persevere in the field.

In this episode we discuss:

Why it is important to be curious about HR Tech

Why you cannot throw tech at your problems

Mental health apps yay or nay?

Quote "the problem is the solution"

Connect with Yonica

Orbis Human Capital

Resources:

Hack recruiting

Down to Earth

Subscribe to her YouTube Channel

Jameela Hollingsworth, the HR Boss, joins me for this week's episode as we discuss her HR journey.

In this episode, Jameela talks about what it is like to run her own business while studying 20 + hours a week, returning to her legal roots, and doing all of this while managing the HR department of one of the biggest tourism management companies in Barbados and, serving in five countries.

Jameela shares advice that she has for young and aspiring HR professionals trying to enter the field. We also talk about being "Olivia Pope in real-life", working in politics and crisis management.

Be sure to check out her recommendations for your reading pleasure.

• I know how she does it - Laura VanderKam
• You Are a Badass - Jen Sincero
• You Are a Badass at Making Money - Jen Sincero

Connect with Jameela on Social media at:

LinkedIn

The HR Boss

In this introduction, I explain why I created this podcast and what you can look forward to listening to in the many episodes to come.

James Guilford joins me in the sound booth to discuss this very relevant topic. In a time of pandemic, racism and sexism, it is abundantly clear that people are no longer willing to tolerate toxic behaviours for a paycheck. James has a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with organizations with toxic cultures and has even been known to work with a bunch of clowns.

In this episode, James and I discuss:

• What is workplace bullying and why does it exist?
• The consequences of a toxic work environment
• Why you will lose your top talent and
• Male privilege.

Connect with James

Resources:

The Happiness Advantage

Khalilah "KO" Olokunola describes herself as an "Impact Architect", and I could not agree with her more. Her story will take your breath away and give you hope. She is the breath of fresh air we all need in HR, and I am so glad that I got this chance to share space with her.

In this episode, which I can only describe as a rollercoaster ride you do not want to miss; Khalilah and I talk about:

🔸 How her past and pain has lead her to her purpose.

🔸 Why she measures "shots fired" on the job.

🔸 We break down her acronym for D-I-R-T-Y HR.

and,

🔸 Why you should be creating "Bankable Blueprints."

My favourite quote: "Your pride is not as important as your purpose."

Be sure to connect with Khalilah on LinkedIn.

Khalilah's resources:

Atomic Habits

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Watch Black Panther and Thor again because we said so...

To receive the PDF Version of Khalilah's Purpose Plan, contact me at hrsoundoff@gmail.com, and I will be happy to share it with you.

Join me in the sound booth this week as I sit down with the dynamic Bria McCray! Bria's journey from her first HR role to becoming the VP of People at RelationalAI and Founder of HRBP Consulting is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Bria shares her unique HR origin story and invaluable advice for anyone seeking an HR internship. Her passion for creating innovative and effective people ops strategies that support rapid growth without compromising company culture is truly captivating. 

Discover the tools and techniques Bria used to thrive as an HR department of one and hear what currently excites her most about the HR world. Plus, you won't want to miss the HR misconception that's got her buzzing! 

📚 Bria's book pick: The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Morgan and Michael Lennington.

Amy Lavoie joins me for this week's episode, and she is breaking down why she loves focusing on people success. As an HR professional, I truly believe it is essential to do the things that make your heart sing because our profession can be very lonely and thankless.

Amy shares her HR story and why she agrees with me when it comes to changing the title of the HR profession to people experience/success.

Amy has spent her career studying, practicing, building, and evangelizing the science of happiness at work. She is on a mission to help organizations, leaders, and teams create cultures where people can bring their best selves to work and do their best work. Because happier employees = better humans and a better world. And oh yeah, it's great for business!

Amy's Pic's

• Good Inside Podcast by Dr. Becky
• The Dip by Seth Godin

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and HR journey.

This episode is brought to you with compliments of Process St.

This week, I am magnifying the voice of the brilliantly talented Joseph Ifiegbu. Joseph is one of the Co-founders of the HR tech company eqtble, and in this episode, you get to learn more about the company and the tech.

 

eqtble works with over 150 HR and human capital management systems, requiring no technical knowledge. Plug in engagement, compensation, talent and workforce data direct from the source. You won't have to mess around with spreadsheets ever again.

 

Joseph and I sit down to chat about why he and his fellow co-founders decided to create this technology, why HR data matters and why HR professionals need to have a deeper understanding of the impact people data has on the organization. We also share our thoughts on the statement made by many leaders that "HR is not strategic."

 

Joseph also shares what he does to practice self-care, and the book series is currently grabbing his attention.

 

Be sure to follow Joseph on LinkedIn and check out eqtble today.

When I share success stories from my coaching practice, I always tell the story of my guest's today. Melissa Lockhart and I met at a pivotal moment in her HR career. Our work together led her to leave a successful career in HR to start her very own nightwear brand, Melda Moda. Today, Melissa joins me to share her HR story and explain why she left corporate HR to pursue her passion.

It was a pleasure speaking with Melissa to learn about the drivers that led her to make the choice she did and about her success so far. Melissa is a true success story of what life looks like on the other side of HR burnout. She has been featured in Essence, Brides, and Uptown, and her line is worn by everyday women as well as Real Housewives and Influencers.

I am so proud of Melissa for doing the work internally to help her get to where she is today. I am honoured to have been a part of her story, and we hope her story will encourage you.

Melissa also recommended checking out the book Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, Bestie by Bevy Smith.

Check out Melda Moda https://meldamoda.com/ 

Follow Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissalockhart/. Her tagline is "People Ops & Pajamas."

This episode is brought to you by HR@Heart Consulting Inc. - The HR Safe Space.

 

 

Jane Ferré is the Executive Career Coach at Jane Ferré Coaching, a private outplacement firm for HR Directors to offer to their senior leaders whose roles are now redundant. Offering this external 1:1 support enables them to exit their people from the business with speed, dignity and grace so that everyone can move on with their heads held high.

Jane joins me to share her HR story, and she gets real on some critical HR topics such as:

• HR taking their seat at the table
• Navigating your exit from HR
• Prioritizing self-care
• Her views on lunch and learns
• Managing your diary 

Jane's must-read book: Getting Things Done The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen.

This episode is brought to you complements of Process St.

This week, I am magnifying the voice of the remarkable Cassandra Rose. Join us as Cassandra takes us on a journey through her extensive career in Human Resources, shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs of working in HR.

Cassandra, a seasoned Global HR Executive, brings a wealth of experience to the table. In this episode, she generously shares insights into her HR journey and the intricacies of steering the HR ship in the ever-evolving startup landscape. Discover the passion that fuels her mission to support employees as they navigate their own professional journeys within an organization.

Having worn the hats of leadership at both multibillion-dollar global brands and unicorn startups, Cassandra has honed proven strategies. These strategies positively impact employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being. Get ready for a deep dive into the real-world examples and leading industry practices she brings.

Cassandra doesn't just stop at the boardroom; she actively engages with the HR community. Through consultation, coaching, and facilitating workshops, she empowers HR and People Leaders to connect the value of talent with the mission of their organizations.

What is Cassandra reading:

Silo by Hugh Howey

The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley

 

This episode is powered by HRatHeart Consulting Inc. - The HR Safe Space.

Keirsten Greggs is the Founder and CEO of TRAP Recruiter, LLC, a Recruiting Consulting and Career Coaching firm. With over 20 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, she's passionate about helping organizations attract, select and retain the best people, including underrepresented candidates, and helping job seekers find their voice in the hiring process. She does this through consulting, facilitating workshops, hosting training sessions and webinars, coaching job seekers, etc. 

 

In this episode, Keirsten breaks down talent acquisition and explains why it is not as easy as everyone thinks. There are many layers to HR and many career paths to choose from, so I am delighted that Keirsten took the time to share her story with us, and I hope you enjoy this episode.

 

Kirsten's top picks:

📺 The new season of Ozark

📺 Abbot Elementary

📺 This is us

🎼 Gospel music

🎼 Old school rap

 

Follow Keirsten on LinkedIn and Twitter and check out her company TRAP Recruiter LLC

In this HR Sound Off podcast episode, we welcome Bill Brown, Principal and Chief People Officer at Think People.Culture. Bill shares his inspiring journey through HR, offering valuable advice for those aspiring to become a Chief People Officer. We dive into his book Don't Suck At Recruiting, and get a sneak peek into his upcoming release, Don't Suck at Culture. Bill emphasizes the importance of ethical consistency in HR and building early company wins. He also shares his favorite reads, including Redefining HR by Lars Schmidt and insights from the Harvard Business Review.

This episode is packed with practical insights and resources for HR professionals aiming to excel in their careers. Don't miss out!

This week, I'm amplifying the voice of the remarkable Anthony Howard. Anthony serves as the Founder & CEO of HR Certified and has over two decades of HR expertise across diverse industries. What began as a side venture evolved into his primary focus following profound introspection prompted by a traumatic event that led to a period of depression. Emerging from this ordeal, Anthony birthed HR Certified, dedicating himself to supporting underrepresented HR professionals through SHRM certification while also offering coaching and fostering community.

In this episode, we delve into HR Certified and Anthony's experiences as the sole black male in HR within an organization. Reflecting on his extensive career in HR, spanning over two decades, Anthony reveals encountering only one instance where a black manager supervised him. Additionally, Anthony discusses his enthusiasm for the current state of HR and much more. It was an enriching conversation.

One of my favourite quotes from Anthony is, "Everyone needs to get uncomfortable to grow."

Anthony recommends the following resources:

• "I'm Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace" by Elizabeth Leiba
• "Great Place to Work For All: Better for Business, Better for People, Better for the World" by Michael Bush

Explore HR Certified at www.gethrcertified.com.

Fun fact: In 2023, HR Certified earned recognition as a 🌟 Toplist Company 🌟 in the 2023 U.S. BASA Awards!

This episode was sponsored by HRatHeart Consulting Inc. - The HR Safe Space.

Stacey Lewis is the Founder/CEO of HR Interrupted and is a true force of nature in the HR profession.   I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey last year during a panel discussion. At that moment, I knew she had to be a guest on the show.   Stacey has been in HR for 30 years and in this episode, she shares her why and what's next.   Some key quotes from this episode include:   "Everybody has a why"   "Sometimes you just have to jump"   "It takes will, drive & fortitude to get where you want to go"   "We have not, because we ask not"   Stacey's message today is going to light a fire under you to move you to your next season. Are you ready? Then let's sound off.   You can learn more about Stacey by following her LinkedIn. Use this link to out her company HR Interrupted.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Stephanie Murdock, who has amassed over 24 years of experience in HR, primarily in the public sector of the Jamaican government. Stephanie shares her insightful journey, highlighting the lessons she learned while transitioning into private-sector HR. We delve into fascinating topics such as leading next-gen HR, tackling imposter syndrome, and the danger of losing one's identity in the HR field.

Stephanie's resources:

📚 Beyond Performance 2.0 A Proven Approach to Leading Large Scale Change by Scott Keller & Bill Schaninger

📚 The Five Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking and informative episode!

Powered by HR@Heart consulting Inc.

Minda Harts joins me for this week's episode to talk about her new book, Right Within. From the lyrics of one of my favourite artists Lauryn Hill, we ask you, how will you win the war of racism in the workplace if you are not right within? How will you move on to bigger and better things if you do not heal and get right within?

 

If you have not read Minda's book, I highly suggest you put it in your shopping cart right now. Minda shares why she wrote this book, how HR failed her and practical suggestions on healing from racial trauma in the workplace. This is an episode you do not want to miss.

 

Have you ever experienced racial trauma at work? Do you believe that HR failed you in the process of dealing with it? What was the most challenging part of your healing journey? Share your story in the comments.

With almost 100% of HR professionals struggling with burnout, I felt it necessary to share another HR burnout story with you. So joining me in the sound booth this week is Charli Gamber, and we are talking about moving from burnout to brilliance.

 

Charli is the Owner/Independent Agent of Benefits With Heart where she serves employers by strategically setting up their benefits packages, allowing them to attract and retain the best and brightest. In addition, administering their benefits seamlessly gives them valuable time back in their day. As a result, employees understand the value of their benefits presented, complain less about their benefits, and spend less time trying to figure out why that one claim isn't getting paid. 

 

Charli is also the author of the book HR Burnout: Reigniting the flame, and you should check this out. Charli shares why she wrote the book, and we also talk about her most important lesson learned as an HR professional.

 

Chali's book list

📚 Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount and

📚 Yes You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work by Melissa Doman

 

Follow Charli on LinkedIn and check out her book on Amazon.

 

This episode is brought to you with compliments of Process Street.

This week I am magnifying the voice of Emily Connery, the VP of People & Talent at ChartHop. Emily shares her HR story, and we also learn about ChartHop and all of the wonderful things she and her team are doing to enhance the people experiences there.

 

Why ChartHop? Your people data is your most important data. And ChartHop was purpose-built for it. ChartHop brings together all your people data - from payroll & demographic to performance & engagement. They handle it extremely carefully, ensuring the most sensitive data is protected. But, with ChartHop, data is just the beginning. ChartHop is everything you need in one platform.

 

Emily also shares the resources that she finds helpful to keep her up to date on all things HR and the things she does for self-care.

 

Be sure to follow Emily on LinkedIn and check out ChartHop at https://www.charthop.com/.

 

 

This week, I have a truly inspiring guest joining us, Amad Thompson. Amad is a seasoned HR professional with a wealth of experience in Talent Development. He currently serves as the Talent Development Manager at Sysco Bahamas Food Services and wears the hat of CEO at Astute Talent Management.

In this episode, Amad takes us on a captivating journey through the world of Talent Management, sharing insights, experiences, and invaluable wisdom. Together, we delve into the heart of Talent Management, exploring how it plays a pivotal role in shaping organizations and nurturing their most valuable asset – their people.

Amad's journey into Talent Management, also known as Learning and Development (L&D), is inspiring and instructive. He shares his personal story, highlighting the passion and dedication that led him to this dynamic field. Amad's journey reminds us that sometimes, our career paths are not linear, and embracing change can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

One of the central topics we explore in this episode is why Talent Management often faces unique challenges when it operates within HR departments of one. As HR professionals know, managing the entire HR spectrum single-handedly can be a daunting task. Amad sheds light on how to navigate these challenges and unlock the true potential of Talent Management, even in smaller HR teams.

Throughout our conversation, Amad shares practical strategies and actionable advice on how aspiring HR professionals can step into a Talent Management role. From developing a deep understanding of your organization's needs to honing critical skills in talent development and employee engagement, Amad provides a roadmap for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in this field.

A standout moment from this episode is when Amad shares this thought-provoking quote: "Learn the difference between accessibility and availability." In a world where HR professionals are constantly pulled in different directions, this quote reminds us of the importance of balancing our own well-being with our professional responsibilities.

Remember, the HR Sound Off Show is created by an HR professional for HR professionals. Our mission is to amplify HR voices and empower the HR community.

Amad's Resources

• 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication - John Maxwell
• As We Grow Together - Wellington Hepburn

This episode is powered by HRatHeart Consulting Inc.

In this week's episode, I have the pleasure of magnifying the voice of the amazingly talented Hebba Youssef, the Chief People Officer at WorkWeek and the brilliant mind behind the thought-provoking newsletter "I Hate It Here."

Episode Highlights:

Hebba takes us on a captivating journey through her experiences in HR and much more. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

1. HR Journey Unveiled: Hebba opens up about her fascinating journey into HR, sharing valuable insights gained from years of experience. From her early career to becoming the Chief People Officer at WorkWeek, Hebba's journey is filled with wisdom and inspiration.

2. Navigating the Writer's Strike: We delve into an intriguing discussion about the impact of the writers' strike in the US and how HR professionals like Hebba have had to adapt and evolve in the face of such challenges. Her perspective on managing workplace dynamics during turbulent times is truly enlightening.

3. HR in the Startup World: Hebba shares her unique perspective on the dynamics of HR within the fast-paced world of startups. She provides valuable tips and strategies for HR professionals navigating the unique challenges and opportunities presented by startup environments.

4. The Power of Positive Self-Talk: We explore the importance of positive self-talk in the workplace and in life. Hebba shares practical advice on fostering a positive mindset and how this can contribute to personal and professional growth.

5. "I Hate It Here" Newsletter: We also dive into Hebba's popular newsletter, "I Hate It Here," which resonates with many HR professionals. Discover the inspiration behind this unique newsletter and how it serves as a platform for open discussions about workplace experiences.

To stay connected with Hebba, you can find her on LinkedIn.

This episode is brought to you by HRatHeart Consulting Inc. The HR Safe Space

When was the last time that you recognized someone on your team? Do you believe that recognition is an essential tool for building employee engagement? Debra Corey is back to talk about her new book, "Appreciate It | The Playbook for Employee Recognition.

In this episode, Debra shares her mistakes in creating past recognition programs, what she learned from those mistakes and how her new book can help you to develop or improve your recognition practices.

It is always a pleasure to catch up with Debra, and in our conversation, you can listen out for ways that she practices self-care and some advice that she would give to her younger self now starting in HR.

Follow Debra on LinkedIn and pick up her book on Amazon.

Would you consider yourself a People Scientist? When we think about HR and how the profession has changed over the last ten years, the science behind how people think and feel about work has become a huge priority for us in HR.

 

This week I am happy to magnify Kevin Campbell's voice, an Employee Experience  Scientist with Qualtrics in the USA. Kevin shares his origin story, why he believes that the science behind what makes people happy at work matters, and why HR professionals should be more involved in people numbers.

 

Kevin helps organizations acquire, develop and retain their most valuable asset: their people. Kevin also helps people manage an aspect of their lives that plays a crucial role in their happiness: their work. He's spent the last decade of his career building leaders at every level and creating scores of engaged, high-performing, strengths-based teams.

 

Kevin's resources 

Upstream by Dan Heath

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

 

Connect, learn and grow with Kevin on LinkedIn.

When it comes to attrition and retention, do you have all the answers? The truth is none of us has the solutions to every HR challenge that comes our way, which is why we need community.

 

Lizabeth Wesley-Casella joins me this week to share some practical tips and tricks to help you with retention and attrition. Lizabeth is the Founder & CEO of L-12 Services, which helps CEOs, owners, and operations professionals ensure their teams are poised for success, functioning at high capacity, and experiencing unparalleled job satisfaction.

 

Lizabeth's Resources:

Testing Business Ideas by David Bland - https://amzn.to/3Hq7RTG

Take the attrition prevention quiz - https://l12services.com/quiz/

 

Sponsors:

Process Street - https://www.process.st/

HR@Heart Consulting Inc. - https://hratheart.co/

Cheryl DeSantis is the Chief People and Diversity Officer at the SmileDirectClub based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Cheryl describes herself as a purpose, and values-based leader and her values are courage, compassion, integrity and learning. She believes her purpose is to inspire and empower courageous transformation in leaders and to bring more empathy, love and kindness to the world.

In this episode, Cheryl and I unpack what it means to have a coaching mindset in HR and how to be a more heart-centric professional. While many leaders may think that leading with empathy and focussing on creating meaningful moments that matter at work is "soft HR", Cheryl explains why this type of leadership is the future of leadership in the workplace.

Cheryl is also a published author of the book "Steel Backbones Soft Heart", where she shares the story behind the turnaround in her HR career to heart-centric leadership and why all HR professionals and leaders should lead this way.

We also discuss why her team value of "better is better" should be adopted across HR, what she does for self-care and the advice she would give to her younger self.

This was a truly inspiring conversation, and I hope you enjoy it. 

Follow Cheryl on LinkedIn and check out her new book on Amazon.

 

I am thrilled to welcome Sheba Wilson to the show. Sheba has not only excelled in HR but has also made her mark as an accomplished author, speaker, and resilient figure in her personal life. Today, Sheba opens up about her unique HR journey and the motivation behind her insightful book, "Get Up and Lead."

Exploring HR Leadership: We kick off the episode by examining the qualities that make Sheba an exceptional HR leader. Sheba emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy, a trait she's known for. She firmly believes that successful HR leadership is rooted in genuine care for people. 

The Heart Behind "Get Up and Lead": Sheba shares the personal experiences and revelations that inspired her to write "Get Up and Lead." 

Building Happy and Healthy HR Teams: In our conversation, we discuss what it takes to lead an HR team that's not just efficient but also happy and healthy. Sheba's insights into creating a positive work environment and fostering trust among team members are enlightening.

Trust: The Foundation of HR Success: One key aspect that we dive deep into is trust. Sheba passionately articulates why trust is the cornerstone of any thriving HR team. We explore how trust impacts relationships within organizations and how HR professionals can cultivate it.

Getting Personal: This episode isn't just about HR leadership; it's about Sheba's journey and the challenges she's overcome as a mother and widow. Her resilience and determination are truly inspiring, and her story will resonate with anyone facing adversity.

Favourite Quote: Throughout our conversation, one quote stood out as the essence of Sheba's leadership philosophy: "If you don't genuinely care about people, you can't lead them." 

This episode is powered by HRatHeart Consulting Inc. - The HR Safe Space.

Do you believe that happiness at work truly matters? Many organizations are now recognizing the importance of well-being and engagement, but what about ensuring that your employees are genuinely happy? If you're an HR professional, I want you to treat this episode as your annual retreat, a moment to pause and reflect on the essence of creating a happy workplace.

Joining me this week is Sriram, an HR Professional and workplace happiness expert who focuses on making workplaces happier and more human-centric. 

In this episode, Sriram emphasizes the need for organizations to shift their focus to the feelings of employees by adopting Human First metrics and strategies. This involves demonstrating core human virtues such as gratitude, appreciation, and compassion. Sriram offers a Human Centricity Audit to help identify areas for investment and implement behaviour change within organizations.

We also delve into why happiness at work matters and how it impacts output, productivity, and profitability. Sriram makes a compelling case for organizations to prioritize emotions and feelings in the workplace as a strategic imperative. 

 

Sriram's resources:

Happiness Habits

Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat

     

Join us on this week's episode as I sit down with Anthony Louis, a seasoned recruiter who's helped growth-stage companies hire, retain, and scale their organizations. With over 1,000 open roles filled, Anthony has partnered with CEOs and executive teams across various functions and industries. In addition, he'll share his talent strategy, headcount planning, and organizational development expertise. 

In this episode, you'll also glimpse Anthony's life as an avid journaler, amateur marathonist, and corporate TV drama junkie. In addition, he'll share his current watchlist, including Succession and The Morning Show, and his bookshelf filled with must-read titles like "Principles" by Ray Dalio and "Imposter Syndrome" by Kathy Wang.

Don't miss out on this exciting episode, where Anthony will share his wealth of knowledge and help you navigate the world of talent engagement.

Get in touch with Anthony for a consultation at anthonylouis44@gmail.com.

Sponsored by: HR@Heart Consulting Inc. - The HR Safe Space

Disclaimer - I thought about splitting this conversation up into two parts, but I couldn't do it. So buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Why does HR often feel the need to do it all? In this week's episode of The HR Sound Off Podcast Show, we dive headfirst into the turbulent waters of Hustle Culture within Human Resources.

Join us for an insightful conversation as I sit down with Teresa Vozza, a former HR professional turned Executive Coach. 

Burnout Stories: Teresa and I discuss our own experiences with burnout in the HR field, sharing candid moments of vulnerability that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of their job.

Finding Your Zone of Genius: Discover practical tips for identifying your strengths and operating from your "zone of genius." Learn how this can help you not only survive but thrive in the HR world.

The Empowered No: When is the right time to say no? Teresa and I explore the art of setting boundaries and assertively saying no when necessary, empowering HR professionals to prioritize their well-being.

Tune in to this episode and unlock valuable insights to transform your HR journey. It's time to demystify the misconceptions, break free from the hustle, and rediscover the heart of Human Resources. 

Let's redefine HR together!

Teresa's resources:

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

Think Fast Talk Smart Podcast by Matt Abrahams

This episode is powered by HRatHeart Consulting Inc. - The HR Safe Space

What is Fractional HR? Is it the same thing as consulting, or is it something more? The brilliantly talented Anessa Fike is here to answer these questions this week. Anessa has been working in fractional HR roles for over a decade, and in this episode, she shares her HR origin story and her Fractional HR journey.

Anessa started her career in journalism and shares some of the similarities between journalism and HR.

Anessa is also the Author of the book: The Revolution of Work: F*ck the Patriarchy and the Workplace It Built, and she shares the why behind writing this book.

We also talk about the importance of being business savvy in HR and much more.

Enjoy the conversation.

Joining me for this week's episode is Paula Allen. Paula is the Global Leader and SVP, Research and Total Wellbeing at LifeWorks. In this episode, you will learn more about AbilitiCBT and Lifeworks.

We can all be impacted by poor mental health at some point in our lives, and I am glad to know that companies such as AbilitiCBT exist.

Paula shares her story into the mental health space and all of the fantastic work she gets to do at Lifeworks.

Be sure to follow Paula on LinkedIn.

Victoria Yang joins me this week to introduce you to Bonusly. Bonusly is a fun and easy-to-use employee engagement platform that has an incredible impact on motivation and morale. If you have been searching for a platform to help you to encourage frequent and timely recognition, then Bonusly is the one for you. 

 

Recently I shared my thoughts on compassion and empathy in the workplace in one of Bonusly's blogs, so I thought it would be great to learn more about them and share their platform with you.

 

Victoria is their VP of People Operations, and so while we talked shop, we also took some time to discuss:

🎯 Victoria's HR origin story

🎯 Advice she would give to her younger self

🎯 How working at Bonusly has affected the way she looks at employee engagement

🎯 Why she is proud to be in HR

🎯 Advice for HR professionals on how to get leadership to support your engagement initiatives

 

Victoria's Book Pick's

📚 Just Work - Kim Scott

📚 The Making of a Manager - Julie Zhuo

 

The future looks bright for Victoria and Bonusly, so please be sure to connect with Victoria on LinkedIn and learn more about Bonusly.

Matt Phelan joins me live and direct from this years CIPD conference in my home town of Manchester. Matt is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The Happiness Index and is passionate about his mission to improve the way organizations treat people. A mission that completely aligns with my values.

 

The Happiness Index helps organizations measure the key employee engagement and happiness drivers to power their people strategy. Underpinned by neuroscience, The Happiness Index platform will help you understand how your people think, feel and behave. Their data-driven insights will enable you to boost retention, productivity and performance.

 

In this episode, Matt and I discuss:

• Why measuring emotions at work matters
• How measuring engagement and happiness impacts your people decisions
• Why we need to rethink the statement "if you can measure it, you can manage it."
• How to become more proactive in recognizing disengaged or unhappy employees
• How to gain freedom through disconnecting from social media

 

Matt has also graciously agreed to send ten free copies of his book "Freedom To Be Happy" to the first ten listeners of this show. So if you want to win a free copy of his book, send the words #freedomtobehappy along with your address to contactus@hratheart.co, and I will share your information with Matt so that you can get your free copy of his book. Winners of this competition will be announced across our social media.