Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
Welcome to "Dear HR Diary," the unfiltered truth you wish they taught in management school. This podcast hosted by, ME, Dawn Hart, a seasoned HR and management professional with over 28 years of experience in the corporate world. Join me and some fantastic guests on a thrilling journey through the trenches of human resources and management, where expertise meets snark, sass, and a plethora of captivating stories.
Drawing from my extensive background in various industries, I will bring you a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the workplace. Each episode is a rollercoaster ride filled with humorous anecdotes, jaw-dropping tales, and invaluable insights. Whether you're an HR professional, a manager trying to decode the complexities of office dynamics, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this podcast is your go-to destination.
I love to apply my wealth of experience and some valuable tips to the "Dear HR Diary" podcast by diving deep into the nitty-gritty of HR, revealing the human side of human resources and the managing side of managing people. Expect laughter, enlightenment, and a healthy dose of snark and sass. Subscribe now and tune in to uncover the secrets, strategies, and scandals of the corporate world, all narrated with my fun, and sassy signature style. Your weekly dose of HR and management brilliance awaits!
Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
S 2 Ep 40: Culture Isn’t an Accessory—It’s the Foundation featuring Josh Hart
In this episode, host Dawn Hart sits down with Josh Hart to unpack the real meaning of workplace culture—beyond the free snacks and casual dress codes. Together, they dig into how intentional leadership, clear communication, and genuine respect for employees can shape a culture that actually works. Josh doesn’t hold back when discussing common missteps organizations make, including a real-life example of how a poorly executed “diversity initiative” backfired, and what leaders can do instead.
They also explore how social media has completely changed the game, putting every company’s culture under a public microscope. From navigating generational differences to shifting outdated management mindsets, Josh offers straightforward advice that every leader—new or seasoned—needs to hear.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Culture isn’t perks—it’s purpose. You can’t buy culture with pizza parties; it’s built through trust, respect, and meaningful connection.
- Get HR involved early. Cultural decisions without HR’s guidance often miss the mark (and sometimes make headlines for the wrong reasons).
- Social media is the new employee forum. If you’re not cultivating culture internally, your employees will do it online for you.
- Five generations, one workplace. Flexibility, empathy, and communication are the glue holding it all together.
- Managers must evolve. Today’s workforce expects leaders who listen, adapt, and engage—not just enforce.
💡 Quote from Josh Hart
“Culture doesn’t just happen—it’s crafted. Every decision, every policy, every conversation either builds it or breaks it.”
📚 Resources for Listeners
- Book: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – A deep dive into what makes teams thrive.
- Article: “How Social Media Is Reshaping Workplace Expectations” – Harvard Business Review.
- Tool: Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey
– A resource for measuring and improving engagement.
📞 Connect with Josh Hart
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mrjoshuahart
- Email: josh@JoshuaHartConsulting.com
- Website: joshuahartconsulting.com
🎧 Listen, Learn, and Lead
Subscribe to Dear HR Diary wherever you get your podcasts. Because building a great culture isn’t a one-time project—it’s the way you show up, every single day.
Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart