🎧 Episode 219 

Guest: Amandeep Shergill

In this episode, we explore the realities of modern recruiting, the pressure of “doing more with less,” and the challenge of navigating uncertainty in today’s global talent market. Ben and Amandeep discuss how economic shifts, evolving business priorities, and organizational ambiguity shape the day-to-day experience of recruiters.

Amandeep shares practical examples from his career—ranging from prioritizing high-impact roles to building stronger partnerships with business leaders. This conversation dives deep into what it truly means to be a strategic advisor instead of a reactive firefighter in talent acquisition.

You’ll hear insights on:
 • Market uncertainty and its effect on TA planning
 • Productivity vs. unrealistic “do more” expectations
 • The role of tech and efficiency in the future of TA
 • How recruiters can better understand business impact & prioritization
 • Real-world examples of shifting from reactive to proactive hiring
 • Why understanding revenue, OKRs, and leadership goals changes recruiting outcomes

Whether you're a recruiter, hiring leader, or people leader, this episode provides immediately applicable frameworks for better decision-making in TA.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:03 – Welcome to Episode 219
00:16 – Introducing guest Amandeep Shergill
00:55 – Amandeep’s background and global role at Automattic
01:59 – Life outside of work: parenting, sports, and model building
03:16 – Creativity, hobbies & high performance
04:49 – The biggest recruiting challenges today
05:11 – How economic uncertainty shapes hiring plans
05:54 – Productivity, efficiency & “doing more with less”
06:28 – The disconnect between expectations and TA bandwidth
07:22 – Why “doing more” isn’t a real strategy
08:06 – What investment vs. volume actually means for TA
09:46 – Moving from reactive to proactive recruiting
10:26 – Practical strategies for strategic partnership
10:30 – Amandeep’s story from Intuit: prioritizing 38 open roles
11:48 – Understanding business impact behind hiring requests
12:49 – Revenue today vs. revenue tomorrow: prioritizing for impact
13:58 – Why recruiters must understand OKRs, revenue, and strategy
14:46 – Pausing hiring until business impact is clear
15:13 – How proactive planning creates better long-term outcomes

🔗 Connect with Amandeep

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandeepsshergill/?originalSubdomain=uk

🎓 Learn more about HR Summer School

https://hrsummerschool.org

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In this episode of We’re Only Human, Ben Eubanks talks with Travis Hunsicker about the power of curiosity, trust, and belonging in shaping great leadership. From the warehouse floor to executive coaching, Travis shares lessons on how to see people for who they can become—not just who they are today. Together, they explore why leaders must first build trust before driving performance, how genuine curiosity opens doors to growth, and what it means to create space where people truly belong.

Listeners will hear practical advice on developing talent, coaching with empathy, and recognizing potential before it’s visible. Whether you’re a manager, a mentor, or simply someone who wants to lead more authentically, this conversation is a reminder that human connection is at the heart of every lasting impact.

Connect with Travis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunsicker/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
 03:15 Travis’s Journey: From Forklifts to Leadership Coaching
 08:40 The Moment That Changed His Perspective on People
 12:25 Why Trust Must Come Before Performance
 17:42 How Curiosity Builds Stronger Leaders
 22:10 Seeing Potential Before Others Do
 26:35 Creating a Culture of Belonging and Growth
 31:18 Coaching Conversations That Unlock Confidence
 35:27 Real-World Examples of Human-Centered Leadership
 39:42 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

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🎧 Episode Description

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jason Thrasher, one of the most inspiring voices from HR Summer School, to explore how choosing joy can transform your work, leadership, and life.

Jason shares his belief that “joy is now”—not something you wait for, but something you choose every day. From his journey in HR to lessons learned from country music and Chick-fil-A, he reveals how gratitude, authenticity, and purpose can create a culture that people truly want to be part of.

The conversation dives deep into the mindset of joyful leadership, practical ways to bring joy into daily work, and how self-awareness and connection empower teams. You’ll hear personal stories, actionable insights, and a reminder that owning your joy is the first step to owning your impact.

Check out HR Summer School: https://hrsummerschool.org

🕒 Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
 01:20 Meet Jason Thrasher — From Music Dreams to HR Leadership
 02:45 “Joy Is Now” — Why Joy Can’t Wait for Tomorrow
 04:38 Practical Habits for Choosing Joy Every Morning
 05:56 The Culture You Create Determines the Audience You Keep
 07:40 Balancing Joy and Mental Health in the Workplace
 09:50 Real-Life Story: “Thank You for Coming to Work Today”
 11:55 How Joy Drives Engagement, Belonging, and Productivity
 13:24 The Sound of Joy — How Music Changes the Atmosphere
 14:35 Breaking Out of the “Check-the-Box” Mindset
 15:20 Knowing Your Why and Leading with Purpose
 16:40 Just Own Yourself — The Simplicity of Authentic Joy
 17:35 Final Reflections and Takeaways

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Episode Description

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of HR — not by replacing humans, but by amplifying what makes us uniquely effective: empathy, creativity, and connection. The conversation digs into how HR leaders can use AI responsibly to simplify workflows, enhance decision-making, and create more human-centered experiences for employees. You’ll hear how organizations can strike the right balance between automation and authenticity, and why embracing AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch.

We also discuss the mindset shift HR professionals need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, and how curiosity and adaptability have become the most valuable leadership skills of all.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
 04:32 The AI Conversation: Fear vs. Opportunity
 09:15 How HR Can Use AI Without Losing Humanity
 14:48 Practical Examples of AI in Recruiting and Talent Development
 19:56 The Mindset Shift: Curiosity, Creativity, and Adaptability
 24:20 Redefining the Role of HR in an AI-Driven Workplace
 28:37 Advice for Leaders Navigating Change
 32:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Lane:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanem1/

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Episode Description

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Micki Sievwright of Andersen Corporation to discuss how one of America’s most recognized brands connects, engages, and empowers its 14,000+ employees across manufacturing, distribution, and corporate environments.

The conversation dives into how Andersen’s internal communication strategy bridges the gap between frontline and office workers, creating a culture where every employee feels informed, valued, and connected. Micki shares how her team uses storytelling, technology, and intentional design to build belonging at scale — and how leaders can cultivate trust even in large, distributed organizations.

You’ll hear practical lessons on improving employee communication, fostering inclusion, and using tools like MangoApps to bring people together — no matter where they work.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
04:15 The Challenge of Connecting 14,000 Employees
08:42 Communication That Builds Belonging
13:17 Storytelling as a Culture-Building Tool
17:29 How Technology Supports Human Connection
21:50 Engaging Frontline Workers: Lessons from Andersen
26:18 Leadership’s Role in Employee Communication
30:44 Creating an Inclusive, Connected Culture
34:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links for show notes:
Thanks to the team at MangoApps for connecting us with Micki and the team at Andersen Corporation for this conversation!
Connect with Micki: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mickisievwright651_prsa-andersenwindows-inclusion-activity-7115015573226364929-s6X3/

Connect with MangoApps: https://www.mangoapps.com/

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Episode Description

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Terry Terhark of NXTThing RPO to explore how hiring is evolving faster than ever in 2025 — and why keeping the human element in recruiting still matters more than ever.

They discuss how organizations are adapting to unprecedented speed and scale in hiring, how AI and automation are reshaping recruiter roles, and where people still make the biggest impact in the process. Terry shares his unique perspective from decades in the talent space, including the balance between efficiency and empathy, the importance of culture fit, and how technology can empower — not replace — great recruiters.

You’ll hear real-world insights on candidate experience, the future of RPO partnerships, and what leaders should prioritize to stay ahead in a tech-driven talent market.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
04:12 Why Hiring Is Moving Faster Than Ever
09:35 The Human Element: Why It Still Matters
14:58 How AI and Automation Are Changing Recruitment
19:47 Balancing Speed, Scale, and Candidate Experience
24:26 Building Trust and Culture in High-Volume Hiring
28:53 The Future of Recruiting Partnerships (RPO Insights)
33:10 What Leaders Should Focus On in 2025
36:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links for show notes:
Connect with NXTThing RPO: https://nxtthingrpo.com/

Connect with Terry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryterhark/

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n this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks explores one of the biggest questions of our time: what does it really mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence? As AI tools become faster, smarter, and more deeply integrated into the workplace, many HR leaders and employees are asking the same question — where do people fit in?

Ben unpacks why staying human-first is not just a mindset but a strategy for success. The conversation dives into how HR can balance automation with empathy, how learning and curiosity are becoming the most valuable skills, and why emotional intelligence remains a competitive advantage even when technology takes over repetitive work.

You’ll hear reflections on fear, hope, and the future of work — plus practical guidance on how to lead with humanity in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
03:15 Why “Being Human” Still Matters in an AI World
08:02 Balancing Efficiency and Empathy in HR
13:47 Automation, Learning, and the Changing Role of Work
19:11 Hope vs. Fear: How HR Can Lead the AI Conversation
24:36 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in the Machine Age
28:59 Redefining Human Value Beyond Data and Speed
33:42 How to Stay Curious, Relevant, and Human
36:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links for show notes:
Check out the AI Livestream Replay: https://streamyard.com/watch/9GTfDMQ8GeTE

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In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Conrad Riddle, HR technology leader at Aimbridge Hospitality, to explore how frontline hiring and scheduling are being reimagined in today’s fast-moving workplace. They dig into the challenges of recruiting and retaining hourly workers, why scheduling is the heartbeat of retention, and how technology can empower employees while easing the load on managers.

You’ll hear practical examples of streamlining the candidate journey—from frictionless mobile applications to instant interview scheduling—plus insights on self-service scheduling tools that give employees more flexibility and control. Conrad also shares how automation is saving thousands of hours for managers, improving compliance, and transforming the onboarding experience.

Whether you’re an HR leader, a hiring manager, or simply curious about the future of frontline work, this conversation offers actionable takeaways on speed, simplicity, and employee empowerment.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
02:01 Inside Aimbridge Hospitality: Scale and Challenges
05:18 Why Scheduling is the Core of Frontline Retention
09:01 Fixing the Candidate Experience: From Application to Interview in Minutes
13:28 Competing with Amazon and Uber: Speed Matters
17:02 Empowering Employees Through Self-Service Scheduling
22:19 Balancing Manager Control and Employee Flexibility
26:44 Automation in Onboarding: Saving 40,000+ Hours
31:12 Compliance Wins and Smarter HR Tech
34:20 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Links for show notes:
Thanks to the team at Fountain for connecting us with Conrad and the team at Aimbridge Hospitality for this conversation!
Connect with Conrad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradriddle/

Connect with Fountain: https://www.fountain.com/

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In this episode, Ben sits down with Nicole Eisdorfer to uncover how curiosity, courage, and creativity can reshape the world of HR. From breaking out of the “HR Matrix” to asking better questions, Nicole shares her journey from traditional reporting into human-centered, impactful work. Together, they explore how technology and data can empower—not replace—HR professionals, and why cultivating curiosity is the most critical skill for the future.

You’ll hear stories from Nicole’s experience, insights into making data meaningful, and practical guidance for rethinking how HR operates today. If you’ve ever felt stuck in dashboards, metrics, or endless processes, this episode will inspire you to step back, reimagine, and lead with curiosity.

Read Nicole's Substack: https://nicoleeisdorfer.substack.com/

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neisdorfer/

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
04:12 Nicole’s Background and HR Journey
08:47 Escaping the “HR Matrix”
13:25 Why Curiosity Is the #1 Skill for HR Professionals
17:41 From Reports to Real Impact: Making Data Useful
22:09 Technology’s Role in Supporting (Not Replacing) HR
26:55 Asking Better Questions and Driving Change
30:18 Courage and Creativity in HR Leadership
33:42 Final Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

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In this episode, the host explores why employee experience (EX) has become a board-level priority and how organizations can move from ideas to impact. Drawing on insights from the research report A Critical Moment: Why Employee Experience Should Be Every Company’s Priority, the conversation covers practical ways to elevate EX without massive budgets, how to measure what matters, and where AI can support (not replace) a human-centered approach. You’ll hear actionable tactics for quick wins, guidance for building leadership buy-in, and a real-world example of EX in practice.

Read the research we reference during the episode: https://www.insperity.com/resources/guide/a-critical-moment-why-employee-experience-should-be-every-companys-priority/

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
05:24 Why Employee Experience Should Be a Priority
11:57 Research Highlights: Key Findings from the Report
15:38 From Insight to Action: Quick Wins for EX
19:13 Measuring What Matters: EX Metrics and KPIs
24:47 Technology & AI: Enabling Human-Centered EX
26:23 Real-World Example / Case Discussion
28:46 Building Leadership Buy-In and Strong Partnerships
30:40 Wrap-Up and Final Takeaways

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks talks with Kelly Burlage, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Lineage. They discuss strategies for improving the recruitment process, creating better impacts for candidates, and the challenges faced by TA leaders today. Kelly shares insights on the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment, the importance of focusing on people, and the value of internal mobility. They also explore practical advice for leaders receiving pressure to adopt AI and the significance of building strong business partnerships within HR. Additionally, Kelly highlights the achievements of her team in transforming their reputation from order takers to valued business partners.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Kelly Burlage's Background and Role at Lineage
02:32 The Importance of Talent Acquisition
04:15 Challenges Facing TA Leaders: AI and Innovation
05:53 AI's Role in Enhancing Human Skills
16:30 Internal Mobility and Talent Development
23:43 Proud Achievements and Team Success
26:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a detailed conversation with Alicia Jones, a senior HR business partner for a global medical company. They delve into the complex role of an HR business partner, discussing essential skills like understanding the business context, influencing, and synthesizing data insights. Alicia shares her career experiences, the importance of integrity and resiliency, and the challenges HR teams face today. The discussion provides valuable advice for current and aspiring HR business partners keen on making a significant impact in their organizations.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:41 Alicia Jones' Background and Experience
01:26 Defining HR's Role and Context
04:32 Challenges Facing HR Today
05:57 The Importance of Organizational Agility
07:35 Alicia's Personal Learning Journey
13:01 Aligning HR with Business Needs
22:47 Key Skills for HR Business Partners
28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks chats with Matt Leitzman, VP of Talent Acquisition at MasterCard, and Craig Drysdale, VP of Talent and Engagement at Leonardo. The discussion delves into the role of AI in hiring, effective candidate screening techniques, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Both guests highlight their organizations' experiences with AI-driven tools for screening, such as automated interview scheduling and video assessments, and emphasize the importance of testing, human connection, and strategic alignment with hiring managers. The episode provides valuable insights for improving candidate experience, recruiter efficiency, and making data-driven hiring decisions.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds
02:39 The Evolution of Candidate Screening
07:04 High Volume and Early Career Hiring Challenges
10:10 Technology and Screening Tools
20:50 Data-Driven Talent Acquisition
32:48 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities and Cautions
39:23 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

Thanks to Phenom for connecting us for this episode

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks connects in an insightful discussion with Debra Squyres from Bonusly and Hope Weatherford from Fountain. They delve into strategies to improve workplace performance and the evolving nature of performance management. The conversation covers the significance of real-time feedback, building trust between managers and employees, leveraging recognition platforms, and the importance of addressing the human element in work environments. Both guests share practical tips for managers to enhance employee engagement, foster personal growth, and create meaningful relationships within teams.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:45 Hope Weatherford's Background and Insights
01:55 Debra Squyres' Background and Insights
04:08 Challenges in Current Performance Management
07:08 Solutions and Best Practices for Performance Management
12:03 The Importance of Real-Time Feedback and Recognition
24:36 Engaging Managers in the Performance Process
30:25 Final Thoughts and Top Recommendations

Connect with Hope on LinkedIn

Connect with Debra on LinkedIn

Check out the 2025 State of Recognition report from Bonusly

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Michael Cleavely, founder of CoComply, to discuss the complexities of compliance in contingent workforce management. Michael shares the journey of CoComply, a platform that assists organizations in classifying, managing, and discovering their contingent and non-permanent workforce. The conversation delves into the challenges companies face with worker classification, common compliance risks, and the two-fold benefits of leveraging AI in compliance tools for both risk mitigation and strategic workforce optimization. They also explore the broader implications of having a total workforce view, encompassing all talent acquisition channels. Michael provides practical insights and suggests how firms can better manage compliance and make informed workforce decisions. This episode offers valuable perspectives for HR leaders and procurement professionals looking to enhance compliance and workforce efficiency.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:57 Michael Cleavely's Background and CoComply's Mission
02:31 The Importance of Compliance
04:02 Common Compliance Challenges
15:44 AI in Compliance Management
21:18 Strategic Benefits of Compliance
24:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

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In this episode, Kellee Webb shares the remarkable journey of Cenikor Foundation since 2009, growing from 82 employees across three locations to nearly 600 employees today, with 75 people in their corporate office (or "operations support," as they call them at Cenikor). The discussion highlights significant milestones such as the adoption of technology, the creation of a robust back office support system including a call center, and the strategy behind twelve acquisitions. The conversation delves into leadership development programs, employee motivations, and the importance of compassion and servant leadership in a service-oriented organization. The transformative impact of expanding services like detox, outpatient programs, and recovery support specialists is also discussed. Finally, the episode touches on HR challenges and strategies, the importance of aligning organizational and individual goals, and the rewarding experience of helping employees grow and thrive.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Growth
01:32 Challenges and Strategic Moves
04:09 Leadership Development and Employee Engagement
07:19 Substance Abuse Treatment Services
11:06 HR Strategy and Cultural Integration
17:23 Performance Metrics and Bonus System
27:18 Personal Reflections and Leadership Insights
32:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series.

Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challenges

Connect with Kellee on LinkedIn

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a dynamic conversation with Ryan Faught, HR leader at Milo's Tea Company. Ryan shares insights into Milo's unique culture, emphasizing values like safety, responsibility, and integrity, along with their 'HAT' values: Hungry, Agile, and Together. The discussion delves into how Milo's fosters cross-departmental collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development through authentic leadership pillars and comprehensive feedback mechanisms. Ryan highlights the importance of having a 'teachable spirit,' celebrating wins, and maintaining humility while growing both personally and professionally within the company. Whether discussing the joy of discovering hidden talents or the power of genuine care and concern for team members, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for creating a people-centric workplace that drives both individual and company success.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 Milo's Tea Company Culture and Values
02:21 Employee Growth and Cross-Departmental Opportunities
05:50 Discovering and Nurturing Talent
12:48 Leadership and Teachable Spirit
19:26 Authentic Leadership and Feedback Culture
34:26 Celebrating Wins and Continuous Improvement
38:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series.

Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challenges

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

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In this episode of ‘We’re Only Human,’ host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jen McCann and Maria Jugin from Insperity to discuss the evolving landscape of human resources. The conversation covers a range of topics including the increasing interest and uncertainty surrounding AI, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and the differences in priorities between business and HR leaders. Jen and Maria also highlight the importance of aligning company vision with HR practices and the challenges companies face as they expand and adapt. The episode offers actionable insights for HR leaders looking to move from administrative tasks to strategic initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of HR in driving business success.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
01:41 Current HR Challenges and AI
04:49 Recruitment and Retention Strategies
06:35 HR Conversations with Business Leaders
12:07 Adapting to Remote Work and Compliance
19:16 Strategic HR and Outsourcing Benefits
25:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Get the free HR research report

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks welcomes Nikhil Arora, CEO of Epignosis, the parent company of TalentLMS. They explore various facets of learning and development, focusing on mindsets, supporting employee growth, and the impact of AI. Nikhil shares insights from TalentLMS's data, revealing that over 50% of employees prioritize growth opportunities and discusses the importance of transitioning from fixed to growth mindsets. Additionally, they discuss strategies for incorporating soft skills training, leveraging AI ethically, and maintaining employee mental wellness in a hybrid work environment. The episode offers practical advice for leaders aiming to enhance their organization's learning culture and technological adaptation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:34 Nikhil's Background and Mission
01:45 Challenges in Learning and Growth Mindset
05:10 Strategies for Transitioning to a Growth Mindset
10:31 The Role of AI in Learning and Development
16:15 Soft Skills and the Future of Work
20:03 Mental Wellness and Learning
22:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

Learn more about TalentLMS

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In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks engages in an enlightening conversation with Jason Lawson, an HR veteran with over 30 years of experience. They delve into the importance of building strong relationships with leaders, the critical role of trust in the workplace, and the evolving views on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Jason shares profound insights on making HR policies more humane and treating employees as individuals. He highlights the significance of moving beyond administrative tasks to become a strategic partner in the business. Jason also stresses the role of creating a community at work, even in remote environments, and the impact of being one's authentic self. The episode is a master class in HR leadership, focusing on making an impact through humane treatment, trust-building, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:40 Meet Jason Lawson
01:09 Why HR?
02:17 Real Stories, Real Impact
05:44 The Human Side of HR
12:40 Building Relationships and Trust
23:05 Creating Community in the Workplace
28:10 Challenges in HR and DEI
33:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jeff Palkowski, an HR leader with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an active volunteer with SHRM. They discuss the unique challenges of public sector HR, the importance of mental health and employee well-being, and how to support managers in addressing these issues. Jeff also shares insights from his role as the incoming state director for Wisconsin SHRM, emphasizing the value of creating connections at HR events. Additionally, he offers advice on being proactive in HR rather than just a 'fire extinguisher,' drawing from his popular blog post and recent Disrupt HR talk.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Meet Jeff Palkowski: HR Leader and Volunteer

01:36 Public vs. Private Sector HR

03:08 Challenges in HR: Mental Health and Wellbeing

05:25 The Impact of Remote Work on HR

10:33 Supporting Employees: Tips and Advice

17:51 The Importance of Networking and Conferences

24:06 HR as More Than a Fire Extinguisher

29:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Link to Jeff's blogJeff's DisruptHR talkConnect with Jeff on LinkedIn

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With so many employers thinking about the coming year and how to create a positive workplace, we have to consider leadership and manager selection since that is a crucial part of the big picture. In this illuminating rebroadcast episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks delves into effective leadership selection with Ji Yun Kang, Senior Advisor for Leader Assessment and Development at Mayo Clinic. The discussion covers Mayo Clinic's specific criteria for assessing leadership qualities, the importance of values alignment, and the substantial impact of good leadership on employee well-being and retention. Kang also explores the onboarding process, transition coaching, and the unique demands of leadership within a healthcare context. Drawing from Mayo Clinic’s longstanding tradition of excellence, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice for organizations aiming to improve their leadership selection and development processes.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:06 The Importance of Leadership Selection
00:46 Insights from Mayo Clinic's Leadership Selection
00:54 Research Findings on Leadership Impact
01:27 Deep Dive into Leadership Support
01:44 Understanding Managerial Support
02:31 Introduction to Today's Episode
03:14 Guest Introduction: Ji Yun Kang from Mayo Clinic
04:01 Values Alignment in Leadership
06:18 Mayo Clinic's Leadership Values
07:54 Succession Planning and Leadership Selection
11:03 Transition Coaching for New Leaders
11:55 Challenges in Leadership Transition
16:10 Supporting Leaders for Success
20:13 Navigating Organizational Culture
21:47 Personal Insights and Conclusion

Connect with Ji Yun on LinkedIn

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human',  host Ben Eubanks welcomes Patrika Hardnett, the Customer Eminence Leader at Kyndryl, to discuss the innovative concept of customer eminence. Patrika shares how companies can use this approach to create deeper connections and build powerful, lasting relationships with their customers. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the customer's journey, passion, and personal story rather than just the outcomes of a project. Patrika also provides insights into creating a culture that keeps the customer's voice at the forefront and offers her expertise on implementing customer eminence in organizational practices. Tune in to learn the nuances of unlocking the true value behind customer stories.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:53 Guest Introduction and Role
01:49 Understanding Eminence
03:02 Challenges and Misconceptions
03:37 Building Customer Relationships 
07:34 The Importance of Passion
11:11 Practical Advice for Companies
13:22 Connecting with the Guest
14:36 Personal Insights and Conclusion

Connect with Patrika on LinkedIn

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in an illuminating discussion with David Wilkins, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Talent Neuron. They explore the use of data to drive insights into strategic workforce planning and talent acquisition. David delves into Talent Neuron's innovative practices, including their proprietary EVP sentiment analysis framework, which helps companies understand and compete more effectively in the labor market. They touch on various real-world applications, including skill evolution, location planning, and diversity hiring tactics. The conversation underscores the importance of aligning employer value propositions with brand consistency and sentiment analysis to attract and retain top talent.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:30 Guest Introduction: Dave Wilkins from Talent Neuron
00:55 Understanding Talent Neuron's Labor Market Analytics
02:39 Exploring EVP Sentiment Analysis
05:23 Tactical and Strategic Applications of EVP Data
09:07 Case Studies and Real-World Examples
13:11 Innovative Uses and Future Directions
17:42 Conclusion and How to Learn More

Connect with David on LinkedIn

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In this engaging episode of 'We Are Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks converses with Larry Kelly, an experienced HR leader and storyteller. Larry shares his journey from leading HR at Intel and Pfizer to founding his own consulting business, Attract Wonder, which focuses on integrating awe and curiosity into organizations through storytelling. The discussion covers the significance of storytelling in leadership, the emotional impact of sharing personal and organizational stories, and the innovative methods Larry employs in his workshops, including the transformative power of unscripted narratives. Highlights include Larry’s experiments with blank jigsaws and puppets in team-building exercises, demonstrating the importance of playfulness and emotional connection in corporate environments. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of effective communication and team dynamics.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Larry Kelly's Background
01:11 The Power of Storytelling
01:33 Family and Personal Life
02:20 Storytelling in Care Homes
03:57 Magic Wand Session
04:39 Collaborative Projects and Spontaneity
05:57 Storytelling Workshops in Organizations
08:51 The Importance of Stories in Leadership
12:01 The Origin of Larry's Storytelling Journey
16:05 The Power of Storytelling
16:34 Larry's Transformation
18:00 Celebrating Leadership Stories
18:56 Human Moments in Leadership
22:01 Taking Risks in Recruitment
23:02 Innovative Workshop Techniques
27:01 The Puppet Experiment
29:02 The Importance of Playfulness
29:54 Connecting with Larry Kelly
30:22 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect with Larry on LinkedIn

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