Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star

Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star

Step into the spotlight with Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star! This podcast takes you behind the scenes of HR innovation, leadership, and talent strategy. Hosted by Jay Arnold, SPHR, a former musician turned HR leader, who spent years chasing the dream of being an actual rock star before finding his rhythm in HR. Tune in for expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies to help you shake up the status quo, amplify your impact, and transform the workplace. So, grab your pass, turn up the volume, and let’s rock the future of work together! Let’s make some noise!

Episodes

June 30, 2025 56 mins
In this conversation, Greg Sobol shares his journey from being a musician to becoming an entrepreneur with his tequila brand, Tekiah Tequila. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned during the transition, the inspiration behind his product, and the importance of community and personal connections in business. Greg also delves into the intricacies of tequila production, pricing strategies, and his vision for future growth, a...
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In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with James Reid, a nationally recognized employment attorney based in southeast Michigan. We discuss the evolving landscape of employment law, the challenges HR professionals face, and the importance of adapting to new regulations. James shares insights on proactive HR strategies and the significance of building trust within the employer-employee relationship. Plus, we dive into wh...
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In this inspiring conversation, Mario Kelly shares his incredible journey from homelessness to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. He discusses the challenges he faced while living in his van, the pivotal moments that led him to start his cleaning and staffing businesses, and how he has leveraged community support to create job opportunities for others. Mario also delves into his recent ventures into AI and education, em...
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In this conversation, Anna Potter discusses the intricacies of global mobility, the challenges faced by HR teams, and the journey of transitioning into consulting. Anna shares her experiences in global mobility, the importance of networking, and the lessons learned from starting her own consulting firm. We explore the significance of understanding the human aspect of global assignments and the need for effective communication and ...
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In this conversation, Marvin discusses his extensive background in talent acquisition and the importance of equity in the workplace. He highlights the barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing employment opportunities, particularly those with justice involvement or disabilities. Marvin emphasizes the need for modern talent acquisition practices that focus on skills rather than outdated requirements. He also addresses t...
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In this engaging conversation, Seth and Jay discuss the multifaceted world of Human Resources, exploring Seth's extensive career journey, the essential qualities of effective HR leaders, and the evolving challenges faced by HR professionals today. They delve into the importance of flexibility, mental health, and the impact of AI on the workforce, while also sharing personal anecdotes and insights on leadership and employee engageme...
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In this episode, Steven Rothberg, founder of College Recruiter, shares his insights on the evolution of recruitment, with a particular focus on the role of AI in hiring processes. He discusses the risks associated with AI, including bias and transparency issues, and emphasizes the importance of human involvement in recruitment. Rothberg also highlights the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses in adopting AI technol...
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In this engaging conversation, Tim Sackett, Talent Acquisition Rock Star shares his journey into recruiting, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of personal touches in enhancing candidate experiences. He discusses the future of talent acquisition tech stacks, navigating compliance in hiring, and the significance of performance management. Tim emphasizes the need for effective communication in recruiting. He offer...
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Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Roman Zelichenko, immigration attorney turned tech founder, to explore how innovation is transforming the world of global mobility. Roman shares his journey from law to launching Laborless, a platform streamlining visa compliance, and unpacks what it takes to build in a highly regulated space. We dive into the intersection of law, tech, and talent strategy, plus Roman’s thoughts on AI, st...
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Summary: Frank Buscemi, CEO of MBE Group, joins the show to share his journey from aspiring musician to marketing leader. He reflects on building a creative agency, navigating a changing industry, and the powerful role of trust, community, and storytelling in business. Frank and Jay dive into topics like the influence of music on leadership, balancing creativity with executive demands, the impact of AI on marketing, and the importa...
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Summary: In this conversation, Chris Kline shares his extensive experience in the relocation mobility industry, discussing the challenges, the importance of transparency, and the need for better support for employees during relocations. He emphasizes the role of technology in improving the relocation process and highlights common mistakes companies make in their relocation programs. Kline also provides insights into future indust...
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Summary: In this episode of Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star, I sit down with Brad Voorhees, Owner & Advisor at ScaleTX, a firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses scale effectively through strategic HR counsel. With a deep understanding of what it takes to build sustainable people practices, Brad brings a grounded and insightful perspective to the ever-evolving role of HR in business growth. Brad also serves as ...
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Summary: In this conversation, Jay Arnold speaks with Emil Everett, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of 'Leading with Trust.' They explore the importance of trust in leadership, the 12 elements contributing to building trust, and how organizations can navigate challenges in the post-COVID job market. Emil shares real-world examples of trust transforming teams and offers insights on rebuilding trust after it has been broken. The ...
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In this episode, we dive into the critical role of employment law in today’s workplace, especially for small to mid-sized businesses without in-house legal teams. We unpack common pitfalls around wage and hour laws, the rising challenges of remote work and AI, and why proactive legal advice is a must. Plus, we explore how memorable legal cases can teach invaluable lessons and highlight resources like the Ohio Employer Law Blog for ...
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In this conversation, Jay and Misty discuss the transition from military to civilian life, focusing on the challenges veterans face in the job market, particularly in project management and HR. Misty shares her journey, leadership lessons learned from the military, and insights into current trends in HR and talent development. They emphasize the importance of transferable skills, the need for empathy in leadership, and the evolving...
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In this episode of Backstage Pass with the HR Rock Star, host Jay Arnold, SPHR has an in-depth conversation with HR Leader Dr. Lee Meadows.  Dr. Meadows shares his journey in the HR field, discussing the evolution of HR practices, the challenges leaders face today, and the importance of understanding generational differences in the workplace. He emphasizes the need for HR professionals to adapt to the changing landscape of work, i...
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In this episode of Backstage Pass with the HR Rock Star, host Jay Arnold and Immigration attorney Colleen Molner delve into the complexities of HR immigration. They discuss various employment-based visas, including the H-1B, H-2B, TN, L1, E2, and E3 visas, and explore the implications of immigration policies on businesses and workforce culture. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding visa types, compliance, and ...
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Welcome to the debut episode of Backstage Pass: The HR Rock Star Podcast!  In this short intro, host Jay Arnold, SPHR gives you a sneak peek at what to expect from the show—expert insights, leadership strategies, and the latest trends in HR, talent, and workplace culture. Whether you're an HR pro, a business leader, or just passionate about shaping the future of work, this podcast is your all-access pass to game-changing conversati...
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