Practitioners Corner

Practitioners Corner

Practitioner Corner with Laura is a podcast designed specifically for HR and Talent Pros; it is a cozy nook where we chat through what is taking up space in our hearts and minds about this profession. Each episode features conversations filled with warmth, depth, humor, and meaningful connection so that HR and Talent pros feel seen, heard, and understood. In this place, we brainstorm about what’s really keeping us up at night in this ever-changing profession. We unpack what we’ve been learning, unlearning, how we’re growing, and the wisdom we’ve gained that we want to share with others in our space. Our goal is to keep elevating our profession by sharing what we continue to examine about working as Talent and HR pros. If you work in this space and aim to feel less isolated by hearing what your peers are thinking and feeling-grab your coffee, tune in, and find yourself within these episodes.

Episodes

September 15, 2026 • 30 mins
In this episode, Laura Mazzullo speaks with generational expert Mary Cooney, PhD, about navigating multiple generations in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. They explore how pressure surrounding AI, the economy, job stability, and high expectations can create stress that limits curiosity, trust, and collaboration. Mary encourages us to challenge our assumptions, understand the historical experiences that shaped each genera...
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In this episode, I spoke with Nicholaos Papadopoulos ("Coach Nick"), Talent Management expert, about what it really takes to create learning experiences that truly add value. We explored the importance of connecting the dots for leaders—moving beyond one-off events to create an intentional arc of learning with a clear beginning, middle, and meaningful touchpoints along the way. Coach Nick shared his belief in using mu...
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Laura sits down with Fred Leong, Head of People and Culture, to explore what it takes to build high-performing, human-centered teams. They discuss radical candor, trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence, alongside the impact of AI, productivity, and the challenge of finding real ROI. The conversation highlights the importance of learning and development and why success is a team sport. Above all, they explore the human skills l...
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In this episode, Laura Mazzullo speaks with Ekta Lall Mittal, a former HR executive turned founder, about the evolving intersection of people, technology, process, and change. They explore how emerging women leaders can build authentic networks, embrace different perspectives, and bring empathy and emotional intelligence into an increasingly AI-driven workplace. As HR teams rethink how we work, develop skills, and use AI...
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In this conversation with Dan Goyeneche, a Talent AcquisitionLleader, we unpack the rapid rate of disruption in recruitment—from AI intervention and the uncertainty it creates to the shifting dynamics of power, ego, and personal branding on LinkedIn. We explore the caution and trepidation people are feeling in today’s market, the post-COVID rollercoaster the industry has experienced, and the troubling rise of ghost jobs...
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In this episode, Erin Nesbitt, a strategic People leader, shares insights on the power of equality and equity in our thinking—and why HR professionals need to prioritize advocating for themselves. We explore the evolution of HR from “people policy” to strategic business partner, the importance of knowing your worth, taking your PTO, and recognizing that no one will advocate for you more than you. We also talk abo...
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In this episode, Laura speaks with Liz Mattila, Chief People Officer and explores how HR professionals can use AI to improve recruitment, talent development, and workplace processes without losing the empathy, judgment, and personal connection that make HR effective. Listeners will learn where technology can streamline transactional work, where human involvement remains essential, and how organizations can strengthen communication,...
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This conversation between Laura and Rachel Cupples, a strategic Talent Acquisition Pro, examines what is changing in talent acquisition as AI becomes more embedded in recruiting and job searching. The discussion looks at what is being automated, what should remain human, and whether the industry is losing sight of the connection between intent and impact. It also explores the challenges job seekers face, including the conflicting e...
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In this episode, I speak with Andy Chown, a strategic Head of Talent Acquisition to explore what’s keeping him up at night—from whether hiring practices are really working as they should, to how we collectively are using AI without losing sight of the candidate experience. We talk about second-guessing our instincts, the race to evolve, and how hiring managers can become true advocates for Talent Acquisition. Andy leave...
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From pulling weapons at Six Flags to scaling a global HR org, this is what happens when you chase people, not titles. Most careers don’t break. They drift. Jessica Kozak didn’t drift. She pivoted fast, learned what she hated early, and kept saying yes when it counted. From high-volume recruiting chaos to enterprise HR strategy, this is about ownership, risk, and building real leverage through people, not process. In t...
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Global payroll isn’t just cutting checks—it’s a minefield of compliance, cultural nuances, and ever-changing regulations. Mariah Hantis, Senior Director of Global People Operations at Deel, unpacks her journey from aspiring FBI agent to HR leader. From payroll anxiety to AI-driven solutions, she shares the realities of managing 5,000 employees across 110 countries. In this episode, we look at HR, global payroll, c...
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Jill Larsen, Chief People Officer at Synopsys, shares her inspiring career journey from Division I athlete to HR leadership, emphasizing the power of mentorship, self-awareness, and building innovative talent strategies. She dives into navigating family and executive roles, the evolving workforce, and how technology and AI are reshaping talent acquisition. In this episode, we look at Jill’s approach to recruiting, leadership,...
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Neil Lenane walks us through a remarkable 37-year career, from managing claims to shaping HR strategy at Progressive Insurance. In his journey, he emphasizes influence, adaptability, and empathy as essential skills for creating a unified employee experience. Neil’s insights into offboarding, technology in HR, and career resilience redefine what it means to build intentional employee and customer experiences. In this episode, ...
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Craig Lutz, Director of Learning and Development at Gannett, explores the future of learning and development, emphasizing the transformative power of digital tools and AI. He highlights the shift from traditional classroom training to personalized, technology-driven learning strategies, underscoring the need for organizations to foster curiosity and adaptability among employees. In this episode, we look at Learning and Development,...
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Gabrielle’s career journey highlights the balance between confidence and humility as she oversees multiple HR functions at 1Password. From cultural insights and the power of coffee to navigating remote work security, Gabrielle reflects on leadership development, parental support, and the critical role of asking questions in team success. In this episode, we look at cultural insights, HR, leadership, career journey, security, ...
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Melissa Thompson, Head of Global TA at Ford Motor Company, shares her no-nonsense approach to improving the hiring process. From coaching hiring managers on interviewing to aligning decisions with business strategy, she gives actionable insights to reshape your talent acquisition process and boost team collaboration. In this episode, we look at Melissa Thompson, Ford Motor Company, hiring process, communication, feedback, recruiter...
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In this episode, we look at Southwest Airlines, talent acquisition, company culture, candidate experience, internships, career guidance, and employee engagement. Greg Muccio highlights the importance of a people-first strategy, innovative ideas from employees, and creating awareness for career opportunities that ensure staffing success. Key Takeaways: Southwest Airlines prioritizes a people-first approach to talent acquisition, fo...
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Carina Cortez, Chief People Officer at Cornerstone On Demand, shares her HR career journey from an entry-level role at Visa to leading strategic initiatives at PayPal. Mentorship, continuous learning, and passion drive her success. Cortez emphasizes the importance of HR business partners focusing on strategic initiatives and creating positive employee experiences. In this episode: We look at the HR landscape, focusing on Carina Cor...
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We talk with Rachel Dalboth from The Talent Labs. Rachel shares her 25-year journey in talent acquisition, discussing her experiences at Nokia, Unilever, and now leading TA excellence at The Talent Labs. In this episode, we look at the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, remote work strategies, HR tech innovations, talent management, rebranding efforts, and career growth. Rachel dishes on practical advice for HR professionals...
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We look Richa Gupta's career journey, exploring her humble beginnings and rise in HR. We discuss parenting, personal reflections, and HR leadership. We talk about the importance of treating employees uniquely, finding CEOs with intellectual humility, and fostering cross-functional communication in manufacturing. We examine personal reflections, parenting, HR profession, treating employees differently, challenges of HR leadership, c...
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