SpeakEasy HR

In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sat down with Sean Luitjens from Salary.com to explore how the role of payroll has evolved—and why it’s becoming a more strategic player in the total rewards conversation.

Gone are the days when payroll was seen as purely transactional. Today, it’s a critical part of how organizations attract, retain, and engage their workforce. Sean broke down how technology, data, and transparency are transformi...

This week on SpeakEasy HR, I was joined by the incredible Neil Thompson — engineer, Inc. Magazine contributor, children’s book author, speaker, and founder of Teach the Geek.

We got into why strong communication skills are a game-changer for leadership, career growth, and especially for those in technical fields. From boardrooms to classrooms, Neil shares how mastering your message can elevate your impact.
If you're looki...

When we talk about the "experience" at work, it’s usually focused on employees — but what about the people who advocate for them every day?
In this episode, we flip the script and take a closer look at the experience of HR itself. I’m joined by Jennifer DuPont, a passionate HR leader who shares her insights on what it really means to be the voice for employees, balancing organizational needs while championing people-first practices.
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Not every workplace disagreement or discomfort equals a "toxic culture." So how do we separate real toxicity from miscommunication, growth pains, or mismatched expectations?
In this powerful episode of SpeakEasy HR, Keith Wilson joined me for a real, no-fluff conversation about the overuse of the word "toxic," how it's impacting workplaces, and what leaders and employees can do to create clarity, accounta...

🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative continues in the afternoon with a fresh round of impactful interviews featuring industry leaders who are shaking up how we think about recruiting, leadership, performance, and workplace culture.
At 2:25, Kim Dube of ReFlex Recruiting dives into how organizations can build a Recruiting Culture of Agility, sharing strategies for staying responsive and effective in a fast-changi...

🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative is bringing you exclusive 15-minute interviews with some of the event’s most dynamic and thought-provoking speakers.
I sit down with each guest for quick, insightful conversations that dig deeper into their sessions, leadership philosophies, and real-time takeaways from the event floor.
At 11:00am, Andre Young, author and keynote speaker, kicks things off with a powerful l...

🚀 Creativity in HR: Shattering Policies & Procedures 🚀
Is HR stuck in a policy-and-procedure mindset? 🤔 Or is there room for creativity, innovation, and bold new approaches?
This week on SpeakEasy HR, we spoke about Creativity in HR with the incredible Dr. Melanie Peacock, author of "HR Can Be Murder"! 🎙️
🔥 Are policies meant to be broken?
🔥 How can HR professionals rethink “the way things have alway...

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Ethics in Hiring & Effective Interviewing with Katherine McCord

This week on SpeakEasyHR, we sit down with the incredible Katherine McCord—HR consultant, dynamic speaker, and fierce advocate for ethical, inclusive hiring.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it truly means to hire with integrity in today’s ever-evolving workforce.

Katherine brings the heat with practical insights on:✅ Building f...

Jeff Palkowski, State Director of the Wisconsin State Council SHRM, joins me to dive into The Power of Connectivity in HR and explore how building strong connections can transform workplace culture, boost engagement, and drive success.
💡 What to Expect:
✅ Real-world insights on the impact of networking and relationship-building in HR
✅ Strategies for fostering authentic connections within your organization
✅ How connec...

In this episode, Andy Matthews—Director of Golf Performance at Neuropeak Pro, former professional golfer, entrepreneur, and certified business coach—shared powerful insights on how mastering breathing can help leaders overcome stress and perform under pressure. Drawing from his experiences coaching elite athletes, leading businesses, and navigating his own entrepreneurial journey, Andy explains the science behind stress and its imp...

Chris McClure, author of The Magnetic Leader, shared key insights from his book, which outlines 18 essential actions that make leaders truly inspiring and easy to follow. He discussed why magnetic leadership is more important than ever in today’s workplace, where engagement and retention are major challenges. By embodying these principles, leaders can foster stronger connections, boost team morale, and create a thriving work cultur...

🚀 AI in HR & Talent: Are We Asking the Right Questions? 🤖
Think you're up to speed on the latest AI trends in HR and talent? Tim Sackett, President of HRU Technical Resources, joined me for a deep dive into how AI is truly shaping the future of our industry.
The real challenge? We haven’t been asking the right questions. In this conversation, we tackle the ones that really matter—questions that drive impact, innova...

Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s Inc., joined me to explore the power of human connection in an AI-driven, tech-filled workplace. He is a true HR rock star and legend in the industry!

🌟 What to expect:
Steve shared inspiring insights and stories about getting out from behind your desk, building genuine relationships, and truly enjoying the work you do alongside your team.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation about bala...

Nicole Roberts, Founder and President of People Solutions Group, joined me to talk about an important topic for managers and leaders. The Gift of Delegation, Empowering and Trusting Your Team.
Delegation is a powerful tool for empowering and trusting your team. Delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks; it’s about fostering growth, building trust, and unlocking your team’s potential. We’ll discuss why effective delegation is ess...