Ep.# 9: Colt .45s and Chili’s Beers: Tim Sackett and Kevin Wheeler share their worst HR Nightmare

Kevin Wheeler and Tim Sackett drop some unforgettable HR gems, the kind you don’t hear about in your average conference session. Picture this: a loaded Colt .45 sitting in a desk drawer in California and a Chili’s lunch featuring a Budweiser that cost someone their job. These aren’t just wild stories—they’re reminders of how fuzzy workplace policies and unchecked behaviors can turn into HR nightmares. Kevin and Tim don’t just stop at the stories, though. They dig into how global trends and game-changing tech, like AI tools for hiring managers, are flipping the script on how HR tackles these challenges. It’s a smart, real-world look at the lessons HR pros deal with daily. Key Takeaways A loaded Colt .45 in an office drawer? Yes, that happened. HR’s response: unclear policies make everything harder. Lunchtime Budweiser's aren’t the best career move—how HR handles misconduct matters. Screening for "red flags" like firearms and alcohol issues isn’t always straightforward. Clear, enforceable workplace policies are critical for handling unexpected scenarios. Talent trends show gaps in hiring manager enablement—AI is stepping in to coach in real-time. Governance for HR tech stacks is becoming essential for compliance and mitigating risks. Hiring managers rarely hire often enough to retain training—real-time tools can fill the gap. Global HR challenges vary, but shared lessons highlight the importance of proactive solutions. Workplace misconduct stories offer cautionary tales for developing better HR strategies. Emerging startups at HR Tech reveal solutions even the big players haven’t tackled yet. Talent acquisition trends are about reading the fine print: legislation and small signs predict big shifts. HR’s job is more than policies—it’s balancing human behavior with organizational needs. This limited series is brought to you by FAMA, Modern Candidate Screening. Talent teams use FAMA to improve candidate quality, create safe and inclusive workplaces and place the right leadership for their organizations. You can subscribe and listen to the #9to5Nightmares podcast here https://fama.io/podcasts or here Connect with Tim Sackett on LinkedIn or at the Tim Sackett Project Connect with Kevin Wheeler on LinkedIn or at the The Future of Talent Weekly Newsletter William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network The Site | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok