Good Morning, HR

Good Morning, HR

HR entrepreneur Mike Coffey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP engages business thought leaders about the strategic, psychological, legal, and practical implications of bringing people together to create value for shareholders, customers, and the community. As an HR consultant, mentor to first-stage businesses through EO’s Accelerator program, and owner of Imperative—Bulletproof Background Screening, Mike is passionate about helping other professionals improve how they recruit, select, and manage their people. Most thirty-minute episodes of Good Morning, HR will be eligible for half a recertification credit for both HRCI and SHRM-certified professionals. Mike is a member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Fort Worth and active with the Texas Association of Business, the Fort Worth Chamber, and Texas SHRM.

Episodes

July 3, 2025 38 mins

In episode 207, Coffey talks with Nicole Morgan about what HR professionals need to know about Medicare to help employees navigate the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare coverage.

 

They discuss the four main parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together; the differences between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and traditional Medicare with supplemental coverage; how creditable co...

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In episode 206, Coffey talks with Jill Koob about the Supreme Court decision on “reverse discrimination,” PTO policy trends, and AI adoption in the workplace.

 

They discuss the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services eliminating different standards for "reverse discrimination" cases; how Title VII protects all individuals equally regardless of majority or minority status within protec...

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In episode 205, Coffey talks with Susan Snipes about challenges and strategies for hiring international talent, particularly through employer of record arrangements. 

 

They discuss the primary drivers for seeking international talent including cost savings and talent shortages; compliance hurdles around employee classification and local employment laws; the role of employers of record versus PEOs in managing international h...

In episode 204, Coffey talks with Rosalind Chow about the distinct roles of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing careers and building more inclusive workplaces.

 

They discuss the distinction between mentorship (which helps grow the mentee) and sponsorship (which seeks to change how others see the protege); how sponsorship functions like marketing or PR campaigns for high-potential employees; the four types of sponsorship...

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In episode 203, Coffey talks with Kristi Spaethe about advice for emerging HR professionals navigating their early careers.

 

They discuss how people often stumble into HR careers; the misconception that “loving people” qualifies someone for HR work; the importance of gaining foundational knowledge before jumping into employee relations; showing up authentically while maintaining professional boundaries; building a personal ...

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In episode 202, Coffey talks with Shannon Norris about a federal court ruling that invalidated portions of the EEOC's 2024 harassment guidance related to sexual orientation and gender identity. 

 

They discuss Norther District of Texas Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s decision in State of Texas v. EEOC; the narrow scope of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County; the EEOC’s broad interpretation of the Bostoc...

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In episode 201, Coffey talks with Jodi Brandstetter about using “design thinking” to effectively integrate AI into HR processes. 

 

They discuss how design thinking focuses on understanding problems from both business and human perspectives; the importance of starting with one specific HR challenge when implementing AI; how AI can assist throughout each stage of the design thinking process; ethical considerations when select...

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In episode 200, Coffey talks with Gary Fowler live from the North Texas SHRM Conference about alternative dispute resolution especially mediation when a lawsuit may be involved. 

 

They discuss the distinctions between mediation and arbitration; the confidentiality protections in mediation; the difference between mediation and arbitration; preparation for effective mediation sessions; why decision-makers need to be present d...

In episode 199, Coffey talks with David McLaughlin about evolving leadership styles and their impact on the workforce.

 

They discuss the evolution of leadership styles from historical figures like Julius Caesar to modern executives; the contrast between transformational and transactional leadership approaches; the connection between leadership, culture, behavior, and results; the importance of developing people rather than ...

In episode 198, Coffey talks with Kelly Baringer about 2025 trends in employee health benefits and strategies for reducing healthcare costs.

 

They discuss value-based care and directed networks that steer patients to providers with better outcomes; consumer-driven healthcare plans with transparent pricing and no balance billing; the rising costs of pharmacy benefits and hidden broker compensation; and fiduciary responsibili...

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In episode 197, Coffey talks with Adam Dougherty about angry ex-employees and new ways to get sued.

 

They discuss managing post-termination communications from angry ex-employees; responding to threats of litigation; the importance of good people practices when faced with litigation threats; new causes of discrimination claims following last year’s Supreme Court Muldrow v. City of St. Louis decision; and the wisdom of alway...

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In episode 196, Coffey talks with Sam Kabert about achieving "soul-life balance" as an alternative approach to traditional work-life balance.

They discuss the concept of soul-life balance focusing on inner well-being rather than compartmentalizing work and personal life; the 90-second rule for processing emotions based on neuroscience research; the importance that people leaders model soul-life balance; the BREATH framewor...

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In episode 195, Coffey talks with Diane Allen about achieving flow state at work to maximize productivity, creativity, and fulfillment.

They discuss the definition of flow as an optimal state of mind where people perform and feel their best; the neurological and physiological aspects of flow including the release of performance-enhancing hormones; how the intersection of skill, challenge, and purpose creates entry points i...

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In episode 194, Coffey talks with Lucy Adams about transforming people practices to meet modern business needs.

They discuss how traditional HR processes focus on conformity rather than flexibility; the tendency to design policies around the lowest common denominator rather than individual needs; regulation burdens in the UK versus the US; opportunities to reframe DEI initiatives to be more effective and inclusive; the chal...

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In episode 193, Coffey talks with Terri Swain about recent HR news items including return-to-office mandates, “illegal DEI”, and whether it is Alt+Ctrl+Delete or Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

They discuss SHRM's report showing significantly higher workplace incivility in companies with return-to-office mandates; challenges with remote work including leadership development and communication skills; the "over-employment" phenomenon where...

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In episode 192, Coffey talks with Shawn Johnson about creating multigenerational inclusive and productive workplaces.

They discuss the age ranges and characteristics of different generations in today's workforce; how parenting styles and historical events shape generational perspectives; the evolution of generational values over time; ways different generations view leadership and meaningful work; strategies for creating en...

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In episode 191, Coffey talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about leveraging neurodivergent employees’ unique strengths.

They discuss the prevalence of neurodivergence in the workplace; the various types of neurodivergence beyond autism; the concept of masking and its impact on employees; how to avoid tokenism through universal design; strategies for clear communication with neurodivergent employees; the importance of creating app...

In episode 190, Coffey talks with Audrey Mickahail about using skills-based hiring to access untapped talent pools.

They discuss the "paper ceiling" that excludes qualified candidates without degrees; how degree requirements became default screening tools; the value of skills and experience gained through alternative routes; strategies for employers to identify and assess core competencies; the importance of gateway jobs i...

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In episode 189, Coffey talks with Charles Krugel about a Day Without Immigrants-related firing, unions, the future of DEI, and the ongoing changes coming from the Trump administration. 

They discuss a "Day Without Immigrants" protest that led to employee terminations at a Texas burger company; Amazon's North Carolina facility voting against unionization; President Trump's firing of NLRB and EEOC officials and the resulting...

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In episode 188, Coffey talks with Amy Rosellini about the importance of emphasizing behavior change in workplace training.

They discuss the high cost and low effectiveness of current workplace training approaches; the importance of measuring behavior change rather than just knowledge transfer; the role of peer feedback in learning; how to engage resistant learners; strategies for packaging training to increase voluntary par...

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