HR Mixtape

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Scott Tillema, corporate trainer, retired SWAT hostage negotiator, and co-founder of the Negotiations Collective. Scott draws from his experience as an FBI-trained negotiator to share how HR professionals can use proven negotiation and communication techniques to manage high-stakes conversations with confidence.

Listener Takeaways:

• Why listening is your most...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Kelly Bunting, a labor and employment attorney at Greenberg Traurig LLP. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of employment law, particularly focusing on compliance issues surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, hybrid work dynamics, and the implications of recent legal changes. This discussion is timely as organizations naviga...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson welcomes Danielle Dinkelman, co-founder and CEO of Advanced Corporate Wellness. They delve into the critical role of wellness coaching in enhancing employee experience and combating burnout, a timely topic as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace. Danielle shares her personal journey into wellness coaching and highli...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with James Atkinson, Vice President of Thought Leadership for the Society of Human Resource Management. They delve into the pressing issue of working caregivers, a topic that has gained urgency as over 50 million individuals balance professional responsibilities with caregiving for children, adults with chronic conditions, and the elderly. This conversation is particul...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief Scientist at AIHR. They delve into the integration of AI in HR practices, emphasizing the importance of managing the narrative around AI to alleviate fears and enhance employee experience. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations navigate the complexities of AI adoption while striving for inclusive leadership an...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Dr. David Cohen, founder and senior consultant of DS Cohen and Associates. They dive into the concept of agile leadership and its relevance in today’s evolving workplace, particularly in light of shifting employee expectations post-pandemic. This conversation is timely as organizations seek to enhance employee experience and foster inclusive leadership while nav...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. Steve Yacovelli, owner and principal of Top Dog Learning Group, LLC. They delve into the critical topic of authentic allyship in the workplace, contrasting it with performative gestures often seen in organizations. This conversation is particularly timely as companies face increasing pressure to foster inclusive leadership and diverse cultures, especially wit...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Louis Lessig, a Labor and Employment Litigator at Brown and Connery, LLP. They delve into the pressing legal risks that HR professionals often underestimate, including retaliation, intermittent leave, and the critical need for effective management training. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations navigate the complexities of employee exp...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. Alexander Alonso, Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the Society for Human Resource Management. They delve into the evolving landscape of HR competencies and the critical role of data analytics in shaping employee experience and inclusive leadership. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly leverage AI in HR to drive strategic trans...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Nahed Khairallah, a global HR strategist and founder of Organized Chaos. They delve into the complexities of building effective HR departments in fast-growing startups, emphasizing the importance of a proactive, people-first approach. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the need for inclusive leadership and strategic HR pra...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Leslie Vickrey, CEO of ClearEdge, to discuss the myths surrounding women's advancement in leadership. This timely conversation sheds light on the outdated beliefs that hinder women's progress in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of visibility, networking, and redefining success on their own terms. Leslie's insights into inclusive leadership and the need...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson welcomes Kurt Shoemaker, Director of Compliance and Government Relations at Paylocity. They dive into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a significant piece of legislation that impacts payroll, tax deductions, and employee benefits. This conversation is timely as employers navigate the complexities of compliance with new regulations, especially regarding paid family leave ...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Michelle Sims, CEO of Yupro Placement, to explore the transformative power of skills-based hiring. As organizations increasingly prioritize inclusive leadership and equitable hiring practices, this conversation sheds light on the urgent need to move beyond traditional degree requirements. Michelle shares her journey and insights on how skills-first approaches can...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Tiffany Castagno, CEO and founder of CEPHR LLC, to discuss the importance of shaping a personal leadership brand in HR. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly prioritize employee experience and inclusive leadership. Tiffany emphasizes the need for authenticity, vulnerability, and curiosity in leadership, offering insights on how HR profession...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Meg Crosby, co-founder of PeopleCap Advisors and operating partner at SSM Partners. They delve into the critical first 90 days for new leaders, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding organizational culture during leadership transitions. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations navigate the complexities of employee experience a...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson takes you behind the scenes of SHRM25—the world’s largest HR conference—happening June 29 to July 2 in San Diego. Drawing from over 20 years in the HR profession and countless conferences, Shari delivers a real-talk survival guide for navigating SHRM25 like a pro.

From how to prep for President Biden’s keynote to what to pack (and what to leave behind), Shari shares prac...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Shari Simpson sits down with Alejandra Ramirez, an internal communication strategist at Ready Cultures. They delve into the critical role of internal communication in enhancing employee experience and driving organizational culture. This conversation is timely as companies increasingly recognize the importance of strategic communication in fostering trust, boosting productivity, and facilita...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Tracy Sponenberg, founder and chief people officer at Tracy Sponenberg LLC. They dive into the often-overlooked topic of deskless or frontline workers, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in enhancing employee experience for this critical group. This conversation is timely as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of inclusive leader...

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Jamy Conrad, Vice President of People and HR at TrustRadius. They delve into the evolving role of HR professionals, focusing on the critical transition from tactical support to strategic partnership in the workplace. This conversation is particularly timely as organizations navigate the complexities of employee experience and the integration of AI in HR p...