The workplace has fundamentally transformed, dramatically increasing the emotional demands on leaders at all levels. From managing virtual teams to navigating workforce polarization, today's leaders face unprecedented challenges that require a new set of emotional skills to thrive.

Executive coach and leadership strategist Dina Denham-Smith joins Bob Goodwin to discuss her new book, "Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work," revealing how emotions serve as critical data for effective leadership. Drawing from over 25 years of experience coaching senior executives at companies like Adobe, Netflix, and Goldman Sachs, Dina breaks down the misconceptions that prevent leaders from harnessing the power of emotions in the workplace.

Dina and Bob explore the powerful "beach ball" analogy that illustrates what happens when emotions are suppressed rather than processed appropriately. Dina explains how leaders navigate the "authenticity paradox" – being genuine enough to build trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. She provides practical steps for developing emotional intelligence, from recognizing physical sensations that signal emotional responses to identifying specific emotions beyond simplistic categories.

The conversation tackles the current leadership landscape, including how some high-profile CEOs are taking harder stances toward employees in today's tighter labor market. Dina offers compelling counterarguments, explaining why emotionally intelligent leadership remains crucial for long-term performance and engagement. We also discuss the opportunity AI presents to focus more deeply on the human aspects of leadership that technology cannot replicate.

Whether you're struggling with burnout, managing team conflicts, or simply looking to enhance your leadership effectiveness, this episode offers science-backed insights and practical strategies to develop the emotional skills essential for today's complex workplace challenges. 

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What makes an HR conference truly exceptional? According to veteran attendee Jackye Clayton, it's the willingness to tackle tough issues while maintaining a human-centered approach - precisely what sets Workhuman Live apart from the crowd.

In this conversation with HRchat host Bill Banham, Jackye shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming Workhuman Live 2025 in Colorado. As a frequent attendee who ranks it among her top five HR conferences, Clayton offers unique insights into what makes this event special. Unlike conferences that create an artificial bubble of positivity, WorkHuman has consistently addressed challenging social movements like Me Too and responded to societal traumas such as the George Floyd murder. This authenticity reflects the event's commitment to making workplace practices genuinely human-centric.

The 2025 lineup promises exceptional content from thought leaders across critical areas. Adam Grant will explore psychological safety and hidden potential—essential for organizations looking to maximize internal talent development. Kelly Jones and Carrie Driver tackle the timely topic of navigating uncertainty with clarity, while Trevor Noah brings his unique global perspective to a discussion about AI and social responsibility. This blend of practical frameworks, inspiring ideas, and real-world applications creates an unmatched learning opportunity for HR professionals, talent executives, and business leaders who believe in the power of human-centered workplaces.

Whether you're focused on talent management, recognition programs, or inclusive leadership, WorkHuman Live offers insights that bridge theory and practice. 

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What happens when artificial intelligence meets human connection in the workplace?  Jesse Harriott, Executive Director of Workhuman iQ, reveals a groundbreaking approach to workplace analytics that's transforming how organizations understand their people and culture.

Dive into the Human Intelligence 2025 release from Workhuman, which leverages recognition data to uncover hidden insights about skills, leadership, and collaboration. While traditional HR technologies focus on operational metrics like headcount and turnover, this approach analyzes the human moments that drive performance – when employees recognize each other's contributions and strengths.

"Human intelligence is about unlocking the data that's been there all along," Harriot explains. "It's turning feelings into facts." By applying natural language processing to unstructured recognition moments, organizations gain visibility into their "culture graph" – how work actually gets done beyond the formal org chart. This creates powerful applications for leadership development, succession planning, and retention strategies.

The approach has particular value for identifying "hidden gems" – potential leaders whose contributions might be overlooked in traditional performance reviews. Rather than relying solely on self-reported skills or closed-door leadership discussions, Human Intelligence reveals patterns of exceptional performance based on peer recognition.

Ready to transform how you understand your organization's culture and talent? Discover why companies are turning to human intelligence to complement their talent strategies and build more inclusive, high-performing workplaces. 

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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The human element of HR technology is often overlooked in favor of features and functions but, as our latest HRchat episode reveals, successful HCM technology implementation hinges on strategic alignment with business goals and effective change management.

Jacqueline Kuhn and Priscilla Redd Sparrow, two of the four authors of the newly updated second edition of HRchitect’s Guide to HCM Technology: What You Need to Know Before Your Next HCM Technology Purchase, share crucial insights that challenge conventional thinking about HR technology investments. The most striking revelation? Many HR leaders still position technology as a departmental efficiency tool rather than what it should be – a strategic business asset that puts critical information in decision-makers' hands.

When evaluating potential vendors, beware of representatives who dance around direct questions or offer superficial change management support disguised as comprehensive solutions. As Priscilla explains, effective change management goes far beyond basic communication and training, requiring dedicated resources and a structured approach that engages employees throughout the implementation journey. Organizations must recognize that real change begins at go-live, not ends there, with different individuals adapting at varying paces.

The AI revolution has made HCM systems more user-friendly for practitioners, but its effectiveness depends entirely on data quality. Organizations must ensure clean, comprehensive data structures and move away from manual spreadsheet processes that undermine AI-driven insights. Regardless of company size, powerful tools are now accessible at various price points – the key is understanding your specific needs and selecting appropriate solutions.

Perhaps most importantly, HR professionals must embrace this guiding principle: "AI isn't going to replace you, but if you're not using AI, you will be replaced by someone who is." With insufficient resources and poor planning ranking as the top reasons technology projects fail, strategic investment in consulting support often makes the difference between success and failure. Remember that purchasing and implementing technology is just the beginning – the real value emerges through effective utilization and maintenance over time.

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In this special episode, Jackye Clayton joins Bill Banham to preview UNLEASH America 2025, an event she describes as offering key solutions to the most pressing workplace challenges.

UNLEASH AMERICA Conference & Exhibition, one of the fastest-growing HR event in the world, is a place where global HR Leaders come to do business and discover inspirational stories that change ways organizations think about HR and innovation.

Jackye's passion for improving work experiences shines through as she shares her excitement for this Las Vegas conference happening May 6-8 at Caesars Palace. "What keeps me up at night really is the state of the world of work," she explains. "We all need jobs, we're all trying to make a living, we all want to take care of our family, and so I really want it to not suck." This refreshingly honest perspective frames her anticipation for the event's three major focus areas.

First, the conference tackles AI in HR - examining both its promise and pitfalls. Jackye highlights Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, who will address algorithmic bias and preventing inequality in AI strategies. Second, human-centered leadership takes center stage, ensuring "that the technology serves humanity, not that we are serving the technology." Finally, inclusive talent strategies return to prominence with panels like "DEI at a Crossroads" featuring representatives from Alcon and the Canadian Olympic Committee. Additional highlights include a panel on redefining talent acquisition with remote work, featuring Active, Atlassian, and Toshiba.

The massive UNLEASH expo hall will showcase cutting-edge HR technologies and innovative startups that represent "the future of HR and talent acquisition." If you're attending Unleash America, Jackye invites you to connect with her there—she's eager to meet fellow HR professionals passionate about transforming the world of work. 

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Navigating workplace anxiety during turbulent times requires leaders who understand both the science behind effective communication and the practical steps needed to create psychological safety. Kirsten I’Anson, Vice President of People and Culture at Community Savings Credit Union, delivers masterful insights on leadership approaches that calm rather than inflame tensions during political and economic instability.

Kirsten advocates for a leadership style that acknowledges societal anxieties while providing confidence through decisive action. Drawing from her experiences during the pandemic, she shares how promoting mental health benefits led to a remarkable 73% increase in usage, creating an environment where employees felt empowered to discuss previously taboo topics. By bringing in clinical counselors and normalizing therapeutic support, Community Savings built a culture that genuinely values mental wellbeing beyond superficial initiatives.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when exploring whether leaders should express political views at work. Kirsten makes a compelling case that organizations with clear social purposes can thoughtfully engage with political issues, provided they've been transparent about their values during recruitment. This approach has allowed Community Savings to attract team members whose personal values align with their mission to unite working people and build a just world.

Perhaps most valuable is Kirsten's discussion of trauma-informed workplaces. With research showing 60-70% of adults have experienced traumatic events, she argues that addressing trauma isn't just compassionate—it's pragmatic business strategy that reduces absenteeism while increasing productivity and workplace pride. Simple changes like renaming "sick days" to "wellness days" have profoundly impacted their culture, creating an environment where employees freely discuss mental health without stigma.

Ready to bring more boldness to your HR practices? Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn to exchange ideas about innovative approaches to workplace wellbeing and psychological safety. Her practical wisdom proves that thoughtful, values-driven leadership delivers results for both people and organizations during uncertain times.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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Ever wonder why traditional hiring processes fail so often? In this eye-opening conversation, The Predictive Index's Chief People Officer Jackie Dube reveals how data-driven talent optimization transformed their approach to finding and developing exceptional talent.

Jackie shares the compelling evolution of PI's interview process with host Bob Goodwin. She explains how their behavioral assessments help identify which candidates will thrive in specific roles without using them as rigid filters. "It's about understanding humans and what drives them," Jackie explains, highlighting how this approach transcends the limitations of resume-based hiring.

The most profound revelation comes when Jackie shares PI's commitment to skills-based hiring. "We care about curiosity and attitude," she states firmly, revealing how this philosophy enabled remarkable transformations within their organization. Their current director of engineering began as a product marketer, and when faced with unexpected leadership departures, they seamlessly transitioned their VP of product design to lead their sales department—with outstanding results. This internal mobility has created a culture where talent thrives and adapts to changing business needs.

Perhaps most fascinating is PI's innovative "culture interview" conducted by someone outside the hiring team. This unique approach ensures candidates experience the broader company culture beyond their potential teammates and provides valuable perspective on cultural alignment with their "THREADS" values (teamwork, honesty, reliability, energy, action, drive, scope). As Jackie notes with a smile, "We do have a no-jackass policy."

For HR professionals navigating today's challenging talent landscape, Jackie offers practical advice: look beyond resumes, avoid assumptions about employment gaps, provide clear communication throughout the process, and recognize that the right attitude and curiosity often matter more than direct experience. "Don't be a bystander," she urges, encouraging listeners to leverage all available tools—from assessments to emerging AI—to make better talent decisions.

Ready to transform your approach to talent? Listen now and discover how understanding human drives could revolutionize your hiring success.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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In this episode of the HRchat show, Bill Banham is joined by David Hayden. David has a background in L&D, organisation design, recruitment and lean engineering. 

David says has seen his profession move from traditional training functions to multi-digital approaches to learning and development.

David has contributed to CIPD content on L&D, including podcasts, research reports, factsheets, and member learning resources. He was employed by the CIPD for 10 years. He is also the co-author of two books: Adjacent Learning with Steve George and Learning and Development Practice in the Workplace with Kathy Beevers and Andrew Rae. He is currently putting the finishing touches to the next edition of L&D Practice in the Workplace with Kathy Beevers due for release in November 2025.

He currently works freelance, on the associate books for a few different organisations and is a Director at The Learning Network.

Questions for David include:

• With the vast array of L&D books on the market, why L&D Practice in the Workplace?
• What makes this version different from the previous 4 editions?
• How has AI impacted the L&D profession over the past few years? 
• What advice would you give someone entering into the world of L&D?
• We all think there is a book inside of us, what are your tips on undertaking the writing process?

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What does it take to transform HR while navigating uncertainty? Mary Faulkner, Principal at IA, returns to the HR Chat Show to share powerful insights on sustainable transformation, strategic HR, and creating adaptable organizations.

Mary's journey from aspiring stunt car driver to HR transformation expert began with a passion for statistics and continuous improvement. Her unique "build vs. maintain" philosophy emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo without changing for change's sake. "You need to create an environment which that is OK," Mary explains, highlighting how leadership must establish "permission to question, permission to think differently." This balance between innovation and thoughtful implementation becomes especially crucial during turbulent times.

Drawing from her extensive experience solving "big messy problems," Mary shares fascinating examples of global HR implementations where standardization meets localization. Her work with multinational organizations reveals the complexity of balancing global consistency with local requirements—especially in regulatory environments like the United States. "We very much believe that you should be as standard as possible and as different as required," she notes, capturing the nuanced approach needed for sustainable transformation.

Perhaps most valuable is Mary's insight into HR's role as an organizational bridge-builder. She emphasizes that effective HR leaders must be "bilingual"—fluent in business operations while advocating for workforce needs. Understanding how a company makes, saves, and spends money allows HR to translate strategic objectives to the individual level, ensuring organizational success and employee wellbeing align rather than conflict.

As organizations face continued economic uncertainty, Mary offers practical wisdom for the path forward: focus on process optimization, creative workforce management, and building resilience. Connect with her on LinkedIn or at iatransforms.com to continue the conversation about transforming HR for tomorrow's challenges.

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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What happens when a 7-year-old's innocent question about smartphones forces us to confront our own digital habits? Technology expert Alexander Bell joins Bill Banham on the HRchat Show to share the powerful moment that transformed his relationship with technology and launched his mission to help others reclaim control over their digital lives.

Alex draws from over two decades of experience working with global brands like Google and IBM to provide practical insights on building what he calls "attention intelligence." He explains how our cognitive abilities decrease by 26% when phones are merely visible on our desks—yet acknowledges that simply removing devices isn't feasible in today's connected workplace. Instead, he offers innovative strategies like "body doubling," where working alongside others (virtually or in-person) creates accountability and minimizes digital distraction.

For HR professionals looking to improve digital wellbeing in their organizations, Alex recommends a systematic approach: first observe existing technology habits, then evaluate whether they align with company values, and finally implement targeted changes. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that despite technology's powerful pull, we retain ultimate agency over our digital relationships. 

His refreshing, humor-filled approach to this critical topic makes complex behavioral challenges accessible and actionable for individuals and organizations alike. 

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The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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In this eye-opening conversation, assessment expert Dr. Deborah Kerr dives into why the science of hiring remains "broken" despite decades of research and how validated assessment tools can transform results.

Dr. Kerr reveals startling statistics: managers get hiring decisions wrong approximately 80% of the time, according to Gallup research, with human cognitive biases being the primary culprit. Your brain's natural tendencies toward confirmation bias, overconfidence, and anchoring on first impressions sabotage objective decision-making in ways most hiring managers never recognize.

Perhaps most surprisingly, many common hiring practices lack scientific validity. Experience as indicated on resumes shows almost no correlation with future job performance. Those "years of experience required" in your job descriptions? Research suggests they're nearly worthless as predictors of success.

What actually works? Validated, predictive assessments that measure cognitive ability (the strongest predictor across all jobs), followed by personality traits and work culture fit. When these assessments form the foundation of a structured hiring process - complete with targeted interview questions and job simulations - organizations experience dramatically better outcomes.

For HR professionals, this episode, hosted by Career Club's Bob Goodwin, provides actionable insights to transform hiring processes, reduce costly turnover, and make the business case for evidence-based hiring practices. The technical knowledge exists - now it's time to close the research-practice gap and revolutionize how we match people to jobs.

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Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast

The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.

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