In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jeff Palkowski, an HR leader with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an active volunteer with SHRM. They discuss the unique challenges of public sector HR, the importance of mental health and employee well-being, and how to support managers in addressing these issues. Jeff also shares insights from his role as the incoming state director for Wisconsin SHRM, emphasizing the value of creating connections at HR events. Additionally, he offers advice on being proactive in HR rather than just a 'fire extinguisher,' drawing from his popular blog post and recent Disrupt HR talk.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Meet Jeff Palkowski: HR Leader and Volunteer

01:36 Public vs. Private Sector HR

03:08 Challenges in HR: Mental Health and Wellbeing

05:25 The Impact of Remote Work on HR

10:33 Supporting Employees: Tips and Advice

17:51 The Importance of Networking and Conferences

24:06 HR as More Than a Fire Extinguisher

29:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Link to Jeff's blogJeff's DisruptHR talkConnect with Jeff on LinkedIn

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With so many employers thinking about the coming year and how to create a positive workplace, we have to consider leadership and manager selection since that is a crucial part of the big picture. In this illuminating rebroadcast episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks delves into effective leadership selection with Ji Yun Kang, Senior Advisor for Leader Assessment and Development at Mayo Clinic. The discussion covers Mayo Clinic's specific criteria for assessing leadership qualities, the importance of values alignment, and the substantial impact of good leadership on employee well-being and retention. Kang also explores the onboarding process, transition coaching, and the unique demands of leadership within a healthcare context. Drawing from Mayo Clinic’s longstanding tradition of excellence, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice for organizations aiming to improve their leadership selection and development processes.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:06 The Importance of Leadership Selection
00:46 Insights from Mayo Clinic's Leadership Selection
00:54 Research Findings on Leadership Impact
01:27 Deep Dive into Leadership Support
01:44 Understanding Managerial Support
02:31 Introduction to Today's Episode
03:14 Guest Introduction: Ji Yun Kang from Mayo Clinic
04:01 Values Alignment in Leadership
06:18 Mayo Clinic's Leadership Values
07:54 Succession Planning and Leadership Selection
11:03 Transition Coaching for New Leaders
11:55 Challenges in Leadership Transition
16:10 Supporting Leaders for Success
20:13 Navigating Organizational Culture
21:47 Personal Insights and Conclusion

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human',  host Ben Eubanks welcomes Patrika Hardnett, the Customer Eminence Leader at Kyndryl, to discuss the innovative concept of customer eminence. Patrika shares how companies can use this approach to create deeper connections and build powerful, lasting relationships with their customers. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the customer's journey, passion, and personal story rather than just the outcomes of a project. Patrika also provides insights into creating a culture that keeps the customer's voice at the forefront and offers her expertise on implementing customer eminence in organizational practices. Tune in to learn the nuances of unlocking the true value behind customer stories.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:53 Guest Introduction and Role
01:49 Understanding Eminence
03:02 Challenges and Misconceptions
03:37 Building Customer Relationships 
07:34 The Importance of Passion
11:11 Practical Advice for Companies
13:22 Connecting with the Guest
14:36 Personal Insights and Conclusion

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In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in an illuminating discussion with David Wilkins, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Talent Neuron. They explore the use of data to drive insights into strategic workforce planning and talent acquisition. David delves into Talent Neuron's innovative practices, including their proprietary EVP sentiment analysis framework, which helps companies understand and compete more effectively in the labor market. They touch on various real-world applications, including skill evolution, location planning, and diversity hiring tactics. The conversation underscores the importance of aligning employer value propositions with brand consistency and sentiment analysis to attract and retain top talent.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:30 Guest Introduction: Dave Wilkins from Talent Neuron
00:55 Understanding Talent Neuron's Labor Market Analytics
02:39 Exploring EVP Sentiment Analysis
05:23 Tactical and Strategic Applications of EVP Data
09:07 Case Studies and Real-World Examples
13:11 Innovative Uses and Future Directions
17:42 Conclusion and How to Learn More

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In this engaging episode of 'We Are Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks converses with Larry Kelly, an experienced HR leader and storyteller. Larry shares his journey from leading HR at Intel and Pfizer to founding his own consulting business, Attract Wonder, which focuses on integrating awe and curiosity into organizations through storytelling. The discussion covers the significance of storytelling in leadership, the emotional impact of sharing personal and organizational stories, and the innovative methods Larry employs in his workshops, including the transformative power of unscripted narratives. Highlights include Larry’s experiments with blank jigsaws and puppets in team-building exercises, demonstrating the importance of playfulness and emotional connection in corporate environments. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of effective communication and team dynamics.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Larry Kelly's Background
01:11 The Power of Storytelling
01:33 Family and Personal Life
02:20 Storytelling in Care Homes
03:57 Magic Wand Session
04:39 Collaborative Projects and Spontaneity
05:57 Storytelling Workshops in Organizations
08:51 The Importance of Stories in Leadership
12:01 The Origin of Larry's Storytelling Journey
16:05 The Power of Storytelling
16:34 Larry's Transformation
18:00 Celebrating Leadership Stories
18:56 Human Moments in Leadership
22:01 Taking Risks in Recruitment
23:02 Innovative Workshop Techniques
27:01 The Puppet Experiment
29:02 The Importance of Playfulness
29:54 Connecting with Larry Kelly
30:22 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks converses with Louise Willoughby, Chief People Officer at Beekeeper, to explore the groundbreaking strategies Beekeeper has employed to enhance employee retention. The discussion underscores the importance of aligning company and employee values, and introduces impactful initiatives such as 'frontline days', mental health support platforms, and flexible learning budgets. Louise highlights programs like paid sabbaticals for personal learning projects, proactive business continuity planning, and fostering a people-centric culture through regular check-ins and manager involvement in comprehensive career conversations. These insights offer actionable advice for HR professionals aiming to cultivate supportive and effective workplace environments.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:42 Meet Louise: Career Journey and Role at Beekeeper
04:09 The Big Resignation and Retention Strategies
07:47 Innovative Benefits for Employee Retention
11:45 Addressing Business Continuity Challenges
12:20 Learning Opportunities and Coverage Plans
12:59 Customer-Facing Team Challenges
13:48 Impact on Attrition Rates
14:12 Proactive Culture and Team Support
14:41 Breaking Down Stereotypes Through Proximity
15:50 Creating a People-Centric Culture
17:51 Approachability and Empathy in HR
18:41 Building Trust with Managers and Employees
20:40 Practical Tips for HR Professionals
21:23 Connecting with Louise and Beekeeper
21:50 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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Building Trust in HR: Kathy White on Compensation and Communication
In this episode of 'We're Only Human', host Ben Eubanks talks with Kathy White, VP of HR for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, about the critical aspects of compensation and communication in the workforce. Kathy shares her experiences from the World at Work conference and her role in developing a transparent compensation strategy at her organization. The conversation covers the importance of making HR work tangible, the necessity of clear communication and building trust, and discusses methods for enabling managers to effectively handle compensation discussions. Kathy also highlights the need for continuous refinement and learning in HR processes, emphasizing the significance of patience, dedication, and alignment with organizational values.

00:00 Introduction and Preview
01:26 Meet Kathy White: HR Leader at Habitat for Humanity
03:41 The Role of Compensation in HR
05:00 Communicating Compensation Strategies
09:36 Training and Supporting Managers
16:36 Lessons Learned and Best Practices
19:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the FREE HR Summer School replay for 7.5 HRCI/SHRM Credits

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In this episode of We Are Only Human, host Ben Eubanks is joined by Poornima, Chief Product Officer at Rival. Together, they discuss the latest research in Talent Acquisition, focusing on the importance of flexibility and agility within organizations. They delve into the challenges employers face in forecasting hiring needs, the necessity of personalized onboarding processes, and the evolving role of AI in talent acquisition. The conversation highlights the significance of having integrated systems to maintain data accuracy and compliance. They also touch on the evolving landscape of ATS and the critical role of skill development in maintaining an adaptable workforce. Poornima emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with vendors and understanding the real capabilities of their solutions.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:43 Guest Introduction: Poornima from Rival
01:20 Research Insights: Workforce Agility and Flexibility
02:22 Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Onboarding
03:16 The Importance of Data Integration and Accuracy
06:50 Personalized Onboarding: Best Practices and Examples
14:02 The Role of ATS in Talent Acquisition
20:57 AI and Skills in Talent Management
26:08 Final Thoughts and Advice

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In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks interviews Marcus Thorpe, Global Head of Talent Acquisition (TA) at ThoughtWorks, during the Starcircle Supernova Conference in Cork, Ireland. Marcus shares his experiences and strategies for scaling TA functions across 20 countries, centralizing recruiting processes, and leveraging data to make informed hiring decisions. Key topics include the importance of calibration, data-driven decisions, and building a cohesive global TA strategy. Marcus also provides actionable advice for TA leaders facing similar challenges in alignment and data utilization.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:03 Overview of the Conference 
00:57 Conversation with Marcus Stuart Begins
01:17 Marcus Thorpe's Background at Google and other companies
01:50 Challenges and Strategies in Talent Acquisition
04:05 Centralization of Talent Acquisition
05:15 Importance of Data in Talent Acquisition
08:32 Advice for Talent Acquisition Leaders
16:54 Connecting with Marcus Thorpe

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In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks discusses with Jessica Teitjen about her journey from law to executive leadership in HR and IT. Jessica shares her personal experience of burnout and her subsequent deep dive into the neuroscience of human performance. They explore the disconnect between current workplace practices and positive human outcomes, emphasizing the need for practices that balance both business and human results. Jessica outlines practical steps for HR professionals to align and optimize the nervous system for better performance, advocating for balanced breathing and a holistic approach to integrating creativity, compassion, and courage in the workplace.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:28 Jessica's Career Journey
01:26 The Disconnect in Work Design
04:02 Impact of Performance Reviews
06:56 Human Body and Workplace Stress
10:09 Aligning Neural Networks for Better Performance
13:32 Practical Tips for HR Leaders
16:53 Connecting with Jessica
17:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of 'We Are Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks is joined by Amy Mosher, Chief People Officer at isolved. They discuss the crucial elements of building a company culture where employees are eager to join and reluctant to leave. Amy shares insights from her experience transforming isolved's culture, emphasizing high trust, transparency, and a focus on diversity and inclusion. The conversation also covers practical advice for HR leaders on driving business success through culture and excellent leadership. Ben and Amy share laughs and personal stories, making for an engaging and insightful discussion.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:05 Meet Amy Mosher from isolved
00:31 Exciting Plans and Personal Stories
01:07 HR Summer School Replay
02:10 Creating a Workplace People Love
02:35 Building a Strong Company Culture
04:16 Challenges and Strategies in HR
09:16 Transforming Established Companies
17:05 Encouragement for HR Leaders

See the HR Summer School replay for free

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