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SpeakEasy HR

WRKdefined Podcast Network

An unfiltered, uncut, and authentic blend of real HR talk, business challenges, and workplace solutions—served up SpeakEasy style. Join me LIVE on LinkedIn and YouTube for raw, insightful conversations tackling both the easy and tough topics shaping HR and the workplace today.

What Makes SpeakEasy HR Different?

My guests bring passion, authenticity, and deep expertise, sharing powerful personal stories and game-changing insights from their careers. Each episode is packed with real-world advice designed to challenge perspectives, spark ideas, and inspire action.

Our mission is to deliver compelling, thought-provoking content that challenges the status quo and sparks meaningful discussions within the HR and business communities. We strive to inspire innovation, encourage new perspectives, and empower our audience to think beyond the conventional to drive impactful change in their organizations and careers. At SpeakEasy HR, we are committed to igniting action and fostering a community of professionals dedicated to growth, transformation, and continuous improvement.

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23 episodes
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Avg 44 min
English

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Wednesday · 5 min
Top Shelf Take: The Interview Is a Two-Way Street
In this week’s Top Shelf Take, David challenges job seekers to rethink the traditional interview. An interview isn’t just an opportunity for a company to decide whether you’re the right candidate—it’s also your opportunity to decide whether the company, leader, team, culture, and role are right for you. David shares practical questions to ask, things to watch for during the recruiting process, and why the way a company communicates with you before you’re hired can provide valuable insight into the employee experience. The goal isn’t simply to get the offer. It’s to find the right opportunity for you.
Monday · 5 min
Top Shelf Take: 7 Simple Ways to Stand Out in an Interview
This week’s Top Shelf Take focuses on seven simple ways job seekers can stand out in an interview—not by trying to be extraordinary, but by doing the basics exceptionally well. David is an HR leader with 20 years of experience, small business owner, recruiter, content creator, and host of SpeakEasy HR. He brings recruiting experience to highlight the importance of preparation, knowing your story, using real examples, listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, being authentically yourself, and following through professionally. He did this in one take and it's not perfect, it's authentic, and covers some amazing tips to help job seekers in 2026. The episode is a practical reminder that great interviews are less about perfect answers and more about making it easy for an interviewer to understand who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re the right fit. And there’s a bonus strategy for your job search that can make it easier for others to understand your career goals and advocate for you. Know someone who’s currently looking for their next opportunity? Send this to them. They might just find their next job by doing the basics exceptionally well.
August 19 · 4 min
Top Shelf Take: If AI Gives HR More Time, What Will We Do With It?
In this episode of Top Shelf Take, David Noe explores a different way to think about AI in HR. Instead of focusing only on what AI might take away, what if we focus on what it could give back: time? With HR professionals facing increasing complexity, expectations, and pressure. HRCI’s 2026 State of HR research, which found that 41% of HR professionals are considering careers outside of HR. The episode asks an important question: If AI can help HR work faster, how should we use the time we get back? The answer isn't simply to fill it with more tasks. It's an opportunity to become more human—to build relationships, coach managers, connect with employees, think strategically, and invest in the HR community. I challenge HR professionals to get away from their desks at least once a month, attend an HR event, connect with peers, find a mentor, or become one. Get out there HR people! Because some of the best ideas won't come from another spreadsheet, webinar, or AI tool. They'll come from a conversation. The Top Shelf Take: Don't use AI just to do more work. Use it to create more time for the work that matters. The future of HR may not be about becoming less human. It may be about finally having more time to be human. Helpful Links: https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/pdf-documents/hrci-2026-state-of-hr-report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://fortune.com/2026/03/09/hr-design-career-paths-unclear-chro-promotions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://lattice.com/articles/emotional-resilience-hr?utm_source=chatgpt.com
#84
August 18 · 51 min
084: The 3 Essentials of Great Leadership
About: Great leadership isn't about having the perfect title—it's about consistently demonstrating the qualities that inspire others to trust, grow, and succeed. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we're joined by Jay Kuhns, enterprise healthcare HR executive, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of Unstoppable Power, to discuss The 3 Essentials of Great Leadership and why these principles are more important than ever in today's workplace. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across some of the nation's most respected healthcare organizations, Jay has helped transform workforces, strengthen organizational culture, and develop high-performing leaders in complex, high-pressure environments. From leading enterprise HR strategy and workforce transformation to advising executive teams on organizational effectiveness, Jay brings practical, real-world experience that applies far beyond healthcare. In this conversation, Jay shares the three essential leadership principles that have guided his career and empowered leaders to build trust, inspire performance, and create lasting impact. We discuss what separates good leaders from truly great ones, how leaders can earn credibility through their actions, and why intentional leadership has never been more critical in a rapidly changing world of work. Jay also shares lessons learned from leading large-scale workforce initiatives, reducing multimillion-dollar staffing costs through strategic workforce planning, navigating organizational change, and coaching executives to become more authentic and effective leaders. Whether you're leading a team of five or an organization of thousands, his insights offer practical strategies that leaders can immediately apply in their own workplaces. Whether you're an HR professional, business executive, people manager, or an aspiring leader looking to grow your influence, this episode is packed with actionable leadership insights, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways that will help you become the kind of leader others want to follow. Tune in to discover The 3 Essentials of Great Leadership and learn how intentional leadership can transform your team, your organization, and your own professional journey.
August 14 · 2 min
Top Shelf Take: One Voice. One Take.
Top Shelf Take: One Voice. One Take. A new segment of SpeakEasy HR where I step behind the mic solo for a quick five-minute conversation about one HR or workplace topic. While the podcast’s longer guest conversations aren’t going anywhere, Top Shelf Take is designed to be short, practical, and easy to fit into your day—with one topic, one perspective, and one takeaway you can actually use. The first episode introduces the new format, with the next Take tackling AI and why it may not be replacing HR—but raising the bar for HR.
#83
August 10 · 46 min
083: Identity Alchemy - Unlocking Human Potential at Work
Every person brings more to work than their job title, experience, or résumé. Behind every employee is a story, a mindset, and potential that may not yet have been discovered. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David sits down with Rocío Pérez, Founder and CEO of Veertuous, LLC, international bestselling author, speaker, coach, and creator of The MindShift Experience©, to explore the power of identity, mindset, and human potential. Rocío shares her incredible journey of overcoming adversity, transforming her own identity, and helping more than 60,000 professionals discover what they are capable of achieving. Together, David and Rocío discuss: 1. Why leaders must look beyond performance and understand the person behind it. 2. The difference between someone's current identity and their future potential. 3. How mindset impacts confidence, leadership, and growth. 4. Why traditional approaches to developing people often miss the human element. 5. How HR leaders can unlock potential within their organizations 6. The importance of leading from the inside out 7. Because before someone can become a great employee, leader, or teammate — they first have to understand who they are. To learn more about her work, visit: https://www.skool.com/the-mindshift-experience/about https://tmsexp.com/
#82
August 3 · 57 min
082: Leading HR in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend—it's transforming the way HR leads today. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we're joined by Enrique Rubio, founder of Hacking HR, globally recognized AI thought leader, and author, to explore how human resources professionals can confidently lead in the age of artificial intelligence. As AI continues to reshape the workplace, HR leaders are uniquely positioned to guide organizations through one of the most significant workplace transformations in decades. Enrique shares his perspective on why AI should be viewed as a powerful tool to enhance human potential rather than replace it. He discusses how organizations can thoughtfully adopt AI to improve efficiency, elevate the employee experience, and enable HR professionals to spend more time on the strategic, people-focused work that truly drives organizational success. Throughout the conversation, we dive into practical AI applications that HR teams can begin implementing today—from recruiting and talent acquisition to employee development, performance management, and workforce planning. Enrique also addresses many of the common misconceptions and fears surrounding AI, offering a balanced perspective on both the opportunities and the challenges organizations should consider as they integrate these technologies into their people strategies. The discussion also explores the evolving role of HR in an AI-driven workplace. What new skills will HR professionals need? How can leaders foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation? And what responsibilities come with ensuring AI is used ethically, transparently, and in ways that strengthen trust across the organization? Enrique provides thoughtful insights on how HR can lead these conversations while keeping people, culture, and purpose at the center of every decision. Whether your organization is just beginning to explore AI or you're already implementing advanced technologies, this episode offers practical advice, forward-thinking perspectives, and actionable strategies to help you navigate the future of work with confidence. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how AI can empower HR leaders, enhance organizational effectiveness, and create more meaningful experiences for employees—all while reinforcing the human connection that remains at the heart of great leadership. If you're looking to stay ahead of emerging workplace trends and better understand how AI is redefining the future of HR, this is an episode you won't want to miss. For more information about Enrique's two books, visit https://enriquerubio.ai/
#81
July 27 · 54 min
081: The Fractional Workforce - Threat or Opportunity?
The workplace is changing faster than ever, and one of the biggest shifts leaders are navigating is the rise of the fractional workforce. But is this trend a threat to traditional employment—or a powerful opportunity for organizations to access talent, expertise, and flexibility in new ways? In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with Brook Rushing, Founder of The People Collab, for a conversation about the evolving world of work, leadership, culture, and the human side of organizational change. Brook brings nearly 20 years of HR experience, including leadership roles with organizations like Nike and NBCUniversal, where she partnered with senior leaders through complex challenges including organizational transformations, leadership transitions, and culture shifts. Together, we explore: 1. Why the fractional workforce is becoming a growing part of the future of work. 2, How organizations can determine when fractional talent is an opportunity versus a risk. 3. What HR leaders need to consider when blending full-time employees, contractors, and fractional experts. 4. How leaders can maintain culture and connection in an increasingly flexible workforce. 5. Why the best organizations focus less on frameworks and more on creating trust, clarity, and psychological safety. 6. How AI is reshaping HR and people work while keeping the human element at the center. Brook also shares her perspective on why successful organizations are not the ones with perfect answers—they are the ones willing to have honest conversations about what isn’t working and create environments where people can grow. Because the future of work isn’t just about where people work or how they’re hired. It’s about how leaders create meaningful connections, develop talent, and build cultures where people can thrive. Join us for an uncut, unfiltered, and authentic conversation on whether the fractional workforce is a threat—or one of the biggest opportunities ahead for HR leaders. For a free assessment with Brook, go schedule it here: https://calendly.com/thepeoplecollab/discovery-call?month=2026-07
#80
July 23 · 53 min
080: Why HumoR Belongs in HR
HR is serious business—but the best HR leaders know that connection, authenticity, and even a little humor can be powerful tools for building trust. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with two incredible voices in the HR community—Peter Phelan, Founder of ValuesCulture, and Marc S. Miller, President and Founder of Marc S. Miller Associates—for a conversation about the human side of HR, culture, technology, and leadership. Peter brings more than 20 years of People & Culture leadership experience, including Chief People Officer roles at leading global technology companies. Through ValuesCulture, he helps organizations use data to define, develop, and evolve values-based cultures that improve engagement, retention, talent attraction, and business performance. Marc has spent more than 38 years helping organizations leverage HR technology to increase HR’s strategic impact. As an author, consultant, keynote speaker, and adjunct professor, Marc has challenged HR leaders to think differently about technology, transformation, and the future of the profession. Together, we’ll explore: Why culture is one of the greatest competitive advantages organizations have—but one of the hardest things to define and sustain. How HR leaders can balance technology and data with the human connections that drive trust Real examples of how humor can help break down barriers, address difficult conversations, and create stronger relationships<br>Why HR professionals need to embrace authenticity, curiosity, and creativity to influence organizations. How leaders can avoid losing the “human” in Human Resources Because while HR continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: People want to work with people they trust, respect, and connect with. And sometimes, the best way to build that connection starts with a conversation—and maybe even a laugh. Join us for an uncut, unfiltered, and authentic conversation on why HumoR belongs in HR.
#74
July 6 · 26 min
079: How To Thrive Through the Eye of the Storm!
What does it take to keep moving forward when everything around you feels uncertain? In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, I welcome Marques Ogden—former NFL player, keynote speaker, business coach, and host of the globally ranked Get Authentic with Marques Ogden podcast. Marques shares his remarkable journey from achieving a multi-million-dollar NFL career to losing everything in just 90 days, and the lessons he learned about resilience, accountability, and rebuilding along the way. Together, we explore what it means to thrive through the eye of the storm, whether you're facing professional setbacks, organizational change, leadership challenges, or personal adversity. Marques discusses the importance of mastering the fundamentals, staying authentic, embracing accountability, and maintaining a growth mindset when circumstances are at their most difficult. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, business owner, or someone navigating a difficult season, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence. Tune in for an authentic and powerful discussion on leadership, perseverance, and thriving when life doesn't go according to plan. This is a must listen! To learn more about Marques and his work, visit https://marquesogden.com/
#78
June 29 · 45 min
078: The Future of Employee Experience Is Human
What does the future of employee experience look like in a world increasingly driven by technology and AI? According to this week's guest, Alicia Ostermeier, it's more human than ever. In this episode, we discuss why connection, empathy, trust, and belonging are becoming the true differentiators for organizations looking to attract, engage, and retain talent. From leadership and culture to employee well-being and workplace relationships, they explore how organizations can create experiences that put people first while preparing for the future of work. If you're passionate about building workplaces where employees can thrive, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Six Needs of Healthy, High-Performing Organizations https://tier1performance.com/becoming-a-healthy-high-performing-organization/ Check out the Tier1 Magazine! nxtbook.com/TiER1_Performance/PerformanceMatters/performance-matters-healthy-cultures/index.php#/p/2 Upcoming event in September! https://tier1performance.com/the-scurry/
#77
June 22 · 59 min
077: The Algorithm Doesn’t Affect You Anymore , It’s All About Your Signal
For years, professionals have blamed the LinkedIn algorithm for low engagement, limited visibility, and missed opportunities. But what if the algorithm isn't the problem anymore? In this episode, I sit down with LinkedIn strategist, executive branding expert, and founder of TNT Brand Strategist, Kevin Turner, to challenge one of the biggest myths on the platform today. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience, over 7,000 optimized LinkedIn profiles, and insights gained as a LinkedIn Beta Tester since 2007, Kevin explains why visibility today is less about beating the algorithm and more about sending the right signal. Together, we explored how leaders can strengthen their personal brand, improve discoverability, position themselves for new opportunities, and become easier to find, understand, trust, and recommend. Whether you're an executive, HR leader, business owner, job seeker, or aspiring thought leader, this conversation will help you rethink how you show up online and why clarity may be more important than content. If your expertise is stronger than your visibility, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
#76
June 15 · 56 min
076: The Real Path to Promotion - What High-Potential Leaders Miss
In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with executive coach Sean Olson, a leadership development expert with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, teams, universities, and organizations ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups. Much of his work has focused on higher education and academic leadership, helping leaders grow in self-awareness, confidence, and impact. As an Executive Coach, Sean partners with professionals and teams to build clarity, develop leadership capability, and create practical roadmaps for success. His clients consistently credit his coaching with strengthening their leadership skills, improving their confidence, and positioning them for greater influence, growth, and promotion. In this conversation, we explore “The Real Path to Promotion: What High-Potential Leaders Miss.” Sean breaks down the often-overlooked shifts that separate high performers from those who actually move up—highlighting the importance of self-awareness, intentional leadership behavior, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead beyond technical performance. This episode is a powerful reminder that promotion is not just about doing more—it’s about becoming more intentional in how you lead, communicate, and show up in every role you hold.
#75
June 8 · 51 min
075: How to Squash the Sunday Scaries
What if the problem isn’t Monday… but the culture we’ve created around work? In this episode, I sit down with Mary Baird — Employee Experience strategist, leadership expert, and author of Squash the Sunday Scaries — to unpack why so many professionals feel anxious, burned out, and disconnected before the workweek even begins. We dive into: 1. Why trust is disappearing in the workplace 2. The hidden causes of burnout and disengagement 3. How leaders can rebuild culture and connection 4. Practical ways to improve employee experience immediately 5. The future of AI, leadership, and workplace wellbeing If you’ve ever felt drained on Sunday night, struggled with burnout, or wanted to build a healthier workplace culture — this episode is for you. Honest conversation. Practical insights. Real solutions for the modern workforce. Websitehttp://www.thesimplifiers.com
#74
June 1 · 43 min
074: Navigating Change Fatigue in the Workplace
In this upcoming episode, we’re joined by Andrea Adams, founder of The HR Hub and host of Canada’s largest HR-focused YouTube channel. With more than 20 years of HR experience, Andrea has worked with organizations through some of their most challenging workplace moments — and she’s learned that many of those crises are preventable when leaders focus on the human side of work. Our conversation centers on “Navigating Change Fatigue in the Workplace” — a topic impacting organizations everywhere as teams continue to adapt to constant shifts in leadership, technology, expectations, and workplace culture. Andrea shares practical insights on why employees are feeling overwhelmed, how leaders can recognize the signs of change fatigue before it becomes burnout, and what organizations can do to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces. We also discuss the importance of communication, trust, and building systems that support people instead of exhausting them. This episode is packed with thoughtful leadership advice for HR professionals, managers, and anyone trying to lead people well during times of uncertainty and change. To find her work on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andreaadamshr
#73
May 18 · 51 min
073: Stop Playing Small - Unlocking Emerging Talent
In this episode, I sit down with Frank Kitchen to talk about “playing small” in today’s workplace and what it really takes to unlock emerging talent. We explore what it actually looks like when high-potential employees hold back, why that happens, and how much of it is driven by the individual versus the environment leaders create. We also dig into how feedback, opportunity, and organizational culture either accelerate or limit growth. A key focus of this conversation is the role leaders play—often unintentionally—in shaping whether people feel safe and confident enough to step into bigger opportunities. Frank shares practical insight on how organizations can better identify readiness versus confidence, and what it takes to create an environment where emerging talent feels empowered to take risks and grow into their potential. Who should listen: People leaders, HR professionals, managers, executives, and anyone responsible for developing talent, building strong teams, or shaping workplace culture. This episode is especially valuable for those who want to better understand how to unlock potential in others and move high-performing individuals out of “playing small” and into meaningful growth.
#72
May 11 · 47 min
072: Vertical Leadership - Leading from Alignment, Not Reaction
In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with Willie Wibert—an engaging, hands-on leader known for building strong relationships, developing talent, and driving meaningful employee growth—to explore what it really means to lead with alignment instead of reaction. Willie brings a practical and people-first perspective to leadership, grounded in experience across training, engagement, and development. Together, the conversation unpacks how leaders can move beyond reactive decision-making and instead anchor themselves in purpose, values, and intentional action. Willie also shares his approach to developing people, championing new initiatives, and holding high expectations while creating space for individuals to grow and succeed. If you’re looking to lead with more intention, elevate your impact, and create a culture that moves beyond reaction—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
#71
May 4 · 49 min
071: The LinkedIn Struggle Is Real—Here’s What to Do
In this episode, we sit down with James "JON" Keel to tackle a challenge almost every professional faces but few openly admit—LinkedIn can feel like a grind. From inconsistent posting to low engagement and uncertainty around what actually works, the struggle is real. Jon breaks down why most people get stuck on LinkedIn and, more importantly, how to get unstuck. He shares practical strategies to simplify your approach, clarify your voice, and start showing up with purpose instead of pressure. This conversation dives into building authentic content, creating meaningful connections, and using LinkedIn as a tool for opportunity—not obligation.
May 1 · 1 hr 16 min
LIVE from 2026 HR Collaborative - Morning Session
We’re going LIVE from the 2026 HR Collaborative with fast-paced 15-minute conversations featuring forward-thinking HR and leadership voices. This morning edition delivers real-time insights from the event floor—quick hits, big ideas, and practical takeaways you can use right away. Morning LIVE Guest Lineup: Jessica Palatka Julie Doyle Andre Young Sharon DeLay Pete Schramm
May 1 · 1 hr 24 min
LIVE from 2026 HR Collaborative - Afternoon Session
We’re going LIVE from the 2026 HR Collaborative with a fast-paced lineup of 15-minute conversations featuring leading HR and leadership voices. This afternoon edition dives into the real challenges leaders are facing today—how to better engage employees, elevate leadership impact, navigate change, and align people strategy with business outcomes. Afternoon LIVE features 4 speakers: Davis Robinson opens with a fresh take on employee engagement, challenging organizations to rethink traditional approaches by putting the employee experience at the center—not the organization. Todd Bertsch follows with a leadership shift from “fixer” to “influencer,” focusing on how great leaders build trust and become people others genuinely want to follow. Sean Olson brings a practical framework for leading change, helping leaders “ignite their SPARK” by turning resistance into resilience in times of disruption and uncertainty. LIVE from HR Collaborative Together, these conversations explore engagement, leadership influence, change management, and workforce strategy—all through a highly practical, people-first lens. Short sessions. Big ideas. Real-world application. If you’re leading people, shaping culture, or driving performance, this is a lineup you won’t want to miss!

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