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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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#91
Monday · 44 min
091: HR Can't Fix What Leaders Won't Own
About HR can’t fix every people problem—especially when leaders aren’t willing to own their part. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David Noe sits down with Greg Modd, founder of Penultimate People Consulting, to talk about leadership accountability, workforce strategy, and the role relationships play in building strong organizations. Greg shares his perspective on Extreme Ownership, leadership alignment, workplace culture, and turning complex people challenges into clear, executable decisions. They also discuss why accountability has to start with leadership and what happens when HR is asked to solve problems that really belong at the leadership table. With experience spanning military service, government, consulting, and executive HR leadership, Greg brings a unique perspective on what it takes to lead people effectively and create cultures where people actually want to perform. A candid conversation about leadership, accountability, culture, and why HR can’t fix what leaders won’t own.
October 16 · 5 min
Top Shelf Take: You Can't Fix a Traffic Jam by Flying Over It
New technology can help us move faster, but does it actually solve the problem? In this Top Shelf Take, David Noe explores a leadership lesson inspired by the buzz around flying cars: sometimes we're so focused on finding a better way around a problem that we forget to ask why the problem exists in the first place. From investing in new HR technology to introducing AI and addressing employee burnout, David challenges leaders to look beyond quick fixes, question broken processes, and focus on solving root causes. Because true innovation isn't just about doing things faster—it's about doing the right things better. One topic. One perspective. One takeaway: Before you invest in a better way to work around a problem, make sure you're not ignoring a better way to solve it!
#90
October 12 · 51 min
090: Ready for Change. Now What?
About Ready for Change. Now What? What happens when you know you’re ready for something different—but you’re not quite sure what that “something” is? Maybe you’ve outgrown your role. Maybe your career has taken an unexpected turn. Maybe you’re an athlete transitioning into life beyond sports. Or maybe you simply know there’s more you could be doing but can’t quite articulate what that looks like. That’s where Alex Bowden comes in. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, Alex joins David Noe to talk about “Ready for Change. Now What?” and why career decisions should start with something deeper than a job title. Alex believes people are more than their résumés, degrees, and job titles. Her work focuses on helping people understand their strengths, values, experiences, and the environments where they thrive—and then using that understanding to figure out what comes next. As a former professional dancer who transitioned into HR, talent, and entrepreneurship, Alex understands firsthand how closely our work can become tied to our identity. When you’ve spent years defining yourself by what you do, figuring out who you are beyond that role can be challenging. Through CareerCatalyst, Alex helps individuals uncover and articulate the value they bring, while her work with PEOPLEfirst helps organizations recognize talent they may otherwise overlook. We’ll talk about career transitions, identity, strengths, overlooked talent, athletes preparing for life beyond sports, and why employers need to look beyond traditional résumés and familiar career paths when identifying potential. Because sometimes the biggest career question isn’t: “What job do I want?” It’s: “Who am I, what do I bring to the table, and where could that take me?” Join us October 12 for a conversation about change, career identity, and figuring out what’s next. Ready for change? Now what? Let’s talk about it. To learn more about Alex and her work, visit www.choosecareercatalyst.com
October 9 · 5 min
Top Shelf Take: It’s OK to Not Be OK
About It’s OK to not be OK. In recognition of World Mental Health Day, David Noe shares a reminder that we all face challenges, asking for help is a sign of strength, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply listen. Because people matter—and that includes you.
#89
October 5 · 45 min
089: You Can’t Outwork Burnout
About What if the same drive that helped you succeed is also the thing driving you toward burnout? For high performers, leaders, and corporate professionals, burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart. Sometimes it looks like showing up, getting the work done, answering one more email, taking on one more responsibility—and quietly running on empty. In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David Noe sits down with Ivy Watts, mental health speaker, author, and somatic coach, for an honest conversation about burnout prevention, workplace stress, and the connection between our mental health and nervous system. Ivy draws from her own experience with anxiety, depression, overwhelming stress, burnout, and self-doubt to share practical tools that can help professionals recognize what their bodies are telling them, regulate their nervous system, build resilience, and create healthier ways to manage stress. They talk about why “just push through it” isn’t always the answer, how movement and emotional awareness can support mental wellness, and why taking care of yourself isn’t a weakness—it’s part of performing at your best. If you’re constantly running at full speed, this conversation is your reminder that you can’t outwork burnout. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause, reset, and take care of the person doing the work.
October 2 · 6 min
Top Shelf Take: 4 Ways to Feel Less Lonely in HR
HR can be a lonely profession, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this Top Shelf Take, David shares four ways HR professionals can feel less isolated. Whether you’re new to HR or have been doing it for decades, connection matters. You’re human, you won’t always have the answers, and you were never meant to do this work alone. Book mentioned in this episode is by my good friend, Pete Schramm. https://golattitude.com/pathfinders-book/
#88
September 28 · 1 hr
088: Fun Is the Secret Ingredient to Success
About Fun Is the Secret Ingredient to Success with Joel Zeff What if having more fun at work isn't a distraction from success—but actually a key ingredient to achieving it? In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David Noe sits down with Joel Zeff, dynamic speaker, improvisational humorist, author, and longtime advocate for bringing more energy and celebration into the workplace. Joel shares why organizations and individuals should celebrate everyday successes and how doing so can increase collaboration, productivity, passion, creativity, and innovation. With a career that has taken him from journalism and corporate communications to comedy and the stages of companies like Wells Fargo, Samsung, KPMG—and even the IRS—Joel has built a unique approach to helping people connect, participate, laugh, and learn. We talk about the power of fun, why leaders sometimes take work too seriously, how improvisation can teach us to collaborate and adapt, and why the choices we make every day can shape a more creative and passionate career. Joel also shares insights from his book Make the Right Choice and challenges us to think differently about the choices we make at work and in life. Because success doesn't always have to be so serious. Sometimes, fun is the secret ingredient.
September 25 · 5 min
Top Shelf Take: Stay Out of the Woods
Stay Out of the Woods A class trip with 8th grade son taught David an unexpected lesson about leadership. As a chaperone, he learned his job wasn’t to do things for the students—it was to keep them safe, encourage them, and let them figure things out. Watching them struggle to build a survival shelter reinforced a lesson that applies directly to leadership: sometimes stepping in isn’t helping. The takeaway: Don’t confuse helping with doing. Give people room to struggle, learn, and succeed on their own.
#87
September 25 · 47 min
087: People Intelligence - The Future of HR in an AI World
About What happens to HR when artificial intelligence changes the way we work? In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David Noe sits down with Cole Napper, a globally recognized leader, author, speaker, educator and practitioner in people intelligence, AI workforce transformation, people analytics and workforce strategy. Cole is the world's first Chief People Intelligence Officer at HRBench and brings experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, venture-backed startups and some of the leading organizations in workforce intelligence. He is also the owner of Directionally Correct, LLC, host of the world’s leading people intelligence podcast and newsletter, and founder of the Data Driven HR Academy. With a Ph.D. and M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Cole brings a unique perspective to one of the biggest questions facing HR today: How can organizations use AI and data to make better decisions about their people without losing the human element? David and Cole explore the rise of people intelligence, how AI is transforming the workforce, the growing importance of people analytics, workforce planning and talent intelligence, and what HR leaders need to understand as technology continues to reshape work. The conversation also looks at what it means for HR professionals to move beyond traditional reporting and become strategic decision-makers who can connect people, data, AI and business strategy. As AI continues to transform organizations, one thing remains clear: understanding people may become more important—not less. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of HR, AI and the growing role of People Intelligence.
September 18 · 5 min
Top Shelf Take: The Best Interview Question Isn’t a Question
About: After two decades in HR, David Noe has spent a lot of time interviewing people—and he’s been on both sides of the interview table. From recruiting and hiring to onboarding and working with employees after the interview is over, he’s seen what can make the difference between simply filling a position and making a successful hire. In this Top Shelf Take, David shares one simple approach hiring managers can use to rethink the way they conduct interviews. It’s about creating a better conversation, learning more about the person sitting across the table, and making the interview a more valuable experience for both sides. Because sometimes, finding the right person isn’t about asking more questions. It’s about approaching the conversation differently.
#86
September 14 · 45 min
086: Taking Back Your Power - Surviving the Toxic Workplace
About What happens when your workplace becomes toxic—and you feel like you’ve lost control? In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David sits down with HR leader and author Theresa Chilcoat to talk about one of the most difficult workplace experiences: surviving a toxic environment while protecting your peace, your confidence, and your career. With more than 15 years of HR experience, Theresa has seen the workplace from both sides. She shares what she has learned about the warning signs of employee disconnect, why people rarely disengage overnight, and how leaders can recognize the changes in energy, voice, recognition, and ownership before an employee decides to leave. But this conversation isn't just about what leaders can do. Theresa also brings the employee perspective, drawing from her book, Surviving the Toxic Workplace from an HR Insider, and her message that employees have agency—even when they can't control the environment around them. David and Theresa explore how employees can begin taking back their power, set healthier boundaries, protect their well-being, and make intentional decisions about how they respond to a difficult workplace. They also dig into the other side of the equation: Do leaders really understand what motivates the people they lead? And what happens when leaders become more aware of the people behind the performance? It's a conversation about toxic workplaces, leadership awareness, employee motivation, retention, and ultimately, recognizing that while we can't always control the workplace around us, we can control how we respond to it. Listen in for a candid conversation about recognizing the signs, reclaiming your power, and creating healthier workplaces—whether you're leading the team or trying to survive it. To find Teri's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHJDHBR2
September 8 · 5 min
Top Shelf Take: Every Paycheck Creates Possibility
In this week’s Top Shelf Take, David Noe celebrates National Payroll Week and takes a closer look at what a paycheck really represents. Payroll isn’t just about numbers, taxes, deductions, and deadlines. Behind every paycheck is a person—and every paycheck creates possibility. David highlights the important role payroll professionals play in making sure employees are paid accurately and on time, often doing critical work behind the scenes that goes unnoticed when everything goes right. He also challenges business leaders to take a moment this week to recognize their payroll teams and appreciate the responsibility they carry. Because payroll isn’t just about paying people—it’s about supporting people, creating opportunity, and helping people move forward. This week’s takeaway: Every paycheck creates possibility.
#85
September 7 · 53 min
085: 7 Unbreakable Laws of Leadership
About In Episode 85 of SpeakEasy HR, David sits down with Adam Weisner—entrepreneur, investor, executive coach, author, and business leader—for a powerful conversation around The 7 Unbreakable Laws of Leadership. With more than two decades of leadership experience across banking, manufacturing, investing, and financial technology, Adam has built and scaled organizations while staying grounded in a belief that leadership is stewardship and business can be a force for good. As President and CEO of Sherman Research, he leads a company focused on helping people make wiser financial decisions through independent research, education, and long-term thinking. Adam also shares his philosophy of Purpose Beyond Profit, including Sherman Research’s commitment to directing 51% of distributable profits toward advancing the Gospel through churches, ministries, missionaries, nonprofits, and Kingdom-focused initiatives. The conversation explores leadership, culture, purpose, faith, family, stewardship, and legacy, along with Adam’s concept of Asymmetric Endurance—building organizations that become less dependent on one leader and more capable of creating freedom, sustainability, and lasting impact. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply trying to become a better leader, this episode offers practical wisdom for leading with conviction and building something that truly lasts. To preorder Adam's book, visit https://www.biblicalbusiness.com/
September 7 · 4 min
Top Shelf Take: What Labor Day Really Means
Labor Day is about more than a day off—it’s about recognizing the people behind the work. While we often focus on productivity, performance, revenue, hiring, and growth, every organization is ultimately powered by people. Labor Day gives leaders an opportunity to pause and appreciate those who consistently show up, serve customers, solve problems, support their teammates, and make the organization better. The challenge is simple: when everyone returns after Labor Day, identify one person who makes your organization better because they show up and do the work—and tell them. Don't just post a generic Labor Day message. Give someone specific recognition and let them know their work matters. Key takeaway: People aren't just labor. They're people. Celebrate the people who make the work matter.
September 1 · 6 min
Top Shelf Take: Your Company Culture Is Showing
What does your company culture actually feel like? In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, David Noe takes a closer look at what really shapes workplace culture—and why culture isn’t what’s written on the wall or in the employee handbook. Culture is the experience people have every day at work. From leadership and managers to recruiters, new hires, and every employee in the organization, everyone plays a role in shaping that experience. David explores how everyday behaviors, decisions, recognition, communication, and the people we hire can strengthen—or undermine—the culture we’re trying to build. And here’s the real test: What does work feel like on Sunday night? If your employees are experiencing the Sunday Scaries every week, it may be time to take a closer look at your culture. One topic. One perspective. One takeaway. Because your company culture isn’t just something you talk about. Your company culture is showing.
August 26 · 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.
August 24 · 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.

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