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The Moss HR Minute

Nicole Moss

The Moss HR Minute brings real conversations about building and managing teams to you — one Moss Minute at a time!

Hosted by Nicole Moss, this podcast features entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, and beyond. What started as local conversations in Easton Park has evolved alongside Moss Consulting into a broader discussion focused on the people side of business.

Each episode is fast, focused, and practical. Industry leaders answer five timely questions in one Moss Minute, sharing real-world insight on leadership, culture, compliance, growth, and the challenges business owners are navigating right now.

Same energy. Same solutions-focused approach. Expanded reach.

Whether you’re a founder, operator, or business leader, The Moss HR Minute is your place for clear perspective, actionable ideas, and conversations that get straight to the point — with no fluff.

Tune in, subscribe, and build better teams one Moss Minute at a time 🎧✨

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#41
Thursday · 16 min
HR Leadership Through Change, Acquisitions, Compliance, and Building Trust with Gabe Calhoun
Send us Fan Mail Most HR professionals spend their careers trying to have all the answers. Gabe Calhoun spent 34 years learning that the ones who admit they don't are the ones who last. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Gabe Calhoun, a 34-year HR leadership veteran known for bridging the gap between people strategy and business performance. Gabe has navigated multiple acquisitions, built HR functions from the ground up, and spent decades mentoring the next generation of HR professionals — all while staying grounded in the belief that the best HR leaders are the ones who never stop learning. This is a candid, experienced, and deeply human conversation about what it actually takes to lead through change, earn a seat at the leadership table, and build the kind of trust that holds a company together when everything else is in flux. Key topics discussed in this episode: The defining moment that made Gabe choose HR as a career — and why watching one entry-level hire change their family's life was all the reason he needed What he got wrong the first time navigating a company acquisition — and why compliance and payroll accuracy are the fastest ways to either build or destroy employee trust overnight The biggest disconnect between HR teams and the business units they support — and why understanding operations is non-negotiable for any HR professional who wants to be taken seriously Why HR professionals who pretend to know the answer are more dangerous than the ones who admit they don't How to earn a seat at the leadership table — partnership, listening, and the willingness to say "I don't know, but I will find out" Why collaboration across a team of experienced HR professionals is one of the most underrated advantages a business owner can have Gabe's work supporting Oak Hill Academy in Dallas — a school serving students with unique learning needs — and the leadership lessons he has taken from executive director Brit Smart What 34 years in HR looks like when it is driven by genuine care for people and not just policy This episode is essential listening for business owners navigating growth, change, or acquisition, and for HR professionals at any stage who want a clear-eyed, honest perspective on what separates the ones who last from the ones who don't. Connect with Gabe Calhoun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-calhoun-msm-2689757/ Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#40
August 20 · 24 min
Building a Benefits Program That Protects Your People and Your Bottom Line with Ford Clemons
Send us Fan Mail Healthcare costs are up. Your renewal is coming. And if you are not already having the conversation with your broker, you are six months behind. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Ford Clemons, Managing Director of Employee Benefits at Higginbotham, for one of the most practical and eye-opening conversations the show has had on what employee benefits actually cost, what drives those costs up, and what business owners can do to stay ahead of it. Ford has spent his entire career at Higginbotham working with mid-market employers across the US, helping them build and sustain competitive benefits packages in an industry that has changed more in the last decade than in the previous three. From ACA compliance to self-funded strategies to population health management, he brings the kind of deep, healthcare-rooted knowledge that turns a confusing and expensive line item into a manageable and strategic investment. Key topics discussed in this episode: What drew Ford to employee benefits from a pre-med background — and why the intersection of healthcare and business became his calling The compliance mistakes business owners make most often, and why not knowing is not an excuse when the penalties land Why employee benefits is the second largest line item on most balance sheets and how treating it like a business investment changes everything Population health management — what it is, why it matters, and how managing chronic conditions proactively prevents catastrophic claims How high cost claimants happen, what drives cancer and prescription costs, and where preventative care fits into the strategy The honest conversation about 30 to 50 percent renewal increases — what is causing them at a macro level and how Ford navigates those conversations with clients Why blaming your broker for a bad renewal is one of the most common and costly misconceptions in the industry Why the benefits strategy conversation needs to start at least six months before renewal — not 90 days out The value of pairing a strong outsourced HR partner with a benefits broker and why Ford finds it makes every client outcome better Ford's volunteer work with Genesis Women's Shelter, the Touchdown Club of Dallas, and the Ashford Rise School — and what keeps him committed to that work year after year This episode is essential listening for any founder, operator, or HR leader who is tired of being surprised at renewal, wants to understand what is actually driving their costs, and is ready to treat their benefits program like the strategic business tool it is — within one Moss Minute. Connect with Ford Clemons: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fordclemons/ Email: fclemons@higginbotham.net Phone: +1 214-346-4159 Website: https://www.higginbotham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higginbothamins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higginbotham_ins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/higginbothamins Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#39
August 13 · 12 min
How Our Team Closes 220 Support Tickets Every Week to Keep Operations Running with Avery Walters
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you take a management major and throw them straight into live multi-state corporate compliance, complex HRIS acquisitions, and high-stakes performance improvement meetings on day one? In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with summer intern Avery Walters to discuss her transformation from classroom business theory into hands-on human capital management. Avery shares an inside look at sitting in as an HR witness during a sensitive Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) meeting, breaking down how thorough preparation, clear documentation, and gracious empathy eliminate misinterpretation. Nicole and Avery examine the critical gap between academic business concepts and real-world employee relations, demonstrating why clear communication, fast-turnaround text-to-ticket accessibility, and multi-language support form the backbone of modern corporate support systems. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Reality of High-Volume Acquisitions: Navigating complex HRIS onboarding environments—like iSolved—during high-speed corporate expansion. The Architecture of a Performance Improvement Plan: Dismantling the stigma surrounding PIPs to treat them as collaborative tools for clarity, mutual expectations, and employee retention. Classroom Business Theory vs. Applied Execution: Why academic management studies must be paired with real-world experience to navigate unpredictable human behavior. Managing High-Tension Workplace Conflict: Recognizing when to step back and allow agitated employees the space they need rather than forcing rigid confrontation. Optimizing Efficiency with Text-to-Ticket Workflows: How providing workers with instant, direct text access resolves critical benefits and payroll issues in real time. Breaking Down Language Barriers in HR: The operational and emotional importance of providing direct, non-translated Spanish support to ensure every worker feels heard. Nicole and Avery outline how standardizing your documentation and providing rapid, accessible communication channels takes the burden off business owners, proving that clear, empathetic HR infrastructure turns operational friction into long-term organizational success. Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#38
August 11 · 7 min
The 3 Key Operational Lessons Learned In Just 2 Months of Real-World HR with Cayman Hasseberg
Send us Fan Mail On her first day as an HR intern, Nicole Moss asked if anyone wanted to observe a live in-person termination. Cayman Hasseberg almost said no — then raised her hand. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Evie Fisher, Marketing Intern at Moss Consulting, sits down with fellow intern Cayman Hasseberg for an honest, grounded conversation about what HR actually looks like in the real world versus what gets taught in the classroom. Two months into her internship and heading into her senior year at the University of Oklahoma, Cayman reflects on the moments that shaped her summer — the fast pace, the live client situations, the payroll systems nobody warned her about, and the termination she witnessed on day one that taught her more about grace under pressure than any textbook ever could. Key topics discussed in this episode: The first thing that surprised Cayman about real-world HR versus the step-by-step classroom version — and why the pace alone is a lesson What it is actually like to navigate multiple payroll systems across different clients, from Paylocity to iSolved to ADP, in real time The skills Cayman has picked up at Moss that she could not have gotten anywhere else — problem solving, critical thinking, and learning on the fly The moment this summer that confirmed she chose the right major The biggest HR myth she wants to correct — and why HR being the bad guy is one of the most damaging misconceptions in the industry What happened on day one of the internship and why witnessing Nicole handle a live termination with grace and compassion became one of the most defining learning moments of her summer How every HR manager at Moss works differently — and what Cayman learned from shadowing Ashley, Yoli, Tim, and Nicole across completely different working styles Why Cayman wants to keep building her career at Moss as she finishes her degree This episode is for business owners who want to understand what thoughtful, experienced HR looks like in practice — and for anyone early in their HR career who wants a honest look at what the real learning curve actually feels like when the work is real, the clients are real, and day one does not wait for you to be ready. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#37
August 4 · 9 min
The HR Red Flags, Myths, and First Instincts Every Business Owner Needs to Know Before Their Next Hire
Send us Fan Mail "If it's not documented, it might as well have never happened." — and that is just one of the things two HR interns got exactly right in this episode. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Avery Walters and Cayman Hasseberg — two members of the 2026 Moss Consulting summer intern team — for the fastest, most no-nonsense HR breakdown the show has produced yet. No slides. No fluff. Just six rapid-fire rounds of HR truth that every business owner needs to hear. From employment law myths to real-time red flags to the questions most leaders avoid until it is too late, Avery and Cayman prove that the next generation of HR professionals is arriving sharper, more grounded, and more ready than most people expect. Key topics discussed in this episode: Myth or Fact — the most commonly misunderstood HR basics, including at-will employment, PTO laws, and 1099 misclassification First Instinct — how to respond when an employee quits by text, two people can't get along, overtime has been miscalculated, or a new hire is struggling at 30 days HR Red Flags — the phrases and situations that should immediately put any business owner on alert, including gut-feeling hiring, undocumented practices, and paying under the table This or That — skills versus attitude, annual reviews versus ongoing check-ins, fast hire versus right hire, and the truth about remote versus hybrid versus in-office The Two Truths of HR — what people consistently get wrong about the profession and what is genuinely harder than it looks Intern Takes — what surprised Avery and Cayman most about HR in their first week and a half, what they are already carrying forward, and how they would finish the sentence "Good HR feels like..." Packed with honest intern insights, real-world examples, and a bit of behind-the-scenes humor, this episode delivers a high-value breakdown of essential business operations—all at top speed. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#35
July 30 · 6 min
Fractional HR Trends, Employee Relations, and the Future of the Industry with Cayman Hasseberg
Send us Fan Mail The students studying HR right now are watching the industry shift happen in real time — and one of them is already positioning herself ahead of it. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Cayman Hasseberg, HR Intern on the 2026 Moss Consulting summer intern team, with Avery Walters stepping in as co-host. Cayman is a rising senior at the University of Oklahoma studying human resources with a minor in business management — and what she observed inside Moss Consulting in just two weeks cuts straight to the heart of where the HR industry is headed. Her focus is employee relations and risk management, the side of HR that keeps businesses protected, people supported, and teams moving without unnecessary disruption. Spending her summer inside a fractional HR firm is giving her a front-row seat to what that work looks like at scale — across dozens of clients, industries, and people challenges happening all at once. Key topics discussed in this episode: What drew Cayman into HR — the people side, the leadership dynamics, and the employee relations work that keeps businesses running smoothly What surprised her most about consulting HR: the pace, the volume of clients, and how consistently the Moss team delivers under pressure The difference between internal and consulting HR from the perspective of someone experiencing both for the first time The emerging trend both Cayman and Avery independently identified: internal HR moving out and fractional consulting HR moving in — faster than most business owners realize Nicole's take on why HR deserves a seat at the leadership table and what it actually takes to earn it Why the only real way to learn HR is to be in the room when things get uncomfortable — and why that is exactly the point Where Cayman hopes to take her career and what this internship is already showing her about the path forward This episode is for business owners who want to understand where HR is heading and for anyone early in their HR career who is trying to figure out what the next five years actually look like. Cayman brings a grounded, curious, and genuinely insightful perspective — and Nicole's closing take on human capital and leadership is one of the most compelling arguments for elevating HR that the show has delivered. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#35
July 28 · 5 min
Why Internal HR Is Quietly Being Replaced & What It Means for Business Owners with Avery Walters
Send us Fan Mail The next generation of HR professionals is already watching the industry shift in real time — and one intern saw it coming before she even finished her second week. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Avery Walters, HR Intern on the 2026 Moss Consulting summer intern team, with Evie Fisher returning as co-host. Avery is studying human resources and management and came into this internship with real internal HR experience — which makes her perspective on the consulting model sharper and more grounded than most people expect from someone just starting out. What she noticed almost immediately is something Nicole has been saying for years: the consulting model is not a trend. It is where HR is heading, and it is moving faster than anyone anticipated. Key topics discussed in this episode: What drew Avery to people and culture inside a business — and why the human side of the workplace has always been her focus The real difference between internal HR and consulting HR, from someone who has experienced both firsthand What it was like to walk into Moss Consulting on day one — including meeting a client and seeing the team dynamic up close The emerging trend Avery is already observing: internal HR departments moving out and fractional consulting HR moving in Why Nicole believes every HR professional deserves a seat at the leadership table — and what it actually takes to get there What HR school teaches you versus what you only learn by being in the room when things get hard Where Avery hopes to take her career and why starting on the consulting side gives her an uncommon foundation This episode is for business owners who are curious about where HR is headed, and for HR professionals at any stage who want a reminder of why the work they do matters far beyond the policies and the paperwork. Nicole's take on human capital, leadership, and the real weight of what HR manages is one of the most honest and grounded moments the show has delivered within one Moss Minute. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#34
July 23 · 6 min
Intern Spotlight: Marketing Trends, Short-Form Content Strategy & Company Culture with Evie Fisher
Send us Fan Mail The best marketing insight of the year might have come from a second-week intern — and it is worth every business owner's attention. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Evie Fisher, Marketing and PR Intern on the 2026 Moss Consulting summer intern team, with Avery Walters stepping in as co-host. The camera gets turned on one of their own for a candid, energetic conversation about marketing trends, team culture, content creation, and what it actually feels like to learn a business from the inside out. Evie is studying strategic communication with a minor in psychology and is spending her summer helping build the Moss Consulting intern website, producing weekly content, and getting hands-on experience alongside the full Moss team. In just two weeks, she has already picked up on something that many established businesses are still figuring out. Key topics discussed in this episode: What drew Evie to strategic communication and why the intersection of creativity, research, and people made it the right fit What it is actually like to be an intern at Moss Consulting — the pace, the access, and what surprised her most about the working world Why short-form, low-effort, authentic content is outperforming polished high-production marketing and what that means for how companies tell their story How Moss Consulting's intern team is building a content hub from the ground up — including a blog, weekly reflections, and behind-the-scenes video What Evie noticed about Moss Consulting's team culture in just two weeks and why it stood out Where marketing is headed and what business owners should be paying attention to right now What the intern experience has revealed about the direction Evie wants to take her career This episode is a reminder that the freshest, most honest perspective in the room is sometimes the one that just walked in the door. For business owners thinking about how to show up authentically online, build a team culture worth talking about, and attract the next generation of talent, this conversation delivers all three within one Moss Minute. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#32
July 21 · 16 min
Why a Long Resume and the Right Skills Are Not Enough to Find the Right Hire with Wesley Jobes
Send us Fan Mail You hired a recruiter. They filled the role. Then the person left — and nobody could tell you why. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Wesley Jobes, Recruiting Manager at Moss Consulting, and intern co-host Evie Fisher for an honest, practical conversation about what is genuinely broken in traditional recruiting — and what a better model actually looks like in practice. Wesley brings over 20 years of HR and talent acquisition experience to this conversation, including building paid apprenticeship programs in California manufacturing plants and launching a prison-to-employment roofing pipeline in Texas that is still running today. Her approach to recruiting is rooted in something most agencies skip entirely: genuine care for people, deep knowledge of company culture, and staying invested long after the offer letter is signed. Key topics discussed in this episode: Wesley's background — from HR specialist to recruiting manager and why the people side of every role kept pulling her toward talent acquisition The prison apprenticeship program Wesley built that gave people a job, a skill, and a second chance — and why it still runs today What is fundamentally broken about traditional commission-based recruiting and why it leaves both companies and candidates without the full picture Why knowing a client's culture, values, and onboarding process before sourcing a single candidate changes everything about who gets through How Moss Consulting builds custom scorecards around each client's values — and why no two should ever look exactly the same What the candidate experience looks like when the recruiter is an extension of the internal HR team rather than an outside vendor Why recruiting and HR being handled by the same team directly improves retention after the hire What owners actually feel differently when the people who recruited their candidate are the same people supporting that employee long-term How to start a conversation with Moss Consulting about growing your team This episode is essential listening for any founder or operator who has been burned by a recruiting process that felt transactional, impersonal, or disconnected from the actual needs of their business. Wesley reframes what recruiting can look like when it is done with intention, structure, and genuine investment in the outcome — within one Moss Minute at a time. Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute
#32
July 17 · 9 min
What Smart Recruiters Know About Hiring in 2026 That Most Business Owners Haven't Figured Out Yet
Send us Fan Mail Your job posting is up. The applications are coming in. So why are you still losing great candidates before they ever make it to an offer? In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Wesley Jobes, Recruiting Manager at Moss Consulting, and intern host Evie Fisher for a rapid-fire, no-sugarcoating breakdown of the 10 recruiting trends getting the most attention in 2026. Nicole and Wesley go thumbs up or thumbs down on each trend — and back every take with the kind of real-world insight that only comes from being in the recruiting trenches every day. This is one of the most honest, practical conversations the show has had about what is and isn't working in hiring right now. Key topics discussed in this episode: AI-powered candidate screening — useful tool or shortcut that costs you your best hire? Skills-based hiring and why dropping degree requirements could immediately expand your talent pool Ghost jobs and why posting roles you're not actually filling is quietly destroying your employer brand Recruiter layoffs and TA restructuring — when it makes strategic sense and when it backfires Agentic AI that sources and schedules candidates autonomously — and where the human element still has to stay Pay transparency laws and why hiding your salary range is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make The ATS candidate experience problem — long applications, automated rejections, and zero follow-up Candidate ghosting in a cooling market and what recruiters actually think about it Internal mobility versus external hiring and why your best next hire might already be on your payroll Diverse hiring pipelines after recent court decisions and why fresh perspectives are a business strategy, not a checkbox This episode is essential for any founder, operator, or hiring manager who wants to build a smarter, more competitive recruiting process in 2026 — without wasting time, budget, or the goodwill of the candidates you actually want. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#31
July 9 · 26 min
How We Scaled Moss Consulting Beyond 55 Active Corporate Clients Using 6 Core Pillars
Send us Fan Mail She helps hundreds of business owners get their people operations right — then had to sit down and do the same for her own company. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, the script gets flipped. Michele Spiezia — Process Architect, People Person, and General Manager of Ellysium Racing — takes over the host chair and puts Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, in the hot seat for a raw, honest, and genuinely entertaining conversation about what it actually takes to build and scale an HR business from the inside out. Nicole shares the origin story of Moss Consulting, the moment she realized her systems couldn't keep up with her growth, and what it looked like to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) inside an HR company that was already helping everyone else solve their people problems. Key topics discussed in this episode: How Moss Consulting started — the conversation that launched everything and what problem Nicole was really trying to solve Why genuine relationship and trust-building has been the core scaling strategy behind Moss Consulting's growth to 55+ clients The breaking point moment when a cell phone and an email inbox stopped being enough — and how HubSpot saved the operation What the "rizz" in HR actually is and why Nicole refuses to call it a soft skill How Moss Consulting interviews and what the three-yes rule means for building a team with the right intangibles What EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is and why Nicole recommends it without hesitation to any founder still figuring it out as they go What happened when Nicole's own leadership team gave her a performance review — and what it revealed Why the books Traction and Good to Great belong on every founder's shelf before they ever talk to an EOS implementer What the perfect Moss Consulting client actually looks like — and why it's simpler than most founders think This episode is essential listening for any founder or operator who has been running on instinct, momentum, and sheer will — and is starting to wonder if there's a better way to build. Nicole delivers the kind of honesty about her own company that most business owners are too guarded to share publicly. It is a conversation about courage, clarity, and what it actually means to build something real. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: https://www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#30
July 7 · 32 min
How to Build Business Systems That Hold Up Under Pressure with Michele Spiezia
Send us Fan Mail "Don't blame the lettuce." If your team is struggling, the problem probably started long before you noticed — and the fix is more systemic than you think. In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Michele Spiezia — Process Architect, People Person, and General Manager of Ellysium Racing — for one of the most wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversations the show has had yet. Michele has spent her career turning chaos into systems across industries ranging from restaurants and film to tech startups, Montessori education, and professional motorsport. She breaks down what process architecture really means, how to build teams that don't fall apart under pressure, and why most businesses get the people side wrong long before they realize it. Key topics discussed in this episode: What process architecture actually is — and why every growing business needs it before they think they do Human-first leadership in an increasingly automated world and why it matters more than ever The VUCA framework (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) and how to build a team and mindset that functions inside that reality Hyper-personalization and its real impact on the modern workforce and team collaboration What Gen Z's resistance to AI is actually signaling — and what leaders should do about it Why critical thinking has become the scarcest and most valuable skill in today's workplace The story behind Ellysium EDU — using motorsport as a context to teach the foundational skills that classrooms are no longer building Can we versus should we: the question every leader needs to ask before deploying new technology or processes This episode is essential listening for founders, operators, and people leaders who are tired of systems that collapse the moment things accelerate — and who want a sharper framework for building teams, processes, and cultures that hold up under real pressure. Michele brings the kind of hard-won, cross-industry clarity that you rarely hear in one conversation. Connect with Michele Spiezia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelespiezia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewholestory/ Website: https://www.ellysium.co Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#29
July 2 · 8 min
What Real HR Internships Look Like in 2026 — Inside Moss Consulting's Summer Program
Send us Fan Mail What does a modern corporate internship look like when you completely dismantle the legacy coffee-run stigma and hand young professionals the keys to live human resources pipelines? In this special edition of The Moss HR Minute, Moss Consulting HR Services hands the microphones over to their Summer 2026 Intern Team. Hosted by Evie Fisher (Strategic Communication & Marketing) alongside Avery Walters (Management & HR) and Cayman Hasseberg (HR & Business Management), this episode pulls back the curtain on the next generation of workforce talent. The trio shares an inside look at navigating high-growth organizational scaling from the ground floor. From processing live small business payroll to observing real-time employee relations and joining co-founders on-site with clients on day one, the interns unpack how bridging the gap between classroom theory and chaotic corporate curveballs reshapes their career trajectory. Key topics discussed in this episode include: Busting the Intern Myth: Shifting from baseline administrative errands to executing hands-on project workflows across client communications, content development, and payroll management. The Frontera Connection: How strong professional networks and trusted partnerships with Frontera Search Partners sparked the bridge to Moss Consulting. Classroom Theory vs. Corporate Curveballs: Why managing unexpected operational shifts and joining executive leadership on-site outpaces textbook case studies. Dismantling the Cold Corporate Stigma: Redefining human resources from a rigid, "robotic" compliance checklist into an empathetic, relationship-driven culture. Navigating the Remote Communication Field: Mastering virtual time management, project deadlines, and proactive accountability within an interconnected hybrid environment. Looking Ahead to the Summer Summit: The excitement surrounding multi-state team alignment, executive sourcing with the head of recruiting, and face-to-face team connection. The 2026 intern team details how building cross-functional trust and peer-to-peer collaboration forms their foundational professional standard, proving that future-proofing your human capital begins by investing deeply in early-career minds. Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#28
June 30 · 40 min
Why Your Best Employee Might Be Your Worst Promotion (And What to Do Instead) with Frank Koen
Send us Fan Mail What happens to your business continuity when you mistake an administrative logistics problem for a core human resources strategy? In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Frank Koen, RPh, President of CloudRx.com. Frank is a premier healthcare and pharmacy operations executive who has scaled multi-site networks across the country, transitioning his deep enterprise execution wisdom from major brands like Albertsons and Walgreens directly to the small business sector. The conversation targets the sharp operational friction points that erupt when scaling companies prematurely promote high-performing operators into management roles without a stabilized training support structure. Frank highlights the tactical value of structured data visibility, breaking down his proprietary framework to help small business owners automate repetitive, non-value-add tasks so their specialized talent can practice at the absolute top of their license. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Operator Promotion Trap: Why pushing your fastest baseline executor into a leadership vacancy without structural resources costs you both positions. The 40-20-40 Strategic Rule: Balancing your organizational timeline by committing 40% to deliberate planning, 20% to execution, and 40% to deep performance review cycles. Providing True North Accountability: Eliminating structural ambiguity so that your frontline staff clearly understand the core metric driving your company's survival. The Change Curve and Uncertainty Fear: Recognizing that an exodus of talent isn't caused by a fear of operational change, but rather by leadership's lack of transparency. Automating Repetitive Administrative Tasks: Deploying artificial intelligence and robotic process automation (RPA) to handle non-value-add processes, allowing specialized workers to spend more time engaging customers. The Core Division of HR and Recruiting: Unpacking the unique, separate skill sets required to navigate high-volume candidate sourcing without overwhelming your baseline human resource compliance teams. Frank reveals how treating service delivery as a dynamic, plan-driven science can radically accelerate multi-state market expansion, proving that operational clarity is an essential prerequisite to long-term profitability and team trust. Guest Information Frank Koen, RPh, President of CloudRx.com Email: frank@cloudrx.com Phone: (630) 329-9448 Website: cloudrx.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkoen/ Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#27
June 25 · 16 min
Retirement as a Co-Pilot: Balancing Employer Costs and Employee Value with John Alvarez
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with John Alvarez, a Retirement Plan Advisor with IMA Retirement. This conversation tackles a critical topic that many small and mid-sized business owners view as a heavy administrative burden or overhead expense: employer-sponsored retirement plans. John shifts the perspective entirely, breaking down how a well-designed retirement program functions as a strategic total rewards tool, an aggressive talent acquisition engine, and a major tax-advantage savings vehicle for the owners themselves . He walks through the threshold of when a growing business should look beyond simple individual options and explore the massive flexibility of a true 401(k) framework . Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Growth Inflection Point: Why hitting 8 to 12 full-time employees is the ideal starting window to upgrade your corporate retirement strategy. 401(k) vs. SEP vs. Simple IRA: Unpacking the administrative trade-offs, contribution limits, and structural flexibility of each plan type . High-Risk Compliance Pitfalls: The severe operational and financial penalties associated with late payroll deposits, administrative notices, and failed discrimination testing . The "Co-Pilot" Advisory Model: What business owners should demand from an active advisory firm, including rigorous vendor benchmarking and transparent plan governance . Beating the Odds in the Talent War: Leveraging Safe Harbor provisions and Roth options to secure top-tier talent without draining company margins . Massive New Tax Incentives: Navigating up to $5,000 in annual startup credits and specialized matching contributions under the modern tax code . John highlights that while group medical sits at number one, a strong retirement plan is consistently rated by employees as the second most vital piece of an organization's total rewards package. John delivers this masterclass on future-proofing your human capital—all explained within one Moss Minute. Guest Information John Alvarez, IMA Retirement Email: john.alvarez@imacorp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdalvarez/ Website: imaretirement.com Phone: Direct (469)916-3211 | Mobile (214)632-0555 Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute IMAAS is not part of the Moss Consulting Group and does not share views or opinions. This communication is not a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment services. All content and communication are for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee future performance or success. No cash or non-cash compensation, directly or indirectly, was provided. Investment advisory services provided by IMA Advisory Services, Inc. (IMAAS), doing business as IMA Retirement. IMAAS is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (CRD #112091). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. IMAAS is also a registered insurance agency. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name.
#26
June 4 · 16 min
How We Scaled From 9 to 25 Employees in 90 Days Safely with Tori Guevara
Send us Fan Mail What invisible compliance gaps are left exposed in your backend systems while your business moves at a breakneck operational pace? In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, is joined by Tori Guevara, an HR Manager at the firm. Filmed on-site in Denver, Colorado, this conversation breaks down the rapid scaling process after Moss Consulting experienced its own massive headcount explosion—growing from 9 to 25 employees in just 90 days. The conversation focuses on how rapid growth creates intense organizational friction, exposing businesses to steep penalties if operations outpace infrastructure. Nicole details the mechanics of the firm’s proprietary "Integrity Check" framework, outlining how to transform a chaotic, unmapped human resources setup into a disciplined, data-driven one-year operational plan that directly safeguards small business payroll and corporate compliance. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Vulnerability of a Rapidly Scaling Team: Navigating the severe cultural and operational stressors that occur when a business expands past single-digit headcount milestones. The HRIS and Payroll Integrity Check: De-risking your entire back-end framework by executing an extensive audit of historical files, documentation gaps, and structural liabilities. The High Cost of Wrong I-9 Tracking: Understanding the massive financial exposure hidden in unstandardized I-9 record-keeping, where simple errors can result in government audit fines reaching up to $2,250 per non-compliant form. Granular Department Turnover Audits: Isolating specific team metrics to determine if sudden spikes in turnover are caused by localized structural work environments or middle managers who need leadership training. Building a 30-60-90 Day Compliance Roadmap: Moving beyond standard "good enough for now" fixes to systematically prioritize must-fix financial liabilities ahead of cultural enhancements. Predictable Hourly Visibility Over PEPM Fees: Eliminating open-ended retainer checks by deploying automated, weekly hour-tracking reports to give founders complete transparency over their labor spend. Nicole and Tori outline the emotional and tactical steps required to manage high-speed growth, proving that establishing clean standard operating procedures (SOPs) gives operators the peace of mind they need to build sustainable teams and long-term trust. Guest Information Tori Guevara, HR Manager Website: www.mossconsulting.com Consultation Link: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#25
June 2 · 24 min
Making Employee Benefits Less Overwhelming and Taking Control of Your Strategy with Nicole Moss and Alyssa Chavez
Send us Fan Mail How can small to mid-sized organizations confidently provide corporate healthcare programs that genuinely protect their margins while competing for high-tier talent? In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, is joined by Alyssa Chavez, the firm's first-ever employee who has scaled from an HR generalist into a full-blown HR manager. Recorded on-site in Denver, Colorado, this conversation turns conventional healthcare routing upside down by analyzing the strategic partnerships required to audit, design, and implement high-performance plans. The discussion targets the severe operational blind spots that occur when a growing company defaults to the same insurance renewal year after year. Nicole outlines how business operators can safely utilize creative benefits alternatives, leverage multi-state broker networks, and implement staff education models to transform a traditional cost center into an aggressive recruitment and retention asset. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Annual Benefits Audit Imperative: Why remaining with a single legacy broker without an annual or bi-annual market evaluation hiddenly leaks capital from your business. The Employee Healthcare Education Gap: Recognizing that perceived plan weaknesses are often just a lack of communication regarding built-in EAP systems or half-deductible HRA programs. Strategic Risk Splitting for Demographics: A real-world Texas case study involving a creative company split to isolate older demographics on traditional carrier paths while moving younger hires to alternative community pools. Leveraging Large-Scale Negotiation Networks: Utilizing the systemic power of major brokerages like Higginbotham to push back against aggressive 48% premium increases from national carriers. De-Risking the Pharmaceutical and High-Claims Landscape: Aligning with specialized healthcare actuaries and innovators like Jamie Lagarde at Masonry Health to isolate and restructure systemic operational waste. Automating the Heavy Census Lift: How embedding a dedicated human resources firm takes the tedious burden of tracking dependent data fields and birthdays off the operator. Nicole and Alyssa break down the structural mechanics of values-based plan design, proving that flexible, compliant benefits strategy is an essential cornerstone for long-term organizational health and employee trust. Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#24
May 28 · 9 min
Building a 90-Day Retention Roadmap to Stop New Hire Turnover with Nyah Pittman
Send us Fan Mail What happens when your human resources strategy relies entirely on reactive panic rather than proactive planning? In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Nyah Pittman, an MBA-credentialed Human Resources Generalist at the firm. Nyah specializes in multi-state operational environments, non-profits, and healthcare structures, bringing enterprise-level expertise directly to small business owners. The conversation targets the invisible liabilities that drain profitability and talent from growing organizations, ranging from unstructured employee relations to mishandled staff reductions. Nyah shares how to shift from transactional fixing to strategic, data-driven workforce optimization, offering a clear roadmap for founders who want to secure higher retention rates and scale with confidence. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Cost of Unstructured Employee Relations: Why handling interpersonal friction without a formal framework transforms minor miscommunications into costly lawsuits or sudden resignations. The First 90 Days Retention Secrets: Breaking down the onboarding journey to explicitly show new hires "what right looks like" across company culture, expectations, and role definition. Managing a Professional Reduction in Force: Navigating the complex administrative groundwork required across benefits, payroll coordination, and final paychecks before making an announcement. The Remaining Staff Ripple Effect: Why surviving employees watch departures closely and how your exit process directly dictates ongoing company morale and leadership trust. Bankable Metrics Over Manager Fixes: Utilizing stay interviews and engagement dashboards to uncover the tools and operational support your front-line staff actually need to succeed. The Lowest-Level Contributor Challenge: Why founders must occasionally bypass middle management to gather raw, unfiltered operational data straight from the source. Nyah details how to establish proper structural integrity within your team, proving that disciplined human resources design is a critical profitability lever for any modern operator—all explained within one Moss Minute. Guest Information Nyah Pittman, MBA, HR Generalist nyah@mossconsulting.com Website: www.mossconsulting.com Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#23
May 26 · 17 min
Demystifying Commercial Risk: Navigating E-mods, Audits, and Liability with Jaxson Hodges
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Jaxson Hodges, a commercial insurance agent specializing in safety and risk at LeBaron & Carroll Insurance. Joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Phoenix Area HR Manager, this conversation tackles the common pitfalls business owners encounter when navigating commercial coverage, audits, and hidden liabilities. Jaxson emphasizes a proactive partnership approach, noting that most business owners unfortunately do not discover their coverage is wrong until a crisis strikes. He breaks down how commercial premiums are directly linked to earnings and sales volumes, warning that scaling businesses can easily face steep audit penalties if they fail to update their insurance carriers after a big year. The conversation also shifts focus toward shifting insurance from a baseline administrative expense into an attractive asset for underwriters. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Danger of Data Blind Spots: Why cyber-type claims are catching modern business owners unprepared, and the critical need for standalone policies or endorsements. The "Credit Score" of Workers' Comp: Understanding your Experience Modification Factor (E-mod) and how historical claim data dictates your baseline operational costs. The Sustainable Safety Culture: How LeBaron & Carroll works from the top down to build proactive internal safety habits that deliberately push E-mod ratings down. The Misclassification Trap: Why misclassifying on-site field staff as office employees to reduce upfront rates guarantees brutal financial corrections during annual audits. General Liability Myths: Demystifying what a general policy actually covers versus professional liability (Errors & Omissions) for licensed operations. The Hidden Auto Gap: Navigating "Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability" and protecting your brand when employees run work-related errands in their personal vehicles. Jaxson serves as a powerful advocate for total operational transparency, urging owners to look at their insurance agent not as an auditor to hide things from, but as a strategic consultant. Jaxson details these complex risk-management pillars within one Moss Minute. Guest Information Jaxson Hodges, LeBaron & Carroll Insurance Email: jaxson@lebaroncarroll.com Website: www.lebaroncarroll.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaxson-hodges-98b02819a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetyandrisk_lebaroncarroll/ Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute
#22
May 21 · 25 min
Why Relying on Standalone Payroll is Costing Your Growing Business Top Talent with Eric Banzhaf
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Eric Banzhaf, a mid-market Human Capital Management (HCM) consultant with Paychex. Operating out of the Denver area, Eric specializes in helping mid-sized and growing companies evaluate their people infrastructure to determine when it’s time to upgrade internal systems before organizational growth creates friction. The conversation focuses on the true liabilities of payroll and the crucial infrastructure changes required when a company scales from 25 to 100 employees. Eric addresses a common founder assumption—that basic off-the-box software is "good enough"—and breaks down why crossing the 10-employee threshold transforms payroll from a routine admin task into a major compliance landscape. They dive into the complex world of city and county-specific taxes, multi-state regulations, and the peace of mind that comes from true shared liability models. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The 10-Employee Inflection Point: Why reaching double-digit team sizes requires a shift toward complex systems and outsourced HR and payroll solutions. Hidden Tax Liabilities: Navigating local anomalies like the Denver Occupational Privilege Tax and Colorado FMLI before getting hit with back-taxes and fines. Shared Liability and Power of Attorney: Understanding how enterprise partners like Paychex legally take on a business's tax liability and file accurately on their behalf. Standalone Software vs. Bundled HR vs. PEOs: How to look beyond commoditized, transactional payroll to find a platform that matches your specific administrative goals. The Employee Interface Differentiator: Combating skilled labor shortages by offering younger generations a centralized mobile application to manage W-2s, pay stubs, and 401(k) deductions all in one location. The Entrepreneurial Foundation: How Eric’s background in studying entrepreneurship at Kansas State allows him to build custom solutions with deep empathy for creators. This episode serves as an essential framework for founders and operators who want to transition from a vulnerable, reactive business state to a secure, strategic foundation. Eric delivers these technical, high-stakes insights with accessible clarity—all within one Moss Minute. Guest Information Eric Banzhaf, Mid-Market HCM Consultant at Paychex Email: ebanzhaf@paychex.com Phone (Mobile): (303) 829-8892 Fax: (866) 587-5988 Website: paychex.com Consultation Link: meetings.groove.clari.com/ebanzhaf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericbanzhaf/ Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute

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