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SpeakEasy HR: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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
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- 2 days ago54 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
- 6 days ago53 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 relationshipsWhy 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.
- 3 weeks ago26 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/
- Jun 29, 202645 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/
- Jun 22, 202659 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.
- Jun 15, 202656 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.
- Jun 8, 202651 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 workplace2. The hidden causes of burnout and disengagement3. How leaders can rebuild culture and connection4. Practical ways to improve employee experience immediately5. The future of AI, leadership, and workplace wellbeingIf 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
- Jun 1, 202643 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
About SpeakEasy HR
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
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