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Ultimate Business Efficiency: Entrepreneurship Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer Guest: John Baldino, President of Humareso   Summary In this episode of The Play By Play, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer dive into enterpreneurship. John Baldino shares his journey from HR to founding his own company, emphasizing the importance of experience, resilience, and adaptability for entrepreneurs. Discover practical advice for Gen Z aspiring entrepreneurs and learn how to navigate challenges with passion and strategic planning. Thanks for joining us. Listen in!   Chapters 01:11 Introduction and Career Beginnings 01:54 Challenges of Balancing HR and Teaching 07:47 Starting Your Own Company 09:50 The Importance of Experience Before Entrepreneurship 12:40 The Power of a Clear Vision 16:14 Maintaining Joy and Humanity in Business 19:56 Handling Criticism and Building Resilience 21:16. The Role of Flexibility and Signs 25:13 Reframing Failure as Learning   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.  What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

The System of Execution: What's Next in Enterprise Technology Hosts: Steve Boese & Trish Steed Guest: Chris Leone, EVP/GM AI Agents + Oracle Human Capital Management & Supply Chain Management & Customer Experience Clouds   Summary Welcome back to the System of Record! This episode features Chris Leone from Oracle discussing the evolution of enterprise systems from traditional systems of record to innovative systems of outcomes driven by AI and agentic applications. Explore how these technological shifts are transforming work automation, system integration, and enterprise efficiency.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the System of Record show 01:46 Shifting from Systems of Record to Systems of Outcomes 04:21 Oracle's Unique Approach to Innovation 08:06 The Role of Generative AI in Enterprise Systems 12:58 The Value of Systems of Record in a Changing Landscape 14:20 Automating Work wtih Agentic Applications 22:14 The Role of System Integrators in the New Landscape 29:30 The Future of Management in an AI-Driven World Learn more about Oracle Fusion Agentic Applications Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

Replay: The ROI of Kindness in the Workplace Hosts: Steve Boese & Trish Steed Guest: Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech   Summary On this At Work in America episode, Trish and Steve sat down with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, a nonprofit with 95% autistic employees, to discuss neurodiversity and the ROI of kindness. Tara shared her journey into neurodiversity after her son's autism diagnosis and spoke about the importance of creating supportive work environments for neurodivergent individuals. We covered multiple practical steps for inclusivity, such as adjusting office environments and communication styles. We also learned more about Aspiritech's services, including software testing and creative services, and encourage businesses of all sizes to embrace neurodiversity for better organizational success.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Aspiritech 04:09 Expanding Opportunities for Autistic Employees 06:65 The Importance of Understanding Neurodiversity 10:24 Shifting Focus to Skills in Hiring 12:32 Creating Inclusive Workplaces 17:48 Cultural Norms and Acceptance 19:09 Practical Tips for Inclusivity 22:08 The ROI of Kindness in Business   Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

What AI and Economic Shocks Mean for Work in Europe Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen Guest: Julius Probst, Senior Economist at Appcast   Summary In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn explores the latest European labor market trends with Julius Probst, Senior Economist at Appcast. Together, they cover economic shocks, AI impact, wage dynamics, and strategic HR responses.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Complex European Labour Market 02:14 Impact of Oil Prices on the Economy 05:16 Understanding the Current Economic Slowdown 10:09 The Role of AI in Shaping Job Markets 14:10 Job Seekers' Responses to Market Changes 18:20 Wage Trends and Their Implications 21:53 Negotiating Power in a Changing Market 27:05 Emerging Trends in Employee Benefits   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.  What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.  

Mastering Influence in Small Business HR: 4 Proven Strategies Hosts: Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston Summary This episode of HR Connection isolates the core constraint in small business HR: lack of influence. Workload is misdiagnosed as the problem; it is the downstream effect. The discussion breaks down why HR is structurally positioned to be ignored in SMBs and outlines specific behavioral shifts that convert HR from reactive support into a driver of business decisions. Marie and Sabrina provide 4 shifts that HR practitioners can make to raise their influence inside their org. But a word of warning, this does take time. The defining difficulty in SMB HR is not execution load. It is operating without a voice that drives action. Influence is not positional; it is constructed through repeated, strategic interactions. Key Topics Influence from the middle in HRChanging perception of HR rolesConnecting HR work to business outcomesBuilding relationships before you need themUsing storytelling and data to influence Find out more about the upcoming cohort designed for HR Departments of One HERE Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you’ll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It’s why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That’s HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.

Why “Love” Is the Missing Metric in Employee Experience Host: Steve Boese Guest: Marcus Buckingham, Leading Researcher on Strengths, Engagement, and Human Performance   Summary On the latest At Work in America podcast episode, Steve Boese and Marcus Buckingham discusses the transformative power of love in the workplace. They explore how designing experiences rooted in love can drive productivity, loyalty, and human flourishing. Discover practical strategies to operationalize love and create environments where people thrive. Listen in!   Chapters 01:54 The Importance of Designing Positive Experiences 05:40 Understanding Love as a Business Driver 10:37 The Curvilinear Relationship of Experiences and Outcomes 17:52 The Language of Love in HR 20:18 The Future of HR 23:58 Measuring Employee Sentiment 29:44 The Five Feelings that Lead to Love 34:50 Creating Flourishing Work Environments    Learn more about Design Love In HERE Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.  The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.  Thanks for joining us.

March Madness: Who Will Rise To Cut The Net Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer   Summary In this episode of The Play By Play, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer dive into the excitement of March Madness, sharing their top players, upsets, Cinderella teams, and bracket predictions. This conversation is perfect for basketball fans eager to get insights and have some fun with bracketology. Thanks for joining us. Listen in!   Chapters 01:11 Introduction to March Madness 02:24 Player Spotlights 08:50 Upsets and Strategies for Bracket Picks 12:22 Cinderella Stories and Surprises 17:21 Final Four Picks 18:55 Champion Predictions and Reasoning 22:56 Early Upset Predictions 27:29 Quote of the Show    Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you’ll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It’s why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That’s HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

Replay: Championing Diversity and Empowering People with Disabilities Hosts: Steve Boese, Trish Steed Guest: Lloyd Lewis, CEO, Arc Thrift Stores   Summary This week we met with Lloyd Lewis from Arc Thrift Stores in Colorado to talk about embodying inclusion by employing persons with intellectual and development disabilities. Discover how inclusive hiring boosts business success, enhances morale, and creates community impact. – Arc’s mission – How to implement your own IDD/DEI program – Supporting people with disabilities in your organization – Importance of skills that people with intellectual disabilities bring to the workplace    Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.  The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.  Thanks for joining us.  

AI, Trust, and the Human Role in the Future Workplace Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen Guest: Kyle Forrest, Future of HR Leader at Deloitte   Summary In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn speaks with Kyle Forrest, a future of HR leader at Deloitte Consulting, about the key trends highlighted in Deloitte's 2026 Human Capital Trends Report. They discuss the importance of AI and automation, the evolving expectations of Gen Z and millennials in the workplace, and the challenges organizations face in fostering adaptability and trust during transformations. The conversation also touches on the concept of culture debt, the accountability gap in AI decision-making, and the need for organizations to break down silos to enhance collaboration and innovation.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction toFuture of HR Trends 02:06 Key Priorities for Business Leaders 04:33 Insights from Gen Z and Millennials 07:36 Understanding Adaptability in Organizations 14:36 Trust Deficit in AI Decision Making 19:52 Shift from Change Management to Changefulness 23:43 Breaking Down Silos in Organizations 28:29 The Role of Humans in an AI-Driven World Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.  The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.  Thanks for joining us.  

Building Resilient Workplaces in Politically Divisive Times Hosts: Steve Boese Guest: Kevin Rockmann, Asst Dean for Research, Professor of Mgmt, and the CGI Corporate Partner Faculty Fellow at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University   Summary In this episode of the At Work In America show, Steve met with Kevin Rockmann to explore how workplaces can navigate political and social tensions. They talk about the importance of intentional relationship management within teams and creating inclusive cultures at work. They also discuss the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety amidst divisive issues. Join us for real talk that everyone can learn from!   Chapters 00:00 Navigating Political Tensions in the Workplace 03:07 The Complexity of Political Conversations 05:59 The Impact of Identity and Beliefs 11:59 Creating a Safe and Respectful Workplace 14:57 Proactive Steps for Managers 17:55 Recognizing and Rewarding Kindness 20:44 Building Relationships in the Workplace 23:52 The Role of Deep Questions in Understanding 27:06 Fostering a Collaborative Environment   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.   Thanks for joining us.  

Building Resilience and Mental Fitness in High-Pressure Workplaces Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen Guest: Alexandra Kafka, Founder of Oxyzn & Mental Fitness Advocate   Summary In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn speaks with Alexandra Kafka to explore how organizations can proactivetly support mental fitness to prevent burnout and sustain high performance. Alexandra shares practical strategies, insights into early warning signs, and the importance of nervous system regulation for leaders and teams navigating today's digital overload and complex work environments. They touch on the honeymoon phase of burnout and how to recognize the early signals before breakdown as well as the role of leadership in modeling mental fitness and creating supportive work rhythms.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Fitness 02:09 Why Proactive Mental Fitness Support Matters 04:20 Patterns of Stress and Burnout 07:20 Understanding the Honeymoon Phase of Burnout 12:05 How Organizations Often Midunderstand Recovery 16:38 Aligning HR Strategies for Mental Fitness 22:07 Measuring Mental Fitness 24:06 Can High Performance and High Wellbeing Coexist?   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.    Thanks for joining us.  

Workplace Movie Hall of Fame - Spotlight Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed   Summary In this episode of the At Work In America show, hosts Steve and Trish discuss the 2015 film 'Spotlight,' which explores the investigative journalism that uncovered widespread abuse within the Catholic Church. They look at themes of ethics, leadership, and the responsibilities of organizations, drawing parallels to contemporary workplace dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of truth in journalism, the emotional labor involved in reporting sensitive stories, and the impact of organizational culture on addressing ethical issues. They also reflect on the historical context of workplace norms and the ongoing challenges faced by HR professionals in navigating complex situations.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Workplace Movie Hall of Fame 03:06 Exploring the Movie Spotlight 05:56 Ethics and Responsibility in Organizations 08:54 The Role of Leadership in Addressing Issues 11:47 The Importance of Journalism and Truth 15:01 Emotional Labor in the Workplace 20:55 Institutional Reputation vs. Truth    Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.  The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.   

HR Connection - How Small Business HR Leads Change Hosts: Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston   Summary In this episode of the HR Connection, Marie and Sabrina dive into the day-to-day reality of HR in smaller organizations, where there’s no bench of specialists and no time for over-engineering solutions. They talk about juggling priorities, building structure on the fly, and focusing on what actually moves the business forward. They share why small, consistent improvements often matter more than big transformations, and how being closely connected to the business can turn HR into a true strategic partner.   Key Topics Why small business HR is a standalone discipline, not a subset of enterprise HRThe lack of resources and specialization in small business HR teamsThe concept of breadth versus depth in small business HR rolesThe emotional and decision-making challenges of managing HR with limited supportMoving away from enterprise standards and measuring success on small business realities Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

HR Happy Hour Network - Introducing the HR Connection Podcast Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed Guests: Sabrina Baker, Founder and CEO of Acacia HR Solutions and Marie Rolston, HRBP with Acacia HR Solutions and host of The HR Connection podcast   Summary In this episode of the The HR Happy Hour show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston from Acacia HR Solutions to discuss the launch of their new podcast, HR Connection. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by small businesses in HR, the importance of providing actionable insights, and the need for a dedicated platform for small business HR practitioners. Sabrina and Marie share their backgrounds, the genesis of the HR Connection podcast, and the topics they plan to cover, emphasizing the importance of real-world applications and leadership connections in HR.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HR Connection Podcast 01:51 Sabrina Baker's Journey and Acacia HR Solutions 03:04 Marie Rolston's Role and Insights 04:52 The Importance of HR in Small Businesses 06:17 Genesis of HR Connection Podcast 09:07 Real-World Challenges in Small Business HR 11:30 Actionable Insights for Small Business Leaders 14:56 Upcoming Topics and Focus Areas for HR Connection   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!   The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

Ultimate Business Efficiency: Marketing Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer Guest: Hailey McDonald, Global B2B SaaS Marketing Leader   Summary In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer welcome Hailey McDonald to discuss the theme of business efficiency in 2026, focusing on the impact of Gen Z and technology on marketing. They explore how Gen Z is reshaping marketing strategies through their use of social media and AI, the role of technology in enhancing marketing efficiency, the growing importance of augmented reality, and the potential of blockchain for verifying ad views. The conversation emphasizes the need for marketing departments to adapt to these changes to remain competitive and efficient. Listen in!   Chapters 0:57 Gen Z's Impact on Marketing Efficiency 04:28 The Shift to Social Media for Product Discovery 07:19 Cost Efficiency in Marketing with Short-Form Content 10:07 Engaging Gen Z 13:51 The Role of AI in Marketing Profitability 19:47 Transforming Customer Experience 23:33 Blockchain and Ensuring Authentic Engagement 27:26 Conclusion and Key Takeaways   Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.