What The HR!

TCSHRM -Twin Cities Society for Human Resources Management

What the HR! is an award-winning podcast. Presented by TCSHRM and hosted by Becky Lauseng, Jay Olson, and Lena Scullard. The podcast provides insights, strategies, and anecdotes that explore how to build better businesses through modern people practices and approaches. Topics covered include Organizational Development, Employee Engagement, Listening Strategies, Succession Planning, Performance Management, Company Culture, Transformation, Talent, and Leadership. INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.

  1. 17 HR AGO

    Episode 114: Human-Centered Hiring in an AI World

    Paul DeBettignies, better known online as Minnesota Headhunter, is a Minnesota IT Recruiter who builds IT teams with startups and tech companies, creates recruiting strategies for Fortune 500 clients, author of the Minnesota Headhunter blog, the longest running regional recruiter blog and an Advisor to ToggleGreen. He is a frequent local and national speaker, trainer and subject matter expert on recruiter, HR, career, networking and social media topics. Recent activities include presentations at Twin Cities Startup Week, Google for Entrepreneurs, Michigan Recruiters Conference, University of Minnesota, CHS, MinneBar and ERE and interviews with NPR, WCCO AM (CBS) Radio & TV, KSTP TV (ABC), MSP Business Journal, Minneapolis StarTribune and Dice.com Paul is involved in the Minneapolis and St Paul technology, marketing and social media communities as a sponsor, volunteer and mentor and is the founder of Midwest Recruiting Bootcamp. Guest: Paul DeBettignies | Senior Talent Strategist & Advisor | Speaker | MN tech Scene Advocate | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnheadhunter/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    1h 5m
  2. 28 JAN

    Episode 113: Finding the Courage to Speak Up, Stand Out, and Shine

    A 6-time award-winning keynote speaker Meredith Breitstein tours the world encouraging leaders to step into their destiny, walk through fear, and SHINE by finding their courage. She specializes in helping teams, and her audiences speak up, stand out, and command a room with their presence. After coaching thousands of leaders she has learned there are 5 steps all of us can take to level UP and start right away. In her most requested Keynote Meredith teaches her 5-step framework to reveal how all teams and leaders can S. H. I. N. E. In Meredith's TEDx talk "Don't waste a minute, shine RIGHT NOW" she inspires her audiences to take fast, committed action to show up powerfully so they can SHINE after adversity. She is frequently hired as a Motivational Speaker, Emcee, and a Leadership Trainer for organizations to help leaders and teams standout and SHINE. She loves teaching clients how to level up their courage to power up their presence and be SEEN! Guest: Meredith Breitstein | Motivational Keynote Speaker, Master Leadership Trainer, TV Talk Show Host  | https://www.linkedin.com/in/themeredithshow/ Contact info:   o Email: Meredith@TheMeredithShow.com  Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    50 min
  3. 15 JAN

    Episode 112: The Habits of Future-Ready Leaders: Talent, AI, and What Actually Matters

    Rick Rittmaster is a Leadership and Talent Development expert who leads the Leadership Solutions practice at Strategic Talent Partners and is a Co-Founder at Groveland Leadership. With over a decade of experience partnering with CEOs and senior executives, he helps organizations enhance leadership capability and drive sustainable growth. Rick is known for his unique ability to make complex leadership strategies attainable and actionable. He designs practical solutions that not only address the root causes of leadership challenges but also resonate across organizations, bringing leadership development to broader audiences. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and has spent more than 10 years in Talent Management roles with companies including UnitedHealth, MTS Systems, and Starkey Hearing Technologies. Rick regularly presents at national leadership conferences, webinars, and industry panels, sharing insights on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and talent strategy. Guest: Rick Rittmaster | Leadership & Talent Development Expert at Strategic Talent Partners, and Co-Founder at Groveland Leadership | linkedin.com/in/richardrittmaster Contact info:   o Email: rrittmaster@strategictalentpartners.com Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    1h 10m
  4. 03/12/2025

    Episode 111: Unlocking Human Potential: Neuroscience, Coaching, and AI for Better Leaders

    Heather Polivka helps leaders create workplaces where people thrive, great talent stays, and businesses grow. Whether clients are responding to a changing talent market, fueling high growth, or navigating accelerated change, Heather guides leaders to cultivate a way of working that fuels their business and empowers their people. She has been doing that for more than two decades at companies of all sizes. Her journey includes leadership roles at major brands such as Target—where she spent a decade in product management and development—and the Lenox Group, where she served as Managing Director of Product Marketing, honing her expertise in consumer behavior and brand strategy. Guest: Heather Polivka | Founder & CEO of Awesome People Leaders | https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpolivka/ Contact info:   o Email:  heatherp@awesomepeopleleaders.com  o Schedule Time with me at: https://meetings.hubspot.com/heatherpapl/meetings o LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpolivka/ o Our website:  https://www.awesomepeopleleaders.com/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    53 min
  5. 20/11/2025

    Episode 110: Getting a Handle on Handbooks

    Lena Scullard and Becky Lauseng welcomed employment attorney Kate Bischoff to discuss employee handbooks, which she defined as documents setting expectations and guidance distinct from tactical policy manuals. Kate advised that HR should determine the handbook's tone to match the company culture, use the document to drive cultural change, and review the handbook annually, ideally from back to front and through the perspective of an employee needing guidance. Key recommendations included ensuring harassment and essential EEO policies are prominently featured, avoiding broad off-the-clock conduct language, and keeping the handbook concise (less than 35 pages) by removing specific policy details like employment classifications, lengthy discipline policies, and temporary trend topics like returning to the office. Guest: Kate Bischoff | Employee Attorney & HR Professional | https://www.linkedin.com/in/k8bisch Resources: Website: http://www.k8bisch.com Kate's LinkedIn Learning Session on Employee Handbooks: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/human-resources-creating-an-employee-handbook-26129200 Email: kate@k8bisch.com Hosts: Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    48 min
  6. 06/11/2025

    Episode 109: Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn't Suck

    Eric Harkins is the President and Founder of GKG Search & Outplacement, a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that helps organizations Get, Keep & Grow talent. He is also an Amazon #1 best-selling author of: Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck. His goal is simple: Help every company he works with make sure Monday morning doesn’t suck for their employees. Eric is a motivational speaker, consultant, executive-coach, and an expert in helping companies create a culture high performers want to be a part of.  During his 25-year career in corporate America, Eric held leadership roles ranging from Manager to Chief Human Resources and Chief Administrative Officer.  Guest: Eric Harkins | President and Founder of GKG Search & Outplacement | https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-harkins-3144296/ Resources: https://ericharkins.com https://www.amazon.com/Great-Leaders-Monday-Morning-Doesnt/dp/1950863832/ Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    58 min
  7. 27/10/2025

    Episode 108: A Deep Dive into MN Paid Leave

    Tiffany McDaniel, an Absence Consultant at Brown and Brown, explained the new Minnesota paid leave program, which takes effect on January 1st. Tiffany explained that employees are eligible for up to 20 weeks of paid time off with job and benefit protection for various reasons, including caring for a family member, bonding with a child, or their own serious health condition. Tiffany McDaniel also clarified employer options for administering the program, communication requirements, and eligibility for different family structures, including fostering, adoption, and surrogacy, addressing concerns raised by Becky Lauseng and Lena Scullard. The main talking points were program eligibility, employer responsibilities, and specific provisions for new parents and diverse family definitions. Guest: Tiffany McDaniel: Absence Consultant at Brown & Brown https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-mcdaniel-clms-790394205 Resources: https://paidleave.mn.gov/ Hosts: Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ Lena Scullard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenascullard/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    39 min
  8. 24/09/2025

    Episode 107: Know Yourself, Know Your People: Preventing Burnout at Work

    Becky Lauseng and Jay Olson introduced Keynote Speaker, Janice Litvin, who defined burnout as chronic, unmanaged work leading to complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, impacting organizational productivity and employee retention. Janice emphasized that individual awareness, effective managerial support, setting boundaries, and a top-down culture of well-being are crucial in preventing burnout. Her final message was to "know yourself and know your people," encouraging connection with professional communities. Janice Litvin, Founder of Banish Burnout Academy, is a keynote speaker, author, and workplace wellness consultant who helps organizations prevent burnout and build thriving teams. With a career spanning software consulting, tech recruiting, and workplace well-being, Janice knows what it takes to keep people engaged and motivated under pressure. She is the author of Banish Organizational Burnout: 26 Tips for Managers and Banish Burnout Toolkit. Known for her interactive, high-energy style, Janice equips leaders and managers with practical tools to strengthen culture, coach with emotional intelligence, and help employees stay in the game. Her sessions inspire teams to move from stress to success—boosting retention, productivity, and morale. Guest: Janice Litvin | Founder of Banish Burnout Academy | https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicelitvin Hosts: Jay Olson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayolson/ Becky Lauseng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lauseng/ INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org. Twin Cities Society For Human Resources (TCSHRM): Recognized as one of the nation's largest SHRM chapters, TCSHRM is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. With an ongoing calendar of events, our mission is to provide high quality professional development, information exchange, and networking opportunities for the Human Resource professional through multiple channels. Join Us! Become a TCSHRM Member Attend a TCSHRM Event Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy our podcast episodes please consider leaving a review, as it helps us reach more listeners.  © MMXXIII TCSHRM. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

    1 hr

About

What the HR! is an award-winning podcast. Presented by TCSHRM and hosted by Becky Lauseng, Jay Olson, and Lena Scullard. The podcast provides insights, strategies, and anecdotes that explore how to build better businesses through modern people practices and approaches. Topics covered include Organizational Development, Employee Engagement, Listening Strategies, Succession Planning, Performance Management, Company Culture, Transformation, Talent, and Leadership. INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Please email sponsors@tcshrm.org.

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