HR Superstars

15Five

HR and People Ops can be challenging, but there's a community of others who've been in your shoes. HR Superstars is the podcast from 15Five that connects you with confident and respected strategic people leaders who have conquered a myriad of challenges and now have valuable and actionable insights to share. In each episode, our host, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five, will talk to some of the world's leading innovators in the HR/People Ops space willing to share their insights and advice to help you in your journey. We get real with topics like being a strategic business partner to the rest of the organization, how to have difficult conversations while maintaining empathy, and how to make DEI a part of your cultural DNA instead of just lip service. 15Five is here to help you do what matters most—develop your workforce, create a strong employer brand, and be respected as the strategic business partner you are. Come join thousands of your fellow HR Superstars. We're so excited to have you.

  1. 1 day ago

    How AI Agents Can Multiply HR's Impact with Nelson Spencer

    HR and people leaders often feel pulled in a hundred directions, leaving little time for strategy or growth. What if you could reclaim that time and make a bigger impact without working longer hours? In this episode, Karina Young sits down with Nelson Spencer, founder of Augie Ventures. They discuss how AI and intelligent agents can help you offload repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and amplify your impact. Learn practical strategies for using AI to handle the operational side of HR while freeing yourself to focus on leadership, culture, and employee development. You'll learn: How to leverage AI to multiply HR impact Practical steps for AI adoption in HR Translating existing HR skills to AI work Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Nelson Spencer (04:01) Navigating anxiety around AI adoption (05:15) Using AI to multiply human talent (07:27) Moving beyond basic AI tasks (18:06) Applying leadership skills to AI (21:22) Building trust and psychological safety (27:45) Improving quantity & quality of work through AI (33:57) Maintaining the human lens of HR Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Nelson Spencer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonspencer/

    37 min
  2. 16 Jun

    Why Manager Support Needs to Move Beyond Training with Sara Canaday

    Managers are being asked to do more than ever. They're expected to coach, support well-being, drive performance, and navigate uncertainty, often without the necessary systems or tools to do it effectively. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young sits down with Sara Canaday, leadership strategist and award-winning author, to explore how HR can better support managers. Sara explains why manager overload is often a systemic issue, not a skill issue, and discusses how HR can transition from one-time training to real-time enablement. She also discusses how AI can help managers reduce cognitive overload while still leading with discernment and authenticity. You'll learn: Why manager overload is a system issue, not a skill gap How HR can shift from training to real-time support How AI reduces overload, supports tough conversations, and improves decisions Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Sara Canaday (04:58) Manager struggles are a systems issue (06:35) Why HR needs to shift from training to enablement (14:03) Misconceptions about managers & coaching (20:26) How AI can help leaders move from overload to clarity Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Manager Enablement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/resources/ebook/15fives-manager-enablement-playbook-for-hr-leaders?hsLang=en?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2026_Podcast&utm_content=ebook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Sara Canaday's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saracanaday/

    38 min
  3. 2 Jun

    HR as the Anchor in AI Transformation with Jeff Smith

    Implementing AI isn't about systems or workflows alone. It's a human transformation that touches every role, skill, and interaction. This is why HR needs to lead the change. In this episode, Karina Young is joined by Dr. Jeff Smith, author and COO at 15Five, to discuss how HR can guide organizations through this shift. Jeff shares strategies for managing change with empathy, upskilling employees, and creating systems where humans and AI complement each other. They also discuss the importance of trust, communication, and engagement in making AI adoption successful. What you'll learn: The importance of HR leading AI transformation, not just IT or executives How to address fears and resistance around AI Key skills for employees and managers to thrive in an AI-powered workplace Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jeff Smith (07:02) AI as a rethinking of work, not a productivity tool (12:47) Managing FOBO and resistance (15:11) Long-term planning for AI adoption (25:41) The AI maturity framework (30:33) The mindset shift that HR needs right now Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Register to 15Five Next: https://www.15five.com/15five-next-2026-registration Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Jeff Smith's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsmithphd/

    34 min
  4. 19 May

    The Shift from Doing Work to Leading It with Karina Young

    What if the way we develop leaders is exactly why they end up stuck in the day-to-day instead of driving results? In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five, makes the case that most organizations are developing strong people managers when what the business needs are system leaders. If your leaders are struggling, this episode will help you figure out why and what HR can do about it. You'll learn: Why promoting top individual contributors into leadership roles often backfires The difference between developing people managers vs. system leaders How to spot when a leader is stuck in execution mode Why coordination — not expertise — is the defining skill of great senior leaders How HR can take ownership of the leadership development gap Join us as we discuss: (00:00) What makes a great leader (01:52) Is your organization enabling leadership or execution? (05:00) The common problem in leadership development (09:24) Coordination is a key leadership skill Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Manager Enablement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/resources/ebook/15fives-manager-enablement-playbook-for-hr-leaders?hsLang=en?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2026_Podcast&utm_content=ebook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Karina Young's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

    13 min
  5. 5 May

    Building the Mindset and Systems To Break HR's Reactive Cycle with Lisa Young

    Most HR professionals didn't step into HR to spend their days putting out fires — but that's exactly where so many end up. When the reactive cycle takes hold, confidence fades, credibility takes a hit, and the meaningful work keeps getting pushed to "next week." In this episode, Karina Young sits down with Lisa Young, founder of HRHQ, an online HR community and education platform, to talk about what it actually takes to break out of survival mode. Lisa works with HR professionals to build the mindset, systems, and communication skills needed to stop reacting and start leading — and in this conversation, she shares exactly how. What you'll learn: Why your mindset has to shift before any system or habit can work How to manage your energy, not just your time, to create space for proactive work The small, practical steps that move HR from reactive to strategic Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Lisa Young (03:37) What reactive HR actually looks like day-to-day (08:40) Why your mindset has to shift before anything else can (15:27) Building resilience when you're holding space for everyone else (24:03) The systems and habits that create space for proactive work (38:00) What transformation actually looks like from the inside out Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Lisa Young's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-young-exceedhr/

    40 min
  6. 21 Apr

    Why PIPs Should Be About Improvement and Not Punishment with Karina Young

    Performance Improvement Plans often get a bad rap. When they're misused or poorly implemented, PIPs can create more harm than good. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five, clears up the misconceptions and explains how PIPs can be a valuable tool for employee growth. Karina shares how PIPs should be about clarity, alignment, and development, not punishment. She discusses how to provide consistent feedback, set clear expectations, and offer the support employees need to succeed. You'll learn: Why clarity and communication are essential to create effective PIPs How to identify role mismatches instead of focusing solely on performance Why investing in PIPs can save time and costs in the long run Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Why PIPs are essential in the workplace (05:29) Employee growth and manager accountability (12:03) Misconceptions about PIPs (19:16) Actionable strategies in creating a PIP (22:04) The key role of communication (23:30) What you should know about PIPs as an employee (25:12) Motivating employees and shaping career trajectories Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

    27 min
  7. 7 Apr

    Aligning Performance and Pay To Retain Top Talent with Roger Lee

    Compensation is often treated as a once-a-year task when it should be viewed as an ongoing, strategic tool that drives business success year-round. In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young chats with Roger Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Comprehensive, about how HR leaders can change their approach to compensation. Roger breaks down how to move beyond the annual merit cycle, ditch the spreadsheets, and adopt systems that enable real-time, data-driven pay decisions. You'll learn how to use compensation to boost performance, retain top talent, and stay ahead in today's competitive landscape. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Roger Lee (06:06) Why compensation and performance systems are often siloed (08:45) Top risks of disconnected pay-for-performance strategies (14:45) Why companies still rely on the once-a-year merit cycle (22:11) How HR can use compensation data to strengthen leadership (24:50) Building a continuous compensation strategy for today's workforce Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Roger Lee's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrlee/

    31 min
  8. 24 Mar

    Leading Through Uncertainty: Building Trust and Resilience with Kat Kibben

    Uncertainty is an inevitable part of HR leadership, but how can we navigate it with confidence and clarity? In this episode of HR Superstars, Karina Young is joined by Kat Kibben, founder of Three Ears Media and recruiting expert, to explore practical ways HR leaders can build resilience and lead effectively in times of change. Kat shares her personal journey, from living in a van to becoming a business owner, and offers unique insights into how HR can embrace uncertainty, build trust, and lead with empathy. She dives into the power of self-awareness, resilience, and how HR professionals can shift from managing policies to becoming true people leaders who inspire and empower teams. This conversation challenges HR leaders to step beyond traditional approaches and take on the uncertainty of the workplace with renewed energy and a focus on people-first leadership. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kat Kibben (02:54) Why uncertainty always lands on HR's desk (08:03) Navigating tough conversations and building trust (15:53) Leading with conviction, not perfection (17:27) The importance of resilience in HR leadership (26:01) How van life taught Kat to lead under pressure (42:23) Practical tools for building resilience within your team Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Kat Kibben's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben/ Check out Kat's book The Bounce Back Factor at bouncebackfactorbook.com.

    45 min

Trailers

About

HR and People Ops can be challenging, but there's a community of others who've been in your shoes. HR Superstars is the podcast from 15Five that connects you with confident and respected strategic people leaders who have conquered a myriad of challenges and now have valuable and actionable insights to share. In each episode, our host, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five, will talk to some of the world's leading innovators in the HR/People Ops space willing to share their insights and advice to help you in your journey. We get real with topics like being a strategic business partner to the rest of the organization, how to have difficult conversations while maintaining empathy, and how to make DEI a part of your cultural DNA instead of just lip service. 15Five is here to help you do what matters most—develop your workforce, create a strong employer brand, and be respected as the strategic business partner you are. Come join thousands of your fellow HR Superstars. We're so excited to have you.

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