The People and Culture Success Show Corina Walsh

The demands and expectations on managers have increased dramatically since the pandemic. In this episode of the People and Culture Success Show, we delve into the often-overlooked world of middle management. From the challenges they face to the indispensable role they play; we shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes of organizations.
Middle managers are indispensable to organizational success, yet their value often goes unnoticed. Drawing insights from research and industry trends, host Corina Walsh highlights how middle managers serve as the vital link between executive strategy and frontline performance. From connecting high-level vision to daily operations to navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, middle managers play a pivotal role in fueling productivity and achieving better financial outcomes.
In this insightful episode, we delve deep into:
• What a ‘day in the life’ of today’s middle manager looks like.
• The challenges and pressures facing middle managers.
• Clarifying the role of middle managers and the findings from research highlighting the significant contributions of middle managers to revenue and overall success.
• Why viewing middle managers as expendable is a mistake.
• Analyzing the repercussions of cutting middle management positions, citing real-world examples like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google.
• Exploring the intricate balance middle managers must maintain as both leaders and followers and the role conflict experienced by middle managers.
• Essential areas of leadership training for middle managers, from team building to emotional intelligence.
If you are a middle manager, Corina encourages you to embrace your leadership journey with confidence and champion your own development.
You can find additional resources here: https://shiftpd.com/how-middle-management-development-drives-business-success/
Click here to book a call for further support in empowering middle managers: https://shiftpd.com/contact-us/

An effective recruitment and onboarding strategy is essential for all companies that want to attract and retain top talent. Onboarding will help an employee acclimate to their new environment, reduce attrition, and increase employee engagement. Fast-growth technology companies often hire skilled employees on a contractual basis making an effective and efficient onboarding process a critical element of productivity.
In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show host Corina Walsh is joined by Claire Stroh, Manager of Managed Talent Services at Lighthouse Technology Services. Claire brings a wealth of experience in recruitment and onboarding in the tech industry. They discuss how companies can create positive candidate experiences, the evolving landscape of onboarding in hybrid and remote work environments, and much more. Claire provides insights that can transform your approach to talent acquisition and management.
Corina and Claire discuss:
• How small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from working with Lighthouse Technology Services to attract and retain top-tier talent in the tech sector.
• Crafting a Positive Candidate Experience: Key steps to ensure a positive candidate experience.
• The Significance of Onboarding in Today's Work Environment: The new dimensions of onboarding to meet the needs of a dispersed workforce.
• Onboarding Contract Employees: Contract or fractional talent is becoming more prevalent. Claire offers tips for ensuring a smooth transition, even when candidates are expected to hit the ground running.
• Strategies for Tech Companies to Attract Top Talent: Valuable insights into how technology firms can position themselves as desirable employers and attract top-notch professionals.
• Recruitment Challenges in the Tech Industry: Common hurdles and strategies for overcoming them, including navigating skill shortages.
From prioritizing candidate experience to adapting onboarding processes for remote work, there's much to consider in the realm of talent acquisition and management.
Claire Stroh can be reached at: https://www.lhtservices.com/
Tune in to the next episode of The People and Culture Success Show for more thought-provoking discussions and expert insights.

Workplace culture is often defined as ‘how we do things around here’. But is it better for a company to allow culture to develop organically, or should start-ups be more intentional with culture-building? This is just one of the questions we will attempt to answer in the latest episode of The People and Culture Success Show.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of remote work culture with our special guest, Joe Teo, CEO of Hey Orca, a social media scheduler that helps teams get their jobs done faster, together. Joe shares invaluable insights and strategies for building and maintaining a thriving remote work culture.
Corina and Joe discuss:
Intentional Culture Building: Why culture requires deliberate effort and direction-setting from leadership.
What Makes Your Company Unique: Embrace the quirks and unique aspects of company culture to foster a sense of belonging and cohesion among team members.
Authentic Leadership: The significance of authenticity and intentionality in leadership, especially on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Lessons Learned: Reflecting on his journey as a young manager, Joe shares valuable lessons learned and how finding the right balance is a continuous learning process.
Remote Work Strategies: Joe provides insights into Hey Orca's remote work strategy, emphasizing trust, outcome-based management, and investment in employee experiences.
Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of remote work culture and discover actionable strategies for cultivating a thriving and inclusive remote workforce.
Joe Teo can be found on Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/josephteols
Hey Orca: https://www.heyorca.com/

According to a Myers-Briggs study, managers spend 4 hours a week on conflict and an employee can average 2.8 hours per week on conflict. In most workplaces in Canada and the U.S., it is not a matter of if you will have to deal with workplace conflict but a matter of when.
Unresolved conflict and disputes are a drain on the mental health of employees and managers. Productivity and employee engagement are also at risk when interpersonal issues are ignored or overlooked. With effective resources and training however, conflict can be an opportunity for innovation and stronger relationships.
In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show, we delve into the intricacies of workplace conflict resolution with seasoned mediator and workplace conflict specialist, Sarah Albo of Novel HR. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in facilitating constructive dialogue and fostering resolution in the workplace. In our conversation we uncover valuable insights into navigating conflicts and promoting a harmonious work environment.
Corina and Sarah demystify conflict in the workplace including:  
• Understanding conflict's relevance including the importance of recognizing how conflicts impact organizational outcomes.
• The tangible advantages that stem from employees actively resolving conflicts.
• Collaborative resolution strategies with an emphasis on the value of working together to identify root causes and find mutually beneficial solutions.
• How managers and organizations can empower employees to address conflicts constructively.
• A reflection on the transformative potential of proactive conflict resolution strategies.
Tune in to The People and Culture Success Show for more insightful discussions on leadership, teamwork, and fostering a thriving organizational culture. Thank you for joining us!
Sarah Albo can be reached at novelhr.ca or follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

For many years the role of Human Resources was viewed as an administrative arm in an organization. A position that was necessary but not always valued. Today, People and Culture professionals are more likely to have a seat at the table where decisions are made but can still face challenges with moving key people strategies forward. The relationship between the CEO and a Chief People Officer (CPO) will play a key role in shaping culture in a start-up where change is constant, and chaos is the norm.
In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show, we delve into the transformative power of the CEO-CPO relationship in startups. Our guest, Cerys Cook, Chief People Officer at Swift Medical, shares insights into the crucial role of this dynamic duo in shaping organizational culture and driving business growth.
In this episode, Corina and Cerys discuss:
Cerys’s experience working in startups and traditional corporate settings. The importance of CEO-CPO alignment. The impact of the CEO-CPO relationship on organizational culture and talent management. Aligning people strategy with business goals. Why it is important to move away from viewing HR as an isolated function to a strategic partner across all business functions. The implementation of an agile goal framework to adapt to rapid changes in the startup landscape. Establishing trust and transparency between the CEO and CPO in any organization. Listen in as this episode takes a deep dive into the enduring impact of the CEO-CPO partnership in fostering innovation, resilience, and a people-centric approach to organizational success.
Cerys Cook can be reached on LinkedIn by searching for Cerys Cook or you can email her at cerys.cook@swiftmedical.com.
Join us for future episodes as we continue to explore the intersection of people, culture, and success in today's dynamic business environment. Thank you for tuning in to The People and Culture Success Show.

As the People and Culture industry evolves, it is essential for professionals working in the industry to nurture self-awareness and personal growth. Adapting to change while maintaining resilience hinges on our capacity to evolve personally.
Join us in this insightful episode of The People and Culture Success Show as we dive deep into the world of People & Culture with Adrienne Barnard, SVP of People Operations & Experience at Mainstay. With over a decade in the field, Adrienne shares her invaluable experiences, challenges, and strategies that have shaped her career. Adrienne emphasizes the vital link between personal growth and professional adaptability and shares stories about her evolution to becoming ‘unapologetic’.
In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show Corina and Adrienne discuss:
The evolution of People and Culture: Adrienne reflects on the industry's transformation over the years, highlighting the evolving role of People & Culture within organizations. Early Career Challenges: She candidly discusses the hurdles encountered at the start of her career and how she navigated through them, offering insights into resilience and growth. Gaining Buy-In & Investment: Strategies and tactics for aligning other leaders with P&C initiatives are explored, emphasizing the importance of obtaining buy-in and fostering collaboration. Personal Evolution: Adrienne's journey of self-discovery and its significance in her professional success, and the importance of self-awareness in the field. Self-Coaching & Growth: Thoughts on the role of self-coaching in personal and professional development, shedding light on its impact on a professional journey. Strategic Moves for P&C Professionals: Adrienne shares actionable 'power moves' vital for navigating the complex landscape of People & Culture, offering valuable advice to fellow professionals. Get ready for a captivating conversation filled with career insights, strategies for success, and invaluable wisdom gained from over a decade in the field.
Adrienne Barnard can be reached on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-barnard-a82aab1/