Punk Rock HR Laurie Ruettimann

Can AI revolutionize how we lead and manage teams?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie sits down with Jim Barnett and Marc Maloy of Wisq to explore this question. From their successful stint with Glint, where they became leaders in employee engagement, to their current mission at Wisq, Jim and Marc share how AI is opening up continuous, personalized coaching to a broader audience. This episode uncovers the pivotal manager-employee relationship and how AI can create a more dynamic and thriving workplace.
We'll also unpack the practical applications of Wisq, a groundbreaking AI tool that provides managers with personalized coaching and expert advice within platforms like Slack and Teams. By focusing on soft skills like trust, authenticity, compassion, and empathy, Wisq aims to transform managers into more effective and people-centric leaders. Jim and Marc passionately discuss how these skills can be developed with the right tools and mindset, ultimately creating better workplace dynamics.
Don't miss this deep dive into the evolving landscape of AI in leadership and management!
In this episode, you will hear:
AI-powered coaching for managers: continuous, personalized support The importance of manager-employee relationships and enhancing workplace dynamics Introducing Wisq, an AI tool integrated with Slack and Teams for managerial coaching An emphasis on soft skills: trust, empathy, and a service-oriented leadership approach A discussion on whether good management skills are innate or can be learned AI's role in making difficult conversations easier and encouraging honest feedback Insights on the ideal customer profile for Wisq The impact of AI on managerial effectiveness Resources from this Episode
Visit the Wisq website: wisq.com  Connect with Marc Maloy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marcmaloy Connect with Jim Barnett on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jim-barnett-a5312 Follow and Review:
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Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

 

Have you ever wondered why so many hiring processes fall short of finding the best talent?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie welcomes recruiter Carmen Hudson, author of The Corporate Recruiter’s Playbook, who shares the secrets behind effective hiring strategies. She challenges the outdated reliance on question banks, highlighting understanding core skills and behaviors needed for a role before crafting interview questions. It is a must-listen for recruiters, leaders, and HR professionals eager to attract and assess top candidates with a balanced approach that integrates both professional and personal insights.
Carmen Hudson shares her career path, from executive search to launching her own startup, reflecting on recruiting challenges. With market variability and economic shifts constantly altering the playing field, Carmen offers an optimistic perspective on the future. She discusses the impact of AI on job availability and provides foundational principles and best practices from her book to help recruiters and leaders navigate these changes successfully.
Laurie and Carmen’s conversation covers effective recruiting techniques and the complexities of diversity hiring. Carmen provides practical strategies for developing clear, jargon-free job descriptions and moving beyond superficial diversity measures to promote genuine inclusivity at all organizational levels. We explore how recruiters and hiring managers can reshape their approach to create a more inclusive and effective hiring environment in 2024.
Don't miss this discussion with one of the industry's leading voices.
In this episode, you will hear:
Crafting interview questions based on core skills and behaviors and challenging conventional recruitment practices Carmen’s career journey from executive search to entrepreneurship The impact of AI and market changes on recruiting Clear communication with hiring managers Moving beyond outdated interview methods Focusing on essential candidate qualities Going beyond superficial measures and promoting genuine inclusivity at all organizational levels The importance of understanding the recruitment process Integrating technology with human elements Aligning recruitment strategies with organizational goals Carmen’s perspective on question banks The role of AI in job availability The importance of candidate experience in the recruitment process Misconceptions around meritocracy in diversity hiring Practical strategies for fostering a more inclusive hiring environment Resources from this Episode
Visit Carmen Hudson’s website: carmenhudson.com  Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmenhudson Get The Corporate Recruiting Playbook book: amzn.to/3V3xKOr Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

When Laurie first stumbled into the HR world, what struck her was not just the depth of paperwork but the human stories behind each form and policy.
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, fast forward several decades, and Laurie is sitting down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, an HR expert with an enviable three-decade portfolio, to share those very tales that have shaped our careers and the field of human resources. Together, we unwrap the evolution of HR from a back-office function to a strategic powerhouse, reflecting on the times we had to stand our ground and the moments that taught us the true value of our professional worth.
Workplace dynamics are never static, and this episode peels back the layers on wielding influence without the crutch of rank or authority – a nuanced art in HR. Angela and Laurie swap stories from the trenches, discussing confrontations with workplace bullying and the leaps of faith in self-advocacy that propelled our careers forward. We also delve into how we've seen HR evolve, moving from policy enforcers to holistic partners in business strategy and the critical role of mentoring up-and-coming HR champions.
Peering into the crystal ball, Angela and Laurie discuss the future of work, tackling the burning question of whether the traditional nine-to-five is on its last legs. We unravel the implications of a global talent pool, the urgency for flexible work solutions, and the importance of doubling down on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives in a world constantly reshaping its social contours.
This episode isn't just a walk down memory lane but a rallying cry for innovation in HR practices and an example of the irreplaceable human element in the workplace.
In this episode, you will hear:
HR's transformation from administrative paperwork to strategic business partnership How HR professionals can exert influence without relying on hierarchical power Standing up against workplace bullying and advocating for self-worth Addressing generational differences in the workplace The urgency to enhance DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives amid shifting social dynamics The future of work, including the viability of the traditional nine-to-five workweek and the rise of remote work opportunities from a global talent pool The evolution of HR practices and the ongoing need for mentorship in developing strategic HR leaders Social media’s role in shaping employer branding, talent acquisition, and the challenges of fostering authentic dialogue in the digital age Committing to DEI efforts within organizations and “doubling down” despite potential societal and legislative backslides. Resources from this Episode
Connect with Angela Cheng-Cimini on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-cheng-cimini-160890a Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, discover the secrets to aligning your career with your personal values as Laurie chats with BlogHer co-founder Elisa Camahort Page.
We walk down memory lane, reminiscing about the early internet days that revolutionized communication and fostered female empowerment through blogging. Elisa and Laurie’s conversation is a goldmine for understanding the delicate balance between nurturing a company's growth and adhering to your original mission—even when boardroom battles and investor pressures loom large. Plus, we get the inside scoop on Optionality, Elisa's latest venture with Jory Des Jardines, which reimagines professional communities for those who want to weave their values seamlessly into their work lives.
Prepare to explore the evolution of workplace culture, where the gig economy and the Great Resignation have reshaped our expectations for flexibility and meaningful work. Through the lens of Elisa's extensive experience, we discuss the transformation from online arenas full of bots and trolls to intimate sanctuaries crafted within platforms like Substack and Slack. Learn how these digital spaces nurture a new breed of online communities—private, controlled, and rich with engagement.
Whether you're a corporate veteran, an HR aficionado, or a solopreneur, this episode is your gateway to understanding and shaping the digital workplace of tomorrow.
In this episode, you will hear:
Elisa Camahort Page’s reflections on the early internet's role in female empowerment and community building through blogging The balance between company growth and staying true to original missions, even under investor pressures An introduction to Optionality, a venture aimed at redefining work-life integration and aligning careers with personal values Evolving workplace culture and the impact of the gig economy and the Great Resignation on expectations for work flexibility. The transition from public online platforms to private, controlled digital spaces like Substack and Slack The shift towards intimate, engagement-rich communities Elisa's path from corporate tech to media and her desire to build a product with intrinsic value Optionality and its aim to be a community-driven platform that fosters collaboration between workers seeking flexibility and companies adapting to the future of work Resources from this Episode
Visit the Optionality website: optionality.life Elisa Camahort Page’s website: elisacp.com  Connect with Elisa on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/elisacamahortpage Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Imagine a world where leaders aren’t buried in spreadsheets and are fully present, creating a heartbeat within their organizations through genuine connections.
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, that's the future Kevin Brady, a pharmaceutical industry veteran and founder of Performance Unlocked, envisions. Kevin and Laurie examine the inevitable revolution in leadership, where artificial intelligence offloads our analytical burdens, causing leaders to cultivate empathy and forge deeper relationships with their teams. It's a future where algorithms crunch the data, leaving us to master emotional intelligence—a skill set essential for any business to survive and thrive in the rapidly approaching 2030s landscape.
As Kevin shares stories from his path, we uncover the soft underbelly of leadership—a place where vulnerability meets strength and where creating a culture of open communication and innovation is paramount. We dissect the repercussions of inadequate leadership and celebrate heart-centric guidance to uncover creativity and drive organizational success. This conversation goes beyond industry boundaries and offers HR professionals and leaders a new perspective.
Join us for a session that will challenge your preconceptions of leadership and inspire you to engage with your workforce in a way that leaves a lasting imprint.
In this episode, you will hear:
Kevin Brady’s thoughts on the evolving role of leadership and the importance of emotional connections in the workplace The impact of poor leadership on personal growth and organizational performance Leaders’ need to balance analytical skills with emotional intelligence post-pandemic Emotional intelligence in leadership as a way to unlock hidden potential and drive innovation The generational shift in workplace expectations, with a focus on the shared human need for purpose, belonging, and feeling valued at work Kevin Brady's new venture, Performance Unlocked, and how it aims to enhance individual and team performance using emotional intelligence and psychological safety The future of leadership where emotional connection with employees becomes the key differentiator Resources from this Episode
Visit Performance Unlocked’s website: performanceunlocked.ie Connect with Kevin Brady on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brady-80b42618 Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Have you ever wondered how to navigate your first big conference without getting lost in the shuffle?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie teams up with Samara Jaffe, co-founder and general manager of Transform, and Josh Schwede, HR tech guru, to share the insider track for newcomers. It's all about striking the perfect balance between self-care and forging deep connections rather than sprinting through every scheduled event.
But there's more to a conference than just showing up. It's about the community and the culture that it grows. Transform, once known as HR Transform, has blossomed into a hub for innovation within the HR industry. Samara is at the heart of it, cultivating a space where executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs can converge to shape the workplace of tomorrow. Through a tapestry of human-centric interactions and even some furry friends, this episode peels back the curtain on how Transform stands out in a sea of professional gatherings.
Finally, we’re not shying away from workplace concerns, addressing topics like women's health and sobriety in the workplace. And let's not forget the Transform Awards, a celebration of industry trailblazers that's anything but your average awards ceremony.
With practical takeaways for maximizing your conference experience and a sneak peek into the eclectic excitement of Transform 2024, this episode will resonate long after its conclusion.
In this episode, you will hear:
Expert tips for first-time conference attendees, including comfort, hydration, and prioritizing meaningful interactions over attending every session Transform 2024 as an HR ecosystem fostering innovation, community, and human-first interactions with unique elements Women's health and workplace transformation Upcoming talks on contemporary issues and the Transform Awards that spotlight industry leaders The unconventional Transform 2024 Awards ceremony The future for Transform as it expands to a global community intersecting workforce, healthcare, and education sectors, with potential international events Samara Jaffe on creating impactful connections Josh Schwede on navigating transitions within the HR tech industry Practical advice for conference success Resources from this Episode
Visit the Transform website: transform.us/partners/punk-rock-hr-podcast Connect with Samara Jaffe on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samarajaffe Find Josh Schwede on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshschwede Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.