We're Only Human

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An HR podcast focusing on the intersection of people and technology at work, We’re Only Human examines research, technology, and practical strategies for creating better outcomes for employers and the workforce. It’s a wealth of insight for anyone looking to create a high-performing organization.

  1. Hiring, Cheating, and the AI Dilemma

    12 JAN

    Hiring, Cheating, and the AI Dilemma

    Join host Ben Eubanks for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Cari Miller about one of the most pressing questions in today's workplace: When does using AI cross the line from productivity tool to cheating? From academic integrity to job applications and workplace performance, they explore the blurred boundaries of AI usage and what it means for workers, employers, and the future of work. This episode tackles the double standards, ethical dilemmas, and practical realities of AI adoption in hiring and beyond. Timestamps Episode Topics & Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Background0:50 - Dr. Cari Miller's Research on AI & Worker Impacts3:00 - Academic Integrity vs. AI Literacy Debate5:00 - Defining AI "Cheating" in Education5:40 - Domain Knowledge & Copyright Considerations6:50 - Spell Check Analogy: Tools vs. Cheating11:00 - The Hiring Double Standard12:30 - Should We Test Candidates on AI Skills?13:50 - 61% of Jobs Don't Match Interview Descriptions15:20 - The Broken Application Process17:30 - Emotional Toll of Job Searching18:00 - Networking & Volunteer Work Strategy19:40 - Ben's Story: Volunteering to Break Into HR21:20 - Genuine vs. GPT: When Does AI Feel Like Cheating?23:30 - Disclosure & Context Matter25:00 - Survey Results: What Employers Consider Cheating27:00 - The AI Arms Race in Job Applications30:00 - The Entry-Level Crisis30:50 - Learning in the File Room: Foundation Skills32:00 - Junior vs. Senior Workers Using AI33:00 - The DOS to Windows Analogy35:30 - CEOs vs. Managers: Who Decides on AI?36:30 - AI Procurement & Process Design38:30 - Finding the Middle Ground39:00 - Connect with Dr. Cari Miller on LinkedIn40:15 - Closing Thoughts Connect with Cari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari-miller/   See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    38 min
  2. Curiosity Over Control: Redefining Recruiting in the Age of AI

    01/12/2025

    Curiosity Over Control: Redefining Recruiting in the Age of AI

    🎧 Episode 219  Guest: Amandeep Shergill In this episode, we explore the realities of modern recruiting, the pressure of “doing more with less,” and the challenge of navigating uncertainty in today’s global talent market. Ben and Amandeep discuss how economic shifts, evolving business priorities, and organizational ambiguity shape the day-to-day experience of recruiters. Amandeep shares practical examples from his career—ranging from prioritizing high-impact roles to building stronger partnerships with business leaders. This conversation dives deep into what it truly means to be a strategic advisor instead of a reactive firefighter in talent acquisition. You’ll hear insights on: • Market uncertainty and its effect on TA planning • Productivity vs. unrealistic “do more” expectations • The role of tech and efficiency in the future of TA • How recruiters can better understand business impact & prioritization • Real-world examples of shifting from reactive to proactive hiring • Why understanding revenue, OKRs, and leadership goals changes recruiting outcomes Whether you're a recruiter, hiring leader, or people leader, this episode provides immediately applicable frameworks for better decision-making in TA. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:03 – Welcome to Episode 219 00:16 – Introducing guest Amandeep Shergill 00:55 – Amandeep’s background and global role at Automattic 01:59 – Life outside of work: parenting, sports, and model building 03:16 – Creativity, hobbies & high performance 04:49 – The biggest recruiting challenges today 05:11 – How economic uncertainty shapes hiring plans 05:54 – Productivity, efficiency & “doing more with less” 06:28 – The disconnect between expectations and TA bandwidth 07:22 – Why “doing more” isn’t a real strategy 08:06 – What investment vs. volume actually means for TA 09:46 – Moving from reactive to proactive recruiting 10:26 – Practical strategies for strategic partnership 10:30 – Amandeep’s story from Intuit: prioritizing 38 open roles 11:48 – Understanding business impact behind hiring requests 12:49 – Revenue today vs. revenue tomorrow: prioritizing for impact 13:58 – Why recruiters must understand OKRs, revenue, and strategy 14:46 – Pausing hiring until business impact is clear 15:13 – How proactive planning creates better long-term outcomes 🔗 Connect with Amandeep LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandeepsshergill/?originalSubdomain=uk 🎓 Learn more about HR Summer School https://hrsummerschool.org See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    30 min
  3. Driving Impact: Why Every HR Leader Needs Coaching Skills

    17/11/2025

    Driving Impact: Why Every HR Leader Needs Coaching Skills

    In this episode of We’re Only Human, Ben Eubanks talks with Travis Hunsicker about the power of curiosity, trust, and belonging in shaping great leadership. From the warehouse floor to executive coaching, Travis shares lessons on how to see people for who they can become—not just who they are today. Together, they explore why leaders must first build trust before driving performance, how genuine curiosity opens doors to growth, and what it means to create space where people truly belong. Listeners will hear practical advice on developing talent, coaching with empathy, and recognizing potential before it’s visible. Whether you’re a manager, a mentor, or simply someone who wants to lead more authentically, this conversation is a reminder that human connection is at the heart of every lasting impact. Connect with Travis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunsicker/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 03:15 Travis’s Journey: From Forklifts to Leadership Coaching 08:40 The Moment That Changed His Perspective on People 12:25 Why Trust Must Come Before Performance 17:42 How Curiosity Builds Stronger Leaders 22:10 Seeing Potential Before Others Do 26:35 Creating a Culture of Belonging and Growth 31:18 Coaching Conversations That Unlock Confidence 35:27 Real-World Examples of Human-Centered Leadership 39:42 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    33 min
  4. Joy Is Now: Finding Purpose and Positivity at Work

    10/11/2025

    Joy Is Now: Finding Purpose and Positivity at Work

    🎧 Episode Description In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jason Thrasher, one of the most inspiring voices from HR Summer School, to explore how choosing joy can transform your work, leadership, and life. Jason shares his belief that “joy is now”—not something you wait for, but something you choose every day. From his journey in HR to lessons learned from country music and Chick-fil-A, he reveals how gratitude, authenticity, and purpose can create a culture that people truly want to be part of. The conversation dives deep into the mindset of joyful leadership, practical ways to bring joy into daily work, and how self-awareness and connection empower teams. You’ll hear personal stories, actionable insights, and a reminder that owning your joy is the first step to owning your impact. Check out HR Summer School: https://hrsummerschool.org 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 01:20 Meet Jason Thrasher — From Music Dreams to HR Leadership 02:45 “Joy Is Now” — Why Joy Can’t Wait for Tomorrow 04:38 Practical Habits for Choosing Joy Every Morning 05:56 The Culture You Create Determines the Audience You Keep 07:40 Balancing Joy and Mental Health in the Workplace 09:50 Real-Life Story: “Thank You for Coming to Work Today” 11:55 How Joy Drives Engagement, Belonging, and Productivity 13:24 The Sound of Joy — How Music Changes the Atmosphere 14:35 Breaking Out of the “Check-the-Box” Mindset 15:20 Knowing Your Why and Leading with Purpose 16:40 Just Own Yourself — The Simplicity of Authentic Joy 17:35 Final Reflections and Takeaways See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    19 min
  5. How AI Can Make HR More Human, Not Less

    03/11/2025

    How AI Can Make HR More Human, Not Less

    Episode Description In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of HR — not by replacing humans, but by amplifying what makes us uniquely effective: empathy, creativity, and connection. The conversation digs into how HR leaders can use AI responsibly to simplify workflows, enhance decision-making, and create more human-centered experiences for employees. You’ll hear how organizations can strike the right balance between automation and authenticity, and why embracing AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch. We also discuss the mindset shift HR professionals need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, and how curiosity and adaptability have become the most valuable leadership skills of all. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:32 The AI Conversation: Fear vs. Opportunity 09:15 How HR Can Use AI Without Losing Humanity 14:48 Practical Examples of AI in Recruiting and Talent Development 19:56 The Mindset Shift: Curiosity, Creativity, and Adaptability 24:20 Redefining the Role of HR in an AI-Driven Workplace 28:37 Advice for Leaders Navigating Change 32:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Connect with Lane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanem1/ See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    34 min
  6. Inside the Circle: Empowering 14,000 Employees Through Storytelling

    27/10/2025

    Inside the Circle: Empowering 14,000 Employees Through Storytelling

    Episode Description In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Micki Sievwright of Andersen Corporation to discuss how one of America’s most recognized brands connects, engages, and empowers its 14,000+ employees across manufacturing, distribution, and corporate environments. The conversation dives into how Andersen’s internal communication strategy bridges the gap between frontline and office workers, creating a culture where every employee feels informed, valued, and connected. Micki shares how her team uses storytelling, technology, and intentional design to build belonging at scale — and how leaders can cultivate trust even in large, distributed organizations. You’ll hear practical lessons on improving employee communication, fostering inclusion, and using tools like MangoApps to bring people together — no matter where they work. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:15 The Challenge of Connecting 14,000 Employees 08:42 Communication That Builds Belonging 13:17 Storytelling as a Culture-Building Tool 17:29 How Technology Supports Human Connection 21:50 Engaging Frontline Workers: Lessons from Andersen 26:18 Leadership’s Role in Employee Communication 30:44 Creating an Inclusive, Connected Culture 34:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links for show notes: Thanks to the team at MangoApps for connecting us with Micki and the team at Andersen Corporation for this conversation! Connect with Micki: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mickisievwright651_prsa-andersenwindows-inclusion-activity-7115015573226364929-s6X3/ Connect with MangoApps: https://www.mangoapps.com/ See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    22 min
  7. The New Rules of Hiring: Tech, Trust, and the Human Touch

    20/10/2025

    The New Rules of Hiring: Tech, Trust, and the Human Touch

    Episode Description In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Terry Terhark of NXTThing RPO to explore how hiring is evolving faster than ever in 2025 — and why keeping the human element in recruiting still matters more than ever. They discuss how organizations are adapting to unprecedented speed and scale in hiring, how AI and automation are reshaping recruiter roles, and where people still make the biggest impact in the process. Terry shares his unique perspective from decades in the talent space, including the balance between efficiency and empathy, the importance of culture fit, and how technology can empower — not replace — great recruiters. You’ll hear real-world insights on candidate experience, the future of RPO partnerships, and what leaders should prioritize to stay ahead in a tech-driven talent market. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:12 Why Hiring Is Moving Faster Than Ever 09:35 The Human Element: Why It Still Matters 14:58 How AI and Automation Are Changing Recruitment 19:47 Balancing Speed, Scale, and Candidate Experience 24:26 Building Trust and Culture in High-Volume Hiring 28:53 The Future of Recruiting Partnerships (RPO Insights) 33:10 What Leaders Should Focus On in 2025 36:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links for show notes: Connect with NXTThing RPO: https://nxtthingrpo.com/ Connect with Terry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryterhark/ See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    27 min
  8. The Future of HR: Human First, AI Second

    14/10/2025

    The Future of HR: Human First, AI Second

    n this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks explores one of the biggest questions of our time: what does it really mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence? As AI tools become faster, smarter, and more deeply integrated into the workplace, many HR leaders and employees are asking the same question — where do people fit in? Ben unpacks why staying human-first is not just a mindset but a strategy for success. The conversation dives into how HR can balance automation with empathy, how learning and curiosity are becoming the most valuable skills, and why emotional intelligence remains a competitive advantage even when technology takes over repetitive work. You’ll hear reflections on fear, hope, and the future of work — plus practical guidance on how to lead with humanity in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 03:15 Why “Being Human” Still Matters in an AI World 08:02 Balancing Efficiency and Empathy in HR 13:47 Automation, Learning, and the Changing Role of Work 19:11 Hope vs. Fear: How HR Can Lead the AI Conversation 24:36 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in the Machine Age 28:59 Redefining Human Value Beyond Data and Speed 33:42 How to Stay Curious, Relevant, and Human 36:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links for show notes: Check out the AI Livestream Replay: https://streamyard.com/watch/9GTfDMQ8GeTE See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

    15 min
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About

An HR podcast focusing on the intersection of people and technology at work, We’re Only Human examines research, technology, and practical strategies for creating better outcomes for employers and the workforce. It’s a wealth of insight for anyone looking to create a high-performing organization.

Information

  • Creator
    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by WRKdefined
  • Show Website
    We're Only Human

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