HR Mixtape

WRKdefined Podcast Network
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HR Mixtape is a weekly human resources and business leadership podcast for HR professionals, people leaders, and executives navigating the real work of managing people. Episodes cover human resources strategy, HR compliance, workplace culture, leadership development, employee experience, payroll and HR technology, and the future of work. Whether you work in HR, talent management, people operations, or business leadership, HR Mixtape offers practical insights, expert conversations, and real-world perspectives to help you lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.

  1. Meeting Intelligence

    14 hr ago

    Meeting Intelligence

    Your meetings are costing you more than you think. Between time lost to bad notes, missed context between conversations, and documents that take days instead of minutes, the hidden tax of poor meeting intelligence adds up fast. Artem Koren, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Sembly AI, is building the fix. His team started in 2019, well before AI was a buzzword, with one simple idea: if technology can understand what happens in a meeting, it can do a whole lot after one. In this episode, Shari and Artem unpack what it really takes to implement AI listening tools responsibly: How to vet AI vendors on security, and the questions that separate good tools from risky ones. Why transparency, not restriction, is the right answer to employee trust concerns. What a $100,000 investment in meeting AI actually returns, and why the number might surprise you. Timestamps 00:16 Artem introduces himself and Sembly AI's origin story 00:38 What 'augmented work' really means for everyday teams 02:05 How Sembly AI carries meeting context well beyond the call 03:00 Product deep dive: artifacts, agentic research, and infinite memory 04:52 Why context continuity changes everything for collaboration 05:35 Addressing security and data privacy concerns head-on 08:42 Table-stakes questions every buyer should ask an AI vendor 10:21 Sovereign data storage explained in plain English 13:35 Transparency in action: how Sembly AI makes its presence known 16:03 The ROI case: $2.5M return on a $100K investment Guest Bio Artem Koren is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Sembly AI, a meeting intelligence platform that transforms conversations into actionable insights across Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WebEx. Artem started Sembly in 2019 with a straightforward premise: technology that understands meetings can do far more useful work after them. Today, Sembly's agentic AI builds a living library of meeting content, generates documents from entire interview pipelines, and has been shown to deliver a 25x ROI for its customers. Artem is a vocal advocate for transparent, consent-driven AI, and brings a product builder's clarity to the complex questions organizations face when adopting AI in the workplace. Brought to you by Paylocity Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com Keywords: meeting intelligence, Sembly AI, AI collaboration, HR technology, data privacy, SOC2, sovereign data storage, agentic AI, meeting ROI, AI vendor vetting, augmented work, change management, psychological safety, employee trust

    23 min
  2. Cornered Office

    2 days ago

    Cornered Office

    Leaders are burning out quietly, and most organizations are still pretending it isn't happening. Mel Doman, organizational psychologist, author, and founder of the Workplace Mental Health Method, has spent years equipping leaders at Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce with the skills to have real conversations about mental health at work. In this episode, she breaks down why we've systematically dehumanized leaders, what that costs us, and what we can do about it right now. What you'll take away: Why leaders need a "fence, not a door" when it comes to emotional expression at work How gender-based emotion shaming affects everyone, regardless of gender identity What U.S. organizations can learn from the global concept of "duty of care" Timestamps 00:02 Intro: What is the HR Mixtape? 00:16 Mel's background: from clinical therapy to organizational psychology 01:06 The moment Mel decided to leave clinical work and why 03:38 Why shared language is the foundation of mental health conversations 04:48 Introducing Cornered Office and why she wrote it 08:20 Leaders are human too: the forgotten truth in organizations 09:30 The Nike/Air monologue and what it reveals about how we treat leaders 12:00 The fence, not a door: how leaders can navigate vulnerability and authority 13:03 Gender-based emotion shaming and why everyone is affected 18:54 What U.S. organizations can learn from global duty of care practices Guest Bio Mel Doman is an organizational psychologist, author, and founder of The Workplace Mental Health Method. A former licensed therapist, Mel made the shift from clinical practice in 2013 to tackle mental health at a systems level. She has since worked with global organizations including Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce, equipping leaders and teams with the conversational literacy they need to talk about mental health, communication, and team dynamics at work. She is the author of two books, including her latest, Cornered Office: Why We Need to Talk About Leadership Mental Health. Mel has lived and worked across the U.S., U.K., and internationally, giving her a uniquely global perspective on workplace culture. Brought to you by Paylocity Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com Keywords: leadership mental health, workplace mental health, organizational psychology, HR podcast, Mel Doman, Cornered Office, duty of care, gender-based emotion shaming, employee wellbeing, people leaders, burnout, HR Mixtape, Paylocity

    22 min
  3. Flex or Break

    21 May

    Flex or Break

    Your people strategy shouldn't be a support function. It should be a competitive advantage. In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson sits down with James Terry, Head of US Revenue at IndeedFlex, to talk about what it really means to build an agile, flexible workforce in today's labor market. James brings a frontline revenue perspective on how companies can stop treating staffing as a headache and start treating it as a growth lever. Here's what you'll take away: Why workforce flexibility isn't a perk but an untapped labor pool waiting to be activated How AI screening tools are helping recruiters review 80 interviews a day instead of 13, without losing the human element The data-first playbook HR leaders use to run pilots that actually change how operations teams think about shift patterns Timestamps 00:02 Intro — What HR Mixtape is all about 00:15 James Terry introduction and his role at IndeedFlex 01:07 Why staffing is a business survival issue, not just an HR problem 03:02 Hiring for the business vs. hiring for the role 04:05 How AI is reshaping recruiting when applications flood the funnel 08:11 Candidate perspectives on AI screening (and why 60-70% prefer it) 12:37 Removing interview bias and focusing on real skills 13:46 What an agile workforce actually looks like and who gets unlocked 17:53 The pilot program strategy that wins over skeptical operations teams 22:05 James's top takeaways: fall forward and dare to lead Guest Bio: James Terry is the Head of US Revenue at IndeedFlex, the contingent labor arm of Indeed. He specializes in helping businesses build more agile, flexible workforces, particularly in high-velocity industries like logistics, hospitality, and customer service. James brings a data-driven perspective to workforce strategy, championing the idea that HR professionals who speak the language of operations, and back it up with numbers, become some of the most valuable people in any organization. Brought to you by Paylocity Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com Keywords: agile workforce, flexible staffing, contingent labor, AI recruiting, talent acquisition, workforce flexibility, HR strategy, IndeedFlex, pilot programs, shift patterns, Gen Z workforce, implicit bias, AI screening, turnover rate, data-driven HR, profit center HR

    24 min
  4. Three-Legged Stool

    19 May

    Three-Legged Stool

    Most performance problems aren't about effort. They're about unclear expectations. When employees don't know exactly what they're responsible for, how much authority they actually have, or what happens when they hit it out of the park (or don't), the whole system breaks down. In this episode, you'll learn: Why trust and communication breakdowns are the real root cause of most organizational chaos, and how the Three-Legged Stool framework helps diagnose which leg is missing The two authority-blocking archetypes leaders fall into (the micromanager and the cowboy) and how both end up leaving employees without the space to grow or succeed A simple self-reflection exercise you can use this week to evaluate how you're setting expectations and recognizing your team Timestamps 00:02 Intro: What HR Mixtape is all about 00:16 Caroline's background and what she helps leaders solve 01:04 How 'people chaos' shows up in organizations: trust, communication, and the data trail it leaves behind 02:27 The Three-Legged Stool explained: responsibility, authority, and consequences 03:24 Which leg is missing most often, and why consequences get neglected 07:00 Why consequence clarity, both positive and negative, is the foundation of real accountability 11:20 Authority blockers in action: Shari's story about draft work, iteration, and the peek behind the curtain 12:42 The two authority-blocker archetypes: the micromanager and the authority cowboy 17:11 Why leadership development stays in the CHRO top five every year, and what's at stake if we don't fix it 20:56 One quick win this week: a self-reflection exercise for all three legs of the stool Guest: Caroline Quiett is the Principal of Quiett Consulting, LLC, where she helps leaders solve performance issues by building clear accountability structures, defined roles, and practical leadership systems. Drawing on deep curiosity about people and a genuine passion for untangling organizational complexity, Caroline developed the Three-Legged Stool framework to help leaders think more clearly about responsibility, authority, and consequences. She works with organizations of all sizes to restore trust, improve communication, and create environments where both people and performance can thrive. Brought to you by Paylocity. Paylocity is the fasted growing unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com Keywords: accountability, performance management, leadership development, three-legged stool, responsibility, authority, consequences, people management, HR strategy, organizational culture, trust, communication, manager training, employee recognition

    24 min
  5. Flow States: Thriving in an AI World

    14 May

    Flow States: Thriving in an AI World

    Most leaders are quietly using AI tools to get more done, but the real question isn't whether AI can automate tasks. It's whether your team can do the work AI can't: building relationships, pushing the frontier, and creating ideas that didn't exist before. Steven Puri, founder of The Sukha Company and a veteran of motion picture studios, three startups, and $20M in venture funding, brings a refreshingly grounded take on what humans need to protect in the age of LLMs. In this conversation, Dr. Shari Simpson and Steven Puri cover: • Why flow states are the human edge AI can't replicate, and how to build them into your team's schedule • How hiring for culture alignment (not just skills) is the real foundation for unlocking deep work • The difference between productive AI use and the 'foductivity' trap where tools create the illusion of output Timestamps 00:00:15 Steven's background: motion picture studios, $20M venture, three startups 00:02:00 What LLMs actually are and why they're the forcing function for workplace productivity 00:04:33 The jobs AI will replace first and why repetitive task workers should pay attention 00:06:00 The two futures of work: tech trillionaires vs. skilled laborers, and what's missing 00:07:56 Defining flow state: the psychology behind deep work and why it takes 20-23 minutes to enter 00:09:30 The river metaphor: how Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defined flow and why it stuck 00:11:18 The interruption cost: why a single distraction sets you back 20+ minutes 00:13:16 Flow state conditions: why 'exploring Claude' doesn't count and what does 00:17:27 When a flow state app doesn't help: the meeting-heavy leader problem 00:21:00 The hiring argument: why culture alignment is the prerequisite for deep work on your team Guest: Steven Puri is the founder of The Sukha Company, a platform designed to help knowledge workers achieve flow states and do their best work. Steven has been a senior executive at multiple motion picture studios, raised over $20 million in venture capital, and built three startups, including one successful exit. He speaks and writes frequently on flow states, deep work, and what it means to do human-only work in an AI-saturated world. He's based in Austin, Texas. Reach him at steven@thesukha.co or explore the platform at thesukha.co. Powered By HR Mixtape is powered by Paylocity, the unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Paylocity brings your people, processes, and data together in one place so HR leaders can spend less time managing systems and more time doing the work that actually moves their organizations forward. Learn more at paylocity.com Keywords: flow states, deep work, AI in the workplace, LLMs, productivity, burnout prevention, knowledge work, hiring, culture fit, HR technology, employee wellbeing, focus, Steven Puri, The Sukha Company

    24 min
  6. Human-Centered Leadership Strategies: Building Trust and Psychological Safety

    12 May

    Human-Centered Leadership Strategies: Building Trust and Psychological Safety

    In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Madeline Kipperman, Human Resource Leader at Gorilla Glue, about the importance of leading with humanity in the workplace. They discuss how compassion and transparency can enhance leadership effectiveness, especially in high-pressure environments. Listeners will learn practical strategies for fostering trust and psychological safety among team members. • Understand the role of metrics in fostering conversations rather than just evaluating performance. • Recognize the importance of having difficult conversations with clarity and compassion. • Learn how to model humane leadership behaviors on the production floor. • Discover actionable steps to build trust when it is low among team members. • Identify the key elements that the next generation of employees seek in leadership. Timestamps: 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest 00:52 -- The importance of leading with humanity 01:54 -- Metrics: helpful or harmful in leadership? 03:14 -- Example of leading with humanity vs. without 08:08 -- Coaching managers for difficult conversations 10:01 -- Leadership in high-pressure environments 12:09 -- Building trust and psychological safety 15:09 -- Transparency in communication with employees 18:02 -- What the next generation wants from leaders 19:17 -- Actionable steps for humane leadership Guest(s): Madeline Kipperman is a Human Resource Leader at Gorilla Glue. She specializes in HR strategy, workforce development, and leadership, bringing a frontline perspective to her role. Madeline has a strong commitment to fostering human potential in the workplace. Keywords: human leadership, workplace compassion, HR strategies, building trust, difficult conversations, employee engagement, metrics in HR, psychological safety, next generation workforce, leadership transparency

    20 min
  7. AI in Hiring: Legal Guardrails Leaders Can’t Ignore

    7 May

    AI in Hiring: Legal Guardrails Leaders Can’t Ignore

    In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Jillian Ambrose, Counsel at Crowell, about the urgent legal and compliance risks associated with using AI in hiring processes. As organizations increasingly adopt AI tools for recruitment, understanding the evolving landscape of state laws and potential biases is crucial. Listeners will gain insights into how to effectively engage with AI vendors, ensure compliance, and mitigate risks while leveraging AI for efficiency in hiring. • Understand the evolving patchwork of state laws affecting AI in hiring. • Learn key questions to ask AI vendors about their tools. • Discover the importance of conducting bias audits before using AI tools. • Recognize the need for human oversight in AI-driven hiring processes. • Identify best practices for communicating AI use to candidates. 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode 00:35 -- Importance of AI in hiring today 01:44 -- Legal and compliance risks of AI tools 02:32 -- Engaging with AI vendors effectively 03:40 -- Liability concerns for employers using AI 06:17 -- Addressing bias and disparate impact in AI 08:02 -- Governance and oversight of AI tools 09:23 -- The complexity of state laws on AI 10:19 -- Starting points for AI policy development 12:10 -- Balancing efficiency and legal compliance 13:05 -- Managing human oversight in AI processes 14:30 -- Baby steps for implementing AI in hiring 17:31 -- Communicating AI use to candidates 19:57 -- Future of regulation in AI hiring Guest(s): Jillian Ambrose, Counsel at Crowell. She advises employers on employment law, focusing on compliance and emerging workplace risks. Jillian has extensive experience navigating the complexities of AI in hiring and its legal implications. Keywords: AI in hiring, legal risks of AI, compliance with AI tools, bias in AI recruitment, engaging AI vendors, human oversight in hiring, state laws on AI, AI policy development, communicating AI to candidates, future of AI regulation

    23 min
  8. Culture by Design: Values Systems That Run Your Business

    5 May

    Culture by Design: Values Systems That Run Your Business

    In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Meghan Focht, Human Capital Director at Concurrency, about the intentional design of workplace culture. They discuss how to identify cultural strengths and weaknesses through values and behaviors, and how to implement systems that support a positive environment. Listeners will learn practical strategies for assessing their organization's culture and making meaningful changes. • Understand the importance of aligning values with behaviors in the workplace. • Identify key systems to evaluate when assessing organizational culture. • Learn how to create a culture of recognition that reinforces desired behaviors. • Discover ways to engage leaders in cultural conversations and accountability. • Explore practical steps to implement cultural changes in your organization. 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode 00:54 -- Meghan's experience with culture change 02:43 -- Key systems to assess culture 04:42 -- Linking values to behaviors and competencies 05:15 -- Hiring for cultural fit 06:19 -- Celebrating values through recognition programs 08:11 -- The role of technology in culture 10:39 -- Engaging leaders in cultural alignment 12:50 -- Identifying cultural misalignments 16:00 -- Signs of a healthy culture 17:55 -- Building values from scratch 19:39 -- Actionable steps for cultural improvement Guest(s): Meghan Focht is the Human Capital Director at Concurrency, where she focuses on developing strong people systems that foster growth and a positive culture. She has extensive experience in identifying and addressing cultural challenges within organizations. Meghan is passionate about creating environments that empower employees and enhance collaboration. Keywords: workplace culture, assessing culture, values and behaviors, recognition programs, leadership accountability, cultural change, hiring for fit, technology in HR, employee engagement, culture systems

    21 min
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About

HR Mixtape is a weekly human resources and business leadership podcast for HR professionals, people leaders, and executives navigating the real work of managing people. Episodes cover human resources strategy, HR compliance, workplace culture, leadership development, employee experience, payroll and HR technology, and the future of work. Whether you work in HR, talent management, people operations, or business leadership, HR Mixtape offers practical insights, expert conversations, and real-world perspectives to help you lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.

Information

  • Creator
    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    185
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by WRKdefined
  • Show Website
    HR Mixtape

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