The TroopHR Podcast

Tracy Avin

Welcome to the TroopHR Podcast, where we bring you the best of HR and business thought-leadership in a casual coffee chat format. Our mission at TroopHR is to empower HR professionals to advance their careers, personal development and build better organizations. We promise fresh, actionable content from master practitioners, industry leaders, translating their seasoned experience into practical advice. Join us for insights, strategies and tactical take-aways to drive the HR profession forward. The TroopHR Podcast will help guide you to discover the keys to success to overcome HR challenges, and make a meaningful impact as a People Leader. 

  1. MAR 23

    Ep 53. Building Trust in HR: Using AI to Modernize Policies, Compliance, and Onboarding with Nicola Barry of AirMason

    How can HR leaders build real trust with employees while keeping pace with compliance, technology, and the rise of AI? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Nicola Barry of AirMason to explore how HR teams can rethink policies, onboarding, and employee handbooks to better balance compliance with culture.  Nicola shares how generative AI can help HR professionals streamline policy creation, extract key insights from complex legislation, and reduce time spent on repetitive legal reviews, freeing teams to focus on clarity, employee experience, and trust-building across the organization. Together, they discuss practical ways HR leaders can use AI as a foundational tool rather than a replacement for human judgment, while transforming traditionally static documents like employee handbooks into engaging onboarding experiences that reinforce company culture.  Whether you’re an HR leader experimenting with AI workflows or a people professional looking to improve onboarding and internal communication, this conversation offers actionable insights on using technology to create more transparent, engaging, and human-centered workplaces. For more information about joining our community and upcoming events like the TroopHR Retreat, please visit troophr.com. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should consult their own legal counsel or qualified legal professional for advice regarding their specific situation. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    20 min

  2. MAR 10

    Ep 52. The Journey to Transformational Leadership with Sonja Mustiful

    What does it really take to become a transformational leader—and why is self-awareness the starting point? In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Sonja Mustiful, executive coach and founder of Essence of Coaching, to explore the journey of transformational leadership in today’s ever-evolving workplace. Sonja breaks down the difference between leadership and title, introduces the concept of “connection quotient” alongside emotional intelligence, and shares practical strategies for building trust through transparency, accountability, and integrity. From leveraging 360-degree feedback to navigating change with clarity, this conversation offers HR executives and people leaders actionable insights on how to move from inspiration to true integration—while modeling the behaviors they want to see across their organizations. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership impact and guide your organization through meaningful transformation, subscribe to the TroopHR podcast, leave us a review, and visit troophr.com to learn more about joining our community and upcoming events like the TroopHR Retreat. Credits  TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin  Show Producer: Nicole Fealey  Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    21 min

  3. FEB 24

    Ep 51. Grief at Work: Why Bereavement Policies Fail and How HR Leaders Can Do Better with CJ Infantino

    What does it really look like to support employees through grief at work—and why are most organizations getting it wrong? In this deeply human and practical conversation, Taylor Bradley sits down with CJ Infantino, founder of Unvoiced, to explore the realities of grief in the workplace. After losing his wife in 2020, CJ experienced firsthand how traditional bereavement policies, performance expectations, and manager discomfort often fail grieving employees. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about grief (including the myth of a timeline), the physiological and performance impacts leaders often miss, and why codifying bereavement leave policies is both a humanitarian and business imperative. CJ also shares how he worked with Facebook’s leadership to create a formal bereavement policy, and offers actionable guidance for HR leaders on building psychological safety, training managers to have hard conversations, and designing thoughtful return-to-work plans that retain talent and protect productivity. If this conversation resonates, subscribe to the TroopHR podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow HR leader. To learn more about joining our community and upcoming events, visit troophr.com. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    27 min

  4. FEB 10

    Ep 50. Building Trust Through Compensation: Bobby Benfield CEO @ OpenComp

    In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley dives deep into the evolving role of compensation with Bobby Benfield, CEO of OpenComp. Together, they unpack how compensation can be transformed from a static system into a strategic, trust-building tool for talent retention and organizational success. Bobby shares actionable insights on crafting a strong pay philosophy, the pitfalls of misalignment between HR and finance, and how OpenComp’s platform empowers companies to ditch outdated spreadsheets in favor of real-time, scalable compensation data. From navigating merit cycles to equipping managers for difficult conversations, Bobby emphasizes the importance of clarity, consistency, and communication. You’ll also hear why "people aren’t comp ratios" and how redefining the compensation narrative can build lasting trust across your organization. To learn more about joining our community, upcoming events like the 2025 TroopHR Retreat, or OpenComp’s solutions, visit troophr.com . Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    22 min

  5. JAN 27

    Ep 49. From CHRO to CEO: Positioning People Leaders for the Top Job with Katie Stricker, Founder of The Potential Equation

    What does it take for a CHRO to become a CEO? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Katie Stricker, executive advisor and founder of The Potential Equation, to explore what it means for HR leaders to boldly step into broader operational roles, including the C-suite.  Katie shares the eye-opening moment that sparked her mission: recognizing how many CHROs are already operating like presidents or COOs—without the title. From breaking down limiting beliefs around P&L ownership to mapping career pivots using her “three-column filter,” Katie offers a powerful roadmap for HR executives ready to build their path to CEO or board roles. Listeners will gain valuable insights on the top three traits that set people leaders up for business leadership success, how to shift mindset blocks into strategic growth, and why vulnerability and curiosity are must-have traits for today’s HR innovators. Whether you’re eyeing a board seat, COO title, or just want to strengthen your business acumen, this episode delivers tactical advice and inspiration to help HR leaders own their seat at the table and beyond. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    24 min

  6. JAN 13

    Ep 48. From HR to COO: Jamie Coakley on Building Operational Fluency and Leading with Kindness

    What does it really take for an HR leader to step into the COO seat? In this episode, Taylor Bradley sits down with Jamie Coakley, Chief Operating Officer at Electric, to explore her remarkable journey from recruiter to HR leader to executive operator. With over eight years helping scale Electric from its early days, Jamie unpacks the mindset shifts, skills, and business fluency required to evolve from HR into a broader operational role. Jamie shares how being a recruiter honed her ability to read people, why owning problems end-to-end is the hallmark of a true operator, and how mastering the P&L transformed her influence across the business. She also opens up about leading with kindness, the power of building a trusted network of mentors, and what she looks for in high-impact hires—hint: it’s all about “smart, kind people.” Whether you're an HR professional aspiring to the C-suite or simply navigating your own growth, this conversation offers rich takeaways on operational leadership, self-advocacy, and driving business impact through people. .Credits  TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin  Show Producer: Nicole Fealey  Show Host: Taylor Bradley  Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    25 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Ep 47. Immigration in 2026, Compliance, and HR Strategy with Nicole Gunara of Manifest Law

    In this forward-looking episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley is joined by Nicole Gunara, Principal Immigration Attorney, Manifest Law, to explore what HR leaders need to know as they prepare for a pivotal year in immigration and employment law. From potential Supreme Court rulings on birthright citizenship to sweeping changes in the H-1B lottery system that favor higher wage roles, Nicole outlines how 2026 will redefine compliance, strategy, and risk for talent teams. She also shares how leading organizations are transforming immigration from a reactive process into a proactive talent advantage—leveraging tools like I-9 analytics, alternative visa pathways, and even research-based cap-exempt models to attract and retain global talent. With heightened scrutiny, rising legal complexity, and employee anxiety on the rise, Nicole underscores why resilience and empathy are the cornerstones of modern immigration strategy. Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    25 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Ep 46. Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Conflict: A Hidden Connection with Melanie Manning & Kenya Salaudeen

    What happens when high-achieving women doubt their success—and how does it ripple through the workplace? In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley is joined by executive coach Melanie Manning and workplace conflict mediator Kenya Salaudeen for a powerful conversation on the link between imposter syndrome and organizational friction. Drawing from coaching sessions, personal insights, and HR leadership experience, Melanie and Kenya unpack how feelings of self-doubt can quietly erode confidence, hinder performance, and even escalate workplace conflict. They explore practical strategies to help individuals name and overcome imposter feelings, and offer guidance for HR leaders aiming to create psychologically safe environments where every voice is validated. From faking it till you make it to performance review disconnects, this episode offers both personal and organizational perspectives on a deeply human experience still shaping the workforce. Looking to address imposter syndrome in your organization? Connect with Melanie and Kenya through the TroopHR platform or visit troophr.com for more resources and upcoming events. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share! Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

    21 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to the TroopHR Podcast, where we bring you the best of HR and business thought-leadership in a casual coffee chat format. Our mission at TroopHR is to empower HR professionals to advance their careers, personal development and build better organizations. We promise fresh, actionable content from master practitioners, industry leaders, translating their seasoned experience into practical advice. Join us for insights, strategies and tactical take-aways to drive the HR profession forward. The TroopHR Podcast will help guide you to discover the keys to success to overcome HR challenges, and make a meaningful impact as a People Leader. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Avin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The TroopHR Podcast
  • Show Website
    The TroopHR Podcast

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