The Moss HR Minute

Nicole Moss

The Moss HR Minute brings real conversations about building and managing teams to you — one Moss Minute at a time!Hosted by Nicole Moss, this podcast features entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, and beyond. What started as local conversations in Easton Park has evolved alongside Moss Consulting into a broader discussion focused on the people side of business.Each episode is fast, focused, and practical. Industry leaders answer five timely questions in one Moss Minute, sharing real-world insight on leadership, culture, compliance, growth, and the challenges business owners are navigating right now.Same energy. Same solutions-focused approach. Expanded reach.Whether you’re a founder, operator, or business leader, The Moss HR Minute is your place for clear perspective, actionable ideas, and conversations that get straight to the point — with no fluff.Tune in, subscribe, and build better teams one Moss Minute at a time 🎧✨

  1. How Founders Can Regain Control of Insurance Costs with Brett McCleary & JR Tran Reno

    21H AGO

    How Founders Can Regain Control of Insurance Costs with Brett McCleary & JR Tran Reno

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Preslie Dusenbery, Phoenix HR Area Manager of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Brett McCleary and JR Tran-Reno from Holmes Murphy. As specialists in property and casualty risk, employee benefits, and long-term insurance strategies, Brett and JR address the growing frustration business owners face regarding rising premiums and unpredictable coverage. This conversation peels back the curtain on why insurance costs have seen 28 consecutive quarters of increases and how factors like nuclear verdicts and inflationary pressures are driving the market. Brett and JR explain that insurance should not be viewed as a reactive "fire drill" but as a strategic five- to ten-year growth plan. Key topics discussed include: The "Million-Dollar Question": Understanding the external market forces—including weather patterns and litigation trends—that impact your bottom line. Proactive vs. Reactive Risk Management: How to implement systems like telematics and safety training to prevent claims before they happen. Safety Culture vs. Checking Boxes: Why true safety buy-in from leadership creates a "good story" that brokers can use to negotiate better rates. The Consultant Interview: Why owners should interview multiple brokers but ultimately commit to one who understands their long-term vision. The Worst-Day Action Plan: Crucial steps to take when a claim occurs—and why hiring outside counsel before calling your broker is a common mistake. This episode is essential for founders and operators who feel like insurance decisions are being made to them rather than with them. By the end of this discussion, you will understand how to transform insurance from a top-three expense into a tool that supports your company’s scalability. Brett and JR also share their expert advice on reducing risk—all delivered within one Moss Minute. Guest Information Brett McCleary & JR Tran-Reno, Holmes Murphy Website: www.holmesmurphy.com Brett McCleary Email: bmccleary@holmesmurphy.com Brett McCleary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-mccleary-399583182/ JR Tran-Reno LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrtranreno/ Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute #hrsolutions #hrconsulting #texas

    25 min
  2. Is Your Business Protected? A Proactive Legal Guide for Founders with Julie Barnett

    3D AGO

    Is Your Business Protected? A Proactive Legal Guide for Founders with Julie Barnett

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Julie Barnett, Founder and Executive Director of Lomond Legal. Joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Moss Consulting’s Phoenix HR Area Manager, the conversation dives deep into the high-stakes world of employment law and the critical need for business owners to move from reactive panic to proactive protection. Julie explains why the traditional hourly billing model often fails growing businesses, leading to "panic buying" legal services only after a crisis has hit. She shares insights into her innovative fixed-fee, all-inclusive legal model that provides employers with predictable costs and a passionate defense. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Psychology of Legal Risk: Understanding the difference between face value risk, true risk, and negotiation risk.The Fixed-Fee Revolution: Why predictability in legal costs allows founders to be proactive rather than waiting for a lawsuit to land on their doorstep.The Power of Documentation: Why Julie believes that if a conversation or incident isn't written down, it effectively never happened in the eyes of the law.Scaling Across Borders: The challenges and opportunities Julie faced when bringing her UK-tested legal model to the US market.The "Owner Mindset": Why employers deserve a legal and HR partner who thinks like a founder and takes their business challenges personally.This episode is a must-watch for operators and founders who want to safeguard their businesses against EEOC claims and lawsuits while building a culture of transparency and credibility. Julie wraps up the session by sharing her best advice for reducing legal risk—delivered, of course, within one Moss Minute. Guest Information Julie Barnett, Lomond Legal Email: julie@lomondlegal.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebarnettel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lomondlegal/ Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute

    23 min
  3. Russ Kimberlin, CPA - Kimberlin Company - Financial Leadership, Compliance, and What Growing Businesses Get Wrong About Accounting

    MAR 12

    Russ Kimberlin, CPA - Kimberlin Company - Financial Leadership, Compliance, and What Growing Businesses Get Wrong About Accounting

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss sits down with Russ Kimberlin, CPA and Managing Member of Kimberlin Company, PLLC, to talk about the financial and compliance realities business owners face as their companies grow. Russ has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate accounting, audits, compliance, and financial systems across industries including construction, healthcare, distribution, transportation, nonprofit organizations, and employee benefit plans. In this conversation, he shares practical insight on the financial side of running a business that many founders overlook until it becomes a serious problem. Nicole and Russ discuss the importance of building strong financial processes early, the role of accounting leadership in supporting business growth, and how business owners can avoid costly mistakes by staying proactive with their financial systems and compliance requirements. If you are a business owner trying to scale your company while keeping your finances, reporting, and compliance in order, this episode provides valuable perspective from someone who works with growing organizations every day. This conversation is part of The Moss HR Minute, a podcast focused on helping business owners understand the people, systems, and leadership decisions that drive successful organizations. Guest InformationRuss Kimberlin, CPA Managing Member — Kimberlin Company, PLLC Kimberlin Company, PLLC 106 S Kyrene Rd, Suite 2 Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone: (602) 649-1800 Email: russ@kimberlincompany.com Learn more: https://www.kimberlincompany.com Host InformationNicole Moss Co-Founder, Moss Consulting HR Services Business owners who need help building stronger HR systems, leadership processes, and compliant people operations can learn more here: https://www.mossconsulting.com Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation

    21 min
  4. Ashley Zieman - Moss Consulting HR Services - Preparing For Rapid Growth

    MAR 3

    Ashley Zieman - Moss Consulting HR Services - Preparing For Rapid Growth

    Send us Fan Mail What does modern HR really look like — and how does it impact business growth? In this full episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss sits down with Ashley Zieman, Area HR Manager with Moss Consulting HR Services, for a conversation that covers hiring, leadership decisions, rapid growth, and what it truly means to build a business through people. Ashley shares her journey into HR, including a transformative experience at a SHRM event while earning her undergraduate degree at LSU. Hearing HR described as a function that can transform a business through its people reshaped her perspective and influenced the direction of her career. Throughout this episode, Nicole and Ashley discuss: • When to coach an employee — and when it’s time to separate • Interview red flags, including lack of accountability and inability to articulate growth • The systems every business needs to support rapid growth • Why clear hiring processes, structured onboarding, and defined role expectations matter • How strong HR leadership protects culture while driving performance Whether you’re a founder, executive, or growing business owner, this episode offers practical insights into how strategic HR supports scaling, stability, and long-term success. If you need support strengthening your hiring process, leadership structure, or HR systems, schedule time with Nicole Moss here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/nicole-moss/meet-with-nicole Follow and subscribe for more real-world HR strategy and leadership conversations from The Moss HR Minute. Ashley works locally with clients in Houston, Texas and serves Moss Consulting clients nationwide. This episode was filmed in Houston. #TheMossHRMinute #HRStrategy #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #HoustonBusiness #PeopleStrategy

    16 min
  5. Jillian Renken of Frontera Search Partners - Building Brand, Community, and Connection in Healthcare

    FEB 12

    Jillian Renken of Frontera Search Partners - Building Brand, Community, and Connection in Healthcare

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Jillian Renken, Marketing Manager at Frontera Search Partners and Co-Founder of PULSE Networking. Jillian shares how intentional brand storytelling, authentic marketing, and community-driven events are reshaping how healthcare organizations connect with talent and leaders. Drawing on her experience building PULSE and leading marketing strategy at Frontera, Jillian explains why relationships — not transactions — are the foundation of sustainable growth. Nicole and Jillian also discuss how healthcare brands can stand out in crowded markets, the role of trust and consistency in marketing, and why creating space for real connection matters now more than ever. This episode is especially valuable for: Healthcare leaders and founders building brands with purposeMarketing and business development professionalsOrganizations focused on community, connection, and long-term growth🎧 About the Guest Jillian Renken is the Marketing Manager at Frontera Search Partners and Co-Founder of PULSE Networking, a healthcare leadership community designed to foster meaningful, agenda-free connections. 🔗 Connect with Jillian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianrenken/ 🎙️ About the Show The Moss HR Minute is hosted by Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, and focuses on modern HR, leadership, and people strategy for growing businesses. Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show: @TheMossHRMinute

    21 min
  6. Marc Martin - Paylocity - The Moss HR Minute

    JAN 31

    Marc Martin - Paylocity - The Moss HR Minute

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, host Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Marc Martin, HCM Consultant at Paylocity, to explore how payroll and HR technology are evolving—and what business owners should be thinking about now as we look toward the future payroll landscape in 2026. Marc brings a practical perspective from working directly with growing businesses and shares why flexibility and long-term thinking matter when it comes to payroll and HR systems. From scaling with your workforce to modernizing the employee experience, this conversation highlights how forward-thinking payroll strategies can support retention and growth. We also explore how AI is shaping payroll and HR. Marc explains how AI benefits strategy is less about replacing people and more about helping teams work smarter, reduce administrative friction, and make better decisions. As AI continues to evolve, businesses can expect payroll technology to become a stronger competitive advantage. This episode is especially relevant for founders and operators who want to: Plan for the future of payroll in 2026Understand how AI can support HR teams without replacing themChoose payroll systems that scale with their business and support employee retentionGuest Information: Marc Martin HCM Consultant, Paylocity Website: https://www.paylocity.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-c-martin/ About the Show The Moss HR Minute is hosted by Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services. The show focuses on modern HR, leadership, and people strategy for growing businesses. Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Book a free consultation with Nicole: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Follow the show: @themosshrminute

    27 min

About

The Moss HR Minute brings real conversations about building and managing teams to you — one Moss Minute at a time!Hosted by Nicole Moss, this podcast features entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, and beyond. What started as local conversations in Easton Park has evolved alongside Moss Consulting into a broader discussion focused on the people side of business.Each episode is fast, focused, and practical. Industry leaders answer five timely questions in one Moss Minute, sharing real-world insight on leadership, culture, compliance, growth, and the challenges business owners are navigating right now.Same energy. Same solutions-focused approach. Expanded reach.Whether you’re a founder, operator, or business leader, The Moss HR Minute is your place for clear perspective, actionable ideas, and conversations that get straight to the point — with no fluff.Tune in, subscribe, and build better teams one Moss Minute at a time 🎧✨