This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast

WRKdefined
WRKdefined
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Ever zoned out in a meeting and thought, this could’ve been a podcast? Same. That’s why we made one. This is the place where two Toms bring decades of HR and business experience to the mic, minus the corporate snooze-fest. We talk about the weird, messy, hilarious, and frustrating realities of work: culture clashes, leadership struggles, and the HR questions you secretly Google at 2am. With candid guest conversations, plenty of laughs, and insights that actually translate to real life, we’re here to prove work talk doesn’t have to be boring. Think of us as your meeting antidote — one part entertainment, one part inspiration, all parts “finally worth my time.”

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    The Illusion of Open Door Policies

    AI without governance is a liability, not a strategy.Our guest, Dr. Angela Pearson, “Dr. P”, breaks down why so many organizations are pushing employees to use AI without the training, guardrails, or accountability needed to do it safely.  Tune in as our host, Tom Schin, sits down with organizational psychologist, HR leader, and OD Synergistics founder Angela Pearson, known to many as Dr. P, for a sharp conversation about the real work of building trust at work. From psychological safety and leadership accountability to why open-door policies often fail in practice, this episode shows why culture changes only when leaders do more than say the words. You'll discover why prompting AI is a lot like leading people, what happens when companies treat AI like a shortcut instead of a well planned out tool, and how poor instructions create confusion in both the office and at home!  Dr. P also shares the thinking behind her forthcoming book, The Table Between Us, a leadership fable about repairing culture through courageous conversations, and a whole lot more!  If you care about better decisions, stronger teams, and a workplace where people can actually speak up, this is the conversation you need.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Leadership Challenges 02:44 Common Themes in AI Adoption and Governance 06:31 Prompt Engineering and AI Output Optimization 08:00 Exciting New Book on Culture and Courageous Conversations 13:41 The Illusion of the Open Door and Psychological Safety 21:37 Red Team Protocols and Constructive Dissent 27:35 The Origin of Dr. P and Approachable Leadership 29:30 Worst Meetings and Organizational Waste 36:10 Effective Exit Interviews and Organizational Feedback Keywords AI governance, psychological safety, leadership, organizational culture, trust, employee engagement, conflict resolution, DEI, communication, workplace culture Key  topics AI governance and responsible use Psychological safety and trust building Courageous conversations and culture repair Red team and constructive dissent protocols Exit interviews and organizational learning Our Guest: Dr. Angela Pearson Bio: Dr. Angela D. Pearson ("Dr. P") is an organizational psychology practitioner, executive advisor, and CEO of OD Synergistics Consulting LLC. She helps organizations strengthen leadership, cultivate thriving cultures, and responsibly integrate AI. Through her consulting, speaking, and LinkedIn newsletter, The Human Advantage, Dr. P equips leaders with actionable strategies to build trust, foster psychological safety, and drive high performance in an AI-powered world. Links:  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-d-pearson/ LinkedIn Company Page: OD Synergistics Consulting LLC Company Website: OD Synergistics Consulting LLC Subscribe to The Human Advantage newsletter Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/odsynergistics Links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-d-pearson/ The standard executive remedy for institutional silence is the Open Door Policy. This passive invitation shifts the psychological burden entirely onto the employee. It assumes that if a junior engineer, an operations manager, or a frontline nurse has a critical insight, they will simply walk down the corridor of power and deliver it. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/copy-illusion-open-door-why-psychological-safety-dr-angela-d--aaeuc/?trackingId=4gxW%2FaW17%2BhJiZ5E0s%2FhWw%3D%3D  LINKS to info referenced in our episode: Speakpipe https://www.speakpipe.com/ThisMeetingShouldHaveBeen  Music provided courtesy of our friends from The Break Signals. Listen or download on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=s0dwq9XNQ1CXOk1oGy1pRA

  2. Jul 28

    Harnessing Horses and AI for Leadership and Authentic Content

    Summary In this episode, Host, Tom Schin interviews Katie Navara Bradley to explore the evolving landscape of thought leadership, content creation, and the impact of AI on authenticity and trust in professional communication. They discuss practical strategies for standing out in a noisy digital world and leveraging horses for leadership development. Takeaways: The impact of AI and social media noise on perceived authenticity Using horses as metaphors for trust, leadership, and personal congruence Practical strategies for building trust and authenticity in leadership roles The role of storytelling and unique perspectives in content creation and branding How equine-assisted learning enhances emotional intelligence and team dynamics Navigating the negatives and limitations of AI tools in content and decision-making The significance of casual conversations and trust-building in organizational culture Tips for managing technology distractions and fostering mindful leadership Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Reconnection 02:39 Exploring Thought Leadership 05:41 Navigating AI and Content Creation 09:51 Unique Perspectives from Equine Experiences 12:51 Impact of Workshops and Learning 15:57 The Role of AI in Professional Development 21:42 Absurdities in Workplace Communication 24:44 Trust and Autonomy in Leadership 27:53 Key Takeaways on Trust and Congruence Keywords Thought Leadership, Content Creation, AI in Marketing, Authenticity, Leadership Development, Horses in Leadership, Social Media Strategy, Trust in Business Key  topics The importance of authentic thought leadership in a digital age How AI is changing content creation and search dynamics Using horses as a metaphor and tool for leadership development Strategies to differentiate yourself in social media The role of trust and congruence in leadership and communication Our Guest: Katie Bradley Bio Katie (Navarra) Bradley - ACC is the founder of Katie Navarra Creative Services and Katie the Coach.com. She works with Fortune 100 CEOs and small business owners to craft informative and engaging content, including ghostwriting, for thought leaders, human resource professionals and executive leaders. She  facilitates transformative experiences through equine-partnered learning events that combine business practices, equine herd behavior and leadership to help emerging and senior leaders develop new skills that fuel personal growth. Links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-navarra/ www.katienavarra.com www.katiethecoach.com www.leadingwithinstinct.com LINKS to info referenced in our episode: https://cheezburger.com/45518341/clever-manufacturing-plant-worker-plans-a-20-person-meeting-that-no-one-attends-then-gets-even-with  Name Drops of awesome people mentioned: Pat Ryan, Modern Press https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattheprinter/https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattheprinter/ Jennifer Massey, Integra HR https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlmihr/ Music provided courtesy of our friends from The Break Signals. Listen or download on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=s0dwq9XNQ1CXOk1oGy1pRA

  3. Jul 7

    Tom Daniels and the Inner Marble: Applying Michelangelo's Sculpting Secrets to Employee Development

    Embracing Employee Ownership and Building Authentic Connections: A Conversation with Tom Daniels In this episode, Tom Daniels shares insights on employee engagement, the unique world of ESOPs, and the power of authentic networking. Learn how fostering a sense of ownership transforms organizational culture and how genuine connections fuel professional growth. The impact of employee ownership on organizational engagement and culture The role of trust and authenticity in networking and mentorship Lessons from Michelangelo's sculptures applied to coaching and leadership The significance of supporting neurodivergent individuals and community involvement Strategies to measure and elevate employee engagement beyond traditional metrics How ESOPs foster long-term commitment and shared success The importance of managers asking genuine questions about employees' personal well-being Michelangelo's releasing technique as a metaphor for coaching and developing potential Personal stories about community involvement and giving back through nonprofits like Avenues for Autism The value of being intentional in checking in on others and building a culture of care 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Tom Daniels  01:20 - The origins of Tom's network and the power of authentic connections  03:40 - Exploring employee ownership and ESOPs in Ohio and beyond  06:15 - How ESOPs create a sense of shared purpose and engagement  08:45 - Trust and genuine caregiving as drivers of employee motivation  11:30 - Michelangelo's sculptures as a metaphor for coaching potential  14:00 - The importance of intentionality in leadership and community involvement  16:10 - The experience of delivering a TEDx talk on engagement  18:25 - How remote work increased authentic manager-employee interactions  20:00 - Supporting neurodivergent individuals and fostering inclusive workplaces  22:30 - The significance of community service and giving back  24:10 - Closing thoughts on building meaningful relationships and leadership Our Guest:  Tom Daniels is a lifelong student of leadership development, change management, and organizational culture. After spending 20 years in the advertising and marketing research industries, Tom followed his passion into education, working at Bowling Green State University for more than a decade. He has since returned to corporate America, this time within a 100% employee-owned company as Director of Talent Management at Knight Insurance Group. Tom has had the opportunity to share his insights at conferences across the Midwest. He survived speaking at DisruptHR Ann Arbor event and he has even spoken at the HR Cruise Conference in the Caribbean - officially earning the title of “international speaker.” Deeply committed to his community, Tom devotes his volunteer time to education-focused organizations. When he’s not in a board meeting or talking about leadership and culture, you can find Tom running around town with his dog, Mira, or spending time with his wife and two young adult sons. LINKS to info referenced in our episode: Tom LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrdaniels419/  Knight Insurance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knight-insurance-group/  TEDx session https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYuVGlTkiSI  Avenues for Autism https://avenuesforautism.org/  Glass City Marathon https://glasscitymarathon.org/  Neuro-Osity www.neuro-osity.com Name Drops of awesome people mentioned: Claire Stroh https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestroh/  Stina Borth https://www.linkedin.com/in/stinaborth/  Laura Anthony https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraganthony/   Nancy Disbrow https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancydisbrow/  Book Reference (amazon links below):  Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari - https://amzn.to/4aGhZFS  HR on Purpose: Developing Deliberate People Passion, by Steve Browne - https://amzn.to/4vTG8kk  Music provided courtesy of our friends from The Break Signals. Listen or download on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=s0dwq9XNQ1CXOk1oGy1pRA  Main Topics:In this episode:Timestamps:

  4. Jun 23

    Unmuted: Unlocking AI Recruiting with Kat Kibben

    Summary From Meeting to Podcast: Insights on Recruitment, AI, and Personal Growth with Kat Kibben. Explore an engaging conversation with Kat Kibben, where they share their expertise on recruitment, the evolution of the industry, and personal resilience. This episode offers valuable lessons for HR professionals, hiring managers, and anyone navigating the modern workplace. Main Topics Covered: The importance of quality data in AI-driven recruitment Common pitfalls in job descriptions and misunderstandings about roles How to shift from order taker to trusted consultant Strategies for avoiding burnout: setting work boundaries The power of small, intentional "quits" to prevent burnout The role of authenticity and humor in leadership and crisis management The significance of high-quality job data and its impact on AI tools (00:04) Why many talent acquisition professionals misunderstand what makes a good job posting (01:06) The illusion of job titles and the importance of understanding the real role (03:03) Challenges of accurately capturing role requirements from hiring managers (04:17) Building trust and credibility with leadership through deep strategic conversations (05:24) How Kat’s book promotes emotional endurance and resilience in professional life (06:17) Practical tips for setting boundaries to avoid burnout (07:39) The benefit of using humor, like ukuleles, to break tension in stressful situations (10:02) Keywords recruiting, AI, job data, talent acquisition, HR, hiring, job descriptions, recruiter tips, ukulele Key  topics High-quality job data and AI The pitfalls of unstructured data in recruiting The importance of understanding roles deeply Shifting from order taker to trusted advisor Strategies to prevent burnout in HR Takeaways All AI aspirations in recruiting are built on high-quality job data. Most TA professionals don't know what a good job posting is. Deep conversations with stakeholders are crucial for effective hiring. All job titles are made up and often inconsistent. Setting boundaries and 'quit parameters' helps avoid burnout.  Sound bites "All job titles are made up." "Set boundaries to avoid burnout." "Drop the bar to succeed long term." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unmuted and Meeting Frustrations 02:03 The Importance of High-Quality Job Data 03:57 Understanding Job Titles and Roles 05:45 The Shift from Order Taker to Consultant 08:05 Emotional Endurance and Avoiding Burnout 09:58 Quickfire Questions and Closing Thoughts Our Guest: Katrina Kibben (KAT) is a leadership speaker, author, and the founder of Three Ears Media. They are known for transforming how companies attract great talent and build a healthy team culture. With 15+ years of experience at globally recognized brands like Monster.com and Randstad Worldwide, Katrina shares weekly reflections on leadership, work, and well-being in their newsletter each week at katrinakibben.com. A LinkedIn Top Voice on Hiring featured in The New York Times and Forbes, Katrina is also the author of This Was All An Accident and The Bounce Back Factor, The Leader's Guide To Liking Yourself While Leading Your People. Resources Kat Kibben's new book - The Bounce Back Factor - https://amzn.to/4b3XfrJ  Tri-State Shrm - https://tristateshrm.com/  Guest links https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben/ https://threeearsmedia.com/

  5. Apr 12

    Playing the Long Game: Recruiting Best Practices & The Power of Personal Brand

    In this engaging interview, Claire Stroh shares insights on recruiting best practices, the impact of AI in HR, and navigating the evolving world of remote work and return-to-office policies. We dive into her many worlds as she’s the ultimate multi-tasker - with many interests, and ways to give back. We’ll talk about her practical tips for candidates and recruiters alike, and learn how authenticity and strategic communication can enhance your career and employer brand. Keywords recruiting, HR, AI, remote work, return to office, LinkedIn, job search, employer branding, talent acquisition, career coaching Key Topics Recruiting best practices and long-term strategies The role of AI and technology in HR and recruiting Impact of remote work and return-to-office policies Building a strong employer and personal brand Career coaching and candidate support Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:15 Weather and Workationing 06:10 Mile High SHRM and Recruiting Best Practices 09:05 AI in Recruiting 11:58 Behavioral Interviewing and Candidate Experience 15:13 Job Market Trends and Candidate Strategies 18:15 Claire's Coaching and Building Personal Brands 25:16 Overcoming Fear in Professional Networking 28:21 Navigating Personal Content on LinkedIn 29:07 Fact-Checking in Job Searching 32:15 Understanding Soft Layoffs and RTO 41:39 The Drive Behind Career Coaching Our Guest:  Claire Stroh, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, is currently a Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner at ATI Materials and CEO of Claire is Coaching LLC. She has used social media and networking to build her personal brand and uncover new opportunities for herself and the companies she’s worked for. She’s passionate about helping others do the same! Claire has more than 12 years of successively diverse human resources management experience with privately-owned and publicly-traded global leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in HR from the University at Buffalo and an MBA from Niagara University. She is certified as a Professional in HR through SHRM and HRCI, and is an Adjunct Professor for HR at Niagara University. Claire is an active volunteer with her local HR Association and UB School of Management Alumni Association. She was named a HR Impact Award Winner by Buffalo Business First and Talent Acquisition Trailblazer/Community Catalyst Award Winner by HRUnite!. Planning and managing time: https://claireiscoaching.com/2023/11/23/planning-and-managing-time/ HR emerging professional toolkit: https://claireiscoaching.com/hr-emerging-professional-toolkit/  Resources Our Article Reference on RTO and Soft Layoffs: https://byteiota.com/rto-mandates-are-soft-layoffs-everyone-knows-it/ Indeed Smart Screening - https://www.indeed.com/enterprise/smart-screening MetaView AI Note-taking Tool - https://metaview.ai Name Drops of awesome people mentioned: Tom Daniels And Tim Sackett Music provided courtesy of our friends from The Break Signals. Listen or download on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=s0dwq9XNQ1CXOk1oGy1pRA

  6. Mar 24

    Season 2 Kickoff

    In this engaging episode, Tom and Tom explore the latest trends in remote work, AI in recruitment, workplace culture, and upcoming industry insights. They share personal stories, discuss innovative tools like Ro.am, and preview exciting guests for season two. Keywords: remote work, AI recruitment, workplace culture, hybrid work, industry trends, talent acquisition, digital office, work from anywhere, season two, workplace technology Topics Hybrid work evolution and tools like RoamAI in recruitment and resume screening biasesWorkplace culture and employee engagementUpcoming guests and industry insights Upcoming guest list: Jeffrey Shapiro https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyshapir0/ Claire Stroh https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestroh/ Kevin Schaff https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinschaff/ Sound bites: "Top performers often have big egos" "Gen Z leads coffee badging" "Swag is about execution and impact" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Season Kickoff 01:17 Holiday Highlights and New Year Reflections 02:37 Early 2026 Work Achievements and Goals 04:20 Current Client Trends and Workplace Fears 05:49 Handling Top Performers and Workplace Behavior 08:31 Addressing Past Leadership Oversights 09:31 The Rise of Hybrid Work and Digital Office Tools 12:16 The Phenomenon of Coffee Badging and Generational Trends 15:32 Innovations in Digital Workspaces and Employee Engagement 20:22 The Future of Workplace Technology and AI Integration 24:41 Using AI to Screen Resumes and Candidate Bias 29:05 The Impact of AI on Resume Classification and Bias 32:36 Upcoming Guests and Industry Insights 34:59 Dealing with AI and Robotics Fears in Business 36:42 Swag and Promotional Strategies in Business 39:49 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes Links: Speakpipe - https://www.speakpipe.com/ThisMeetingShouldHaveBeen The Break Signals - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=WdxdLqorT3KgFd9Ues66cwRo.am

  7. 12/23/2025

    The Human Side of Change: Building Resilience in an AI World

    In this engaging conversation, Christine Mikhail shares her journey as an entrepreneur who launched her consulting business during the pandemic. She discusses the importance of change resilience in organizations, especially in the context of the rapid changes brought about by COVID-19. Christine emphasizes the need for a psychological approach to change management, highlighting the emotional aspects that often go unaddressed. The discussion also covers various methodologies for managing change, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the importance of future-proofing organizational culture. The conversation concludes with reflections on accountability within organizations, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding SHRM. Takeaways Christine Mikhail launched her consulting business during the pandemic. Change resilience focuses on the human aspect of change management. Organizations often overlook the emotional impact of change. AI can help alleviate mundane tasks, allowing for more creativity. Future-proofing culture involves aligning AI adoption with organizational values. Compounded change affects both personal and professional lives. Effective change management requires addressing psychological readiness. The stages of grief can be applied to understanding change. Organizations need to communicate effectively to avoid misunderstandings. Debate and healthy dialogue are essential in organizational settings. Guest Bio Christine Mikhail is an accomplished entrepreneur, organizational strategist, and certified change practitioner with a distinguished career transforming workplaces across industries. As the founder of Mikhail Consulting Group, established in 2020, Mikhail has spent the past five years partnering with leading organizations to design agile structures, cultivate adaptive cultures, and drive sustainable transformation. A trusted advisor to C-suite executives and HR leaders, Mikhail brings deep expertise in organizational design, structure, and change management, helping companies navigate complex transformations with clarity and measurable impact. Leveraging her PROSCI certification and years of hands-on experience, Mikhail developed a proprietary six-week change course—a high-impact group coaching program that equips leaders and teams with the mindset, skills, and tools to confidently lead through change. Mikhail’s thought leadership extends beyond the boardroom. As an adjunct professor, Mikhail has taught graduate-level courses in talent development focusing on performance management & employee life cycle, shaping the next generation of organizational leaders. Mikhail is also a recognized national conference speaker, having delivered keynotes and sessions at Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology conferences across the United States. Her speaking engagements focus on the evolving workplace, leadership through transformation, and the strategic role of AI in shaping organizational culture and performance. Links Mikhail Consulting Group  Personal LinkedIn Business LinkedIn YouTube Channel Keywords change management, resilience, organizational development, AI, consulting, pandemic, transformation, culture, leadership, emotional intelligence Chapter list: 00:00 Introduction to Change Resilience 05:04 Christine's Journey: Launching a Business During COVID 06:09 Understanding Change Resilience vs. Change Management 16:46 The Intersection of Organizational Psychology and Change Management 25:38 Future-Proofing Work Culture with AI 30:13 The Constant of Change 33:27 Compounded Change and Its Effects 37:05 Generational Perspectives on Change 38:20 Navigating Workplace Politics 41:29 Lessons from SHRM's Controversy 45:01 The Future of Meetings and AI 51:06 END

  8. 12/01/2025

    Kat Kibben on Confidence, Community, and the Bounce Back Factor

    In this engaging conversation, Tom Horne and Tom Schin welcome Kat Kibben, owner of Three Ears Media and author of 'The Bounce Back Factor.' They explore the evolving landscape of recruitment, the impact of AI on hiring practices, and the importance of navigating uncertainty with confidence. Kat shares their insights on leadership, bias in hiring, and the significance of community in fostering effective work environments. The discussion also touches on personal growth through experiences like van life and the essence of finding a place that feels like home. Kat emphasizes that true leadership involves self-awareness and the ability to connect with others, ultimately aiming to create a positive impact in both professional and personal spheres. Our Guest: Katrina Kibben (KAT) is a leadership speaker, author, and the founder of Three Ears Media. They are known for transforming how companies attract great talent and build a healthy team culture. With 15+ years of experience at globally recognized brands like Monster.com and Randstad Worldwide, Katrina shares weekly reflections on leadership, work, and well-being in their newsletter each week at katrinakibben.com. A LinkedIn Top Voice on Hiring featured in The New York Times and Forbes, Katrina is also the author of This Was All An Accident and The Bounce Back Factor, The Leader's Guide To Liking Yourself While Leading Your People. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben/  Web site: https://threeearsmedia.com/  Book: http://thebouncebackfactorbook.com/  Takeaways Leadership is not an autonomous act; it requires community. Failure should not hold as much power as it does. Navigating uncertainty with confidence is essential for a happy life. Defining what 'good' means in hiring can mitigate bias. AI cannot remove bias; it reflects the data it is trained on. The importance of self-awareness in leadership and personal growth. Home is a place where you feel deeply safe. The journey of van life taught valuable lessons about uncertainty. Building connections is crucial in both personal and professional life. The goal of businesses should be to improve lives, not just profits. Keywords recruiting, candidate experience, AI, bias, leadership, uncertainty, personal growth, The Bounce Back Factor, Kat Kibben, Three Ears Media Additional Web Links and references: As always, a BIG thank you to The Break Signals: https://breaksignals.com/home for sharing their musical talents with us. Horne’s Hat: https://www.thelittlemoontravelers.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:11 The World of Recruiting and Candidate Experience 05:01 The Impact of AI on Recruitment 10:03 Navigating Bias in Hiring 14:04 Defining Success in Recruitment 18:02 AI and Bias: A Double-Edged Sword 23:58 Kat's Journey and Book Insights 28:46 Exploring the Concept of Home 37:46 The Bounce Back Factor: Leadership and Community 44:09 Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence

  9. 11/11/2025

    The Frictionless Workplace: Designing Experience Beyond the Basics

    In this episode, hosts Tom Schin and Tom Horne engage with Christine Miller, Chief eXperience Officer at the eXperience Group, to explore the multifaceted concept of workplace experience. They discuss the importance of the basics in creating a positive work environment, the often-overlooked significance of conference room design, and the need for frictionless office experiences. The conversation also touches on the impact of data-driven design, the challenges of returning to the office, and the emerging trend of 'job hugging' among employees. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize the critical role of awareness and intentionality in fostering a healthy workplace culture. Key Takeaways: Workplace experience goes beyond just benefits and compensation. The basics, like cleanliness and functionality, are crucial for employee satisfaction. Conference room experiences are often overlooked but can significantly impact productivity. Data analysis can inform better workplace design and employee engagement strategies. Creating frictionless environments is essential for encouraging employees to return to the office. Job hugging reflects a culture problem in many organizations. Awareness of employee needs and experiences is vital for engagement. Companies should invest in their employees to retain top talent. Effective communication and organization are key in meetings. The physical workspace should facilitate collaboration and connection among employees. Guest: Christine Miller Founder & Chief eXperience Officer of The eXperience Group. Her expertise lies in elevating employee experience from the Real Estate and Facilities Operations space. Formally trained in interior design, Christine’s career has spanned project management, corporate workplace strategy and change management, hospitality leadership, and workplace operations. She brings a people-first philosophy to every project, helping organizations create spaces and experiences that feel connected, intentional, and frictionless. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-miller-7623917/ Web sites: https://www.experienceconsultinggroup.com/ https://christine-miller-s-school5.teachable.com/p/hospitality-crash-course- Thank you to the Break Signals for your awesome music! Give them a listen at: https://breaksignals.com/home Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 00:11 Introducing Christine Miller and Workplace Experience 01:56 Understanding Workplace Experience 06:04 The Importance of Conference Room Experience 09:39 Challenges in Workplace Design 15:54 The Role of Data in Workplace Strategy 19:42 Case Studies in Real Estate Optimization 25:49 Return to Office Strategies and Employee Engagement 27:52 Engagement and Employee Experience 30:53 Awareness in Corporate Culture 35:51 Communication and Meeting Dynamics 40:51 Job Security and Employee Sentiment

  10. 10/14/2025

    Career Catfishing: HR's New Technology Frontier

    Hosts Tom Schin and Tom Horne sit down with Joel Stupka to tackle a fascinating mix of workplace issues, from the utility of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to the latest trends in HR Tech and AI. They swap hilarious personal stories about karaoke before diving into serious discussions about labor law compliance and the deceptive practice of career catfishing in the job market. This episode is packed with essential insights for HR professionals, managers, and anyone navigating the modern workplace. Key Takeaways: PIPs often protect the organization more than they help the employee. Training managers on people issues can significantly prevent the need for PIPs. Labor law compliance is a non-negotiable for businesses with employees. Taco Bell's layaway option reflects interesting consumer spending trends. Career catfishing highlights deceptive hiring practices in the job market. HR Tech conferences are critical for networking and industry insight. AI is rapidly becoming a core component of modern HR technology. Understanding AI’s role can boost HR productivity and decision-making. First impressions and understanding workplace culture are vital in hiring. Unplanned personal moments like karaoke can lead to great fun and connection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:10 Joel's Background and Podcasting Journey 06:02 Karaoke Stories and Personal Anecdotes 07:37 Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Discussion 11:43 Proactive Management and Employee Development 13:29 HR Compliance and Labor Law Posters 19:36 Current News: DoorDash and Payment Options 22:18 Career Catfishing and Job Market Trends 23:57 Understanding Job Descriptions and Company Culture 29:39 Insights from HR Tech Conference 35:25 The Role of AI in HR and Business Keywords: HR podcasting performance improvement plans labor law compliance karaoke career catfishing HR tech AI workplace culture compliance

  11. 09/16/2025

    Meeting Rants

    From pointless check-ins to endless budget reviews, Tom Horne and Tom Schin tackle the meetings that drain your soul and waste your time. This week, the Toms rant about corporate jargon, the agony of sitting through presentations that could have been a memo, and how to reclaim your calendar from meeting madness. It's the honest, unfiltered conversation about meetings you've been waiting for.

  12. Episode 1

    Not all meetings are wonderful

    In this quick, 30-second trailer for This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast, hosts Tom Horne and Tom Schin offer a sneak peek at the unfiltered workplace conversations you've actually been craving. Hear a glimpse of their rants on soul-crushing meetings, cringe-worthy team-building, and all the corporate jargon that drives you crazy. They sat through the boring meetings so you don't have to. Listen to the trailer and subscribe now!

Trailer

About

Ever zoned out in a meeting and thought, this could’ve been a podcast? Same. That’s why we made one. This is the place where two Toms bring decades of HR and business experience to the mic, minus the corporate snooze-fest. We talk about the weird, messy, hilarious, and frustrating realities of work: culture clashes, leadership struggles, and the HR questions you secretly Google at 2am. With candid guest conversations, plenty of laughs, and insights that actually translate to real life, we’re here to prove work talk doesn’t have to be boring. Think of us as your meeting antidote — one part entertainment, one part inspiration, all parts “finally worth my time.”

Information

More From WRKdefined