Primal HR Podcast

Tim
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Primal HR is where honest workplace conversations happen. Hosts Terry Smith (Veteran HR leader) and Leslie Lulham (People First strategist) pull back the curtain on HR, leadership, and workplace culture—tackling the issues most organizations avoid. From hiring and burnout to toxic workplaces and return-to-office mandates, they bring real-world experience, humor, and zero corporate fluff. Whether you're in HR, manage people, or just want to understand how work really works, this is your podcast. Episodes are 15-20 minutes: quick, digestible, and useful.

  1. Jul 27

    Compensation Is More Than a Paycheck

    Compensation isn't just about salary. Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore why employees leave organizations, the growing disconnect between how companies and employees view fair pay, and why benefits, communication, and trust all play a critical role in the employee experience. They also discuss total rewards statements and why understanding your complete compensation package matters more than ever. What we get into: Why people rarely leave because of pay aloneUnderstanding total compensation and total rewardsThe gap between employee and HR perceptions of fair payRising costs of living and salary expectationsThe importance of benefits beyond base salaryCommunicating compensation with transparency and trust Real people. Real talk. Real HR. Stay Connected🌐 primalhrpodcast.com 📧 hello@primalhrpodcast.com 💼 LinkedIn

  2. Jul 24

    Communication Is a Leadership Skill

    Good communication isn't just talking—it's building trust. Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham discuss why effective communication is one of the most important leadership skills in any organization. From active listening and adapting communication styles to creating transparency around company goals, they explore practical ways leaders can improve engagement, strengthen teams, and build a healthier workplace culture. What we get into: Why communication is about more than sending messagesThe role of active listeningAdapting communication styles to different peopleBuilding trust through transparencyConnecting employees to company goalsHow better communication improves engagement and retention Real people. Real talk. Real HR. Stay Connected🌐 primalhrpodcast.com 📧 hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: Primal HR Podcast

  3. Jul 24

    Great Onboarding Doesn't Happen by Accident

    The employee experience starts long before someone sits down at their desk. Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham discuss what separates memorable onboarding from forgettable first days. From setting clear expectations and defining success to building meaningful connections and accountability, they share practical ideas for creating onboarding programs that help employees feel confident, productive, and ready to contribute from day one. What we get into: Why onboarding is about more than paperworkSetting employees up for long-term successCreative onboarding ideas that actually workThe importance of 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-insDefining success early for every new hireWhy onboarding begins before day oneReal people. Real talk. Real HR. Stay Connected🌐 primalhrpodcast.com 📧 hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: Primal HR Podcast

  4. Jul 21

    Litigation: Nobody Wins

    Employment lawsuits affect more than just companies—they affect the people leading them. Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham discuss what every manager and HR professional should know about workplace litigation, from documentation and manager training to why preventing problems is always better than defending them in court. They also explain why, despite what many people think, nobody really wins when litigation becomes part of the workplace. What we get into: Why HR professionals are often named in lawsuitsThe importance of documenting employee conversationsHow manager training helps reduce legal riskCommon workplace claims and employment litigationLessons from real-world HR experiencesWhy prevention is always the best strategyReal people. Real talk. Real HR. Stay Connected🌐 primalhrpodcast.com 📧 hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: Primal HR Podcast

  5. Jul 21

    Now You Are the Leader

    You got the promotion. Now comes the hard part. Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore what happens after someone becomes a manager for the first time. They discuss why management is a learned skill, the value of mentorship and leadership training, and how organizations can better prepare new leaders for success instead of expecting them to simply "figure it out." What we get into: Why great individual contributors don't always make great managersWhy management is a learned skillThe value of mentorship and leadership trainingSupporting employees who don't want to manage peopleCommon mistakes organizations make after promotionsBuilding stronger leaders from day oneReal people. Real talk. Real HR. Stay Connected🌐 primalhrpodcast.com 📧 hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: Primal HR Podcast

  6. May 19

    Managing Growth and Complexity Across States

    Remote work and distributed teams have completely changed the HR landscape. In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore the challenges of navigating compliance, labor laws, remote workforce management, and state-by-state regulations in an increasingly complex workplace environment. What we get into: • The growing complexity of multi-state HR compliance • How AI tools can support HR teams • Why HRIS platforms matter more than ever • The importance of verifying compliance information • Why HR professionals need trusted support networks Short conversation. Practical insight. Stay connected: Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

  7. May 19

    Rethinking Work and Skill-Based Hiring

    What happens when companies stop designing jobs and start designing work? In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham explore how organizations can rethink hiring, workforce planning, and team structure in a world where technology, AI, and business needs are changing fast. What we get into: • What companies can learn from Blockbuster and Netflix • Why skill-based hiring matters more than job titles • Rethinking workforce planning and team structure • The growing role of AI in hiring and operations • How organizations can build more adaptable teams Short conversation. Future-focused thinking. Stay connected: Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

  8. May 19

    Networking That Actually Feels Human

    Networking does not have to feel awkward or transactional. In this episode, Terry Smith and Leslie Lulham share a more practical, relationship-first approach to networking and explain how authentic conversations can lead to real opportunities, meaningful connections, and long-term professional relationships. What we get into: • Why relationship-first networking works • How Terry and Leslie met through networking • Better ways to start and follow up on conversations • Networking tips for job seekers, consultants, and entrepreneurs • How to stay top of mind without being pushy Short conversation. Real talk. Stay connected: Website: https://primalhrpodcast.com Email: hello@primalhrpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primalhrpodcast/

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About

Primal HR is where honest workplace conversations happen. Hosts Terry Smith (Veteran HR leader) and Leslie Lulham (People First strategist) pull back the curtain on HR, leadership, and workplace culture—tackling the issues most organizations avoid. From hiring and burnout to toxic workplaces and return-to-office mandates, they bring real-world experience, humor, and zero corporate fluff. Whether you're in HR, manage people, or just want to understand how work really works, this is your podcast. Episodes are 15-20 minutes: quick, digestible, and useful.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tim