Beyond HR Podcast

Paige Knott & Will Ortiz-Febus

What if HR was never meant to just protect the business, but to heal the workplace? The Beyond HR Podcast challenges everything we’ve been taught about this profession and rebuilds it with more honesty, humanity, and purpose. Because let’s be real, HR isn’t just policies, compliance, and handbooks. It’s emotional labor, unseen weight, and decisions that impact real lives every day. This podcast is for HR and People Leaders who feel that tension and know there has to be more. Here, we go beyond surface-level conversations to explore burnout, identity, leadership, and what it actually takes to build workplaces that feel human again. This is where you reconnect with your purpose, rethink how you lead, and step into the truth that HR isn’t just people work, it’s healing work. If you’re ready to challenge the norm and be part of something deeper, you’re in the right place.

  1. APR 8

    EP14: Cultivating Cultures of Connection with Bobby Audley

    Bobby Audley shares his core as a connector and his passion for community. He discusses his path to parenthood and career, emphasizing the importance of intentional development and organizational culture in HR leadership. The conversation delves into measuring impact in HR, embedding purpose in HR practices, and managing burnout and doubt in the workplace. The conversation covers the themes of intentional decision-making, managing burnout, pushing past self-doubt, seeking support when feeling stuck, and making connection a priority. Bobby Audley shares insights on how intentional decision-making can help manage burnout, the importance of taking action and seeking support to push past self-doubt, and the value of making genuine connections in personal and professional life. Takeaways HR leadership is about leading with visionThe role of HR in intentional development and organizational culture Managing burnout through intentional decision-makingPushing past self-doubt through action and vulnerability Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond HR Podcast 05:06 Path to Parenthood and Career 12:52 HR Leadership and Vision 21:20 Embedding Purpose in HR Practices 26:59 Intentional Decision-Making and Managing Burnout 35:02 Feeling Stuck and Seeking Support

    49 min

  2. FEB 26

    EP13: Care, Connect, Create, Celebrate: The Four Pillars of HR Impact w/ Dr. Joe Zagerman

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Joseph Zagerman, a passionate educator and servant leader, as he shares insights on human flourishing, self-care, building trust, and fostering community within organizations. Discover practical strategies for HR professionals to create environments where employees thrive and live purposefully. Key Topics: Human flourishing and well-being Self-care and mental health strategies Building trust and meaningful connections Creating a culture of care and celebration Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Joseph Zagerman and his mission 03:02 Who is Dr. Joe at his core and what fuels his passion 05:00 The importance of character and caring in leadership 06:49 The journey to becoming a servant leader 10:06 Understanding human flourishing and its four dimensions 14:00 Starting with self-care: gratitude, self-talk, and mindfulness 17:06 The domino effect: caring for yourself to care for others 20:01 Fostering growth through creating and mastery 23:54 Practical HR strategies to promote belonging and well-being 27:59 Building community and connection in the workplace 32:04 Celebrating small wins and practicing gratitude 36:03 The Univesse Way: organizational culture and principles 38:49 Key takeaway: You are enough and capable 40:48 Overcoming fear and taking action without perfection 43:54 Current projects: book, sales academy, and more 45:14 Connecting with Dr. Joe via LinkedIn 47:08 Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners Resources BringDiscToLife Community - https://ConfidentCommunicator.com Trusted Advisor Quotient - https://trustedadvisor.com Univesse Way Principles - https://example.com/univesse-way The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015DYMVO LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/drjosephzagerman

    48 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    EP12: Leading HR Like A Boss w/ John Bernatovicz

    In this engaging conversation, HR leader John Bernatovicz discusses the importance of purpose-driven work and emotional intelligence in the HR field. He shares personal experiences that shaped his career and emphasizes the need for HR professionals to build strong relationships within their organizations. The discussion also touches on overcoming stereotypes associated with HR and the significance of defining one's purpose in both personal and professional life.

    56 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    EP11: Making Culture Everyone's Responsibility w/ JenDina Bowers

    In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of workplace culture with JenDina Bowers, founder and chief workplace impact partner at Sky Infiniti. JenDina shares her journey from aspiring medical professional to a leader in organizational development, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentional leadership. Discover how cultivating a healthy culture is a shared responsibility that transcends departments, and learn practical insights on embedding values and fostering growth within your organization. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges the status quo and encourages leaders to embrace their humanity. 00:00 The Essence of Culture in Leadership 02:55 Journey to Sky Infiniti: A Personal Story 06:05 The Intersection of Mental Health and Workplace Culture 09:04 Culture Beyond Departments: A Shared Responsibility 11:59 Owning Impact: The Importance of Accountability 15:13 Breaking the Perfectionism Trap in Leadership 17:50 Embedding Values in Organizational Culture 21:04 Finding and Aligning Personal Values 28:41 The Importance of Honesty in Leadership 30:10 Cultivating the Soil for Growth 33:21 Understanding Organizational Health 36:31 Recognizing Timing in Growth 38:34 Practical Steps for HR Leaders 41:31 Staying Grounded and Connected to Purpose 47:35 Embracing the Role of Caretaker

    54 min

  5. 10/30/2025

    EP10: Unmasking HR: Discovering Ourselves w/ Paige & Will

    Join hosts Paige Knott and Will Ortiz-Febus as they delve into the heart of human resources and search for authenticity within the HR profession. In this episode, they share personal stories and insights on navigating the challenges of HR, exploring themes of empathy, leadership, and the journey to reignite passion in the workplace. Discover how they redefine HR by focusing on the human element and learn practical tips for aligning personal values with professional roles. Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to inspire and empower HR professionals and leaders alike. 00:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:05:00 Personal Stories and HR Challenges 00:15:00 Empathy and Leadership in HR 00:25:00 Aligning Personal Values with Professional Roles 00:35:00 Reigniting Passion in the Workplace 00:45:00 Practical Tips for HR Professionals 00:55:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    55 min

  6. 10/09/2025

    EP09: Personal Branding and Intentional Alignment in HR w/ Elisa Garn

    Our conversation delves into the importance of personal branding for HR professionals, exploring how we can navigate our careers with intention and authenticity. The discussion highlights the challenges HR professionals face in promoting ourselves and our value, the significance of mentorship, and the need for self-awareness in rediscovering passion and purpose in our work. We also provide practical advice on how to find the right fit within organizations that truly value HR, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own strengths and career aspirations. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Personal Branding 08:05 Navigating Career Pivots in HR 16:10 Building a Personal Brand with Intention 23:10 Rediscovering Passion and Purpose 30:00 Finding the Right Fit in HR 42:56 Key Takeaways for HR Professionals

    46 min

  7. 09/11/2025

    EP08: Transforming HR From Compliance to Legacy w/ Awatif Yahya

    In this episode of the Beyond HR Podcast, LLC, Co-Host Paige Knott sits down with Awatif Yahya , Founder of Awe Horizons LLC, to explore a transformative journey for HR professionals. Discover how moving beyond checklists and compliance can lead to creating a lasting legacy in your organization.  We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, self-care for HR professionals, and the necessity of building authentic relationships in the workplace. Awatif shares her journey from IT to HR, emphasizing the need for organizations to align individual potential with strategic goals. The conversation highlights the critical role of HR in shaping workplace culture and the importance of understanding the 'why' behind policies to foster a positive environment. Whether you're an HR veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that will resonate with anyone passionate about making a difference in the world of work. Check out Awatif's work at www.awehorizons.com and connect at www.linkedin.com/in/awatifyahya/ 00:00 Welcome to Beyond HR 01:21 Leading for Legacy: A Shift in HR 02:17 Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 08:11 The Journey from IT to HR 12:51 Aligning Organizational Goals with Individual Potential 17:48 Self-Care for HR Professionals 22:50 Building Authentic Relationships at Work 31:28 Leading for Legacy vs. Compliance 37:41 The Role of HR in Shaping Workplace Culture

    50 min

  8. 08/14/2025

    EP07: Integrating Mental Health & Wellness into HR w/ Dr Julie Radico

    In this conversation, we explore the intersection of mental health and human resources, discussing the challenges faced by HR professionals in supporting employee well-being while managing workplace demands. They emphasize the importance of normalizing mental health discussions, creating a culture of safety, and the need for HR to prioritize self-care and empathy. The conversation also touches on the evolving expectations of younger generations in the workforce and the significance of aligning personal values with professional roles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose 05:17 The Journey into Psychology 13:36 Understanding Mental Health and Stigma 19:54 Balancing Empathy and Professionalism in HR 29:07 Strategies for HR Professionals 37:59 Creating a Culture of Safety and Support 49:21 The Future of Mental Health in the Workplace 56:12 Key Takeaways and Values

    1h 9m
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

What if HR was never meant to just protect the business, but to heal the workplace? The Beyond HR Podcast challenges everything we’ve been taught about this profession and rebuilds it with more honesty, humanity, and purpose. Because let’s be real, HR isn’t just policies, compliance, and handbooks. It’s emotional labor, unseen weight, and decisions that impact real lives every day. This podcast is for HR and People Leaders who feel that tension and know there has to be more. Here, we go beyond surface-level conversations to explore burnout, identity, leadership, and what it actually takes to build workplaces that feel human again. This is where you reconnect with your purpose, rethink how you lead, and step into the truth that HR isn’t just people work, it’s healing work. If you’re ready to challenge the norm and be part of something deeper, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Paige Knott & Will Ortiz-Febus
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Paige Knott & Will Ortiz-Febus
  • Show Website
    Beyond HR Podcast