Good Morning, HR Mike Coffey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

In episode 144, Coffey talks with Vianei Braun about employers' responsibilities and employees' rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
Note: As predicted in the podcast (recorded on April 1st), the EEOC issued the final regulations implementing the PWFA on April 15th for official publication on April 19th. The final regulations can be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-07527/implementation-of-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-act. (The final rule starts on page 272 of the PDF.) So far, we’ve noted no significant changes contradicting anything discussed during the podcast.
Coffey and Vianei discuss the gaps in existing law that necessitated the PWFA; the difference between accommodations provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the PWFA, including obligations employers may have to suspend essential functions of a job under the PWFA; actions employers need to take to ensure PWFA compliance; the federal court injunction against the enforcement of the PWFA against the State of Texas; the PWFA’s definition of “undue hardship”; how managers can navigate employees’ undisclosed pregnancies; how long pregnancy-related accommodations may be required; how long pregnancy-related accommodations may be required; the importance of HR’s inclusion in pregnancy-related accommodation documentation; when to involve a healthcare provider in reviewing documentation; and various kinds of PWFA accommodations employers may need to consider; and other challenges employers may face in implementing the PWFA.
Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.
If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.
About our Guest:
Vianei Braun is a shareholder in Decker Jones, P.C. and heads their labor and employment law group. She has represented employers for more than 30 years and is a frequent author and speaker on employment law issues.
Vianei is also a member of the Board of Directors of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIN) and serves on their compensation and risk committees.
Vianei appears on various law-related lists, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. She has also been honored as a member of the “Fort Worth 400” by Fort Worth Inc. and as a “Great Woman of Texas” by the Fort Worth Business Press.
At the time of her graduation at age 19, Vianei was the youngest ever female graduate of Princeton University. She received her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and is a proud Longhorn.
Vianei lives in Fort Worth with a pack of rescue Chihuahuas and with her husband Jason, an attorney in the enforcement division of the SEC.
Vianei Braun can be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vianeibraunattorney
About Mike Coffey:
Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.
In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.
Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.
Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

In episode 143, Coffey talks with Neil Katz about how companies utilize fractional leadership.
They discuss the distinction between a consultant and a fractional leader; the two types of fractional leaders and their level of control within a business; the typical profile of a fractional leader; how to assess the need for a fractional leader; the cost analysis of employing permanent staff compared to a fractional leader; and the extent of involvement of a fractional leader with a company.
Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.
If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.
About our Guest:
Neil Katz has over 25 years of unparalleled expertise in leading, advising, and consulting C-Suite executives, deftly navigating the intricate terrain of human capital challenges while seamlessly aligning people and business strategies. With a distinguished career spanning diverse industries including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, and startups, Neil has consistently empowered companies to realize their strategic objectives while optimizing both employee and organizational potential.
Currently, Neil spearheads fractional HR consulting and advisory services catering to small to medium-sized enterprises across the United States. Alongside his seasoned team of 15+ consultants, Neil comprehensively understands the nuanced needs of these enterprises, illuminating the transformative value that strategic Human Resources initiatives can bring to the table, yielding tangible, positive outcomes for both people and businesses alike.
For the past 15 years, Neil has additionally carved a niche as an esteemed executive coach, providing invaluable guidance to CEOs, Board of Directors, and executive professionals. He derives immense fulfillment from collaborating with individuals and groups, propelling them towards the attainment of their business and career aspirations, and fostering ongoing professional growth and development.
Neil's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Texas Lutheran University and an MBA from Amberton University. He has honed his coaching acumen through the prestigious Executive Coaching program at the University of Texas at Dallas and holds an esteemed SRHM certification. A sought-after thought leader, Neil has graced numerous speaking panels, sharing his insights on pivotal topics such as networking, interview navigation, and employee engagement.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Neil is deeply committed to philanthropy, serving on the Board of Directors for Hope International, an esteemed adoption agency based in Dallas. He has also lent his expertise to organizations such as Gift of Adoption and Halo Senior Care, embodying his ethos of giving back to the community.
Neil Katz can be reached at:
https://exceptionalhrsolutions.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceptional-hr-solutions
https://twitter.com/exceptional_hrs
https://www.facebook.com/exceptionalhrS
https://www.instagram.com/exceptional_hr_solutions_/
About Mike Coffey:
Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.
In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.
Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year

In episode 142, Coffey talks with Crystal Lay about employer brand and culture.
They discuss the definition of an "employer brand" and why companies need to pay attention to theirs; whether marketing or HR owns employer branding; understanding the process of building an EVP (Employee Value Proposition); how branding impacts recruiting and retention; the importance of building a community; and how to align company values and reputation.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Give & Get Employer Branding: Repel the Many and Compel the Few with Impact, Purpose, and Belonging by Bryan Adams and Charlotte Marshall- Episode 135: Hiring Neurodiverse Talent with David Aspinall
Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.
If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.
About our Guest:
Crystal Lay is the Chief Executive and Chief People Officer of GBS Worldwide, an end-to-end Talent Attraction Firm specializing in employer branding, recruitment marketing, media management, and organizational talent transformation. With over 20 years of experience in marketing strategy, behavioral psychology, brand experience management and award-winning digital marketing, Crystal, along with her team, work with late stage startups to multi-national, Fortune 10 organizations to improve talent attraction and better the world of work.
When the pandemic hit, Crystal saw a deepened need to help employers better understand the psychological shift happening with workers and so returned to school to first pursue a Masters in Leadership and Organizational Innovation through the University of Wales, specializing her research in EVP, Employer Brand and the employment gap for the Neurodiverse Workforce, and now her MSc in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. In 2023, she wrapped the largest known study of its kind into neurodiversity at work. Specifically, she explored the gap in EVP development, specifically as it applies to those with disabilities and the neurodiverse.
When she's not working (and often even when she is), you're likely to find Crystal either traveling or with her family. She's also fond of patio gardening, an occasional glass of red wine, and is a complete bibliophile.
Crystal Lay can be reached at:
Http://meetgbs.comHttp://LinkedIn.com/in/theonecrystalHttp://Facebook.com/theonecrystalHttp://Instagram.com/theonecrystal https://www.instagram.com/gbsworldwide
About Mike Coffey:
Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.
In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.
Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.
Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.
Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly t

In episode 141, Coffey talks with Catherine Clifton about recent news about sexual harassment, discrimination, and what’s next for DEI programs.
They discuss employer lessons to be learned from California's Sunshine Raisin $2 million sexual harassment lawsuit; Florida's Stop Woke Act; two “reverse discrimination” cases; and the shift away from “diversity” to “inclusion.”
Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP141 and include the following topics:
- Sunshine Raisin / National Raisin to Pay $2 Million in EEOC Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
- Stop Woke Act Stopped by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals…For Now
- DEI Under Scrutiny, Part VIII: Eleventh Circuit Strikes Down Florida Ban On Workplace DEI Training Under First Amendment
- 4th Circuit backs $3.4 mln award in white ex-hospital exec's bias case
- DEI Task Force Update (March 13, 2024)
- Does DEI training create a hostile work environment?
- The shifting language around DE&I isn’t just about politics
- Episode 118: Evidence Based Inclusion with Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey
- C+: Employers given 'less favourable' score on LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts
Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.
If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for three-quarters of a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.
About our Guest:
Catherine has more than 20 years of experience specializing in employment law in Texas. She worked with multiple local governmental entities as an employment law attorney and also served as a legal advisor for public safety. 
She spent several years as an administrative services director, where she was responsible for Human Resources, Risk Management, and Payroll. She has advised clients on recruitment, selection, discipline, wage and hour, policies, and grievance matters, including federal and state laws related to labor and employment. 
Catherine also has experience with general municipal law, utility matters, public information, open meetings, and general governance matters. 
Catherine is a graduate of Southwestern University, obtained her JD from Texas Tech University. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She joined Ross | Gannaway | Clifton, PLLC in 2022.
Catherine Clifton can be reached at:
www.RossGannaway.law
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rossgannawayclifton/
About Mike Coffey:
Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.
In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.
Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.
Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.
Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.
Learning Objectives:
1. Evaluate the effectiveness

In episode 140, Coffey talks with Marci Sogan about the state of skilled trades and manufacturing workforce.
They discuss how modern manufacturing jobs are different from those in years past; challenges in the labor market; the impact of remote work and flexibility on talent acquisition within the manufacturing workforce; education, certifications, and career paths; and (admin/clerical) support roles in manufacturing.
Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.
If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.
About our Guest:
Marci will develop and execute HR strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness, align with business objectives, and enhance employee performance and engagement.
Marci has extensive expertise across multiple HR disciplines, including succession planning, talent management and engagement, employee benefits, employee relations, and HR program management.  
She can be your secret weapon as a strategic thinker, team-player, and problem-solver, with sound judgment and strong communication skills. 
Marci is passionate about building strong partnerships and initiatives that add value to an organization. Her mission is to create a positive and productive work environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth.
20+ years’ experience across a variety of industries, including Oil& Gas, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Production and Skilled Trades.
Marci Sogan can be reached at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcisogan
https://www.anchorfabrication.com 
https://anchorpartners.com
About Mike Coffey:
Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.
In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.
Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.
Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.
Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.
Learning Objectives:
1. Assess modern manufacturing labor market challenges.
2. Evaluate the impact of remote work and flexibility benefits on skilled trades talent acquisition.
3. Explore education, certifications, and career path alternatives in the manufacturing sector.

In episode 139, Coffey talks with Shelley Goodrum about coaching as a leadership skill.
They discuss the definition of being a coach; the difference between managing and coaching; the significance of coaching in creating employee autonomy; the fundamental skills that leaders need to establish a coaching culture; and how to provide feedback while maintaining a balance between accountability and empowerment.
Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.
If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.
About our Guest:
Driven by a desire to empower individuals beyond the corporate realm, Shelley embarked on a new path, becoming an executive and life coach. By leveraging her expertise in human resources leadership and employee development, she serves as a guide to others toward personal and professional fulfillment.
Shelley Goodrum can be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-goodrum-733070a/
About Mike Coffey:
Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.
In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.
Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.
Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.
Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the distinction between managing and coaching approaches in leadership.
2.  Identify the skills required to build a coaching culture within an organization.
3. Learn how to provide feedback that promotes accountability and empowerment.