Her Resources Podcast

herresourcespodcast

At Her Resources (HR) Podcast, we’re on a mission to elevate and celebrate the incredible women who shape the world of work with a focus on the Human Resources landscape. Join us as we dive deep into the stories, challenges, and triumphs of women leaders and professionals within HR and related fields. Our podcast offers insightful conversations with trailblazing women in HR, thought leaders and industry experts. We tackle pressing topics, share best practices and explore strategies that empower women to excel and lead with confidence in their careers. In a world where women continue to break barriers and redefine leadership, our show provides a platform for sharing valuable experiences and actionable advice. Whether you’re an HR professional, aspiring leader, or simply passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces, our content is designed to inspire, educate and connect. Follow our page for the latest episodes, industry insights and empowering stories. Be part of a community that champions the voices and contributions of women in HR and beyond.

  1. 10h ago

    Fixing Fairness: Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough with Lily Zheng

    In this episode of the Her Resources Podcast, Linda welcomes Lily Zheng, FAIR strategist, consultant, and author of Fixing Fairness: 4 Tenets to Transform Diversity Backlash into Progress for All, for a timely conversation about what it really takes to build fairer workplaces. Lily challenges the idea that good intentions are enough and explains why many DEI efforts fail when they focus on optics, one-time training, or individual self-reflection without changing the systems that shape workplace outcomes. Linda and Lily discuss the FAIR framework, how HR leaders can reduce discrimination through better processes, why “hiring the best candidate” requires examining the actual hiring system, and how leaders can communicate fairness as a win-win for everyone. This conversation is practical, honest, and especially relevant for HR leaders navigating backlash, polarization, and the pressure to create meaningful change without performative fluff.   Show Notes Links Lily Zheng’s website: https://www.lilyzheng.co/ The FAIR Framework: https://www.lilyzheng.co/fair-framework Lily’s authorship and book links: https://www.lilyzheng.co/authorship Fixing Fairness publisher page: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/803298/fixing-fairness-by-lily-zheng/ Lily Zheng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyzheng308/ “How FAIR Is Your Workplace?” diagnostic, shared by Lily: https://hbr.org/2025/01/what-comes-after-dei Her Resources Podcast website: https://www.herresourcespodcast.com/ Her Resources Podcast on Podbean: https://herresourcespodcast.podbean.com/ Contact Her Resources: https://www.herresourcespodcast.com/contact Sponsorship or guest inquiries: contact@herresourcespodcast.com   00:00 Welcome and episode introduction 02:31 Meet Lily Zheng 03:03 Lily’s journey from activism to organizational strategy 07:25 Why traditional DEI efforts often miss real impact 11:11 “Fear of Finding Out” and why measurement matters 14:25 DEI as marketing versus meaningful workplace change 16:18 What hiring discrimination data reveals 18:28 How centralized hiring can reduce discrimination 20:17 Why Lily wrote Fixing Fairness 22:17 The Cobra Effect and when good intentions backfire 27:51 Moving from blame and shame to shared solutions 30:21 The FAIR framework 31:35 Why systems matter more than self-help 36:38 “Hiring the best candidate” and the reality of hiring systems 41:18 Why fairness problems are solvable 45:29 Lily’s take on unconscious bias 49:44 DEI backlash and what remains when the language disappears 51:56 The FAIR tenet organizations struggle with most 53:39 Practical steps HR leaders can take today 55:55 The mindset shift leaders need around fairness 58:09 AI as a multiplier in workplace systems 1:02:01 Closing reflections 1:02:54 Where to connect with Lily 1:03:27 Wrap-up and listener CTA

    1h 5m
  2. Jun 2

    Episode 82: It’s Not Just a Mindset: Why Old Patterns Are So Hard to Break with Katherine Flechaus

    Why do we keep falling back into the same patterns, even when we know we want something different? In this episode of Her Resources, Linda sits down with Katherine Flechaus, LCSW and founder of Aligned Core Life Coaching, to talk about the deeper patterns behind overcommitting, overexplaining, people-pleasing, and struggling to set boundaries. Katherine introduces the idea of “safeguards,” patterns of behavior that may have developed to protect us, help us belong, or keep relationships feeling safe. But over time, those same patterns can start costing us our energy, confidence, voice, and well-being. Together, Linda and Katherine explore why awareness alone is not always enough, how old beliefs can keep us stuck, why change often feels uncomfortable at first, and how to begin interrupting automatic responses with more compassion and curiosity. If you have ever felt like “the reliable one,” said yes when you meant no, or wondered why setting boundaries brings up so much guilt, this conversation will help you see yourself with more grace and clarity. Resources mentioned: Katherine Flechaus Counseling and Consulting: https://www.katherineflechauscounselingandconsulting.com/ Safeguard Pattern Mapping Worksheet: https://site.alignedcorelifecoaching.com/safeguardpattern-herresources   Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 Why this conversation builds on “the reliable one” 02:14 Meet Katherine Flechaus 04:09 The gap between knowing and doing 06:09 What safeguards are and why we develop them 07:24 How women are conditioned to be nice, quiet, and accommodating 09:34 Why old patterns once helped us feel safe 12:18 Reframing the question from “what’s wrong with me?” 16:19 Why normalizing patterns removes shame 17:17 Looking at your origin story without blame 20:12 Turning old survival skills into strengths 21:47 Why we default back to old behaviors 22:09 Katherine’s Google Maps analogy for thought patterns 24:51 What are you protecting: belonging, identity, or relationships? 26:06 The cost of being the reliable one 28:43 Noticing burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities 29:37 Core beliefs and why old thoughts still feel true 33:36 Gathering evidence for a new belief 37:09 How stress and old patterns show up in the body 40:10 Why mantras alone may not create lasting change 41:29 Why change takes longer than we want it to 43:17 Building resiliency when old beliefs get triggered 46:43 Why relapse can be part of change 50:17 What we owe other people when we start setting boundaries 51:57 Teaching people how to respond to the new version of us 54:29 Starting with one small “no” 56:21 A practical pause for interrupting the pattern 57:15 Katherine’s worksheet for mapping your safeguard pattern 58:28 Questions to ask in the moment 01:00:45 Katherine’s reminder: you are not broken 01:03:30 Key takeaways from the episode 01:04:44 Connect with Katherine and download the worksheet

    1h 7m
  3. May 19

    From Reliable to Intentional: Why Change Feels So Hard

    If you’ve ever been the reliable one, the person everyone counts on, the one who always says yes, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Linda explores what happens after you start changing the patterns that no longer serve you. Because growth is not just about finally saying no. It is about what comes next: the discomfort, the guilt, the pushback from other people, and the identity shift that can make change feel harder before it feels freeing. Drawing on insights from Susan David, Henry Cloud, James Clear, and Brené Brown, this conversation unpacks why discomfort is often a sign of growth, not failure, and how to stay grounded when the people around you are still adjusting to the new version of you. In this episode, we cover: Why change feels uncomfortable even when it is healthy What other people’s reactions can reveal when you start setting boundaries The difference between being responsible to people and responsible for them How identity-based change actually works Why leadership is about how you show up, not just the title you hold The small, practical shift that helps real change stick If this episode resonates, share it with another woman who is learning to choose growth, clarity, and intention over overcommitting. Relevant Links Podcast links: Website: https://www.herresourcespodcast.com/ Podbean: https://herresourcespodcast.podbean.com/ Linktree: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/her-resources-podcast/id1768680594 Resources referenced in the episode: Susan David: https://www.susandavid.com/ Emotional Agility: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318298/emotional-agility-by-susan-david/ Dr. Henry Cloud, Boundaries: https://www.drcloud.com/books/boundaries James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/ Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/books Brené Brown, “Clear Is Kind. Unclear Is Unkind.”: https://brenebrown.com/articles/2018/10/15/clear-is-kind-unclear-is-unkind/ 00:00 Why growth feels uncomfortable 02:29 What happens after you start changing 04:15 Susan David and emotional agility 06:45 Why other people react when you change 07:31 Henry Cloud on boundaries 10:23 Sponsorship break 11:13 This is about identity, not just behavior 11:35 James Clear and identity-based change 14:14 Leadership is how you show up 15:31 Get comfortable being uncomfortable 17:28 Want to share your story with Her Resources? 17:59 One small step to take this week 19:35 Next episode preview: over-explaining 20:15 Outro

    21 min
  4. May 12

    How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty | Boundaries, Burnout, and Being the “Reliable One”

    What happens when being the reliable one starts to feel more like a burden than a strength? In this solo episode of the Her Resources Podcast, Linda explores why saying no can feel so hard, especially for women who are used to being dependable, helpful, and always available. She shares practical reflections on boundaries, burnout, resentment, and the quiet tradeoffs that come with overcommitting. This episode covers: Why saying no feels so uncomfortable The career cost of non-promotable work How resentment can signal a crossed boundary Why every yes is a tradeoff Simple ways to start setting healthier boundaries Resources mentioned: The No Club: https://books.google.com/books/about/The_No_Club.html?id=2hRJEAAAQBAJ Essentialism by Greg McKeown: https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/ Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647316/set-boundaries-find-peace-by-nedra-glover-tawwab/9780593192108/ Stay connected: https://www.herresourcespodcast.com/ https://books.google.com/books/about/The_No_Club.html?id=2hRJEAAAQBAJ Essentialism: https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/ Set Boundaries, Find Peace: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647316/set-boundaries-find-peace-by-nedra-glover-tawwab/9780593192108/ Podcast links currently listed publicly: Website: https://www.herresourcespodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HerResourcesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herresourcespodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@her.resources.pod Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast

    21 min
  5. May 5

    The Human Workplace Ep. 3: What Better Actually Looks Like (With Diane Weaver)

    What does “better” actually look like at work? After exploring burnout in Episode 1 and the role of AI in Episode 2, we close out The Human Workplace series by answering the most important question: how do we build workplaces where people can truly thrive? In this final conversation, Diane Weaver, COO of Baryons, joins us to break down what it really means for employees to “flourish”—and why that goes far beyond the absence of burnout. Together, we explore: What “flourishing” actually means at an individual level Why burnout isn’t the problem—but a symptom The missing piece in most organizations: human connection Why fast decisions are breaking alignment inside teams The tension between AI adoption and human-centered leadership What organizations get wrong about culture vs. performance The real responsibility of leaders, organizations, and individuals in the future of work How AI can support reflection, growth, and continuous feedback (when used intentionally) Why compassion—not control—is the leadership skill that matters most This episode brings the entire series full circle—shifting the conversation from awareness to action, and from reaction to intentional design. This is Episode 3 of a 3-part series: The Human Workplace – Leadership, Burnout, and the Future of Work Guest: Diane Weaver COO, Baryons https://www.linkedin.com/in/weaver-diane/ https://baryons.com/ Listen to the full episode: https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast Learn more about the podcast: https://herresourcespodcast.com/ #Leadership #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceCulture #Burnout #AI

    1h 5m
  6. Apr 28

    AI Isn’t Replacing Leaders—It’s Exposing Them | Diane Weaver

    What if AI isn’t replacing the human element at work… but actually strengthening it? In Episode 2 of our 3-part series The Human Workplace, we continue the conversation with Diane Weaver, COO of Baryons, to explore a new perspective on AI—one that goes beyond efficiency and automation. Instead of asking “Will AI replace us?” we’re asking a different question: Can AI help us become better leaders, better teammates, and more self-aware humans at work? In this episode, we discuss: Why the conversation around AI needs to shift from fear to opportunity How AI can support human development—not just productivity The concept of a “flourishing partner” and what it means for employees How organizations can turn human experiences into meaningful insights Why traditional employee data often misses critical context The importance of trust, transparency, and psychological safety in AI adoption How leaders can use real-time insights to better support their teams This conversation challenges the idea that technology and humanity are at odds—and instead explores how they can work together to create more connected, aligned, and human-centered workplaces. This is Episode 2 of a 3-part series: The Human Workplace – Leadership, Burnout, and the Future of Work  Guest: Diane Weaver COO, Baryons https://www.linkedin.com/in/weaver-diane/ https://baryons.com/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast Learn more about the podcast: https://herresourcespodcast.com/ #AI #Leadership #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceCulture #HRLeadership

    1h 4m
  7. Apr 21

    The Human Workplace Ep. 1: The Burnout Blind Spot

    Burnout doesn’t always look like burnout. In many organizations, the work is getting done, deadlines are being met, and no one is raising their hand to say something is wrong… but beneath the surface, employees are overwhelmed, disengaged, and already thinking about leaving. In Episode 1 of our 3-part series The Human Workplace, host Linda Misegadis sits down with Diane Weaver, COO of Baryons, to unpack the hidden signals of burnout that leaders often miss — and why waiting until it’s obvious is already too late. Together, they explore: Why burnout shows up quietly (and what leaders overlook) The dangerous assumption that “no news is good news” How COVID and remote work reshaped boundaries — and blurred them The rise of cognitive overload in today’s workplace Why traditional engagement strategies aren’t enough anymore How organizations can shift from reactive fixes to proactive culture design This conversation challenges leaders to rethink how they interpret culture, engagement, and performance — and what it really takes to build a human-centered workplace. This is Episode 1 of a 3-part series: The Human Workplace – Leadership, Burnout, and the Future of Work  Guest: Diane Weaver COO, Baryons https://www.linkedin.com/in/weaver-diane/ https://baryons.com/  Follow & Connect with The Her Resources Podcast: Website: herresourcespodcast.com Instagram: herresourcespodcast TikTok: @her.resources.pod Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast #Burnout #Leadership #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceCulture #HRLeadership   00:00 – Burnout doesn’t show up loudly 00:25 – Why leaders miss the early signs 01:22 – Introducing Diane Weaver & today’s conversation 02:38 – Why burnout is still rising (key stats) 04:50 – Are we just measuring burnout better… or is it worse? 07:38 – How COVID blurred work and life boundaries 08:27 – The “always-on” culture problem 10:25 – The loss of the “third space” and why it matters 11:19 – Why leaders think everything is fine 13:37 – What’s changed in the workplace post-COVID 14:00 – The AI transformation and workplace pressure 16:32 – Why AI feels different from past technology shifts 21:43 – AI isn’t new… so why does it feel like it is? 28:38 – Burnout, AI, and cognitive overload collide 30:29 – Early signs of burnout leaders miss 32:13 – Why burnout isn’t the same for everyone 33:22 – Why work is still a team sport 34:05 – Mental health vs. mental wealth 35:34 – Why leaders misread company culture 38:42 – The gap between leadership intent and employee experience 46:28 – AI, productivity, and the “rabbit hole” problem 49:22 – “AI makes you feel good… this makes you better” 54:14 – How organizations can actually address burnout

    1h 13m
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

At Her Resources (HR) Podcast, we’re on a mission to elevate and celebrate the incredible women who shape the world of work with a focus on the Human Resources landscape. Join us as we dive deep into the stories, challenges, and triumphs of women leaders and professionals within HR and related fields. Our podcast offers insightful conversations with trailblazing women in HR, thought leaders and industry experts. We tackle pressing topics, share best practices and explore strategies that empower women to excel and lead with confidence in their careers. In a world where women continue to break barriers and redefine leadership, our show provides a platform for sharing valuable experiences and actionable advice. Whether you’re an HR professional, aspiring leader, or simply passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces, our content is designed to inspire, educate and connect. Follow our page for the latest episodes, industry insights and empowering stories. Be part of a community that champions the voices and contributions of women in HR and beyond.