This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast

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.”

  1. Oct 6

    Work, Burnout, and the Choices We Make

    AI can fake a photo, a screenshot, and even your voice—which means Laura Azzarella’s “trust but verify” rule just became non-negotiable for HR leaders, managers, and anyone handling workplace investigations. Laura breaks down several examples that most miss out on when considering investigations (related to people falsifying things) i.e. how to spot manipulated digital evidence, and how to protect yourself from bogus complaints.  Our host, Tom Schin, brings the recruiting and leadership lens, while Laura - co-founder of Applied Potential Solutions - brings deep expertise in employee relations, workplace investigations, and the digital-age realities employers are now facing. Together, they get into the messy intersection of AI, documentation, and judgment, including why a screenshot is only proof that a screen existed at a moment in time, not that the story behind it is true. Let’s dive into what we discuss in this episode: How confident are you in your human based AI detection skills? How to sanity-check screenshots, timestamps, metadata, and Slack messages before over reacting What EXIF data can reveal when someone tries to fake an excuse Why “trust but verify” matters more than ever in workplace investigations How deepfakes and voice cloning are changing the risk landscape for employers Laura also shares the practical side of building her new content library, Applied HR, a master class in employee relations that covers positive workplace frameworks, conduct and performance, leaves of absence, and investigations in the digital age.  Beyond their nerding out. Tom and Laura get candid about loyalty, burnout, side hustles, and the reality that “pick your suck” may be the most honest leadership advice you’ll hear all year. If you’re trying to balance a W-2 with a consulting business, build boundaries around moonlighting, or figure out what you actually do and do not tolerate at work, this conversation hits home.  Keywords HR, AI, workplace investigations, digital evidence, employee relations, professional development, HR tech, generative AI, HR courses, leadership Key topics AI safeguards and investigations Digital evidence and AI-generated content Workplace investigation best practices HR course development and training Career growth and side hustles in HR Takeaways Trust but verify digital evidence, especially with AI-generated content. Build strong boundaries between side projects and W-2 employment. Stay informed about AI risks like deepfakes and AI hacks. Develop practical skills through targeted HR courses. Leverage networking and continuous learning for career growth. Guest Laura Azzarella Sound bites "Trust but verify in digital investigations." "AI is coming faster than we think." "Find your passion projects and pursue them." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Laura Azzarella and Tom Schin 02:08 The importance of AI safeguards in HR 03:59 AI-generated content and digital evidence 06:02 Verifying evidence in the digital age 07:59 The future of AI and workplace security 10:05 Launching HR courses and training programs 12:06 Balancing side hustles and W-2 employment 13:54 Legal considerations in HR and side projects 15:53 Networking and professional growth in HR 18:07 The impact of generational shifts on work loyalty 20:02 The importance of setting boundaries in side work 22:00 The evolving landscape of HR and technology 23:55 The role of continuous learning and adaptation 25:54 Strategies for high turnover environments 28:03 The future of work and AI integration 29:58 Closing thoughts and resources Bio: Laura is Co-Founder of Applied Potential Solutions, where she advises organizations and develops HR professionals through consulting, training, and certification programs focused on employee relations, workplace investigations, and the impact of technology and AI on the modern workplace. With more than 17 years of experience spanning aerospace, manufacturing, higher education, and the public sector, Laura brings a unique combination of employment law knowledge, operational HR leadership, and technical expertise. Her work includes leading HR transformations, implementing enterprise HR systems, and developing employee relations and modern investigation practices for international organizations. Laura is a frequent speaker on workplace investigations, digital evidence authentication, and the impact of artificial intelligence on employee relations. She is particularly known for helping HR professionals navigate complex workplace issues through the dual lens of human behavior and emerging technology. In her spare time, she volunteers as President of her regional SHRM chapter (https://www.bnhra.org ). Links:  Web www.appliedpotentialsolutions.com Employee Relations Courses  applied-hr.trainercentralsite.com Newsletter appliedhr.substack.com LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/laura-azzarella/ LINKS to info referenced in our episode: https://ifamagazine.com/the-hidden-career-cost-of-hushed-coping-why-women-need-to-stop-silencing-themselves-at-work/  Name Drops of awesome people mentioned: John Bernatovicz https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbernatovicz/  Music provided courtesy of our friends from The Break Signals. Listen or download on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=s0dwq9XNQ1CXOk1oGy1pRA  Where you can find this show: WrkDefined: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/this-meeting-should-have-been-a-podcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisMeetingShouldHaveBeen  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51irFfpU6n8PiOE6mIS7xw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-this-meeting-should-have-b-294545078/  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-meeting-should-have-been-a-podcast/id1840061864  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomntompodcast  Substack: https://thismeetingshouldhavebeen.substack.com/

  2. Sep 15

    The Hidden Cost of Hustle

    Join Tom Schin and Tiffany Castagno as they explore leadership, transparency, change management, and work-life balance through personal stories and practical insights. Discover how modeling vulnerability and setting boundaries can transform organizational culture and foster trust. Keywords leadership, transparency, change management, work-life balance, organizational culture, vulnerability, coaching, employee engagement, mental health, professional development Key  topics The importance of transparency and vulnerability in leadership Strategies for effective change management and building trust The role of work-life balance and setting boundaries The impact of modeling behavior on organizational culture Tools and tips for coaching and employee development Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:28 Current Projects and Fall Travel Plans 05:00 Tiffany’s Sabbatical and Year-End Planning 06:07 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Resetting 08:47 Modeling Balance and Setting Boundaries 11:35 Vulnerability in Leadership and Building Trust 13:12 Transparency, Trust, and Power Dynamics 16:13 Sharing Information and Managing Trust Gaps 18:25 Creating a Healthy Culture and Managing Gossip 20:03 Accountability and Taking Action 22:00 Change Management and Positional vs. Relationship Power 24:18 Balancing Change and Relationships 27:53 Leading with Experience and Expertise 28:14 Owning Change and Building Trust 30:39 Living Organizational Values in Practice 34:02 Encouraging Small Steps and Accountability 35:22 Lessons from Pets and Life Analogies 36:19 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations 37:23 Future Content and Networking 38:44 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Our Guest:  Tiffany Castagno is CEO, Chief Culture Strategist, & Founder of CEPHR, LLC, a woman- and Minority-owned Human Resources Consulting Firm based in Madison, WI that supports Small to Mid-sized Businesses across the United States and across Industries to build strong teams, scalable people systems, and cultures where teams can thrive. With experience spanning Non-Profit organizations, Start-ups, Fortune 100, and Fortune 500 companies, Tiffany brings both strategic perspective and practical implementation expertise. Her Industry experience includes Health and Human Services, Healthcare, Urban Agriculture, Food Policy, Logistics, Technology, and the Non-Profit Sector. Tiffany holds a Master of Human Resources in Human Resources and Labor Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and Communication with a concentration in Adult Education and Training. She has maintained HRCI certification since 2012 and SHRM Certification since 2015. Her work has earned her numerous Awards. Links:  Tiffany’s LinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanycastagno-people-culture-consultant/ CEPHR LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cephr-llc/  CEPHR YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoQjKflOavzP6sLaoPoTgw  LINKS to info referenced in our episode: https://www.forbesafrica.com/opinion/op-ed/2026/07/19/expert-speak-the-workplace-safety-threat-made-worse-by-tough-times https://resources.workable.com/stories-and-insights/workplace-horror-stories  Prior episode with Dr. Angela Pearson: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BtnXuKkpqTSjBuxc4LsvQ?si=b1030ee94a5a439d  Name Drops of awesome people mentioned: Angela Pearson www.linkedin.com/in/angela-d-pearson/ Chason Forehand https://www.linkedin.com/in/chason-forehand  https://hr-4u.org/  Music provided courtesy of our friends from The Break Signals. Listen or download on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=s0dwq9XNQ1CXOk1oGy1pRA  Where you can find this show: WrkDefined: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/this-meeting-should-have-been-a-podcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisMeetingShouldHaveBeen  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51irFfpU6n8PiOE6mIS7xw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-this-meeting-should-have-b-294545078/  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-meeting-should-have-been-a-podcast/id1840061864  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomntompodcast  Substack: https://thismeetingshouldhavebeen.substack.com/

  3. Aug 18

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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:

  6. 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/

  7. 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

  8. 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

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.”

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