Sh!ft Happens

Jeremy Friedman & Shaun Coe

SHIFT HAPPENS: The Workforce Podcast We explore 360-degree workforce solutions and how thoughtful automation elevates business performance, reshapes workforce strategy, strengthens day-to-day operations, and enables leaders to refocus human capital on serving clients, guests, and employees—today and into the future. Hosted by Jeremy Friedman of Instawork and Shaun Coe, CEO of HC-Resource and Ascendium, the show delivers real-world conversations on workforce strategy, AI in staffing, labor forecasting, scheduling, and the future of the hourly and frontline workforce. Each episode features candid discussions with operators, HR leaders, and workforce technology builders navigating talent shortages, automation, gig labor, and post-pandemic workforce shifts across hospitality, healthcare, logistics, retail, and tech-enabled operations. This podcast goes beyond theory to break down what is working, what is failing, and how workforce leaders are using data, AI, and operational discipline to stabilize teams and scale efficiently. If you manage people, shifts, schedules, or workforce performance, this show is built for you. Because shift happens. Hosts: Jeremy Friedman, Instawork Shaun Coe, HC-Resource & Ascendium LLC Websites: www.Instawork.com https://www.hc-resource.com/ https://www.ascendium.tech Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-friedman-5b48089/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-coe/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/shift-happens-the-workforce-podcast/ Music: First Kiss by Ethos 2025 © That’s Rad Studio

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Embracing Change and AI in Workforce and Operations

    In this episode of Shift Happens, Shaun Coe, Jen Harb, and Jeremy Friedman dive into one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today: operational chaos. From restaurant openings and workforce management to AI adoption and organizational transformation, the conversation explores how leaders can build systems that scale, embrace emerging technology, and navigate change without losing their people in the process. Drawing from decades of operational leadership and real-world implementation, the group discusses how AI is reshaping workforce management, why most businesses struggle with process consistency, and what it takes to create a foundation that can support growth in an increasingly automated world. Main Topics Covered:Building scalable SOPs and systems that support long-term successWhy AI adoption is more about mindset than technical expertiseThe development and evolution of HC-Core as a unified workforce platformOvercoming fear, resistance, and uncertainty around AITimestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Shift Happens: embracing change and operational chaos 02:01 – Jen Harb's background in new store openings and high-growth operations 04:25 – Jeremy Friedman on how Instawork leverages AI to drive innovation 07:00 – Building scalable systems across multiple industries and business models 08:15 – The shift toward HC-Core and creating a unified workforce foundation 12:15 – The origin story behind HC-Core and why it needed to exist 16:48 – Life before AI: manual workflows and operational friction 18:33 – Identifying bottlenecks in hospitality and service-based businesses 19:51 – Using AI to eliminate repetitive work and improve outcomes 22:14 – Building trust during organizational change 24:52 – Managing fear and resistance to new technology 27:42 – Decision-making when information is incomplete 29:26 – Real-world examples of AI simplifying work and life 31:01 – Why AI adoption over the next 6–12 months matters 32:11 – Leadership during periods of rapid technological change 36:43 – The startup mentality in the age of AI 38:48 – Community, education, and collective learning 39:37 – Why action beats observation in emerging technology 40:36 – Closing thoughts: embracing change as a competitive advantage Resources & Links:Shift Happens Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sh-ft-happens/id1870894885 Taking Chances with Shaun Coe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-chances-with-shaun-coe/id1671331085 HC-Core: https://app.hc-resource.com HC-Resource: https://www.hc-resource.com Authority Leaders: https://authorityleaders.ai Instawork: https://www.instawork.com Connect with Our Hosts:Shaun Coe HC-Resource | HC-Core | Ascendium Jeremy Friedman Instawork #ShiftHappens #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #Operations #Leadership #WorkforceManagement #HCResource #Instawork

    41 min

  2. May 20

    Shift Happens: The Future of HR Tech, AI, and Workforce Management

    In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeremy Friedman and Shaun Coe dig into where HR technology is heading and why most companies are still working inside disconnected systems. The conversation centers around HC-Core, the new platform built by HC-Resource to bring ATS, HRIS, onboarding, automation, and AI into one connected workforce system. Shaun and Jeremy talk through what it means to build AI into the foundation of a platform, not bolt it on later, and why that matters for recruiting, operations, finance, and HR teams. Key Topics Covered How HC-Core was built from real client pain points Why ATS, HRIS, onboarding, and workforce workflows need to live together The difference between AI as a feature and AI as a foundation How automation can improve sourcing, hiring, onboarding, and employee lifecycle management Why simplicity matters when building HR technology How companies can transition from legacy platforms with less disruption The importance of security, SOC 2 standards, and data protection in HR systems How HR, operations, and finance teams all become end users of modern workforce platforms Usage-based AI pricing and cost control inside automation-heavy systems What is coming next for Shift Happens, including video, guests, demos, and community-driven conversations Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome and episode overview 00:31 Catching up after a short break 01:07 Shifts in the podcast and AI landscape 02:20 HC-Resource evolution and client feedback 03:08 Building HC-Core around real client needs 03:49 Moving from disconnected tools to integrated platforms 04:45 Building with flexible, agnostic AI models 05:14 Managing the full employee lifecycle 06:20 Why automation must sit at the foundation layer 07:22 Keeping the platform simple and useful 08:10 HC-Core architecture and security standards 09:46 Reducing cost through automation and modern infrastructure 10:20 Connecting sourcing, onboarding, HR, and payroll 11:55 Solving the problem of disjointed HR processes 13:18 Integrating with existing systems like BambooHR and Lever 14:42 Implementation timelines and data transfer 16:47 Why HR, operations, and finance all matter as end users 18:44 Usage-based pricing and efficiency benefits 20:10 Transitioning from legacy ATS and HR systems 22:28 The real role of AI in recruitment 23:44 Conversational AI vs. workflow automation AI 24:44 Future integrations with autonomous agents 26:53 Security, compliance, and protecting workforce data 28:39 Future plans for the podcast 29:36 Inviting storytellers and industry leaders into the conversation 31:48 Final thoughts and community engagement Coming Up on Shift Happens Future episodes will continue covering automation, AI in workforce management, autonomous agents, HR technology, live platform demos, and real stories from leaders building the future of work. Follow, like, and subscribe to stay connected as Shift Happens brings more conversations, tools, and voices into the workforce technology space.

    29 min

  3. May 6

    The Evolved Workforce: Gig Work, Flexibility, and What Comes Next

    In this episode of Sh!ft Happens, Shaun Coe and Jeremy Friedman from Instawork break down how the workforce is evolving across hospitality, retail, warehousing, healthcare, and other labor-driven industries. This conversation goes beyond the surface-level idea of gig work. Shaun and Jeremy unpack why workers are looking for more flexibility, why businesses need more adaptable labor models, and how technology, automation, AI, and better systems are reshaping the future of staffing. They also discuss why companies can no longer solve workforce challenges by simply adding more people. The businesses that win will be the ones that build stronger processes, better training, cleaner onboarding, and more flexible staffing strategies around the people they already have. In this episode, Shaun and Jeremy cover: The shift from traditional 9-to-5 work into gig, flexible, and multi-income work models Why flexibility is becoming a major priority across multiple generations of workers How platforms like Instawork are helping companies respond to changing labor demand Why gig work is expanding beyond hospitality into warehousing, retail, healthcare, and events The impact of technology, automation, AI, and robotics on staffing and operations Why process-driven roles and standardized training matter more than ever How companies can onboard flexible workers faster without sacrificing quality The future of fractional leadership, task force support, and temporary operational coverage Why systems, workflows, and execution will matter more than labor volume alone Key takeaway: The workforce has changed, and it is not going back. People still matter. But in today’s environment, people need to be supported by better systems, better processes, and smarter technology. Flexible staffing is not just about filling gaps. It is about understanding how people want to work, how businesses need to operate, and how leaders can build models that are ready for what comes next. Shift Happens is a workforce podcast focused on staffing, operations, hiring technology, labor trends, and the future of work.

    37 min

  4. Apr 22

    Modernizing HR and Recruitment Strategies for a Faster Paced Workforce

    In this episode of Shift Happens, Shaun Coe and Jeremy Friedman get into why old HR and recruiting systems are breaking under the speed of today’s workforce. They talk through automation, candidate experience, employer branding, internal development, and what it really takes to build hiring systems that move faster without losing the human element. What we cover Why old requisition models are too slow for today’s hiring marketHow candidate ghosting, fatigue, and poor process design hurt recruitingWhere automation and AI actually help in hiringWhy employer branding matters more than most companies realizeHow to create better candidate flow from application to interviewThe value of internal development and promoting from withinWhy strong fundamentals still matter even with modern tech Sound bites “Outdated hiring processes are slowing down modern business.”“Automation should bring humans closer to humans.”“If the process is broken, more tech will not fix it.” Chapters 00:00 Why old HR systems are failing 08:20 The disconnect between HR and operations 12:05 Employer branding and candidate trust 19:50 Using AI without losing the human side 26:41 Building internal talent pipelines 34:21 Final thoughts

    36 min

  5. Apr 10

    Shift Happens | Workforce Strategy, Staffing Pressure, and the Future of Hiring

    In this episode of Shift Happens, Shaun Coe and Jeremy Friedman sit down for a practical conversation on what is really happening in today’s labor market and how smart operators are adapting. From hospitality to retail and other labor-intensive businesses, the hiring environment has changed, and the old playbook is no longer enough. Shaun and Jeremy break down the realities of workforce management in a market defined by volatility, seasonality, rising labor costs, and shifting employee expectations. They talk through the pressure operators face when roles stay open too long, teams run understaffed, and overtime becomes the default solution. They also unpack why those short-term fixes often create bigger long-term problems through burnout, turnover, reduced service quality, and higher operational risk. A major focus of the conversation is how platforms like InstaWork are helping close the gap between employers and qualified workers in a way that is faster, more flexible, and more aligned with what the market now demands. Jeremy explains how the platform works, what makes it different from traditional staffing approaches, and why reputation-based hiring is becoming more important than the resume alone. The discussion gets into pro profiles, analytics, shift acceptance behavior, and how better labor visibility can improve fill rates, reduce time to hire, and give operators more control over their workforce strategy. The episode also explores the broader shift happening across labor and hiring. Shaun and Jeremy discuss the growing influence of technology, the role of AI in the future of recruitment, and the importance of building systems that do not just fill shifts, but actually support operational consistency. This is a grounded conversation for leaders who are trying to solve real staffing problems while building healthier teams and stronger businesses. If you are an operator, founder, hiring leader, or anyone trying to make sense of the current labor landscape, this episode gives you a direct look at where staffing is heading and what it takes to stay ahead of it. In this episode, Shaun and Jeremy discuss: The current state of the labor market and how seasonality impacts staffing demandWhy traditional hiring models are struggling in hospitality, retail, and shift-based industriesHow InstaWork is changing the staffing conversationThe real operational cost of slow hiring, turnover, and constant retrainingWhy overtime often points to larger workforce planning issuesThe importance of speed, reliability, and cultural fit in staffing decisionsHow reputation-based hiring is starting to outperform resume-based hiringThe role of worker data, analytics, and profile transparency in better hiring decisionsHow AI and labor technology are shaping the future of workforce managementWhat operators need to think about now if they want stronger, more flexible teams Chapters: 00:00 Labor Market Insights and Trends 03:04 The Role of Gig Work in Staffing Solutions 05:47 Challenges in Recruitment and Training 08:31 InstaWork's Unique Staffing Model 11:31 Understanding Fill Rates and Time to Hire 14:12 The Importance of Training and Cultural Fit 17:09 Navigating the Staffing Landscape 19:49 The Future of Staffing and Recruitment 25:13 InstaWork's Shift Acceptance Process 26:30 Pro Profiles and Analytics in Hiring 28:22 The Cost of Overtime and Staffing Solutions 30:33 Balancing Overtime and Employee Well-Being 32:44 Navigating Labor Shortages in Bespoke Markets 38:09 The Shift from Resume to Reputation-Based Hiring 42:50 The Evolution of Work Ethics and Market Dynamics

    49 min

  6. Mar 25

    The Power of SOPs: Building a Foundation for Scalable Operations

    Discover why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential not just for compliance, but for creating scalable, efficient, and resilient businesses. In this episode, Jeremy Friedman and Shaun Coe explore the practicalities of developing, implementing, and maintaining SOPs across various industries, especially in hospitality and outsourced labor.In this episode:The common misconceptions about SOPs as bureaucratic and dusty policiesHow SOPs combat tribal knowledge and systemize operational stabilityThe importance of simplicity and clarity in SOPs to reduce cognitive loadStrategies for updating SOPs as your business scalesExamples of effective SOPs from hospitality brands like Darden, Chewy's Tex-Mex, and Red RobinBalancing SOP flexibility with the need to prevent handcuffs on staffUsing SOPs as a roadmap for sales, onboarding, training, and daily operationsThe role of feedback from frontline staff in refining SOPsHow SOPs tie into broader goals such as automation, data fidelity, and human adoptionTimestamps:00:00 - Why SOPs are misunderstood and how they unlock business growth 02:15 - The risk of tribal knowledge and how SOPs preserve institutional memory 03:45 - Examples of micromanagement versus freedom within a framework 05:04 - Scalability through standardized processes and avoiding improvisation 07:08 - Using SOPs as a roadmap for consistent sales and customer interactions 08:54 - The importance of simplicity: SOPs written in plain English 11:19 - When SOPs become handcuffs and how to find the right balance 12:30 - Internal strategies for updating and refining SOPs as your business grows 14:27 - Training frontline workers with foundational SOPs for quick ramp-up 17:35 - How clarity in SOPs reduces decision fatigue and burnout 19:57 - Creative ways brands make SOPs engaging (singing happy birthday, SOPs for theft prevention) 22:46 - How SOPs can support quality and consistency in outsourced and temporary labor 25:12 - The necessity of feedback from staff for continuous improvement 28:48 - Practical steps for a GM to run effective SOP-based shift briefings 35:49 - Turning tribal knowledge heroes into SOP architects for long-term stability Connect with Jeremy Friedman:LinkedInTwitterConnect with Shaun Coe:LinkedInTwitter SOPs are more than policies—they are your company's foundational logic layer that facilitates growth, consistency, and resilience. Regularly review and simplify SOPs, involve frontline staff in their development, and see them as a tool for empowerment rather than restriction.

    38 min

  7. Mar 11

    Hospitality, AI, and the Human Touch with Lance Thompson

    In this episode, Jeremy Friedman and Shaun Coe sit down with Lance Thompson of Kinetic Solutions Group for a real conversation on where hospitality and technology are headed. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lance shares his perspective on how AI, automation, and employee support tools are changing the way operators train teams, support staff, and improve guest experiences. The conversation covers the role of leadership in adopting new technology, why onboarding still matters more than most companies realize, and how the best hospitality brands use technology to support people instead of replacing them. This episode is for hospitality leaders, operators, founders, and growing brands looking to modernize their systems while keeping the human side of the business at the center. In this episode, we cover: • Lance Thompson’s background in hospitality and technology • How AI is being applied in hospitality operations • The role of Kinetic Solutions Group in driving innovation • Turning tribal knowledge into institutional knowledge • Why employee support tools improve operations • Better onboarding and training through technology • Why leadership buy-in matters in tech adoption • The future of hospitality and guest experience Notable quotes: “Technology should enhance, not replace.” “It’s all about the human connection.” “You have to actually care.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Fireside Chat 03:06 Lance’s Journey in Hospitality and Technology 06:08 The Role of AI in Hospitality Operations 08:57 Kinetic Solutions Group and Its Innovations 12:01 Transforming Tribal Knowledge into Institutional Knowledge 14:49 The Importance of Employee Support Tools 17:58 Onboarding and Training with AI 20:51 The Human Element in Hospitality 24:13 The Impact of Leadership on Technology Adoption 27:10 The Future of Hospitality and Technology 30:07 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    50 min

  8. Feb 25

    Tech Fatigue, Dashboard Graveyards, and What Actually Works

    Most businesses don’t have a tech stack. They have a tech graveyard. In Episode 3 of Shift Happens, we break down why teams are burned out on tools, dashboards, and “solutions” that never stick. The real issue is almost never the software. It’s workflow clarity, ownership, and adoption on the floor. We walk through the non-negotiables that separate tech that drives outcomes from tech that becomes shelfware: usability, integration, data fidelity, human adoption, and the discipline to sunset what no longer serves the business. In this episode, we cover: Tech fatigue and the “dashboard graveyard” problemWhy workflow clarity has to come before any tool decisionUsability: if it’s not simple, the frontline won’t use itIntegration: why disconnected systems kill executionData fidelity: if the data isn’t trusted, the system is deadHuman adoption: implementation is behavior change, not onboardingSunsetting: removing outdated systems to clean up the stack Chapters 00:00 Tech Fatigue and Dashboard Graveyard22:10 Considerations for Tech Solutions32:58 Data Fidelity and Trust41:21 Sunsetting and System Cleanup

    43 min

  9. Feb 11

    Workforce Discipline: Automation, Forecasting and Hiring Ahead of Demand

    In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeremy and Shaun break down the real cost of waiting too long to hire. They discuss how talent demand, sales projections and labor budgets are directly connected, and why reactive hiring quietly erodes margins in hospitality and multi unit operations. This conversation moves from theory into execution, covering: How automation is reshaping workforce planningWhy your hiring funnel should operate like a sales pipelineThe role of ATS, HRIS and POS data in decision makingHow to build candidate cohorts before you urgently need themWhere AI fits in 2026 and where operators should be cautious Shaun shares operator level insight on integrating recruiting, HR and operations into one aligned system to reduce friction and increase predictability. If you are a founder, operator or HR leader building for scale, this episode is a practical blueprint for hiring smarter instead of scrambling later. Key Takeaways Waiting to hire until you feel pressure means you are already behindSales forecasts should directly inform workforce planning decisionsAutomation creates leverage when paired with strong leadershipCandidate cohorts outperform one off reactive hiringATS, HRIS and POS integration creates real visibility across the businessAI in 2026 will reward those who build systems now Chapters 00:00 The Risk of Waiting Too Long to Hire 06:36 Forecasting, Labor Budgets and Automation Leverage 13:27 Writing Job Descriptions That Build Candidate Cohorts 19:01 Vetting Systems and Pipeline Discipline 49:53 AI and Automation in 2026 and What Operators Must Prepare For

    48 min

  10. Jan 21

    Forecast, Fill, Flourish: How AI Is Reshaping the Modern Workforce

    In the first episode of Shift Happens: The Workforce Podcast, hosts Jeremy Friedman of Instawork and Shaun Coe, CEO of HC-Resource and Ascendium, break down how the workforce is changing in real time and what operators need to do about it. This episode explores how AI and automation are moving from buzzwords to core infrastructure in workforce strategy. Drawing from real-world experience across hospitality, multi-unit operations, and shift-based industries, the conversation covers labor forecasting, scheduling, gig work evolution, and the lasting impact of COVID on the job market. Jeremy and Shaun discuss why outdated workforce systems are quietly holding businesses back, how intelligent labor mapping improves decision-making, and why understanding operational pain points must come before automation. The focus is practical, honest, and grounded in frontline reality. If you manage people, shifts, schedules, or workforce performance, this episode sets the foundation for what’s next. Because shift happens.

    39 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

SHIFT HAPPENS: The Workforce Podcast We explore 360-degree workforce solutions and how thoughtful automation elevates business performance, reshapes workforce strategy, strengthens day-to-day operations, and enables leaders to refocus human capital on serving clients, guests, and employees—today and into the future. Hosted by Jeremy Friedman of Instawork and Shaun Coe, CEO of HC-Resource and Ascendium, the show delivers real-world conversations on workforce strategy, AI in staffing, labor forecasting, scheduling, and the future of the hourly and frontline workforce. Each episode features candid discussions with operators, HR leaders, and workforce technology builders navigating talent shortages, automation, gig labor, and post-pandemic workforce shifts across hospitality, healthcare, logistics, retail, and tech-enabled operations. This podcast goes beyond theory to break down what is working, what is failing, and how workforce leaders are using data, AI, and operational discipline to stabilize teams and scale efficiently. If you manage people, shifts, schedules, or workforce performance, this show is built for you. Because shift happens. Hosts: Jeremy Friedman, Instawork Shaun Coe, HC-Resource & Ascendium LLC Websites: www.Instawork.com https://www.hc-resource.com/ https://www.ascendium.tech Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-friedman-5b48089/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-coe/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/shift-happens-the-workforce-podcast/ Music: First Kiss by Ethos 2025 © That’s Rad Studio

Information

  • Creator
    Jeremy Friedman & Shaun Coe
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jeremy Friedman & Shaun Coe