SpeakEasy HR

WRKdefined Podcast Network
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An unfiltered, uncut, and authentic blend of real HR talk, business challenges, and workplace solutions—served up SpeakEasy style. Join me LIVE on LinkedIn and YouTube for raw, insightful conversations tackling both the easy and tough topics shaping HR and the workplace today.  What Makes SpeakEasy HR Different? My guests bring passion, authenticity, and deep expertise, sharing powerful personal stories and game-changing insights from their careers. Each episode is packed with real-world advice designed to challenge perspectives, spark ideas, and inspire action.  Our mission is to deliver compelling, thought-provoking content that challenges the status quo and sparks meaningful discussions within the HR and business communities. We strive to inspire innovation, encourage new perspectives, and empower our audience to think beyond the conventional to drive impactful change in their organizations and careers. At SpeakEasy HR, we are committed to igniting action and fostering a community of professionals dedicated to growth, transformation, and continuous improvement.

  1. Why Job Searching Feels Broken Right Now

    3D AGO

    Why Job Searching Feels Broken Right Now

    In this episode of SpeakEasy HR HR, I sit down with Mark Lane, a corporate communications and strategic marketing executive with over 20 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their messaging, brand reputation, and employee engagement. Mark also hosts the podcast Ghosted by the Machine, where he explores the growing disconnect between job seekers and today’s AI-driven hiring process. Together, we discuss why job searching feels so broken right now—from automated screening tools and candidate ghosting to the lack of communication many applicants experience. Mark shares insights on how organizations can improve the candidate experience by bringing more transparency, empathy, and human connection back into hiring. A great conversation for HR leaders, recruiters, and job seekers navigating today’s evolving hiring landscape.

    59 min
  2. Stop Surviving at Work & Let’s Build a Thriving Culture

    MAR 30

    Stop Surviving at Work & Let’s Build a Thriving Culture

    In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we talk with Meghan Hensley, Vice President at Beech Acres Parenting Center, about how organizations can move from a culture where employees are just surviving to one where they are truly thriving.With over 20 years of experience in HR, leadership, and organizational development, Meghan shares practical insights on building authentic leadership, creating real belonging, and shaping cultures where people feel connected, valued, and inspired to bring their best to work every day. If you care about building stronger leaders and workplaces where people can truly flourish, this conversation is packed with ideas you won’t want to miss.

    55 min
  3. Ignite Your Spark - Choosing Growth Over Comfort in Times of Change

    MAR 23

    Ignite Your Spark - Choosing Growth Over Comfort in Times of Change

    n this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we turn up the heat on growth with our Top Shelf Topic: Ignite Your Spark: Choosing Growth Over Comfort in Times of Change featuring keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and mindset coach Todd Bertsch.Change is inevitable—but growth is a choice. Todd shares how individuals and leaders can move beyond comfort zones and embrace the opportunities that come with uncertainty. Drawing from his work as a Mental Fitness (PQ®) Coach, keynote speaker, and host of The BOLT Podcast, Todd explains how strengthening your mindset can help you navigate change with clarity, resilience, and purpose.In this energizing conversation, Todd discusses the power of mental fitness, why listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills, and how creating safe spaces for honest conversations can unlock untapped potential in people and organizations. He also shares practical steps to help leaders and teams shift their mindset, reignite their passion, and pursue meaningful growth—both personally and professionally.If you’re feeling stuck, facing change, or looking to spark new energy in your life or leadership, this episode will challenge you to step beyond comfort and ignite the spark that drives transformation. ⚡ If today sparked something in you. Head to Todd's landing page to download the 30-Day Playbook and take the Spark assessment to see how lit your spark is. You’ll find everything you need to keep the momentum going. https://bit.ly/4s770vQ

    1h 4m
  4. The Powerful Framework To Start Doing Payroll Like a Boss

    MAR 17

    The Powerful Framework To Start Doing Payroll Like a Boss

    Payroll isn’t just processing numbers — it’s building trust, culture, and stability inside your organization. In this episode, Tammy shares her powerful framework for elevating payroll from a back-office function to a strategic driver of success. From improving processes and system implementations to solving payroll challenges and mentoring the next generation of payroll pros, she makes the case for why payroll deserves a seat at the leadership table. If you’re ready to see payroll differently — and start doing it like a boss — this episode is for you. New book, "Payroll Like a Boss" drops April 28!

    51 min
  5. Augment, Don’t Automate: The Future of AI at Work

    MAR 9

    Augment, Don’t Automate: The Future of AI at Work

    In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Hansen, CEO of AINIRO, a pioneer in AI chatbot solutions and intelligent web agents. With over 42 years of experience in software engineering, Thomas shares his deep insights into how AI can augment human work rather than replace it, and why this mindset is critical for the future of organizations. Thomas walks us through the practical ways AI can enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and foster creativity — all while keeping humans at the center of the workplace. He also discusses how his company’s customizable AI chatbots leverage LLMs, machine learning, and web-scraped data to engage visitors, increase conversions, and drive business growth. Beyond AI, Thomas reflects on his long career in software development, including his work with Azure DevOps, serverless computing, Docker, Kubernetes, low-code frameworks, and his groundbreaking contributions to declarative programming with Hyperlambda. From building critical enterprise software across industries like FinTech and Health, to creating automation tools for software development, Thomas shares lessons on innovation, adaptability, and designing technology that empowers people rather than replaces them. Whether you’re a leader, developer, or just curious about the future of AI at work, this episode provides actionable insights on how to embrace AI as a tool to augment human potential, not automate it away.

    47 min
  6. Future-Ready by Design, Organizational Adaptability as a North Star

    FEB 23

    Future-Ready by Design, Organizational Adaptability as a North Star

    Many organizations are chasing bold outcomes with systems built for a different era—leading to burnout, broken collaboration, and rising delivery risk. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Colledge explains why these aren’t people problems, but system signals. We explore how neuro-inclusive performance infrastructure helps organizations adapt—designing ways of working that unlock diverse thinking, strengthen collaboration, and deliver impact without relying on heroics. To learn more about her work, go to https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/

    48 min
  7. he 3 BIG Tools to Enhance Your Leadership!

    FEB 17

    he 3 BIG Tools to Enhance Your Leadership!

    Great leadership isn’t about title—it’s about intentional action. In this episode of Top Shelf, I’m joined by Andre Young as he dives into three powerful leadership tools designed to elevate both your professional impact and personal fulfillment.Andre breaks down: The 5 Points of Your Day — Five key focus points to improve work/life harmony and help you live the life you want, both professionally and personally. The 5 Types of Leaders — Learn the five leadership styles, identify your own, and understand the strengths and potential challenges of each. The Leader’s Blueprint — Discover how you prefer to be approached, questioned, and challenged—and why sharing this with your team is a game-changer for trust and communication. This conversation is packed with practical insight, self-awareness, and actionable takeaways for leaders at every stage. If you’re looking to lead with clarity, intention, and impact, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. To learn more, go to https://www.youevolvingnow.com

    1h 1m
  8. Using Free AI Tools for Job Search & Interviews

    FEB 9

    Using Free AI Tools for Job Search & Interviews

    In this episode, we sit down with Darryl Erby, a data-driven enterprise sales leader with an MBA in Data Analytics and more than a decade of experience helping AI and modern data stack companies drive real revenue growth.Darryl breaks down how job seekers can leverage free AI tools to level up every stage of the job search—from refining resumes and LinkedIn profiles to preparing for interviews, researching companies, and telling a compelling personal story. Drawing from his deep experience in enterprise sales, partnerships, and analytics, he shares practical, real-world strategies for standing out in a competitive, AI-driven market.We also dive into what today’s data-first companies are really looking for, how candidates can position themselves as builders—not just executors, and why understanding the modern data ecosystem (from Snowflake and Databricks to cloud security and analytics platforms) is becoming a must-have skill.This conversation is packed with actionable insights for professionals who want to work smarter, communicate their value more clearly, and approach their job search with confidence, clarity, and strategy.If you’re navigating a career transition, preparing for interviews, or curious how AI can become your personal career assistant—this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

    1h 3m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

An unfiltered, uncut, and authentic blend of real HR talk, business challenges, and workplace solutions—served up SpeakEasy style. Join me LIVE on LinkedIn and YouTube for raw, insightful conversations tackling both the easy and tough topics shaping HR and the workplace today.  What Makes SpeakEasy HR Different? My guests bring passion, authenticity, and deep expertise, sharing powerful personal stories and game-changing insights from their careers. Each episode is packed with real-world advice designed to challenge perspectives, spark ideas, and inspire action.  Our mission is to deliver compelling, thought-provoking content that challenges the status quo and sparks meaningful discussions within the HR and business communities. We strive to inspire innovation, encourage new perspectives, and empower our audience to think beyond the conventional to drive impactful change in their organizations and careers. At SpeakEasy HR, we are committed to igniting action and fostering a community of professionals dedicated to growth, transformation, and continuous improvement.

Information

  • Creator
    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by WRKdefined
  • Show Website
    SpeakEasy HR