The HR Misfits

Ami Graves

Welcome to The HR Misfits — the podcast for people who care about work, leadership, and humans… but are tired of the corporate script. This is where HR, leadership, and workplace culture get real. Every episode dives into the messy, meaningful, and often unspoken side of work — from people leaders and founders to operators, creatives, and career rebels who don’t fit neatly in a box. We talk about the moments that shape leaders, the systems that need rethinking, and the stories behind policies, power, burnout, belonging, and growth. No buzzwords. No performative culture talk. Just honest conversations about what it actually takes to build workplaces that work for people. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in the “professional” version of work — welcome to the misfits. You’re one of us. New episodes weekly! It’s not about the destination; it’s about the story. Through honest conversations, we’ll uncover the moments that define careers, the challenges overcome, and the lessons learned along the way. These are real stories from real people, celebrating the diversity of work and the individuality of the people behind it. Join us as we break down stereotypes, embrace the unexpected, and shine a light on the human side of work.

  1. The Anti-Framework: Burn the 9 Box (and the Annual Review with It)

    4D AGO

    The Anti-Framework: Burn the 9 Box (and the Annual Review with It)

    What if some of HR’s most “trusted” tools are actually holding your business back? In this episode of HR Misfits, we take on two of the most sacred (and untouchable) frameworks in HR: the 9-box and the annual performance review… and make the case for why it might be time to let them go. These tools were designed to bring structure, clarity, and fairness. But in reality? They often introduce bias, slow down decision-making, and create more performative process than meaningful impact. We get into: Why the 9-box oversimplifies people and amplifies bias How annual reviews fail both employees and leaders The hidden cost of “checking the box” HR practices What high-performing organizations are doing instead Practical ways to move beyond outdated frameworks (without creating chaos) This isn’t about being anti-structure.It’s about being anti-lazy structure. If you’ve ever sat in a talent review meeting thinking, “Are we really making better decisions because of this?” - this episode is for you. Welcome to HR, rethought. Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Why Managers Ignore High PerformersManagers over-focus on low performers and neglect top talent00:45 – Podcast Intro: HR Misfits & Anti-Framework ThinkingWhat this show is about and today’s topic setup02:10 – Are We Really Anti-Framework?Challenging blind use of outdated frameworks03:30 – The Nine-Box Framework Explained (Origin & Purpose)History (GE, 1970) and how it works06:00 – Problems with the Nine-Box ModelOvercomplication, forced categorization, and lack of clarity09:00 – Bias in Talent EvaluationHow subjectivity and unconscious bias shape outcomes12:30 – Does the Nine-Box Actually Help Employees?Lack of actionable outcomes and employee confusion16:00 – High Performers vs Low Performers: Misplaced FocusWhy companies lose top talent19:00 – The “Steady Performer” ProblemIgnored middle performers and retention risks22:00 – Evolution: From 9-Box to 4-Box ModelsAttempts to simplify performance frameworks24:30 – Annual Performance Reviews Are BrokenInfrequent feedback and employee frustration28:00 – Forced Rankings & Compensation IssuesHow ratings tie into pay and create unhealthy systems32:00 – Gaming the System & Leadership GapsManagers manipulating ratings and lack of leadership skills36:00 – Transparency Problem: Employees Don’t Understand Business HealthWhy workers feel disconnected from company performance40:00 – Corporate Communication Failures (Acronyms & Confusion)Why “transparency” often doesn’t work44:00 – The Need for Business Education in HR & TeamsImportance of financial and business acumen48:00 – Real Fix: Better Leadership, Not More FrameworksRoot cause behind broken systems52:00 – Rethinking Performance Systems (Simpler Models)Idea of reducing ratings and moving to continuous feedback55:30 – Anti-Framework Philosophy ExplainedQuestioning outdated systems, not eliminating structure58:00 – Introducing the HR Misfits FrameworkDeconstruct → Diffuse → Design approach01:01:00 – Final Thoughts: Evolving HR & Leadership SystemsWhy change is necessary and how to move forward

    52 min
  2. Corporate Cringe - The Workplace Phrases We’re All Tired of Pretending We Like

    MAR 18

    Corporate Cringe - The Workplace Phrases We’re All Tired of Pretending We Like

    In this episode of HR Misfits, we dive into the world of corporate cringe - the buzzwords, clichés, and HR-speak that have somehow become normal in the workplace. We talk about: Why phrases like “we’re a family” can actually be problematicThe real meaning behind “let’s circle back”How “culture fit” can quietly reinforce biasThe corporate language we all say… even when we don’t like itWhat authentic leadership communication should sound like instead If you've ever sat in a meeting thinking “did that sentence actually mean anything?” - this episode is for you. At HR Misfits, we believe work conversations should be honest, human, and a little less scripted. Join us each week for thought-provoking conversations that challenge the status quo and explore how we can build better, more human-centered workplaces. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro – HR Misfits Podcast & Corporate Cringe Topic(01:25) Why Corporate Buzzwords Feel Annoying(03:10) “Circle Back” and Other Overused Office Phrases(05:20) The Problem With “Culture Fit”(08:45) Bias Hidden Inside Hiring Decisions(12:30) The Peacock vs Penguin Story (Diversity in Companies)(16:20) Why Companies Say They Want “Disruptors”(19:10) Culture Fit vs Culture Add(22:40) Values vs Culture – What Companies Get Wrong(26:10) Why Corporate Culture Is Often Misunderstood(29:30) The Real Meaning of Workplace Culture(32:00) “Let’s Take This Offline” – The Meeting Problem(35:10) Endless Meetings and Decision Avoidance(38:20) The Problem With “We’re a Family” at Work(41:30) Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life(44:10) How Workplace Language Shapes Company Culture Connect with us:Explore The HR Misfits: https://www.thehrmisfits.com/  Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/ Check out Ami’s website: www.amijograves.com LaToya Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyandavis/  Marci Coppola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcikerwick/ Check out Seshen Coaching & Wellness: https://www.seshencoaching.com/

    53 min
  3. FEB 25

    What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (Spoiler: Everything)

    If you’re tired of corporate jargon and HR “theater,” you’ve found the right place. Welcome to The HR Misfits, hosted by Ami Graves, LaToya Davis (Executive HR Business Partner), and Marci Coppola (Founder & President, Seshen Coaching & Wellness). In this episode, we discuss the SHRM lawsuit debacle that’s shaking the HR world. With candid discussions on leadership, accountability, and the realities of workplace bias, the Misfits tackle what happens when an organization’s actions don’t match their stated policies. Expect honest takes on the importance of policy enforcement, how HR must lead by example, and why accountability is key in every organization. This isn’t your average HR podcast. tTis is the place where we break down real-world scenarios with sass, depth, and a dose of humor that will make you rethink how HR is handled in the workplace. Join us each week for thought-provoking conversations that challenge the status quo and explore how we can build better, more human-centered workplaces. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (01:31) HR gone wild (02:27) SHRM lawsuit and allegations explained (06:29) Policy vs. behavior (12:15) Performance management and discrimination risks (23:40) Coldplay incident (26:43) Actions speak louder than words in HR (27:26) Leading for the first time (27:50) Addressing biases and inequities at work (28:43) HR’s role in enforcing standards (31:20) Consequences of ignoring workplace policies (36:49) University of Michigan scandal and HR (40:49) The importance of documentation in HR Connect with us: Explore The HR Misfits: https://www.thehrmisfits.com/  Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/  Check out Ami’s website: www.amijograves.com LaToya Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyandavis/  Marci Coppola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcikerwick/  Check out Seshen Coaching & Wellness: https://www.seshencoaching.com/

    52 min
  4. FEB 11

    Breaking Biases in HR: Lessons from All Her Fault

    If you’re tired of making assumptions about people based on surface-level judgments, especially in the workplace, you're in the right place. Welcome to The HR Misfits, hosted by Ami Graves, LaToya Davis (Executive HR Business Partner, Corporate Function), and Marci Coppola (Founder & President, Seshen Coaching & Wellness). In our debut episode, we explore the Peacock hit All Her Fault through the HR lens. We discuss themes of judgment, assumptions, and biases, both in the workplace and personal life. With candid insights, the Misfits share their own experiences with leadership, juggling motherhood, and how biases impact decision-making in professional settings. This is not your typical HR podcast. This is where you expect real, raw conversations, a little sass, and stories that will make you rethink how we manage people in the workplace. Join us every week for honest conversations that challenge the status quo and explore how we can build better workplaces, places that don't just function, but work for humans. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (00:56) First official episode: Discussing All Her Fault (01:22) Themes of judgment and bias in HR (02:22) Personal reactions: Workplace assumptions and bias (05:14) Gender bias in workplace dynamics unpacked (07:05) Navigating the balance between work and motherhood (12:45) Self-imposed pressures: Expectations in the workplace (17:35) Authenticity and success: Breaking the corporate mold (21:38) Defining what you really want in life (21:59) Judgment and support among working mothers (22:24) Personal experience: Balancing career and family (25:32) Work-life prioritization: A new perspective (26:25) Corporate loyalty vs. Personal sacrifice explored (29:20) Gender bias in performance management dissected (34:50) Women supporting women: A key to leadership Connect with us: Explore The HR Misfits: https://www.thehrmisfits.com/  Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/  Check out Ami’s website: www.amijograves.com LaToya Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyandavis/  Marci Coppola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcikerwick/  Check out Seshen Coaching & Wellness: https://www.seshencoaching.com/

    45 min
  5. JAN 29

    Welcome to The HR Misfits: The Anti Handbook

    If you believe HR should be a catalyst—not corporate theater—you’re in the right place. Welcome to The HR Misfits, hosted by Ami Graves, LaToya Davis (Executive HR Business Partner, Corporate Function), and Marci Coppola (Founder & President, Seshen Coaching & Wellness). Born from The People of Work, The HR Misfits evolved into something bigger: a space for HR leaders who don’t fit the traditional mold. Leaders who are business-minded and human-centered. Strategic and empathetic. Bold enough to challenge outdated systems while still caring deeply about people. In this intro episode, we share why we created The HR Misfits, the moments that showed us polished playbooks weren’t enough, and what it really means to lead from the HR seat when work gets messy, political, or uncomfortable. You’ll hear how each of us found our way into HR, why we’re pushing back on the “policy police” stereotype, and what to expect from the show—real stories, real leadership lessons, and a little sass. Each week, we bring honest conversations from behind the scenes of leadership—where people, power, and progress collide. Alongside guest voices and featured People of Work episodes, we explore what it takes to build workplaces that actually work. Up next: we unpack Peacock’s All Her Fault through an HR lens and share what we’re building with the HR Misfits Collective for leaders who want real counsel—not performative HR. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (00:58) Why The HR Misfits exists (03:37) LaToya Davis and 22 years in the HR seat (05:18) Marci Coppola from wellness to HR coaching (08:46) What makes a true HR misfit (15:19) How we fell into HR on purpose (17:03) The talent acquisition entry point (19:51) Marci’s pivot and the corporate reality check (22:16) How HR work has changed and why it matters (24:29) Three paths one shared point of view (26:44) What you’ll get here real talk and real leadership (31:45) Next up, All Her Fault through an HR lens Connect with us: Explore The HR Misfits: https://www.thehrmisfits.com/  Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/  Check out Ami’s website: www.amijograves.com Check out Bell Techlogix: https://belltechlogix.com/ LaToya Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyandavis/  Marci Coppola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcikerwick/  Check out Seshen Coaching & Wellness: https://www.seshencoaching.com/

    34 min
  6. JAN 7

    Aligning Mind, Body, and Soul for Lasting Career Success

    “Honor who you are becoming, not who you’ve been.” In this episode, I sit down with Marci Coppola, former HR leader turned transformational coach and founder of Seshen Coaching & Wellness, to explore her journey from a high-pressure corporate career to a life focused on alignment, calm, and purpose. Growing up in a hardworking family, she was influenced by hustle culture, which led her into corporate HR and talent acquisition. However, after years of chasing external success, she found herself burned out and unfulfilled. We discuss how the pandemic helped her realize what was missing and ultimately sparked her transition into coaching. She also opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, battling people-pleasing, and the transformative power of slowing down to reconnect with inner truth. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (01:25) Early career influences and pull toward wellness (03:04) Transition to corporate and embracing hustle for stability (05:29) HR journey and talent acquisition (11:55) Shifting to coaching and realizing need for growth (15:32) Launching session coaching and transitioning (24:44) Energy alignment and impact of mind-body connection (32:20) Why coaches need coaches and the power of mentorship (37:58) Overcoming imposter syndrome and conquering doubt (47:29) Client transformations through self-advocacy and boundaries Connect with my guest: Marci Coppola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcikerwick/  Check out Seshen Coaching & Wellness: https://www.seshencoaching.com/ Connect with me: Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/ The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/  Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

    1 hr
  7. 12/17/2025

    Lighting the Way: A Founder’s Path to Purpose

    “Finding your way doesn’t require having it all figured out.” In this episode, I sit down with Brittany Whitenack, founder and owner of Antique Candle Co., to explore how her relationship with work grew from early lessons in grit to leading a team of 40 making thousands of candles a day. Brittany reflects on her first jobs, her time at Purdue, and the intense season of managing 70 employees at age 22. She shares the burnout that led her to walk away with no plan, the months she spent reconnecting with creativity, and how a simple candle-making hobby slowly turned into a real business. We talk about the unglamorous parts of entrepreneurship, including signing her first lease, hiring help for the first time, and holding the weight of responsibility during moments like the 2020 shutdown. Brittany also gives a look into the craft behind her candles, from testing to naming, and why building a caring workplace matters to her as much as the products themselves. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (02:01) Growing up with grit and hard work (05:14) Finding her path in college and early jobs (07:58) Learning hard lessons in retail leadership (10:58) Walking away and starting over (13:32) A simple hobby that sparked something new (15:19) The first steps toward Antique Candle Co (20:22) Carrying the weight of leading others (24:29) Trust, courage, and leading through hard moments (26:23) Inside the craft of candle making (31:51) Navigating the pace of the holiday rush (33:29) The honest reality behind entrepreneurship (35:07) Looking ahead at what comes next Connect with my guest: Brittany Whitenack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanytruax/  Check out Antique Candle Co.: https://antiquecandleco.com/  Connect with me: Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/ The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/  Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

    40 min
  8. 12/03/2025

    Finding Complete Peace in the Chaos of Life and Work

    “Explore your curiosity, because that’s where you’re going to find you.” In this episode, I sit down with Sara Whitley, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Complete Peace, to explore her journey from growing up in a hardworking family in Indiana to building a thriving private therapy practice in North Carolina. From her first job at KFC to navigating cross-country moves and career pivots, Sara’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and faith in action. We talk about her decision to leave behind the safety of a government role to start her own practice, how she’s built a mission-driven business rooted in compassion, and the challenges of balancing care for others with caring for herself. Sara also shares how her husband Jason’s recent health crisis reshaped her perspective on strength, priorities, and what it truly means to find peace in chaos. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (01:42) Early influences and work ethic (03:21) Educational journey and early career (07:49) Adventures and career shifts (20:51) Building a career in social work (21:06) Starting a private practice (26:26) Navigating stress and mental health (26:53) Challenges in the mental health industry (31:41) Personal reflections on family dynamics (34:51) Her husband Jason’s medical crisis (49:38) Advice for aspiring social workers Connect with my guest: Sara Whitley, LCSW on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s4r4whitley/  Check out Complete Peace: https://www.completepeace.net/  Connect with me: Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/ The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/  Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

    53 min

About

Welcome to The HR Misfits — the podcast for people who care about work, leadership, and humans… but are tired of the corporate script. This is where HR, leadership, and workplace culture get real. Every episode dives into the messy, meaningful, and often unspoken side of work — from people leaders and founders to operators, creatives, and career rebels who don’t fit neatly in a box. We talk about the moments that shape leaders, the systems that need rethinking, and the stories behind policies, power, burnout, belonging, and growth. No buzzwords. No performative culture talk. Just honest conversations about what it actually takes to build workplaces that work for people. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in the “professional” version of work — welcome to the misfits. You’re one of us. New episodes weekly! It’s not about the destination; it’s about the story. Through honest conversations, we’ll uncover the moments that define careers, the challenges overcome, and the lessons learned along the way. These are real stories from real people, celebrating the diversity of work and the individuality of the people behind it. Join us as we break down stereotypes, embrace the unexpected, and shine a light on the human side of work.