Transform Your Workplace

Xenium HR
  • 4.9 (140)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The "Transform Your Workplace" podcast, renowned as a top-rated HR and leadership podcast, covers into all aspects necessary for creating an outstanding workplace. It features a diverse lineup of industry experts, authors, speakers, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs worldwide who share their insights and big ideas for organizational transformation. Every week, the podcast explores a fresh topic, encompassing various subjects such as human resources, effective communication, cultural development, personal and business growth, leadership, and the latest workplace trends, such as A.I.

  1. 1D AGO

    How to Protect Culture When Pressure Is High with Kate McKinnon

    In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws sits down with Kate McKinnon, a fractional Chief People Officer with deep experience in high-pressure, high-visibility environments across sports and entertainment. Kate shares what it takes to protect culture when speed and stress are constant, how to address burnout and disengagement without pretending everything is fine, and why "stop, start, continue" feedback loops can help leaders turn frustration into action. They also unpack generational friction, the reality of AI reshaping HR and leadership work, and why developing first-time managers before they step into leadership is one of the most overlooked levers for performance. The conversation closes with practical ways to build belonging without huge budgets, and a reminder that grace and kindness still matter in modern workplaces. 0:00 Welcome to Transform Your Workplace + episode overview 2:00 Meet Kate McKinnon and why her background matters 4:00 Protecting culture in high-pressure, high-performance environments 6:00 Burnout, disengagement, and the power of "stop, start, continue" 9:00 Generational friction at work and how leaders can bridge the gap 11:00 Gen AI, new grads, and the future of work 13:00 Making work more human in an AI-driven workplace 15:00 Why great performers struggle as new managers 17:00 The future of learning and development: microlearning vs in-person 20:00 Belonging without big budgets: practical, low-cost ideas 22:00 Leadership lessons from crisis, M&A, and COVID 25:00 What sports culture teaches us about performance and growth 27:00 Using data, feedback, and scorecards to drive engagement 29:00 Bridging the gap from college (and military) to career 32:00 What the next decade of culture and leadership will demand 34:00 Final thoughts: grace, kindness, and what leaders should remember   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders. About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more [https://www.xeniumhr.com/] Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon] About [https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws] Connect with Xenium HR: Website [https://xeniumhr.com/] Learning & Development Programs [https://xeniumhr.com/learning-development] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR] Twitter [https://twitter.com/XeniumHR] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR]

    35 min

  2. DEC 16

    The Case for Curiosity: Why Wonder Might Be the Most Undervalued Skill in the Modern Workplace

    Van Lai-DuMone discusses her book on transforming curiosity into action through small steps. She shares her mother's refugee story of building the nail industry, emphasizes reframing limiting beliefs, and advocates for workplace cultures that welcome all ideas. The framework includes pausing, asking "what if" questions, and embracing creative chaos.   TAKEAWAYS Curiosity requires pausing to ask "what if" and "how might we" questions. Small steps overcome fear and build confidence toward big goals. Welcome all ideas without judgment to foster innovation and trust. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

    28 min

  3. DEC 9

    Why the Return-to-Office Can't Fix Broken Work

    Sarah Escobar and Corinne Murray discuss their book "Work Then Place," arguing that return-to-office mandates alone won't drive transformation. They emphasize understanding how work actually happens before designing physical, digital, and experiential environments. The authors advocate for empirical approaches, building trust through small changes, and creating adaptive organizations prepared for AI's fourth industrial revolution.   TAKEAWAYS Work must inform place - analyze workflows first, then design environments to support them Leaders must actively participate in change themselves, not just orchestrate it from above Address foundational friction like burnout and connectivity before pursuing innovation A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

    43 min

  4. DEC 2

    Catching People Doing Things Right with Martha Lawrence

    Martha Lawrence discusses her biography of Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager. She explores his journey from rejected academic to leadership legend, emphasizing his authentic servant leadership philosophy of "catch people doing things right" and how he built a values-driven company focused on people over profit. TAKEAWAYS Ken Blanchard co-authored The One Minute Manager in 1982 after being told he couldn't write, creating one of the world's bestselling business books with its accessible, story-based approach He founded his leadership company on four core values—ethical behavior, relationships, success, and learning—revolutionary for the hierarchical 1970s business culture His lasting legacy centers on servant leadership and positive reinforcement: catching people doing things right rather than focusing on mistakes A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

    35 min

  5. NOV 25

    When Caregiving Comes to Work with Lisa Skinner

    Lisa Skinner discusses Alzheimer's care beyond memory loss, emphasizing the importance of "joining their reality" rather than correcting false beliefs. She challenges myths about late-stage awareness and stresses early planning, caregiver self-care, and workplace support as cases are projected to triple by 2050.   TAKEAWAYS Validate emotions and join their reality instead of correcting false beliefs to prevent distress. Establish legal documents and discuss end-of-life wishes early while loved ones can participate. Caregivers must prioritize self-care through support groups and breaks to maintain their health. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

    43 min

  6. NOV 21

    Nicole Blevins on HR Burnout

    Nicole Blevins discusses HR burnout with Brandon Laws, describing HR professionals as the "emotional sponge" of organizations. She explains how HR workers struggle to recognize burnout in themselves despite helping others with similar issues, particularly solo practitioners lacking peer support. Nicole shares practical strategies including setting boundaries, scheduling breaks, using music for decompression, and building professional networks. The key message: HR professionals must proactively prioritize their own mental health and apply the same self-care they advocate for employees. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

    18 min

  7. NOV 18

    How Leaders Can Heal from Stress and Burnout with Susanne Madsen

    In this episode, host Brandon Laws sits down with executive coach and author Susanne Madsen to explore what it truly means to do the inner work. Drawing from her career in high pressure corporate environments, Susanne shares how chronic stress, misalignment with personal values, and ignored emotions can quietly erode well being and performance. The conversation highlights practical tools leaders can use to regulate their nervous system, challenge limiting beliefs, create space for reflection, and rebuild their energy through simple daily routines. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for sustainable ways to show up better for yourself and your team, this episode offers grounded and actionable insights. Key Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and episode introduction 01:00 Why inner work matters in modern leadership 02:30 Susanne's experience with chronic stress and early warning signs 04:00 Ignoring emotional signals and wearing stress as a badge of honor 05:30 The moment she considered a sabbatical and how it shifted everything 06:30 Self sabotaging patterns and the belief that stress is "part of the game" 07:30 Near burnout and the internal voice that pushed her to take a break 08:00 How coaching opened the door to deeper awareness 09:00 Uncovering limiting beliefs and the process of coaching yourself first 10:30 What clients bring to coaching and how overwhelm shows up 11:30 Understanding values alignment and how people intuitively sense misalignment 13:00 The role of boundaries in preventing overload 14:00 The habit of saying yes and immediate regret 15:00 Why beliefs carry so much power in behavior and decision making 17:00 How to pause and sit with uncomfortable emotions 18:30 Techniques to acknowledge feelings so they dissipate 19:30 Why self compassion is difficult for many people 20:30 Finding your happy place as a foundation for inner work 22:30 How nature and silence support emotional processing 24:00 Identifying the tasks or relationships that drain energy 25:30 Rebuilding energy with small, meaningful activities 27:00 Introducing breathwork as a tool for emotional regulation 28:30 Coherent breathing and why it changes your physiology 30:00 Daily practice and how breath sets the stage for clarity 31:00 Meditation for training the mind and interrupting negative thought cycles 33:00 Using imagery and awareness to return to center 34:00 Combating negativity bias with gratitude 35:30 Noticing the small wins and everyday "miracles" 37:00 Rewiring the brain and shifting perspective over time 38:00 Encouragement to seek external help when needed 39:00 Final reflections and Susanne's closing advice 40:00 Ways to connect with Susanne and learn more about her work A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

    42 min

  8. NOV 11

    Leading in Layers with Lawrence Armstrong

    In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Lawrence "Larry" Armstrong—architect, artist, and author of Layered Leadership: Drive Double-Digit Growth and Dominate Your Competition with Creative Strategies and Execution. Larry shares how his unique blend of art and business has shaped his multidimensional approach to leadership. Through vivid metaphors and real-world examples, Larry breaks down his "layered" model of leadership, emphasizing balance, vision, and execution. He explains why curiosity and creativity are essential traits for leaders, how developing a strong "number two" can multiply impact, and why personal wellness and financial health form the foundation for sustainable success. Listeners will come away with practical ideas for leading more intentionally, staying curious, and helping teams grow in both structure and creativity. Key Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Transform Your Workplace and introduction to Xenium HR's Custom HR Support 01:00 – Introducing Lawrence Armstrong and the concept of "layered leadership" 03:00 – How the idea of layers connects art, architecture, and leadership 06:00 – The importance of building a foundation before chasing growth 09:00 – The "rocket" metaphor for balanced leadership 10:00 – Leonardo da Vinci and the power of whole-brain leadership 12:00 – Why curiosity and discomfort fuel long-term growth 13:00 – Delegate vs. abdicate: developing fluency in all aspects of your business 14:00 – The Tinker Toy exercise for visualizing leadership growth 16:00 – The power of developing a strong "number two" 18:00 – Books that shaped Larry's leadership approach 23:00 – Why personal health and financial wellness matter for leaders 25:00 – The "fleet of ships" metaphor and agile leadership at scale 27:00 – Building innovation into every layer of the organization 30:00 – How being an artist makes Larry a better CEO 32:00 – Leadership legacy and lessons from Layered Leadership A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn Instagram About Connect with Xenium HR: Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

    34 min
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4.9
out of 5
140 Ratings

About

The "Transform Your Workplace" podcast, renowned as a top-rated HR and leadership podcast, covers into all aspects necessary for creating an outstanding workplace. It features a diverse lineup of industry experts, authors, speakers, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs worldwide who share their insights and big ideas for organizational transformation. Every week, the podcast explores a fresh topic, encompassing various subjects such as human resources, effective communication, cultural development, personal and business growth, leadership, and the latest workplace trends, such as A.I.

Information

  • Creator
    Xenium HR
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    573
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2012-2025 Xenium Resources, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Transform Your Workplace

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