People Managing People

DEI has become a polarizing topic, making it harder to have meaningful conversations about building truly inclusive workplaces. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Amri B. Johnson, founder of Inclusion Wins, about shifting the focus from divisive debates to practical systems that create lasting change. Amri challenges traditional DEI approaches, advocating for inclusion-first strategies that move beyond representation to ensure people can meaningfully contribute. Whether you're skeptical or deeply invested in DEI work, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on making inclusion a sustainable reality.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Amri on LinkedInCheck out Inclusion WinsAmri’s book: “Reconstructing Inclusion”Support the show

The hiring process is broken, and both employers and job seekers are feeling the frustration. In this episode, host David Rice talks with Jessica Smith, founder and CEO of Savant Recruitment, about the unrealistic expectations plaguing talent acquisition today. From the "Goldilocks syndrome" of rejecting great candidates to drawn-out hiring processes, Jessica exposes the missteps that are costing companies top talent.Jessica also unpacks why the hunt for "unicorn candidates" is setting companies up for failure and why scaling businesses need to rethink their hiring strategies. She offers practical solutions for streamlining recruitment, making decisive hires, and creating a process that actually attracts—not repels—top talent.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jessica on LinkedInCheck out Savant RecruitmentSupport the show

Trust is the foundation of a thriving workplace, but how do you build and sustain it in uncertain times? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Greg Hawks, leadership trainer and creator of the Ownership Mindset, to explore practical strategies for fostering trust and accountability at work.Greg shares his "Maybe Mindset" framework for navigating uncertainty and reveals how leaders can cultivate an ownership culture using his "owners, renters, and vandals" model. Tune in to learn how to keep employees engaged, shift mindsets, and prevent workplace trust from eroding.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Greg on LinkedIn and InstagramCheck out Hawks AgencySupport the show

The workplace is evolving rapidly, with one-third of job skills changing every three years. In this episode, host David Rice speaks with Cole Napper, VP of Research at Lightcast, about how AI, automation, and demographic shifts are reshaping the labor market. As blue-collar industries face worker shortages while knowledge jobs undergo disruption, organizations must rethink skills development and workforce strategies.Cole shares insights on the future of work, from shifting career paths to the rising importance of critical thinking. With mastery giving way to adaptability, how can workers and businesses stay ahead? Tune in for a deep dive into the changing world of skills and employment.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Cole on LinkedIn and SubstackCheck out LightcastCole’s podcast - Directionally CorrectSupport the show

Leadership is a journey fraught with internal challenges, particularly the persistent feeling of imposter syndrome.Host David Rice talks with Nathan Tanner, former HR leader at DoorDash and LinkedIn, about overcoming imposter syndrome and breaking through leadership challenges. Nathan shares insights from his career and strategies for building confidence and resilience. They explore the psychological barriers that hold leaders back and practical ways to reframe self-doubt. Tune in for actionable advice on embracing growth, overcoming setbacks, and becoming a more effective leader.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Nathan on LinkedInCheck out Nathan’s website and book, “The Unconquerable Leader”Support the show

Navigating a mid-career job search comes with unique challenges, from age bias to outdated hiring practices. In this episode, host David Rice sits down with career coach John Tarnoff to discuss why traditional resumes might be holding you back and how to position yourself as a valuable consultant rather than just another applicant.They explore strategies for overcoming ageism, building meaningful connections, and redefining your value in today’s evolving job market. If you're looking to make a career transition with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the next step.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with John on LinkedInCheck out Mid-Career LabSupport the show

How can organizations adapt to employees’ growing preference for stability? In this episode, host David Rice sits down with Ashley Avanzato, VP of HR at ADP, to explore key insights from the ADP Pay Insights report and what they mean for employee retention and engagement.They discuss the power of trust, empathetic leadership, and strategies like transparent communication and mentorship programs to keep employees motivated. Tune in for actionable advice on building a workplace where employees don’t just stay—they thrive.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ashley on LinkedInCheck out ADPADP’s HR Trends for 2025 reportSupport the show

What if leadership as we know it is undergoing a radical transformation?In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Jordana Cole—Founder and Principal Consultant at Ignited—to  talk about the changing hats leaders have to wear, declining interest in leadership positions, and why the idea of "unbossing" might just be a terrible idea.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jordana on LinkedInCheck out IgnitedSupport the show

AI is transforming the workplace—but how do we separate real, practical use cases from overhyped trends that don’t deliver results? And what ethical risks should we watch out for?Host David Rice talks with Jonathan Conradt—former Principal AI Scientist at Amazon and Management Board Advisor at Synerise—about AI’s real impact on HR and leadership. They explore how AI is shaping hiring, employee wellness, and decision-making, plus the crucial role of responsible AI. Jonathan also reveals why companies often mis-invest in AI—and how leaders can make smarter choices.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jonathan on LinkedInCheck out SyneriseSupport the show

As artificial intelligence becomes the workplace norm, understanding its impact on employees and organizations is crucial.In this episode, host David Rice is joined by Jeanne Meister—Global HR Consultant & Workplace Strategist—to delve into AI's role in shaping a new work environment and the importance of trust and policies in managing AI's integration.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jeanne on LinkedInCheck out Jeanne’s websiteSupport the show