

HR BESTIES
HR Besties
Get ready to mix business and bullsh*t with the HR Besties - your favorite watercooler crew! Join Leigh Henderson (@hrmanifesto), Jamie Jackson (@humorous_resources and @millennial_misery), and Ashley Herd (@managermethod) for the staff meeting you actually WANT to attend. We have a full agenda to discuss every Wednesday and don’t worry, we’ll stick to your hard stop. On Fridays, you’re invited to meet up with us for Happy Hour to celebrate surviving another week of work!Visit our website at www.hrbesties.com and follow us on the socials (@hrbestiespod) for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes fun!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2025 • 36min
HR Besties: How to Get Promoted: Career Advice Straight from HR
Today’s agenda:
#Justice4Jerry
Cringe corporate speak: hit the ground running
Hot topic: how to be promoted at work: tips, tricks and career advice from HR
The best advice we have ever received
What does success look like to you? How will this change throughout your career?
Thinking about what the new position entails, new hours and work-life balance
Making yourself indispensable and how to stand out is key
Questions/Comments
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 40min
HR Besties Happy Hour: Updates From Jamie and Taylor Swift
The hosts dive into Jamie's recent layoff story, shedding light on the harsh realities of corporate life. They discuss the complexities of authenticity and accountability in workplaces, sharing humorous yet insightful experiences. Pop culture makes a joyful entrance, with tales of Taylor Swift and celebrity encounters in Nashville. There's also a light-hearted exploration of quirky collections and the role of effective communication in fostering leadership connections. Expect laughter and relatable workplace anecdotes throughout!

9 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 36min
HR Besties: Gen Z Work Culture Clashes
The discussion kicks off with a hilarious office anecdote involving inappropriate language and a clever nod to corporate humor. It dives into the generational clash between millennials and Gen Z, addressing cringe corporate jargon and the importance of teaching essential skills. Managers are encouraged to adapt their communication and embrace feedback. The focus shifts to empowering Gen Z, emphasizing their impact on workplace culture, the need for work-life balance, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone belongs.

Aug 6, 2025 • 42min
HR Besties: Coping With Job Loss
The podcast dives into the emotional rollercoaster of job loss, exploring topics like self-worth and identity. It highlights the importance of processing feelings and healing after layoffs. Listeners hear personal stories that shed light on the complex dynamics of corporate culture and the ethical challenges faced by HR. The hosts emphasize empathy in leadership, the impact of toxic environments, and the necessity of support from friends during transitions. With humor and honesty, they navigate the often-taboo discussions around layoffs.

6 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 41min
HR Besties: Work Life Balance
Today’s agenda:
Workplace wubbie
Cringe corporate speak: core competency
Hot topic: all things work-life balance - who is responsible and is it achievable?
What does work-life balance look like to us?
The B word (boundaries)
Unbalanced power dynamics - work-life balance is a shared responsibility but not always an equal opportunity
Balance is fluid and circumstantial
Questions/Comments
We'll be back for season 6 in August, Besties! Until then, we're due for a little R&R...
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 36min
HR Besties: Toxic Positivity
Dive into the intriguing world of toxic positivity and its impact on workplace culture. Explore how the relentless push for #goodvibesonly can lead to neglecting genuine feelings. Discover the delicate balance between hope and hype, and why feeling safe to express concerns is crucial. Hear laughter-filled stories that dissect cringe-worthy corporate jargon, while emphasizing the importance of authentic communication. Learn how to navigate the challenges of fostering emotional wellness amidst organizational dynamics.

11 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 46min
HR Besties: Workhuman Live 2025 with KeyAnna Schmiedl
KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Experience Officer at Workhuman, joins to explore the fascinating intersection of AI and the workplace. They discuss how AI can enhance productivity while ensuring the human touch remains vital. KeyAnna emphasizes the need for transparency, humility, and authenticity in HR roles as technology evolves. The conversation is enriched with humor and personal stories, highlighting the balance between embracing AI's efficiency and prioritizing emotional support in professional settings.

Jun 4, 2025 • 35min
HR Besties: Our Top Ten Most Memorable Cringe Corporate Speak Moments
How many of these have you heard in your workplace, Besties?
Open kimono
New sheriff in town
Out of pocket
Too many balls in the air
Bang it out
More to come
Executive presence
Ducks in a row
We're like family
Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you’re the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at https://www.hrbesties.com.
Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: https://www.hrbesties.com/about.
Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe
We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don’t worry, we’ll have a hard stop!
Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,
Leigh, Jamie & Ashley
Follow Bestie Leigh!
https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto
https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto
https://www.hrmanifesto.com
Follow Bestie Ashley!
https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod
https://www.instagram.com/managermethod
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
https://managermethod.com
Follow Bestie Jamie!
https://www.millennialmisery.com/
Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • X
Millennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • X
Horrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • Facebook
Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you’re in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 snips
May 28, 2025 • 46min
HR Besties: Our Top Ten Most Memorable (and Cringe) Watercooler Stories
This episode dives into hilarious workplace antics, from a disastrous salad bar to an employee caught pantless after a chaotic night. Expect laughs about a child hiding at work and an office earthquake drill gone wrong. They tackle the absurdities of potlucks and share how a growl helped ease tension. Miscommunication in emails gets a funny twist, while staff engagement strategies feature eye-catching subject lines. And don't miss the jaw-dropping expense report that includes a Plan B pill!

10 snips
May 21, 2025 • 42min
HR Besties: How to Make the Most of Paid Time Off
Amidst laughter and camaraderie, the hosts dive into hilarious vacation tales, including a trip to Miami gone wild. They share insightful strategies for maximizing time off, tackling cringe-worthy corporate jargon along the way. The importance of disconnecting during vacations for mental well-being is highlighted, alongside tips for creating a supportive environment for team members. The discussion explores the complexities of unlimited PTO policies and emphasizes that time off should mean true rest—not just a shift in focus.