

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

12 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 45min
HR Besties: Ageism with Special Guest and Meeting Crasher Maureen Wiley Clough
Maureen Wiley Clough, a podcaster and advocate for ageism awareness, dives into crucial topics around age bias in the workplace. She discusses how most people unknowingly participate in ageism and why HR professionals should champion intergenerational mentorship. Maureen shares insights from her journey that sparked her podcast and highlights the value of experience over age. They also tackle the troubling 'culture fit' notion that can lead to exclusion, urging companies to embrace diverse perspectives instead.

Mar 12, 2025 • 31min
HR Besties: Managing Up
Today’s agenda:
Salary suspension
Cringe corporate speak: fight for it
Hot topic: all about managing up - how should HR go about this? What does this mean?
BTW: subscribe to our HR Besties newsletter for weekly team discussion guide questions
Human resources and managing up: how can we influence unapproachable managers?
Thinking realistically is a must for HR and leaders: doing what you can do to the best of your ability is key
Best practises for HR when providing feedback to toxic leaders and out of touch management
Focus on the relationships
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/subscribeWe 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 & AshleyFollow Bestie Leigh!https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifestohttps://www.instagram.com/hrmanifestohttps://www.hrmanifesto.comFollow Bestie Ashley!https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod https://www.instagram.com/managermethodhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/https://managermethod.comFollow Bestie Jamie!https://www.millennialmisery.com/Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • XMillennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • XHorrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • FacebookTune 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

Mar 5, 2025 • 33min
HR Besties: It's Quittin' Time!
Today’s agenda:
I quit this b*tch!
Cringe corporate speak: transparency
Hot topic: ready to resign? Ensure a smooth exit with these dos and don'ts!
Empathy in leadership roles is crucial, especially during resignations
Putting your mental health above traditional notice periods
Leaving on good terms can lead to future opportunities and connections for both employer and employee
Honesty and exit interviews can provide valuable insights for an organization's improvement
Acknowledging employees' contributions can enhance workplace culture and strengthen connections
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 and Support Farbsy! @farbsy on Instagram and TikTokMerch Store: https://farbsy-shop.fourthwall.comFollow 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/subscribeWe 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 & AshleyFollow Bestie Leigh!https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifestohttps://www.instagram.com/hrmanifestohttps://www.hrmanifesto.comFollow Bestie Ashley!https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod https://www.instagram.com/managermethodhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/https://managermethod.comFollow Bestie Jamie!https://www.millennialmisery.com/Humorous Resources: Instagram • YouTube • Threads • Facebook • XMillennial Misery: Instagram • Threads • Facebook • XHorrendous HR: Instagram • Threads • FacebookTune 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

Feb 26, 2025 • 40min
HR Besties: Hot Topics Happy Hour - DEI and Government Employees
Dive into toxic leadership tales, where personal crises reveal the need for empathy at work. Enjoy a playful spin on Disney classics while discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Unpack the challenges of DEI initiatives and the pitfalls of unconscious biases in hiring. Explore the intersection of gender dynamics and mental health in the workplace, emphasizing kindness in communication. Plus, discover healthy snack options to boost wellness this February!

Feb 19, 2025 • 46min
HR Besties: The Overlap Between Customer Experience and Employee Experience with Max Farber
Max Farber, CEO and content creator known for his relatable workplace humor, dives into the critical overlap between customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX). He emphasizes that treating employees with the same care as customers can enhance both satisfaction levels. The discussion also critiques corporate jargon and advocates for authenticity and empathy in service interactions. With amusing anecdotes and honest reflections, Max sheds light on the human element in building strong workplace dynamics that ultimately benefit customers.

Feb 12, 2025 • 39min
HR Besties: Unequal Treatment at Work
Discover the nuances of unequal treatment at work, from disparities between salaries and hourly wages to how different departments are treated. Dive into the cringe-worthy corporate jargon that complicates clear communication. Learn how small gestures from leaders can foster a respectful and inclusive culture. The discussion tackles the vital importance of employee needs and well-being, advocating for equitable benefits tailored to diverse worker preferences. Tune in for a blend of humor and serious insight into the complexities of workplace dynamics!

Feb 5, 2025 • 35min
HR Besties: "Other Duties As Assigned": Surprise Changes at Work
The conversation dives into the awkwardness of corporate jargon and its impact on team morale. There’s a lively discussion on navigating evolving job roles and the importance of clear communication from leaders. Legal implications of job changes are highlighted, emphasizing employees' rights. Self-advocacy and setting boundaries to prevent burnout are crucial themes. Plus, the hosts share innovative ideas for creating a supportive work environment while encouraging fun personal stories about forming connections at work!

Jan 29, 2025 • 37min
HR Besties: Out of Touch Leadership
Dive into the absurdity of an employee showing up at work without pants due to a wild night! Discover cringe-worthy corporate jargon and its disconnect from genuine connection. Learn about the pitfalls of out-of-touch leadership and how it affects morale. The conversation highlights leaders focusing too much on metrics instead of the people behind them. Empathy, authenticity, and accountability are championed as key to effective leadership. Join the fun as they explore the importance of understanding employee experiences for organizational success!

21 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 32min
HR Besties: Effective Goal Setting: From KPIs, OKRs to Personal
The hosts dive into effective goal setting both professionally and personally, exploring how tailored objectives can motivate teams. They hilariously critiqued cringe-worthy corporate jargon like 'big rocks' while offering relatable tips for planning. The dynamic nature of goal setting is emphasized, encouraging flexible approaches that adapt to changes. Personal anecdotes keep things light as they share their wildcard 2025 goals. Plus, insights on useful tools for tracking progress prompt a conversation about celebrating achievements, making the topic both informative and entertaining.

31 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 52min
HR Besties: Workplace Trends in 2025
Kick off the new year with discussions about bizarre drug testing antics and the cringe-worthy corporate jargon of yesteryear. Discover what workplace trends are predicted for 2025, including the role of AI as both a helper and perceived threat. Champions of hybrid work share insights on flexibility and strategic leadership. Plus, a humorous look at labor shortages and personal reflections on resolutions sets the tone for a year of growth and adaptability. Embrace the fun while navigating the evolving work landscape!