Transform Your Workplace

Bryan Power, Chief People Officer at Nextdoor, discusses how AI is transforming workplace leadership, requiring CPOs to become more strategic and creative. He shares insights on scaling AI adoption, maintaining founder mentality, and building authentic connections while navigating the rapid pace of technological disruption. TAKEAWAYS AI adoption requires treating it like a teammate, not a tool, with dedicated time for learning and experimentation. Chief People Officers must be involved in AI implementation decisions as the line between hiring people versus tools blurs. Companies should invest in early-career talent who are "AI natives" and bring fresh perspectives to 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Barry Wolfe argues that workplace psychology tools like personality tests and assessments lack scientific validity and don't predict job performance. Instead of relying on psychological profiles, leaders should focus on "value-centric actions" - clearly defining what results employees need to deliver to create business value and advance their careers. TAKEAWAYS Psychology tools are unreliable - Personality tests, competency models, and even Maslow's hierarchy lack empirical support, with IQ predicting job performance at only 0.03 correlation Employees lack clarity - 55% of workers don't know what's expected of them, and most can't answer "What do I need to do to get a raise?" Focus on value creation - Replace psychological assessments with clear definitions of business value and specific deliverables that help employees understand how to succeed 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Jenny Eversole, CEO of StyleSpace, helps professionals develop confident workplace style in the post-COVID era. As dress codes become more flexible, her company bridges the gap between personal expression and professional appearance, offering individual styling and team training to help people represent their leadership potential through visual presentation. TAKEAWAYS Workplace dress has dramatically shifted - The last five years have seen more change than the previous hundred years, with many Fortune 500 companies eliminating formal dress codes entirely, leaving employees uncertain about appropriate workplace attire. Style directly impacts career success - 96% of people believe personal style affects their workplace success and leadership growth, yet only 15% feel they're properly representing their leadership role through their dress choices. Personal branding through style is crucial - In an era of AI-generated content and remote work, visual presentation has become the most powerful nonverbal tool for standing out, building trust, and creating memorable first impressions within seven seconds of meeting someone. 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Licensed clinical social worker Sarah Harris discusses her transition from individual therapy to workplace leadership consulting. She emphasizes simple, cost-free strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces, including modeling healthy behaviors like eating lunch away from desks, active listening, and understanding how nervous systems communicate to build trust and retention. TAKEAWAYS Model wellness behaviors - Leaders should eat lunch away from their desk to demonstrate work-life boundaries Practice active listening - Give full attention during conversations by eliminating distractions and using polyvagal theory principles Create psychological safety - Use vulnerability and feedback loops to make employees feel heard and valued 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Brandon Laws and Lacey Partipilo explore how to allocate a $100,000 HR budget for a 50-person company. They compare their spending priorities, with both emphasizing outsourced HR services, leadership development, and employee recognition programs. 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Jayma DuChene discusses her podcast "What's in a Name" and the importance of names in workplace culture. She explores how mispronunciation affects belonging, shares insights from 90+ episodes interviewing people about their names' meanings, and provides practical advice for leaders to create more inclusive environments through intentional name pronunciation and understanding. TAKEAWAYS Names impact workplace belonging - Correct pronunciation and understanding name meanings demonstrates emotional intelligence and creates authentic workplace connections Simple solutions for name challenges - Leaders should humbly ask for correct pronunciation and use icebreakers involving name meanings to build team rapport Personal transformation through adversity - Jayma turned her negative experience with name mispronunciation into a passion for helping others appreciate the power and meaning behind names 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Bill Shander discusses "stakeholder whispering" - the practice of uncovering what people truly need rather than simply executing their requests. Drawing parallels to horse whispering, he emphasizes using questions, empathy, and slow thinking to guide stakeholders toward identifying their real problems, ultimately creating better outcomes for everyone involved. TAKEAWAYS Question before executing - Don't just say "yes" to requests; use the Socratic method to help stakeholders discover their actual underlying needs through thoughtful questioning Combat fast thinking - Recognize that people (including ourselves) operate on instinct and assumptions; deliberately slow down to engage in critical thinking and investigation Create experiences, not just deliverables - Everything you do creates an experience for someone; focus on solving real problems rather than delivering feature lists or surface-level requests 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Cynthia Kane's "The Pause Principle" teaches how to pause and regain control in challenging situations. Using the SOFTEN method (Sensation, Own discomfort, Focus on present, Take a breath, Eyes on other person, Need to say), people can shift from reactive responses to intentional communication by calming their nervous system first. TAKEAWAYS Notice body sensations first - Pay attention to physical discomfort signals like racing heart or tense jaw to recognize when you need to pause Use the SOFTEN method - Simple practices like focusing on breath or saying your name help shift from fight-or-flight to calm response Practice daily in low-stakes moments - Build the pause muscle through regular practice so it's available during high-pressure conversations 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

In this conversation, Josh Bersin discusses the transformative impact of AI on learning and development (L&D) within organizations. He emphasizes the shift from traditional static courses to dynamic, personalized learning experiences facilitated by AI technologies. The discussion highlights the advantages for small businesses in leveraging AI tools for content creation and training, the challenges faced by traditional learning management systems, and the importance of ensuring content credibility in an AI-driven landscape. Bersin also provides insights for HR leaders on how to effectively adopt these new technologies and decentralize L&D efforts to better meet the needs of employees. Small businesses can leverage AI for cost-effective training solutions. Personalized learning experiences are the future of L&D. Traditional LMS platforms are struggling to adapt to AI advancements. Decentralization of L&D will lead to more relevant training. Content credibility is crucial in AI-generated learning materials. HR leaders should embrace AI tools without lengthy implementation plans. AI can quickly transform existing content into new learning formats. Cultural factors within organizations significantly influence success. AI is revolutionizing learning and development. Static courses are becoming obsolete in favor of dynamic content. 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

In this conversation, Michael Wozniak discusses his book 'Employee Drift' and explores the concept that employees do not quit jobs but drift away due to poor leadership. He shares insights from his experience in the NBA, emphasizing the importance of trust, clarity, and support in leadership. Wozniak reflects on his own leadership journey, the significance of understanding employee needs, and the necessity of addressing root causes of workplace issues rather than just symptoms. He advocates for a culture of accountability and empowerment, highlighting the role of authentic leadership in transforming workplace culture. TAKEAWAYS People don't quit jobs, they drift from poor leadership. Most leadership is very transactional, leading to employee drift. Trust is essential for effective leadership. Leaders must focus on building relationships, not just managing tasks. Support, clarity, and trust are key components of effective leadership. Identifying root causes of workplace issues is crucial for improvement. Creating a culture of accountability fosters growth and development. Empowering employees leads to better performance and satisfaction. Authentic leadership builds trust and connection with employees. Clarity in roles and expectations prevents burnout and drift. 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. 👉 Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn Instagram About Brandon Connect with Xenium HR Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube