Transform Your Workplace

In this bonus episode, guest host Al Nodarse chats with Drake Snodgrass, the CEO of Drake's Seven Dees, a family-owned business that has been around for over 60 years and has been passed down through three generations of the family. During the pandemic, the company was affected like many others, but Drake made a commitment to keep all of his employees on staff. Since then, the company has actually been growing! Listen in on this intimate conversation with CEO Drake Snodgrass.  Sponsor: Gresham Chamber of Commerce WorkReady A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.

It’s time to bust the myth about what makes a strong leader. Can leaders really show their emotions without appearing weak in the workplace? According to guest Carolyn Stern, author of The Emotionally Strong Leader, when leaders learn to make friends with their emotions and communicate their feelings clearly, they set the stage for real transformation, not only in themselves but in their teams and workplace culture.     TAKEAWAYS The expression of emotion and strength of leadership aren’t mutually exclusive. Our emotions impact our decisions, communication, and stress level, so we need to be mindful that our emotions matter.  Emotional intelligence is being intelligent about our emotions, using mental skills and cognitive strategies to think smarter about why we are feeling what we’re feeling. Many organizations would rather deal with unproductive behaviors or disrespectful communication than get to the heart of the issue.  Businesses can have more innovation, more productivity, and more workplace happiness if they start talking about what's going on instead of sweeping conflicting emotions under the rug.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

In this bonus episode of Transform Your Workplace, Suzi Wear takes over hosting duties and interviews Gina Riley about what's important to understand about the younger generation of employees, specifically those in Gen Z (born after 1990) and Gen Y (ages 26-41). The discussion touches on the concept of a "latchkey workforce" and the importance of understanding the needs and expectations of younger employees in the workplace. Watch the full episode on YouTube A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

Listen in on a timely discussion with Marcus Sawyerr, a veteran in the recruiting industry and Founder and CEO of EQ Community. We’ll discuss recent changes in recruiting, address blind spots, and get a glimpse into how technology affects diversity and inclusion during this evolving process.    TAKEAWAYS The recruiting process is evolving, taking the lead from consumer products. Employers need to review job descriptions to make sure that they are accurate in reflecting the true end goal. Sometimes, we can complicate things as time goes on, and we forget the essence of finding the right talent. Diversity has been seen as a box-ticking exercise — “the right thing to do” — rather than the superpower that it is. Magic takes place when people, who otherwise wouldn’t, are placed in a room together to connect with one another.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

Growth can be painful, but it’s necessary when it comes to becoming an effective leader. In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Dr. Richard Winters, ER physician and author of You’re the Leader: Now What?: Leadership Lessons from Mayo Clinic. The two discuss Dr. Winters’ approach to leadership collaboration, decision-making, and growth.   TAKEAWAYS The best leaders know when to make a decision based on their experience and when to do so by bringing together people with varied perspectives.  Effective leaders approach complex issues as a facilitator, with a clear mind focused on finding the best way forward. If we move forward based on a single perspective, we risk making serious errors. Burnout is an organizational vital sign, and leaders must address it in strategic decision-making. Doing nothing — not innovating or not moving forward — is actually more risky than taking action.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

On this bonus episode of Transform Your Workplace, guest host Al Nodarse interviews Alicia Chapman, CEO of Willamette Technical Fabricators. Chapman discusses the unique culture at her company, which includes benefits such as unlimited sick days and a commitment to supporting and promoting women in the trades. Despite being a newer company, Willamette Technical Fabricators has experienced rapid growth, reaching over $10 million in revenue within three years. Chapman also shares her experience as a woman and minority-owned business in the manufacturing industry, competing against larger companies for contracts. The conversation aims to provide inspiration and practical insights for business leaders looking to build and improve their workplace culture.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

Stuck in a leadership rut? In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Jim Wetrich, author of Stifled: Where Good Leaders Go Wrong. The two discuss how to increase your effectiveness in today’s changing modern workplace by adapting new leadership practices.   TAKEAWAYS Despite inevitable change, many companies continue to lean on prior leadership practices and prior assumptions, unwilling to adapt. If companies want to make it in this new world of work, growth and change must be at the forefront. We're not doing a good job of managing the people who are managing the new managers. Our mistakes are powerful teachers. Frequently reinforce your mission, vision, and values at every level of the organization. The younger generation wants positive and negative feedback right away, not once a year.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

She's back! One of our favorite guests, Nicole Blevins is back to discuss retention strategies! The two discuss how positive experiences in the recruiting and hiring process create a network of candidates to fill future roles, retention and hiring bonuses, boomerang employees, and more!   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

In this uncertain economic climate, there’s no better time than now to take the pulse on employee sentiment. In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws interviews Soni Basi, Global Chief People Officer of Edelman. The two discuss the recent findings of Edelman’s “Trust Barometer” and how employers can foster greater trust and connection in the workplace.   TAKEAWAYS Edelman’s “Trust Barometer” helps employers get a sense of their employees’ sentiments on a variety of timely topics. After friends and family, the workplace is the most important source of community for employees. If employees can’t see that HR is truly committed to functioning as a people-first organization, organizations will continue to struggle with gaining employee trust. People want to work for a company that espouses their own values. The only way to build trust is through repeated behaviors that people expect or want to see   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com

In this post-pandemic workplace, it’s harder than ever to lead effectively. According to Ginny Clarke, executive recruiter and consultant, leaders must learn to connect with the needs of their people in an authentic way. In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Ginny provides listeners with new takes on the Great Reshuffle, quiet quitting, recruiting practices, and top talent retention.   TAKEAWAYS When it comes to the Great Resignation, more than COVID is to blame. In recent surveys, the number one reason for employee frustration was a lack of career advancement. Leaders aren't being trained, expected, or incentivized to facilitate growth among their teams. For so long, people have been expected to work tirelessly and to be on call 24/7, and this has led to a great revolt in the workplace. Competencies should decide who you hire, not who you're most comfortable with and what is easiest. To find your purpose, allow yourself to explore, understand, and tap into what makes your heart sing.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his 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.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.