HR Superstars

Too many leaders still separate people and performance, as if caring about one cancels out the other. In this episode, Fringe CEO and co-founder Jordan Peace joins Karina Young to challenge that mindset. He explains how trust and genuine care empower people to do great work. Together, they explore what happens when organizations lose their sense of humanity, how fear and disconnection create cynicism, and why rebuilding culture starts with small acts of kindness. Jordan also shares how HR leaders can use data and storytelling to get executives to prioritize employee well-being as a key driver of an organization's long-term success. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jordan Peace (04:33) Why workplaces feel disconnected from people (08:34) Cultural warning signs: cynicism and blame (12:18) Relationships drive engagement and productivity (14:16) How to get the C-suite to care more (19:19) The impact of people-first leadership (26:06) Why events & activities can't fix culture (34:30) Healing workplace cynicism through genuine care Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's The HR Leader's Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover: https://www.15five.com/guide-to-reducing-regrettable-turnover?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Reducing Regrettable Turnover eBook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Jordan Peace's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-peace-fringe/

The importance of storytelling in HR is a key focus, as it helps connect data to meaningful narratives. Tailoring stories for various audiences, from employees to executives, is essential for gaining buy-in on initiatives. Authentic storytelling can foster trust and psychological safety within organizations. Practical strategies include crafting clear messages and identifying storytelling strengths to enhance communication skills. HR leaders are encouraged to view themselves as storytellers, shaping the organizational narrative and enhancing engagement.

AI can give HR leaders what they've always wanted: more time to focus on people, not paperwork. In this episode, Karina Young chats with Anthony Onesto and Theresa Fesinstine about how people leaders can confidently adopt AI without losing the human side of leadership. They discuss what most teams get wrong about AI, how to start small without fear, and why a curious mindset matters more than being tech-savvy. Anthony and Theresa speak candidly about the pressure to move quickly, the fear of falling behind, and the importance of HR leading the AI conversation rather than reacting to it. This episode offers an honest look at how AI can support HR's core mission of helping people thrive in the workplace. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstars: Anthony Onesto and Theresa Fesinstine (07:17) Getting started with AI when you're not technical (11:30) Staying relevant through curiosity and experimentation (16:00) Helping HR leaders build confidence with new technology (20:29) Examples of AI tools supporting HR strategy (26:01) How AI changes the way we work (28:57) Balancing human impact and efficiency in the AI era Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Anthony Onesto's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyonesto/ Theresa Fesinstine's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresafesinstine/

HR leaders hold immense responsibility but too often lack the authority and confidence to match. In this episode, executive communications coach and world-champion debater Kate Mason joins Karina Young to explore how leaders can use everyday conversations to earn trust and build influence. Kate is the author of Powerfully Likable and has coached executives across industries on how to communicate with confidence. Kate shares practical tools to avoid diminishing language, how to make competence visible through intentional communication, and why signposting creates calm and credibility. She and Karina also discuss the unique challenges women in HR face around power, how to regulate presence in high-pressure moments, and the importance of framing recommendations with conviction in executive settings. This episode offers actionable ways for HR leaders to strengthen their voice at the table, communicate with authority, and show the true strategic value of the people function. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kate Mason (03:11) Kate Mason's journey from debate to executive coaching (05:17) Building trust when HR is brought in too late (06:44) How to demonstrate competence without downplaying your impact (11:48) Why many women hesitate to claim power in leadership (14:15) Practical tools for calming nerves in high-stakes moments (17:02) Recognizing what powers you up and shuts you down (23:12) Navigating executive friction and showing up with authority (29:52) Communicating effectively with CEOs and gaining their trust (35:38) Breaking habits that diminish your presence at the table Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance Review Playbook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Kate Mason's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd/

The future of work is already here, so why does HR still feel stuck in the past? Despite rising expectations, many HR teams are still relying on outdated tools like annual surveys, rigid change models, and compliance-first programs. The result: employee experiences that feel transactional instead of inspiring. In this episode, Loren Blandon joins Karina Young to talk about how HR can finally catch up to the way people actually work today. Loren is a Future of Work Strategist and Fractional HR Executive with nearly two decades of experience across industries. Loren shares why HR should borrow from marketing and brand building, how she rebuilt learning teams with human-centered design, and the importance of creating programs employees are proud to talk about outside of work. She and Karina also dig into how to get past "check-the-box" approaches, why HR leaders need to put the employee at the center of every decision, and how grassroots energy often drives change more effectively than top-down mandates. For HR leaders carrying more responsibility than ever with limited resources, this episode is a call to bring creativity, empathy, and courage to the way we design work and to step confidently into the future that's already unfolding. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Loren Blandon (02:21) Loren's path from psychologist to HR leader (03:41) Why traditional change models no longer work (05:19) What HR can learn from top consumer brands (08:52) Breaking free from compliance-first HR mindsets (10:45) Designing learning programs people actually want (14:06) The role of AI in today's HR function (17:11) Addressing fear and uncertainty across every career stage (23:53) Using influencers to amplify culture and learning programs (27:26) The future of employee listening powered by AI (31:40) Practical ways HR teams are using AI today (37:00) Advice for HR leaders stepping into new roles Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Loren Blandon's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenblandon/

Authenticity in leadership is often encouraged, but rarely modeled at the top. And in HR, the pressure to stay polished can make vulnerability feel off-limits. In this episode, Nicole DuBois joins Karina Young to reflect on what happens when people leaders stop compartmentalizing and start leading from their full selves. Nicole, CHRO at Graham Windham, opens up about publishing a memoir under a pseudonym, sharing her story publicly, and how that decision impacted her team and her career. Together, they talk about how HR teams can influence culture by showing up as humans first, what it looks like to embed compassion into strategic planning, and why trust with employees hinges on transparent follow-through. Nicole also shares how her team is building programming around vulnerability, leadership coaching, and belonging across the organization. For HR leaders looking to lead with more intention and impact, it's a reminder that honesty isn't a liability but a strategy. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Nicole DuBois (01:25) The pressure to stay polished as an HR leader (03:18) Nicole's journey from policy enforcer to strategic people partner (06:22) What to do when HR needs HR (08:15) Writing a memoir while hiding behind a pseudonym (10:11) The moment Nicole chose to show up fully (12:31) How authenticity changed her team relationships (16:28) The loneliness of leading HR without peer support (21:25) Building an annual plan rooted in compassion (23:20) Supporting employees in emotionally demanding roles (27:20) Coaching leaders stuck in outdated management styles (33:23) Turning engagement survey feedback into visible action Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Nicole DuBois 's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-dubois-24568510/

Psychological safety is often discussed but rarely understood as a performance driver. Too often, it's treated like a value statement or one-time training session. In this episode, Dr. Bill Howatt joins Karina Young to discuss why that approach falls short and what needs to be done to make psychological safety measurable. Bill, Chief Mental Health Officer and Founder of Howatt Human Resources Consulting Inc., shares what most leaders miss about emotional well-being at work and how to equip managers with habits that stick. He and Karina also explore how conflict can strengthen teams, the problem with overcomplicated programs, and why less is more when it comes to learning. With clear advice on framing these conversations for executive buy-in, Bill helps HR leaders move from check-the-box efforts to culture-shaping strategy. For anyone tasked with building safer, stronger teams, this episode is a practical look at what matters most: how people feel. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Dr. Bill Howatt (01:10) Why psychological safety is still misunderstood (04:26) How employee feelings impact business outcomes (06:50) When HR strategy works in isolation (07:59) Reframing psychological safety for executive buy-in (10:15) Misconceptions about mental health in the workplace (14:58) Why most accountability efforts fall apart (19:21) Conflict is a missed opportunity (20:25) How trusted leaders navigate emotional friction (27:51) Building a real psychological safety program (34:07) Why less is more in HR training Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Bill Howatt's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/howatthr/

High performers are often seen as the ones you don't have to worry about. But behind consistent output and quiet competence, there can be early signs of burnout and disengagement. In this episode, Melanie Naranjo joins Karina Young to challenge how companies define top talent and why performance without support leads to retention risk. Melanie, Chief People Officer at Ethena, shares a candid perspective on why high performers need more than praise. They need space to grow, permission to speak up, and help rewiring habits that no longer serve them. Together, they explore how over-reliance on top talent can backfire, why traditional engagement strategies often miss the mark, and what managers can do to spot red flags before it's too late. Melanie also offers clear strategies for re-engaging high performers and building a culture where expectations, accountability, and care go hand in hand. For HR leaders working to retain their best people, it's a compelling reminder: performance doesn't mean immunity. It means opportunity. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Melanie Naranjo (01:14) The hidden costs of quiet disengagement (03:28) Rethinking what "high performer" really means (06:26) Debunking the myth of passion and performance (10:19) Building flexible perks that actually engage people (12:58) Early signs your top talent is burning out (15:19) Questions managers should ask but usually don't (20:03) How to coach overwhelmed team members (22:30) Why surveys won't help you retain your best people (24:17) High performers suffer when underperformers go unchecked (31:19) Re-engaging talent through targeted development plans (35:25) What to do when a high performer is a jerk (38:23) Questions every manager should ask top talent Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's The HR Leader's Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover: https://www.15five.com/guide-to-reducing-regrettable-turnover?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Reducing Regrettable Turnover eBook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Melanie Naranjo's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-naranjo/

Workplace performance isn't just L&D's responsibility; it belongs to the whole company. And yet, many HR and learning teams still treat training as a standalone solution. In this episode, Kevin Yates joins Karina Young to reframe how we think about impact, and why the question isn't just "Did people complete the program?" but "Did anything change as a result?" Kevin, known across the industry as the "L&D Detective," shares what he's learned from nearly 30 years in the field and why measuring outcomes requires more than a survey or LMS report. He explains how to shift from reporting activity to proving contribution, and why L&D must be embedded in a broader performance ecosystem to make a meaningful difference. Together, they explore what most organizations overlook: how business goals get lost in translation, how legacy habits still shape how programs are designed, and how measurement can become a strategic advantage, not just a reporting requirement. Kevin also offers a practical lens for partnering across functions and building internal alignment around shared outcomes. For HR and L&D leaders navigating increasing pressure to deliver results, it's a timely reminder: meaningful change doesn't happen in a vacuum. It takes a village. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kevin Yates (02:38) How the L&D Detective name came about (04:37) Discovering the passion for measurement in L&D (07:47) Aligning training with business goals (09:31) Breaking legacy habits in L&D practices (10:56) Shifting from order-taker to performance consultant (12:56) The workplace performance ecosystem and its importance (16:30) Why L&D can't succeed alone in impacting business goals (21:00) Operationalizing the measurement of L&D's impact (23:28) Activity metrics vs. true performance impact (32:05) Leveraging AI tools to enhance L&D performance measurement Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's Performance Review Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/review-process-playbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Performance For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Kevin Yates's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmyates/

Even though people are at the heart of business outcomes, HR leaders still struggle to be seen as essential voices at the executive table. In this episode, Karina Young, VP of People at 15Five, sits down with Jeff Smith, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at 15Five, to talk about how to show up in the boardroom with clarity and confidence. Jeff shares lessons from working closely with HR leaders over the years and offers practical guidance on how to present people strategy as business strategy. They cover how to prepare for board meetings, tell compelling stories with data, and answer tough questions without losing trust. This episode offers an honest and empowering look at why HR deserves a seat at the table. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jeff Smith (05:02) Jeff Smith on what happens inside a boardroom (07:13) Fighting for your seat at the table (08:31) How to communicate HR strategy in business terms (10:42) Organizing the data you're presenting (13:53) The value of preparing with your peers (20:29) How to prep for tough questions in the boardroom (22:19) Avoiding common pitfalls in presentations (23:22) The power of storytelling when sharing data (26:54) Building confidence and presence ahead of high-stakes conversations Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR Outcomes Playbook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Jeff Smith's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsmithphd