In this insightful conversation, Andrew Bartlow, CEO of People Leader Accelerator, shares his expertise in transforming HR into a strategic powerhouse. He discusses the critical mindset shift needed for HR leaders to align their goals with business priorities. Bartlow emphasizes the importance of acting like management consultants and utilizing data-driven metrics. He also offers practical strategies to combat burnout and enhance productivity, highlighting how HR can become a vital driver of organizational success.

Discover the pivotal role of managers in driving organizational success. Effective people management is linked to employee engagement and performance. One-third of HR time is wasted on issues stemming from poor management. Learn practical strategies to empower managers, such as setting clear expectations and providing ongoing support. The discussion highlights the superhero mindset's drawbacks and emphasizes the need for proper skill development to enhance management effectiveness.

The key to retention lies in understanding why employees truly stay. In this episode, Adam Weber sits down with Dr. Sherry Woosley, Director of Analytics and Research at Elentra, to explore the surprising phenomenon of being "busy but bored" and how it impacts motivation and retention.  Sherry explains the difference between meaningful engagement and mere task completion. She shares insights on innovative solutions like Fun Day Friday initiatives that not only challenge employees but also rejuvenate their interest in their work.  Sherry also discusses why employees stay, from job adventure to skill development, and why personalized meaning is crucial for satisfaction. Her advice on balancing work loyalty and future career growth provides a comprehensive approach to fostering a thriving workplace. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) An introduction to the episode with Sherry Woosley (03:06) The impact of COVID-19 on employee retention (05:03) What motivates employees to stay at their jobs (07:49) What work-life balance mean to different employees (10:48) Exploring boredom in the workplace (12:53) Understanding the concept of "busy but bored" (15:04) Strategies for managing different types of boredom (22:33) How to combat boredom by focusing on the future of employees 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. Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn. Click here to download 15Five’s HR Leader’s Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here. Sherry Woosley LinkedIn - click here!  

Feeling stuck in your career? Discover how to pitch ideas with courage! Learn the significance of confidently presenting proposals, understanding the business context, and using data to back your ideas. Transform rejection into opportunity with practical steps and motivational insights. Get ready to shift from seeking approval to effectively selling your vision and maximizing impact in the HR space. Tune in for inspiring examples and actionable advice!

Have you ever wondered if CEO favoritism can shape the culture of an entire organization?    According to Alex Seiler, it definitely can.    Alex, a seasoned Chief People Officer with over 15 years of global experience, shares the often-overlooked impacts of CEO favoritism on organizational culture and how it manifests in promotions, decision-making, and social dynamics.   Drawing from his experience, Alex discusses practical strategies for tackling these challenges and fostering a fairer, more inclusive workplace. He shares how intentionality, communication, and strategic thinking are the tools to transform your leadership approach.   Join us as we discuss: (00:00) An introduction to the episode with Alex Seiler (02:17) How CEO favoritism impacts company culture (07:12) Strategies for addressing CEO favoritism and fostering intentional leadership (15:42) How to find quick wins to impact the culture as a new Chief People Officer (21:10) How Alex transformed an entire HR department in 18 months (31:48) Alex’s visions of the future of HR with accountability, Four-Day Workweeks, and DEI   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.   Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community!   Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.   Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn.   Click here to download 15Five’s Performance Review Playbook!   For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here.   Alex Seiler LinkedIn - click here!

Relying on gut instinct for HR decisions is old news. A shift towards data-driven strategies is transforming how HR leaders operate. This approach focuses on boosting employee performance and engagement while minimizing turnover. Real-world examples, like the implementation of a four-day work week, demonstrate the practical benefits of using metrics. The discussion emphasizes the importance of aligning HR initiatives with critical business outcomes, showcasing how data empowers leaders to make informed, proactive decisions.

A little bit of empathy makes a big difference in the workplace.  In this episode, Adam Weber sits down with Wendy Sellers, known as "The HR Lady," to explore the power of empathy, the value of personality assessments, and the importance of clear communication. Wendy offers valuable insights into recognizing different personality styles and the often misunderstood concept that "common sense is not common" can improve employee performance and satisfaction. Wendy’s advice on creating a work environment where everyone feels understood, valued, and equipped is valuable for all.   Join us as we discuss: (00:00) An introduction to the episode (01:27) How Wendy became "The HR Lady" (03:09) Why Personality Assessments are important in the workplace (09:36) The dynamics of introversion vs. extroversion in the workplace (16:55) Why common sense is not common (21:12) The importance of having accurate job descriptions   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. Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn. Click here to download 15Five’s Manager Enablement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here. Wendy Sellers LinkedIn - click here!

Explore the art of pitching HR ideas to executives by mastering the business language. Discover how aligning HR strategies with company goals enhances support from leadership. Gain insights on the importance of role clarity and goal alignment for better efficiency. Learn actionable steps through a practical role-playing scenario. This episode is a goldmine for HR professionals aiming to elevate their influence within the corporate landscape.

What if the secret to extraordinary organizational success lies in being playful and fearless? Anita Grantham believes it does.  A leading people leader and Head of HR at BambooHR, Anita shares her unique approach to building a company that outperforms the market. Her journey to running HR at a top SaaS company is filled with lessons in embracing curiosity, learning from pain, and maintaining positive energy. Anita emphasizes the importance of showing up consistently as a leader, viewing work through a lens of gratitude, and creating an environment where values and mission drive every action. Join us as we discuss: 00:00 Introduction to the episode with Anita Grantham 03:00 Anita's unconventional journey to becoming an HR leader 05:57 Initial challenges when entering the HR field 09:11 How to build and sustain company culture 11:07 Aligning company values with daily actions and performance reviews  19:47 How to address difficult issues while maintaining a positive culture  28:11 The importance of setting boundaries to balance work and personal life 30:33 Key skills Anita had to develop for HR leadership 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. Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.* Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn. Click  here to download 15Five’s Manager Enablement Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click  here. Anita Grantham’s LinkedIn - click here!  

Is it possible to create a high-performance culture without losing the human touch?  Katie Burke believes it is.  On this episode, Katie Burke, former Chief People Officer of HubSpot, shares how her unique journey from media relations to chief people officer shaped her view on progressive people operations. Reflecting on her 11-year journey at HubSpot, Katie discusses the critical importance of on-the-job coaching and regular feedback for team performance.  Katie and Adam discuss the traits of top HR leaders, balancing employee satisfaction with high-performance demands, and the art of trusting one's intuition in HR. Tune in to learn more on sustaining high performance, motivating employees, and maintaining authenticity in company culture. Join us as we discuss: 00:00 Introduction to the episode with Katie Burke 06:56 HubSpot's counterintuitive bets on non-traditional hires 12:56 The importance of reflective learning and growth in leadership roles 17:54 How addressing minor issues helps retain employees 20:30 Balancing entitlement and meaningful feedback in organizations 25:26 How to strive for high performance through intentional choices 29:27 Why clear leadership and feedback is essential for performance 32:41 Be thoughtful, picky, and intentional in seeking opportunities 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. Want to connect with thousands of other strategic HR leaders like you? Join the HR Superstars Community! Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.* Hear Adam’s thoughts on elevating your HR career by following him on LinkedIn. Click  here to download 15Five’s HR Outcomes Playbook! For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click  here. Katie Burke’s LinkedIn - click here!