HR Mixtape

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Sarah Katherine Schmidt, VP of Customer Experience at PeopleLogic, to discuss the transformative approach of agile performance management. With over 16 years of experience in HR and customer experience, Sarah shares insights on how to shift from traditional performance reviews to a more continuous feedback model that fosters growth and engagement. Key Takeaways: Real-Time Feedback Loops: Learn how implementing continuous performance management can enhance employee engagement and performance. Cultural Shift: Discover the importance of psychological safety and a growth mindset in creating an environment ripe for agile performance management. 3 Practical Steps: Gain actionable strategies for initiating a successful transition to agile performance management, including starting small and measuring results. Tune in for valuable insights that can help reshape your organization's performance management practices! Guest(s): Sarah Katherine Schmidt, VP of Customer Experience, PeopleLogic

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson welcomes Stephanie Lemek, founder and CEO of The Wounded Workforce. With over 16 years of HR experience, Stephanie discusses the importance of creating trauma-informed workplaces. She shares insights on how trauma affects employees and the critical role HR professionals play in recognizing and addressing these issues. Key Takeaways: Understanding Trauma: Learn about the prevalence of trauma among employees and its impact on workplace dynamics. Self-Care for HR Professionals: Discover the significance of self-awareness and self-care for HR leaders to combat secondary trauma and compassion fatigue. Seven Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Explore actionable steps to foster a supportive work environment that prioritizes safety, trust, community, and empowerment. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in HR practices. Guest(s): Stephanie Lemek, Founder and CEO, The Wounded Workforce

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape," host Shari Simpson sits down with Tom Schin owner of Build Better Culture, to explore the critical importance of workplace culture in today's organizations. Tom shares his journey from recruiting to becoming a culture expert, emphasizing how effective leadership and employee experience can transform company culture. Listeners will discover: The Importance of Culture: Understand why culture is a top concern for HR professionals and how it impacts employee retention and engagement. Building a Feedback-Rich Environment: Learn strategies for creating psychological safety and encouraging open communication within teams. Adapting to Hybrid Work: Gain insights on how to maintain a strong company culture for remote and hybrid employees, ensuring inclusivity and connection. Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking insights that can help organizations thrive in the evolving workplace landscape. Guest: Tom Schin

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Shari Collins, a consultant specializing in HR, education, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They delve into the often-overlooked topic of ageism as a critical component of DEI initiatives in the workplace. Collins shares her personal experiences with ageism and discusses the cultural implications of aging, emphasizing the need for organizations to address age-related biases. Listeners will gain insights into the following key takeaways: Understanding Ageism: Learn how ageism affects employees of all ages and why it is crucial to recognize and address this bias in the workplace. Coded Language: Discover common phrases and coded language that perpetuate ageism, and how to communicate more inclusively. Actionable Strategies: Explore practical strategies for fostering intergenerational relationships in the workplace, such as mentoring programs and shadow boards. Tune in to this enlightening conversation to better understand the importance of inclusivity across all age groups in your organization. Guest(s): Shari Collins, Owner and Lead Consultant, Shari Collins Consulting

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. Lisa Marie Lee, founder of Linked Results LLC, to explore the critical role of data in evaluating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Dr. Lee, with her extensive background in the U.S. Navy and a PhD in education, emphasizes a human-centered approach to enhancing organizational performance through data analytics. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding employee feelings, the effectiveness of training programs, and the need for accountability in DEI efforts. Key Takeaways: Understanding Human Behavior: Dr. Lee highlights the significance of measuring not just demographics but also the emotional and behavioral aspects of employees to foster a truly inclusive workplace. The Kirkpatrick Model: The episode discusses how the Kirkpatrick Four Levels of Evaluation can be applied to assess the impact of DEI initiatives, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation beyond just training completion. Leveraging Technology: Listeners will learn how technology, including simple tools like chatbots, can facilitate data collection and enhance engagement in DEI programs, making the process more accessible and effective. Tune in to gain insights on implementing data-driven DEI strategies that can lead to meaningful organizational change. Guest(s): Dr. Lisa Marie Lee, Founder | Consultant, Linked Results, LLC

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Dr. Kevin Wright, a senior racial equity facilitator and consultant. They delve into the importance of culturally responsive supervision and the need for organizations to shift towards inclusivity and equity. Dr. Wright shares his insights on how traditional supervisory practices can be transformed to better support marginalized communities and foster a more inclusive workplace culture. Key Takeaways: Culturally Responsive Leadership: Learn how to balance task-oriented supervision with a focus on building relationships and understanding diverse cultural backgrounds in the workplace. Addressing Resistance: Discover effective strategies for engaging with leaders who may be hesitant or resistant to DEI initiatives, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and vulnerability. Long-Term Commitment: Understand that progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion is a marathon, not a sprint, and requires sustained effort and intentionality to create meaningful change. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice on advancing organizational equity and fostering a more inclusive work environment. Guest(s): Dr. Kevin L. Wright, Senior Racial Equity Facilitator/Consultant, Center for Equity and Inclusion

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, a three-time Emmy award-winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author of "Cultivating Audacity: How to Dismantle Doubt and Take Bold Risks." With over three decades of experience in sports television, Anne Marie shares her insights on overcoming fear, embracing audacity, and fostering a culture of innovation in the workplace. Listeners will learn about the importance of taking bold risks and how to navigate common obstacles such as fear, time, money, and the inner critic. Anne Marie emphasizes the need for a supportive environment that encourages employees to be audacious and confident in their pursuits. Key Takeaways: Embrace Fear: Learn how to make friends with fear and use it as a tool for growth rather than a barrier. Say No: Discover the power of saying no to prioritize what truly matters and to take actionable steps toward personal authenticity. Curate Your Front Row: Understand the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who encourage you to take risks and pursue your dreams. Tune in to gain valuable insights on building confidence and audacity in both personal and professional settings! Guest(s): Anne Marie Anderson, Broadcaster, Author, and Keynote Speaker, AMA Speaks LLC

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson welcomes Margaret McDonald, an international speaker and pro-aging advocate, to discuss ageism in the workplace. Margaret, the author of "100 Words on Everyday Ageism," shares her insights on how cultural beliefs about aging can impact employee well-being, productivity, and organizational dynamics. As the workforce becomes increasingly multigenerational, understanding and addressing age-related stereotypes is more crucial than ever. Key Takeaways: Understanding Ageism: Listeners will learn how common language and phrases contribute to ageism and how shifting this narrative can foster a more inclusive workplace. Pro-Aging Advocacy: Margaret emphasizes the importance of being a pro-aging advocate rather than an anti-ageism advocate, promoting a positive view of aging as a natural and valuable part of life. Co-Mentorship Strategies: The episode explores the concept of co-mentorship, where employees of different ages can learn from each other, enhancing skills and breaking down generational barriers. Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating a more inclusive and age-friendly workplace! Guest(s): Margaret McDonald, Pro-Aging Writer/Speaker/Advocate, Growing and Older

In this episode of the "HR Mixtape" podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Pam Jeffords, the managing partner at Diversity Works Group, to discuss the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Pam shares her journey into the DEI field, the challenges organizations face post-pandemic, and the importance of civil discourse in fostering an inclusive environment. They also delve into the impact of language on DEI initiatives and how technology, particularly AI, is transforming the way companies assess equity within their workforce. Key Takeaways: Understanding Civil Discourse: Pam emphasizes the need for civility over respect in workplace discussions, advocating for a culture where differing opinions can coexist without compromising core values. The Power of Language: The episode highlights how language shapes perceptions and behaviors in the workplace, urging listeners to be mindful of the words they use and their historical implications. Leveraging Technology for DEI: Pam discusses how AI can uncover unconscious biases in performance reviews, providing organizations with actionable data to promote equity and inclusion. Tune in to gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of DEI and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. Guest(s): Pam Jeffords, Managing Partner, Diversity Works Group

Margaret Godwin, HR Technology Consulting Practice Leader at Hylant, brings over 25 years of expertise in HR tech. She discusses the essential discovery process for selecting the right Human Capital Management system, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement. Margaret emphasizes proactive questions to ask vendors, integration testing, and involving employees in the selection through surveys and demos. She also touches on the transformative role of AI in HCM, underscoring the need for strategic implementation and human oversight in leveraging HR analytics.