

Punk Rock HR
WRKdefined Podcast Network
Welcome to the Punk Rock HR Podcast, hosted by the influential and unconventional Laurie Ruettimann. This podcast breaks away from the traditional constraints of the HR world to bring you candid and compelling conversations with some of the most disruptive and innovative minds in the business. Each episode, Laurie dives deep into critical topics surrounding the real world of work, exploring the modern workplace's nuances, and challenging the status quo of HR.Guests range from renowned thought leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs to HR professionals and individuals who have reshaped the way we approach work and organizational culture. Punk Rock HR is not your usual HR talk. It’s a blend of insight, wit, and irreverence, aiming to bring a fresh, unfiltered perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s workforce.Whether you’re an HR professional looking to revamp your approach, a leader trying to understand the people side of the business better, or just someone interested in the dynamics of the modern workplace, this podcast is your ticket to engaging discussions and actionable insights. Expect energizing conversations, guests with big ideas, and a punk rock twist, with episodes released every Monday.Follow the Punk Rock HR Podcast to keep your finger on the pulse of work, leadership, and human resources. Your journey towards a more progressive and enlightened workspace starts here!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 13, 2020 • 27min
103: A Conversation About Leadership, Humanness, and Healing with Joey Price
Punk Rock HR Episode 103: I'd like you to meet Joey Price. Joey is the founder of Jumpstart: HR, LLC, and host of Business, Life, and Coffee, a weekly entrepreneur mentorship podcast. He focuses on creating effective HR systems for small businesses and startups across the country and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Forbes School of Business and Technology's Human Resources Degree Program. Joey Price is a thought leader in the very best sense of the word. We are all feeling a sense of anxiety in the face of the unknown. In today's conversation, Joey joins me to offer his perspective on what it's like to be a leader and to be human during this crazy time. We also discuss the effects on work, life, and business on the COVID-19 generation. As you listen, I hope this episode offers a healing conversation to you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Punk Rock HR. In this episode you'll hear:
Joey shares his thoughts on how people are reacting or coping with life and work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have an open and honest conversation about how humaneness in our workforce and our leaders is going unrecognized.
What Joey believes the future may hold for medium to small-sized businesses.
Some thoughts about CEO's who haven't been walking their talk about the importance of the employee experience pre-pandemic and now not thinking about their employees during the pandemic - what gives?
Digital transformation and working from home - are they right for business?
The effects on work, life, and business on the COVID-19 generation.
Resources from this episode:Jumpstart: HRSmall Business HR Courses (Coronavirus, CA Sexual Harassment, etc) Business, Life, and Coffee Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Podbean | Spotify Joey on Twitter Joey on LinkedInJoey on InstagramGenC, Seth Godin Did Dolphins and Swans ‘Return’ to Italian Waterways Amid COVID-19 Lockdown?, Snopes Laurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Apr 6, 2020 • 33min
102: A Perspective on Giving and Receiving Advice with Michael Bungay Stanier
Punk Rock HR Episode 102:My guest today is Michael Bungay Stanier, author of The Advice Trap. Today, he helps us think differently about advice, giving advice, and receiving advice. He also talks about some ways to avoid those pesky advice traps. Michael is also the author of The Coaching Habit, and his recent TEDx on how to take your advice monster is a must-watch. He's got a ton of tips and resources, so be sure to check out the show notes for links to many of them. I have been following Michael for many years and was thrilled to have him as my guest. I hope you enjoy our conversation. In this episode you’ll hear:
Michael's attempt at creating a coaching practice and his discovery that he didn't enjoy coaching people all that much.
How Michael helps people stay curious a little bit longer.
Coaching is not an occasional formal intervention.
Helping you reframe your default response to advice-giving.
We discuss the magic of social contracting.
And, how to tame your advice monster.
Resources from this episode:Michael on LinkedInMichael’s TEDx talkCoaching HabitThe Advice TrapMBSWorksLaurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Apr 3, 2020 • 5min
Mentorship Friday: COVID-19 and Your Content
Laurie Ruettimann is a mentor to dozens of emerging and seasoned leaders. All of her mentees are just like her—spinning their wheels and working from home. How do you your best work in an environment that has you hyperfocused on COVID-19 and worrying about your finances? The answer lies in staying true to yourself and creating products, services, and content that is consistent with your values. This episode shares Laurie's insights on what it means to be productive and helpful when the world is freaking out. ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Mar 30, 2020 • 26min
101: The World of Work In the Face of a Global Pandemic with Kate Bischoff
Punk Rock HR Episode 101: This episode covers some of your questions about Coronavirus and how your employer should and shouldn't behave. To help me explore this topic, Minneapolis-based employment attorney, Kate Bischoff joins me. She's an expert on work and in the world of politics. She understands how power works at an organization, and she definitely knows a thing or two about sticking up for the underdog. We also talk about unemployment, COBRA Health Insurance and some considerations employers should think about when laying off their workforce. If you want to hear two-midwestern women talk about what is going on in the world of work right now, you won't want to miss this episode. In this episode you’ll hear:
COVID-19 and work: the questions on the minds of today's leaders, employees, and organizations
Healthcare coverage concerns in the face of a global pandemic
We discussed the incompetence by the federal government when they had months of forewarning
Kate explains unemployment and addresses the notion that some people may be fearful of applying for benefits
Some relief benefits or resources for self-employed
Unconventional tips for leaders, managers, and owners who have to lay-off their workforce
COVID-19 is going to prove whether or not we were committed to those issues in the first place
Resources from this episode:Thrive Law and ConsultingKate on LinkedInFamilies First Coronavirus Response ActLaurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Mar 25, 2020 • 26min
100: COVID-19 Preparedness with Lorna Borenstein
Punk Rock HR Episode 100:People keep saying that we're living in an unprecedented era of disruption. While this is new for us, humankind has lived through war, pestilence, plagues, and we have persevered. We persevere because we hustle, and we move quickly. We think about innovative solutions, but we also rely on our community. So when a member of my community told me about Lorna Borenstein and the work she is doing to help in this time of crisis, I knew I needed to have her on the podcast. She is a business owner, an entrepreneur, and is at the epicenter of helping people do their best work and feel great at a time when that's under assault. Lorna Borenstein is the founder and CEO of a well-being company called Grokker. Her company has created a platform where credentialed experts can offer videos and teach people how to live better. They focus on five aspects of well-being; fitness, mental health, sleep, nutrition, and financial wellness. Up until last week, Grokker was not available to everyone; it was only open to organizations and companies looking to promote wellness to their workforce. But Lorna and her colleagues are now offering all videos free to consumers and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. It's a pretty special thing when someone can jump in and ask, "What can I do in this moment of crisis?" Lorna is someone doing just that. In this episode you’ll hear:
Why Lorna created Grokker and why she decided to make the platform free to businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak.
We discuss the type of content and videos you can find on the platform.
Lorna shares why she believes older generations are becoming more comfortable using technology and therefore, will have easy entry into utilizing videos found on Grokker.
Some thoughts around poverty and accessibility in isolation.
We answer the question, "How can working parents chill out right now?"
Lorna describes the COVID-19 Preparedness Program, which is now available for access.
Resources from this episode: Grokker - Free for BusinessGrokker - Free for IndividualsNew COVID-19 Preparedness ProgramLorna on LinkedInLorna on TwitterGrokker on TwitterLaurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Mar 23, 2020 • 35min
099: A Realistic View of Life and HR with Frank Roche
Punk Rock HR Episode 99: This week’s guest has always inspired me not to be a sucker. Frank Roche is one of America's leading experts on executive compensation and benefits. He is a baby boomer who had a portfolio career before it was cool. He's been a writer and a journalist, a technologist, and a corporate advisor at very Senior levels. He's also a podcaster with two podcasts, one about postcards, and another about his journey with pancreatic cancer. In this episode, we talked about the early days of the social web, what it was like to put yourself out there, and have significant and controversial ideas. Frank was there with me in the early days of Punk Rock HR. He's always in my head when I get a little too big for my britches. He is also one of my biggest champions. I just love this conversation with Frank Roche, and I hope you do too. In this episode you’ll hear:
The Wild West of conferences and blogging, circa 2009 and 2010
Frank shares a little bit about his entrepreneurial journey and how he worked to keep people in work during the recession
Why he left the world of consulting and went back to his roots as a writer and journalist
The launch of his podcasts Postcardist and The Adventures of PanCan Man
Frank opens up about his diagnosis and battle with pancreatic cancer
We discuss Frank’s belief that science is the answer and why cancer rubbernecking sucks
Resources from this episode:The PostcardistThe Adventures of PanCan ManFrank Roche on LinkedInLaurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Mar 16, 2020 • 26min
098: 21st Century HR with Lars Schmidt
Punk Rock HR Episode 98: 21st Century HR with Lars SchmidtMeet former HR leader turned writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, Lars Schmidt. Lars is a columnist for Fast Company, and the owner of an executive search firm called Amplify Talent. He is also the founder of a podcast that is kicking butt and taking names. The 21st Century HR podcast explores how to build better businesses through modern practices and approaches. There's nothing Lars hasn't done in the world of HR and recruiting. But, above all else, Lars is a community builder. He is an honest, earnest, and progressive guy with good ideas. Tune in to hear us discuss 21st Century HR practices and what he is doing to change the narrative. I hope you enjoy our conversation in this very first episode of Punk Rock HR.In this episode you’ll hear:
Why Lars decided to create the 21st Century HR podcast
How new-school HR is addressing unrealistic expectations in the workplace
Lars shares stories and examples of what good leadership looks like
Many HR departments don't want to touch politics or the third rails; Lars offers his reflections on this topic
Why a willingness by HR professionals to be real, vulnerable, and relatable is a game-changer
Resources from this episode:Lars Schmidt on LinkedInAmplify TalentHR Open Source21st Century HREmployer Branding for Dummies Laurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie Plus, check out these 21st Century HR Podcast Episodes: Credit Karma Chief People Officer, Colleen McCreary Eventbrite CHRO David Hanrahan, Vulnerability In HR Spotify CHRO Katarina Berg, Modern HR Playlist Reddit VP People & Culture Katelin Holloway, The Power Of Story Asana Head Of People Operations Anna Binder, Business Acumen In HR ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Mar 9, 2020 • 5min
097: Welcome to Punk Rock HR: The Podcast with Attitude
Punk Rock HR Episode 97:Spoiler alert! Nobody's fixing work, not even me. I'm not living up to the Let's Fix Work brand promise, and there's nothing worse than a brand that doesn't deliver. So, it's time to flip the script. It's time to say good-bye to Let's Fix Work and hello to a podcast with a little bit more of an attitude. Perhaps a little bit more punk rock? Let's Fix Work is a thing of the past. It's time to welcome in a new iteration of the show - Punk Rock HR. In this episode, I share the story behind the new name, my goals moving forward, and what you can expect to hear. Punk Rock HR is here, and it's an edgier and entertaining look at how people think they are fixing the world of work.In this episode you’ll hear:
What a blog and a shaved head have to do with the name Punk Rock HR
Some of my goals for the next iteration of the podcast
Why I plan to only interview guests who have a freaking podcast microphone!
Resources from this episode:Laurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Feb 28, 2020 • 6min
Mentorship Friday 4: How to Be a Top Employer
Laurie Ruettimann is a mentor to dozens of emerging and seasoned leaders. One of her mentees asked for advice on growing the business and being a top employer at the same time. In an era where the employee experience makes all the difference, executives and founders must differentiate their companies and focus on the quality of work, the relationships people have in the office, and the way in which they give back to local communities. If you want to run your company like a 21st-century enterprise and evolve beyond the tired benchmark of shareholder value, this episode is for you. ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Feb 24, 2020 • 30min
096: Igniting Change in Life, Work, & Customer Service with Simon T. Bailey
Let’s Fix Work Episode 96:If you've been to a conference over the past decade, you've seen Simon T. Bailey up on stage motivating you to be brilliant and be your best. He is a Breakthrough Strategist whose life's purpose is to teach 1 billion+ people how to be fearless and create their future.By nature, I am a cynical woman. I’ve seen Simon speak and have listened to his message. When I do, I get a little bit more optimistic. He is truly one of the most inspirational speakers of our time. I am excited and honored to have him as my guest this week on the show.In addition to presenting inspiring and powerful keynotes, Simon is the author of several books that encourage readers to live a brilliant life. His latest book, Be the Spark: Five Platinum Service Principles for Creating Customers for Life, walks readers through how to attract and retain customers in a growing global market as well as become the spark that creates change. Today we talk about customer service, how to enjoy work, and how to love your life. In this episode you’ll hear:
Simon shares what it is like to be an inspirational speaker and how he finds inspiration when he is feeling uninspired.
How to ensure we have a culture where men and women can be their best version of themselves.
Why Spark is the new engagement.
It shifts the way we view and achieve leadership.
Not getting what you need from that socially inept leader? Simon shares some advice on how you can become the spark you need.
Moving past the pervasiveness to get things out to the market right away and how to find passion, again.
The power in rehearsing the future in the present.
How to fall back in love with work, short of quitting.
Resources from this episode:Be the Spark Release Your Brilliance Shift Your BrillianceSimon’s websiteLaurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie ***EPISODE CREDITS:If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com