HR Happy Hour Network

AI and the Future of CollaborationHost: Steve BoeseGuest: Snorre Kjesbu, SVP/GM of Cisco Collaboration, Cisco Welcome back to the System of Record!In this conversation, Steve Boese and Snorre Kjesbu discuss the evolving landscape of work, particularly focusing on collaboration and the integration of AI technologies. They explore how the pandemic has shifted collaboration from a useful tool to a mission-critical necessity, emphasizing the importance of seamless connections in hybrid work environments. Snorre introduces the concept of 'Distance Zero' to describe the goal of removing barriers in communication and collaboration. The discussion also looks into the complexities organizations face with AI adoption, the need for clear strategies, and the evolving role of leadership in navigating these changes. Together, they discuss Cisco's innovative AI solutions designed to enhance the employee experience and improve collaboration. Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Workplace recognition is more than feel-good moments. It’s a powerful source of people data that transforms cultures and businesses. Workhuman unlocks that power with Human Intelligence — AI trained on millions of coworker “thank-yous” to uncover the hidden patterns shaping your culture. Who's actually driving projects forward? Where are the skills gaps? Which teams are thriving—and which need support? Say goodbye to the guesswork. And leverage the collective wisdom of your people for insights you can act on. And here's the best part: Workhuman guarantees measurable results. Real culture improvements that drive real business outcomes. Visit workhuman.com to turn your recognition data into a competitive advantage. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network!

Behind the Scenes of HR: Burnout, Balance, and BelongingHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Ryan Tahmassebi, People Science Director at Workbuzz SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen chats with Ryan Tahmassebi about the latest research on employee well-being, engagement, and the evolving priorities within HR. They discuss the importance of aligning HR with executive leadership, the challenges of communication, the role of AI in HR practices, and the need for emotional connections in understanding employee experiences. The conversation highlights the pressing issues facing HR professionals today and the strategies they can employ to foster a healthier workplace culture. Chapters00:00 Understanding Employee Well-being Priorities04:05 The Shift in DEI Focus07:04 Aligning HR and Executive Leadership10:20 Communication in Leadership16:16 Addressing Employee Well=being and Workload Challenges22:07 The Need for Emotional Connection in HR MetricsThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! he HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. It’s officially spooky season, but work shouldn’t feel a nightmare. If yours feels haunted by burnout and disengagement, try Workhuman. Workhuman’s #1-rated employee recognition platform connects work cultures through gratitude. Employees thank each other for great work and redeem those thanks for millions of items and experiences – keeping them engaged and productive. But here’s the coolest part: These recognition messages contain rich data. Workhuman’s AI mines it to identify quiet leaders, match mentors, and reveal team skills—enabling smarter talent decisions that generate guaranteed ROI. It’s good for people and good for business. All treats, no tricks. Visit workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the Happy Hour Podcast Network. 

AI Revolution: Transforming Employee ExperienceHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Trilok Manchinila, VP, Enterprise Architecture and Data of ABM Industries SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed discuss the excitement surrounding AI at Oracle AI World with Trilok Manchinila, VP of Enterprise Architecture and Data at ABM Industries. They explore the role of technology in enhancing employee experience, the importance of empathy in the workplace, and how AI can serve as a translator for better communication. The conversation also touches on the significance of safety and retention for frontline workers, the value of data integrity, and the future of partnerships in the tech landscape. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Oracle AI World: The Excitement of AI01:08 Understanding ABM Industries02:59 The Role of Technology in Employee Experience05:56 AI as a Translator08:41 Empathy in Technology: Bridging Gaps12:00 The Importance of Safety and Retention14:45 Data Integrity and AI17:46 Partnerships and Future InnovationsThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! he HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. It’s officially spooky season, but work shouldn’t feel a nightmare. If yours feels haunted by burnout and disengagement, try Workhuman. Workhuman’s #1-rated employee recognition platform connects work cultures through gratitude. Employees thank each other for great work and redeem those thanks for millions of items and experiences – keeping them engaged and productive. But here’s the coolest part: These recognition messages contain rich data. Workhuman’s AI mines it to identify quiet leaders, match mentors, and reveal team skills—enabling smarter talent decisions that generate guaranteed ROI. It’s good for people and good for business. All treats, no tricks. Visit workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the Happy Hour Podcast Network. 

Transforming Higher Ed with Digital HRHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Amanda Duval-Norwood, CHRO, Harper College SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed met with Amanda Duval-Norwood, the CHRO of Harper College, at Oracle AI World. They discuss the vibrant atmosphere of the conference, the operationalization of AI in business, and Amanda's journey in HR. She shares insights about Harper College, its community-focused approach, and the implementation of Oracle's HCM and ERP systems. The conversation highlights the importance of digital transformation in HR, the challenges of shared governance in higher education, and the exciting potential of AI in enhancing employee experiences. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Oracle AI World02:57 Harper College Overview07:48 Implementing Oracle Solutions12:07 Optimizing HR Processes with Technology17:31 Digital Transformation in HR21:48 The Evolution of HR Technology25:05 Embracing AI in HR Practices Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. It’s officially spooky season, but work shouldn’t feel a nightmare. If yours feels haunted by burnout and disengagement, try Workhuman. Workhuman’s #1-rated employee recognition platform connects work cultures through gratitude. Employees thank each other for great work and redeem those thanks for millions of items and experiences – keeping them engaged and productive. But here’s the coolest part: These recognition messages contain rich data. Workhuman’s AI mines it to identify quiet leaders, match mentors, and reveal team skills—enabling smarter talent decisions that generate guaranteed ROI. It’s good for people and good for business. All treats, no tricks. Visit workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the Happy Hour Podcast Network. 

The Increasing Impact of AI on Job Descriptions and ApplicationsHost: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Yutaka Takagi, Principal Product Evangelist at isolved In this podcast episode, recorded live at the HR Technology Conference & Expo, Mervyn talks with Yutaka Takagi, principal product evangelist at software development organisation isolved, about the transformative impact of AI on Talent Acquisition and job applications. During the conversation they discuss:The impact of AI on the Talent Acquisition landscapeHow job seeker applications are evolvingUsing AI to help create role descriptions and matching candidatesHow HR teams can handle an AI-driven surge in applicationsWhy AI should supplement, but not replace, human judgmentThe role of skills-based hiring in reducing bias in the recruitment processWhy human oversight remains crucial in hiring decisionsThe future of hiringThanks for listening! Remember to subscribe to all of the HR Happy Hour Media Network shows on your favorite podcast app! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. It’s officially spooky season, but work shouldn’t feel a nightmare. If yours feels haunted by burnout and disengagement, try Workhuman. Workhuman’s #1-rated employee recognition platform connects work cultures through gratitude. Employees thank each other for great work and redeem those thanks for millions of items and experiences – keeping them engaged and productive. But here's the coolest part: These recognition messages contain rich data. Workhuman's AI mines it to identify quiet leaders, match mentors, and reveal team skills—enabling smarter talent decisions that generate guaranteed ROI. It’s good for people and good for business. All treats, no tricks. Visit workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the Happy Hour Podcast Network. 

Gen Z and The Power of NostalgiaHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer explore the concept of nostalgia in marketing, particularly how companies are leveraging it to connect with Gen Z. They discuss the psychological effects of nostalgia, its impact on consumer behavior, and the risks associated with nostalgia marketing. The conversation then shifts to fantasy football, where they share their experiences, strategies, and hopes for the season ahead. Listen in! Chapters0:00 Nostalgia in Marketing03:25 The Power of Nostalgia for Gen Z06:25 Nostalgia in Food and Beverage Marketing09:11 Nostalgia in Fashion and Merchandise12:13 The Risks of Nostalgia Marketing18:42 Fantasy Football Standouts21:30 Underrated Players Making Waves24:41 Injury Impact on Fantasy Teams28:57 Setting Expectations for the Season30:41 Future Goals, Aspirations, and Quote of the ShowThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. It’s officially spooky season, but work shouldn’t feel a nightmare. If yours feels haunted by burnout and disengagement, try Workhuman. Workhuman’s #1-rated employee recognition platform connects work cultures through gratitude. Employees thank each other for great work and redeem those thanks for millions of items and experiences – keeping them engaged and productive. But here's the coolest part: These recognition messages contain rich data. Workhuman's AI mines it to identify quiet leaders, match mentors, and reveal team skills—enabling smarter talent decisions that generate guaranteed ROI. It’s good for people and good for business. All treats, no tricks. Visit workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the Happy Hour Podcast Network. 

Revolutionizing Feedback: The Joyous ApproachHosts: Steve Boese, Trish SteedGuest: Ruby Kolesky, CEO at Joyous Welcome back to the System of Record!In this episode, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Ruby Kolesky, CEO of Joyous, to discuss the innovative approach of Joyous in transforming employee feedback into actionable insights through AI. Ruby shares her unique journey from aspiring comedian to tech CEO, explaining how Joyous offers a more engaging alternative to traditional survey platforms by utilizing conversational chats. The conversation looks at the challenges of implementing AI in enterprises, the importance of data privacy, and the role of executives in adopting new technologies. They emphasize the need for trust in AI solutions and the significance of streamlining AI implementation to gain a competitive advantage. Key highlights:A New Era in Feedback MechanismsReal-World Applications of Joyous in Operational SettingsTrust and Transparency in AI SolutionsNavigating AI Implementation ChallengesThe Human Element in AI SolutionsDemocratizing Feedback in OrganizationsThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!  The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. It’s officially spooky season, but work shouldn’t feel a nightmare. If yours feels haunted by burnout and disengagement, try Workhuman. Workhuman’s #1-rated employee recognition platform connects work cultures through gratitude. Employees thank each other for great work and redeem those thanks for millions of items and experiences – keeping them engaged and productive. But here's the coolest part: These recognition messages contain rich data. Workhuman's AI mines it to identify quiet leaders, match mentors, and reveal team skills—enabling smarter talent decisions that generate guaranteed ROI. It’s good for people and good for business. All treats, no tricks. Visit workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the Happy Hour Podcast Network. 

Rethinking HR with AI: The Gia EffectHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at Globalization Partners (G-P) SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour, Steve Boese and Trish Steed chat with Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at Globalization Partners (G-P), to discuss the transformative role of AI in HR, particularly through G-P's innovative product, Gia. The conversation covers Laura's extensive HR background, the complexities of compliance in a global landscape, and how Gia addresses these challenges with advanced AI capabilities. They explore the importance of learning agility in HR, the need for critical thinking skills, and how AI can enhance efficiency and support talent management. The episode concludes with insights on fostering curiosity and embracing AI as an integral part of the future of work. Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in HR02:41 Overview of G-P05:11 The Compliance Landscape in HR07:54 Gia: A Game-Changer for Compliance10:18 AI's Role in Enhancing HR's Efficiency16:04 Importance of Learning Agility in HR18:12 Embracing AI and Future Skills21:19 Fostering Curiosity and Critical Thinking23:14 Conclusion and Moving Forward Learn more in the 2025 World at Work ReportThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. AI is everywhere. But here’s what most headlines miss: AI is only as good as the data that feeds it. Workhuman has built the world’s deepest well of recognition data. Peer-to-peer messages celebrating real achievements in the workplace. Now, they’re using AI to transform this data into actionable people insights. For the first time ever, companies can discover hidden skills across departments. Spot quiet leaders. Identify who needs support, and understand their people dynamics at scale. It’s called Human Intelligence, and it’s so powerful that Workhuman guarantees measurable culture improvements that drive real business results. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. 

Back to Business: Training Beyond the ManualHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the critical role of job training, particularly from the perspective of Gen Z employees. They explore the challenges faced by new graduates in the job market, the importance of mentorship, and how company culture influences training effectiveness. The conversation also highlights innovative training methods, including the use of role-playing scenarios to prepare employees for real-life challenges. Overall, the episode emphasizes that effective training is essential for career success and employee retention. Listen in! Chapters0:00 The Importance of Job Training04:23 Gen Z's Perspective on Training10:09 Ideal Training Experiences17:15 The Role of Mentorship in Training19:15 Innovative Training Methods for the Future Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. AI is everywhere. But here’s what most headlines miss: AI is only as good as the data that feeds it. Workhuman has built the world’s deepest well of recognition data. Peer-to-peer messages celebrating real achievements in the workplace. Now, they’re using AI to transform this data into actionable people insights. For the first time ever, companies can discover hidden skills across departments. Spot quiet leaders. Identify who needs support, and understand their people dynamics at scale. It’s called Human Intelligence, and it’s so powerful that Workhuman guarantees measurable culture improvements that drive real business results. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. 

The HR Happy Hour LIVE from HR Tech: HarriHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuests: Tom Horne & Jayson Saba, Harri SummaryIn this episode of the HR Happy Hour, live from the HR Technology Conference, Steve and Trish met with guests Tom Horne and Jayson Saba to discuss the critical role of frontline workers in the economy and how technology can enhance their experience. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced by these workers, the importance of creating a supportive work environment, and the innovative solutions offered by Harri, a company focused on workforce management. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to employee engagement and the potential of AI to optimize workforce management processes. Chapters00:00 Introduction to HR Tech and Harri03:07 The Importance of Frontline Workers05:53 Technology's Role in Supporting these Workers08:52 Creating the Perfect Shift with AI11:52 Elevating the Value of All Jobs14:54 Regulations and Supporting Employees17:46 Conclusion and Future Insights Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. AI is everywhere. But here’s what most headlines miss: AI is only as good as the data that feeds it. Workhuman has built the world’s deepest well of recognition data. Peer-to-peer messages celebrating real achievements in the workplace. Now, they’re using AI to transform this data into actionable people insights. For the first time ever, companies can discover hidden skills across departments. Spot quiet leaders. Identify who needs support, and understand their people dynamics at scale. It’s called Human Intelligence, and it’s so powerful that Workhuman guarantees measurable culture improvements that drive real business results. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.