The TroopHR Podcast

What happens when high-achieving women doubt their success—and how does it ripple through the workplace? In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley is joined by executive coach Melanie Manning and workplace conflict mediator Kenya Salaudeen for a powerful conversation on the link between imposter syndrome and organizational friction.Drawing from coaching sessions, personal insights, and HR leadership experience, Melanie and Kenya unpack how feelings of self-doubt can quietly erode confidence, hinder performance, and even escalate workplace conflict. They explore practical strategies to help individuals name and overcome imposter feelings, and offer guidance for HR leaders aiming to create psychologically safe environments where every voice is validated. From faking it till you make it to performance review disconnects, this episode offers both personal and organizational perspectives on a deeply human experience still shaping the workforce.Looking to address imposter syndrome in your organization? Connect with Melanie and Kenya through the TroopHR platform or visit troophr.com for more resources and upcoming events. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

Can HR become the leader of AI adoption in the workplace?In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Theresa Fesinstine, a 25-year HR veteran and founder of PeoplePower.ai, to explore the transformative potential of generative AI in HR. From busting the myth that AI is too technical for HR pros to sharing real-world use cases like NotebookLM and HR Harriet, Theresa makes a compelling case for why now is the time for HR to embrace the AI shift—not fear it.The conversation unpacks how HR can move beyond administrative tasks and reclaim time for culture building, talent development, and employee experience design. Theresa shares practical ideas—from gamified onboarding with AI tools to building prompt fluency without becoming a data scientist. She also offers a passionate invitation for HR professionals to stop waiting for IT to lead and start shaping AI’s role in their function themselves.For more on Theresa’s AI sandbox, toolkits, and monthly HR AI Clinics, visit peoplepower.aiTo explore upcoming events like the 2026 TroopHR Retreat or to join our community, head to troophr.comCredits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley

What does it really mean to lead yourself before leading others? In this powerful episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Erin Coupe — author, executive coach, and founder of Authentically EC — to unpack the essence of self-leadership. Erin shares her deeply personal journey from toxic workplaces, including her time at Goldman Sachs, to building a purpose-driven business that helps leaders realign with their values and find fulfillment both at work and in life.From the neuroscience of self-awareness to the courage required to embrace vulnerability, Erin reveals how true leadership begins with how we treat ourselves. She discusses how fear and limiting beliefs often block personal growth, why action creates clarity, and how to find meaning without necessarily leaving your corporate role. Listeners will walk away with tangible strategies for living and leading in alignment — starting now, not “someday.”For more information about joining our community, upcoming events like the 2026 TroopHR Retreat, and resources mentioned in this episode, visit troophr.com.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this special lightning-round minisode, host Taylor Bradley is joined by a very special TroopHR member for a rapid-fire Q&A on one of the most pressing topics in HR today: artificial intelligence. From hot takes on hyper-automation and ethical accountability to surprising reflections on emotional labor and feedback anxiety, this episode explores where AI ends and human empathy begins.Tune in for bold, fast-paced insights on hiring, buzzword fatigue, and who’s really accountable when algorithms go wrong—all delivered with speed, humor, and clarity by our mystery guest.Want more sharp conversations at the intersection of HR and innovation? Subscribe, follow, and visit troophr.comCredits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

What if your next great hire lives halfway across the world? In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Madeline Grecek, Global Director of People at Remote, to explore how distributed teams are not only reshaping hiring but also transforming how we approach performance, engagement, and workforce planning.Madeline shares her own journey from higher ed to tech, and how remote work unlocked career-defining opportunities—for her and thousands of others. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Remote has redesigned its performance management model to deliver real-time feedback and predictive talent insights, all while fostering inclusion across 90+ countries. From launching a monthly performance snapshot tool to creating cross-functional stretch assignments, Madeline unpacks innovative strategies for building high-performing global teams.Whether you're navigating remote hiring, modernizing performance reviews, or designing a future-ready talent strategy, this episode delivers tactical advice and bold ideas that today’s HR leaders can put into action.👉 For more on joining our community and upcoming events like the 2026 TroopHR Retreat, visit troophr.comCredits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley

What happens when immigration policy shifts overnight and your employees are caught in the crossfire?In this powerful episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with immigration attorney Matthew Hellrung to unpack the real-time impact of evolving U.S. immigration policy on both individuals and companies. Drawing from his deep legal experience and personal immigrant ties, Matthew explores how the current political landscape has reshaped the experience for visa holders, HR teams, and global talent.From increased scrutiny at borders and visa stamp denials to unexpected audits and secondary inspections, Matthew offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these policies are being enforced, why they’re causing panic, and what HR leaders must do to protect their workforce. He shares practical advice for employees traveling internationally, insights on employer obligations during heightened enforcement, and the urgent need for policy preparedness in startups and tech firms alike.Whether you're an HR leader managing a globally diverse team or a founder scaling with immigrant talent, this episode is a must-listen for staying informed and proactive in today’s immigration climate.👉 Subscribe, rate, and follow TroopHR for more insights, and visit troophr.com to explore our community, resources, and upcoming events.

In this mini-episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with immigration attorney Nicole Gunara of Manifest Law, to unpack the latest executive order impacting H1B visas. Nicole breaks down what we know, what remains uncertain, and what HR practitioners can do right now to protect their employees and organizations. From a $100,000 fee to unclear definitions of “renewals,” she shares timely legal insights, practical risk-mitigation steps, and alternative visa pathways HR teams should consider.Need to speak to Manifest Law, visit manifestlaw.comFor more information about joining our community, please visit troophr.com.Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for general informational purposes only and reflects legal commentary, not legal advice. Listening does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a immigration attorney.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Ever wondered if you might be someone else's bad boss story? In this thought-provoking episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley reconnects with Mita Mallick, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author, for a candid conversation about her latest book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Drawing from her own career and surprising discoveries (including a personal “burn book” of former bosses), Mita explores how toxic leadership shows up in unexpected ways—even in well-meaning managers.Together, Mita and Taylor unpack modern workplace dynamics: the rise of the midnight-email manager, the dangers of toxic positivity, the tendency to talent hoard, and how stress can drive even experienced leaders into "bad boss" behaviors. Mita offers actionable tools for preventing those slips, including coaching tips, skip-level insights, and the underrated power of simply recognizing your team. Her vulnerable reflections on grief, growth, and self-awareness are a must-hear for any HR leader managing through complexity—or questioning their own habits.Whether you're managing a team or mentoring others, this episode will have you rethinking how to lead with more intention, empathy, and accountability.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

How do you turn feedback into a force for career transformation? In this powerful episode, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Ben Brooks, founder of Pilot, to break down the critical (and often misunderstood) difference between evaluative and developmental feedback—and why HR leaders must master both. From tackling the “rearview mirror” of performance reviews to fostering forward-looking growth conversations, Ben offers a refreshingly actionable framework for building a feedback culture that drives potential, not just performance.Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for structuring meaningful career development meetings, crafting single-point feedback objectives, and reframing leadership as a behavior—not a title. Whether you're an HR veteran or just stepping into the field, Ben’s insights will leave you reevaluating how you coach, lead, and unlock growth across your organization.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this lively discussion, Jessica Zwaan, COO of Talentful, and Jared Kleiner, CEO of Offsite, dive into the art of fostering connection in remote teams. They share compelling strategies to enhance trust and creativity, emphasizing the importance of intentional interactions. Jessica reveals Talentful's unique 'Belly Full' dinners for top performers, while Jared emphasizes maximizing ROI from offsites to prevent burnout. Together, they highlight the evolving role of HR leaders in crafting meaningful experiences that strengthen team dynamics.