The TroopHR Podcast

What makes a great founder, and how can HR leaders become one?In this candid and deeply personal conversation, Taylor Bradley sits down with Thach Nguyen, founder of executive search firm Plenty, to explore the evolving role of the founder-CEO and what it takes to lead with conviction, humility, and purpose. A self-described "accidental founder," Thach shares his unconventional path from HR leader to entrepreneur, the emotional highs and lows of building a business, and how self-awareness has become his most powerful leadership tool. From setting the right cultural tone to knowing when to push (and when to pull back), this episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring founders, HR executives, and anyone navigating the startup journey.For more insights and to explore upcoming events, visit troophr.com.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

What does successful onboarding really look like in a startup? In this candid and strategy-packed episode, TroopHR host Taylor Bradley sits down with Cindy Gordon, a seasoned Chief People Officer, to reframe how people leaders should approach their first 90 days—especially in high-growth, fast-paced environments.Cindy shares invaluable insights drawn from her own recent experience stepping into a new executive role, emphasizing why the traditional “listening tour” might not cut it when speed and impact are paramount. She unpacks the realities of being brought in to "fix something," the importance of quick wins to build trust, and how to thoughtfully navigate existing team dynamics and executive expectations. From handling that first spicy AMA question at all-hands to identifying the organization’s “shadow org,” this episode is a must-listen for HR leaders seeking to thrive in their early days.For more insights and to join our community of forward-thinking HR leaders, visit troophr.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with , CEO and founder of Sparrow, to uncover why employee leave remains one of the most complex, costly, and emotionally charged responsibilities in HR. From a background in reinforcement learning at MIT and Google Brain to building a leave management platform that’s already saved organizations over $200 million in payroll costs, Deborah shares her remarkable journey into the intersection of AI, compliance, and compassionate employee care.The conversation dives deep into how fragmented legislation and outdated policies have left HR leaders overwhelmed and employees unsupported. Deborah explains how technology, when paired with policy insight and empathy—can not only simplify compliance but transform employee experiences during some of life’s most critical moments. Hear powerful stories of NICU stays, stillbirths, and unexpected crises that underscore the real-life impact of modernizing leave policies, along with actionable tips for designing inclusive and forward-thinking programs that protect both people and business outcomes.To learn more about creating thoughtful leave strategies or to access Sparrow’s 2025 Leave Benchmarking Report, visit sparrow.com.Subscribe to The TroopHR Podcast and follow us for more insights from the leaders reshaping the future of work.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this miniepisode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley spotlights Lillian Gilbreth, an often-overlooked pioneer who quietly reshaped the future of work. Long before terms like “employee experience” or “ergonomics” existed, Lillian was asking questions that still challenge leaders today: Can efficiency and empathy coexist? How do we design systems that serve both business goals and human needs?From being one of the first women in America to earn a PhD in applied psychology to running a consulting firm as a widowed mother of 12, Lillian’s legacy offers powerful lessons for HR professionals navigating today’s AI-driven, fast-paced workplaces. Her revolutionary contributions to industrial-organizational psychology and human-centered design still influence how we think about productivity, inclusion, and well-being at work.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

Broadway may be dazzling under the lights, but what happens behind the curtain? In this episode, Taylor Bradley sits down with Manny Bejarano, a seasoned HR leader in the theater industry, to explore burnout in live performance, the evolving role of HR in arts organizations, and the unique challenges of managing talent both on and off stage.Manny shares his experience working in Broadway and regional theater, highlighting why wellness, rest, and operational strategy are crucial for sustaining performers, crew, and administrative teams. From tech week marathons to the importance of cross-training in unionized environments, this conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked workforce behind the magic of live theater.Whether you're in HR, the arts, or just love a peek behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, employee well-being, and the future of HR in creative industries.For more conversations on HR leadership and workplace strategy, subscribe to The TroopHR Podcast and visit troophr.com.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

What does it really take to reinvent yourself, whether it’s a career pivot, a shift in workplace positioning, or embracing new challenges? In this powerful episode, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, transformation coach and author of Do This Daily, to explore how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change.Lan shares her deeply personal journey from resisting change to becoming an expert in transformation, revealing the mindset shifts and daily habits that fuel success. Together, they unpack imposter syndrome, career advocacy, and the often-overlooked power of betting on yourself. If you’ve ever felt stuck or uncertain about your next professional step, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and inspiring insights to help you move forward with confidence.Want to connect with Lan or grab a copy of Do This Daily? Find her at lanphan.co or wherever books are sold.For more insights and HR leadership discussions, subscribe to The TroopHR Podcast and visit troophr.com.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of The TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with startup talent expert Natalie Ledbetter to dive into one of the biggest challenges in high-growth companies—hiring the right people at the right time. Natalie, a seasoned Chief People Officer and startup advisor, shares her framework for identifying the ideal talent DNA for each phase of a company's growth.They explore why hiring a big-name executive from a later-stage company can backfire in an early-stage startup, how founders should think about strategists, problem-solvers, and executors, and the hidden costs of misaligned hires—from lost runway to culture disruptions. Taylor and Natalie also tackle a hot topic: how to normalize “stage-appropriate” employee transitions so founders and teams can scale successfully without fear of inevitable attrition.If you're a founder, HR leader, or startup operator navigating talent strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on building high-performing, stage-appropriate teams.For more episodes and to join the TroopHR community, visit troophr.com.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

Listener's Note: For context, this episode was recorded one week before President Trump assumed office, which is why he is referred to as President-elect.In this episode of The TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Julie Werner, an experienced employment lawyer with over 27 years at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, to unpack the critical trends shaping employment law in 2025. Together, they explore the ramifications of recent legal decisions and political shifts on HR practices, including the FTC's proposed non-compete ban, “reverse discrimination” cases reaching the Supreme Court, and the rollback of affirmative action in workplaces.Julie offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives amidst political pushback and shareholder activism. The conversation also covers practical advice for HR leaders navigating regulatory compliance, from changes in labor standards to potential immigration crackdowns under the new administration.For more resources, including upcoming events and ways to join our community, visit troophr.com.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

Michelle Schreck, Chief Talent Officer at Flatiron Search Partners, delves into future HR and talent acquisition trends. She discusses the resurgence of leadership development and the importance of adapting to a balanced job market. The conversation highlights how AI can enhance HR tasks while maintaining the human touch. There’s also a focus on evolving workplace preferences post-remote work and the need for authentic company values. Michelle shares insights on talent acquisition strategies, emphasizing quality over quantity and the power of networking in today's landscape.

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley explores the evolving landscape of compensation strategies with Amee Parekh, CEO of Stello AI. Amee, a tech-savvy HR leader with a software engineering background, shares her journey from HR leadership to leveraging AI to revolutionize how organizations approach pay planning.Discover actionable insights on crafting effective compensation philosophies, overcoming common challenges in compensation cycles, and the transformative potential of AI in optimizing budget allocation, pay equity, and communication strategies. From breaking down the role of predictive analytics to creating more engaging and transparent manager-employee dialogues, Amee sheds light on the future of compensation in HR.For more information about joining our community and upcoming events like the 2025 TroopHR Retreat, visit troophr.com.Credits:TroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor Bradley