The TroopHR Podcast

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.

What if the key to employee retention in an AI-driven world isn’t just about teaching new skills—but helping people rediscover why they work?In this episode, Taylor Bradley welcomes back Rebecca Taylor, Co-Founder and CCO of SkillCycle, for a compelling conversation around the release of their 2025 State of Skills Report. Rebecca shares how AI, economic turbulence, and shifting employee expectations are reshaping the way people approach growth at work. From pre-pandemic career ladders to today’s search for purpose and security, the data tells a clear story: employees aren’t waiting to be told what to do—they’re already preparing for what’s next.Explore what’s behind the growing demand for leadership, influence, and strategic thinking—and why time management and career advancement are on the decline. Rebecca also breaks down SkillCycle’s evolving platform, including its AI guide Ada, and what it means to support development at scale without losing the human touch.Subscribe, rate, and follow for more insights on the future of work—and grab your copy of the 2025 State of Skills Report at skillcycle.com. For more resources and upcoming events, visit troophr.com.

What keeps HR leaders up at night in 2025? In this lively and insightful live episode from the TroopHR Retreat, Mita Mallick is joined by Chelsea Kaden, Chief People Officer at Warby Parker, and Trey Boynton, Chief Diversity and People Officer at Chief, to explore how HR leaders are navigating change, rebuilding trust, and shaping the future of work.With humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, the trio dives into Gallup’s latest findings on employee disengagement, the rising pressure around wellbeing, and why listening—not just surveying—is the new superpower for HR teams. Chelsea shares her bold approach to scaling AI training in just four weeks, while Trey introduces the concept of “radical humanization” at work and urges managers to “mind the gaps” of identity, hierarchy, and lived experience.Whether it’s managing through leadership transitions, reigniting engagement post-pandemic, or empowering teams to work better with AI, this episode is packed with real talk, tactical insights, and a few surprise stories involving fish filet sandwiches and crocheting.Subscribe to the TroopHR Podcast for more conversations at the intersection of HR, leadership, and transformation. Visit troophr.com for upcoming events and community resources.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Mita Mallick Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

What if our definition of ambition is actually holding us back? In this thought-provoking episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley is joined by executive coach and author Amina AlTai to explore a radical reframe of ambition—one rooted in well-being, purpose, and sustainable growth. Drawing from her new book The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living, Amina shares deeply personal stories and research-backed insights that challenge hustle culture and offer a new framework for career success.Together, they unpack the hidden costs of unchecked ambition, the gendered dynamics around the word “genius,” and the power of working within your zone of genius. Amina also introduces a powerful model connecting core wounds to workplace behaviors, helping listeners recognize and reshape self-limiting patterns. Whether you're an HR leader, a mentor, or an ambitious professional reevaluating your goals, this episode is packed with actionable tools for building a career that doesn’t sacrifice health or humanity.Don’t miss this energizing conversation—subscribe to The TroopHR Podcast, rate the show, and visit troophr.com to explore upcoming events and resources.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

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.