The TroopHR Podcast

Julie Werner, a seasoned employment lawyer with over 27 years at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, dives into the future of employment law. She discusses the FTC's proposed non-compete ban and the impact of reverse discrimination cases on workplace policies. Julie unpacks the political pushback against DEI initiatives and what it means for HR practices. She also offers insights on evolving labor standards and anticipates challenges in immigration policies under the upcoming administration, making it a vital conversation for HR leaders.

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

Host Taylor Bradley sits down with Joy Sybesma, Founder of ScaleJoy, and SVP of People at Bilt Rewards Alli Trussell, to redefine what high performance looks like in today’s workplace. Together, they explore how clarity, self-awareness, and adaptability drive success at individual, team, and organizational levels.Joy and Alli share actionable insights on designing performance frameworks that align with distinct organizational missions, shaping leadership expectations, and driving sustainable growth. Drawing on vivid analogies like the “LeBron James team dynamic,” they illustrate the art of playing to individual strengths while fostering collective success. Paired with practical concepts such as Frank Slootman’s triad of “narrowed focus, increased velocity, and heightened standards,” this conversation equips HR leaders and executives with a toolkit to unlock potential and cultivate resilience across teams.Listeners will walk away with fresh perspectives on scaling leadership principles, achieving alignment across teams, and creating a culture where employees thrive. Whether you’re blitzscaling a startup or refining processes at an established organization, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate performance sustainably.Discover more about joining our community, upcoming events, and resources mentioned in this episode at troophr.com.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor Bradley

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley speaks with Anthony Onesto, a recruitment industry veteran, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing recruiting. Onesto explores the significant shifts technology has introduced to the recruiting landscape, from mobile advancements to LinkedIn, and emphasizes AI's potential to automate repetitive tasks, enabling  recruiters to focus on human connections.Onesto and Bradley ‘delve’ into common fears surrounding AI, notably concerns over job security and skill relevance. They discuss the perspective that AI will likely automate tasks rather than entire roles, freeing recruiters to be more strategic. Anthony underscores the importance of human oversight, especially in avoiding biases AI might amplify in hiring processes. The conversation also covers practical applications of AI for candidates, such as interview preparation and role-specific research, positioning AI as a tool for both sides of the recruiting equation.Tune in to discover how AI is reshaping talent acquisition and the future opportunities it presents for recruitment professionals to refine their roles.Credits:TroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor Bradley(Note: Transcripts generated by AI.)

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley tackles the thorny issue of political discourse in today's workplace with HR veteran, Jen Fox, and conflict resolution expert, Pete Turok. The discussion challenges the traditional "no politics at work" rule, exploring why this approach may no longer be feasible in our hyper-connected world. Fox shares insights from her deep experience in HR, discussing how "politics will get into you" regardless of workplace policies, while Turok introduces the concept of "brave spaces" as an alternative to traditional safe space thinking. Their conversation offers practical guidance for HR leaders navigating political expression at work, from managing ERG concerns to developing communication protocols that foster respectful dialogue while maintaining productivity. For more information about joining our community, upcoming events like the 2025 TroopHR Retreat, and resources mentioned in this episode, please visit troophr.com. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and the Challenge of Political Discourse at Work4:42 The Impact of 'Bring Your Whole Self to Work'10:47 Navigating Political Expression in the Workplace20:44 Leadership Echo Chambers and Psychological Safety23:07 HR's Role in Managing Workplace Culture26:42 Creating Brave Spaces and Addressing Safety Concerns33:07 Optimism and Finding Common GroundCredits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Daniel and Stephen Huerta, the dynamic duo behind the Modern People Leader podcast. The often mistaken brothers are actually cousins-turned-business partners whuch share their unique journey into HR tech and offer a candid look at the industry's most pressing issues. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, from the lasting impact of remote work to the challenges of implementing meaningful DEI initiatives. Daniel and Stephen discuss the delicate balance of political discourse in the workplace, the transformative potential of AI in HR, and the ongoing struggle to align employee needs with business objectives. Their insights provide a thought-provoking exploration of HR's evolving role in today's rapidly changing business landscape.For more information about joining our community, upcoming events like the 2025 TroopHR Retreat, please visit troophr.com.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode, Taylor Bradley engages in an insightful conversation with Luck Dookchitra, an experienced HR leader, about the transformative power of mentorship in career development and organizational growth. Luck shares her wealth of experience in both receiving and providing mentorship, offering valuable insights for HR professionals at all career stages.Key topics discussed:The importance of mentorship in personal and professional growthStrategies for being an effective mentor and menteeNavigating the delicate balance of providing candid feedback to executivesThe unique challenges of working with founder CEOs vs. career CEOsBuilding trust and influence as an HR leaderHighlights include:Practical advice for mentors on delivering impactful guidanceTips for mentees on being open to feedback and self-reflectionStrategies for HR professionals to establish themselves as trusted advisors to leadershipInsights on adapting communication styles for different types of executivesIf you would like to learn more about joining our community or about the upcoming 2025 retreat, visit troophr.com.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Rory Sacks, a seasoned Learning & Development leader, to explore the evolving landscape of talent development. Rory shares his unique perspective on building organizational resilience through strategic L&D initiatives, challenging traditional approaches to training and onboarding.Key topics discussed:- Reframing L&D as a driver of business resilience and adaptability- Strategies for effective onboarding and orientation in resource-constrained environments- Leveraging AI and technology to enhance learning experiences and measure impact- The importance of aligning L&D initiatives with both leadership vision and employee needs- Practical tips for HR professionals to demonstrate L&D's value to the businessMentioned in the Episode:Podcast: "Is Training the Answer"If you would like to learn more about joining our community or about the upcoming 2025 retreat, visit troophr.com. CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

In this mini-episode, host Taylor Bradley takes us on a journey back to the late 1800s, exploring the inspiring story of Anna Bissell. Widely recognized as America's first female CEO, Anna's tale is a testament to breaking barriers and redefining leadership in the face of systemic constraints. It's a great story of a legendary leader in workforce history to reflect on after Labor Day.Credits: TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor Bradley Note: Transcripts generated by AI.