

The TroopHR Podcast
Tracy Avin
Welcome to the TroopHR Podcast, where we bring you the best of HR and business thought-leadership in a casual coffee chat format. Our mission at TroopHR is to empower HR professionals to advance their careers, personal development and build better organizations. We promise fresh, actionable content from master practitioners, industry leaders, translating their seasoned experience into practical advice. Join us for insights, strategies and tactical take-aways to drive the HR profession forward. The TroopHR Podcast will help guide you to discover the keys to success to overcome HR challenges, and make a meaningful impact as a People Leader.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2024 • 41min
Ep 17. Unlocking the Power of Executive Storytelling: Featuring Jared Cozart and LeAnne Harper, Co-Founders of Unlock
In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley dives deep into the art of storytelling with experts Jared Cozart and LeAnne Harper, co-founders of Unlock. Together, they explore how compelling narratives can transform HR leadership and set professionals apart in a competitive corporate landscape. Discover how to harness storytelling to inspire, persuade, and build lasting connections, both in your career and within your team.Key Topics:The Essentials of Masterful Storytelling: Learn what makes a story memorable and how HR leaders can use this skill to stand out.Discovering Your Superpowers: How to identify and articulate your unique strengths through the art of storytelling.Overcoming Adversity: Strategies for sharing stories of resilience and growth in interviews and executive profiles.Cultural Add and Personal Branding: Insights into how personal stories contribute to building trust and finding alignment in organizational roles.Navigating Career Challenges: Advice on addressing short tenures or layoffs with integrity and confidence.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

Aug 11, 2024 • 34min
Ep 16. Transforming Employee Experience through Product Management Principles: A Conversation with Jessica Zwann, COO at Talentful
In this lively discussion, Jessica Zwann, COO at Talentful and a former CHRO, shares her fascinating journey from journalism and law to HR leadership. She dives into how HR can adopt product management principles to enhance employee experiences. Jessica also introduces the concept of the transformation economy, emphasizing the pursuit of purpose in work. With actionable insights for aspiring HR leaders, she illustrates the value of integrating data-driven decisions with business objectives to overcome operational challenges.

4 snips
Jul 28, 2024 • 30min
Ep 15. Bridging Venture Capital and HR Leadership in Startups with Rebecca Price, VC Partner at Primary Venture Partners
Rebecca Price, a seasoned HR executive turned VC partner at Primary Venture Partners, shares her insights on the unique intersection of venture capital and HR leadership. She explores the essential skills for success in VC, emphasizing effective leadership and diversity in hiring. Rebecca reflects on her transition from HR to investing, revealing practical advice for HR professionals aiming to expand their careers. The discussion also highlights the integration of HR with business goals and the rising influence of AI in the venture capital landscape.

Jul 15, 2024 • 59min
Ep 14. From Macro to Micro: Navigating Labor Economics, HR Trends, and Compensation Strategies
In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley takes listeners on a journey from broad labor market trends to granular compensation strategies. The episode features three distinguished guests, each offering unique insights into different aspects of the evolving workforce landscape.First, Ron Hetrick Vice President, Staffing Strategy and Sr. Labor Economist at LightCast, discusses macro-level labor market trends. He delves into demographic shifts, immigration's role in workforce growth, and the challenges facing various industries in filling positions. Ron also addresses the impact of technology and AI on job creation and displacement.Next, Erica White, Executive Director, HR Search & Recruitment at Frazer Jones, provides an inside look at the current HR job market. She explores the changing dynamics of executive-level placements, the ongoing debate around return-to-office policies, and the increasing emphasis on work-life integration in career decisions.Finally, Forbes’ 30 under 30 CEO & Founder Rani Mavram from Complete, offers expert insights into modern compensation strategies. She discusses the importance of sustainable compensation practices, creative approaches to equity and incentives, and the critical role of transparency in attracting and retaining top talent.Throughout the episode, Taylor and his guests explore the interconnections between these topics, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the current state of the workforce and valuable strategies for navigating these complex issues.Credits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

Jul 2, 2024 • 6min
Minisode 4th of July: James G Thompson & The Double V Campaign of WW2
In this special 4th of July mini-episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley shares an inspiring story of an unsung hero in the history of the American Workforce. Taylor recounts the courageous actions of James G. Thompson, who played a role in the development of the American workforce and laid groundwork for the civil rights movement.The episode explores Thompson's experience as an African-American worker during World War II, highlighting the contradictions between fighting for freedom abroad while facing discrimination at home. Taylor details Thompson's powerful letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, which proposed the influential "Double V" campaign - calling for victory against fascism abroad and victory against racism at home.Mentioned in the Episode James G. Thompson's Letter to The Pittsburgh CourierCredits TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin Show Producer: Nicole Fealey Show Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

Jun 16, 2024 • 29min
Ep 12. “Do This Daily” with Lan Phan, Author & Founder of Community of Seven
Taylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, accomplished author of "Do This Daily" and founder of Community of Seven, to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. Lan shares her journey from corporate executive to purveyor of equitable talent development, emphasizing the critical need to democratize access to leadership training. She illuminates the key differences between managers and leaders, offering practical strategies to cultivate trust, psychological safety, and a culture of inclusive innovation.Throughout the episode, Lan underscores the importance of empowering even the least powerful voices within an organization, fostering a sense of belonging across generations, and aligning one's career with deeply held personal values. She shares candid insights from her own experience writing and publishing "Do This Daily," encouraging listeners to chase their dreams and build a life of purpose.Listeners will walk away with a renewed sense of mission, equipped with actionable tools to become purpose-driven leaders, nurture talent at all levels of their organization, and create a thriving, multigenerational workplace culture.Mentioned In the Podcast Do This Daily by Lan Phan Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace by Mita MallickCreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

Jun 3, 2024 • 27min
Ep 11. Thriving in a multi-generational Workforce with Helen Dayen CEO of the Dayen Group
Taylor Bradley sits down with Helen Dayen, the dynamic CEO of the Dayen Group, to dive deep into the intricacies of navigating a multigenerational workforce. With now up to five possible generations collaborating in workplaces, Helen illuminates the key differences between them, from their unique relationships with technology to their distinct communication styles and evolving workplace expectations. She provides HR executives with a treasure trove of actionable strategies to create impactful training programs, design engaging awareness campaigns, and effectively attract and retain top talent across generations.Throughout the episode, Helen emphasizes the critical importance of cultivating adaptability, open-mindedness, and a culture of knowledge sharing to foster a truly productive and cohesive multi-generational team. Listeners will walk away with a powerful toolkit to navigate the complexities of a diverse multi-generational workforce, drive organizational success, and unlock the full potential of their multigenerational teams.CreditsTroopHR Founder: Tracy AvinShow Producer: Nicole FealeyShow Host: Taylor BradleyNote: Transcripts generated by AI.

May 21, 2024 • 35min
Ep 10. Reimagine Inclusion - Transform Your Workplace with Mita Mallick Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta
Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion at Carta, discusses gender bias in pay equity and the importance of inclusion in the workplace. She provides practical advice for HR leaders and shares inspiring stories of companies leading the way in diversity and equity.

17 snips
May 7, 2024 • 40min
Ep 9. Transforming the Workplace Insights from Zamena Ladak and Josh Saterman | TroopHR Retreat 2024
Zamena Ladak and Josh Saterman discuss leading through change, effective communication during layoffs, fostering a culture of belonging, and embedding DEI values with joy and humor at the 2024 TroopHR retreat.

Apr 22, 2024 • 32min
Ep 8. Bridging the Gap Between HR and Business Operations: Insights from SkillCycle's Co-Founder, CCO Rebecca Taylor
In a captivating discussion, Rebecca Taylor, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at SkillCycle, shares her extensive experience bridging HR and business operations. She highlights the evolving role of the COO and how alignment with HR can enhance organizational success. Key insights include leveraging data for decision-making, addressing challenges during layoffs, and the importance of targeted training programs. Rebecca candidly discusses her journey from HR to COO, tackling imposter syndrome and emphasizing the value of mentorship and self-advocacy in career growth.