

The State of Work Today
HRbrain.ai
Join Tim Glowa every week for discussions with HR leaders about their opinions on all things human capital. From strategies, through to AI and the impact of AI.Learn more about the work of HRbrain.ai here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 30, 2025 • 56min
#24 Crushing the Cancer Curveball: What Every Workplace Needs to Know with Joelle Kaufman
In this must-listen episode of The State of Work Today podcast, Tim Glowa welcomes back Joelle Kaufman—CEO, bestselling author, and health advocate—to tackle an urgent reality for HR leaders and managers: 1 in 200 employees will face cancer directly this year, and countless others will be impacted indirectly. Joelle draws from her personal experience as a cancer survivor and author of Crushing the Cancer Curveball to provide actionable steps for creating compassionate, resilient workplaces that empower employees facing life’s toughest challenges. You’ll discover:
Why early detection and advocacy matter, both personally and professionally
The #1 stressor employees face during cancer treatment (and how to address it)
How to lead with empathy without sacrificing team productivity
This conversation is a roadmap for leaders who want to support their teams while fostering resilience and retaining talent. If you’re in HR or leadership, this episode is essential. Listen now. Get the book here: https://linktr.ee/crushingthecancercurveballP.S. Joelle's offering free resources at www.joellekaufman.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 23, 2025 • 54min
#23 From Operations to HR: Driving Transformation with Michelle Rasmussen
In this episode of State of Work Today, Tim Glowa is joined by Michelle Rasmussen, SHRM-SCP, a seasoned HR leader and operational strategist with a rich background spanning manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, nonprofits, and more. Michelle shares her journey from operations to HR leadership, offering insights into blending operational priorities with people-centric strategies. We explore data-driven decision-making, fostering inclusive cultures, and equipping leaders for the future of work. Her practical advice and inspiring stories will leave you rethinking HR's role in business strategy.Tune in to discover how Michelle uses her superpower of "getting things done" to transform teams and build thriving workplace cultures. Listen now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 21, 2025 • 56min
#22 Service, Strategy, and the Future of HR with Lorna Hagen
In this thought-provoking episode of The State of Work Today, host Tim Glowa sits down with Lorna Hagen, a transformative HR leader with experience at Guild Education, iHeart Media, and Namely. Lorna shares her fascinating career journey—from aspiring restaurateur to trailblazing HR executive—and explains how service, data, and strategy shape her innovative approach to leadership.Discover the power of aligning HR with business objectives, how data-driven insights can transform people strategies, and why IPO readiness is more about preparation than celebration. Lorna also reveals her "kill the business" exercise and how HR can lead organizations into the future with technology and AI. If you’re curious about what it takes to foster high-performing cultures and drive impact, this episode is a must-listen.Tune in now to learn how to leverage people for profits and reshape HR for the future! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 2025 • 51min
#21: Scaling Success: From Launch Ignition to 100x Impact with Arias Websterberry
In this episode of The State of Work Today podcast, host Tim Glowa interviews Arias Websterberry, an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and CEO of Websterberry Marketing and Ignite Funnels. Arias shares his inspiring journey, from promoting nightclubs to leading innovative marketing solutions that drive business growth.Key takeaways include:
The story behind Launch Ignition AI, a platform that equips entrepreneurs with tools to streamline business operations and scale effectively.
Insight into Content Cannon, Arias' book offering a strategy to create a month's worth of content in one day.
The role of personal branding and how Arias uses podcasts to connect with diverse audiences.
Trends in AI's transformative impact on digital marketing and entrepreneurship.
Arias reveals his ambitious goal to achieve a "100x Impact" by helping 1,000 entrepreneurs hit six figures and 100 reach seven figures by 2026. His insights on predictable lead generation, scaling challenges, and balancing creativity with analytics offer actionable advice for leaders and innovators.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Learn how to align creativity, technology, and strategy to fuel your business growth. Listen now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 14, 2025 • 51min
#20: The Power of Hybrid Work with Shane Spraggs
In this episode of State of Work Today podcast, host Tim Glowa dives deep into the future of work with productivity consultant Shane Spraggs. Shane, co-author of the Forbes bestseller The Power of Remote, shares his journey from tech startups to leadership at Disney and Vertira. Discover how hybrid work is reshaping corporate culture, how organizations can foster productivity while embracing flexibility, and the role AI plays in enhancing workflows. Shane’s insights into employee engagement, work-life balance, and psychological safety offer practical advice for leaders navigating the modern workplace.Listen now to learn how to optimize team performance in a changing world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h
#19 From HR to Mentorship and Murder: A Conversation with Dr. Melanie Peacock
In this insightful episode of The State of Work Today, host Tim Glowa chats with Dr. Melanie Peacock, a celebrated HR professional and educator with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Peacock discusses the evolution of HR from “personnel” to a strategic partner, the value of data-driven yet human-centered decisions, and the increasing role of AI in the field. She reflects on her career journey, her approach to lifelong learning, and the significance of her national Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Peacock also unveils the story behind her pivot to fiction writing with her debut novel, HR Can Be Murder. Tune in for actionable insights, inspiration, and a touch of mystery! Listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 7, 2025 • 53min
#18 Balancing Risk, Benefits, and Innovation: Lisa Gallagher’s Take on Employee Benefits in a Changing World
In this episode of the State of Work Today podcast, host Tim Glowa sits down with Lisa Gallagher, Senior Vice President at Capnic Insurance, to discuss the ever-evolving world of employee benefits. From Lisa’s serendipitous entry into the field to her journey balancing career growth with personal priorities, this conversation is filled with insights. Topics include the critical role of data in benefits decision-making, navigating healthcare consumerism, and embracing change management to improve corporate culture. Lisa also shares her thoughts on emerging healthcare technologies, compliance risks, and how tailored benefits can boost employee engagement in diverse workforces.Don’t miss Lisa’s advice on aligning benefits with business goals while addressing post-pandemic trends and leveraging innovation to create impactful programs.Listen now and learn how to stay ahead in employee benefits and risk management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 19, 2024 • 56min
#17 Navigating Leadership Challenges with Joelle Kaufman
Leadership isn’t just about hitting goals—it’s about creating a culture where teams thrive. In this episode of State of Work Today, host Tim Glowa sits down with Joelle Kaufman, a seasoned executive and leadership coach, to explore the art and science of leadership. Joelle shares her transformative journey from early leadership failures to becoming a sought-after expert in driving revenue growth and team performance. This candid conversation dives into:- Why failure is a critical teacher on the path to leadership success. - The importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in navigating challenges. - How clarity in communication, goals, and roles can transform team dynamics. - The evolving role of leaders in fostering a customer-centric and people-focused culture. - Supporting employees through personal challenges like cancer in the workplace, with empathy and actionable strategies. Joelle also shares actionable takeaways, including how asking the right questions, celebrating excellence, and embracing lifelong learning can empower leaders at any stage of their career. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire and elevate your leadership journey.Resources Mentioned:- Joelle Kaufman’s Leadership Coaching and Resources: www.gtmflow.com/sowt - *Crushing the Cancer Curveball* (Joelle’s upcoming book): Resources for navigating cancer in the workplace: www.joellekaufman.com Don’t miss this engaging conversation! Listen now to Episode 17 of State of Work Today now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 12, 2024 • 53min
#16: Human-Centric Leadership in an AI Era: Insights from Christopher Larson
In this episode of The State of Work Today, host Tim Glowa chats with Christopher Larson, executive coach and CEO of KnowledgeGain, about the evolving demands of leadership in today’s fast-paced world. From Larson’s journey as a jazz musician turned tech executive to his emphasis on authenticity and mindfulness, this episode offers actionable advice for navigating career transitions, achieving work-life balance, and leading with emotional intelligence. They explore the role of AI in transforming knowledge and productivity, the importance of cultural alignment, and why leaders must embrace adaptability and self-reflection. Don’t miss these insights on building a thriving, human-centered workplace. Listen now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5, 2024 • 44min
#15: From Culture to Connection: Building Thriving Workplaces with Courtney Cecil
In this episode of The State of Work Today podcast, host Tim Glowa welcomes Courtney Cecil, an accomplished leader in organizational culture and transformation, and the founder of the Working Moms Movement. With nearly 20 years of experience collaborating with C-suite executives, Courtney brings her expertise in employee experience design, culture strategy, and change management to the conversation.The discussion dives into:
The evolving nature of organizational culture in a post-pandemic world.
Bridging the gap between current workplace culture and aspirational culture with intentional leadership.
The impact of leadership alignment, team dynamics, and employee accountability in cultural transformation.
The role of brand alignment in fostering a strong, values-driven culture.
Insights into generational shifts, the future of work, and how organizations can adapt to retain top talent.
Courtney also shares her personal journey, her passion for preventing burnout, and how her Working Moms Movement and Life Management System Podcast empower parents and professionals to thrive at work and at home.Listen now to discover actionable strategies for building workplaces where employees and organizations succeed together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices