We're Only Human

In this episode, Ben sits down with Nicole Eisdorfer to uncover how curiosity, courage, and creativity can reshape the world of HR. From breaking out of the “HR Matrix” to asking better questions, Nicole shares her journey from traditional reporting into human-centered, impactful work. Together, they explore how technology and data can empower—not replace—HR professionals, and why cultivating curiosity is the most critical skill for the future.You’ll hear stories from Nicole’s experience, insights into making data meaningful, and practical guidance for rethinking how HR operates today. If you’ve ever felt stuck in dashboards, metrics, or endless processes, this episode will inspire you to step back, reimagine, and lead with curiosity.Read Nicole's Substack: https://nicoleeisdorfer.substack.com/ Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neisdorfer/Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:12 Nicole’s Background and HR Journey 08:47 Escaping the “HR Matrix” 13:25 Why Curiosity Is the #1 Skill for HR Professionals 17:41 From Reports to Real Impact: Making Data Useful 22:09 Technology’s Role in Supporting (Not Replacing) HR 26:55 Asking Better Questions and Driving Change 30:18 Courage and Creativity in HR Leadership 33:42 Final Takeaways and Closing ThoughtsSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode, the host explores why employee experience (EX) has become a board-level priority and how organizations can move from ideas to impact. Drawing on insights from the research report A Critical Moment: Why Employee Experience Should Be Every Company’s Priority, the conversation covers practical ways to elevate EX without massive budgets, how to measure what matters, and where AI can support (not replace) a human-centered approach. You’ll hear actionable tactics for quick wins, guidance for building leadership buy-in, and a real-world example of EX in practice.Read the research we reference during the episode: https://www.insperity.com/resources/guide/a-critical-moment-why-employee-experience-should-be-every-companys-priority/Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup05:24 Why Employee Experience Should Be a Priority11:57 Research Highlights: Key Findings from the Report15:38 From Insight to Action: Quick Wins for EX19:13 Measuring What Matters: EX Metrics and KPIs24:47 Technology & AI: Enabling Human-Centered EX26:23 Real-World Example / Case Discussion28:46 Building Leadership Buy-In and Strong Partnerships30:40 Wrap-Up and Final TakeawaysSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks talks with Kelly Burlage, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Lineage. They discuss strategies for improving the recruitment process, creating better impacts for candidates, and the challenges faced by TA leaders today. Kelly shares insights on the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment, the importance of focusing on people, and the value of internal mobility. They also explore practical advice for leaders receiving pressure to adopt AI and the significance of building strong business partnerships within HR. Additionally, Kelly highlights the achievements of her team in transforming their reputation from order takers to valued business partners.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:09 Kelly Burlage's Background and Role at Lineage02:32 The Importance of Talent Acquisition04:15 Challenges Facing TA Leaders: AI and Innovation05:53 AI's Role in Enhancing Human Skills16:30 Internal Mobility and Talent Development23:43 Proud Achievements and Team Success26:22 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a detailed conversation with Alicia Jones, a senior HR business partner for a global medical company. They delve into the complex role of an HR business partner, discussing essential skills like understanding the business context, influencing, and synthesizing data insights. Alicia shares her career experiences, the importance of integrity and resiliency, and the challenges HR teams face today. The discussion provides valuable advice for current and aspiring HR business partners keen on making a significant impact in their organizations.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Alicia Jones' Background and Experience01:26 Defining HR's Role and Context04:32 Challenges Facing HR Today05:57 The Importance of Organizational Agility07:35 Alicia's Personal Learning Journey13:01 Aligning HR with Business Needs22:47 Key Skills for HR Business Partners28:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks chats with Matt Leitzman, VP of Talent Acquisition at MasterCard, and Craig Drysdale, VP of Talent and Engagement at Leonardo. The discussion delves into the role of AI in hiring, effective candidate screening techniques, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Both guests highlight their organizations' experiences with AI-driven tools for screening, such as automated interview scheduling and video assessments, and emphasize the importance of testing, human connection, and strategic alignment with hiring managers. The episode provides valuable insights for improving candidate experience, recruiter efficiency, and making data-driven hiring decisions.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds02:39 The Evolution of Candidate Screening07:04 High Volume and Early Career Hiring Challenges10:10 Technology and Screening Tools20:50 Data-Driven Talent Acquisition32:48 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities and Cautions39:23 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysConnect with Matt on LinkedInConnect with Craig on LinkedInThanks to Phenom for connecting us for this episodeSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks connects in an insightful discussion with Debra Squyres from Bonusly and Hope Weatherford from Fountain. They delve into strategies to improve workplace performance and the evolving nature of performance management. The conversation covers the significance of real-time feedback, building trust between managers and employees, leveraging recognition platforms, and the importance of addressing the human element in work environments. Both guests share practical tips for managers to enhance employee engagement, foster personal growth, and create meaningful relationships within teams.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:45 Hope Weatherford's Background and Insights01:55 Debra Squyres' Background and Insights04:08 Challenges in Current Performance Management07:08 Solutions and Best Practices for Performance Management12:03 The Importance of Real-Time Feedback and Recognition24:36 Engaging Managers in the Performance Process30:25 Final Thoughts and Top RecommendationsConnect with Hope on LinkedInConnect with Debra on LinkedInCheck out the 2025 State of Recognition report from BonuslySee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Michael Cleavely, founder of CoComply, to discuss the complexities of compliance in contingent workforce management. Michael shares the journey of CoComply, a platform that assists organizations in classifying, managing, and discovering their contingent and non-permanent workforce. The conversation delves into the challenges companies face with worker classification, common compliance risks, and the two-fold benefits of leveraging AI in compliance tools for both risk mitigation and strategic workforce optimization. They also explore the broader implications of having a total workforce view, encompassing all talent acquisition channels. Michael provides practical insights and suggests how firms can better manage compliance and make informed workforce decisions. This episode offers valuable perspectives for HR leaders and procurement professionals looking to enhance compliance and workforce efficiency.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Michael Cleavely's Background and CoComply's Mission02:31 The Importance of Compliance04:02 Common Compliance Challenges15:44 AI in Compliance Management21:18 Strategic Benefits of Compliance24:50 Conclusion and Contact InformationConnect with Michael on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode, Kellee Webb shares the remarkable journey of Cenikor Foundation since 2009, growing from 82 employees across three locations to nearly 600 employees today, with 75 people in their corporate office (or "operations support," as they call them at Cenikor). The discussion highlights significant milestones such as the adoption of technology, the creation of a robust back office support system including a call center, and the strategy behind twelve acquisitions. The conversation delves into leadership development programs, employee motivations, and the importance of compassion and servant leadership in a service-oriented organization. The transformative impact of expanding services like detox, outpatient programs, and recovery support specialists is also discussed. Finally, the episode touches on HR challenges and strategies, the importance of aligning organizational and individual goals, and the rewarding experience of helping employees grow and thrive.00:00 Introduction and Initial Growth01:32 Challenges and Strategic Moves04:09 Leadership Development and Employee Engagement07:19 Substance Abuse Treatment Services11:06 HR Strategy and Cultural Integration17:23 Performance Metrics and Bonus System27:18 Personal Reflections and Leadership Insights32:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThis episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series.Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challengesConnect with Kellee on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a dynamic conversation with Ryan Faught, HR leader at Milo's Tea Company. Ryan shares insights into Milo's unique culture, emphasizing values like safety, responsibility, and integrity, along with their 'HAT' values: Hungry, Agile, and Together. The discussion delves into how Milo's fosters cross-departmental collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development through authentic leadership pillars and comprehensive feedback mechanisms. Ryan highlights the importance of having a 'teachable spirit,' celebrating wins, and maintaining humility while growing both personally and professionally within the company. Whether discussing the joy of discovering hidden talents or the power of genuine care and concern for team members, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for creating a people-centric workplace that drives both individual and company success.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:45 Milo's Tea Company Culture and Values02:21 Employee Growth and Cross-Departmental Opportunities05:50 Discovering and Nurturing Talent12:48 Leadership and Teachable Spirit19:26 Authentic Leadership and Feedback Culture34:26 Celebrating Wins and Continuous Improvement38:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThis episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series.Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challenges Connect with Ryan on LinkedInSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of ‘We’re Only Human,’ host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jen McCann and Maria Jugin from Insperity to discuss the evolving landscape of human resources. The conversation covers a range of topics including the increasing interest and uncertainty surrounding AI, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and the differences in priorities between business and HR leaders. Jen and Maria also highlight the importance of aligning company vision with HR practices and the challenges companies face as they expand and adapt. The episode offers actionable insights for HR leaders looking to move from administrative tasks to strategic initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of HR in driving business success.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions01:41 Current HR Challenges and AI04:49 Recruitment and Retention Strategies06:35 HR Conversations with Business Leaders12:07 Adapting to Remote Work and Compliance19:16 Strategic HR and Outsourcing Benefits25:42 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysGet the free HR research reportSee the show archives and sign up for episode updates