Ultimate Business Efficiency: Entrepreneurship

Inside the Pay Gap: What’s Changing for Women at WorkHost: Steve BoeseGuest: Noreen Farrell, Executive Director at Equal Rights Advocates SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve is joined by Noreen Farrell from Equal Rights Advocates to break down what’s really happening with pay equity, transparency, and workplace fairness right now.As policy enforcement shifts and cultural expectations evolve, they explore why progress on gender and racial equity is becoming more uneven—and in some cases, reversing. From the widening pay gap to the pressures pushing women out of the workforce, this conversation connects the dots between legislation, workplace practices, and lived employee experience.It’s an honest look at where things stand, what’s at risk, and what organizations can do to move forward with intention. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pay Equity and Workplace Fairness02:41 The Role of Equal Rights Advocates05:36 Changes in Enforcement and Challenges in Workplace Rights08:40 Impact of Societal Changes on Women in the Workforce11:06 Wage Gap Trends15:37 Strategies for Pay Equity and Transparency20:47 The Importance of High Standards in Employment Practices23:35 Opportunities for Employers to Advocate for Change Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!  The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

Why Intergenerational Conversations Matter at WorkHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Danielle Farage SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn hosts Danielle Farage to explore the complexities of intergenerational and multi-generational workforces. They discuss how understanding, curiosity, and open dialogue can bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and create a more harmonious work environment amid rapid technological and cultural changes. Chapters00:00 Introduction to intergenerational and multi-generational workforces04:04 Managing five generations simultaneously in the workplace08:16 The influence of rapid technological change and skills development11:07 Misinterpretations of workplace words and concepts post-pandemic18:04 Incentives to stay or move on in today’s job market25:54 Leadership practices for supporting a multigenerational workforce30:54 Strategies to improve cross-generational collaboration38:52 The role of AI and technology in bridging gaps and enabling collaboration Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

Mastering Disruption: Strategies for Leading in Rapid ChangeHost: Steve BoeseGuest: Patrick Leddin, NYT Best-selling Author on Business and Leadership SummaryOn this At Work in America episode, Steve met with leadership expert Patrick Leddin to discuss how to manage disruption and change in organizations. They emphasize the importance of strategic discernment, communication, and preparation in times of rapid technological and societal shifts. They also explore the human side of disruption. What employees are really feeling, how leaders can communicate with clarity without overpromising, and why relevance inside an organization matters more than ever. If it feels like the pace of change is only accelerating, this episode offers a way to think about disruption that is less reactive and more intentional. Chapters00:00 Navigating Disruption in Today's World05:02 The Speed of Change and Leadership Challenges08:09 Embracing Change vs. Maintaining Identity13:27 The Importance of Relevance in Organizations15:49 Effective Communication During Uncertainty20:23 Empowering Decision-Making in Organizations24:27 Preparing for Future Disruptions Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

The Operating System Small Business HR Was Never TaughtHosts: Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston SummaryIn this episode of HR Connection Sabrina Baker and Marie Ralston explore how small HR teams can manage chaos through a triage system called “Ready Mode.” They share practical strategies, including color-coded prioritization and intentional boundary-setting, to help HR professionals operate more effectively amidst constant demands. Along the way, they reframe what “being responsive” really means in today’s workplace and offer a grounded, realistic approach to staying focused without burning out. Key TopicsThe Concept of Crazy Mode and Ready Mode in HRColor-coded Triage System for Prioritizing TasksBoundary-setting with Clients and LeadersOperationalizing Triage with SLAs and TrainingAdapting Triage Systems for Solo HR Practitioners Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

Ultimate Business Efficiency: EntrepreneurshipHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick SchlemmerGuest: John Baldino, President of Humareso SummaryIn this episode of The Play By Play, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer dive into enterpreneurship. John Baldino shares his journey from HR to founding his own company, emphasizing the importance of experience, resilience, and adaptability for entrepreneurs. Discover practical advice for Gen Z aspiring entrepreneurs and learn how to navigate challenges with passion and strategic planning. Thanks for joining us. Listen in! Chapters01:11 Introduction and Career Beginnings01:54 Challenges of Balancing HR and Teaching07:47 Starting Your Own Company09:50 The Importance of Experience Before Entrepreneurship12:40 The Power of a Clear Vision16:14 Maintaining Joy and Humanity in Business19:56 Handling Criticism and Building Resilience21:16. The Role of Flexibility and Signs25:13 Reframing Failure as Learning Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

The System of Execution: What's Next in Enterprise TechnologyHosts: Steve Boese & Trish SteedGuest: Chris Leone, EVP/GM AI Agents + Oracle Human Capital Management & Supply Chain Management & Customer Experience Clouds SummaryWelcome back to the System of Record! This episode features Chris Leone from Oracle discussing the evolution of enterprise systems from traditional systems of record to innovative systems of outcomes driven by AI and agentic applications. Explore how these technological shifts are transforming work automation, system integration, and enterprise efficiency. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the System of Record show01:46 Shifting from Systems of Record to Systems of Outcomes04:21 Oracle's Unique Approach to Innovation08:06 The Role of Generative AI in Enterprise Systems12:58 The Value of Systems of Record in a Changing Landscape14:20 Automating Work wtih Agentic Applications22:14 The Role of System Integrators in the New Landscape29:30 The Future of Management in an AI-Driven WorldLearn more about Oracle Fusion Agentic ApplicationsThank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

Replay: The ROI of Kindness in the WorkplaceHosts: Steve Boese & Trish SteedGuest: Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech SummaryOn this At Work in America episode, Trish and Steve sat down with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, a nonprofit with 95% autistic employees, to discuss neurodiversity and the ROI of kindness. Tara shared her journey into neurodiversity after her son's autism diagnosis and spoke about the importance of creating supportive work environments for neurodivergent individuals. We covered multiple practical steps for inclusivity, such as adjusting office environments and communication styles. We also learned more about Aspiritech's services, including software testing and creative services, and encourage businesses of all sizes to embrace neurodiversity for better organizational success. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Aspiritech04:09 Expanding Opportunities for Autistic Employees06:65 The Importance of Understanding Neurodiversity10:24 Shifting Focus to Skills in Hiring12:32 Creating Inclusive Workplaces17:48 Cultural Norms and Acceptance19:09 Practical Tips for Inclusivity22:08 The ROI of Kindness in Business Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.

What AI and Economic Shocks Mean for Work in EuropeHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Julius Probst, Senior Economist at Appcast SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn explores the latest European labor market trends with Julius Probst, Senior Economist at Appcast. Together, they cover economic shocks, AI impact, wage dynamics, and strategic HR responses. Chapters00:00 Navigating the Complex European Labour Market02:14 Impact of Oil Prices on the Economy05:16 Understanding the Current Economic Slowdown10:09 The Role of AI in Shaping Job Markets14:10 Job Seekers' Responses to Market Changes18:20 Wage Trends and Their Implications21:53 Negotiating Power in a Changing Market27:05 Emerging Trends in Employee Benefits Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us. 

Mastering Influence in Small Business HR: 4 Proven StrategiesHosts: Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston SummaryThis episode of HR Connection isolates the core constraint in small business HR: lack of influence. Workload is misdiagnosed as the problem; it is the downstream effect. The discussion breaks down why HR is structurally positioned to be ignored in SMBs and outlines specific behavioral shifts that convert HR from reactive support into a driver of business decisions. Marie and Sabrina provide 4 shifts that HR practitioners can make to raise their influence inside their org. But a word of warning, this does take time. The defining difficulty in SMB HR is not execution load. It is operating without a voice that drives action. Influence is not positional; it is constructed through repeated, strategic interactions. Key TopicsInfluence from the middle in HRChanging perception of HR rolesConnecting HR work to business outcomesBuilding relationships before you need themUsing storytelling and data to influence Find out more about the upcoming cohort designed for HR Departments of One HERE Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you’ll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It’s why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That’s HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.

Why “Love” Is the Missing Metric in Employee ExperienceHost: Steve BoeseGuest: Marcus Buckingham, Leading Researcher on Strengths, Engagement, and Human Performance SummaryOn the latest At Work in America podcast episode, Steve Boese and Marcus Buckingham discusses the transformative power of love in the workplace. They explore how designing experiences rooted in love can drive productivity, loyalty, and human flourishing. Discover practical strategies to operationalize love and create environments where people thrive. Listen in! Chapters01:54 The Importance of Designing Positive Experiences05:40 Understanding Love as a Business Driver10:37 The Curvilinear Relationship of Experiences and Outcomes17:52 The Language of Love in HR20:18 The Future of HR23:58 Measuring Employee Sentiment29:44 The Five Feelings that Lead to Love34:50 Creating Flourishing Work Environments  Learn more about Design Love In HEREThank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. Thanks for joining us.