HR Like a Boss by Willory

It's almost time for HR Like a Boss' summer break, but first, we're giving you an inside look at the Greater Ann Arbor SHRM Conference! Hear insights from various HR professionals about what they took away from the conference. Each guest shares their unique perspectives on the purpose of HR and, of course, what it means to do HR Like a Boss.Guests in order of appearanceOlivia Smith - 0:44Kelly Beattie - 2:50Courtney Null - 6:00Noah Keanu Caridad - 7:58Susan Lufkin - 12:38Kevandre "Dre" Thompson - 17:10Greg Modd - 22:04

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by fellow podcaster, author, and HR professional, David Noe. They explore his journey in human resources, the impact of work on personal life, and the evolving purpose of HR in today's workforce. David discusses the importance of work-life harmony, the correlation between golf and work, and the lessons that can be learned from both.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz interviews Aoife O'Brien, an HR expert and author, discussing the impact of work on individuals, the purpose of human resources, and the challenges faced in creating a positive workplace culture. Aoife shares her experiences and insights on how to improve work environments and the importance of leadership in fostering employee engagement. They discuss the importance of psychological safety, the costs associated with toxic leadership, and the framework outlined in Aoife's book, Thriving Talent.ABOUT AOIFE O'BRIENAoife O’Brien is the founder of Happier at Work and host of the award-winning Happier at Work podcast, ranked in the top 2% globally. A culture and leadership expert with over 20 years’ corporate experience, she works with global organisations to create the conditions where people can perform, grow, and stay. Her work focuses on aligning culture, drivers, and capabilities so employees feel valued, clear, and equipped to do their best work and organisations see sustainable gains in performance, engagement, and retention. Her debut book, Thriving Talent, was published in March 2026, was featured by Forbes, and is an Irish Times bestseller.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz speaks with Alex Salas, an experienced HR professional and president of New York City SHRM. They discuss the importance of work-life balance, the impact of HR on employees and organizations, and the value of community building within the HR field. Alex shares his journey from finance to HR, highlighting the significance of connecting with people and meeting organizational goals.ABOUT ALEX SALASAlex Salas is a transformational HR executive with over 20 years of experience spanning Fortune 100 companies and public-sector organizations. As President of NYC SHRM, SHRM’s first and one of its largest chapters, he has spearheaded innovative programming and strategic partnerships that serve thousands of HR professionals since taking the helm in 2024. Currently serving as Assistant Chief People Officer for the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA), Alex orchestrates HR operations across high-profile venues and regional assets. Recognized for HR excellence, Alex remains deeply committed to elevating both the HR profession and the NYC SHRM community.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz speaks with Shaina Lane, founder and CEO of Premier Professional Coaching. They discuss the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the purpose of human resources, and the need for early leadership development. Shaina shares her transformative experiences in public speaking and coaching, emphasizing the significance of supporting the human function in organizations. They also delve into Shaina's book, 'Leadership Is Easy (Said No One Ever),' which outlines 11 essential habits for effective leadership.ABOUT SHAINA LANEShaina Lane is a professional speaker, author, leadership expert, and ice cream addict. Before starting her own business in 2019, she built a career in healthcare and successfully transitioned to HR 15 years later. She has a master’s degree in education and more coaching credentials than should be legal. When she’s not developing leaders, she’s taking comedy classes, training for triathlons, or coming up with increasingly creative excuses to avoid yard work.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz welcomes Mary Baird, a seasoned HR professional and podcaster, to discuss the critical importance of employee experience in the workplace. They explore the paradigm shift in HR, emphasizing the need to prioritize employee well-being to enhance customer experience and overall business success. Mary shares her insights on the purpose of HR, the employee experience flywheel, and actionable strategies for HR professionals to implement in their organizations.ABOUT MARY BAIRDMary Baird, PHR is an Employee Experience Consultant, international workshop facilitator, keynote speaker and the host of The Simplifiers Podcast. Mary helps organizations simplify how they build a better employee experience — the kind that reduces turnover, boosts engagement, improves customer experience, and drives stronger business results. Her work has supported teams at companies like Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Meta. She’s also been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, HuffPost, and MSN. Her forthcoming book for HR leaders is called: Squash the Sunday Scaries: The Simplifiers Guide to Better Employee Experience, and is set to release this Spring 2026.

In this episode of the Payroll* Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz, Brian Escobar, and Walter William Duncan III discuss the integral role of payroll. They explore the journey of Brian and Walt in the payroll industry, the current state of payroll, and the future implications of AI and technology in payroll processes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, adaptability, and the evolving perception of payroll professionals as business leaders.ABOUT BRIANBrian Escobar is the Co-Founder and Payroll Advisor of Payroll Universe, Inc., a payroll strategist, global payroll leader, and host of two payroll education podcasts. With 20+ years of domestic and global payroll and HRIS experience—including large-scale HCM/payroll implementations—Brian brings enterprise-level accuracy, reliability, and operational strategy to small businesses without the complexity or cost.ABOUT WALTERWalter William Duncan III is a payroll expert and business development leader with over 20 years of experience in payroll operations, compliance, and workforce solutions. A former member of the United States Navy, he brings a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to solving complex payroll challenges.  He is the co-host of the popular podcast “It’s About Payroll,” where he helps employees and professionals better understand pay, compliance, and financial wellness. Passionate about innovation and education, Walter is dedicated to transforming payroll into a more transparent, strategic, and human-centered function. https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-william-duncan-iii-477051187?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz interviews Becky Kowall, a seasoned HR professional and founder of 22 North HR, a purpose-driven HR firm. They discuss the importance of significance over success in HR, the role of HR in value creation, and the concept of executive presence. Becky shares her insights on active listening, communication, and building relationships in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to be strategic partners and to create trust within their organizations.22 North HR Resources: https://www.22northhr.com/hr-resources/ABOUT BECKY KOWALLBecky Kowall is the Founder and Principal of 22 North HR, where she partners with private equity firms, CEOs, and HR leaders to strengthen leadership alignment, scale people strategy, and navigate high-stakes moments of growth and transition. With more than 20 years of senior HR leadership experience, Becky has served as a Chief People Officer and Global VP of Human Resources in private equity–backed and high-growth organizations. Her background includes leading organizations through rapid scaling, post-acquisition integration, and periods of significant organizational change, with a focus on building leadership credibility, operational discipline, and durable people infrastructure. Becky is known for bringing calm, clarity, and gravitas to complex environments, often serving as the strategic and emotional bridge between executive teams, HR, and investors. At the core of her work is the belief that HR is not a support function, but a critical driver of business strategy and value creation. Becky is especially effective in moments when leadership decisions carry both performance and human consequences. She advises and mentors leaders who are building organizations designed to perform, endure, and scale with integrity.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz speaks with Jim Haviland, a seasoned entrepreneur and business consultant. They discuss the importance of creating a culture of ownership within organizations, the significance of hiring the right people, and the evolving role of HR in talent acquisition and business success. Jim shares his journey through entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from his experiences, and how to foster a fulfilling work environment that aligns with core values and mission.ABOUT JIM HAVILANDJim Haviland, with decades of experience owning and leading entrepreneurial companies, helps business owners build thriving organizations while avoiding common pitfalls. His diverse background in engineering, media, and technology leadership provides unique insights. Now a business coach and exit advisor, Jim guides entrepreneurs to create productive, humane, and resilient companies that have transferable value.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz speaks with Jen Coken, an executive leadership coach and culture strategist. They discuss the critical role of leadership in shaping workplace culture, the importance of authentic leadership, and the need for effective feedback and communication. Jen shares her insights on creating a positive work environment, the significance of ownership in HR, and the transformative power of curiosity in leadership.ABOUT JEN COKENJen Coken is an executive coach, culture strategist, and the creator of the Executive Presence Accelerator — a transformative leadership program for senior women in male-dominated industries who are ready to become unignorable. With over 25 years of experience navigating the high-stakes arenas of politics, nonprofits, and corporate America, Jen brings a rare combination of strategic insight and soul-deep coaching to every room she enters. She’s known as “The Velvet Sledgehammer” for her ability to name the hard truths with compassion — and to help leaders turn insight into action, fast. Whether she’s guiding a VP through power dynamics or helping HR teams build cultures where women thrive without shrinking, Jen’s work centers on one mission: to redefine leadership as unapologetically authentic, strategically precise, and culturally transformative.