You're the Smartest Person in the Room: Conference Season Edition

What does ethnography have to do with your AI rollout? More than you'd think. Tracey Lovejoy, founder of Catalyst Constellations and a leadership development consultant with roots in anthropology, joins Michael VanDervort on Drive Thru HR for a wide-ranging conversation on change, the rare people who actually drive it, and why your biggest AI implementation risk isn't the technology but rather the humans you forgot to bring along. *** Tracey Lovejoy is the founder of Catalyst Constellations, a leadership development consultancy that specializes in the human side of transformation. With a background in anthropology and years of research in high tech, Tracey has spent her career studying the rare people who can't stop themselves from making positive change, and building programs that help organizations identify, develop, and leverage them. She is the author of Move Fast, Break Shit, Burn Out: The Catalyst Guide to Working Well. Resources and References Mentioned: • Move Fast, Break Shit, Burn Out by Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas • EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) by Gino Wickman • The Leader-Shift Playbook by Phil Wilson (LRI Consulting Services) • The Approachability Playbook by Phil Wilson • McKinsey research on the 10-20-70 framework • Walmart's company-wide AI training initiative

Summary In this episode of Drive Thru HR, Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling chat with Steven Sokoler, founder of Journey to discuss the critical importance of mental health in the workplace. We explore the evolution of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) from reactive to proactive approaches, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support. Steven shares insights on how Journey utilizes data and technology to enhance employee engagement and improve mental health outcomes, and the conversation highlights the essential role of managers in fostering a supportive environment as well as the business case for prioritizing mental health initiatives.

Conference season is upon us, and Drive Thru HR has one message before you go: remember that YOU are the smartest person in the room. In this Snackable HR episode, Robin unpacks the predictable agenda topics, the overhyped thought leaders, and why your real-world experience outweighs any keynote. Go forth and learn, connect and have fun - just don't check your judgment at the door.

Summary In this episode of Drive, host Michael VanDervort welcomes Justin Lassard-Wajcer, a neuroscientist and CEO of Nurau, an AI-driven platform/app that enhances workplace decision-making for frontline managers. Justin shares his journey from neuroscience to applying cognitive science in real-world work environments, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice. He discusses how Nurau aims to improve employee relations and safety by providing managers with real-time support, allowing them to make informed decisions during shifts rather than after the fact. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by frontline managers, particularly in high-stress industries like retail and logistics. Justin explains how Nurau's technology helps managers log incidents and receive guidance on handling various situations, thereby reducing cognitive load and improving overall workplace dynamics. The episode also touches on the ethical considerations of AI in HR, including the importance of maintaining human judgment and empathy in decision-making processes. Justin concludes by highlighting Nurau's potential to transform the employee experience and enhance managerial effectiveness. Takeaways Bridging the gap between neuroscience and workplace application is crucial. AI should assist, not replace human judgment in HR decisions. Frontline managers are often under-supported and overburdened with cognitive load. Real-time decision-making tools can significantly improve workplace dynamics. Understanding near misses is key to preventing workplace incidents. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Drive Through HR 00:36 Meet Justin Lassard-Wacjer: Neuroscience in the Workplace 05:36 Understanding Neuro: AI for Frontline Managers 10:15 The Role of AI in Decision-Making 18:35 Adoption of AI Tools in Management 21:25 Identifying Patterns and Trends in Workplace Safety 24:46 The Importance of Frontline Managers 28:34 Addressing AI Bias and Ethical Considerations 31:31 Conclusion and How to Connect with Justin

In this episode of Drive Thru HR, we speak with Patrick Farran, executive advisor and co-founder/CEO of Ad Lucem Group, about purpose-driven leadership and his new book "The Intentional Executive." Patrick, Michael and Robin discuss how effective leaders stay grounded in purpose by ensuring their values show up in their toughest decisions, budgets, and calendars (not just on company walls!!) and Patrick shares real-world examples of leaders who held firm to their principles even at significant cost. The conversation covers practical strategies for leadership transformation, including the importance of resisting the urge to be "the answer person," structuring time intentionally around strategic relationships, and starting meetings with purpose-centered connection. Patrick's book, co-authored with Melissa Norcross, distills decades of practitioner experience into a playbook designed to help leaders navigate disruption and lead differently than everyone else. Find it here.

Episode Summary: In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling welcome back Jon Hyman, an employment and labor law practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted introduction, in which Jon shares insights into his law practice, particularly his work with small- and mid-sized businesses and his niche representation of craft breweries. As the discussion progresses, the trio delves into the evolving landscape of HR and employment law under the new administration, focusing on the implications of recent executive orders and the changing definitions surrounding discrimination and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Jon emphasizes the importance of filtering out the noise from the EEOC and maintaining established legal practices, regardless of political shifts. The conversation then shifts to workplace retaliation, where John provides practical advice for employers on navigating claims and maintaining proper documentation. We also touch on the role of AI in HR, discussing its potential benefits and challenges, and the necessity for businesses to adapt their policies to keep pace with technological advancements. The episode wraps up with a discussion of the current state of the National Labor Relations Board and the implications of its political composition for labor relations, highlighting the need for stability in workplace policies amid ongoing changes. Takeaways: The law hasn't changed; the practices that were legal before are still legal. Focus on the damage to the business for social media posts; if it doesn't harm, let it go. Document everything contemporaneously; it's crucial for defending claims. AI is still in its alpha phase; we need to adapt our policies. NLRB: A functioning agency is better than no agency at all. 00:00Introduction to John Hyman 01:02John's Law Practice and Brewery Representation 05:40Navigating HR Under the New Administration 12:44Understanding Retaliation in the Workplace 18:37The Role of AI in HR 25:54Current State of Labor Relations Board

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort speak with Deb Muller, founder and CEO of HR Acuity, about the evolving landscape of employee relations as we approach 2026. The conversation covers key trends in employee relations, the impact of AI on HR functions, the importance of trust and risk management, and the mental health challenges faced by employee relations teams. Deb emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to changing workplace dynamics, implement effective governance around AI, and prioritize employee well-being. The episode concludes with practical advice for smaller organizations and insights into the future of HR practices. Join the free empowER community here. Employee Relations resources here. Takeaways Employee relations is evolving with new challenges and complexities. Trust is essential for mitigating risk in organizations. AI is becoming an integral part of HR processes. Smaller organizations can implement fundamental ER practices without large teams. Mental health and burnout are significant concerns for ER teams. Data-driven approaches can help measure trust and risk effectively. Organizations need to create safe channels for employee feedback. The complexity of cases is increasing, requiring more strategic handling. Governance around AI is crucial for responsible implementation in HR. Investing in employee relations can lead to better organizational outcomes.

In this “Snackable HR” episode, Robin unpacks the real reason your team is running on empty before December even starts - and it's not the tryptophan. She examines how eleven months of "do more with less," unmet promises, and relentless pushing has left people exhausted, disengaged, and quietly checking out. This is a call to stop blaming something “mysterious” and instead to start seeing people as humans who need more than a long weekend to recover from a year like this one.

Does AI free up HR to focus on strategy? Host Michael VanDervort welcomes Jessie Roberts, Head of People Business Partners at Nextdoor, for a conversation about the intersection of HR and technology. Together, they examine how artificial intelligence is transforming the HR landscape, questioning whether it truly frees HR professionals to focus on strategic work or merely replaces one set of administrative tasks with another. The discussion highlights AI’s potential to deliver real-time analytics and deeper insights, enhancing decision-making and strengthening the strategic role of HR teams. Takeaways AI can make HR more strategic if used correctly. Access to real-time analytics is a game-changer for HR. Having an HR analytics person can significantly improve data-driven decision-making. AI can help HR teams focus on more strategic initiatives. The right use of technology can alleviate administrative burdens. Real-time insights can lead to better HR strategies. AI acts as a supportive teammate in HR functions. Data-driven HR practices can enhance overall effectiveness. The integration of analytics in HR is essential for modern practices. AI tools should be leveraged to maximize HR potential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Drive Through HR and Guest Introduction 00:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

On this episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling talks with Kristen Kavanaugh, co-author of Courage Over Fear and co-founder of The Agency Initiative.   Kristen shares her journey from the Marine Corps to HR leadership at Tesla, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to authenticity, agency, and growth. The conversation explores the book’s core ideas: courage as small but powerful 5% shifts, the “Agency Loop” framework, and finding ways to lead with values even in polarized or high-pressure environments. Kristen also reflects on the challenges and future of DEI, urging leaders to step into courageous action within their spheres of influence. The episode leaves listeners with practical inspiration for building resilience, authenticity, and human connection at work