AI, Trust, and the Human Role in the Future Workplace

AI, Trust, and the Human Role in the Future WorkplaceHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Kyle Forrest, Future of HR Leader at Deloitte SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn speaks with Kyle Forrest, a future of HR leader at Deloitte Consulting, about the key trends highlighted in Deloitte's 2026 Human Capital Trends Report. They discuss the importance of AI and automation, the evolving expectations of Gen Z and millennials in the workplace, and the challenges organizations face in fostering adaptability and trust during transformations. The conversation also touches on the concept of culture debt, the accountability gap in AI decision-making, and the need for organizations to break down silos to enhance collaboration and innovation. Chapters00:00 Introduction toFuture of HR Trends02:06 Key Priorities for Business Leaders04:33 Insights from Gen Z and Millennials07:36 Understanding Adaptability in Organizations14:36 Trust Deficit in AI Decision Making19:52 Shift from Change Management to Changefulness23:43 Breaking Down Silos in Organizations28:29 The Role of Humans in an AI-Driven WorldThank you for your continued support of the show and 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. 

Building Resilient Workplaces in Politically Divisive TimesHosts: Steve BoeseGuest: Kevin Rockmann, Asst Dean for Research, Professor of Mgmt, and the CGI Corporate Partner Faculty Fellow at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University SummaryIn this episode of the At Work In America show, Steve met with Kevin Rockmann to explore how workplaces can navigate political and social tensions. They talk about the importance of intentional relationship management within teams and creating inclusive cultures at work. They also discuss the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety amidst divisive issues. Join us for real talk that everyone can learn from! Chapters00:00 Navigating Political Tensions in the Workplace03:07 The Complexity of Political Conversations05:59 The Impact of Identity and Beliefs11:59 Creating a Safe and Respectful Workplace14:57 Proactive Steps for Managers17:55 Recognizing and Rewarding Kindness20:44 Building Relationships in the Workplace23:52 The Role of Deep Questions in Understanding27:06 Fostering a Collaborative Environment 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.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. 

Building Resilience and Mental Fitness in High-Pressure WorkplacesHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Alexandra Kafka, Founder of Oxyzn & Mental Fitness Advocate SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn speaks with Alexandra Kafka to explore how organizations can proactivetly support mental fitness to prevent burnout and sustain high performance. Alexandra shares practical strategies, insights into early warning signs, and the importance of nervous system regulation for leaders and teams navigating today's digital overload and complex work environments. They touch on the honeymoon phase of burnout and how to recognize the early signals before breakdown as well as the role of leadership in modeling mental fitness and creating supportive work rhythms. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mental Fitness02:09 Why Proactive Mental Fitness Support Matters04:20 Patterns of Stress and Burnout07:20 Understanding the Honeymoon Phase of Burnout12:05 How Organizations Often Midunderstand Recovery16:38 Aligning HR Strategies for Mental Fitness22:07 Measuring Mental Fitness24:06 Can High Performance and High Wellbeing Coexist? 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.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. 

Workplace Movie Hall of Fame - SpotlightHosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed SummaryIn this episode of the At Work In America show, hosts Steve and Trish discuss the 2015 film 'Spotlight,' which explores the investigative journalism that uncovered widespread abuse within the Catholic Church. They look at themes of ethics, leadership, and the responsibilities of organizations, drawing parallels to contemporary workplace dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of truth in journalism, the emotional labor involved in reporting sensitive stories, and the impact of organizational culture on addressing ethical issues. They also reflect on the historical context of workplace norms and the ongoing challenges faced by HR professionals in navigating complex situations. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Workplace Movie Hall of Fame03:06 Exploring the Movie Spotlight05:56 Ethics and Responsibility in Organizations08:54 The Role of Leadership in Addressing Issues11:47 The Importance of Journalism and Truth15:01 Emotional Labor in the Workplace20:55 Institutional Reputation vs. Truth  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. 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 February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.  

HR Connection - How Small Business HR Leads ChangeHosts: Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston SummaryIn this episode of the HR Connection, Marie and Sabrina dive into the day-to-day reality of HR in smaller organizations, where there’s no bench of specialists and no time for over-engineering solutions. They talk about juggling priorities, building structure on the fly, and focusing on what actually moves the business forward. They share why small, consistent improvements often matter more than big transformations, and how being closely connected to the business can turn HR into a true strategic partner. Key TopicsWhy small business HR is a standalone discipline, not a subset of enterprise HRThe lack of resources and specialization in small business HR teamsThe concept of breadth versus depth in small business HR rolesThe emotional and decision-making challenges of managing HR with limited supportMoving away from enterprise standards and measuring success on small business realitiesThank you for your continued support of the show and 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 February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

HR Happy Hour Network - Introducing the HR Connection PodcastHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuests: Sabrina Baker, Founder and CEO of Acacia HR Solutions and Marie Rolston, HRBP with Acacia HR Solutions and host of The HR Connection podcast SummaryIn this episode of the The HR Happy Hour show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston from Acacia HR Solutions to discuss the launch of their new podcast, HR Connection. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by small businesses in HR, the importance of providing actionable insights, and the need for a dedicated platform for small business HR practitioners. Sabrina and Marie share their backgrounds, the genesis of the HR Connection podcast, and the topics they plan to cover, emphasizing the importance of real-world applications and leadership connections in HR. Chapters00:00 Introduction to HR Connection Podcast01:51 Sabrina Baker's Journey and Acacia HR Solutions03:04 Marie Rolston's Role and Insights04:52 The Importance of HR in Small Businesses06:17 Genesis of HR Connection Podcast09:07 Real-World Challenges in Small Business HR11:30 Actionable Insights for Small Business Leaders14:56 Upcoming Topics and Focus Areas for HR Connection 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.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 February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

Ultimate Business Efficiency: MarketingHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick SchlemmerGuest: Hailey McDonald, Global B2B SaaS Marketing Leader SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer welcome Hailey McDonald to discuss the theme of business efficiency in 2026, focusing on the impact of Gen Z and technology on marketing. They explore how Gen Z is reshaping marketing strategies through their use of social media and AI, the role of technology in enhancing marketing efficiency, the growing importance of augmented reality, and the potential of blockchain for verifying ad views. The conversation emphasizes the need for marketing departments to adapt to these changes to remain competitive and efficient. Listen in! Chapters0:57 Gen Z's Impact on Marketing Efficiency04:28 The Shift to Social Media for Product Discovery07:19 Cost Efficiency in Marketing with Short-Form Content10:07 Engaging Gen Z13:51 The Role of AI in Marketing Profitability19:47 Transforming Customer Experience23:33 Blockchain and Ensuring Authentic Engagement27:26 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 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.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 February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

From Personal Crisis to Corporate Solution: The Story Behind Caregiving Support InnovationHosts: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Dave Jacobs, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Homethrive SummaryIn this episode of the At Work in America show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Dave Jacobs, co-founder and co-CEO of Homethrive to explore the critical issue of employee caregiving support and how organizations can make a meaningful impact. Dave shares his inspiring journey from personal experience to building scalable solutions that aid caregivers at every stage. They also discuss strategies for HR and organizational leaders to advocate for caregiving benefits as well as how normalization of caregiving support helps broaden health and well-being initiatives. Chapters01:00 Introduction to Caregiving in the Workforce05:45 Overview of Homethrive's Services and Digital Tools09:10 The Scale of Unpaid Family Caregiving in the US14:00 How Caregiving Affects Employee Productivity and Mental Health16:20 Strategies to get Executive Buy-in for Caregiving Programs19:00 Supporting Multi-generational Families and Family-centered Care23:45 Future Trends: Integrating Caregiving into Broader Health Initiatives28:30 Connecting Caregiving Support with Mental Health and Chronic Disease Management 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.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 February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

The Hidden Power of Middle ManagementHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Gary Cookson SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen speaks with Gary Cookson about the often-overlooked role of middle managers in organizations. They discuss the challenges faced by middle managers, including the emotional labor they perform, the invisible work that goes unrecognized, and the need for better preparation and support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of middle managers in navigating change, particularly in the context of AI and hybrid working environments. They also highlight the need for organizations to redefine the role of middle managers and empower them to create a positive impact on workplace culture and performance. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Middle Management Dynamics05:15 The Emotional Reality of Middle Management10:05 Invisible Work and Its Impact13:21 Navigating Change and Uncertainty21:18 Adapting to AI and Hybrid Work25:18 Transforming Perspectives on Middle Management27:21 The New Manager Bounce and Its Implications  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. 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 February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word. 

Connecting Operations and HR for the Frontline WorkforceHost: Steve BoeseGuest: Chris Kuntz, VP of Strategic Operations at Augmentir SummaryIn this conversation, Steve Boese engages with Chris Kuntz to discuss the critical role of AI in empowering frontline workers in manufacturing. They explore how Augmentir is addressing the needs of deskless workers, the importance of data-driven insights for management, and the balance between monitoring and worker empowerment. The discussion also highlights the future of AI agents in the workplace and the innovative approaches companies are taking to enhance worker experiences and operational efficiency. Chapters00:00 The Importance of AI for Frontline Workers03:05 Augmentir's Role in Empowering Workers05:57 Use Cases for AI in Manufacturing08:57 Data-Driven Insights for Management14:46 The Future of AI Agents in the Workplace17:59 Innovations in Worker Empowerment20:56 The Human Element in AI Integration 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.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 February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.