We're Only Human

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 Takeaways Get the fr

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks welcomes Nikhil Arora, CEO of Epignosis, the parent company of TalentLMS. They explore various facets of learning and development, focusing on mindsets, supporting employee growth, and the impact of AI. Nikhil shares insights from TalentLMS's data, revealing that over 50% of employees prioritize growth opportunities and discusses the importance of transitioning from fixed to growth mindsets. Additionally, they discuss strategies for incorporating soft skills training, leveraging AI ethically, and maintaining employee mental wellness in a hybrid work environment. The episode offers practical advice for leaders aiming to enhance their organization's learning culture and technological adaptation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:34 Nikhil's Background and Mission01:45 Challenges in Learning and Growth Mindset05:10 Strategies for Transitioning to a Growth Mindset10:31 The Role of AI in Learning and Development16:15 Soft Skills and the Future of Work20:

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks engages in an enlightening conversation with Jason Lawson, an HR veteran with over 30 years of experience. They delve into the importance of building strong relationships with leaders, the critical role of trust in the workplace, and the evolving views on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Jason shares profound insights on making HR policies more humane and treating employees as individuals. He highlights the significance of moving beyond administrative tasks to become a strategic partner in the business. Jason also stresses the role of creating a community at work, even in remote environments, and the impact of being one's authentic self. The episode is a master class in HR leadership, focusing on making an impact through humane treatment, trust-building, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:40 Meet Jason Lawson01:09 Why HR?02:17 Real Stories, Real Impact05:44 The Human Side of HR12:40 Buildin

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jeff Palkowski, an HR leader with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an active volunteer with SHRM. They discuss the unique challenges of public sector HR, the importance of mental health and employee well-being, and how to support managers in addressing these issues. Jeff also shares insights from his role as the incoming state director for Wisconsin SHRM, emphasizing the value of creating connections at HR events. Additionally, he offers advice on being proactive in HR rather than just a 'fire extinguisher,' drawing from his popular blog post and recent Disrupt HR talk. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:40 Meet Jeff Palkowski: HR Leader and Volunteer 01:36 Public vs. Private Sector HR 03:08 Challenges in HR: Mental Health and Wellbeing 05:25 The Impact of Remote Work on HR 10:33 Supporting Employees: Tips and Advice 17:51 The Importance of Networking and Conferences 24:06 HR as More Than a Fire Extinguisher 29:19 Conclusion an

With so many employers thinking about the coming year and how to create a positive workplace, we have to consider leadership and manager selection since that is a crucial part of the big picture. In this illuminating rebroadcast episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks delves into effective leadership selection with Ji Yun Kang, Senior Advisor for Leader Assessment and Development at Mayo Clinic. The discussion covers Mayo Clinic's specific criteria for assessing leadership qualities, the importance of values alignment, and the substantial impact of good leadership on employee well-being and retention. Kang also explores the onboarding process, transition coaching, and the unique demands of leadership within a healthcare context. Drawing from Mayo Clinic’s longstanding tradition of excellence, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice for organizations aiming to improve their leadership selection and development processes. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:06 The Importance of Leade

In this episode of 'We're Only Human',  host Ben Eubanks welcomes Patrika Hardnett, the Customer Eminence Leader at Kyndryl, to discuss the innovative concept of customer eminence. Patrika shares how companies can use this approach to create deeper connections and build powerful, lasting relationships with their customers. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the customer's journey, passion, and personal story rather than just the outcomes of a project. Patrika also provides insights into creating a culture that keeps the customer's voice at the forefront and offers her expertise on implementing customer eminence in organizational practices. Tune in to learn the nuances of unlocking the true value behind customer stories.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:53 Guest Introduction and Role01:49 Understanding Eminence03:02 Challenges and Misconceptions03:37 Building Customer Relationships 07:34 The Importance of Passion11:11 Practical Advice for Companies13:22 Connecting with the Guest14:36 Personal

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in an illuminating discussion with David Wilkins, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Talent Neuron. They explore the use of data to drive insights into strategic workforce planning and talent acquisition. David delves into Talent Neuron's innovative practices, including their proprietary EVP sentiment analysis framework, which helps companies understand and compete more effectively in the labor market. They touch on various real-world applications, including skill evolution, location planning, and diversity hiring tactics. The conversation underscores the importance of aligning employer value propositions with brand consistency and sentiment analysis to attract and retain top talent. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:30 Guest Introduction: Dave Wilkins from Talent Neuron00:55 Understanding Talent Neuron's Labor Market Analytics02:39 Exploring EVP Sentiment Analysis05:23 Tactical and Strategic Applications of EVP Data09:07 Case Studies and

In this engaging episode of 'We Are Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks converses with Larry Kelly, an experienced HR leader and storyteller. Larry shares his journey from leading HR at Intel and Pfizer to founding his own consulting business, Attract Wonder, which focuses on integrating awe and curiosity into organizations through storytelling. The discussion covers the significance of storytelling in leadership, the emotional impact of sharing personal and organizational stories, and the innovative methods Larry employs in his workshops, including the transformative power of unscripted narratives. Highlights include Larry’s experiments with blank jigsaws and puppets in team-building exercises, demonstrating the importance of playfulness and emotional connection in corporate environments. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of effective communication and team dynamics. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:35 Larry Kelly's Background01:11 The Power of Storytelling01:

In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks converses with Louise Willoughby, Chief People Officer at Beekeeper, to explore the groundbreaking strategies Beekeeper has employed to enhance employee retention. The discussion underscores the importance of aligning company and employee values, and introduces impactful initiatives such as 'frontline days', mental health support platforms, and flexible learning budgets. Louise highlights programs like paid sabbaticals for personal learning projects, proactive business continuity planning, and fostering a people-centric culture through regular check-ins and manager involvement in comprehensive career conversations. These insights offer actionable advice for HR professionals aiming to cultivate supportive and effective workplace environments. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:42 Meet Louise: Career Journey and Role at Beekeeper04:09 The Big Resignation and Retention Strategies07:47 Innovative Benefits for Employee Retention11:45 Addressing Business Continuit

Building Trust in HR: Kathy White on Compensation and CommunicationIn this episode of 'We're Only Human', host Ben Eubanks talks with Kathy White, VP of HR for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, about the critical aspects of compensation and communication in the workforce. Kathy shares her experiences from the World at Work conference and her role in developing a transparent compensation strategy at her organization. The conversation covers the importance of making HR work tangible, the necessity of clear communication and building trust, and discusses methods for enabling managers to effectively handle compensation discussions. Kathy also highlights the need for continuous refinement and learning in HR processes, emphasizing the significance of patience, dedication, and alignment with organizational values. 00:00 Introduction and Preview01:26 Meet Kathy White: HR Leader at Habitat for Humanity03:41 The Role of Compensation in HR05:00 Communicating Compensation Strategies09:36 Training and Supporting Managers

In this episode of We Are Only Human, host Ben Eubanks is joined by Poornima, Chief Product Officer at Rival. Together, they discuss the latest research in Talent Acquisition, focusing on the importance of flexibility and agility within organizations. They delve into the challenges employers face in forecasting hiring needs, the necessity of personalized onboarding processes, and the evolving role of AI in talent acquisition. The conversation highlights the significance of having integrated systems to maintain data accuracy and compliance. They also touch on the evolving landscape of ATS and the critical role of skill development in maintaining an adaptable workforce. Poornima emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with vendors and understanding the real capabilities of their solutions. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:43 Guest Introduction: Poornima from Rival01:20 Research Insights: Workforce Agility and Flexibility02:22 Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Onboarding03:16 The Importance of Data Inte

In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks interviews Marcus Thorpe, Global Head of Talent Acquisition (TA) at ThoughtWorks, during the Starcircle Supernova Conference in Cork, Ireland. Marcus shares his experiences and strategies for scaling TA functions across 20 countries, centralizing recruiting processes, and leveraging data to make informed hiring decisions. Key topics include the importance of calibration, data-driven decisions, and building a cohesive global TA strategy. Marcus also provides actionable advice for TA leaders facing similar challenges in alignment and data utilization. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:03 Overview of the Conference 00:57 Conversation with Marcus Stuart Begins01:17 Marcus Thorpe's Background at Google and other companies01:50 Challenges and Strategies in Talent Acquisition04:05 Centralization of Talent Acquisition05:15 Importance of Data in Talent Acquisition08:32 Advice for Talent Acquisition Leaders16:54 Connecting with Marcus Thorpe Connect with Marcus on LinkedI

In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks discusses with Jessica Teitjen about her journey from law to executive leadership in HR and IT. Jessica shares her personal experience of burnout and her subsequent deep dive into the neuroscience of human performance. They explore the disconnect between current workplace practices and positive human outcomes, emphasizing the need for practices that balance both business and human results. Jessica outlines practical steps for HR professionals to align and optimize the nervous system for better performance, advocating for balanced breathing and a holistic approach to integrating creativity, compassion, and courage in the workplace. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:28 Jessica's Career Journey01:26 The Disconnect in Work Design04:02 Impact of Performance Reviews06:56 Human Body and Workplace Stress10:09 Aligning Neural Networks for Better Performance13:32 Practical Tips for HR Leaders16:53 Connecting with Jessica17:38 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect wit

In this episode of 'We Are Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks is joined by Amy Mosher, Chief People Officer at isolved. They discuss the crucial elements of building a company culture where employees are eager to join and reluctant to leave. Amy shares insights from her experience transforming isolved's culture, emphasizing high trust, transparency, and a focus on diversity and inclusion. The conversation also covers practical advice for HR leaders on driving business success through culture and excellent leadership. Ben and Amy share laughs and personal stories, making for an engaging and insightful discussion. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:05 Meet Amy Mosher from isolved00:31 Exciting Plans and Personal Stories01:07 HR Summer School Replay02:10 Creating a Workplace People Love02:35 Building a Strong Company Culture04:16 Challenges and Strategies in HR09:16 Transforming Established Companies17:05 Encouragement for HR Leaders See the HR Summer School replay for free Connect with Amy on LinkedIn See the show ar

In this engaging episode of 'We Are Only Human', host Ben welcomes Paul Norman, a seasoned TA leader and consultant. Paul shares his extensive experiences in talent acquisition across diverse industries like financial services, technology, and healthcare. The discussion covers TA strategy, aligning recruitment with business goals, user experience in recruiting, and building credibility with hiring managers. Paul also emphasizes the importance of listening, contracting during intake meetings, and simplifying the hiring process to be successful at scale. Tune in for practical tips on enhancing your talent acquisition function. Key moments00:41 Paul Norman's Career Journey02:00 Challenges and Success in Talent Acquisition03:50 Aligning TA with Business Goals06:51 Strategies for High Volume Hiring13:57 Improving Candidate and Hiring Manager Experience19:37 Building Credibility and Effective Processes31:34 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Connect with Paul on LinkedIn  See the show archives and sign up for

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks converses with James Galvin, founder of Starcircle. They discuss key aspects of talent acquisition, including being data-driven, understanding market dynamics, and achieving internal alignment within organizations. James introduces Starcircle’s 12-component Hiring Friction Model, which addresses various elements such as demand alignment, candidate experience, and technology enablement. The discussion emphasizes proactive planning and continuous improvement in hiring practices to meet business objectives successfully. Connect with James on LinkedIn See the Starcircle Hiring Friction Model See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

Rebroadcast note: For the first time in We're Only Human's 8-year history, we're rebroadcasting some of our most popular episodes to share them with new listeners. That means sometimes the speakers will have moved to a new company in the interim, but the lessons they shared are still relevant, topical, and valuable. Enjoy! In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben Eubanks talks with Kristi Jones, a former Talent Acquisition leader at H&R Block, about their innovative approaches to seasonal recruitment and workforce planning. Kristi shares insights on building strong hiring manager relationships, the transition from recruiter to manager, and the importance of data and metrics in talent acquisition. She also discusses how H&R Block uses technology, including AI tools, to improve recruiting processes and stay ahead of industry trends. The conversation explores the challenges of high-volume recruitment, the importance of strategic planning, and the need for transparency and collaboration between recruiters and hir

This episode of We're Only Human features a keynote panel discussion with Ben Eubanks, Broc Edwards, and Dana Ullom-Vucelich. The panel focuses on the importance of creating cultures centered around giving, seeking, and receiving feedback regularly. The discussion highlights how performance reviews should be routine and uneventful if feedback has been consistently shared throughout the year. The episode stresses the need for regular communication to avoid the pitfalls of ineffective performance reviews. Speakers:1. Ben Eubanks 2.  Broc Edwards, Director of Learning and Leadership at Baylor University3. Dana Ullom Vucelich, CHRO of Ohio LivingThree Takeaways:1. Establishing a culture of regular feedback is crucial for effective communication and growth.2. Performance reviews should merely encapsulate ongoing discussions, making them less daunting.3. Regular feedback prevents performance reviews from becoming painful experiences. Connect with Broc Connect with Dana  See the show archives and sign up for episod

In this episode of We're Only Human, Ben talks with Alli Ford, VP of HR at Assembly Software, about how they have created an off-the-charts employee NPS (eNPS) score. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for HR leaders to understand and articulate the strategy of their company. Alli underscores that knowing why the company exists, its history, and future direction is essential for success in an HR role. The episode provides several takeaways:  First, HR leaders should have a deep understanding of the company's mission and vision.  Second, they must be able to communicate the strategic goals clearly and effectively.  Third, aligning HR practices with the company's overarching strategy is crucial for fostering a cohesive and productive work environment. This episode is a replay from HR Summer School 2024.  Learn more about Goody and send your first Goody for free Connect with Alli See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of "We're Only Human," host Ben Eubanks welcomes Christopher Lind to discuss the impact of AI on jobs, skills development, and the future of work. They delve into topics such as the replacement of employees by AI at Klarna, the need to rethink skills development in the age of AI, and the importance of blending human expertise with AI capabilities. The discussion offers a deep dive into how organizations can better prepare their workforce for the evolving landscape while highlighting the roles that both human skills and AI play in this transition. See the show archives and sign up for episode updates