Punk Rock HR
Punk Rock HR is a podcast hosted by Laurie Ruettimann that offers candid conversations about the modern workplace, challenging traditional HR norms. Each episode features disruptive thinkers and innovators discussing real-world work issues, organizational culture, and leadership. The show aims to provide fresh, unfiltered perspectives for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone interested in workplace dynamics.
Episodes
311: The Business Case for Caring with David Barrett
Most companies have no idea how their employee experience actually compares to their competitors. Not because the data doesn't exist. Because nobody's looked at it.
David Barrett, founder and CEO of Welliba, built a platform that does exactly that, using publicly available information to measure workforce sentiment across hundreds of thousands of organizations.
The companies that treat their p
310: Fixing a Broken Benefits System with Rae Shanahan
Twenty-six years in benefits gives you a particular kind of clarity. Rae Shanahan knows what the industry got right, and she's direct about what it got wrong. Now Chief Strategy Officer at Businessolver, she comes to this conversation with research and the research tells a story most HR teams aren't ready to hear.
The system was built for employees with time, financial stability, and enough clari
309: Closing the AI Confidence Gap with Gemma Versace
The CEO is pumped. The engineers are burnt out. And HR is the last to know.
Gemma Versace is Chief Client Officer at X-Team, and her company's research on AI talent strategy should be required reading for every HR leader. The confidence gap between executives and the people actually doing the work is wide, and the organizations that ignore it are losing their best people.
If you work in HR and y
308: Leading Into the Unknown with Tameka Vasquez
Tameka Vasquez grew up in tech, where moving fast and breaking things was gospel. Then she started working with leaders outside that world and realized the gospel didn't travel. Most leaders, she found, are only equipped for change they've already seen. Everything else gets met with fear.
That's the gap she has spent her career trying to close. Not by predicting the future, but by changing how le
307: The Engineer Who Won't Use AI with Andrew Norcross
Andrew Norcross built NASA's website. He built the New York Times' website. He's been engineering the infrastructure of the internet for 20 years. Now he's building fences and painting houses in Florida, because AI ate his job and he refuses to be complicit in what replaced it.
This is an episode about what happens when someone with real skill, real principles, and zero interest in using AI sudde
306: Living Better to Lead Better with Scott Eblin
Most leadership advice skips the body entirely. Scott Eblin doesn't. The executive coach and author of Overworked and Overwhelmed has spent 25 years helping C-suite leaders perform better, and his starting point isn't strategy. It's neurobiology.
The reason so many leaders feel reactive, depleted, and like they have no agency isn't a character flaw. It's physiology. When you're running on chronic
305: Global VA Agency for Stigmatized Industries with Amari Leigh
Amari Leigh didn't plan any of this. She volunteered at sex worker charities and women's health organizations, sent her CV to every reproductive justice charity she could find, and stumbled into freelance virtual assistant (VA) work. Now she runs a global agency that's worked with over 100 businesses across 17 countries, all of them sex-positive and queer-affirming.
Sex positivity is rooted in co
304: Joyful Workplaces with Yolanda Fraction
Yolanda Fraction, organizational development consultant, doctoral student in IO psychology, and author of Joyful Workplaces, joins Punk Rock HR to make the case that joy at work is a strategy, not a perk. And for the leaders who bristle at the word "joy," she has a reframe: call it effectiveness. The outcome is the same either way.
Bad bosses. Turnover. Absenteeism. Mental health days taken just
303: Healthy to 100 with Ken Stern
What actually helps people live longer, healthier lives? According to longevity expert Ken Stern, it’s not just diet, exercise, or the latest health trend. The biggest factor might surprise you: Your relationships.
Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about what the longest-lived countries in the world are doing differently. Drawing from research and reporting in Japan,
302: Becoming Trustworthy: Race and Solidarity at Work with Karen Fleshman
Karen Fleshman joins Punk Rock HR to talk about race, power, and the uncomfortable yet necessary work white women must do to build trust across differences. As the founder of the Interracial Sisterhood Coalition, Karen works with white women who are past the beginner stage of anti-racism and ready to examine how conditioning, proximity to power, and workplace dynamics reinforce racial hierarchy.
301: The Manager Method with Ashley Herd
Ashley Herd, founder and CEO of Manager Method and co-host of HR Besties, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about what it actually takes to lead people well. A lawyer turned HR executive, Ashley shares how mentorship, recognition, and practical judgment shape better managers — and why “common sense” leadership isn’t common at all.
If you manage people, support managers in HR, or sit in the C-suite and w
300: The Reality of Work Tech in 2026 with Mary Ellen Slayter and Steve Smith
Mary Ellen Slayter and Steve Smith of Rep Cap join Punk Rock HR to talk about the state of the job market, the reality behind AI hype, and what’s actually changing in work tech and HR tech. Drawing on decades as journalists turned operators, they break down why this moment feels uniquely disorienting and where real opportunity still exists.
From capital shifts and consolidation to brand, people i
299: The Human Cost of AI in HR with Scott Stratten
Scott Stratten, speaker and author joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the hype, fear, and noise around AI in HR. Instead of focusing on tools, he asks why they exist in the first place and what they mean for the future of work. From AI bots in interviews to the risk of HR jobs disappearing in the next 24 months, Scott brings the truth. He calls for the act of slowing down, asking better questions, a
298: Navigating AI and Global Work with Laura Maffucci
Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at G-P, joins Punk Rock HR to explore how AI and global employment solutions are reshaping the HR landscape. From “agentic AI” and compliance challenges to the human side of leadership, Laura shares what HR leaders need to know about embracing AI responsibly while unlocking global talent with Employer of Record services.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
What an Employ
297: Supporting Caregivers at Work with Blair Whitman
Blair Whitman, VP of Client Success at Homethrive, joins Punk Rock HR to talk about the stigma around caregiving, why it’s a workforce issue, and how companies can move beyond performative support. From personal caregiving stories to the ROI of real benefits, Blair shares how employers can create cultures that support both productivity and compassion.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why many p
296: Real HR with Robin Schooling
Robin Schooling, a luminary in the HR field, joins the Punk Rock HR Podcast for a compelling conversation about her new book, “Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There.”
Robin shares personal and professional milestones, including a health scare that inspired her to complete her decade-long writing project. Her story is one of resilience and passion, challenging the absurdities o
295: Well-Being with Christine Muldoon
Facing a brain tumor and navigating menopause were not challenges Christine Muldoon ever anticipated would redefine her role as a leader and a woman. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and empathy that arise from confronting personal health challenges head-on.
On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Christine, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at WebMD Health S
294: Why HR Posters Matter with Joel Stupka
Ever pondered the hidden complexities behind AI and HR compliance?
On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Laurie sits down with Joel Stupka, the Enterprise Partnerships Director at PosterElite and podcast host of HR Snacks. Using his expertise, they explore the unsung hero of HR compliance—the labor law poster. They also touch on the serious financial penalties businesses face for non-compl
293: Be a Great Moderator with Laurie Ruettimann
Have you ever wondered what differentiates a skilled moderator from a polished keynote speaker?
On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, join Laurie as she unpacks her recent experiences navigating the challenging art of moderating panels. Unlike delivering a keynote, which thrives on preparation and repetition, moderating requires a balance of research, adaptability, and quick thinking. Laur
292: The Power of HR with Joey Price
Joey Price, a thought leader in Human Resources and the author of “The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People Professional,” joins Laurie to uncover the evolving landscape of HR in a digital-first world.
This episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast discusses the crucial role HR plays in shaping modern workplaces, focusing on transforming HR into strategic partners who understan
291: What Do I Owe People? with Laurie Ruettimann
Laurie's chaotic upbringing taught survival. Resilience revealed her true path.
In this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Laurie draws inspiration from her unique journey and explores the balance between knowing when to offer help and when silence is the greatest gift. Motivated by Oprah Winfrey's thought-provoking question, "What do I owe people?", Laurie shares her insights, challenges the s
290: Career Development for Lawyers with Shauna C. Bryce
Harvard Law alum and Bryce Legal's CEO, Shauna Bryce, shares her journey from legal practice to transformative career coaching on this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast.
Shauna shares her inspiring journey from pursuing a partnership at a law firm to becoming an entrepreneur and executive coach. She highlights how aligning our careers with our values can lead to a fulfilling life. Her insights
289: Autism at Work with Dr. Lisa Scott
Could understanding autism help create more inclusive spaces—at work and in life?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, host Laurie Ruettimann talks with Dr. Lisa Scott, an assistant professor of psychology at Utah Tech University. Dr. Scott has spent her career teaching, practicing therapy, consulting with businesses, focusing on important topics like autism and neurodiversity. Together, they explore
288: WRKDefined with Ryan Leary and William Tincup
On today’s episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Ryan Leary and William Tincup are Laurie’s guests. They share their fascinating journey to building the WRKdefined Podcast Network.
They spotlight the power of podcasting by revealing how meaningful content can be created without extravagant equipment. It is a thought-provoking exploration into the essence of authentic conversations, where we aim to
287: Change Enthusiasm with Cassandra Worthy
After a life-changing DUI arrest, Cassandra Worthy discovered the power of self-awareness and authenticity. She transformed her struggle with alcohol dependency into a journey of personal growth and resilience, channeling her experiences into a successful career in change management.
On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Cassandra opens up about the crossroads of personal and professional
286: Total Rewards in 2025 with Gord Frost of Mercer
This episode of Punk Rock HR is proudly sponsored by Mercer. Mercer helps organizations create Total Rewards strategies that attract top talent, inspire engagement, and drive results. To learn more, visit mercer.com/insights/total-rewards.
On this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, Laurie sits down with Gord Frost, a seasoned pro in HR consulting and currently a global rewards solution leader a
285: Fixing Two Weeks' Notice with Robert Glazer
In this episode of the Punk Rock HR Podcast, visionary entrepreneur Robert Glazer joins Laurie to discuss fixing the two-week notice that most people give their bosses when they quit.
Known for founding Acceleration Partners, Robert brings a wealth of experience to our discussion, sharing his passion for nurturing work environments that foster growth and inspiration. He reveals the vital role of
284: HR Like a Boss with John Bernatovicz
In this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie welcomes John Bernatovicz, who shares the journey of his multifaceted life, emphasizing how his personal values guide him through the unpredictable world of business and family. From his son's budding career in landscape design to his daughter's artistic pursuits, John’s deep familial ties are as foundational as his passion for golf, which has been a staple
283: John Frehse is Obsessed With Work
What if the key to transforming your organization lies hidden within the voices of those you might be overlooking?
In this episode of Punk Rock HR, John Frehse, a leader in global labor strategies at Ankura, is Laurie’s guest. Dressed to impress for the Journalism Freedom Awards, John brings a wealth of experience and a tuxedo to our discussion on the critical role of aligning labor strategies wit
282: Jennifer McClure & The Defense Business Board
Have you ever received a voicemail you thought was spam, only to discover it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Jennifer McClure did, leading her to a pivotal role on the Defense Business Board.
In this episode of Punk Rock HR, Jennifer shares her remarkable journey into the heart of the Department of Defense, where she navigates the unique challenges of managing talent in a vast organization
281: CHRO and Author Pat Wadors
Pat Wadors, an expert in the HR field, joins Laurie on Punk Rock HR to light the path from discovering a passion for human resources at just 19 to leading workplace cultures at giants like LinkedIn and UKG.
Prepare to be inspired as Pat unpacks her insights into the critical role of managers in safeguarding employee well-being and the power of aligning corporate promises with reality. With storie
280: The Critical Role of a Manager with Wisq
Can AI revolutionize how we lead and manage teams?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie sits down with Jim Barnett and Marc Maloy of Wisq to explore this question. From their successful stint with Glint, where they became leaders in employee engagement, to their current mission at Wisq, Jim and Marc share how AI is opening up continuous, personalized coaching to a broader audience. This episode
279: The Corporate Recruiter’s Playbook with Carmen Hudson
Have you ever wondered why so many hiring processes fall short of finding the best talent?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie welcomes recruiter Carmen Hudson, author of The Corporate Recruiter’s Playbook, who shares the secrets behind effective hiring strategies. She challenges the outdated reliance on question banks, highlighting understanding core skills and behaviors needed for a role bef
278: HR Leadership with Angela Cheng-Cimini
When Laurie first stumbled into the HR world, what struck her was not just the depth of paperwork but the human stories behind each form and policy.
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, fast forward several decades, and Laurie is sitting down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, an HR expert with an enviable three-decade portfolio, to share those very tales that have shaped our careers and the field of human res
277: Optionality with Elisa Camahort Page
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, discover the secrets to aligning your career with your personal values as Laurie chats with BlogHer co-founder Elisa Camahort Page.
We walk down memory lane, reminiscing about the early internet days that revolutionized communication and fostered female empowerment through blogging. Elisa and Laurie’s conversation is a goldmine for understanding the delicate balanc
276: Performance Unlocked with Kevin Brady
Imagine a world where leaders aren’t buried in spreadsheets and are fully present, creating a heartbeat within their organizations through genuine connections.
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, that's the future Kevin Brady, a pharmaceutical industry veteran and founder of Performance Unlocked, envisions. Kevin and Laurie examine the inevitable revolution in leadership, where artificial intelligenc
275: Transform 2024 with Samara Jaffe
Have you ever wondered how to navigate your first big conference without getting lost in the shuffle?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Laurie teams up with Samara Jaffe, co-founder and general manager of Transform, and Josh Schwede, HR tech guru, to share the insider track for newcomers. It's all about striking the perfect balance between self-care and forging deep connections rather than sprintin
274: Financial Therapy with Aja Evans
Unlock the secrets to a healthier financial and emotional life with Aja Evans, a licensed mental health counselor and financial therapist.
This episode of Punk Rock HR is a deep dive into the intricate connection between our financial behaviors and emotional well-being. Aja helps us see beyond the numbers, revealing how trauma can shape our relationship with money and why the advice to “just budge
273: Reimagine Inclusion with Mita Mallick
Receiving a tough piece of feedback can sting, but it can also be the catalyst for phenomenal career growth.
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, this revelation sets the stage for Laurie’s discussion with Mita Mallick, a luminary in diversity, equity, and inclusion, whose insights and experiences as a marketer, best-selling author, and mother are reshaping the narrative of today's workplace. Their co
272: HR Technology 2024 with Jason Corsello
Venture capital and HR technology veteran Jason Corsello from Acadian Ventures joins Laurie in an insightful discussion about the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in the workplace. In this episode of Punk Rock HR, Jason and Laurie explore the impact of AI technology on innovation and productivity as it expands within Acadian's portfolio.
Their conversation delves into the exciting pote
271: Think Faster, Talk Smarter with Matt Abrahams
Have you ever felt tongue-tied or had your mind blank in the middle of a conversation? You're not alone.
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, you’ll get strategies to conquer those moments. Laurie’s guest is communication expert Matt Abrahams, who unpacks the essentials of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. They explore the science of crafting m
270: Firearms and Security with LaToya “Ladi Ammo” Workman
Ever wonder how a split-second decision could redefine safety in your life?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, LaToya "Ladi Ammo" Workman joins Laurie to unravel the layers of personal security and empowerment, sharing her expertise in managing risk in the digital realm while advocating for physical safety. With her track record as a top-tier cybersecurity professional by day and a personal security
269: Right Kind of Failure with Amy C. Edmondson
Have you ever wondered if failure could be the secret ingredient to success?
On this episode of Punk Rock HR, join Laurie as she sits down with the brilliant Dr. Amy C. Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, and explore the essential role of failure in our professional and personal growth. Amy shares her expertise on psychological safety and how
268: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Ketamine and Alcohol Use Disorder with Hani El-wafi, MD
On this episode of Corporate Drinker, uncover the potential of ketamine therapy in treating alcohol use disorder and trauma.
Laurie’s conversation with Dr. Hani El-wafi, a board-certified psychiatrist and expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, promises to demystify the nature of cravings and addiction, shedding light on Buddhist concepts and exploring mindfulness and nutrition in fostering hea
267: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Conference Drinking with Mary Ellen Slayter
Have you ever found yourself clutching a soda at a conference or corporate event, deflecting questions about your choice of beverage? Has anyone ever guessed if you're pregnant, in recovery, or part of the LDS church?
Mary Ellen Slayter, founder and CEO of Rep Cap, knows precisely how you feel. We journey alongside her through the maze of conference lingo, unraveling the intricate ties between wo
266: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Corporate Drinking Data with Karina Monesson
Before juggling a demanding career and the joys of motherhood, Karina Monesson—a Senior Manager of Human Insights, Research, and Advisory at UKG—found herself spiraling into the abyss of addiction.
In this episode of Corporate Drinker, Karina candidly recounts her entanglement with alcohol and subsequent recovery to paint a sobering picture of addiction's effects on both personal and professional
265: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - CEO Perspective on Alcohol with Dr. Ben Yerxa
Join me as I welcome Dr. Ben Yerxa, the CEO of Opus Genetics, into our series on the intersection of alcohol and work culture. Dr. Yerxa brings his vast leadership experience to the table, giving us an invaluable perspective on cultivating a healthy work environment. We delve into the intricate dynamics of alcohol in professional settings, ranging from corporate board dinners to the daily operatio
264: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Lessons Learned with Daniel Chait
The very essence of work, culture, and leadership is in flux. Are you prepared to keep up?
Today, Laurie welcomes Daniel Chait, co-founder and CEO of Greenhouse Software, who guides us through this shifting landscape. Daniel uncovers the changing dynamic between employees and corporations in the modern age, emphasizing how remote work opportunities have boosted employee empowerment and self-actual
263: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Addiction and Identity with Dr. Scott Kellogg
On this episode of Corporate Drinker, step into the world of addiction and recovery with Laurie’s guest, Dr. Scott Kellogg, an acclaimed clinical psychologist specializing in addiction.
Laurie’s conversation with Dr. Kellogg delves into the fascinating intersection of work, culture, and alcohol, particularly in the current pandemic climate. You'll gain a fresh perspective on how addiction intertwi
262: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Call the Lawyer with Kate Bischoff
Are you aware that your workplace dynamics are being subtly manipulated by alcohol? That's right: from happy hours to casual Fridays, incorporating alcohol into our work culture has profound impacts that we seldom consider.
Join Laurie as she explores this topic with the brilliant Kate Bischoff, a Minneapolis-based employment attorney who offers her unique perspective on the complex relationship
261: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Bamboozled with Ken Makimsy Middleton
Have you ever wondered about the real cost of alcohol in the corporate world?
Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation with Ken Makimsy Middleton, the author of Bamboozled. Laurie and Ken unravel the insidious dangers of alcohol, discussing how it keeps us in a cycle of mediocrity and threatens our professional growth.
Ken opens up about his personal journey, sharing how alcohol, initiall
260: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Mommy Wine Culture with Celeste Yvonne
Ever wonder how societal pressures and expectations can drive you towards unhealthy coping mechanisms?
On this episode of Corporate Drinker, Laurie’s conversation with Celeste Yvonne, a sober mom advocate, author, and certified recovery coach, will make you rethink the pervasive “mommy wine culture.” Celeste gets candid about her journey of sobriety, five and a half years in the making, and how h
259: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Well-Being at Work with Dr. Lipi Roy
Could your choice of drink impact your career, culture, and health?
Join Laurie as we navigate the intricate world of alcohol, work, and culture with her guest, Dr. Lipi Roy. This renowned doctor, writer, international speaker, and media personality is a titan in addiction medicine. She’ll debunk some common misconceptions about alcohol, including the ubiquitous theory surrounding the health bene
258: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Recovery Mindset with Bryan Wempen
Today, on The Corporate Drinker, Laurie invites you on an extraordinary journey of bravery, resilience, and self-discovery with her guest, Bryan Wempen.
With an openness that is at once jarring and inspiring, Bryan translates his personal battles with alcohol addiction into a narrative that brings to light the often unaddressed issue of substance abuse in the corporate world. We dive head-first in
257: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Substance Misuse in the Workplace with Cheryl Brown Merriwether
What if we told you that the corporate world could be playing a significant role in triggering addiction and mental health issues?
It's time to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful dialogues as we welcome Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Vice President and Executive Director at the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education. With her experience in HR management, adult education, and
256: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Corporate Culture and Drinking with Claude Silver
Ever wondered how to transform workplace dynamics with a heart-centered approach and a dash of courage?
Join us as we reveal these secrets with Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at Vayner X. Claude takes us on a compelling journey, sharing stories from her early days in advertising, where she defied the norms and chose not to participate in strip club-related client meetings. Her reminiscenc
255: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - The Problem with Corporate Happy Hour with Leah Goodridge
Have you ever wondered how unseen forces of elitism might drive the dynamics of your workplace?
Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Leah Goodridge, an attorney and city planning commissioner from Brooklyn, New York, who has some thought-provoking insights to share about this very subject. Leah draws our attention to the often-overlooked intersection of work and alcohol and how it contribute
254: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Mocktails and Bitters with Carly and Ian Blessing
Join me as I chat with Carly and Ian Blessing, founders of the alcohol-free brand “All the Bitter.” They share their candid journey from struggling with alcohol use disorder to launching their innovative brand in the cocktail scene. We explore their experiences working at The French Laundry, how they navigated their path to sobriety, and how they channeled their challenge into an opportunity.
Carl
253: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - Discovering Your Strengths in Sobriety with Jessica Winder
As a host, I’ve had the privilege of discussing many bold and brave stories. Still, this conversation with Jessica Winder, the senior vice president of people at Refine Labs and founder of Hidden Gem Career Coaching, truly resonates deeply.
Brace yourselves as Jessica unearths her personal confrontation with alcohol addiction, an unspoken secret in her family tree, and the lifeline she found in he
252: Punk Rock HR Presents Corporate Drinker - The Science of Corporate Drinking with Dr. Jared Pelo
Ever wondered about the deep-rooted intersection of alcohol science and corporate culture?
In this inaugural episode, I welcome Dr. Jared Pelo, a physician, executive, and entrepreneur who takes us on an insightful journey through the uncharted territories of corporate drinking and its impact on health. His experiences, including an acquisition by Microsoft, have honed his perspective on thriving
251: Make Performance Management Sticky With Betterworks’ Andrea Couto and Harini Sridharan
My guests on this episode of Punk Rock HR are both from Betterworks: Andrea Couto, head of solutions engineering and sales readiness, and Harini Sridharan, head of product marketing. We discuss the evolution of performance management into performance enablement, how small businesses can experiment with performance enablement and the role of people analytics in performance.
To read the full show no
250: Showcasing Real-Life Stories of UBI With Conrad Shaw
My guest on this episode of Punk Rock HR is Conrad Shaw. He is a writer, filmmaker, co-founder of Comingle.us and a universal basic income (UBI) researcher. Conrad is a font of wisdom about UBI, and we discuss what it is, how it works, his upcoming documentary series “Bootstraps” and more.
To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:
https://laurieruettimann.com/showing-the-real-life-sto
249: How Change Unlocks People’s Potential With Carlos Escobar
My guest for this episode of Punk Rock HR is my friend Carlos Escobar, who is a seasoned HR, talent development and change management leader. Tune in as we discuss how Carlos uses change management and design thinking to drive meaningful change, what he expects from AI and his personal philosophy about work.
To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:
https://laurieruettimann.com/unlocki
Supporting Nicole Roberts: Her Fight for Her Life and Career
My guest for this episode of Punk Rock HR is Nicole Roberts, HR leader and founder and president of the People Solutions Group. She is a leader, mentor, mom and friend who's also fighting for her life and career after being laid off and diagnosed with cancer. My friend Jennifer McClure, CEO of Unbridled Talent, and I sat down with Nicole to talk about her diagnosis, how she found support through h
248: Cooperation in Competition With Betterworks’ Dustin Clinard and UKG’s Mike May
My guests for this episode of Punk Rock HR are Dustin Clinard, vice president of strategic partnerships at Betterworks, and Mike May, vice president of the UKG tech partner program at UKG. In this conversation, we’re talking about the unique partnership between these HR tech companies, the trends affecting HR tech buyers and the future of performance management.
To read the full show notes for th
247: Pivoting to Your Purpose With Liz Vaccariello
My guest on this episode is Liz Vaccariello, who is the former editor-in-chief of Real Simple, Reader’s Digest and People magazine. Liz and I discuss why she pivoted her career to align with her purpose, the challenges of building trust over Zoom and what it really means to be a writer and editor.
To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:
https://laurieruettimann.com/pivoting-to-your-
246: What Job Seekers Need to Know With Jeannine K. Brown
My guest on this episode of Punk Rock HR is Jeannine K. Brown. She is the CEO of Everyday Lead and the author of the book “Unstuck and Unstoppable.” Jeannine and I discuss the state of the job market, what job seekers should be doing and what to look for in a psychologically safe workplace. We also discuss how her book is helping professionals accelerate their careers.
To read the full show notes
245: Why HR Leaders Are Business Leaders With Enrique Rubio
My guest for this episode is a dear friend: Enrique Rubio, founder of Hacking HR. Enrique and I discuss how he got started in HR, why HR shouldn’t overinvest in technology and why a shift in mindset can help HR leaders see themselves as business leaders.
To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:
https://laurieruettimann.com/embracing-hr-leaders-as-business-leaders
244: Decoupling Your Purpose and Worth From Work With Lexi B
My guest for this episode is Lexi B. Lexi is a tech veteran, professional speaker, and the founder and community builder of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech. Lexi and I discuss how she learned to “strategically scream” helped her find her voice, the importance of knowing your worth outside work, her “why” and her LinkedIn Live series.
To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:
https:/
243: Creating a Culture of Performance Enablement With Betterworks’ John Schneider and Michelle Gouldsberry
In this episode, I’m joined by John Schneider and Michelle Gouldsberry of Betterworks. John is chief marketing officer, and Michelle is a senior content marketing manager. In this conversation, we’re talking about Betterworks’ research into the state of performance enablement. John and Michelle share the motivation for this research, the findings they’re most excited about and how HR leaders can m
242: Moving the World Forward Through Conversations With David Glasgow
My guest on this episode is David Glasgow. He is the executive director at the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at NYU School of Law and the co-author of “Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice.” We discuss the fear people have around these conversations, the mistakes they commonly make and how we can recover from them.
To read the full show no
241: Paving the Way For Transgender Equality in Corporate America With Mary Ann Horton
My guest for this episode is Mary Ann Horton, a transgender activist and the author of “Trailblazer: Lighting the Path for Transgender Equality in Corporate America.” In our conversation, we discuss her amazing career, how she advocated for one of the corporate world’s first transgender equality workplace policies, her book, and her advice to HR leaders looking to be more inclusive.
To read the
240: Creating Opportunities for Tech Career Growth With Karoline Saffi
My guest for this episode is Karoline Saffi, chief people officer at Mission Cloud. Karoline and I discuss how HR can become more transparent, how Mission Cloud is creating tech career growth opportunities, and the importance of being agile and open-minded in HR today.
To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:
https://laurieruettimann.com/creating-opportunities-for-tech-career-growth
239: Evolving Performance Management for a Better Workforce With Betterworks’ Doug Dennerline and Jamie Aitken
My guests today are Betterworks CEO Doug Dennerline and Vice President of HR Transformation Jamie Aitken. They’re back on the show to talk about their upcoming book, “Make Work Better: Revolutionizing How Great Bosses Lead, Give Feedback, and Empower Employees.” We discuss why they wrote the book, why traditional performance management needs to evolve into performance enablement, and the role of m
BONUS: HR During a Time of War With Yulia Kudina
My guest today is Yulia Kudina, who's based in Kyiv, Ukraine, working as vice president of people at Reface, a technology startup based there. In this conversation, Yulia and I talk about how Reface prepared for war last year, what life has been like in the past year and how she is connecting with the local HR community through the People First Club.
To read the full show notes for this episode, v
#238: The HR Analyst Role in 2023 With Madeline Laurano and Kyle Lagunas
My guests for this episode are Madeline Laurano and Kyle Lagunas, the brainpower behind Aptitude Research. Aptitude Research is one of the best places to learn about what’s new, what’s next and what’s realistic in HR technology. In this conversation, Madeline, Kyle and I talk about what HR analysts do and how they can help companies fix work. We also talk about their predictions for work and HR in
#237: The Complexities of Payroll With Eynat Guez
My guest today is co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, Eynat Guez. Papaya is a unicorn company that Eynat co-founded after observing the technology gap in global payroll. The company combines her passions for technology and HR to reinvent global workforce management for the modern age. In this episode, Eynat and I talk about Papaya’s innovative software, her journey into payroll and what it truly
#236: Hiring With Integrity With Kermit Randa
My guest today is Symphony Talent CEO Kermit Randa. In this episode, Kermit and I talk about all things recruitment marketing, employer branding and the future of work. We also talk about technology, generational workplaces, and what it’s like to be in the trenches of hiring in 2022 and beyond.
Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing ag
#235: Using Mobile Health Care to Improve the World With John Halloran
Mobile Health is an organization that helps employers build healthier cultures and programs that are specific to them and guide employees along their health and well-being journeys. In this episode, John and I discuss the world of digital health and mobile health, what digital health means to the workforce and how employers can harness artificial intelligence to create healthy workplace cultures.
#234: Reinvention With ‘80s Icon Tiffany
We’re taking a break from HR and stepping back into the ‘80s! In this week’s episode, I’m co-hosting the show with Vadim Liberman, and our guest this week is singer, songwriter and actress Tiffany, known for her hit song “I Think We’re Alone Now.” In this episode, we are talking to Tiffany about her life as a teen pop star and how she went from singer to singer-songwriter, connecting with multiple
