Heroes of HR
Heroes of HR is a podcast for HR, payroll, and talent leaders navigating the real challenges of today's workforce. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders from growing, people-intensive organizations who are managing hiring, retention, compliance, payroll and change in real time. The show discusses what's top of mind, what's working, what's not, and how they're leading through workforce complexity without losing sight of the people behind it. Brought to you by isolved.
Episodes
What fandom, parenting, and tech say about honesty, engagement, and modern work
Modern life feels loud, fast, and constantly online, yet people still find connection in the strangest places. This conversation moves through sports fandom, parenting, technology, and generational differences to unpack how people actually relate to each other today. From shared misery over teams we love, to how phones shape honesty and attention, to why work often feels busier but less thoughtful
How earned wage access is reshaping financial wellness, recruiting, and retention
Payday used to be a fixed point. Now it’s a pressure point. As more employees live paycheck to paycheck, access to earned wages has become less about convenience and more about survival. This conversation digs into why financial stress shows up at work, how payroll and benefits are evolving to meet that reality, and why employers can no longer ignore the role money plays in engagement, performance
Why Selling Cars Is Harder Than Ever and Why Most People Wash Out
Automotive sales looks simple from the outside. It isn’t. Between long sales cycles, multiple stakeholders, emotional buyers, and relentless pressure, dealerships are struggling to hire, train, and retain the right people. This conversation breaks down why turnover is so high, why leadership roles are harder to fill than anyone admits, and how customer experience lives or dies with the people on t
Why HR Finally Feels Seen, Heard, and Celebrated
HR doesn’t usually get the spotlight. At isolved Connect in Philadelphia, that changed. This conversation captures what happens when HR professionals are treated like the drivers of the business, not the back office. From real customer conversations to broker dynamics to celebrating People Heroes, the episode reflects a shift in how HR is valued, supported, and invested in.
In this episode, we t
Why Local Restaurants Win or Lose on Hiring, Community, and Burritos
Local restaurants are fighting a very different battle than big brands. They’re competing for talent, attention, and loyalty in communities where relationships matter more than polish and margins are always thin. This conversation digs into how small operators think about hiring, marketing, and customer engagement, and why community connection is often the real differentiator when resources are li
How product teams balance AI ambition, customer reality, and business pressure without breaking trust with Sydney Ridge, isovled
Product development today is less about shipping features and more about orchestration. Platform teams are navigating AI integration, customer feedback, and business goals at the same time, often with competing incentives pulling in different directions. This conversation explores how modern product orgs are structured into pods, why AI adoption is harder than it looks, and what it actually takes
Why Passwords Are Dying and What That Means for Payroll, HR, and Security
Security is no longer an IT problem. It is a business problem. As companies scale globally, adopt cloud infrastructure, and rely more heavily on AI, the attack surface keeps expanding. This conversation looks at how payroll and HR platforms are evolving alongside rising cybersecurity threats, from spoofing and credential theft to the growing risks of BYOD environments. It also digs into why legacy
The Future of Human Resources with Stacy Harris and Tami Nutt
HR is shifting from support function to strategic engine, and Stacey Harris and Tami Nutt make the case clearly. They walk through how HR leaders can elevate their role by understanding how their organizations actually generate revenue, how AI is reshaping people's decisions, and why personalization matters in every HR tech interaction.
In this episode we talk about HR, AI, compliance, personaliz
Embracing Change in HR with Mary Kay Kirgis, Guttenberg Municipal Hospitals and Clinics
Employee engagement in a rural hospital isn’t theory. It’s personal. In this conversation, Mary Kay Kirgis talks through twelve years of building trust, navigating staffing shortages, and keeping a small healthcare system moving when everyone wears multiple hats. Her lens is grounded, human, and honest about the work. Change isn’t optional. It’s the job.
In this episode we talk about HR, employee
The Future of HR Tech: Insights from Yutaka Takagi
HR tech moves fast, but Yutaka Takagi has a way of grounding all the noise into what actually matters. His world sits at the intersection of customer stories, product innovation, and the real people outcomes leaders are chasing. He talks about AI as something that’s already woven into daily life, the rising demand for personalization, and the way community impact quietly shapes stronger businesses
Innovating HR: The Future of Employee Management
Innovation in HR isn’t just a tech story. It’s a people story. Jan, HR director at Community Living Concepts, breaks down how nonprofits can modernize their HR practices without losing sight of their mission. From choosing the right software to empowering employees through upskilling, she shares how thoughtful technology and intentional leadership can change the trajectory of a team.
In this epis
Building Loyalty in the Workplace
Employee loyalty isn’t luck. It’s built. Jill Fish and Lisa Walker from Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center walk through nearly two decades of working side by side and what it takes to create a workplace people genuinely want to stay in. Their story highlights how benefits, communication, culture, and technology all shape the employee experience in ways that actually move the needle.
In this episode w
The Evolution of Org Charts with Jacob Peña
Org charts aren’t paperwork. They’re the nervous system of the company. In this conversation, Jacob Peña breaks down how organizations finally get clarity when you stop treating org charts like a static PDF and start treating them like living data. His take hits on broken workflows, the real value of HR heroes, and why automation isn’t replacing anyone. It’s giving them their time back.
In this e
The Heart of HR: Supporting Employees in Healthcare
Community health doesn’t give you the luxury of distance. We talk about what it means to stay accessible, to carry the emotional weight of the team, and to keep a small organization moving even when everyone is stretched thin. Her world is built on trust, straight talk, and the kind of support that never fits neatly into a job description.
In this episode we talk about HR in community health, emp
How Small Wins Shape Real Leadership with Amy Mosher, Chief People Officer at isolved
Some leaders grow companies by accident. Others do it with intention. Amy Moser is the second kind. As Chief People Officer at isolved, she sits in the middle of growth, culture, and technology and sees how every small adjustment ripples through an organization. Her take on leadership is hands-on and human. She talks about mentorship without the ceremony, technology without the buzzwords, and care
Unlocking Financial Freedom: The Power of Earned Wage Access with ZayZoon
Financial stress doesn’t stay at home when people walk into work. Jaryn and Ivan from ZayZoon dig into earned wage access as a real solution for the employees who feel that pressure the most. They break down what EWA actually is, why it matters for deskless and hourly workers, and how it’s reshaping the way companies think about benefits. Their take is grounded in what employees are actually strug
Navigating Labor Law Compliance with Poster Elite with Hannah Peterson, Poster Elite
Compliance doesn’t sound exciting until something breaks. Hannah Peterson from Poster Elite brings clarity to a topic most teams ignore until it's too late. She talks about why labor law posters matter, how fast regulations shift, and the real consequences companies face when they fall behind. Her story is grounded in the work, the culture that kept her growing inside Poster Elite, and the respons
Unlocking the Power of Prepaid Legal Services with Tom Von Jess, LegalShield
Most employees carry more legal stress than they ever admit. Tickets, landlord disputes, custody questions, identity theft scares, wills they avoid for years. None of it stays outside the workplace. Tom Von Jess breaks down why prepaid legal services matter more than most leaders think. His angle is simple. When you give people affordable access to real legal help, they show up differently. They’r
Keeping Remote Teams Connected Across 60 Properties
Remote teams sound simple on paper until you’re the one holding it together. Aubrey Yankee lives that reality every day at Biltmore Properties, where sixty scattered housing sites across Arizona depend on her to make the work feel human. Her world is federal housing, tight margins, rotating staff, and teams that rarely see each other in person. She talks about what it takes to keep people plugged
Navigating the New Talent Experience with Tara Cooper, Mercer
Summary:
The talent experience is shifting fast, and this conversation makes it real. Tara Cooper and her son Aiden walk through the gap between what employers think candidates want and what candidates actually need. Growth, honesty, clarity, and real feedback matter more than ever. The companies winning today are the ones willing to rethink how people learn, how they apply, and how they build tr
Jennifer Conway on California compliance, AI fear, and why HR needs warmth and clarity
This live conversation from the SHRM floor in San Diego features Jennifer Conway of Coastal Payroll—an isolved partner who brings boots-on-the-ground insight into what’s keeping HR leaders up at night.
She joins William Tincup and Ryan Leary to unpack the big three: compliance risk, the slow-but-steady rise of AI, and what makes someone a true people hero. Jennifer shares why California remains g
Latisha Hurdle and Heidi Barnett on empathy, hiring and the human side of leadership
This live episode from the isolved booth at SHRM 2025 brings real talk and big energy. Hosts William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with two powerhouse women in HR—Latisha Hurdle of Rivers Casino and Heidi Barnett of Utah-based operations—to unpack what it really means to lead with heart.
Latisha shares how she helps frontline talent rise through the ranks with empathy and structure, revealing ho
Margie Rubio and Nafeesah Bashir on incivility, emotional intelligence, and the power of self-awareness
Live from the isolved booth at SHRM 2025 in San Diego, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with two powerhouse voices in workplace transformation—Coach Margie Rubio and Coach Nafeesah Bashir. The vibe? Zero script, all impact. The moment they sat down, the conversation took off.
Margie and Nafeesah dig into the real roots of workplace incivility—from self-awareness gaps to emotional climate bl
Vision, empathy, and disruption: Matt McCune and Thomas Daglis on what real people heroes do
Recorded live at the isolved booth at SHRM 2025 in San Diego, this episode features two industry voices with very different superpowers—Matt McCune and Thomas Daglis. Hosted by William Tincup and Ryan Leary, the conversation digs into the unexpected traits of true HR heroes and why it takes more than empathy to make a difference.
Matt explains how his company bet against the status quo twenty yea
Sabrina S Sakhrani on confidence, compassion, and astrology at SHRM 2025
Recorded live from the isolved booth at SHRM 2025 in San Diego, this episode brings a burst of spontaneity and soul with guest Sabrina S Sakhrani from Merch.com. What starts as a casual riff on cities, nightlife, and favorite TV shows quickly turns into a deeper conversation on transformation, empathy, and identity.
Sabrina shares how she went from painfully shy to confidently appearing live on T
Most Leaders Don’t Build Culture - They Inherit Excuses
This episode was recorded live at SHRM from the isolved booth in San Diego. William Tincup and Ryan Leary spoke with Alain Hunkins and Tim Sackett about what culture actually looks like inside real companies. Alain explained why simple rituals can completely shift team energy without using policies or budgets. Tim pushed back on whether leaders even know how to build culture in the first place.
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Brittany Dvorak and Katie Leonard reveal how HR becomes real when people decide to show up
This episode takes place live at the isolved booth during SHRM 2025. William Tincup and Ryan Leary invite two guests who had no plan to be recorded. Brittany Dvorak and Katie Leonard join the conversation without warning. What follows feels honest. Nothing sounds rehearsed.
Brittany explains why being blunt earns trust when it comes from care. She shares how speaking up changes more than policy.
Brock Arnold and Rita Kusi on defining people heroes and building purpose from hardship
Live from the isolved booth at SHRM in San Diego, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with two guests who’ve never met—but leave with a shared outlook on HR leadership, family, and purpose. Brock Arnold and Rita Kusi bring two powerful, personal takes on what it means to be a “people hero”—and how life, work, and service intersect when you’re truly committed to others.
Rita shares how she left
Creating structure from chaos: Seychelle Padgett, Yanick Goens, and Jessica Michniacki on HR with heart
This episode was recorded live at the isolved booth during SHRM 25 in San Diego. William Tincup sat down with Seychelle Hercules Padgett, Yanick Goens, and Jessica Michniacki. Each guest brought a different take on what it means to lead with empathy and courage in HR.
Jessica explained how she helps clients through terminations. She does the hard work with calm and compassion. Yanick shared how h
Workforce planning meets real life: Tom McCarty on empowering HR with better org design tools
Tom McCarty, CEO of OrgChart, joins William Tincup and Ryan Leary live at SHRM 2025 in San Diego to talk org charts, AI fears, and why spreadsheets are failing HR. The trio digs into how HR teams can own strategic workforce decisions when given the right tools—and what happens when finance tries to go it alone. Tom shares how OrgChart helps HR visualize both present and future states of the org so
Darlene Winfield and Yira Coleman on leading with purpose, humor, and heart in HR
Recorded live from the isolved booth at SHRM 2025, this episode brings together two voices who embody what it means to be a “people hero.” Darlene Winfield and Yira Coleman join William Tincup and Ryan Leary for a heartfelt—and often hilarious—conversation about impact, purpose, and the power of showing up for others.
Yira reflects on how encouragement drives her both personally and professionall
Lisa Perez on HR’s hidden burden: caregiving, culture, and the future of remote leadership
Recorded live at the isolved booth at SHRM 2025 in San Diego, this episode features Lisa Perez, founder of HBL Resources and creator of National Management Training Week. She joins William Tincup and Ryan Leary for a vibrant conversation on what HR leaders need to hear—but often overlook.
Lisa breaks down the rising workplace crisis no one talks about—employee caregiving—and why it’s HR’s respons
Leaders who show up: Angela Carranza and Vilma Brager on real HR courage and empathy
Live from the isolved booth at SHRM 2025 in San Diego, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with two sharp, grounded HR pros who lead with both heart and action. Angela Carranza, Controller at NEOpal, and Vilma Brager, Co-founder and CEO of Insight HR Consulting, bring real stories of trust, empathy, and courageous leadership into the spotlight.
Angela talks through how auditing a forgotten PTO
Alain Hunkins and Tim Sackett explain how rituals fix culture and expose bad leadership
This episode was recorded live at SHRM from the isolved booth in San Diego. William Tincup and Ryan Leary spoke with Alain Hunkins and Tim Sackett about what culture actually looks like inside real companies. Alain explained why simple rituals can completely shift team energy without using policies or budgets. Tim pushed back on whether leaders even know how to build culture in the first place.
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Christine Allen and Caleb Larkin recap the SHRM crowd frenzy and isolved booth madness
Live from the isolved booth at SHRM Annual in San Diego, Christine Allen and Caleb Larkin join William Tincup and Ryan Leary to wrap the event with laughs, insight, and a little chaos. This wasn’t just another tradeshow—it was a full-on activation.
Caleb breaks down how isolved’s infamous text-based bingo game drew over 400 participants—and why designer purses turned the booth into a mob scene. C
Authenticity and impact shape how these HR leaders define success and leadership
This episode was recorded live at SHRM 2025 in San Diego. William Tincup sat down with D’Mar Phillips, Bill Chval, and Franz Schreiner. Each guest brought a unique lens to the idea of people leadership. They spoke with clarity. They answered without polish. They showed what real influence looks like inside a company.
D'Mar explained why strong relationships matter more than surface-level connecti
Michael Bach on why inclusion works best when everyone’s part of the conversation
Live from the isolved booth at SHRM San Diego, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Michael Bach—CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and longtime DEI data advocate. What starts as a light-hearted nod to Bach’s rainbow pocket square quickly turns into a sharp critique of performative allyship, corporate backsliding, and the real reason inclusion still meets resistance in t
Servant leaders in sync: Ashantae Brooks and Tiana Houston on HR impact and talent moments
At the isolved booth at SHRM San Diego, William Tincup and Ryan Leary brought together two HR pros who had never met—Ashantae Brooks and Tiana Houston—and uncovered an instant connection. From their shared commitment to servant leadership to their passion for helping others thrive, the conversation quickly turned into a lively, heartfelt exchange.
Ashantae, a Bronx-born talent whisperer now shapi
Kindness dealers and second chances: HR leaders on what it means to be a people hero
Live from isolved’s booth at SHRM 2025 in San Diego, William Tincup grabs three HR leaders just before bingo hour—and asks them what heroism in the workplace really looks like.
Trica Walters (CHRO, Tulsa), Dr. Kelly Drummond (HR Director, City of Knoxville), and Laquita Jaouani (HR Specialist, Easily Blessed Media) each bring a unique lens. They talk about the power of connection, the gift of cal
Power, Perception, and Payroll: Stacey Harris on Bias, Budget Battles, and the Future of HR Tech
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, Ryan Leary and William Tincup sit down with industry analyst and keynote speaker Stacey Harris for a candid conversation that starts with leveling up HR—and doesn’t let up.
From who really controls HR tech budgets (hint: not always HR) to why women in HR leadership still need more data to be trusted, this episode breaks down the hidden dynamics shaping the
Building Belief: Amberly Dressler on Brand-Led Growth, Community Loyalty, and the Human Face of HCM
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Amberly Dressler, VP of Corporate Marketing at isolved, to uncover how a vibrant brand and thriving user community can drive adoption, advocacy, and trust.
In this episode, they explore what makes isolved more than a software platform—from a pink cape movement to customers turning into evangelists. Amberly walks t
AI, Ethics, and HR’s New Balancing Act: Tami Nutt on Risk, Responsibility, and What Comes Next
What do audits, algorithms, and HR policy have in common? More than you think—and the consequences of getting it wrong are growing by the day.
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Tami Nutt, VP at Aspect 43, to unpack the uncomfortable truths about AI in HR: what’s regulated, what’s not, and why HR leaders can’t afford to stay in the dark.
Tami walk
Global Workforce, Local Trust: Barry Flanagan and Steve McWright on Payroll Visibility, Compliance Risks, and Leading with Empathy
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Barry Flanagan and Steve McWright to dissect the mess of managing global payroll—and the unexpected consequences of getting it wrong.
From pouring the perfect pint of Guinness to navigating compliance chaos in Poland and Argentina, this episode blends humor with hard truths. Barry and Steve share how hidden jurisd
From Filing Cabinets to Frontline Advocacy: Paige La Fever on Community, Customers, and Culture at isolved
What do a basement full of paper records, a ferry ride to work, and a thriving customer advisory board have in common? They're all part of the story behind isolved’s “people heroes” movement.
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, Ryan Leary and William Tincup sit down with Paige La Fever, Director of Community Relations at isolved, to unpack how HR tech companies can build real trust—not just t
Paycheck to Purpose: Shae on Financial Autonomy, Empathy, and the Real Cost of Waiting for Payday
Most employees aren't blowing their paychecks on luxury. They're buying diapers, groceries, and tires to get to work. So why are they still waiting weeks to access money they've already earned?
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, Ryan Leary and William Tincup sit down with Shae from ZayZoon to talk about the financial stress quietly crushing American workers—and what employers can actually do
Inside Payroll Fraud: Steve Lenderman on Synthetic Identities, Insider Risks, and the Battle for Trust
Forget fire drills—most HR leaders don’t even know the building’s on fire.
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Steve Lenderman, Head of Fraud Prevention at isolved, for a sobering look inside the underbelly of payroll fraud—and what most vendors aren’t telling you.
From synthetic identities and device biometrics to dark web marketplaces and machine
People Helping People: Kaitlin's Take on HR, Burnout, and the Feedback That Actually Works
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Kaitlin, an HR leader in the credit union space, for a grounded conversation on feedback, burnout, and why putting yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
Kaitlin shares the mindset shift that changed her leadership style: learning how to give effective feedback as a people pleaser. She breaks down how holding
From Teller to Talent: Carli on Climbing the HR Ladder and the Power of Doing the Hard Thing First
What do RBF, flight anxiety, and bilingual recruiting have in common? For Carli, they’re just part of the ride.
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, Ryan Leary and William Tincup sit down with Carli—former bank teller turned talent acquisition pro—for a fast-moving conversation on growth, grit, and giving candidates the truth.
She shares how internal mobility and hands-on training set her up
Champagne, Change, and the CPO's Playbook: Amy Amy Mosher and Celia Fleischaker on HR’s Real AI Shift
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary finally catch up with Amy Mosher (Chief People Officer) and Celia Fleischaker (Chief Marketing Officer) after a few tech hurdles and plenty of banter.
This conversation blends HR leadership with real-time transformation, as Amy and Celia break down what HR teams are actually dealing with—beyond the buzzwords. They dive into the
From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Patty Kallman on Feedback, Trust, and Teaching People How to Work Better
What do 8th graders, international trade shows, and HR feedback culture have in common? According to Patty Kallman—everything.
Recorded live at isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Patty Kallman, Director of Professional Development at Kallman Worldwide, to unpack the parallels between education and leadership development.
Patty brings a nontraditional HR len
Beyond the Bank: Art Kimball on Financial Access, Earned Wage Ethics, and Getting Paid Your Way
What do Walmart cash pickups, DoorDash paychecks, and AI-powered wage access have in common? A future where your job doesn’t need a bank to pay you.
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Art Kimball from Green Dot’s rapid! division to explore the evolving world of pay distribution and why traditional payroll systems are failing today’s workforce.
Fro
From Point Solution to People Strategy: Bridget Fleagle on Hiring Help, Product Planning, and the Future of Talent Tech
What happens when a standalone ATS evolves into a fully integrated talent strategy? You get a platform that doesn’t just fill roles—it fills gaps in bandwidth, strategy, and execution.
Live from isolved Connect in Charlotte, Ryan Leary and William Tincup sit down with Bridget Fleagle to talk talent acquisition, product strategy, and how isolved Talent Services is reshaping support for small HR te
From Transactions to Trust: Megha Shah on Elevating Customer Relationships
Retention doesn’t start at renewal—it starts at go-live.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, Megha Shah, SVP of Relationship Management at isolved, joins us to unpack what it really means to build lifelong customer partnerships. In this episode, Megha breaks down the shift from reactive support to proactive enablement, how her team uses active listening and roleplay to scale trust, and why opti
What AI Can’t Replace: Pamela Stroko on Talent, Truth, and the Human Advantage
You can’t automate empathy—and that’s the difference.
In this episode, recorded live at isolved Connect in Chicago, industry veteran Pamela Stroko joins William Tincup to talk truth in HR tech. With over two decades across Oracle, analyst firms, and practitioner trenches, Pamela cuts through the noise around AI, hiring mistakes, and vendor hype.
She shares lessons from launching The Five Talents
From Go-Live to Growth: How Optimization Creates People Heroes
Implementation doesn’t end at go-live. That’s where the real work begins.
In this episode, live from isolved Connect in Chicago, we sit down with Sandy Barnett and Theresa Breunig—Directors of Optimization at isolved—to unpack how the optimization team bridges the gap between system setup and business outcomes. From recalibrating systems post-launch to unlocking untapped value inside isolved, the
Building HR From the Ground Up: Dianne Vaughn on Trust, Talent, and Servant Leadership
When you’re the first HR pro in the building, every decision counts.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, Dianne Vaughn, HR Manager for a radiology group in Chattanooga, shares what it’s like to build HR from scratch—no playbook, no precedent. From tackling pay disparities with Excel to solving talent gaps in a competitive healthcare market, Diana walks us through how she’s stabilized a workforc
Empathy Over Policy: Melanie Zakrzewski on Culture, Change, and the Human Side of HR
Insurance changes, community impact, and why empathy still wins.
In this episode, Melanie Zakrzewski, Payroll and Benefits Supervisor at Kendall Hunt Publishing and Westmark Enterprises, joins us live from isolved Connect in Chicago to break down what happens when HR leads with people first. From overhauling a 15-year healthcare plan to building bikes for local kids, Melanie shares how culture sh
Tech Troubles, Tenure, and Code of Conducts: Samantha Kenworthy on Evolving HR in Nonprofits
What happens when long-tenured employees meet new tech, and a swim coach becomes the HR lead? You get creative adaptation, empathy in action, and a code of conduct for kids.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, Samantha Kenworthy, HR Coordinator at Skyline Center, shares how she’s navigating digital transformation in a nonprofit world—where mission matters, tenure runs deep, and change doesn’t c
Inside Payroll Fraud: Steve Lenderman on Modern Threats, Old Mistakes, and What HR Still Doesn’t See Coming
This isn’t about phishing emails or stolen credit cards. This is payroll fraud—organized, scaled, and already inside your systems.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, fraud prevention leader Steve Lenderman sits down with William Tincup to reveal the silent crisis sweeping payroll operations. From transnational crime rings and deepfakes to credential farming and spoofed login portals, this epis
Listening First: Donna Miller on Turnover, Trust, and Being Steady in the Storm
Sometimes HR isn't about solving problems—it’s about hearing them clearly.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, Donna Miller, Employee Relations Manager at Phil Long Dealerships, shares how three decades in the automotive industry shaped her people-first approach. From turnover challenges to commission delays, Donna opens up about what she’s hearing from the ground and how she’s helping leadersh
From Underwriting to HR Ops: Macy Ewing on Growth, Grit, and Saying No
Scaling a business is messy. Doing it while managing HR, payroll, and compliance from a distance? Even messier.
In this episode, Macy Ewing—CEO of Aaronson Group—joins us live from isolved Connect in Chicago to talk about her transition from truck insurance underwriter to leading operations for a rapidly growing virtual company. From paper-based retirement plans to compliance thresholds that come
Trust, Trailheads, and the Truth About Implementations: Jura Slattery on Customer Success Done Right
What makes or breaks a customer relationship? It’s not the product. It’s the path.
In this episode, we sit down with Jura Slattery, Head of Customer Success at isolved, live from isolved Connect in Chicago. With decades of implementation experience and a strong philosophy on trust, Jura unpacks why great support starts before go-live—and why most vendors get it wrong.
From emotional intelligence
HR of One: Emily Arthur on Culture, CNC Talent, and Knowing When to Let Go
When you're the only HR pro in the building, control is easy—letting go isn’t.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, Emily Arthur, HR Director at Riverhawk Company, shares what it means to run people ops solo at a 100-person manufacturing firm in upstate New York. From recruiting skilled CNC machinists to building talent pipelines with local colleges, Emily walks through how she handles hiring, o
Balancing Change and Connection: Amberly Dressler on HR’s Real Priorities
Forget buzzwords and look at what’s actually holding HR teams back. It’s not AI. It’s paper.
In this episode, we sit down with Amberly Dressler, VP of Corporate Marketing at isolved, to unpack her new book Center the Pendulum and the real stories that inspired it—from applicant tracking bottlenecks to generational filing cabinets in Alaska. Amberly shares what it means to document transformation,
Onboarding, Benefits, and Being Human: Inside Healthcare HR with Emma Birriel and Christine Padilla
Healthcare HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about people.
In this episode recorded live at isolved Connect in Chicago, we sit down with Emma Birriel and Christine Padilla from Shared Imaging to talk about the realities of recruiting, onboarding, and employee care in healthcare. From working in mobile imaging units to handling benefits confusion, they break down what HR looks like when it’s human
Fear Is the Enemy: Joey Price on Thriving Through AI, Soft Skills, and Chaos
AI isn’t the threat—fear is.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, Joey Price joins the Heroes of HR podcast to talk about the real tension in today’s HR landscape: navigating technological change without losing your grip on human connection.
From soft skills to return-to-office strategies, Joey lays out how HR professionals can calm the chaos, shift mindsets, and thrive in the age of AI. He cha
Legal Isn’t Optional: Tom Von Jess on Why HR Needs to Rethink Employee Protection
HR isn't just about payroll and PTO—it’s about protection.
Live from isolved Connect in Chicago, we sit down with Tom Von Jess, Director of Strategic Partnerships at LegalShield, to unpack the overlooked benefit every employee actually needs: legal support. From navigating assisted living contracts to identity theft recovery, Tom shares how LegalShield is helping HR teams bring peace of mind to w
From Post-Its to Product: Kelli Rico on Building, Balancing, and Securing the Future of HCM
What happens when a product leader with 13 years of HCM experience still prototypes with sticky notes? You get real innovation—built from the ground up, user-first.
In this episode, Kelli Rico, VP of Product Management at isolved, joins us live from isolved Connect in Chicago to share how her team turns napkin ideas into powerful platform features. From customer co-creation and UX-led design to p
Navigating Job Applications with Confidence: Insights from Michelle Hamilton, Head of Payroll and HR Operations at Adore Me
Michelle Hamilton from Adore Me joins the Heroes of HR podcast to discuss flexibility in job applications, navigating career changes, and the value of community. With insights from isolved’s customer service excellence and the People Heroes community, this episode is packed with actionable advice for HR professionals.
In this episode, we look at HR, job applications, career growth, flexibility, co
Overcoming HR Challenges in Hyper Remote Communities with Jaylene Owens, HR Director The Hames Corporation
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, Jaylene Owens shares her experiences as an HR professional in Sitka, Alaska, navigating the unique challenges of talent retention and employee wellbeing in a remote community. From the critical importance of mental health to leveraging AI and automation to enhance HR processes, Jaylene highlights the role of ‘People Heroes’ in creating a supportive work
Tackling Nonprofit HR Challenges with Brandon Rumler, Executive Director at Skyline Center Inc.
Summary:
In this episode of the Heroes of HR Limited Series podcast, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Brandon Rumler, Executive Director of Skyline Center, to explore the unique HR challenges in the nonprofit sector. From talent acquisition hurdles to the transformative power of isolved’s HR technology, Brandon highlights how passion and thoughtful employee recognition drive success. He
Balancing People, Technology, and Innovation with Isela Conley, Director of Talent Acquisition at isolved
Summary:
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, William Tincup and Ryan Leary sit down with Isela Conley, Director of Talent Acquisition at isolved, to explore the evolving world of recruiting and employee experience. From her journey from accounting to talent acquisition to the critical role of AI and data-driven insights, Isela provides a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in
AI, Talent Acquisition, and Cultural Transformation with Amy Mosher, isolved's Chief People Officer
Summary:
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, William Tincup, and Ryan Leary are joined by Amy Mosher, Chief People Officer of isolved, to explore the evolving role of HR in workplace transformation. With over 25 years of experience, Amy dives into optimizing talent acquisition with AI, the significance of performance management, and the transformative power of strong company culture. She
Evolving Talent Acquisition and Payroll Strategies with Sagar Lakhani, HR Manager at Insulation Supply Company
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, Sagar Lakhani brings over 11 years of HR expertise to the table, sharing insights on navigating the shifting landscape of talent acquisition, employee expectations, and payroll management. From the importance of quality in hiring to adapting to post-pandemic workforce needs, Sagar emphasizes the role of HR in improving employee lives. With isolved as a
Addressing Healthcare Staffing Shortages with Mary Kay Kirgis HR Director at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, we’re joined by Mary Kay Kirgis, HR Director at Guttenberg Municipal Hospitals and Clinics, to dive into the unique challenges of healthcare staffing. From addressing the nursing shortage to creating talent pipelines through community engagement, Mary Kay shares actionable insights for HR professionals. With isolved as a trusted HR solution, she highlig
Recharging HR: Employee Advocacy and Leadership with Melanie Zakrzewski at Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, we’re joined by Melanie Zakrzewski, Payroll and Benefits Supervisor at Kendall Hunt Publishing. Melanie shares her perspective on navigating talent retention, succession planning, and creating a people-first workplace. From leveraging isolved to streamline HR processes to fostering work-life balance through mental health initiatives, Melanie highlights
Talent Acquisition Challenges and Work-Life Balance with Lacey Davidson, HR Manager at JumBurrito
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, Lacey Davidson, HR Manager at JumBurrito, joins the conversation to share insights on overcoming talent acquisition challenges, attracting new generations to the workforce, and creating balance between employee satisfaction and business success. Lacey emphasizes the importance of HR’s role as a strategic partner in fostering engagement and retention, wh
Employee Advocacy and Retention: HR in a Post-COVID World with Sara Busch, Payroll & Benefit Admin at Obermayer
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, Sara Busch, a payroll and benefits administrator at a Philadelphia law firm, shares her perspective on navigating HR in today’s challenging landscape. From addressing post-COVID recruitment and retention struggles to reimagining employee benefits, Sara emphasizes the importance of advocacy and workplace relationships. With insights on leveraging isolved
Diversity and AI: Redefining HR with Julie Montgomery VP of Human Resources at Community 1st Credit Union
In this episode of the Heroes of HR podcast, Julie Montgomery, VP of Human Resources at Community 1st Credit Union, joins us to explore the evolving HR landscape. We cover the persistent challenges of diversity hiring, the transformative role of AI, and how isolved helps streamline HR processes while aligning with strategic goals. Julie’s practical insights and actionable advice will leave you rea
