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The Simplifiers Podcast

The Simplifiers Podcast

Mary Baird, PHR 607 Episodes Sep 15, 2026

The Simplifiers Podcast is a show for HR leaders, people managers, and workplace changemakers who want to fix the complex problems shaping the future of work. Hosted by Mary Baird, an employee experience strategist, AI for HR expert, and author of Squash the Sunday Scaries, it explores leadership and culture strategy through candid expert interviews, practical solo episodes, and calming guided visualizations. Episodes cover topics such as improving employee engagement, reducing burnout, building stronger leaders, turning employee listening into action, and using AI in HR responsibly. The underlying message is that a better employee experience leads to a better customer experience and, ultimately, better business results.

Episodes

434: How to future-proof HR in the age of AI - with Amy Dufrane
434: How to future-proof HR in the age of AI - with Amy Dufrane Sep 15, 2026 44:12 HR leaders are being asked to help everyone navigate AI at work. But many are still figuring out what it means for their own roles. How do you guide an organization through a change you haven't been trained for yourself? And what happens to the future talent pipeline if the work that once helped people start their careers begins to change? My special guest today is Amy Dufrane, CEO of HRCI,
433: How to be a compelling storyteller at work - with Eric Harris
433: How to be a compelling storyteller at work - with Eric Harris Sep 8, 2026 47:36 What makes a compelling storyteller at work? Someone who's an excellent communicator, warm, captivating, and understands the value of being clear and concise. But what if there's more at play here than what meets the eye? My special guest today is author Eric Harris and he's simplifying how to be a compelling storyteller at work. If you've got a big presentation soon and really need to ef
B173: How to reframe anything (guided visualization)
B173: How to reframe anything (guided visualization) Sep 1, 2026 16:06 Time for a guided visualization exercise: how to reframe anything. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed or simply have a bit of writer's block that's keeping you from doing the thing, my hope is that today's episode will help you hit the reset button, find clarity, and get yourself in a position to make positive movement forward. And so… to kick off the month, today is another guided visual
432: How to build a leadership legacy - with Rhoda Banks
432: How to build a leadership legacy - with Rhoda Banks Aug 25, 2026 42:13 Think about the leaders who've shaped you. Some made you feel seen, supported, and capable of more. Others left you questioning yourself long after you stopped working with them. Because every leader leaves something behind. A mark. Or a scar. Your leadership legacy isn't simply what you accomplish or the results you deliver. It's the imprint you leave on people and how they feel, perfo
431: How to rethink your job search + career path - with Mike Peditto
431: How to rethink your job search + career path - with Mike Peditto Aug 18, 2026 50:47 Let's talk about your career. Because for a lot of people right now, work feels shaky. Maybe you've been laid off, applied for dozens of jobs with no response, or you're quietly wondering whether your current career path still makes sense. The rules have changed. AI is reshaping jobs. Hiring technology is filtering candidates before a human ever sees them. And the traditional corporate lad
430: What Corporate America can learn from a theatre troupe - with Stephen Riordan
430: What Corporate America can learn from a theatre troupe - with Stephen Riordan Aug 11, 2026 52:23 What can Corporate America learn from a theatre troupe? Quite a lot, actually. Think about it. A theatre production brings together people who may have never worked together before. There's very little onboarding. The timeline is short. The deadline is fixed. And somehow, they have to build trust, communicate clearly, solve problems fast, and become a high-performing team. Sound
B172: How to stop feeling like you're not enough (guided visualization)
B172: How to stop feeling like you're not enough (guided visualization) Aug 4, 2026 29:11 Time for a guided visualization exercise: how to stop feeling like you're not enough. Maybe you've felt it before. You finish one big project… Only to immediately start thinking about the next one. You reach the goal… But somehow, it still doesn't feel like enough.  Maybe you've spent years being the dependable one. The one everyone counts on. The one who quietly carries more than anyon
429: How to lead with courage - with Justine Froelker
429: How to lead with courage - with Justine Froelker Jul 28, 2026 47:47 You know the conversation you need to have at work. But you don't want to rock the boat. Make someone angry. Or add one more thing to your already full plate. So, you wait. But the issue grows. Trust erodes. And that conversation gets even harder. My special guest today is author, speaker Justine Froelker and she's simplifying how to lead with courage. We tackle and simplify al
428: How to make your work tech better - with David Noe
428: How to make your work tech better - with David Noe Jul 21, 2026 36:15 Think about how many systems your employees use just to get their work done. One for payroll. Another for benefits, communication, training, expenses, or scheduling. And when those systems don't work well together, simple tasks become harder than they need to be. Employees waste time searching for answers. Frustration builds. Trust breaks down. And slowly, they start to disengage and c
427: How to better understand your team - with Scott Wood
427: How to better understand your team - with Scott Wood Jul 14, 2026 37:08 If you lead a team, work on a team, or are trying to build a better one, you've probably noticed this: People do not all think, communicate, or make decisions the same way. And that can either create friction… or it can become one of your team's greatest strengths. The problem is, many leaders say they want diverse teams, but then unintentionally hire, promote, or reward people who operate ex
B171: How to stop carrying it all (guided visualization)
B171: How to stop carrying it all (guided visualization) Jul 7, 2026 22:56 Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to stop carrying it all. Because maybe right now, you're carrying more than people can see. The decisions. The details. The emotional labor. The deadlines. The expectations. The invisible mental list that seems to follow you from room to room. Maybe you're the one everyone comes to. The steady one. The capable one. The one who knows where ev
426: How to listen like a (real) leader - with Dr. Adam Hickman
426: How to listen like a (real) leader - with Dr. Adam Hickman Jun 30, 2026 41:18 We say we want leaders who listen. But if we're being honest, a lot of what we call "listening" is really just waiting for our turn to respond. Or scanning the engagement survey results and then, do nothing. Or hosting an overly scripted town hall. Or asking employees for feedback once a year, checking the box, and moving on. But real listening? That requires better questions. Simpler quest

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