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Published by Maddie Hollis, Host
With a hint of quirk and a lot of lived experience, Human Resources and Leadership professionals are “Killing HR One Topic at a time”. They discuss practical and relatable situations to help leaders and early career folks alike.
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In this episode of HR Office Hours, host Maddie Hollis sits down with sales expert Beth McClary-Wolford, founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Superpower Strategies, to reframe what "selling" really means. Beth shares her philosophy that everyone sells, including HR professionals, and that true influence comes from solving problems, not manipulating people. Whether you're in HR, recruiting, another leadership position or just want to get better at pitching ideas and asking for what you need, this conversation offers practical, human-centered strategies for persuasion that builds relationships instead of burning them. Connect with Beth- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelizabethmcclary/ Superpower Strategies: https://superpowerstrategies.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/superpower-strategies/ Behind the Business (prior event info): https://superpowerstrategies.zohobackstage.com/BehindtheBusinessTheStoriesStrategyRelationshipsBehindGrowingaCompany#/ Link to Melanie Silva's episode: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AHYwlcTJa06jCHUp1j4kO Article about the comeback of landlines: https://www.parents.com/parents-are-bringing-back-landlines-11996760
AI is everywhere right now, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the noise. In this episode of HR Office Hours, host Maddie Hollis sits down with Vanna Winland, an AI Advocate at IBM's technical content team, to unpack the fears, myths, and realities around AI in the workplace. Vanna brings a unique perspective: an English degree turned tech career, and shares why "tools amplify intent, they don't replace it." Together, Maddie and Vanna dig into: - Why AI backlash is an old creative argument in new clothes - The "garbage in, garbage out" principle and why critical thinking still matters - Collective intelligence vs. crowdsourcing — and why this isn't a new idea - Spotting AI-generated scams, deepfakes, and fraudulent content online - What AI can't replace: human creativity, judgment, and connection - The truth behind AI-blamed layoffs and the real upskilling gap in organizations - How individuals and companies can move forward thoughtfully with AI adoption Whether you're anxious about AI taking over your job or curious how to use it responsibly, this conversation offers a grounded, human perspective on where the technology fits, and where it doesn't. 🔗 Connect with Vanna Winland: personal blog, Hacker Noon, IBM Think, and LinkedIn (links below) 👍 Like, subscribe, and follow HR Office Hours for more conversations on navigating the future of work. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vwinland/ A24’s AI Backlash Is an Old Creative Argument in New Clothes https://hackernoon.com/a24s-ai-backlash-is-an-old-creative-argument-in-new-clothes All Vanna’s articles on Hackernoon https://hackernoon.com/u/vanna-w Github https://github.com/vwinland vwinland.github.io IBM Think https://www.ibm.com/think/author/vanna-winland New York Times The Daily Episode “What is AI Actually Doing to the Economy?” https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/27/podcasts/the-daily/ai-economy.html #careers #AI #HR #FutureOfWork #Upskilling #ArtificialIntelligence #aitools
In this episode, host Maddie Hollis sits down with Melanie Silva, Executive Director of the UNFoundation, founder of Rad Work, and fractional COO for Hinton & Company, to rethink how organizations build genuine employee engagement. They dig into why generic perks like pizza parties often fall flat, and why asking employees what they actually want (not assuming) is the real key to retention and culture. Melanie shares how giving circles, like the UNFoundation, can connect employees to causes they care about while strengthening workplace culture. They also cover charitable giving matches, volunteer days, local vendor partnerships, and practical ways employees can advocate for these benefits at their own companies. Connect with Melanie Silva: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-silva-a809056a/ The UNFoundation: https://theunfoundation.org/ Rad Work: https://radwrk.com/ Hinton & Company: https://hintonandco.com/ Krantzsy Boursiquot Episode: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AHYwlcTJa06jCHUp1j4kO Resources Mentioned: The UNFoundation: https://theunfoundation.org/ The Alice Fund : https://www.thealicefund.org/ Grapevine: https://www.grapevine.org/ The Awesome Foundation: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en #hr #nonprofit #leadership #givingback #employeeengagement
In this episode, host Maddie Hollis sits down with longtime Predictive Index partner and leadership consultant, Cindy Lynch, to explore why so many workplace problems come down to a lack of clarity, not conflict. They dig into how HR professionals can move beyond reactive, day-to-day firefighting to become true strategic partners to leadership. Cindy shares her framework for delegation without guilt, how to give feedback without sandwiching it in fluff, why the "feedback sandwich" needs to retire, and her simple but powerful approach to one-on-ones that actually build trust and accountability. They also cover buy-in strategies for leading change, the "front of T-shirt / back of T-shirt" self-awareness exercise, and why self-awareness, not knowledge, is the real differentiator for leaders who want to grow. Whether you're an HR department of one or leading a larger team, or a leader outside of HR, this conversation offers practical, conversation-based tools for building a healthier, more transparent workplace. Connect with Cindy at six20partners.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/cindymlynch #hr #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #clarity #training
In this episode, host Maddie Hollis sits down with leadership development consultant and founder of Guiding Light Leadership, Meredyth Ring, for a candid conversation about authenticity, self-awareness, and what it really takes to grow as a leader. They dig into how personal expression can coexist with professionalism, the real difference between training and leadership development, and why so many leadership programs fail because they focus on concepts over practical application. Meredyth shares the origin story of her business, her rules for facilitating with curiosity instead of judgment, and how her Resilience in Real Life LinkedIn series (including a surprisingly viral post about the Charlotte Airport) connects individual resilience to organizational culture. Maddie also shares two feel-good airline customer service stories that spark a discussion on how employee culture directly shapes customer experience. Connect with Meredyth: https://www.guidinglightleadership.com/ Book mentioned in podcast: Resilience That Works: Eight Practices for Leadership and Life https://shop.ccl.org/usa/resilience-that-works.html #hr #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #growthmindset #resilience
In this episode, host Maddie Hollis sits down with poet, writer, and creative Krantzsy Boursiquot to explore the intersection of work, identity, and creativity. Krantzsy shares his journey: from taking a buyout to pursue creativity full-time, to returning to a "9-to-5" while continuing to build his passion on the side, and opens up about self-publishing his poetry book, running poetry-focused workshops on burnout, and staying involved with the global Creative Mornings community. Together, they dig into big questions: How much of our identity is tied to our job title? Can you bring your authentic, creative self to work without it clashing with professionalism? And what does it really mean to build an "epic story" with your life and career? Connect with Krantzsy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krantzsy/ Links from episode: Creative Mornings: https://creativemornings.com/cities/cha Krantzsy's book "Let Me Love You" - https://tinyurl.com/375f8jp3 #hr #leadership #creative #poetry #storytelling #creativity #careers
Host Maddie Hollis sits down with Chris Adamson, an HR consultant and leadership trainer based in the Pennsylvania wilds, to talk about what it really takes to do HR in rural, tight-knit communities. Chris shares stories from his 20+ years in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution HR, including navigating a painful plant shutdown, the unique challenges of promoting frontline workers into supervisor roles when "these are your people," and how to develop supervisors who might never have had formal training. Maddie and Chris swap real-world stories about recruitment mishaps, judging candidates by first impressions (hint: don't), building authentic connections with employees, and why HR professionals need to earn real influence within their organizations rather than just pushing paperwork. Chris also shares an exciting first look at Rural Rising, his new business accelerator program helping small-town entrepreneurs build the skills. Connect with Chris Adamson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccadamson/ #hr #leadership #leadershipdevelopment
Host Maddie Hollis sits down with Kassandra Stephens, Market Center Administrator at Keller Williams Legacy Group, for a candid conversation about HR, training, and community-building in a business built on independent contractors. Kassandra shares her journey from call center collections and quality management to overseeing operations for 300+ real estate agents. She and Maddie dig into why "it's a training issue" is rarely the real problem (hint: it's usually a retention gap), how to handle sensitive situations like harassment claims and social media policies with 1099 contractors, and the balance between flexibility and fairness when managing a team. They also talk community-building: from dessert auctions raising money for agents in need, to the power of a personal invite, to why "we're like family" might be the wrong pitch (community, not family, is the healthier framing). Plus: hiring honestly, owning mistakes to build trust, and why earnestness matters more than experience. Connect with Kassandra on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassandra-stephens-mba-1816b51b2/ #hr #leadership #1099 #1099contractor #training
Maddie Hollis sits down with Ben Cruz, a chemical engineer with several years of manufacturing engineering experience across Louisiana, Iowa, and Northwest Georgia, to unpack what it's really like to be a Gen Z professional in today's workforce. They dig into Ben's career path from co-op to full-time engineer, the value (and limits) of a college degree, building trust as "the new guy," work-life balance vs. the "lazy Gen Z" stereotype, knowledge-sharing across generations, and the surprising bureaucratic hurdles of attempting to get a Professional Engineer license. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-cruz-0823/ #hr #engineering #genz #earlycareer #college #careergrowth #chemicalengineering
Dave Gaspin joins Maddie to tackle three hot HR topics: job tenure, middle management, and a wild LinkedIn HR investigation gone overboard. They dig into whether staying at one company for years is actually a red flag anymore, or if "job hopping" fears are outdated. They also debate the real value of middle/frontline managers as companies lean out and cut layers: is it a mistake, or is management just evolving? Finally, they break down a viral story about an employee investigated by HR over a LinkedIn "like," and reflect on the age-old question: is HR really your friend? Maddie and Dave share personal stories about their best (and most influential) managers along the way. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgaspin/ Connect with Maddie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-hollis-sphr-shrm-scp/ Articles we read for reference: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracylawrence/2025/04/08/burnout-by-design-how-cutting-middle-management-affects-company-culture/ https://www.fastcompany.com/91377552/middle-management-is-dead https://firstup.io/press-release/shrinking-middle-management-layer-puts-pressure-on-workplace-communication-and-engagement/ #hr #leadership #management
From job hugging to AI aiding in performance management, Dave Gaspin and Maddie Hollis tackle the changing landscape of workplace issues. Maddie and Dave dig into what it really means to "bring your whole self" to work, where authenticity crosses into unprofessional behavior, and why boundaries still matter even in a culture that values authenticity. The conversation shifts to AI in the workplace: using AI tools for performance reviews and coaching, the risks of employees using unsanctioned "shadow AI," data security and confidentiality concerns, and how companies should build clear, transparent AI policies instead of just banning the tools outright. They also tackle "job hugging" questioning whether it's really a problem, or just a sign of the shifting power dynamic between employers and employees. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgaspin/ Connect with Maddie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-hollis-sphr-shrm-scp/ #hr #ai #leadership #career #authenticity
Welcome to HR Office Hours – Episode 1! 🎙️ Dave Gaspin and Maddie Hollis kick off "killing HR one topic at a time." In this inaugural episode, they dive into: 🔹 The "Phillies Karen" hat-snatching incident and when off-the-clock behavior becomes an HR issue 🔹 What happens when the CEO is the one behaving badly and the tough spot it puts HR in 🔹 The Coldplay "kiss cam" scandal and the messy reality of investigating executive misconduct 🔹 Why entry-level employees don't know what they don't know (and how to coach them without judgment) 🔹 The shifting power dynamic between employers and employees 🔹 How to give honest, direct feedback without the dreaded "feedback sandwich" Whether you're an HR pro, a people leader, or just love workplace drama, this episode has something for you. 💬 Got thoughts on any of these topics? Drop a comment below — we want to hear from you! 🔔 Subscribe for more real talk on HR, leadership, and the workplace. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgaspin/ Connect with Maddie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-hollis-sphr-shrm-scp/ #hr #leadership #management #leadershipdevelopment
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 7, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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