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 uncovers the pivotal manager-employee relationship and how AI can create a more dynamic and thriving workplace. We'll also unpack the practical applications of Wisq, a groundbreaking AI tool that pro ..read more

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 She challenges the outdated reliance on question banks, highlighting understanding core skills and behaviors needed for a role before crafting interview questions. It is a must-listen for recruiters, leaders, and HR professionals eager to attract and assess top candidates with a balanced approach that integrates both professiona ..read more

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 resources. Together, we unwrap the evolution of HR from a back-office function to a strategic powerhouse, reflecting on the times we had to stand our ground and the moments that taught us the true value ..read more

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 balance between nurturing a company's growth and adhering to your original mission—even when boardroom battles and investor pressures loom large. Plus, we get the inside scoop on Optionality, Elisa's latest ..read more

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 intelligence offloads our analytical burdens, causing leaders to cultivate empathy and forge deeper relationships with their teams. It's a future where algorithms crunch the data, leaving us to master emotional ..read more

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 sprinting through every scheduled event. But there's more to a conference than just showing up. It's about the community and the culture that it grows. Transform, once known as HR Transform, has blossomed int ..read more

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 budget better” is often a superficial solution to a complex issue. Alongside Aja, we examine the growing trend of financial wellness initiatives in the workplace, discussing the role of emotional support i ..read more

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 conversation spans from personal trials in the professional world to the myths that stifle true workplace transformation, offering listeners a chance to reflect on the biases and systemic hurdles that p ..read more

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 potential and lurking concerns of AI's role in the future. They debunk the myth of its all-encompassing dominance while underscoring its critical importance in work technology. Jason and Laurie also unrav ..read more

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 messages that resonate with audiences and the power of speech variation to keep their attention rapt. This isn't just another chat about talking; it's an arsenal of techniques to transform anyone into ..read more