My guest for this bonus 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 her community, and cancer’s financial effects.  Nicole has been in HR for almost 20 years and is an active leader in SHRM nationally and in Ohio, as well as with Disrupt HR and Workhuman. N ..read more

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is a no-brainer. And the platform gives you lots of space to write about yourself with an ever-extended LinkedIn character limit. Still, I’ve discovered with my Connect & Grow series that so many people miss an opportunity to make quick fixes to enhance their professional presence and increase their visibility on the platform. Here are some suggestions that I’ve learned over the years. OPTIMIZE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE Complete Your Profile: Commit to this move. LinkedIn assigns greater weight to complete profiles. Aiming for a profile strength of ..read more

I’d like to take this moment to introduce you to someone I’ve enjoyed working with since the early days of my blogging journey: Carlos Rios. We’ve shared the stage and had many insightful conversations over the years, and I can safely say that he has made a significant impact in Human Resources. Carlos, who identifies with the pronouns he/they, is a formidable HR leader, people strategist, and talent whisperer. His journey spans over fifteen years and is filled with enriching experiences and strategic roles, from recruiting and HR generalist positions to tackling diversity and inclusion, learn ..read more

Human Resource Management continues to push through a pivotal era where expectations are higher than ever before. The emergence of disruptive technologies, evolving demographics, a newfound emphasis on mental health, and the paradigm shift towards a flexible, diverse workforce are dramatically reshaping the HR role.  Here are some of my ideas about the core challenges HR professionals will face by 2030, the implications of these challenges, and the strategies necessary to navigate these changing landscapes effectively. Core Challenges and Their Significance What are some core challenges ..read more

My guest for this bonus episode is my friend Liz Vaccariello. Liz is the former editor-in-chief of some of the world’s most popular publications, including Reader’s Digest, People and Parents magazine. She’s also the former editorial director at Dotdash Meredith, the largest digital and printer publisher in the U.S. — and parent company of some of Liz’s former publications. In this conversation, Liz and I discuss how 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.  Liz has over 25 years of exp ..read more

I know that Adam Grant broke up with MBTI, but it would do everyone some good to break up with introversion and extroversion. Who Are Introverts and Extroverts? In our journey towards self-understanding, we often cling to labels that we believe define us. Labels such as ‘introvert’ or ‘extrovert’ have found their way into our personal and professional lives, influencing how we perceive ourselves and others. But are these labels truly aiding our growth and understanding? Or are they limiting our perception of someone’s full potential? In the professional world, casual labels like introversion ..read more

The role of Human Resources has evolved considerably in the past three years thanks to hardworking people like you who push through the noise and put people at the heart of business operations. We’re past the point where HR is seen as a support function. Even the most cynical C-suite leaders would concede that human resources is a partner instrumental in driving business growth and success.  Let’s continue this momentum.  The Strategic Implications of HR’s Focus on Learning & Development One critical area where HR can significantly contribute to a company’s prosperity is through ..read more

Connect & Grow: Paul Wolfe I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Paul Wolfe, the former SVP/Head of HR at Indeed, who guided the company’s growth from a few hundred to over 12,000 employees, all while championing culture, employee engagement, and diversity. Paul continues to shape the HR field as an author, board member, and venture advisor, advocating for a ‘Human First’ leadership approach. In addition to all that trailblazing work, I’m a gigantic fan of his vlogcast. I’ve spent some time with Paul in real life and on Zoom, and I’m touched by how he recognizes the accomplishments o ..read more

Are you about to be laid off? The short answer is possibly. Job security is a luxury and an illusion. Economic fluctuations, industry downturns, and company restructurings are contributing to the uncertainty, making it critical for every professional to be aware of potential warning signs of a layoff. It’s not a pleasant topic to think about, but understanding these indicators can give you the time to prepare, reassess, and plan your career trajectory. SPOT THE SIGNS Here are some signs that might suggest that you’re potentially facing a layoff: Consultants have invaded: New faces in the offi ..read more

My guest on this episode of Punk Rock HR is Jeannine K. Brown. She is the Founder and 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.  Jeannine is an accountant by trade and started her career working for the Alabama Department of Revenue before moving into public accounting and, eventually, starting her professional development consultancy, E ..read more