Honest HR
Business & Finance
About
Honest HR is the go-to podcast for aspiring and informed HR professionals intent on transforming workplace challenges into golden opportunities. This podcast brings you insights, trends, and actionable advice through relatable stories from the REAL world of HR.
Episodes
- The Hidden Lawsuits in Your Hiring Process: Background Screening Compliance Explained
Compliance doesn’t begin with a background check — it starts at the very first touchpoint with a candidate. In this live recording from Talent 2026, Debra Keller reveals the most common and costly compliance mistakes organizations make lon…
- Hook, Line, and Skillfishing — When Candidates Look Better on Paper
As AI tools and personal branding make it easier than ever to appear highly skilled, HR teams are facing a new challenge: skillfishing. Alex Alonso , SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, and AJ Faraj , founder of SorsX, join Nicole Belyna, SHRM…
- The Talent Optimizer: Using Leadership and Analytics for an HR Advantage
HR has a bigger seat at the table than ever before, but with it comes the pressure to deliver measurable business results. Alex Alonso , SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to discuss the Talent Optimizer di…
- Generational Gaps or Strategic Gains? Turning Tension Into Results
Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever, with Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z working side by side. But with diversity comes challenges — from communication breakdowns to tensions over AI adoption and return-…
- Demotivation by Design: How Organizational Systems Can Hurt Performance
Demotivation can quietly erode engagement, productivity, and retention, but it doesn’t have to. Pete Ketchum , organizational psychologist and head of HR at Atonom, a technology company that builds cloud employees, joins host Nicole Belyna…
- Struggling to Hire? Rethink Skills and Unlock Talent
The talent gap is widening, and organizations are struggling to keep up. Emily Dickens , SHRM’s Chief Administrative Officer, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore the driving forces behind workforce shortages and the growing skil…
- Managing Yourself: The Leadership Skill HR Can’t Ignore
Self-management is one of the most critical — and often overlooked — leadership skills. Marisa Krafsig , CHRO of IntelliDyne, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how unmanaged stress, high achievement, and leadership pressure ca…
- Starbucks’ Secrets for Building Culture Through Everyday Rituals
Coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s a cornerstone of workplace culture. Sandy Roberts, Starbucks’ director of cultural leadership, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how coffee fosters connection, collaboration, and belo…
- SHRM CHRO on Building Trust During Times of Change and Uncertainty
Trust can feel fragile in times of uncertainty, transformation, and rising employee expectations. SHRM’s CHRO, Jim Link , SHRM-SCP, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack insights from the 2026 SHRM CHRO Priorities and Perspectives…
- 'Job Hugging' and the Growing Talent Bottleneck Inside Organizations
As job growth slows and uncertainty lingers, more employees are choosing to stay put — even if they’re disengaged. Doreen Coles, senior director of career growth and development of ADP, joins Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to unpack the trend of…
- Love at Work: Navigating Risk, Power, and Policy
Workplace romances are more common than many organizations realize, and even consensual relationships can carry serious legal and cultural risks. J enn Betts, employment lawyer and office managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins law firm,…
- Why Personalized Learning and Development Matters for Retention
Learning and development remains a top priority for HR, yet many professionals still struggle to see a clear path forward. Elizabeth S. Egan, Director of Talent Management and Organizational Development at Cerence AI, joins host Nicole Bel…
- Rethinking Productivity When Everyone Feels Overworked
Work has never been busier — yet progress often feels elusive. Eric Martin , executive director of Blue Pinnacle Solutions, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack why meetings, hidden work, and outdated productivity norms are draini…
- Why Financial Wellness Is Now an Employee Experience Issue
As the cost of living rises, employee financial wellness has become a growing concern for workers and a complex challenge for employers. Tyler Horn , Head of Planning at Origin and a Certified Financial Planner, joins host Monique Akanbi,…
- Not Everyone Can Be HR — Resilience and Trust Set It Apart
HR is often seen as the people function, but the reality is far more complex. Warren Wang , founder of Double Fin, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to unpack the hidden weight HR leaders carry as they balance trust, compliance, and busi…
- From Perks to Purpose: The Rise of Choice in Employee Benefits
Employee perks are evolving beyond traditional benefits, with workers expecting more personalization, choice, and support than ever before. Jordan Peace, CEO and co-founder of employee experience platform Fringe, joins host Monique Akanbi,…
- The New Rules of Recruitment: From Posting Jobs to Building Pipelines
Posting a job and waiting for candidates to apply is no longer enough in today’s competitive labor market. Tim Sackett , CEO of HRUTech.com, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to explore how HR leaders can use creative sourcing strategies…
- Helping Employees Grow with AI-Powered Coaching
AI coaching is reshaping how employees learn, grow, and navigate their careers — but the real story is what it means for the humans at the center of it all. Theresa Fesinstine , AI educator and founder of peoplepower.ai, sits down with hos…
- Rethinking the Modern Workforce with Freelancers, Gig Workers, and Consultants
As businesses face faster timelines and shifting skill needs, flexible talent has become a core part of the modern workforce — not a backup plan. Sunita Solao , CPO of Upwork, the freelance marketplace to hire top talent, joins host Moniqu…
- Building a Better Employee Handbook
Updating your employee handbook isn’t just about compliance — it’s about connection. With major workplace law changes coming in 2026, now’s the time to refresh your policies. Kiri Grant from SHRM’s HR Product Solutions team joins host Moni…
- The Legal Tightrope Between Employee Politics and Employer Rights
As politics continue to dominate the headlines, HR professionals find themselves on the front lines of free speech at work. Can employees be fired for expressing political opinions — or does the First Amendment protect them? Attorney Tom S…
- Caught in the Middle: Supporting Sandwich Generation Caregivers
Many employees juggle significant responsibilities beyond their professional roles. Those in the “sandwich generation” are balancing careers alongside caring for children and supporting aging parents, managing a complex and demanding load.…
- When Old Ideas Refuse to Die: Confronting Zombie Leadership
When outdated leadership ideas linger, they don’t just slow progress — they shape how people think, act, and connect at work. Alex Haslam, co-author of “Zombie Leadership: Dead Ideas That Still Walk Among Us,” joins host Nicole Belyna, SHR…
- The Evolving Role of Internships in a Shrinking Entry-Level Market
As entry-level roles shrink, internships are filling the gap and reshaping how businesses grow talent. Ranked number one on Yello’s Top 100 Internship Programs of 2025, engineering consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., demonstr…
- Quiet Cracking — The Silent Strain That’s Breaking Workplaces
This episode has been nominated for a 47th Annual People’s Telly Award! Cast your vote by April 17, 2026, now: https://peoples.tellyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/peoples-telly/general/online-series-shows-segments/quiet-cracking-the-silent-…
- Using Stay Interviews to Spot Red Flags and Boost Retention
Stay interviews go beyond job satisfaction surveys — they uncover why employees stick around, what frustrates them, and what might send them looking elsewhere. Carlyne Ervin, SHRM-CP and VP of HR at Chrysalis, a nonprofit removing barriers…
- Too Much Information? Setting Boundaries for Workplace Gossip and Oversharing
We’ve all heard it: coworkers sharing a little too much or swapping gossip while at the office. These behaviors can create tension, blur boundaries, and impact team dynamics. HR consultant Heidi Hartman, SHRM-SCP, sits down with Nicole Bel…
- Second-Chance Hiring for People with Incarceration Histories
Over 70 million Americans have incarceration records that make finding work after serving time extremely difficult. In today’s tight labor market, overlooking this vital talent pool could be a costly mistake. Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.)…
- Don’t Overlook Older Workers; They’re an Untapped Talent Pool
Amid today’s talent shortages, older workers remain one of the most overlooked sources of skill and experience. Isaac Agbeshie-Noye , Ed.D., of the SHRM Foundation joins Nicole Belyna to share how HR teams can overcome biases, engage older…
- Curiosity Is Contagious — Does Your HR Team Have It?
Curiosity might be the spark your workplace is missing — the key to unlocking innovation, engagement, and even retention. Diane Hamilton , Ph.D., behavioral expert and creator of the Curiosity Code Index, joins host Monique Akanbi to dig i…
- An Unfiltered Look: SHRM’s CHRO on the State of HR
Burnout is brewing, layoffs are looming, and AI is changing the game! SHRM’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Link , SHRM-SCP, sits down with host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, from his HR team for a candid conversation about the challenges an…
- From Orientation to Connection: A New Approach to Onboarding
For anyone starting a new job, creating a sense of connection, culture, and belonging from day one can transform what was once a routine orientation into a powerful, lasting experience. Two leaders at Vanderbilt University — Joanna Echols…
- Immigration Enforcement Is Ramping Up — Are Your I-9s Ready?
As immigration policies evolve and enforcement activity increases across organizations, I-9 and E-Verify compliance is more critical than ever. John Fay , immigration attorney and director of product strategy at Equifax Workforce Solutions…
- Today’s Shifting Priorities for an HR Department of One
What’s behind the changing priorities for an HR department of one in 2025? Jennifer Currence , senior partner at HR Soul Consulting, joins host Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to break down the results of her annual survey of small business HR pr…
- The Advantages of Telehealth in Your Benefits Strategy
Once seen as a bonus benefit, telehealth is now a vital part of any modern HR strategy. Teira Gunlock , CEO of First Stop Health, joins host Marjorie Morrison to explore how virtual health care is modernizing employee benefits. They dive i…
- How Student Loan Assistance Can Improve Hiring and Retention
Imagine stacks of $100 bills stretching from Earth past the International Space Station — that’s the staggering reality of America’s $1.77 trillion student debt crisis. Heather Jarvis , executive director of Fosterus — a nonprofit that hel…
- Navigating ADA Challenges Across the Employee Life Cycle
Expert legal voices Amy Epstein Gluck, Esq. , founding partner at Pierson Ferdinand LLP, and SHRM’s Allen Smith, J.D. , share best practices in applying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) across the full employee lifecycle, from rec…
- Recruiting and Developing Top Executive Talent
With SHRM research revealing leadership development as a top priority for HR leaders in 2025, this episode dives into strategies for sourcing and nurturing executive talent. Host Nicole Belyna is joined by Jeremy Eskenazi , managing princi…
- Leading Change with Confidence: HR’s Role in Organizational Transformation
Andy Biladeau , SHRM’s chief transformation officer, sits down with guest host Marjorie Morrison , SHRM’s executive in residence for mental health, to explore HR’s evolving role in organizational transformation. With change management bein…
- HR’s Top FMLA Questions from the SHRM Knowledge Center
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is one of the top topics SHRM gets member questions about in our HR Knowledge Center. So, host Monique Akanbi sits down with Liz Petersen and Sheri Martel , two FMLA experts within SHRM’s own ranks,…
- How HR Can Support First-Time People Managers
Need to help your new managers lead? Join Chelsea C. Williams, CEO and founder of Reimagine Talent Co., and host Nicole Belyna as they discuss how HR pros can best support their colleagues stepping into first-time leadership roles. Discove…
- The Power of Neuroscience-Driven Leadership
Find out how HR pros can apply basic principles of neuroscience to foster a more positive workplace culture where psychological safety thrives. Matt Kalb , vice president of client experience at T3 Expo, explains to host Raiyana Bryant wha…
- Accommodating Allergies and Asthma in the Workplace
Did you know that up to 50% of employees have allergies and/or asthma? And whether attributed to food or the environment, these conditions are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Dr. Carla Davis — president-elect of the America…
- Crisis Management and Resolving Contentious Conversations
Learn from a retired SWAT negotiator how to handle workplace crises and difficult conversations as an HR professional. Scott Tillema , keynote speaker and corporate trainer at The Negotiations Collective, goes over the four principles of c…
- Harnessing the Dynamic Skillsets of Military Spouses
Husbands and wives of armed forces personnel are not just an underutilized talent pool. According to Brytnee Fallan , a 16-year military spouse within SHRM’s own ranks, they can also be formidable agents for change. Find out how HR pros ca…
- Supporting Women’s Mental Health for an Inclusive Workplace
An inclusive workplace is one that works for all, and one of its key building blocks is women’s mental health. Marjorie Morrison, SHRM’s executive in residence for mental health, is joined by Tamla Oates-Forney , CEO of SHRM Linkage, to di…
- Leveraging Data and Emotional Intelligence for Organizational Resilience
Take your strategic decisions to the next level by combining data and emotional intelligence. Guest host Jay Jones, lead of talent and employee experience at SHRM, picks the brain of Jevon Wooden , CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group, about…
- Recruiting and Retaining Talent Through Civility
Learn how to attract and retain top talent by fostering a culture of civility and inclusivity. Hosted by Nicole Belyna, Kenston Henderson , chief empowerment officer of Live With Lyfe, shares what that culture looks like, how to assess you…
- Guiding Displaced Talent to New Horizons
In today's growing landscape of layoffs and uncertainty, more professionals are moving away from traditional career paths -- opening the door for HR pros to take a skills-first approach in recruiting and hiring. Host Nicole Belyna and John…
- Switching to HR Mid-Career
Are you thinking about a career pivot to HR? Find out if human resources is a good fit and how to get started on pivoting from another role or industry. Host Nicole Belyna and Claire Stroh , senior talent acquisition business partner at AT…