Podcast
The Moss HR Minute
Hosted by Nicole Moss · EN
The Moss HR Minute brings real conversations about building and managing teams to you — one Moss Minute at a time!
Hosted by Nicole Moss, this podcast features entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, and beyond. What started as local conversations in Easton Park has evolved alongside Moss Consulting into a broader discussion focused on the people side of business.
Each episode is fast, focused, and practical. Industry leaders answer five timely questions in one Moss Minute, sharing real-world insight on leadership, culture, compliance, growth, and the challenges business owners are navigating right now.
Same energy. Same solutions-focused approach. Expanded reach.
Whether you’re a founder, operator, or business leader, The Moss HR Minute is your place for clear perspective, actionable ideas, and conversations that get straight to the point — with no fluff.
Tune in, subscribe, and build better teams one Moss Minute at a time 🎧✨
53episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
40 Years of Finance Wisdom: The Real Reason Your Capital Raise Will Fail with Steven Plumb
Apr 1800:20:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Steven Plumb, CPA and Founder of Clear Financial Services. With over 40 years of experience in accounting, finance, and M&A, Steven brings a level of rigor usually reserved for $100 million revenue firms to the mid-market business owner.The conversation centers on Steven’s core philosophy: "The game is the same, but the rules have changed". In today’s global regulatory environment, owners can no longer afford to "fly straight" without expert guidance. Steven breaks down the transition from simple bookkeeping to strategic financial reporting, explaining why raw data from QuickBooks is often "garbage in, garbage out" if it isn't tied to volume-based metrics and key performance indicators.Key topics discussed in this episode include:The Global Regulatory Shift: Why business owners must now worry about multi-state and international compliance rather than just local rules.Metrics vs. Statements: How to use financial reporting to drive direction and identify historical trends rather than just checking a box.The Reality of Raising Capital: Why documentation, honesty, and a strong sales team are the real differentiators in a successful fundraise.SEC-Level Rigor: The intense operational changes required for public listings, including the strict 4-day window for reporting material events.Fractional CFO vs. Bookkeeper: Knowing when your business has outgrown its current structure and needs a partner focused on the "big picture" and capital flows.This episode is a masterclass for founders who want to align their people and their money to scale strategically. Steven concludes by answering five hard-hitting questions regarding financial discipline and investor confidence—all delivered within one Moss Minute.Guest InformationSteven Plumb, Clear Financial ServicesEmail: steven@clearfinancials.comPhone: (713) 780-0806Website: clearfinancials.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-plumb-contract-cfo/Contact Moss ConsultingBook time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show@TheMossHRMinute
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Sustainable Healthcare: Future-Proofing Your Business Against Rising Costs with Chris McIlroy
Apr 1600:12:20Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Chris McIlroy, Owner of McIlroy Insurance Group. Filmed in Houston—one of the country’s fastest-growing and most competitive business markets—this conversation addresses the "new norm" of skyrocketing insurance premiums and rising deductibles that are squeezing both employers and employees.Chris explains why simply increasing deductibles is a "band-aid" strategy that savvy employees can see right through. He shares how level-funded approaches and the use of underwriting data can actually drive down risk and lower premiums. The discussion highlights the critical difference between a broker who merely quotes rates and a strategic partner who builds a long-term roadmap for growth.Key topics discussed in this episode include:- The 90-Day Renewal Strategy: Why you should never just "accept" a renewal and how to use tier-one claims data to fight for lower rates.- Benefits as a Talent Magnet: Using a broad and affordable benefits package to turn a job into a career and attract key employees from competitors.- The Education Gap: How poor benefits communication costs businesses money and why your broker should be teaching employees about deductibles and networks in a common-sense way.- Compliance and Long-Term Strategy: Navigating ERISA, Section 125, COBRA, and state continuation to protect the company from hidden risks.- The Sustainability Shift: How to leverage health wellness and younger employee participation to stabilize rates over the next 5 to 10 years.Chris provides a roadmap for business owners to transform benefits from a stressful expense into a strategic financial and recruiting tool—all explained within one Moss Minute.Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show@TheMossHRMinute
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The Roadmap to Scalable Team Success & ROI Secrets of Proactive HR with Tori Guevara
Apr 1400:20:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Tori Guevara, HR Manager at Moss Consulting. As "employee number 9" on the Moss team, Tori brings extensive experience in process improvement and servant leadership to a conversation about the fundamental shift occurring within the HR profession.Tori explains why administrative HR is "going the way of the dodo" as AI and automation handle the transactional, day-to-day tasks that previously bogged down departments. She argues that this evolution allows HR professionals to pivot toward becoming subject matter experts who provide high-level strategic consultation and genuine human connection—areas where technology cannot compete.Key topics discussed in this episode include:- The Shrinking Admin Role: How AI is removing administrative hurdles and forcing HR to operate at a higher, more meaningful level.- HR as a Profitability Lever: Rethinking HR as a cost-saving investment rather than overhead, focusing on risk mitigation and strategy.- The Power of Process Clarity: Why documented SOPs and roadmaps are critical for companies that want to scale without losing operational integrity.- The Risk of "Trial by Fire": The danger of assuming high-level hires don't need culture-specific tools and the "tribal knowledge" required to succeed.- Servant Leadership in Practice: Leading by addressing needs over wants and fostering a culture where "people rise and fall together". - Future-Proofing HR: Why the next decade will be defined by strategic partnerships and a deeper focus on human capital as a company's greatest investment.Tori highlights that the methodologies of HR are changing, but the core mission—caring for the people who drive the business—remains the essential foundation for any successful entrepreneur. Tori delivers these insights with precision and heart, answering every question within one Moss Minute.Guest InformationTori Guevara, HR Manager at Moss ConsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-guevara/Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show@TheMossHRMinute
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Don't Let Hackers Steal Your Business Data! Learn about Cybersecurity with Mickey Brooks
Apr 1100:19:43Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Mickey Brooks, Owner and Regional Sales Director of Cinch I.T. of Denver. Mickey brings decades of experience in managed services and cybersecurity to a conversation every business owner needs to hear before they face a digital crisis.Cybersecurity is no longer a concern reserved for enterprise giants like Nike or Walmart; small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are now the primary targets for organized, overseas hacking industries. Mickey explains why it is no longer a question of "if," but "when," and how a single ransomware attack—averaging between $20,000 and $150,000—can effectively end a company that has not prepared.Key topics discussed in this episode include:- The True Cost of Reactive IT: Why waiting for something to break is significantly more expensive than proactive "car maintenance" for your technology. - The Human Element of Security: Why the best vault in the world is useless if your team fails to lock the door, and how to train staff to be your first line of defense.- The 3-2-1 Data Protection Rule: The essential framework of using three locations, two media types, and one cloud backup to ensure your business survives a server crash or breach.- Password Hygiene in 2026: Why password length (16+ characters) beats complexity and how to implement passphrases to secure your accounts.- Compliance and Reporting: Navigating the legal obligations of a data breach and why "recycled" passwords are a hacker’s favorite entry point into your systems. This episode serves as a roadmap for founders who want to reclaim their "mental real estate" and transition IT from a confusing cost center to a secure, foundation-level driver for growth. Mickey also shares a vital leadership lesson: building a circle of trusted experts so you can focus on what you do best while leaving the technology to the pros.Mickey delivers these high-stakes insights with clarity and speed—all within one Moss Minute.Guest Information Mickey Brooks, Cinch I.T. DenverWebsite: https://denverco.cinchit.com/about-managed-it-support-denver/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-brooks-92066154/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSC9CIHCtjg/Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show@TheMossHRMinute
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Solving Your People Problems & The Employee Lifecycle with Liz Rachal
Apr 900:22:33Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Liz Rachal, Director of Sales & Partnerships at Turning the Corner HR. Liz shares her front-line experience working with business owners who realize their people strategy is breaking down but cannot pinpoint exactly why.The conversation centers on the critical alignment between leadership and middle management, which Liz identifies as the root cause of 80% of workplace people problems. Liz explains how a lack of clarity regarding the "why" behind company goals leads to managers "chasing their tails" and losing high-level productivity. They also discuss the unique challenges founders face as they scale beyond 20 employees—the inflection point where interpersonal relationships become significantly more complex.Key topics discussed in this episode include:The Cost of Misalignment: How a lack of shared vision between upper and middle management drains business results and discourages leaders.Misdiagnosing HR Problems: Why owners often mistake management or onboarding failures for hiring issues and how to use gap analysis for the whole employee life cycle.HR as a Strategic Partner: Moving HR from an administrative function to a C-suite seat by proving ROI through turnover cost justification.Values-Based Hiring: Differentiating between "revolving door" roles and long-term stays by focusing on mission alignment over traditional education paths.The Fractional Advantage: Accessing decades of creative HR problem-solving for less than the cost of a full-time generalist.The Risk of Waiting: How delaying HR support leads to "toxic accidental cultures," lawsuits, and a damaged employer brand that prevents top talent from applying.Liz provides a compelling case for founders to treat people strategy as seriously as financial strategy, offering advice for navigating these transitions within one Moss Minute.Guest Information Liz Rachal, Turning the Corner HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-rachal/ Website: https://turningthecornerhr.comContact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show @TheMossHRMinute
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Passive Income vs. A Second Job: The Reality of Airbnb Investing with Cameron Tingey
Apr 700:19:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Cameron Tingey, Co-Founder of CT Brothers. Recorded on-site at one of their high-performing Scottsdale properties, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to transform short-term rentals from a demanding second job into a sustainable passive income stream.Cameron shares the CT Brothers' philosophy on high-touch hospitality, explaining that true passivity in real estate requires a robust system of coordination—from managing landscapers and cleaning teams to being the 1:00 AM point of contact for guests. The discussion dives into the strategic side of investment, covering the top deal killers that buyers often overlook and why amenities like swimming pools are non-negotiable for ROI in the Arizona market.Key topics discussed in this episode include:The Coordination Gap: Moving beyond "passive" buzzwords to understand the high-touch reality of guest communication and property maintenance.STR Deal Killers: Why location, the right amenities, and genuine investor interest are the three pillars of a successful purchase.Annual Pricing vs. Nightly Panic: Why investors should zoom out to an annual perspective to navigate seasonal highs and lows without losing momentum.The "Emotional Bank Account": How proactive communication and building rapport with guests can protect your profits when issues inevitably arise.Vetting the Front Line: Strategies for finding and retaining the pool, landscape, and cleaning vendors that make professional management possible.The Founder Journey: How a 20-foot whiteboard and the concept of "house hacking" led to a full-scale property management and real estate business.This episode is invaluable for real estate investors and business owners looking to scale their portfolios through disciplined systems and professional operations. Cameron provides actionable insights for both new buyers and seasoned hosts, all while answering high-stakes questions within one Moss Minute.Guest Information Cameron Tingey, CT Brothers Email: ctpropertyrental@gmail.com Phone: (623) 263-7091 Website: www.thectbrothers.com Instagram: @the_ctbrothers Contact Moss ConsultingBook time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show@TheMossHRMinute
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Is SEO Dead? Navigating AI Search and Zero-Click Visibility with Ryan Leddy
Apr 400:17:46Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Ryan Leddy, Head of Partnerships and Senior Digital Strategist at Hoopless Marketing. Ryan leads client strategy for a fractional digital marketing firm dedicated to eliminating the "hoops" and vanity metrics often found in the agency world, focusing instead on ROI-driven results for local industries.The conversation focuses on how business owners can stop spending money on marketing that doesn't tie back to revenue. Ryan breaks down the critical difference between "vanity metrics" like impressions and "bankable metrics" like phone calls and conversions. They also explore the shift from hiring a marketing vendor to embedding a fractional strategist who shares a fiduciary responsibility to the business's bottom line.Key topics discussed in this episode include:Evaluating Real ROI: Why your agency should be eager to prove how many times your phone actually rang.The Power of the Map Pack: Why being in the top three local search results is crucial for capturing 75% of page clicks.Navigating AI Search: Understanding "zero-click" searches and why core SEO fundamentals still dictate AI visibility.Vendor vs. Partner: Why a true partner leads with strategy and "leads and drives" rather than simply following tasks.The Role of Radical Honesty: Why business owners must expose the "skeletons" in their business to help fractional partners provide the best support.This episode provides a practical framework for founders and operators to audit their current marketing efforts and ensure their visibility strategy is future-proofed against changing technology—all explained within one Moss Minute.Guest Information Ryan Leddy, Hoopless Marketing Email: ryan@hoopless.com Website: www.hoopless.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-leddy-01b27292/Contact Moss ConsultingBook time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show@TheMossHRMinute
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How Founders Can Regain Control of Insurance Costs with Brett McCleary & JR Tran Reno
Mar 3100:24:30Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Preslie Dusenbery, Phoenix HR Area Manager of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Brett McCleary and JR Tran-Reno from Holmes Murphy. As specialists in property and casualty risk, employee benefits, and long-term insurance strategies, Brett and JR address the growing frustration business owners face regarding rising premiums and unpredictable coverage. This conversation peels back the curtain on why insurance costs have seen 28 consecutive quarters of increases and how factors like nuclear verdicts and inflationary pressures are driving the market. Brett and JR explain that insurance should not be viewed as a reactive "fire drill" but as a strategic five- to ten-year growth plan.Key topics discussed include:The "Million-Dollar Question": Understanding the external market forces—including weather patterns and litigation trends—that impact your bottom line.Proactive vs. Reactive Risk Management: How to implement systems like telematics and safety training to prevent claims before they happen.Safety Culture vs. Checking Boxes: Why true safety buy-in from leadership creates a "good story" that brokers can use to negotiate better rates.The Consultant Interview: Why owners should interview multiple brokers but ultimately commit to one who understands their long-term vision.The Worst-Day Action Plan: Crucial steps to take when a claim occurs—and why hiring outside counsel before calling your broker is a common mistake.This episode is essential for founders and operators who feel like insurance decisions are being made to them rather than with them. By the end of this discussion, you will understand how to transform insurance from a top-three expense into a tool that supports your company’s scalability. Brett and JR also share their expert advice on reducing risk—all delivered within one Moss Minute.Guest InformationBrett McCleary & JR Tran-Reno, Holmes MurphyWebsite: www.holmesmurphy.comBrett McCleary Email: bmccleary@holmesmurphy.comBrett McCleary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-mccleary-399583182/JR Tran-Reno LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrtranreno/Contact Moss ConsultingBook time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services:www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show@TheMossHRMinute#hrsolutions #hrconsulting #texas
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Is Your Business Protected? A Proactive Legal Guide for Founders with Julie Barnett
Mar 2800:23:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Julie Barnett, Founder and Executive Director of Lomond Legal. Joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Moss Consulting’s Phoenix HR Area Manager, the conversation dives deep into the high-stakes world of employment law and the critical need for business owners to move from reactive panic to proactive protection.Julie explains why the traditional hourly billing model often fails growing businesses, leading to "panic buying" legal services only after a crisis has hit. She shares insights into her innovative fixed-fee, all-inclusive legal model that provides employers with predictable costs and a passionate defense.Key topics discussed in this episode include:The Psychology of Legal Risk: Understanding the difference between face value risk, true risk, and negotiation risk.The Fixed-Fee Revolution: Why predictability in legal costs allows founders to be proactive rather than waiting for a lawsuit to land on their doorstep.The Power of Documentation: Why Julie believes that if a conversation or incident isn't written down, it effectively never happened in the eyes of the law.Scaling Across Borders: The challenges and opportunities Julie faced when bringing her UK-tested legal model to the US market.The "Owner Mindset": Why employers deserve a legal and HR partner who thinks like a founder and takes their business challenges personally.This episode is a must-watch for operators and founders who want to safeguard their businesses against EEOC claims and lawsuits while building a culture of transparency and credibility. Julie wraps up the session by sharing her best advice for reducing legal risk—delivered, of course, within one Moss Minute.Guest Information Julie Barnett, Lomond Legal Email: julie@lomondlegal.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebarnettel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lomondlegal/Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultationLearn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.comFollow the show @TheMossHRMinute
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Russ Kimberlin, CPA - Kimberlin Company - Financial Leadership, Compliance, and What Growing Businesses Get Wrong About Accounting
Mar 1200:21:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss sits down with Russ Kimberlin, CPA and Managing Member of Kimberlin Company, PLLC, to talk about the financial and compliance realities business owners face as their companies grow.Russ has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate accounting, audits, compliance, and financial systems across industries including construction, healthcare, distribution, transportation, nonprofit organizations, and employee benefit plans. In this conversation, he shares practical insight on the financial side of running a business that many founders overlook until it becomes a serious problem.Nicole and Russ discuss the importance of building strong financial processes early, the role of accounting leadership in supporting business growth, and how business owners can avoid costly mistakes by staying proactive with their financial systems and compliance requirements.If you are a business owner trying to scale your company while keeping your finances, reporting, and compliance in order, this episode provides valuable perspective from someone who works with growing organizations every day.This conversation is part of The Moss HR Minute, a podcast focused on helping business owners understand the people, systems, and leadership decisions that drive successful organizations.Guest InformationRuss Kimberlin, CPAManaging Member — Kimberlin Company, PLLCKimberlin Company, PLLC106 S Kyrene Rd, Suite 2Chandler, AZ 85226Phone: (602) 649-1800Email: russ@kimberlincompany.comLearn more:https://www.kimberlincompany.comHost InformationNicole MossCo-Founder, Moss Consulting HR ServicesBusiness owners who need help building stronger HR systems, leadership processes, and compliant people operations can learn more here:https://www.mossconsulting.comBook time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs:https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation
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