Podcast
HR Happy Hour Network
Hosted by HR Happy Hour Network · EN
At Work in America, the longest running and top downloaded HR podcast, focuses on human resources, management, leadership, and workforce technology. The show is hosted by Steve Boese, the Co-Chair of the HR Technology Conference and Trish Steed, CEO of H3 HR Advisors.
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Episodes
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Leadership in the AI Era: How Great Managers Create Clarity Through Change
1w ago00:44:26Tap to summarizeLeadership in the AI Era: How Great Managers Create Clarity Through ChangeHost: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Ben Brooks, Founder & CEO at PILOT SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome leadership expert and Pilot founder Ben Brooks for a timely conversation on leading through uncertainty. As AI, economic shifts, and rapid workplace change continue to reshape organizations, they explore why clarity, decisive leadership, and strong workplace culture have become competitive advantages. The discussion also covers psychological safety, meaningful feedback, and practical strategies for helping teams stay aligned, adaptable, and ready for what's next. TakeawaysClear communication and explicit expectations foster trust and performance.Leadership involves making tough decisions thoughtfully and ethically.Organizations benefit from defining shared ways of working and culture.Feedback readiness is crucial for growth and development.Leaders should focus on strengths and prioritize what matters most. Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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Building a Culture of Innovation: What Leaders Get Wrong
2w ago00:40:40Tap to summarizeBuilding a Culture of Innovation: What Leaders Get WrongHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Cris Beswick - Leadership, culture, and innovation expert SummaryOn this episode of HR Means Business, Mervyn is joined by leadership, culture, and innovation expert Chris Beswick to challenge one of business's most misunderstood concepts: innovation. Together, they explore why innovation shouldn't be treated as a department, initiative, or brainstorming exercise, but as the outcome of a culture intentionally designed to encourage curiosity, collaboration, and calculated risk.Chris explains why so many innovation programs fail—not because organizations lack ideas, but because they focus on tools and processes without changing the leadership behaviors and cultural conditions that allow innovation to thrive. The conversation also examines the critical role of middle managers, psychological safety, and why leadership must move beyond simply sponsoring innovation to truly owning it.The discussion also tackles one of today's biggest leadership questions: where AI fits into innovation. Rather than replacing human creativity, Chris argues that organizations will see the greatest success by using AI to remove administrative work while allowing people to focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and creating value. Key TakeawaysWhy innovation is an outcome—not a strategy or department.The leadership and cultural conditions that make innovation possible.Why middle managers are often the most overlooked drivers of organizational change.How psychological safety enables better ideas and smarter risk-taking.Why many innovation initiatives fail to deliver ROI.How AI should complement—not replace—human creativity and leadership.Practical first steps leaders can take to build a culture that supports innovation. Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.We talk a lot on this show about where HR is headed — and one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen lately is what Workhuman is doing with Future Leaders. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence tool of its kind, helping companies identify high-potential VP+ talent already inside their organization — up to 4 years before they step into the role. And it’s not based on gut instinct or visibility. Using real-time recognition data and proprietary AI, it reveals who’s already influencing and elevating the people around them. Future Leaders from Workhuman is setting a new standard for internal talent development. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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HR Keeps Inheriting Everyone Else’s Problems
3w ago00:32:30Tap to summarizeHR Keeps Inheriting Everyone Else’s ProblemsHost: Sabrina Baker SummaryIf no one owns it, HR gets it. That's not a bandwidth problem, it's an ownership boundary problem. And they require completely different solutions.In this episode, Sabrina Baker breaks down why unowned work keeps landing on HR's plate and how HR's own greatest strength — operating in ambiguity — works against them. The more capable and willing you are to step in, the more the organization learns to route things your direction. Involvement and ownership are not the same thing. One of the most strategic things HR can do is understand the difference.She shares three moves for stopping the pattern that you can start doing today. The sentence to hold onto: every problem HR solves without clarifying ownership becomes HR's problem to solve again later. Key TopicsOwnership boundaries in HRDelegation and offloading tasksDistinction between involvement and ownershipStrategies to clarify responsibilitiesImpact of ambiguity on HR workloadBuilding organizational accountabilityThank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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Why AI Transformation Requires a New People Strategy
3w ago00:31:23Tap to summarizeWhy AI Transformation Requires a New People StrategyHost: Steve Boese Guest: Ravin Jesuthasan, Global Transformation Leader & Partner at Mercer SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese is joined by Ravin Jesuthasan to discuss why successful AI transformation requires more than simply deploying new technology. Drawing from Mercer’s Global Talent Trends 2026 research, Ravin explains how leading organizations are redesigning work, evolving HR’s role, and focusing on skills to unlock the full value of AI. The conversation also explores employee wellbeing, workforce readiness, and the choices leaders must make to balance productivity, growth, and human impact in an increasingly intelligent workplace. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Transformation in Work03:00 The Role of Technology in Work Redesign05:54 Evolving HR's Role in Organizations08:49 The Impact of AI on Workforce Dynamics12:05 Understanding Employee Thriving in the Workplace14:50 Navigating Skills and Workplace Development18:01 The Choices Organizations Face with AI21:06 Future Outlook on Work and AI Integration Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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The Executive Athlete Mindset: Why Recovery Drives Better Performance
Jun 1600:35:46Tap to summarizeThe Executive Athlete Mindset: Why Recovery Drives Better PerformanceHost: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Nicole Elizabeth Ward, AON Executive Leader & Performance Strategist SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are joined by author, executive leader, and performance strategist Nicole Elizabeth Ward to explore why sustainable performance requires more than hard work and long hours.Drawing from her book Biohacking for the Sales Athlete, Nicole shares the personal wake-up call that transformed her approach to health, leadership, and success. The conversation challenges the workplace culture that rewards exhaustion and constant availability, offering a new perspective on performance through the lens of recovery, sleep, movement, nutrition, and physiological well-being.Together, they discuss why leaders should think of themselves as athletes, how stress impacts communication and decision-making, and practical ways individuals can improve performance without sacrificing their health. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to perform at their best while building a more sustainable relationship with work. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Executive Athlete Mindset03:30 A Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything07:51 Why Corporate Culture Rewards Burnout11:39 Sleep, Recovery, and Sustainable Performance20:28 Taking Control of Your Wellbeing at Work24:12 Rethinking Workplace Performance and Rewards28:36 The Leadership Impact of Physiological Health31:30 Practical Biohacking Strategies for Everyday Success Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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The World Cup of Business
Jun 1200:38:45Tap to summarizeThe World Cup of BusinessHosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer SummaryJoin this episode of The Play By Play, where hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer walk through an engaging and humorous simulation of the World Cup of Business, where major tech companies compete in a virtual tournament filled with strategic moves, AI-powered tactics, and industry insights. Discover how innovation, branding, and technology determine the ultimate champion in this lively, unpredictable event. Listen in! Chapters00:00 World Cup Excitement and Overview03:05 Game Simulation Begins12:24 Match Highlights and Analysis18:54 Final Match and Tournament Wrap-Up21:43 Semi-Final Round30:20 The Final Showdown35:08 Conclusion and Reflections on the Tournament Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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Workplace Movie Hall of Fame - Devil Wears Prada 2
Jun 900:42:34Tap to summarizeWorkplace Movie Hall of Fame - Devil Wears Prada 2Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are back with another workplace movie hall of fame episode! They explore the themes of the new 'Devil Wears Prada 2' movie, its reflection on the modern workplace, AI's impact, and gender dynamics in leadership. This is a thought-provoking analysis of how characters evolve and what it reveals about work culture today. Listen in! Chapters00:00 Home Again: Reflecting on Travel and Change02:48 Workplace Dynamics: A Movie Review 05:49 Character Development Over Time09:05 Leadership and Growth 12:00 AI in the Workplace14:46 Gender Roles at Work and How They Evolve 17:43 The Role of Movies in Work Conversations20:49 Lessons Learned from the Movie Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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Making AI Matter: Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Hiring
Jun 500:35:36Tap to summarizeMaking AI Matter: Leadership, Culture, and the Future of HiringHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Matt Alder, Talent Acquisition Strategist SummaryIn this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn hosts Matt Alder to discuss the current state and future of AI in HR. The conversation focuses on recruitment, candidate experience, and organizational readiness. Listen in to discover practical insights, real-world examples, and strategic advice for leveraging AI effectively in HR practices. Chapters02:14 Current State of AI Adoption in Talent Acquisition07:57 Balancing AI and Human Interaction in Recruitment11:15 The Role of AI in Enhancing Candidate Experience17:58 Ownership of AI Strategy in Organizations21:50 Leadership and Culture in AI Adoption25:08 Intergenerational Workforce and AI Adoption30:24 Underappreciated Aspects of AI in Recruitment Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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Revolutionizing Women's Health in the Workplace
Jun 200:34:40Tap to summarizeRevolutionizing Women's Health in the WorkplaceHost: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Susan Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Lucy Rx SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are joined by Susan Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Lucy Rx, to explore why women’s health is becoming a critical workforce and business conversation.The discussion covers perimenopause, menopause, cardiovascular health, workplace support, and the hidden impact these challenges can have on productivity, leadership, and employee wellbeing. Susan shares how Lucy Rx is helping employers rethink benefits, education, and care navigation to better support women through every stage of their health journey, while improving outcomes for both employees and organizations. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women's Health in the Workplace03:00 Understanding Women's Health Needs 06:09 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Healthcare08:52 The Role of Employers in Supporting Women's Health 15:02 Implementing Effective Health Strategies17:52 The Importance of Data in Women's Health24:05 The Future of Women's Health Initiatives Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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Global Hiring in 2026 : New Roles, New Technology, and New Challenges
May 2600:34:13Tap to summarizeGlobal Hiring in 2026 : New Roles, New Technology, and New ChallengesHost: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: Lauren Thomas, Labor Economist at Deel SummaryOn this episode of the HR Happy Hour, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are joined by Lauren Thomas to discuss into the evolving landscape of global labor markets. They explore the role of technology and the emerging opportunities in AI-related roles. Lauren shares insights from Deel's recent State of Global Hiring Report, revealing how companies are prioritizing talent over cost and the growing significance of local expertise in international expansion. Listen in! Chapters00:00 Introduction to Global Hiring and Labor Market Trends04:08 Overview of Deel's Global Hiring Report and its Purpose08:40 Capability Gaps as a Driver for Hiring in Tech11:12 The Role of Soft Skills in Sales and Client Relation 18:22 Compensation Levels for AI Trainers22:53 The Potential Influence of AI and Technology on Job Markets29:28 Regional Hiring Trends and Diversity Across Different Markets31:16 Opportunities for Small and Mid-Sized Companies to Leverage Global Talent Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Employees recognized for milestones are three times more likely to believe their company actually cares about them. Three times. So why are companies so bad at it? The stale bagels. The branded swag. The audacity. Workhuman believes milestones deserve their moment. A space for the people who know you best — your actual work circle — to reflect on your journey, your wins, your impact. The inside jokes. The big moments. All of it. It's called Service Milestones. AI finds the right people. Automation handles the rest. And employees choose their own reward — from millions of options, curated just for them. Milestone like you mean it with Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Find out more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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