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.
57episodes
Episodes
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How Culture Can Make or Break AI Adoption
6d ago00:38:38Tap to summarizeHow Culture Can Make or Break AI AdoptionHosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Nick Holmes, VP of Learning and Culture, and Founder of Culture Nova SummaryIn this episode of HR Means Business, Mervyn Dinnen speaks with Nick Holmes, organizational culture researcher, VP of Learning and Culture, and founder of Culture Nova. Nick is currently completing a PhD focused on developing a clearer, more relevant definition and measurement of organizational culture.Together, they challenge the common question, “What will AI do to our culture?” Instead, Nick argues that leaders should ask, “What kind of culture do we need for AI to work?”The conversation explores why organizations often confuse familiarity with genuine understanding, how AI can expose existing weaknesses in trust and psychological safety, and why successful adoption requires far more than introducing new tools. It requires leaders to rethink how information flows, how people learn, how change is communicated, and how work itself is designed. Key TakeawaysHow an organization’s existing culture shapes AI adoptionWhy AI often amplifies cultural strengths and weaknessesWhat an AI-ready organizational culture looks likeWhy leaders must model responsible and thoughtful AI useHow AI can increase workload rather than reduce itThe relationship between AI adoption and psychological safetyWhy frontline and location-based workers must be included in the AI conversation 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.Nearly 9 in 10 HR leaders say they don't have a strong leadership bench. Workhuman's Future Leaders gives organizations a smarter way to build one. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence solution to identify high-potential VP+ talent already within your workforce—up to four years before promotion. Using proprietary AI and real-time recognition data, it uncovers the leadership signals hidden in everyday work long before traditional succession planning can. It's a smarter, data-driven approach to building tomorrow's leaders. Learn more at Workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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Moments That Matter and Shape Employee Trust: Lessons from SHRM 2026
1w ago00:12:02Tap to summarizeMoments That Matter and Shape Employee Trust: Lessons from SHRM 2026Host: Steve BoeseGuests: Tom Fischer, Marketing LeaderBrian Elfrink, Product LeaderTroy Hupp, Product Leader for Employee VerificationsErin Derby, Sr. Director, Partners and Alliances SummaryIn this special episode of the HR Happy Hour recorded live at SHRM 2026, Steve Boese brings together insights from four conversations with leaders from Experian Employer Services to explore how compliance, HR technology, and connected systems influence the moments employees remember most. From onboarding and employment verification to workforce compliance and HR technology ecosystems, this episode examines how organizations can reduce friction, build trust, and create better employee experiences during life's biggest moments.Whether an employee is starting a new job, buying a home, relocating, or navigating changing regulations, the systems supporting those experiences matter more than ever. Topics include:Why compliance has become an essential part of the employee experienceHow employment verification impacts major life events like home purchases and government benefitsThe growing importance of connected HR technology ecosystemsWhy automation should enhance—not replace—human serviceHow organizations can balance innovation, compliance, and employee trustPractical advice for evaluating HR technology partnersWhy the "back office" increasingly defines the employee experience Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.Nearly 9 in 10 HR leaders say they don't have a strong leadership bench. Workhuman's Future Leaders gives organizations a smarter way to build one. Future Leaders is the first talent intelligence solution to identify high-potential VP+ talent already within your workforce—up to four years before promotion. Using proprietary AI and real-time recognition data, it uncovers the leadership signals hidden in everyday work long before traditional succession planning can. It's a smarter, data-driven approach to building tomorrow's leaders. Learn more at Workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.
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How Leaders Can Build AI-Native Organizations
2w ago00:40:32Tap to summarizeHow Leaders Can Build AI-Native OrganizationsHost: Steve BoeseGuests: Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation - Dave Wright, Chief Innovation Officer, ServiceNow SummaryOn this episode of System of Record, Steve Boese is joined by Dave Wright and Brian Solis, co-authors of Infinite: How Leaders Transform Businesses with AI, for a conversation about what it really takes to become an AI-native organization. Rather than focusing on AI tools alone, they explore why successful transformation requires organizations to rethink leadership, redesign workflows, and build cultures that can continuously adapt.The discussion challenges leaders to move beyond using AI solely for efficiency and begin leveraging it to create entirely new ways of working. From organizational design to workflow orchestration, the episode offers practical insights into what separates companies that simply adopt AI from those that use it to reinvent their business. Whether you're leading HR, IT, operations, or enterprise strategy, this conversation provides a thoughtful framework for preparing your organization for the next era of work. Topics include:Why AI represents a fundamentally different transformation than previous technology waves.What it means to build an "infinite company" designed for continuous adaptation.How leadership must evolve to support AI-driven organizations.Why workflow design is becoming one of the most important competitive advantages.The difference between using AI for operational efficiency and using it to drive innovation.How organizational culture, trust, and curiosity influence successful AI adoption. 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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Leadership Development, No Budget Required
3w ago00:31:12Tap to summarizeLeadership Development, No Budget RequiredHost: Sabrina Baker SummarySmall businesses run on homegrown leaders, high performers promoted into management with zero support for the completely different skill set that role actually requires. Sabrina argues that leadership development is already happening in every organization, whether intentional or not, because new leaders learn by watching everyone above them. If those role models are bad, the org just keeps reproducing the same gaps.With no budget for formal programs, she walks through ways to build leadership development into work that's already happening: asking questions instead of handing managers answers, using real business misses as leadership case studies in team meetings, running one-on-ones that surface what managers actually need, pulling engagement survey data to make the case for support, and running informal lunch-and-learns during meetings that already exist.None of it requires CEO sign-off or a line item just intention about turning everyday moments into development. Key TopicsPromoting from within can enhance morale and engagement.Onboarding programs are crucial for small businesses.Leadership development can happen informally through daily interactions.Assuming individual contributors will be great leaders is a mistake.Real business problems can be used as learning opportunities. 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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AI and the Next Evolution of Performance Management
3w ago00:35:30Tap to summarizeAI and the Next Evolution of Performance ManagementHost: Steve BoeseGuest: Brian Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese sits down with Brian Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of human resources.Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Brian explains how organizations can use it to strengthen the human side of work - from improving performance management and coaching to creating more meaningful employee experiences. The conversation explores where AI can reduce administrative burden, provide better insights for managers, and help employees grow while maintaining trust and transparency. Steve and Brian also discuss one of the biggest challenges organizations face today: balancing personalized employee experiences with concerns around privacy, surveillance, and ethical AI use. As companies continue investing in AI-powered HR technology, leaders must ensure these tools enhance relationships instead of replacing them.Whether you're an HR leader, people manager, or executive preparing your organization for the future of work, this episode offers practical insights into using AI responsibly while keeping people at the center of every decision. Topics include:How AI is changing day-to-day HR operationsWays AI can support better coaching and manager effectivenessHow organizations can build trust while introducing AI-powered toolsThe importance of balancing personalization with employee privacyWhy successful AI adoption depends as much on culture as technologyWhat HR leaders should be preparing for as AI capabilities continue to evolve 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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How AI and Assumptions are Shaping Hiring in 2026
4w ago00:37:42Tap to summarizeHow AI and Assumptions are Shaping Hiring in 2026Hosts: Mervyn DinnenGuest: Ken Ward, Talent Acquisition Leader SummaryOn this episode of HR Means Business, Mervyn is joined by talent acquisition leader Ken Ward to explore what today's hiring market looks like from the perspective of an experienced executive candidate.Drawing on more than 30 years in talent acquisition, Ken shares what he's learned while navigating his own career transition, including how AI is changing recruitment, why judgment still matters more than technology, and how senior professionals can rethink visibility, networking, and career positioning. He also discusses how studying counseling has changed the way he approaches leadership, decision-making, and professional resilience.The conversation offers a thoughtful look at hiring from both sides of the table and challenges many of the assumptions surrounding AI, executive recruiting, and the future of talent acquisition. Key TakeawaysWhy senior talent acquisition professionals face unique challenges in today's hiring marketHow AI is influencing recruiting—and where human judgment remains essentialThe changing role of LinkedIn, personal branding, and professional visibilityWhy hiring decisions should prioritize curiosity and critical thinking over certaintyHow counseling skills can strengthen leadership, recruiting, and career resiliencePractical advice for experienced professionals navigating career transitions 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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Rebuilding Workplace Connection in the Age of AI and Hybrid Work
Jul 1400:28:15Tap to summarizeRebuilding Workplace Connection in the Age of AI and Hybrid WorkHost: Steve Boese and Trish SteedGuest: David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding SummaryOn this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese is joined by David Goldstein, Founder of TeamBonding and author of Beyond Trust Falls: The Definitive Guide to Building Teams That Click, to explore how team building has evolved beyond traditional activities into meaningful experiences that strengthen workplace culture.David shares how intentional team experiences can create psychological safety, uncover hidden talents, and help employees build stronger relationships across roles, generations, and work environments. They discuss why play, curiosity, and even failure are essential parts of innovation and how shared experiences can improve trust, communication, and collaboration.The conversation also explores the growing need for human connection in an increasingly digital and AI-driven workplace, the impact of charitable team experiences, and why investing in relationships is a critical part of building teams where people can do their best work. Topics include:Moving beyond outdated team-building stereotypesCreating safe environments where employees can contribute and take risksThe role of play in creativity, innovation, and problem-solvingBuilding connection across hybrid teams and multiple generationsWhy meaningful experiences create lasting workplace impactThe importance of belonging and human connection in the future of work 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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Why Gen Z is Rethinking Careers: The Rise of Skilled Trades
Jul 1000:29:50Tap to summarizeWhy Gen Z is Rethinking Careers: The Rise of Skilled TradesHosts: Jack McFarlane and Nicholas SchlemmerGuest: Jake Adams, Journeyman Carpenter SummaryIn this episode of The Play by Play Podcast, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer revisit the world of blue-collar work with returning guest Jake Adams, a journeyman carpenter who first joined the show at the beginning of his career journey. The conversation explores why Gen Z is rethinking traditional career paths, the growing interest in skilled trades, and how technology and AI are impacting hands-on work. Jake shares his experience moving from apprentice to journeyman, what he has learned along the way, and how mentorship, work ethic, and new opportunities are shaping the future of blue-collar careers. TakeawaysWhy skilled trades are becoming a more attractive career option for younger generationsHow AI and technology are influencing construction and trade industriesThe value of apprenticeships, hands-on learning, and career explorationHow mentorship and reverse mentorship are changing workplace dynamicsWhy career growth does not always follow a traditional four-year college path 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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Leadership in the AI Era: How Great Managers Create Clarity Through Change
Jul 700:44:26Tap 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
Jul 100:40:40Tap 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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