Podcast
HR Nightmares
Hosted by Leath HR Group · EN
HR experts break down work problems with real talk and humor. No matter what role you play in the workplace, this is for you. We will be discussing trending HR topics, personal HR nightmare stories and questions written in by our audience. We’re slayin’ these HR Nightmares one episode at a time and we hope you join in on the fun! This show is hosted by Lisa Leath, SHRM-SCP, President of Leath HR Group, Beth Looney, SHRM-SCP, and Amy Conway, SHRM-SCP. You can watch the episodes on Leath HR Group’s YouTube Channel. #hrnightmares
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Is HR Going Extinct?
2w ago00:30:01Tap to summarizeIs HR becoming obsolete, or is the role simply evolving? Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney kick off this episode by unpacking one of the biggest debates in the profession. From CEO headlines and the Bolt People Ops story to the growing conversation around AI, the team explores why some leaders believe HR is no longer necessary and what that says about the way organizations view the function.The conversation goes beyond the headlines to discuss how HR creates value through employee relations, investigations, workforce planning, and change management. Lisa, Amy, and Beth share why great HR isn't about enforcing policies. It's about helping leaders solve problems, manage risk, and build stronger organizations. If you've ever wondered where HR is headed or how to demonstrate its value in a changing workplace, this episode is for you.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →HR and Health Plans
4w ago00:47:31Tap to summarizeWhat should HR leaders expect from their benefits broker? Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney sit down with benefits advisor Seth Crawford to discuss what separates a true strategic partner from someone who only shows up at renewal time. From navigating rising pharmacy costs and understanding level funded versus fully insured plans to helping small employers gain buying power, Seth shares practical ways organizations can make smarter benefits decisions and avoid costly surprises. The conversation also explores the challenges of leading HR today, including why senior HR leaders often feel isolated and how peer networks can make a meaningful difference. The group discusses AI's impact on the workplace, why collaboration between HR and finance is becoming more important than ever, and how thoughtful partnerships can help organizations better manage change. Whether you're reviewing your benefits strategy or looking for stronger HR leadership support, this episode offers practical insights you can put to work right away. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →HR Headlines and Hard Truths
Jun 1800:37:48Tap to summarizeSeason five is here, and HR Nightmares is kicking things off with a look at the workplace issues dominating headlines, social media feeds, and breakroom conversations. Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney share what's new for the season, why they continue tackling real workplace challenges, and how listener questions help shape the conversations ahead. From the growing "HR is not your friend" narrative to the latest People Ops debates, the team explores what HR's role should be and why strong communication solves more problems than most organizations realize.The conversation dives into several high-profile workplace stories, including the Bolt CEO firing and the JP Morgan lawsuit, using them as a springboard to discuss investigations, reporting processes, workplace harassment, and the importance of fair and consistent decision-making.Along the way, the gals break down the difference between harassment and awkward workplace interactions, why managers often avoid direct feedback, and how poor coaching can turn small issues into major headaches.The episode also explores challenges facing today's workforce, from entry-level hiring and internship expectations to burnout among high achievers and the growing gap in basic workplace and financial literacy. Lisa, Amy, and Beth discuss the impact of AI on workforce planning, employment law, and the future of work while offering practical advice for leaders trying to navigate constant change.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →Scaling HR Nightmares Season Recap
Jan 2200:22:00Tap to summarizeThis season finale of HR Nightmares revisits the biggest topics of the year, including AI at work, ICE site visits, culture drift, fractional HR, and the high performer who creates more problems than they solve. Lisa and Amy break down what actually worked, what failed, and which decisions made the biggest difference for leaders navigating real-world people issues.The team covers how to approach AI practically, from interview questions to tasks most likely to change at the entry level. They walk through clear, lawful steps for handling high-pressure situations like ICE arriving onsite, along with guidance on communication, manager training, and response planning. Listener questions spark conversations on micromanagement, support animals, Zoom etiquette, and workplace surveillance, all tied back to clear policy and consistent leadership.The episode also explains when fractional HR makes sense for growing companies and how to protect culture when unofficial leaders or high-revenue employees start driving behavior. The season wraps with a focus on building HR that is steady, credible, and aligned with business outcomes. If you want fewer distractions and stronger teams, this recap delivers practical takeaways you can use immediately.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →Scaling HR in a High Stakes Industry
Jan 800:38:42Tap to summarizeOn this episode of HR Nightmares, the team sits down with Travis “The HR Dude” McCracken of Global Laser Enrichment to unpack how to scale fast without turning HR into the department of no. Travis shares what it took to grow from 15 to 110 employees, build an HR business partner model, and hire for highly specialized roles inside a heavily regulated environment where mistakes are not an option. The conversation also tackles credibility in HR, including the ongoing debate around certifications like SHRM and SPHR, and why credentials only matter when paired with sound judgment and real problem-solving. The group digs into the role of AI in modern HR, where it adds value, where caution is required, and how teams can use it responsibly even in restricted environments. From avoiding unhelpful HR archetypes to measuring success by speed, quality, and trust, this episode offers clear, practical guidance for HR leaders navigating growth in complex organizations. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →When Performance Masks Dysfunction
Nov 600:31:47Tap to summarizeEver worked with someone who hits every goal but leaves a trail of chaos behind? This episode of HR Nightmares digs into the tension between high performance and toxic behavior. Lisa, Amy, and Beth break down how gossip, manipulation, and emotional outbursts quietly drain teams, no matter how talented the person causing them may be. They explore the archetypes of workplace drama, from the nonstop talker who spreads tension to the polished leader who charms upward while stirring conflict below.The team shares practical tools to bring calm back to the workplace. You’ll learn how to shut down gossip respectfully, set clear boundaries, and spot red flags before bringing drama into your team. They also challenge leaders to look in the mirror and stop rewarding chaos disguised as engagement. If you want a team that runs on trust instead of tension, this conversation will help you see the signs, make tough calls, and protect your culture.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →When “Inmates Run the Asylum”: How Teams Drift, How Leaders Respond, and How HR Brings Culture Back to Center
Oct 2300:39:21Tap to summarizeIf the real meeting happens after the meeting, you’re not alone. This week on HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney talk about what happens when culture drifts—when feedback goes quiet, side conversations take over, and the “inmates” start running the asylum. They share what it looks like to bring a team back to balance and rebuild trust before things fall apart. The group breaks down practical steps to reset culture: having direct, honest conversations that stay in the room; communicating clearly so decisions actually reach everyone; and giving employees a real voice through culture committees and open feedback. They also explore how to hire for culture add, not culture fit, and why protecting your best culture carriers keeps credibility intact. Through real client stories and lessons from the field, Lisa, Amy, and Beth show how leaders can replace fear and avoidance with healthy tension and accountability. Whether your workplace is too nice or too noisy, this episode will help you get your team back on track. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →Toxic Leaders & Workplace Harassment
Sep 2500:36:11Tap to summarizeHarassment in the workplace isn’t just a headline issue—it’s a lived reality for far too many employees. On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney dig into high-profile cases and share real-world encounters from their own careers.From inappropriate comments to boundary-crossing behavior, the crew brings candid critiques and hard truths to each example. With one in five women experiencing gender-based harassment at work annually, the team takes on the culture of silence and complicity that allows bad behavior to thrive. From executives who scream and throw objects to the gray areas of compliments gone wrong, Lisa, Amy, and Beth make their stance clear: accountability isn’t optional. Packed with practical advice, humor, and a call for change, this episode gives listeners strategies for building safer, more respectful workplaces.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Transcribe →Fractional HR: Big Expertise at a Fraction of the Cost
Sep 1100:44:59Tap to summarizeStruggling to afford executive-level HR talent but need more than basic compliance? On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney break down the power of fractional HR leadership. Unlike traditional consultants who make recommendations and move on, fractional leaders embed within organizations as true partners — drawing from diverse experience to solve people problems, build scalable HR systems, and create psychological safety for employees who may hesitate to approach internal HR.The team shares real-world transformations, from repairing toxic cultures to replacing ineffective practices with strategic talent systems. They also highlight the surprising financial upside: eliminating costly PEOs, negotiating better benefits, and implementing right-sized HR tech that often saves companies tens of thousands. What makes fractional HR unique is its adaptability — leaders scale their involvement to match business needs, diving in during growth or crisis and stepping back when stability returns.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
Transcribe →Inbox Files Open Again
Aug 2100:39:18Tap to summarizeThe HR nightmares never stop coming — and in this episode of Leath HR, co-hosts Lisa, Amy,and Greg crack open the inbox to tackle more of your most head-scratching workplacedilemmas. From surveillance concerns to emotional outbursts, they share the stories that keepmanagers second-guessing and employees walking on eggshells.What happens when your CEO installs Alexa devices in every conference room? The crew talksabout the fine line between workplace convenience and perceived privacy invasion — and howto communicate tech policies in a way that builds trust instead of suspicion. From virtual happyhours that drift into too-casual territory, to political messages on clothing, to the surprisinglydivisive practice of taking Zoom calls from bed, Lisa, Amy, and Greg weigh in on where to drawthe line. They balance empathy with practicality, offering strategies that protect companyculture without killing morale.Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share thisconversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from thefrontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
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