Joey's HR Lounge https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/joeys-hr-lounge en All rights reserved by WRKdefined Joey’s HR Lounge is an HR podcast for HR leaders, CHROs, and HR tech decision-makers. Hosted by Joey Price, it delivers practical conversations on HR strategy, recruiting, employee engagement, compliance, analytics, and HR technology trends shaping the future of work. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fe3677a0-4bce-11f1-a007-a3492d11d440/image/7e70f7c255ac4083a2156c710ef0e5ca.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Joey's HR Lounge https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/joeys-hr-lounge no episodic Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network WRKdefined Podcast Network Joey’s HR Lounge is an HR podcast for HR leaders, CHROs, and HR tech decision-makers. Hosted by Joey Price, it delivers practical conversations on HR strategy, recruiting, employee engagement, compliance, analytics, and HR technology trends shaping the future of work. Joey’s HR Lounge is an HR podcast for HR leaders, CHROs, and HR tech decision-makers. Hosted by Joey Price, it delivers practical conversations on HR strategy, recruiting, employee engagement, compliance, analytics, and HR technology trends shaping the future of work.

]]> WRKdefined WRKdefined@gmail.com 10 Million People Are About to Refinance. Is Your HR Team Ready? Recorded live from the SHRM Conference 2026 in Orlando, FL, Joey sits down with Troy Hupp, Director of Product Management at Experian Employer Services, to unpack one of the most overlooked corners of the HR world: employment verifications. Get to know Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research While no one gets promoted for nailing a verification, a botched one can quietly damage HR's reputation — from the CMO trying to close on a house to the intern applying for government benefits. Troy and Joey explore why verifications matter at every level of the organization, common misconceptions HR leaders hold, and how outsourcing the process can simultaneously reduce fraud risk and improve the employee experience. What we cover: - Why verification matters — How a smooth (or botched) verification follows employees through the biggest moments of their lives: buying a home, securing a loan, accessing government benefits. - Common misconceptions — Why treating verification as a mere administrative task is a mistake, and the case for giving employees transparency and proactive access to their own data. - Experian's approach — How a "set it and forget it" model takes the workload off HR while giving employees self-service tools and accessibility. - Fraud & security — The rise of aggressive robo-calls and phishing attempts targeting employment data, and how a centralized verification partner acts as a critical security barrier. - AI in verification — How Experian is using AI behind the scenes for data quality checks, efficiency gains, and faster processing — all while keeping PII protected with strict guardrails. - Market trends & the "refi bubble" — Why 10+ million people are sitting on the sidelines waiting to refinance, and what HR teams should do now to prepare for the coming "avalanche of verifications." - Closing advice — Troy's practical takeaway: do an internal audit of your verification process across all locations before the surge hits. Guest: Troy Hupp, Director of Product Management, Experian Employer Services — https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyhupp/ *Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about Experian Employer Services, visit their website or connect with Troy on LinkedIn.* Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:13:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network Recorded live from the SHRM Conference 2026 in Orlando, FL, Joey sits down with Troy Hupp, Director of Product Management at Experian Employer Services, to unpack one of the most overlooked corners of the HR world: employment verifications. Get to know Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research While no one gets promoted for nailing a verification, a botched one can quietly damage HR's reputation — from the CMO trying to close on a house to the intern applying for government benefits. Troy and Joey explore why verifications matter at every level of the organization, common misconceptions HR leaders hold, and how outsourcing the process can simultaneously reduce fraud risk and improve the employee experience. What we cover: - Why verification matters — How a smooth (or botched) verification follows employees through the biggest moments of their lives: buying a home, securing a loan, accessing government benefits. - Common misconceptions — Why treating verification as a mere administrative task is a mistake, and the case for giving employees transparency and proactive access to their own data. - Experian's approach — How a "set it and forget it" model takes the workload off HR while giving employees self-service tools and accessibility. - Fraud & security — The rise of aggressive robo-calls and phishing attempts targeting employment data, and how a centralized verification partner acts as a critical security barrier. - AI in verification — How Experian is using AI behind the scenes for data quality checks, efficiency gains, and faster processing — all while keeping PII protected with strict guardrails. - Market trends & the "refi bubble" — Why 10+ million people are sitting on the sidelines waiting to refinance, and what HR teams should do now to prepare for the coming "avalanche of verifications." - Closing advice — Troy's practical takeaway: do an internal audit of your verification process across all locations before the surge hits. Guest: Troy Hupp, Director of Product Management, Experian Employer Services — https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyhupp/ *Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about Experian Employer Services, visit their website or connect with Troy on LinkedIn.* Recorded live from the SHRM Conference 2026 in Orlando, FL, Joey sits down with Troy Hupp, Director of Product Management at Experian Employer Services, to unpack one of the most overlooked corners of the HR world: employment verifications.


Get to know Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research


While no one gets promoted for nailing a verification, a botched one can quietly damage HR's reputation — from the CMO trying to close on a house to the intern applying for government benefits. Troy and Joey explore why verifications matter at every level of the organization, common misconceptions HR leaders hold, and how outsourcing the process can simultaneously reduce fraud risk and improve the employee experience.


What we cover:

- Why verification matters — How a smooth (or botched) verification follows employees through the biggest moments of their lives: buying a home, securing a loan, accessing government benefits.

- Common misconceptions — Why treating verification as a mere administrative task is a mistake, and the case for giving employees transparency and proactive access to their own data.

- Experian's approach — How a "set it and forget it" model takes the workload off HR while giving employees self-service tools and accessibility.

- Fraud & security — The rise of aggressive robo-calls and phishing attempts targeting employment data, and how a centralized verification partner acts as a critical security barrier.

- AI in verification — How Experian is using AI behind the scenes for data quality checks, efficiency gains, and faster processing — all while keeping PII protected with strict guardrails.

- Market trends & the "refi bubble" — Why 10+ million people are sitting on the sidelines waiting to refinance, and what HR teams should do now to prepare for the coming "avalanche of verifications."

- Closing advice — Troy's practical takeaway: do an internal audit of your verification process across all locations before the surge hits.


Guest: Troy Hupp, Director of Product Management, Experian Employer Services — https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyhupp/


*Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about Experian Employer Services, visit their website or connect with Troy on LinkedIn.*

]]> 1195 no Why weighted RFPs and business problem clarity matter in HR tech buying Joey Price speaks with Rick Torrence, Chief Sales Officer, at PrismHR about how small businesses evaluate PEOs, why so many HR tech and services purchases stall, and what buyers should do before they ever sign a contract. The conversation focuses on practical ways to separate tactical pain from real business problems, build a weighted selection process, and stress-test implementation readiness.In this episode, Joey and Rick also explore how PEOs have evolved with technology and AI, and why execution planning matters just as much as product fit. Learn more about Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research Key topics Rick Torrence shares his hot take that too many small businesses still do not understand what a PEO is or the burden it can remove from HR and compliance. The discussion defines PEO as a Professional Employer Organization and explains how co-employment lets small businesses access scale in benefits, retirement, insurance, and compliance support. Rick explains the biggest shift in the PEO market: technology is no longer treated as secondary to service, but as part of the value itself. Joey and Rick discuss how AI and self-service are accelerating expectations for HR buyers, employees, and service providers. Rick argues that every buying process should start with the business problem, not a tactical annoyance or a request to make one person’s job easier. The conversation stresses that the business problem must be felt by senior leadership, not only by HR, or change will not stick. Rick makes the case that an unweighted RFP is a waste of time because criteria without priority becomes a popularity contest. They discuss why buying decisions should not be driven by who responds fastest, who gives the best gift, or who is most pleasant in a demo. Rick explains that alignment across HR, finance, operations, and leadership is essential because HCM and HRIS decisions affect the whole organization. The episode closes with practical advice on implementation readiness, including resource planning, timelines, blockers, and using reference calls as a real stress test. Want to unlock your potential? Purchase Joey's latest book "The Power of HR": https://jumpstart-hr.com/the-power-of-hr/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Why unweighted RFPs waste time 00:39 - Introducing Rick Torrence and the PrismHR Live conversation 01:03 - Why small businesses need better PEO education 03:05 - What a PEO does and how co-employment works 04:04 - How PEOs reduce compliance burden and unlock scale 05:28 - What has stayed the same in PEOs over time 06:53 - How PEOs have changed through technology 08:20 - How AI is accelerating self-service and automation 09:00 - Defining the business problem before buying HR tech 10:49 - Why senior leadership must feel the pain 11:46 - HR buying is now a cross-functional decision 14:12 - Why weighted RFP criteria matter 15:55 - Using selection criteria instead of vague preferences 17:36 - Long-term customer success depends on a smart evaluation 18:33 - Why poor vendor fit shows up after the sale 20:05 - The stress of getting the decision right 21:31 - Why buying is a muscle and often needs expert help 22:54 - What to fix before implementation begins 24:27 - Mapping roles, timelines, and blockers before go-live 26:20 - Why teams should ask more questions about execution 27:54 - Stress-testing vendor fit with reference calls 29:01 - How to structure meaningful customer reference conversations Thu, 13 Aug 2026 23:41:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network Joey Price speaks with Rick Torrence, Chief Sales Officer, at PrismHR about how small businesses evaluate PEOs, why so many HR tech and services purchases stall, and what buyers should do before they ever sign a contract. The conversation focuses on practical ways to separate tactical pain from real business problems, build a weighted selection process, and stress-test implementation readiness.In this episode, Joey and Rick also explore how PEOs have evolved with technology and AI, and why execution planning matters just as much as product fit. Learn more about Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research Key topics Rick Torrence shares his hot take that too many small businesses still do not understand what a PEO is or the burden it can remove from HR and compliance. The discussion defines PEO as a Professional Employer Organization and explains how co-employment lets small businesses access scale in benefits, retirement, insurance, and compliance support. Rick explains the biggest shift in the PEO market: technology is no longer treated as secondary to service, but as part of the value itself. Joey and Rick discuss how AI and self-service are accelerating expectations for HR buyers, employees, and service providers. Rick argues that every buying process should start with the business problem, not a tactical annoyance or a request to make one person’s job easier. The conversation stresses that the business problem must be felt by senior leadership, not only by HR, or change will not stick. Rick makes the case that an unweighted RFP is a waste of time because criteria without priority becomes a popularity contest. They discuss why buying decisions should not be driven by who responds fastest, who gives the best gift, or who is most pleasant in a demo. Rick explains that alignment across HR, finance, operations, and leadership is essential because HCM and HRIS decisions affect the whole organization. The episode closes with practical advice on implementation readiness, including resource planning, timelines, blockers, and using reference calls as a real stress test. Want to unlock your potential? Purchase Joey's latest book "The Power of HR": https://jumpstart-hr.com/the-power-of-hr/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Why unweighted RFPs waste time 00:39 - Introducing Rick Torrence and the PrismHR Live conversation 01:03 - Why small businesses need better PEO education 03:05 - What a PEO does and how co-employment works 04:04 - How PEOs reduce compliance burden and unlock scale 05:28 - What has stayed the same in PEOs over time 06:53 - How PEOs have changed through technology 08:20 - How AI is accelerating self-service and automation 09:00 - Defining the business problem before buying HR tech 10:49 - Why senior leadership must feel the pain 11:46 - HR buying is now a cross-functional decision 14:12 - Why weighted RFP criteria matter 15:55 - Using selection criteria instead of vague preferences 17:36 - Long-term customer success depends on a smart evaluation 18:33 - Why poor vendor fit shows up after the sale 20:05 - The stress of getting the decision right 21:31 - Why buying is a muscle and often needs expert help 22:54 - What to fix before implementation begins 24:27 - Mapping roles, timelines, and blockers before go-live 26:20 - Why teams should ask more questions about execution 27:54 - Stress-testing vendor fit with reference calls 29:01 - How to structure meaningful customer reference conversations Joey Price speaks with Rick Torrence, Chief Sales Officer, at PrismHR about how small businesses evaluate PEOs, why so many HR tech and services purchases stall, and what buyers should do before they ever sign a contract. The conversation focuses on practical ways to separate tactical pain from real business problems, build a weighted selection process, and stress-test implementation readiness.In this episode, Joey and Rick also explore how PEOs have evolved with technology and AI, and why execution planning matters just as much as product fit.


Learn more about Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research


Key topics

  • Rick Torrence shares his hot take that too many small businesses still do not understand what a PEO is or the burden it can remove from HR and compliance.
  • The discussion defines PEO as a Professional Employer Organization and explains how co-employment lets small businesses access scale in benefits, retirement, insurance, and compliance support.
  • Rick explains the biggest shift in the PEO market: technology is no longer treated as secondary to service, but as part of the value itself.
  • Joey and Rick discuss how AI and self-service are accelerating expectations for HR buyers, employees, and service providers.
  • Rick argues that every buying process should start with the business problem, not a tactical annoyance or a request to make one person’s job easier.
  • The conversation stresses that the business problem must be felt by senior leadership, not only by HR, or change will not stick.
  • Rick makes the case that an unweighted RFP is a waste of time because criteria without priority becomes a popularity contest.
  • They discuss why buying decisions should not be driven by who responds fastest, who gives the best gift, or who is most pleasant in a demo.
  • Rick explains that alignment across HR, finance, operations, and leadership is essential because HCM and HRIS decisions affect the whole organization.
  • The episode closes with practical advice on implementation readiness, including resource planning, timelines, blockers, and using reference calls as a real stress test.

Want to unlock your potential? Purchase Joey's latest book "The Power of HR": https://jumpstart-hr.com/the-power-of-hr/


Timestamps: 00:00 - Why unweighted RFPs waste time 00:39 - Introducing Rick Torrence and the PrismHR Live conversation 01:03 - Why small businesses need better PEO education 03:05 - What a PEO does and how co-employment works 04:04 - How PEOs reduce compliance burden and unlock scale 05:28 - What has stayed the same in PEOs over time 06:53 - How PEOs have changed through technology 08:20 - How AI is accelerating self-service and automation 09:00 - Defining the business problem before buying HR tech 10:49 - Why senior leadership must feel the pain 11:46 - HR buying is now a cross-functional decision 14:12 - Why weighted RFP criteria matter 15:55 - Using selection criteria instead of vague preferences 17:36 - Long-term customer success depends on a smart evaluation 18:33 - Why poor vendor fit shows up after the sale 20:05 - The stress of getting the decision right 21:31 - Why buying is a muscle and often needs expert help 22:54 - What to fix before implementation begins 24:27 - Mapping roles, timelines, and blockers before go-live 26:20 - Why teams should ask more questions about execution 27:54 - Stress-testing vendor fit with reference calls 29:01 - How to structure meaningful customer reference conversations

]]> 1797 no HR, AI, and the Future of Work with Laura Maffucci Joey Price speaks with Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at GP, about what the latest World at Work report says about employee sentiment, AI adoption, and the shifting power balance between employers and workers. The conversation centers on one big question: how can HR leaders use AI without losing trust, talent, or the human side of work?Laura argues that many organizations are underestimating how stressed, skeptical, and disengaged employees feel right now, and that AI is often being rolled out faster than companies can manage the change. The episode is a practical look at why HR needs to lead with judgment, not hype. Learn More about Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research Key topics In this episode, Joey Price and Laura Laura Maffucci unpack Laura’s hot take that many employees are simply not okay right now, and that distrust in institutions is shaping how people react to work and AI. Laura shares that the World at Work report shows employees are still active in the job market, with 52 percent globally either searching or likely to search in the next few months. The discussion explores the power shift in employment, including the idea that 74 percent of employees and 59 percent of executives believe companies now hold the power in the job market. Laura warns that return to office mandates can backfire when top candidates can choose remote roles elsewhere. The episode covers why “human in the loop” remains essential, especially when AI systems are used for reporting, decisions, and workflow automation. Laura explains that curiosity, learning agility, critical thinking, and tech savviness matter more than pretending candidates need years of experience in brand-new AI tools. Joey and Laura discuss how HR should evaluate candidates by their ability to learn, adapt, and apply new tools quickly, rather than by unrealistic AI experience requirements. The conversation highlights employee anxiety around AI, including the fact that 31 percent fear replacement and 26 percent worry their contributions will be undervalued if they use AI. Laura argues that HR must challenge leadership when AI is being treated like a magic solution and instead push for real change management, workflow redesign, and employee involvement. The episode closes with a warning that companies who over-automate may eventually have to market human support as a premium experience. Timestamps 00:00 - Joey opens the show and introduces the conversation on work, data, and AI 00:29 - Laura Laura Maffucci is welcomed as Head of HR at GP 01:04 - Laura’s hot take: most people are not okay right now 02:46 - What the World at Work report reveals about employee mobility 04:22 - Who has the power in the job market now? 05:00 - Why return to office mandates may backfire 06:50 - Hiring globally when local talent is scarce 08:05 - Why human judgment still matters in AI workflows 09:49 - How to evaluate candidates for curiosity and learning agility 11:29 - Employee fear that AI could replace them 12:38 - HR’s role in challenging AI hype inside the organization 14:30 - Why change management fails when AI is bolted onto broken processes 16:20 - Younger workers’ skepticism toward AI 18:29 - Why old ideas about loyalty and career paths no longer fit 20:44 - Why younger generations are rejecting performative work 22:37 - Safe ways for HR to start AI adoption 23:29 - Starting from a white space and redesigning the work 24:30 - Why AI adoption data can hide fear, not enthusiasm 25:35 - What separates companies that navigate AI well 26:35 - Why the future may reward real human interaction Grab a copy of Joey's latest book "The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4wve1bo Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:50:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network Joey Price speaks with Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at GP, about what the latest World at Work report says about employee sentiment, AI adoption, and the shifting power balance between employers and workers. The conversation centers on one big question: how can HR leaders use AI without losing trust, talent, or the human side of work?Laura argues that many organizations are underestimating how stressed, skeptical, and disengaged employees feel right now, and that AI is often being rolled out faster than companies can manage the change. The episode is a practical look at why HR needs to lead with judgment, not hype. Learn More about Jumpstart HR Research: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research Key topics In this episode, Joey Price and Laura Laura Maffucci unpack Laura’s hot take that many employees are simply not okay right now, and that distrust in institutions is shaping how people react to work and AI. Laura shares that the World at Work report shows employees are still active in the job market, with 52 percent globally either searching or likely to search in the next few months. The discussion explores the power shift in employment, including the idea that 74 percent of employees and 59 percent of executives believe companies now hold the power in the job market. Laura warns that return to office mandates can backfire when top candidates can choose remote roles elsewhere. The episode covers why “human in the loop” remains essential, especially when AI systems are used for reporting, decisions, and workflow automation. Laura explains that curiosity, learning agility, critical thinking, and tech savviness matter more than pretending candidates need years of experience in brand-new AI tools. Joey and Laura discuss how HR should evaluate candidates by their ability to learn, adapt, and apply new tools quickly, rather than by unrealistic AI experience requirements. The conversation highlights employee anxiety around AI, including the fact that 31 percent fear replacement and 26 percent worry their contributions will be undervalued if they use AI. Laura argues that HR must challenge leadership when AI is being treated like a magic solution and instead push for real change management, workflow redesign, and employee involvement. The episode closes with a warning that companies who over-automate may eventually have to market human support as a premium experience. Timestamps 00:00 - Joey opens the show and introduces the conversation on work, data, and AI 00:29 - Laura Laura Maffucci is welcomed as Head of HR at GP 01:04 - Laura’s hot take: most people are not okay right now 02:46 - What the World at Work report reveals about employee mobility 04:22 - Who has the power in the job market now? 05:00 - Why return to office mandates may backfire 06:50 - Hiring globally when local talent is scarce 08:05 - Why human judgment still matters in AI workflows 09:49 - How to evaluate candidates for curiosity and learning agility 11:29 - Employee fear that AI could replace them 12:38 - HR’s role in challenging AI hype inside the organization 14:30 - Why change management fails when AI is bolted onto broken processes 16:20 - Younger workers’ skepticism toward AI 18:29 - Why old ideas about loyalty and career paths no longer fit 20:44 - Why younger generations are rejecting performative work 22:37 - Safe ways for HR to start AI adoption 23:29 - Starting from a white space and redesigning the work 24:30 - Why AI adoption data can hide fear, not enthusiasm 25:35 - What separates companies that navigate AI well 26:35 - Why the future may reward real human interaction Grab a copy of Joey's latest book "The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4wve1bo Joey Price speaks with Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at GP, about what the latest World at Work report says about employee sentiment, AI adoption, and the shifting power balance between employers and workers. The conversation centers on one big question: how can HR leaders use AI without losing trust, talent, or the human side of work?Laura argues that many organizations are underestimating how stressed, skeptical, and disengaged employees feel right now, and that AI is often being rolled out faster than companies can manage the change. The episode is a practical look at why HR needs to lead with judgment, not hype.


Learn More about Jumpstart HR Research:

https://www.jumpstart-hr.com/research


Key topics

  • In this episode, Joey Price and Laura Laura Maffucci unpack Laura’s hot take that many employees are simply not okay right now, and that distrust in institutions is shaping how people react to work and AI.
  • Laura shares that the World at Work report shows employees are still active in the job market, with 52 percent globally either searching or likely to search in the next few months.
  • The discussion explores the power shift in employment, including the idea that 74 percent of employees and 59 percent of executives believe companies now hold the power in the job market.
  • Laura warns that return to office mandates can backfire when top candidates can choose remote roles elsewhere.
  • The episode covers why “human in the loop” remains essential, especially when AI systems are used for reporting, decisions, and workflow automation.
  • Laura explains that curiosity, learning agility, critical thinking, and tech savviness matter more than pretending candidates need years of experience in brand-new AI tools.
  • Joey and Laura discuss how HR should evaluate candidates by their ability to learn, adapt, and apply new tools quickly, rather than by unrealistic AI experience requirements.
  • The conversation highlights employee anxiety around AI, including the fact that 31 percent fear replacement and 26 percent worry their contributions will be undervalued if they use AI.
  • Laura argues that HR must challenge leadership when AI is being treated like a magic solution and instead push for real change management, workflow redesign, and employee involvement.
  • The episode closes with a warning that companies who over-automate may eventually have to market human support as a premium experience.

Timestamps

00:00 - Joey opens the show and introduces the conversation on work, data, and AI 00:29 - Laura Laura Maffucci is welcomed as Head of HR at GP 01:04 - Laura’s hot take: most people are not okay right now 02:46 - What the World at Work report reveals about employee mobility 04:22 - Who has the power in the job market now? 05:00 - Why return to office mandates may backfire 06:50 - Hiring globally when local talent is scarce 08:05 - Why human judgment still matters in AI workflows 09:49 - How to evaluate candidates for curiosity and learning agility 11:29 - Employee fear that AI could replace them 12:38 - HR’s role in challenging AI hype inside the organization 14:30 - Why change management fails when AI is bolted onto broken processes 16:20 - Younger workers’ skepticism toward AI 18:29 - Why old ideas about loyalty and career paths no longer fit 20:44 - Why younger generations are rejecting performative work 22:37 - Safe ways for HR to start AI adoption 23:29 - Starting from a white space and redesigning the work 24:30 - Why AI adoption data can hide fear, not enthusiasm 25:35 - What separates companies that navigate AI well 26:35 - Why the future may reward real human interaction


Grab a copy of Joey's latest book "The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4wve1bo

]]> 1702 no SAP SuccessFactors Updates from Sapphire: Automation, Workforce Planning, and AI Agents Joey Price breaks down the SAP SuccessFactors announcements from Sapphire and explains why they matter for HR leaders, especially those already using the platform or evaluating it. The episode focuses on how new Joule assistants, workforce planning updates, and upskilling tools fit into the reality of the hybrid workforce.In this episode, Joey connects product innovation to a bigger HR challenge: proving people data’s impact on business performance. He also shares a practical framework for understanding where AI agents fit in your workforce strategy and how to get value from them without losing governance. Learn more about The Five Workforces: https://jumpstart-hr.com/research-practitioner-frameworks/ Key topics SAP SuccessFactors updates announced at Sapphire in Orlando, with a focus on what has already shipped The three keynote phases: automate, reimagine, and elevate Thirteen new Joule assistants and how they support HR operations like payroll, recruiting, onboarding, and service Why agentic AI is different from simple reporting because it can execute work, not just return data A new workforce planning tool connecting core ERP, contingent labor, and SuccessFactors The reality of the hybrid workforce, where human workers and AI agents both contribute to output The workforce upskilling assistant and how it delivers microlearning in the flow of work The challenge behind the stat that 62% of C-suite leaders say people data does not connect to business performance Joey’s five workforces framework for organizing and governing AI agents Practical steps for HR leaders: inventory agents, map one pain point to one assistant, assign adoption ownership, and connect one people metric to one business metric The five workforces Practical implementation checklist Review every AI assistant already active in your HR stack Identify one manual workflow that could be paired with a Joule assistant Decide who owns adoption and usage tracking Connect at least one people metric to a board-level business metric Test prompts for payroll exceptions, service ticket themes, and manager upskilling Timestamps 00:00 - Why Sapphire announcements matter for SAP SuccessFactors users 01:58 - The three keynote phases: automate, reimagine, elevate 02:23 - Thirteen Joule assistants across HR operations 03:20 - Planning people and agents together in workforce planning 04:18 - The workforce upskilling assistant and microlearning in the flow of work 05:38 - Why 62% of C-suite leaders say people data does not connect to business performance 07:03 - How the updates connect to Jumpstart HR’s hybrid workforce research 07:59 - The five workforces framework for AI governance 09:48 - Why inventorying every AI assistant and agent is the first step 10:17 - Matching one pain point to one assistant 10:46 - Assigning an adoption owner before rollout 11:12 - Connecting one people data point to one business metric 11:40 - Choosing your target archetype: free-for-all, augmented, delegator, orchestrated, or autonomous 12:06 - Example prompts to test Joule assistants in HR workflows 12:35 - The main takeaway: automate to make the workforce more productive and reliable Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network Joey Price breaks down the SAP SuccessFactors announcements from Sapphire and explains why they matter for HR leaders, especially those already using the platform or evaluating it. The episode focuses on how new Joule assistants, workforce planning updates, and upskilling tools fit into the reality of the hybrid workforce.In this episode, Joey connects product innovation to a bigger HR challenge: proving people data’s impact on business performance. He also shares a practical framework for understanding where AI agents fit in your workforce strategy and how to get value from them without losing governance. Learn more about The Five Workforces: https://jumpstart-hr.com/research-practitioner-frameworks/ Key topics SAP SuccessFactors updates announced at Sapphire in Orlando, with a focus on what has already shipped The three keynote phases: automate, reimagine, and elevate Thirteen new Joule assistants and how they support HR operations like payroll, recruiting, onboarding, and service Why agentic AI is different from simple reporting because it can execute work, not just return data A new workforce planning tool connecting core ERP, contingent labor, and SuccessFactors The reality of the hybrid workforce, where human workers and AI agents both contribute to output The workforce upskilling assistant and how it delivers microlearning in the flow of work The challenge behind the stat that 62% of C-suite leaders say people data does not connect to business performance Joey’s five workforces framework for organizing and governing AI agents Practical steps for HR leaders: inventory agents, map one pain point to one assistant, assign adoption ownership, and connect one people metric to one business metric The five workforces Practical implementation checklist Review every AI assistant already active in your HR stack Identify one manual workflow that could be paired with a Joule assistant Decide who owns adoption and usage tracking Connect at least one people metric to a board-level business metric Test prompts for payroll exceptions, service ticket themes, and manager upskilling Timestamps 00:00 - Why Sapphire announcements matter for SAP SuccessFactors users 01:58 - The three keynote phases: automate, reimagine, elevate 02:23 - Thirteen Joule assistants across HR operations 03:20 - Planning people and agents together in workforce planning 04:18 - The workforce upskilling assistant and microlearning in the flow of work 05:38 - Why 62% of C-suite leaders say people data does not connect to business performance 07:03 - How the updates connect to Jumpstart HR’s hybrid workforce research 07:59 - The five workforces framework for AI governance 09:48 - Why inventorying every AI assistant and agent is the first step 10:17 - Matching one pain point to one assistant 10:46 - Assigning an adoption owner before rollout 11:12 - Connecting one people data point to one business metric 11:40 - Choosing your target archetype: free-for-all, augmented, delegator, orchestrated, or autonomous 12:06 - Example prompts to test Joule assistants in HR workflows 12:35 - The main takeaway: automate to make the workforce more productive and reliable Joey Price breaks down the SAP SuccessFactors announcements from Sapphire and explains why they matter for HR leaders, especially those already using the platform or evaluating it. The episode focuses on how new Joule assistants, workforce planning updates, and upskilling tools fit into the reality of the hybrid workforce.In this episode, Joey connects product innovation to a bigger HR challenge: proving people data’s impact on business performance. He also shares a practical framework for understanding where AI agents fit in your workforce strategy and how to get value from them without losing governance.


Learn more about The Five Workforces: https://jumpstart-hr.com/research-practitioner-frameworks/


Key topics

  • SAP SuccessFactors updates announced at Sapphire in Orlando, with a focus on what has already shipped
  • The three keynote phases: automate, reimagine, and elevate
  • Thirteen new Joule assistants and how they support HR operations like payroll, recruiting, onboarding, and service
  • Why agentic AI is different from simple reporting because it can execute work, not just return data
  • A new workforce planning tool connecting core ERP, contingent labor, and SuccessFactors
  • The reality of the hybrid workforce, where human workers and AI agents both contribute to output
  • The workforce upskilling assistant and how it delivers microlearning in the flow of work
  • The challenge behind the stat that 62% of C-suite leaders say people data does not connect to business performance
  • Joey’s five workforces framework for organizing and governing AI agents
  • Practical steps for HR leaders: inventory agents, map one pain point to one assistant, assign adoption ownership, and connect one people metric to one business metric
  • The five workforces
  • Practical implementation checklist
  • Review every AI assistant already active in your HR stack
  • Identify one manual workflow that could be paired with a Joule assistant
  • Decide who owns adoption and usage tracking
  • Connect at least one people metric to a board-level business metric
  • Test prompts for payroll exceptions, service ticket themes, and manager upskilling

Timestamps

00:00 - Why Sapphire announcements matter for SAP SuccessFactors users 01:58 - The three keynote phases: automate, reimagine, elevate 02:23 - Thirteen Joule assistants across HR operations 03:20 - Planning people and agents together in workforce planning 04:18 - The workforce upskilling assistant and microlearning in the flow of work 05:38 - Why 62% of C-suite leaders say people data does not connect to business performance 07:03 - How the updates connect to Jumpstart HR’s hybrid workforce research 07:59 - The five workforces framework for AI governance 09:48 - Why inventorying every AI assistant and agent is the first step 10:17 - Matching one pain point to one assistant 10:46 - Assigning an adoption owner before rollout 11:12 - Connecting one people data point to one business metric 11:40 - Choosing your target archetype: free-for-all, augmented, delegator, orchestrated, or autonomous 12:06 - Example prompts to test Joule assistants in HR workflows 12:35 - The main takeaway: automate to make the workforce more productive and reliable

]]> 819 no From Degrees to Skills: How SAP Is Innovating the Skills-Based Hiring Movement https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149202567 As AI reshapes the workplace, one question continues to rise to the top: Are we hiring and developing talent based on what people can do—or what’s written on their resume? In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Caroline Hanke, Global Head of Organizational Growth and Health at SAP, to explore how one of the world’s leading organizations is putting skills-based hiring and internal mobility into practice. Caroline’s journey into HR is anything but traditional. With a background in computer science, she made a deliberate pivot into HR to help shape how organizations evolve in the age of AI—where skills, not job titles or degrees, are becoming the true currency of work. Together, Joey and Caroline unpack how SAP is building a skills-led organization, leveraging internal opportunity marketplaces, and activating employee network groups to surface hidden talent and expand access to opportunity. This conversation goes beyond theory. It’s a practical look at what it takes to move from static job structures to dynamic, skills-based workforce strategies—especially in a time when no one can fully predict what the future of work will look like. If you’re an HR leader navigating uncertainty, workforce transformation, or the shift toward skills-based hiring, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective. 🔑 Key Topics Covered What skills-based hiring really means in today’s workforce Why skills are becoming more valuable than degrees or job titles How SAP is building a skills-led organization at scale The role of internal opportunity marketplaces in talent mobility How employee network groups can unlock hidden skills and potential Balancing AI-driven transformation with human-centered workforce strategy Why HR leaders must plan for multiple future scenarios—not just one 💡 Key Takeaways Skills-based hiring is not just about recruiting—it’s about restructuring how work is defined and distributed Internal mobility becomes more effective when organizations make skills visible across the workforce Employee network groups can serve as untapped engines for talent discovery and development HR doesn’t need perfect answers about AI—but must actively prepare the workforce for multiple futures Organizations that move fastest will be those willing to act before everything is fully defined 🔊 Notable Quotes “Skills are the currency that counts in the age of AI.” “No one knows exactly what the future of AI will look like—but we still have to prepare for it.” “When you focus on skills, you open doors that were previously closed to people.” 👤 About the Guest Caroline Hanke is the Global Head of Organizational Growth and Health at SAP, where she leads strategic workforce management and the company’s transition to a skills-led organization. With a background in computer science, Caroline brings a unique perspective to HR—bridging technology, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation in the age of AI. 📣 Call to Action If this episode sparked ideas about how your organization approaches hiring, development, or internal mobility: Share this episode with a fellow HR leader Start a conversation with your leadership team about skills-based hiring Subscribe to Joey’s HR Lounge for more conversations at the intersection of HR, technology, and the future of work 🌐 Stay Connected Joey Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyvprice  Podcast: Joey’s HR Lounge (Apple, Spotify, YouTube) HR Consulting, Research & Insights: Jumpstart HR - https://www.jumpstart-hr.com Purchase Joey's Book: "The Power of HR: How To Make An Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" https://amzn.to/4thQdGh  Tue, 05 May 2026 03:48:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network As AI reshapes the workplace, one question continues to rise to the top: Are we hiring and developing talent based on what people can do—or what’s written on their resume? In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Caroline Hanke, Global Head of Organizational Growth and Health at SAP, to explore how one of the world’s leading organizations is putting skills-based hiring and internal mobility into practice. Caroline’s journey into HR is anything but traditional. With a background in computer science, she made a deliberate pivot into HR to help shape how organizations evolve in the age of AI—where skills, not job titles or degrees, are becoming the true currency of work. Together, Joey and Caroline unpack how SAP is building a skills-led organization, leveraging internal opportunity marketplaces, and activating employee network groups to surface hidden talent and expand access to opportunity. This conversation goes beyond theory. It’s a practical look at what it takes to move from static job structures to dynamic, skills-based workforce strategies—especially in a time when no one can fully predict what the future of work will look like. If you’re an HR leader navigating uncertainty, workforce transformation, or the shift toward skills-based hiring, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective. 🔑 Key Topics Covered What skills-based hiring really means in today’s workforce Why skills are becoming more valuable than degrees or job titles How SAP is building a skills-led organization at scale The role of internal opportunity marketplaces in talent mobility How employee network groups can unlock hidden skills and potential Balancing AI-driven transformation with human-centered workforce strategy Why HR leaders must plan for multiple future scenarios—not just one 💡 Key Takeaways Skills-based hiring is not just about recruiting—it’s about restructuring how work is defined and distributed Internal mobility becomes more effective when organizations make skills visible across the workforce Employee network groups can serve as untapped engines for talent discovery and development HR doesn’t need perfect answers about AI—but must actively prepare the workforce for multiple futures Organizations that move fastest will be those willing to act before everything is fully defined 🔊 Notable Quotes “Skills are the currency that counts in the age of AI.” “No one knows exactly what the future of AI will look like—but we still have to prepare for it.” “When you focus on skills, you open doors that were previously closed to people.” 👤 About the Guest Caroline Hanke is the Global Head of Organizational Growth and Health at SAP, where she leads strategic workforce management and the company’s transition to a skills-led organization. With a background in computer science, Caroline brings a unique perspective to HR—bridging technology, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation in the age of AI. 📣 Call to Action If this episode sparked ideas about how your organization approaches hiring, development, or internal mobility: Share this episode with a fellow HR leader Start a conversation with your leadership team about skills-based hiring Subscribe to Joey’s HR Lounge for more conversations at the intersection of HR, technology, and the future of work 🌐 Stay Connected Joey Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyvprice  Podcast: Joey’s HR Lounge (Apple, Spotify, YouTube) HR Consulting, Research & Insights: Jumpstart HR - https://www.jumpstart-hr.com Purchase Joey's Book: "The Power of HR: How To Make An Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" https://amzn.to/4thQdGh  As AI reshapes the workplace, one question continues to rise to the top: Are we hiring and developing talent based on what people can do—or what’s written on their resume?

In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Caroline Hanke, Global Head of Organizational Growth and Health at SAP, to explore how one of the world’s leading organizations is putting skills-based hiring and internal mobility into practice.

Caroline’s journey into HR is anything but traditional. With a background in computer science, she made a deliberate pivot into HR to help shape how organizations evolve in the age of AI—where skills, not job titles or degrees, are becoming the true currency of work.

Together, Joey and Caroline unpack how SAP is building a skills-led organization, leveraging internal opportunity marketplaces, and activating employee network groups to surface hidden talent and expand access to opportunity.

This conversation goes beyond theory. It’s a practical look at what it takes to move from static job structures to dynamic, skills-based workforce strategies—especially in a time when no one can fully predict what the future of work will look like.

If you’re an HR leader navigating uncertainty, workforce transformation, or the shift toward skills-based hiring, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

  • What skills-based hiring really means in today’s workforce
  • Why skills are becoming more valuable than degrees or job titles
  • How SAP is building a skills-led organization at scale
  • The role of internal opportunity marketplaces in talent mobility
  • How employee network groups can unlock hidden skills and potential
  • Balancing AI-driven transformation with human-centered workforce strategy
  • Why HR leaders must plan for multiple future scenarios—not just one

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Skills-based hiring is not just about recruiting—it’s about restructuring how work is defined and distributed
  • Internal mobility becomes more effective when organizations make skills visible across the workforce
  • Employee network groups can serve as untapped engines for talent discovery and development
  • HR doesn’t need perfect answers about AI—but must actively prepare the workforce for multiple futures
  • Organizations that move fastest will be those willing to act before everything is fully defined

🔊 Notable Quotes

  • “Skills are the currency that counts in the age of AI.”
  • “No one knows exactly what the future of AI will look like—but we still have to prepare for it.”
  • “When you focus on skills, you open doors that were previously closed to people.”

👤 About the Guest

Caroline Hanke is the Global Head of Organizational Growth and Health at SAP, where she leads strategic workforce management and the company’s transition to a skills-led organization. With a background in computer science, Caroline brings a unique perspective to HR—bridging technology, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation in the age of AI.

📣 Call to Action

If this episode sparked ideas about how your organization approaches hiring, development, or internal mobility:

  • Share this episode with a fellow HR leader
  • Start a conversation with your leadership team about skills-based hiring
  • Subscribe to Joey’s HR Lounge for more conversations at the intersection of HR, technology, and the future of work

🌐 Stay Connected

]]> 1644 no The State of HR Right Now: Pressure, AI, and the Fight for Business Impact https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149191583 📝 Episode Description The role of HR has never been under more pressure—or more opportunity. In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Meagan Gregorczyk to unpack what’s really happening inside today’s HR function. From rising expectations around ROI to the rapid adoption of AI, HR leaders are being asked to operate at a level that requires both strategic clarity and operational discipline. Together, they explore why many HR teams are struggling to prove impact, where technology is helping versus creating more noise, and what it truly takes to earn trust at the executive table. This conversation goes beyond surface-level trends to examine the deeper shifts shaping how HR must show up in today’s business environment. If you’re an HR leader navigating competing priorities, evolving technology, and increasing pressure to deliver results, this episode offers a grounded and timely perspective on what matters most right now. 🔑 Topics Covered The current state of HR and why expectations are rising Why proving ROI remains one of HR’s biggest challenges The gap between HR tech adoption and business impact Where AI is delivering real value versus distraction Burnout, bandwidth, and the reality inside HR teams How HR can build credibility with CFOs and executive leadership What future-ready HR leaders are doing differently 💬 Standout Quotes “AI isn’t the strategy. It’s exposing the gaps.” “If HR can’t prove ROI, someone else will define it for us.” “We don’t have a tech problem. We have a decision problem.” 📘 Resources & Ways to Engage If this conversation resonated with you, here are a few ways to go deeper: 👉 Get the book:The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People Professional A practical guide for HR leaders who want to strengthen their influence and drive real business results. 👉 Explore insights and research: Visit www.jumpstart-hr.com  for advisory services, HR consulting, and research-backed insights designed to help you make smarter people decisions. 👉 Contribute to the latest research: Take the Insights@Work Survey and share your perspective on the evolving world of HR, technology, and leadership. Your input helps shape the data and insights we bring back to the HR community. 🎙️ About Joey Price Joey Price is the CEO of Jumpstart HR, an HR consulting and research firm, and author of The Power of HR. He helps organizations and HR technology companies align people strategies with business performance. Through Joey’s HR Lounge, he creates space for real conversations about the future of work, leadership, and HR innovation. 👤 About Meagan Gregorczyk Meagan Gregorczyk builds the infrastructure that makes organizations work—and the communications that make transformation stick. With over 20 years of experience, she has partnered with C-suite leaders at companies including Amazon, Google, Snowflake, ServiceNow, GE, and Globalization Partners to architect the systems, narratives, and operating models that move people and businesses forward. 🚀 Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode: Follow Joey’s HR Lounge on your favorite podcast platform Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and clips Share this episode with an HR leader who’s navigating change Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:45:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network 📝 Episode Description The role of HR has never been under more pressure—or more opportunity. In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Meagan Gregorczyk to unpack what’s really happening inside today’s HR function. From rising expectations around ROI to the rapid adoption of AI, HR leaders are being asked to operate at a level that requires both strategic clarity and operational discipline. Together, they explore why many HR teams are struggling to prove impact, where technology is helping versus creating more noise, and what it truly takes to earn trust at the executive table. This conversation goes beyond surface-level trends to examine the deeper shifts shaping how HR must show up in today’s business environment. If you’re an HR leader navigating competing priorities, evolving technology, and increasing pressure to deliver results, this episode offers a grounded and timely perspective on what matters most right now. 🔑 Topics Covered The current state of HR and why expectations are rising Why proving ROI remains one of HR’s biggest challenges The gap between HR tech adoption and business impact Where AI is delivering real value versus distraction Burnout, bandwidth, and the reality inside HR teams How HR can build credibility with CFOs and executive leadership What future-ready HR leaders are doing differently 💬 Standout Quotes “AI isn’t the strategy. It’s exposing the gaps.” “If HR can’t prove ROI, someone else will define it for us.” “We don’t have a tech problem. We have a decision problem.” 📘 Resources & Ways to Engage If this conversation resonated with you, here are a few ways to go deeper: 👉 Get the book:The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People Professional A practical guide for HR leaders who want to strengthen their influence and drive real business results. 👉 Explore insights and research: Visit www.jumpstart-hr.com  for advisory services, HR consulting, and research-backed insights designed to help you make smarter people decisions. 👉 Contribute to the latest research: Take the Insights@Work Survey and share your perspective on the evolving world of HR, technology, and leadership. Your input helps shape the data and insights we bring back to the HR community. 🎙️ About Joey Price Joey Price is the CEO of Jumpstart HR, an HR consulting and research firm, and author of The Power of HR. He helps organizations and HR technology companies align people strategies with business performance. Through Joey’s HR Lounge, he creates space for real conversations about the future of work, leadership, and HR innovation. 👤 About Meagan Gregorczyk Meagan Gregorczyk builds the infrastructure that makes organizations work—and the communications that make transformation stick. With over 20 years of experience, she has partnered with C-suite leaders at companies including Amazon, Google, Snowflake, ServiceNow, GE, and Globalization Partners to architect the systems, narratives, and operating models that move people and businesses forward. 🚀 Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode: Follow Joey’s HR Lounge on your favorite podcast platform Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and clips Share this episode with an HR leader who’s navigating change 📝 Episode Description

The role of HR has never been under more pressure—or more opportunity.

In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Meagan Gregorczyk to unpack what’s really happening inside today’s HR function. From rising expectations around ROI to the rapid adoption of AI, HR leaders are being asked to operate at a level that requires both strategic clarity and operational discipline.

Together, they explore why many HR teams are struggling to prove impact, where technology is helping versus creating more noise, and what it truly takes to earn trust at the executive table. This conversation goes beyond surface-level trends to examine the deeper shifts shaping how HR must show up in today’s business environment.

If you’re an HR leader navigating competing priorities, evolving technology, and increasing pressure to deliver results, this episode offers a grounded and timely perspective on what matters most right now.

🔑 Topics Covered

  • The current state of HR and why expectations are rising
  • Why proving ROI remains one of HR’s biggest challenges
  • The gap between HR tech adoption and business impact
  • Where AI is delivering real value versus distraction
  • Burnout, bandwidth, and the reality inside HR teams
  • How HR can build credibility with CFOs and executive leadership
  • What future-ready HR leaders are doing differently

💬 Standout Quotes

  • “AI isn’t the strategy. It’s exposing the gaps.”
  • “If HR can’t prove ROI, someone else will define it for us.”
  • “We don’t have a tech problem. We have a decision problem.”

📘 Resources & Ways to Engage

If this conversation resonated with you, here are a few ways to go deeper:

👉 Get the book:
The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People Professional
A practical guide for HR leaders who want to strengthen their influence and drive real business results.

👉 Explore insights and research:
Visit www.jumpstart-hr.com  for advisory services, HR consulting, and research-backed insights designed to help you make smarter people decisions.

👉 Contribute to the latest research:
Take the Insights@Work Survey and share your perspective on the evolving world of HR, technology, and leadership. Your input helps shape the data and insights we bring back to the HR community.

🎙️ About Joey Price

Joey Price is the CEO of Jumpstart HR, an HR consulting and research firm, and author of The Power of HR. He helps organizations and HR technology companies align people strategies with business performance. Through Joey’s HR Lounge, he creates space for real conversations about the future of work, leadership, and HR innovation.

👤 About Meagan Gregorczyk

Meagan Gregorczyk builds the infrastructure that makes organizations work—and the communications that make transformation stick. With over 20 years of experience, she has partnered with C-suite leaders at companies including Amazon, Google, Snowflake, ServiceNow, GE, and Globalization Partners to architect the systems, narratives, and operating models that move people and businesses forward.

🚀 Stay Connected

If you enjoyed this episode:

  • Follow Joey’s HR Lounge on your favorite podcast platform
  • Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and clips
  • Share this episode with an HR leader who’s navigating change
]]> 2918 no What’s Really Happening to DEI in HR? A Candid Conversation with Ashley M. Anderson https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149189083 What’s really happening to DEI in HR right now? In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Ashley M. Anderson to unpack how diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are evolving in today’s political and business climate. As organizations face increasing pressure, many HR leaders are being forced to rethink how DEI fits into strategy, compliance, and long-term business outcomes. This conversation goes beyond surface-level talking points to explore what’s changing, what’s being rolled back, and what HR leaders need to do to stay credible and effective. From navigating political tension to aligning DEI with measurable business impact, Ashley shares a candid perspective on where the function stands today and where it’s headed next. If you’re an HR leader trying to balance people, performance, and pressure, this episode offers a timely and grounded perspective. 🔑 Topics Covered - The current state of DEI in HR - How political pressure is shaping workplace decisions - Where HR may have overcorrected or underdelivered - Making DEI sustainable and aligned with business strategy - What the future of inclusion looks like   📌 Connect with Ashley M. Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymanderson2/   📌 Connect with Joey Price Website:  https://www.jumpstart-hr.com Podcast and Community: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com Book: The Power of HR - https://amzn.to/4vAVD1B    🏷️ Tags DEI in HR, diversity equity inclusion, HR strategy, HR leadership, future of HR, workplace inclusion, HR trends 2026, organizational culture, HR podcast, Joey Price, Ashley Anderson HR, business strategy HR, DEI backlash, HR leadership development 🔖 Hashtags #HRLeadership #DEI #FutureOfWork #HRStrategy #WorkplaceCulture Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:50:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network What’s really happening to DEI in HR right now? In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Ashley M. Anderson to unpack how diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are evolving in today’s political and business climate. As organizations face increasing pressure, many HR leaders are being forced to rethink how DEI fits into strategy, compliance, and long-term business outcomes. This conversation goes beyond surface-level talking points to explore what’s changing, what’s being rolled back, and what HR leaders need to do to stay credible and effective. From navigating political tension to aligning DEI with measurable business impact, Ashley shares a candid perspective on where the function stands today and where it’s headed next. If you’re an HR leader trying to balance people, performance, and pressure, this episode offers a timely and grounded perspective. 🔑 Topics Covered - The current state of DEI in HR - How political pressure is shaping workplace decisions - Where HR may have overcorrected or underdelivered - Making DEI sustainable and aligned with business strategy - What the future of inclusion looks like   📌 Connect with Ashley M. Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymanderson2/   📌 Connect with Joey Price Website:  https://www.jumpstart-hr.com Podcast and Community: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com Book: The Power of HR - https://amzn.to/4vAVD1B    🏷️ Tags DEI in HR, diversity equity inclusion, HR strategy, HR leadership, future of HR, workplace inclusion, HR trends 2026, organizational culture, HR podcast, Joey Price, Ashley Anderson HR, business strategy HR, DEI backlash, HR leadership development 🔖 Hashtags #HRLeadership #DEI #FutureOfWork #HRStrategy #WorkplaceCulture What’s really happening to DEI in HR right now?

In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Ashley M. Anderson to unpack how diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are evolving in today’s political and business climate. As organizations face increasing pressure, many HR leaders are being forced to rethink how DEI fits into strategy, compliance, and long-term business outcomes.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level talking points to explore what’s changing, what’s being rolled back, and what HR leaders need to do to stay credible and effective. From navigating political tension to aligning DEI with measurable business impact, Ashley shares a candid perspective on where the function stands today and where it’s headed next. If you’re an HR leader trying to balance people, performance, and pressure, this episode offers a timely and grounded perspective.

🔑 Topics Covered

- The current state of DEI in HR

- How political pressure is shaping workplace decisions

- Where HR may have overcorrected or underdelivered

- Making DEI sustainable and aligned with business strategy

- What the future of inclusion looks like

 

📌 Connect with Ashley M. Anderson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymanderson2/

 

📌 Connect with Joey Price

Website:  https://www.jumpstart-hr.com

Podcast and Community: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com

Book: The Power of HR - https://amzn.to/4vAVD1B 

 

🏷️ Tags

DEI in HR, diversity equity inclusion, HR strategy, HR leadership, future of HR, workplace inclusion, HR trends 2026, organizational culture, HR podcast, Joey Price, Ashley Anderson HR, business strategy HR, DEI backlash, HR leadership development

🔖 Hashtags

#HRLeadership #DEI #FutureOfWork #HRStrategy #WorkplaceCulture

]]> 1769 no The Future of HR Leadership, Employer Brand, and Strategic Influence w/ Stephanie Manzelli https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149178578 As the expectations placed on HR leaders continue to evolve, one question keeps surfacing. What does it actually take for HR to move from operational support to true strategic influence? In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Stephanie Manzelli to explore how employer brand, leadership behavior, and people strategy intersect in today’s workplace. Together, they unpack the gap between how organizations present themselves to talent and what employees actually experience once they join. Stephanie brings a thoughtful perspective on the growing pressure HR leaders face to balance business performance with culture, trust, and employee experience. This conversation explores what separates HR teams that influence leadership decisions from those that remain reactive to them. Rather than focusing on surface-level trends, Joey and Stephanie discuss the deeper leadership capabilities HR professionals need as the profession continues to evolve. What does credibility with executives look like today? How should HR think about employer brand beyond marketing language? And how can people leaders build cultures that align with the promises organizations make to talent? If you are an HR leader navigating shifting expectations around culture, leadership, and the future of work, this episode offers practical insights and a thoughtful perspective on where the profession is heading. Key Topics Discussed • Why employer brand must reflect the real employee experience • The difference between HR influence and HR activity • How people leaders build credibility with executives • The relationship between culture, leadership behavior, and business outcomes • What HR leaders need to succeed in the next era of work • How organizations can align talent strategy with business strategy   About Stephanie Manzelli Stephanie Manzelli is a people strategy and employer brand leader who works with organizations to strengthen their culture, employee experience, and leadership alignment. She is known for helping companies move beyond surface-level employer branding efforts and focus on the deeper work of building workplaces where culture, leadership, and talent strategy are connected. Through her work, Stephanie helps HR leaders think more strategically about how organizations attract, engage, and retain talent while ensuring that their employer brand reflects the authentic experience employees have inside the company. Connect with Stephanie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmanzelli/ Vote for Stephanie for 2026 HRO Today Forum North America CHRO of the Year: https://hrotoday.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=b2WMPg/jIrkECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D   🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com Take our 2026 Insights@Work Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYXMNR7 Download our HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com Purchase Joey's book "The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" : https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu 🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader navigating flexibility, performance, and equity in today’s workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:50:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network As the expectations placed on HR leaders continue to evolve, one question keeps surfacing. What does it actually take for HR to move from operational support to true strategic influence? In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Stephanie Manzelli to explore how employer brand, leadership behavior, and people strategy intersect in today’s workplace. Together, they unpack the gap between how organizations present themselves to talent and what employees actually experience once they join. Stephanie brings a thoughtful perspective on the growing pressure HR leaders face to balance business performance with culture, trust, and employee experience. This conversation explores what separates HR teams that influence leadership decisions from those that remain reactive to them. Rather than focusing on surface-level trends, Joey and Stephanie discuss the deeper leadership capabilities HR professionals need as the profession continues to evolve. What does credibility with executives look like today? How should HR think about employer brand beyond marketing language? And how can people leaders build cultures that align with the promises organizations make to talent? If you are an HR leader navigating shifting expectations around culture, leadership, and the future of work, this episode offers practical insights and a thoughtful perspective on where the profession is heading. Key Topics Discussed • Why employer brand must reflect the real employee experience • The difference between HR influence and HR activity • How people leaders build credibility with executives • The relationship between culture, leadership behavior, and business outcomes • What HR leaders need to succeed in the next era of work • How organizations can align talent strategy with business strategy   About Stephanie Manzelli Stephanie Manzelli is a people strategy and employer brand leader who works with organizations to strengthen their culture, employee experience, and leadership alignment. She is known for helping companies move beyond surface-level employer branding efforts and focus on the deeper work of building workplaces where culture, leadership, and talent strategy are connected. Through her work, Stephanie helps HR leaders think more strategically about how organizations attract, engage, and retain talent while ensuring that their employer brand reflects the authentic experience employees have inside the company. Connect with Stephanie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmanzelli/ Vote for Stephanie for 2026 HRO Today Forum North America CHRO of the Year: https://hrotoday.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=b2WMPg/jIrkECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D   🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com Take our 2026 Insights@Work Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYXMNR7 Download our HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com Purchase Joey's book "The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" : https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu 🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader navigating flexibility, performance, and equity in today’s workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  As the expectations placed on HR leaders continue to evolve, one question keeps surfacing. What does it actually take for HR to move from operational support to true strategic influence?

In this episode of Joey’s HR Lounge, Joey Price sits down with Stephanie Manzelli to explore how employer brand, leadership behavior, and people strategy intersect in today’s workplace.

Together, they unpack the gap between how organizations present themselves to talent and what employees actually experience once they join.

Stephanie brings a thoughtful perspective on the growing pressure HR leaders face to balance business performance with culture, trust, and employee experience. This conversation explores what separates HR teams that influence leadership decisions from those that remain reactive to them.

Rather than focusing on surface-level trends, Joey and Stephanie discuss the deeper leadership capabilities HR professionals need as the profession continues to evolve. What does credibility with executives look like today? How should HR think about employer brand beyond marketing language? And how can people leaders build cultures that align with the promises organizations make to talent?

If you are an HR leader navigating shifting expectations around culture, leadership, and the future of work, this episode offers practical insights and a thoughtful perspective on where the profession is heading.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why employer brand must reflect the real employee experience

• The difference between HR influence and HR activity

• How people leaders build credibility with executives

• The relationship between culture, leadership behavior, and business outcomes • What HR leaders need to succeed in the next era of work

• How organizations can align talent strategy with business strategy

 

About Stephanie Manzelli

Stephanie Manzelli is a people strategy and employer brand leader who works with organizations to strengthen their culture, employee experience, and leadership alignment. She is known for helping companies move beyond surface-level employer branding efforts and focus on the deeper work of building workplaces where culture, leadership, and talent strategy are connected. Through her work, Stephanie helps HR leaders think more strategically about how organizations attract, engage, and retain talent while ensuring that their employer brand reflects the authentic experience employees have inside the company.

Connect with Stephanie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmanzelli/

Vote for Stephanie for 2026 HRO Today Forum North America CHRO of the Year: https://hrotoday.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=b2WMPg/jIrkECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

 

🔗 Resources & Links

Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com

Take our 2026 Insights@Work Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYXMNR7

Download our HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com

Purchase Joey's book "The Power of HR: How to Make an Organizational Impact as a People-Professional" : https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu

🎧 Call to Action

If you are an HR leader navigating flexibility, performance, and equity in today’s workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership.

👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com 

]]> 944 no Rethinking Return-to-Office: Flexibility, Productivity, and Equity in the Future of Work w/Baily Dyer https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149175267 As organizations push employees back into offices, one question keeps surfacing. Are return-to-office mandates helping performance, or quietly undermining productivity, equity, and trust? In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Baily Dyer, Head of People & Culture at Revaly, to examine how workplace flexibility is reshaping talent strategy, employee experience, and leadership decision-making. Together, they explore the unintended consequences of rigid RTO policies, especially for working parents and women, and challenge the assumption that presence equals performance. This conversation moves beyond policy debates to focus on outcomes, inclusion, and what modern workforce leadership actually requires. What happens when organizations prioritize control over trust, and how should HR leaders evaluate productivity, engagement, and fairness in a flexible work era? If you are an HR leader navigating hybrid work, workforce equity, and performance expectations, this episode offers a practical and timely perspective. 🔑 Topics Covered Why return-to-office mandates disproportionately impact working parents and women The productivity myth around in-office vs. remote work Trust-based leadership and outcome-driven performance management Flexibility as a talent attraction and retention strategy Designing equitable workplace policies in a hybrid world 👤 Guest Bio: Baily Dyer Baily Dyer is the Head of People & Culture at Revaly and a people-first HR leader known for building transparent, trust-driven workplace cultures. She specializes in modern workforce strategy, flexible work design, and inclusive people practices that align organizational performance with employee well-being. 🔗 Connect with Baily Dyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baily-dyer/  🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  Take our 2026 Insights@Work Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYXMNR7  HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/  Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com  The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu  🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader navigating flexibility, performance, and equity in today’s workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:55:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network As organizations push employees back into offices, one question keeps surfacing. Are return-to-office mandates helping performance, or quietly undermining productivity, equity, and trust? In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Baily Dyer, Head of People & Culture at Revaly, to examine how workplace flexibility is reshaping talent strategy, employee experience, and leadership decision-making. Together, they explore the unintended consequences of rigid RTO policies, especially for working parents and women, and challenge the assumption that presence equals performance. This conversation moves beyond policy debates to focus on outcomes, inclusion, and what modern workforce leadership actually requires. What happens when organizations prioritize control over trust, and how should HR leaders evaluate productivity, engagement, and fairness in a flexible work era? If you are an HR leader navigating hybrid work, workforce equity, and performance expectations, this episode offers a practical and timely perspective. 🔑 Topics Covered Why return-to-office mandates disproportionately impact working parents and women The productivity myth around in-office vs. remote work Trust-based leadership and outcome-driven performance management Flexibility as a talent attraction and retention strategy Designing equitable workplace policies in a hybrid world 👤 Guest Bio: Baily Dyer Baily Dyer is the Head of People & Culture at Revaly and a people-first HR leader known for building transparent, trust-driven workplace cultures. She specializes in modern workforce strategy, flexible work design, and inclusive people practices that align organizational performance with employee well-being. 🔗 Connect with Baily Dyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baily-dyer/  🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  Take our 2026 Insights@Work Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYXMNR7  HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/  Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com  The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu  🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader navigating flexibility, performance, and equity in today’s workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com As organizations push employees back into offices, one question keeps surfacing. Are return-to-office mandates helping performance, or quietly undermining productivity, equity, and trust?

In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Baily Dyer, Head of People & Culture at Revaly, to examine how workplace flexibility is reshaping talent strategy, employee experience, and leadership decision-making. Together, they explore the unintended consequences of rigid RTO policies, especially for working parents and women, and challenge the assumption that presence equals performance. This conversation moves beyond policy debates to focus on outcomes, inclusion, and what modern workforce leadership actually requires. What happens when organizations prioritize control over trust, and how should HR leaders evaluate productivity, engagement, and fairness in a flexible work era?

If you are an HR leader navigating hybrid work, workforce equity, and performance expectations, this episode offers a practical and timely perspective.

🔑 Topics Covered

  • Why return-to-office mandates disproportionately impact working parents and women

  • The productivity myth around in-office vs. remote work

  • Trust-based leadership and outcome-driven performance management

  • Flexibility as a talent attraction and retention strategy

  • Designing equitable workplace policies in a hybrid world

👤 Guest Bio: Baily Dyer

Baily Dyer is the Head of People & Culture at Revaly and a people-first HR leader known for building transparent, trust-driven workplace cultures. She specializes in modern workforce strategy, flexible work design, and inclusive people practices that align organizational performance with employee well-being.

🔗 Connect with Baily Dyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baily-dyer/ 

🔗 Resources & Links

Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com 

Take our 2026 Insights@Work Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYXMNR7 

HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ 

Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com 

The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu 

🎧 Call to Action

If you are an HR leader navigating flexibility, performance, and equity in today’s workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership.

👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com

]]> 2029 no Rebuilding Trust in HR & The Role of AI in the Workplace w/Torin Ellis https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149171001 As AI becomes more embedded in HR decisions, one question continues to surface. Can employees trust how these tools are being used? In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Torin Ellis, Founder of Ngoma, LLC, to explore the role trust plays as AI reshapes hiring, talent decisions, and workforce management. Together, they examine how technology can either reinforce inequity or help organizations rebuild confidence with their people, depending on how it is designed and governed. This conversation goes beyond AI hype to focus on accountability, transparency, and leadership responsibility. What happens when automation influences decisions about people, and how should HR leaders think about fairness, bias, and communication in an AI-enabled workplace? If you are an HR leader navigating AI adoption while trying to maintain credibility and trust with your workforce, this episode offers a grounded and timely perspective.   🔑 Topics Covered - Why trust is the biggest risk in AI-enabled HR - How AI can reinforce or reduce bias in talent decisions - The role of transparency in rebuilding employee confidence - What HR leaders must own when deploying AI tools - Aligning technology decisions with organizational values   👤 Guest Bio: Torin Ellis Torin Ellis is the Founder of Ngoma, LLC, a talent advisory firm focused on helping organizations build equitable, inclusive, and sustainable workforce strategies. A trusted advisor and speaker, Torin is known for his candid perspectives on leadership, technology, and the systems that shape access and opportunity at work. 🔗 Connect with Torin Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/ 🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu   🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader thinking about AI, trust, and accountability in the workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:10:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network As AI becomes more embedded in HR decisions, one question continues to surface. Can employees trust how these tools are being used? In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Torin Ellis, Founder of Ngoma, LLC, to explore the role trust plays as AI reshapes hiring, talent decisions, and workforce management. Together, they examine how technology can either reinforce inequity or help organizations rebuild confidence with their people, depending on how it is designed and governed. This conversation goes beyond AI hype to focus on accountability, transparency, and leadership responsibility. What happens when automation influences decisions about people, and how should HR leaders think about fairness, bias, and communication in an AI-enabled workplace? If you are an HR leader navigating AI adoption while trying to maintain credibility and trust with your workforce, this episode offers a grounded and timely perspective.   🔑 Topics Covered - Why trust is the biggest risk in AI-enabled HR - How AI can reinforce or reduce bias in talent decisions - The role of transparency in rebuilding employee confidence - What HR leaders must own when deploying AI tools - Aligning technology decisions with organizational values   👤 Guest Bio: Torin Ellis Torin Ellis is the Founder of Ngoma, LLC, a talent advisory firm focused on helping organizations build equitable, inclusive, and sustainable workforce strategies. A trusted advisor and speaker, Torin is known for his candid perspectives on leadership, technology, and the systems that shape access and opportunity at work. 🔗 Connect with Torin Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/ 🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu   🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader thinking about AI, trust, and accountability in the workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  As AI becomes more embedded in HR decisions, one question continues to surface. Can employees trust how these tools are being used?

In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Torin Ellis, Founder of Ngoma, LLC, to explore the role trust plays as AI reshapes hiring, talent decisions, and workforce management. Together, they examine how technology can either reinforce inequity or help organizations rebuild confidence with their people, depending on how it is designed and governed. This conversation goes beyond AI hype to focus on accountability, transparency, and leadership responsibility. What happens when automation influences decisions about people, and how should HR leaders think about fairness, bias, and communication in an AI-enabled workplace?

If you are an HR leader navigating AI adoption while trying to maintain credibility and trust with your workforce, this episode offers a grounded and timely perspective.

 

🔑 Topics Covered

- Why trust is the biggest risk in AI-enabled HR

- How AI can reinforce or reduce bias in talent decisions

- The role of transparency in rebuilding employee confidence

- What HR leaders must own when deploying AI tools

- Aligning technology decisions with organizational values

 

👤 Guest Bio: Torin Ellis

Torin Ellis is the Founder of Ngoma, LLC, a talent advisory firm focused on helping organizations build equitable, inclusive, and sustainable workforce strategies. A trusted advisor and speaker, Torin is known for his candid perspectives on leadership, technology, and the systems that shape access and opportunity at work.

🔗 Connect with Torin Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/

🔗 Resources & Links

Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com

HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/

Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com

The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu

 

🎧 Call to Action

If you are an HR leader thinking about AI, trust, and accountability in the workplace, Joey’s HR Lounge is where these conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership.

👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com 

]]> 2048 no Empowering HR Through Automation: What Leaders Need to Know w/David Creelman https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149171000 Automation is no longer a future-state conversation in HR. It is already reshaping how work gets done, how decisions are made, and how HR teams show up for the business. In this episode, Joey Price is joined by David Creelman to explore the real shift happening as HR moves toward greater automation. Together, they unpack what automation actually means for HR leaders today, where organizations get it wrong, and how to balance efficiency with the human side of work. This conversation moves beyond hype to focus on practical implications. What should HR automate, what should remain human-led, and how can leaders avoid turning automation into just another layer of complexity? If you are an HR leader navigating AI, workflow automation, and increasing expectations to do more with less, this episode offers grounded insight and perspective. 🔑 Topics Covered - What automation really means for modern HR teams - Where HR leaders overestimate or underestimate automation’s impact - The risks of automating without redesigning work - How automation changes HR capability and influence - Balancing efficiency, judgment, and the human experience   👤 Guest Bio: David Creelman David Creelman is a globally respected HR thought leader, advisor, and researcher with decades of experience helping organizations understand workforce trends, HR technology, and the future of work. He is known for his practical, research-backed perspectives on how HR can evolve without losing its human core. 🔗 Connect with David Creelman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcreelman/   🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu   🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader trying to make sense of automation, AI, and growing expectations from the business, Joey’s HR Lounge is where the conversation continues. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, explore research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:21:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network Automation is no longer a future-state conversation in HR. It is already reshaping how work gets done, how decisions are made, and how HR teams show up for the business. In this episode, Joey Price is joined by David Creelman to explore the real shift happening as HR moves toward greater automation. Together, they unpack what automation actually means for HR leaders today, where organizations get it wrong, and how to balance efficiency with the human side of work. This conversation moves beyond hype to focus on practical implications. What should HR automate, what should remain human-led, and how can leaders avoid turning automation into just another layer of complexity? If you are an HR leader navigating AI, workflow automation, and increasing expectations to do more with less, this episode offers grounded insight and perspective. 🔑 Topics Covered - What automation really means for modern HR teams - Where HR leaders overestimate or underestimate automation’s impact - The risks of automating without redesigning work - How automation changes HR capability and influence - Balancing efficiency, judgment, and the human experience   👤 Guest Bio: David Creelman David Creelman is a globally respected HR thought leader, advisor, and researcher with decades of experience helping organizations understand workforce trends, HR technology, and the future of work. He is known for his practical, research-backed perspectives on how HR can evolve without losing its human core. 🔗 Connect with David Creelman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcreelman/   🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu   🎧 Call to Action If you are an HR leader trying to make sense of automation, AI, and growing expectations from the business, Joey’s HR Lounge is where the conversation continues. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, explore research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership. 👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  Automation is no longer a future-state conversation in HR. It is already reshaping how work gets done, how decisions are made, and how HR teams show up for the business. In this episode, Joey Price is joined by David Creelman to explore the real shift happening as HR moves toward greater automation. Together, they unpack what automation actually means for HR leaders today, where organizations get it wrong, and how to balance efficiency with the human side of work.

This conversation moves beyond hype to focus on practical implications. What should HR automate, what should remain human-led, and how can leaders avoid turning automation into just another layer of complexity? If you are an HR leader navigating AI, workflow automation, and increasing expectations to do more with less, this episode offers grounded insight and perspective.

🔑 Topics Covered

- What automation really means for modern HR teams

- Where HR leaders overestimate or underestimate automation’s impact

- The risks of automating without redesigning work

- How automation changes HR capability and influence

- Balancing efficiency, judgment, and the human experience

 

👤 Guest Bio: David Creelman

David Creelman is a globally respected HR thought leader, advisor, and researcher with decades of experience helping organizations understand workforce trends, HR technology, and the future of work. He is known for his practical, research-backed perspectives on how HR can evolve without losing its human core.

🔗 Connect with David Creelman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcreelman/

 

🔗 Resources & Links

Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com

HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/

Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com

The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu

 

🎧 Call to Action

If you are an HR leader trying to make sense of automation, AI, and growing expectations from the business, Joey’s HR Lounge is where the conversation continues. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, explore research-driven insights, and engage in honest conversations about the future of HR, technology, and leadership.

👉 Learn more and join at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com 

]]> 2040 no Unpacking The Latest HR Compliance Technology Trends w/Jumpstart HR's Tami Nutt https://www.joeyshrlounge.com/podcasts/joey-s-hr-lounge-where-hr-thinks-out-loud/episodes/2149170998 HR technology decisions are no longer just system upgrades. They are leadership decisions that shape culture, compliance, and trust at work. And at the same time, HR Compliance technology is in a footrace to keep up with the latest changes to labor laws like AI, tax, payroll and more. In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Tami Nutt to explore how HR leaders can better bridge people strategy and technology. Together, they unpack why so many HR tech investments fall short, how buyer behavior has changed, and what HR teams should prioritize when evaluating tools in today’s market. From compliance platforms to AI-enabled workforce systems, this conversation offers practical guidance for HR leaders who want technology that actually works for their people, not against them. Whether you are an HR practitioner, business leader, or HR technology provider, this episode will help you rethink how technology decisions are made and sustained.   🔑 Topics Covered - Why HR tech implementations often fail after purchase - The growing compliance and governance burden on HR teams - How HR leaders should evaluate technology beyond feature lists - Buyer behavior trends shaping the HR tech market - What it really means to align HR strategy with technology   👤 Guest Bio: Tami Nutt Tami Nutt is a respected HR technology leader with deep experience helping organizations navigate HR systems, compliance requirements, and workforce technology strategy. She brings a practitioner-informed perspective on what HR teams actually need from technology to drive adoption, reduce risk, and create real operational value. 🔗 Connect with Tami on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taminutt/ 🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community for Senior HR Professionals): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu Connect with Tami Nutt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taminutt/   🎧 Add Your Voice To The Conversation: If you’re an HR leader navigating technology decisions, compliance pressure, and growing expectations from your business, Joey’s HR Lounge is where those conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and participate in honest, practitioner-led conversations about what’s really working in HR today. 👉 Learn more and join the community at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:21:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network HR technology decisions are no longer just system upgrades. They are leadership decisions that shape culture, compliance, and trust at work. And at the same time, HR Compliance technology is in a footrace to keep up with the latest changes to labor laws like AI, tax, payroll and more. In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Tami Nutt to explore how HR leaders can better bridge people strategy and technology. Together, they unpack why so many HR tech investments fall short, how buyer behavior has changed, and what HR teams should prioritize when evaluating tools in today’s market. From compliance platforms to AI-enabled workforce systems, this conversation offers practical guidance for HR leaders who want technology that actually works for their people, not against them. Whether you are an HR practitioner, business leader, or HR technology provider, this episode will help you rethink how technology decisions are made and sustained.   🔑 Topics Covered - Why HR tech implementations often fail after purchase - The growing compliance and governance burden on HR teams - How HR leaders should evaluate technology beyond feature lists - Buyer behavior trends shaping the HR tech market - What it really means to align HR strategy with technology   👤 Guest Bio: Tami Nutt Tami Nutt is a respected HR technology leader with deep experience helping organizations navigate HR systems, compliance requirements, and workforce technology strategy. She brings a practitioner-informed perspective on what HR teams actually need from technology to drive adoption, reduce risk, and create real operational value. 🔗 Connect with Tami on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taminutt/ 🔗 Resources & Links Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community for Senior HR Professionals): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/ Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu Connect with Tami Nutt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taminutt/   🎧 Add Your Voice To The Conversation: If you’re an HR leader navigating technology decisions, compliance pressure, and growing expectations from your business, Joey’s HR Lounge is where those conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and participate in honest, practitioner-led conversations about what’s really working in HR today. 👉 Learn more and join the community at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com  HR technology decisions are no longer just system upgrades. They are leadership decisions that shape culture, compliance, and trust at work. And at the same time, HR Compliance technology is in a footrace to keep up with the latest changes to labor laws like AI, tax, payroll and more. In this episode, Joey Price is joined by Tami Nutt to explore how HR leaders can better bridge people strategy and technology. Together, they unpack why so many HR tech investments fall short, how buyer behavior has changed, and what HR teams should prioritize when evaluating tools in today’s market. From compliance platforms to AI-enabled workforce systems, this conversation offers practical guidance for HR leaders who want technology that actually works for their people, not against them. Whether you are an HR practitioner, business leader, or HR technology provider, this episode will help you rethink how technology decisions are made and sustained.

 

🔑 Topics Covered

- Why HR tech implementations often fail after purchase

- The growing compliance and governance burden on HR teams

- How HR leaders should evaluate technology beyond feature lists

- Buyer behavior trends shaping the HR tech market - What it really means to align HR strategy with technology

 

👤 Guest Bio:

Tami Nutt

Tami Nutt is a respected HR technology leader with deep experience helping organizations navigate HR systems, compliance requirements, and workforce technology strategy. She brings a practitioner-informed perspective on what HR teams actually need from technology to drive adoption, reduce risk, and create real operational value.

🔗 Connect with Tami on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taminutt/

🔗 Resources & Links

Joey’s HR Lounge (Podcast & Community for Senior HR Professionals): https://www.joeyshrlounge.com

HR Compliance Technology Category Guide: https://jumpstart-hr.com/hr-compliance-technology-category-guide-aspect43-hr-technology-research/

Jumpstart HR: https://www.jumpstart-hr.com

The Power of HR (Book): https://amzn.to/4kXdVVu

Connect with Tami Nutt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taminutt/

 

🎧 Add Your Voice To The Conversation: If you’re an HR leader navigating technology decisions, compliance pressure, and growing expectations from your business, Joey’s HR Lounge is where those conversations continue. Join the Joey’s HR Lounge community as a founding member to connect with senior HR peers, access research-driven insights, and participate in honest, practitioner-led conversations about what’s really working in HR today.

👉 Learn more and join the community at Joey’s HR Lounge: https://www.joeyshrlounge.com 

]]> 2243 no