Human Resources For Small Business

It’s all in the name of growth, and sometimes the only way to grow is to challenge the status quo. This episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast features guest Lilith Christiansen, Chief Strategy and Product Officer of SilkRoad Technology, and her reflections on the transformative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on unsuspecting businesses. There’s no doubt that the pandemic exposed workplace weaknesses, but what better response than to learn from the challenge? Listen to learn how you can make the right changes for the future of your business, no matter what obstacle arises next. TAKEAWAYS: If we want to be the best business leaders we can be, we must reflect on the weaknesses that the pandemic exposed and learn how to remedy them. Employees across the board reported that the pandemic resulted in a significant increase in job responsibilities. Employees stated that role confusion and unanswered questions were also common in the weeks and months following the onset of the pandemic.  Despite the many c

In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws talks with Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications and the Workplace Wellness Insider. They dig deep into COVID-19’s effects on important issues like mental health, workplace connection, and the employee-employer alignment of values. Wondering what changes are coming? Tune in to learn what new workplace developments are right around the corner. TAKEAWAYS: COVID-19 has a silver lining: it has effectively destigmatized open discussion of mental health. In the post-COVID era, employees will expect employers to allow them to cultivate a healthy work-life balance. Employees want to work for an organization that has values that align with their own.  The future of the workplace includes a hybrid model that incorporates in-person collaboration and at-home individual projects. ABOUT THE GUEST: Diane Schwartz is the Chief Executive Officer of Ragan Communications, a media event company, and Ragan's Workplace Wellness Insider, “an online public

What if there were time-tested methods that could help us truly maximize our time? According to Karen Leland, President of Sterling Consulting and Marketing Group, it’s possible to get the most out of the day as long as we’re willing to make some simple changes. Author of her new book, No Nonsense: Time Management: 50 Tips to Hack Your Time and Get Everything Done, Karen gives podcast listeners the scoop on time management techniques that will truly make a difference. Takeaways: Most of us aren’t conscious of the many ways in which we waste our time, and we don’t see the consequences either. One way to realize better time-management is to take stock of where your time is spent; keeping track and labeling your activities will show you where your priorities are. Working toward a goal isn’t always “sexy” work; sometimes it means committing to completing mundane tasks until you see progress. Narrow your to-do list down to two achievable priority items so that you don’t end up overwhelmed by a list of unattainab

Xenium’s own Nicole Blevins gives listeners a glimpse into workplace mediation. Among her varied HR-oriented skills and extensive experience, Nicole recently added a mediation certification to her repertoire. From an outline of the process itself to the challenges that come with workplace conflict, Nicole is excited to share her new knowledge and experience with the Transform Your Workplace audience. Takeaways: An effective mediator asks open-ended questions that facilitate conversation. Listening skills and empathy are critical to resolving conflict, even when it seems like the situation is “too far gone.” Ideally, mediation should be implemented in the early stages of a conflict before it blows up. GUEST AT A GLANCE Today’s guest is Nicole Blevins, an avid Transform Your Workplace podcast listener who ended up moving from Florida to Oregon to pursue her career at Xenium HR. Among her varied HR-oriented skills and extensive experience, Nicole recently added a workplace mediation certification to her repert

In this eye-opening episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Lars Schmidt — HR advocate, podcast host, and founder of Amplify — brings a fresh approach to the HR status quo. Lars discusses some of the topics found in his book, including challenging “legacy HR” practices and proposing a shifting of perspective when it comes to our people, our teams, and business as a whole. Takeaways: HR grows and changes with the times. To become better and more effective, we must learn from those who are getting it right. HR Open Source is an invaluable growing resource that will help HR teams boost efficiency. We can’t afford to let the concept of “culture fit” keep us from hiring candidates that will challenge and grow us. We need to rethink the once-a-year performance evaluation. In an ever-changing business environment, employees need frequent, ongoing support and feedback. About the Guest: Lars Schmidt — HR advocate, podcast host, and founder of Amplify— is the author of the 2021 book, Redefining HR: Transform

Barbara Rea knows how to build businesses. From her experience leading the ultimately successful startup of BKM Capital Partners to her determination to launch her own advisory company during a global pandemic, Barbara Rea has a track record for results. In today’s episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Barbara reflects on her years of business experience, from the highs to the lows. She offers invaluable advice to current business leaders and those who want to embark on building a new business.  Takeaways: To entice top talent, you’ve got to show them that they will be a part of something bigger than themselves. People are critical to the success of any business. They must be bought-in and given the tools to succeed. When starting a business, you have a blank slate. Decide who you want to be and then “make it true.” Your employees are trusting you with their careers, so you must lead them well. GUEST AT A GLANCE Today’s podcast features an interview with Barbara Rea, an expert coach and advisor p

In this episode, Laurie Ruettiman — entrepreneur, speaker, HR expert, and author of Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career — looks back on the many career and general life lessons she’s learned over the years. From her own personal obstacles to those of inspiring colleagues, Laurie shares a story for virtually any workplace woe. She also dives into the content of her recently published book. Takeaways: Our careers aren’t everything. We must pursue our passions outside of the workplace to find fulfillment in all areas of our lives. To make any monumental change, preparation is key.  If you have to dial work back to find fulfillment, then do it. GUEST AT A GLANCE Laurie Ruettimann is an entrepreneur, renowned speaker, HR expert, and now the author of her 2021 book, Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career. Laurie is passionate about empowering others to find fulfillment both within and outside of the workplace.  A QUICK GL

It’s the little things that make the difference. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Thalma Lobel, author, psychologist, and expert in human behavior, shares methods for improving your day-to-day in the office. Get insight into the small changes you can make to have an immediate impact on your productivity, no matter where you work.   About the Guest, Thalma Lobel: Thalma E. Lobel is an internationally recognized psychologist and expert on human behavior. A former chair at the School of Psychological Sciences at Tel Aviv University and director of the Adler Center for Child Development and Psychotherapy, she has been a visiting professor at Harvard University and a visiting scholar at Tufts University, the University of California at San Diego, and New York University. Her previous book, Sensation: The New Science of Physical Intelligence, was published in 15 countries. Her new book is Whatever Works: The Small Cues That Make a Surprising Difference in Our Success at Work—and How to Crea

Does a fulfilling and meaningful career seem like a pipedream? Are you disengaged at work, desperately awaiting Friday and then dreading the next impending workweek? In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Carson Tate, business coach and consultant, about the topic of employee disengagement. As it turns out, it is possible for us to find fulfillment at work. Listen to find out how. Takeaways: To engage at work, we must know that we are being heard and understood and that our needs are being met.  We must “get clear” about what we need from our place of work. Those who love their jobs are self-aware — they know what their strengths are, what they need from their employer, and that they have the power to ask for it.  GUEST AT A GLANCE Carson Tate, a best-selling author, consultant, and business coach, is all about helping organizations develop leaders, engage teams, and elevate performance. Her latest book, Own It, Love It, Make It Work: How to Make Any Job Your Dream

In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, brand industry experts Bryan Adams and Charlotte Marshall discuss the topic of their new book, Give & Get Employer Branding: Repel the Many and Compel the Few with Impact, Purpose and Belonging. The two discuss their revolutionary approach that helps brands attract incredible talent while repelling candidates who aren’t the right fit. Takeaways: The premise of Give & Get branding is that you have to be comfortable and confident with the fact that your workplace isn't for everybody.  The traditional employer branding model is a one-way value exchange, but the Give & Get methodology places expectations on the candidate in exchange for employer offers like benefits, salary, and opportunities.  Storytelling is an essential aspect of your EVP. Candidates need to be able to envision themselves as a part of your story. There are three fundamental aspects of employer brand and EVP: purpose, impact, and belonging. GUEST AT A GLANCE Bryan Adams, CEO

Brandon Laws sits down with Victoria Dew, Founder of Dewpoint Communications, to discuss research findings detailed in the recent Insights Report, The New Rules of Employee Experience  and Communication in Late 2020 and Beyond. In this podcast episode, Victoria provides employers with a fresh perspective on how the pandemic has changed the working world, especially when it comes to employee communication and engagement. Victoria offers her report findings along with 15 years of internal communications experience across various industries, all so that she can help business leaders improve their employee experience. Takeaways: The global pandemic forced business leaders to realize the importance of employee engagement. The people stuff is critical to the success of any corporation, especially when the unexpected forces business leaders to depend on a remote team. The workplace is no longer a place, but rather a state. This forces corporations to rethink employee motivation and engagement. Businesses can expect

This episode contains simple strategies for finding peace and gratitude amidst the chaos of working from home. With the unexpected arrival of COVID-19, many of us were sent home to work, where we have to try to be productive despite challenges like homeschooling our kids, managing our work schedules, and navigating neverending remote work obstacles. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Cindy Baker, a career and small business coach, about how to approach your new normal as a work-from-home employee. The author of a new self-help book, Rockin’ Life From Home, Cindy is passionate about passing on the knowledge she’s gleaned over years of working from home to the Transform Your Workplace listeners. Takeaways: An approach of gratitude is cultivated by making choices, each and every day, to notice and appreciate the small things. Being intentional about journaling and list-making can bring clarity to your thoughts and your workday. Remaining flexible and being willing t

Andy Storch, a talent development connector, consultant, motivational speaker, podcast host, and recently published author, offers advice for how to stop operating in reaction mode and start taking ownership of your career. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws and Andy Storch dive into the topics discussed in Andy’s first book, Own Your Career, Own Your Life. Own Your Career, Own Your Life. Through his wide-ranging experience, challenges, and victories, Andy aspires to help others “get the absolute most” out of their personal and professional lives. Takeaways: To take ownership of your career, you must take responsibility and action despite challenges. Owning your career begins with genuine reflection on what you’ve been prioritizing and what you value. Change is inevitable, so you need to be flexible with your career plan and goals. A personal brand is critical to your future success. Comparing yourself to others is futile; we are all on our own unique journey. GUEST AT A G

It’s time to get proactive so that we can navigate these unprecedented times without drowning in fear, uncertainty, and negativity. After all, if we don’t prioritize mental health, we will struggle to lead and serve others effectively in every area of our lives. In this episode, Emily Elrod and Brandon Laws offer their go-to tips and techniques for self-care during the current health crisis. By prioritizing their own emotional health, listeners can find clarity and peace in their personal lives and better productivity in the workplace.  Takeaways: If we don’t get proactive, our negative thoughts will control our emotions and, ultimately, our behaviors. Prioritizing self-care is critical to our success and happiness not only in the workplace but in our personal lives as well. We can care for ourselves by reading, meditating, and finding what “fills up our cup.” Showing gratitude encourages others while also fulfilling the one who gives it away. GUEST AT A GLANCE   Emily Elrod is a corporate consultant for Wo

The thing about leadership is it's hard to explain, but when you're in the midst of good leadership, everyone in the room can see it and feel it. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, guest Chance Stewart defines effective servant leadership and gives real and raw advice about how to know whether you’re actually leading or you’re simply “in charge.” The goal of this podcast: to do away with our preconceived notions and learn how to lead with love. Takeaways: Just because one holds a position of authority, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is an effective leader. Authoritarian leaders may be missing the point by trying to manipulate teams into doing what they want instead of focusing on what the team needs. A genuine leader needs to be someone worth following. Leading with love means valuing relationships with those who follow you. Some of the best leaders don’t hold an “official” position of authority. GUEST AT A GLANCE Chance Stewart’s leading-with-love approach is informed by

When it comes to workplace obstacles, awareness is the first step to overcoming them. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws talks with leadership author, expert and consultant, Errol Doebler, who provides thoughtful leadership anecdotes and guidance for listeners. From his time as a Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent to his current work as a leadership consultant, Errol shares commonalities in the path toward effective leadership, including recognition of challenges and changes to team behavior. Takeaways: Awareness is the first step toward cultivating effective leadership. Behavior, not ideas, drives performance. If we want to see a change in culture, we must first address the behaviors that hinder. Leaders must establish clear expectations before they can hold a team accountable for undesired behavior. A detailed process is critical for true transformation. GUEST AT A GLANCE This episode’s guest, Errol Doebler, is a man of many skills and much experience. From his time as a Na

In this episode of the “Transform Your Workplace” podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Brett Cooper and Evans Kerrigan, authors of Solving the People Problem, about how to build positive and effective workplace relationships. Co-founders of Integris Performance Advisors, a firm specializing in employee engagement and efficiency, Brett and Evan tackle the topics that all organizations grapple with daily. They also provide valuable insight and resources that help teams boost morale and increase productivity. Takeaways: The “people problem” is our struggle to work effectively with others in the workplace. We must first become self-aware, and then we can seek to understand our colleagues’ perspectives, approaches, strengths, and habits. Soft skills like empathy, resilience, and the ability to work with a team are critical in today’s changing workforce. Specific language is needed to effectively talk about emotional intelligence --- with common terminology, we can understand each other. When feedback becomes an expec

In this episode, Charlotte Wiseman recounts her experience with workplace burnout and her eventual path to mental fitness. After years of work and study on the topic of healthy work-life balance, Charlotte decided to make a career of helping others with their own similar struggles, eventually founding a consulting firm of her own. Through her discussion with Brandon Laws, Charlotte redefines self-care and provides insight for the “Transform Your Workplace” audience so that they can experience genuine, long-lasting fulfillment in their careers. Takeaways: Workplace burnout is classified by a sense of exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. The switch to remote work can increase your odds of burnout. Work can be a problem, but a healthy approach to work can be a part of the solution. Prioritizing self-care is critical to a healthy work-life balance.   GUEST AT A GLANCE  Charlotte Wiseman knows what it means to be exhausted by the intensity and expectations of her career. About 10 years ago, she found herself on

Want to bridge the communication gap between your team members? If so, join Brandon Laws as he and his guest dive into the critical topic of workplace communication, a key component to the success of any team. In this episode, Alissa Carpenter, multigenerational workplace expert and author, discusses tips and methods for open communication that will ultimately build a culture of inclusivity and the freedom to share ideas. A few takeaways: Identifying employee strengths can be the key to helping your team feel heard and valued. Diversity and inclusion are just words unless leaders make room for each voice at the table. Employees must feel safe in sharing their ideas.  Be cognizant of your go-to, knee-jerk responses, and be open to innovation even if it’s uncomfortable. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

We all just want to have fun… but is the workplace really the right setting? In this unique episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws gets the lowdown on the benefits of a playful workplace. His guest, Paul Lopushinsky, is a workplace play advocate and the founder of Playficient, a consulting company dedicated to helping companies invest in their employees. Even though it may have a bad wrap, Paul insists that when workplace play is implemented correctly, it can have a significant impact on productivity, morale, and the overall employee experience.  4 Takeaways: A bottom-up approach is ideal when it comes to creating a playful workplace environment. Play in the workplace leads to a boost in employee morale, productivity, and retention. Companies should be wary of implementing “forced fun” or “mandated play.” A buddy system can be an effective tool in facilitating playfulness at work. LEARN MORE If you want to learn more about Paul Lopushinsky’s ideas about play or learn about your play personality,