Already set goals at the end of last year or still figuring things out now? Either way, this is your reminder that it’s not too late to do this well.

I’m sharing the three biggest things I’ve learned about goals over the years, pulled straight from the process I use myself and the goal guide I created, because the how matters just as much as the what. We start with reflection (yes, even if the year was messy), then zoom out using both structured and big-picture thinking so you can actually see what you want more of and less of in your life.

And finally, we get practical by connecting goals to the habits that make them real, because visions don’t happen without systems. If you want your goals to feel grounded, meaningful, and actually doable this year, this episode will help you reset without starting over.

Key Takeaways:

Don’t just set goals. Pause first and reflect on the wins, challenges, and lessons from your past year.

Combine structured thinking with big-picture dreaming to see your life clearly across all areas.

Your goals are only as strong as the habits and systems that support them.

Small, intentional actions can create domino effects that transform multiple areas of your life.

Experiment with your goals and habits. There’s no single “perfect” way, just what works for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:17 The step most people miss that changes everything

06:04 See your life in new ways to plan better

10:15 Habits that actually make big goals possible

13:35 Experiment and create a system that sticks

Resources Mentioned:

Download the 2026 Goal Guide

Get Fresh Blueprints for Thought

Connect with Me:

Instagram

LinkedIn

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

If you think HR is just about hiring and firing, think again, this episode flips that whole idea on its head.

I sit down with Bobby Conley, a seasoned HR leader, to talk about the shift from traditional “old HR” to a strategic, proactive “new HR.” Bobby explains that HR transformation can take many forms, like updating processes, technology, and talent, depending on an organization’s size and maturity, often driven by leadership changes or mergers and acquisitions. He busts common misconceptions about HR being purely administrative and shows how modern HR professionals act as strategic business partners, using data to drive business performance and culture.

We dive into the future of work, exploring how AI will increase productivity, especially in talent acquisition, while HR leaders navigate bias, legal considerations, and the need to reskill employees to integrate AI effectively. Bobby also emphasizes that change, though sometimes uncomfortable, is where the most growth happens, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning, ultimately framing HR as both a guide through organizational transformation and a champion of human adaptability in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Key Takeaways:

Modern HR is a strategic partner driving performance and culture, not just administrative tasks.

HR transformation varies by company size, maturity, and often follows leadership changes or mergers.

AI boosts productivity, especially in talent acquisition, but HR must manage bias, legal risks, and reskill employees.

Transparency and guardrails are crucial for adopting AI while keeping humans central.

Data-savvy HR professionals can shape strategic decisions and support organizational goals.

AI and technology augment roles, letting employees focus on higher-value work.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:08 What is an HR transformation? & why it matters

02:42 Old HR vs. New HR

05:15 If only people knew this about HR

06:32 Common roadblocks holding back HR departments

08:55 The future of work: AI’s role in Human Resources

13:16 Tips on how to get started with AI

14:17 How to integrate change and keep humans at the center

19:59 Advice for leveling up in your career and business

23:37 Wrap-Up

Connect with Bobby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyconley/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.