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HR Mixtape

HR Mixtape

Written by: WRKdefined Podcast Network
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 HR Mixtape is a weekly human resources and business leadership podcast for HR professionals, people leaders, and executives navigating the real work of managing people. Episodes cover human resources strategy, HR compliance, workplace culture, leadership development, employee experience, payroll and HR technology, and the future of work. Whether you work in HR, talent management, people operations, or business leadership, HR Mixtape offers practical insights, expert conversations, and real-world perspectives to help you lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace.All rights reserved by WRKdefined Careers Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • Beyond the Stereotypes: Helping Gen Z and Every Generation Thrive Together

    Beyond the Stereotypes: Helping Gen Z and Every Generation Thrive Together
    Apr 23 2026
    In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Meghan Grace, consultant at the Institute for Generational Research and Education, about the challenges and opportunities of working with multiple generations in the workplace. They discuss how to address common misconceptions about Gen Z and the importance of creating inclusive environments that foster collaboration. Listeners will learn practical strategies to enhance team dynamics and improve communication across age groups. • Understand the root causes of generational misunderstandings in the workplace. • Recognize the importance of listening to younger employees without creating a power dynamic. • Implement informal check-ins to build rapport and trust among team members. • Encourage mentorship and reverse mentorship to facilitate knowledge sharing. • Create a culture that values transparency and accountability in organizational practices. 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode 00:59 -- Meghan's background and experience 02:28 -- Common misconceptions about Gen Z 04:44 -- Creating inclusive work environments 06:05 -- Designing for different generational preferences 08:18 -- Key elements for effective communication 10:03 -- Trust and safety in the workplace 12:05 -- Importance of human connection at work 14:00 -- Marketing workplace culture to Gen Z 16:21 -- Listening to employees without bias 17:36 -- Speeding up collaboration in teams 19:56 -- Practical advice for team meetings Guest(s): Meghan Grace is a consultant at the Institute for Generational Research and Education. She specializes in helping leaders understand generational dynamics in the workplace without relying on stereotypes. Meghan has conducted research on Gen Z and their impact on the workforce. Keywords: generational dynamics, workplace collaboration, Gen Z misconceptions, inclusive work environments, mentorship strategies, employee engagement, communication styles, workplace culture, listening skills, team dynamics
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    22 mins
  • Small Business HR Practices: Insights for Leaders in Small Companies

    Small Business HR Practices: Insights for Leaders in Small Companies
    Apr 21 2026
    In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Christy Engler about the unique HR challenges faced by small businesses and how to address them effectively. Listeners will learn why even small organizations need robust HR practices, the importance of having a solid foundation in HR, and how to foster a positive workplace culture while remaining compliant with laws. By the end of the episode, you will understand actionable steps to enhance your HR strategy and support your organization’s growth. • Small businesses need to prioritize HR even with few employees. • Establishing a strong HR foundation is crucial for success. • Outsourcing payroll and benefits can save time and resources. • Engaging with local communities can enhance recruitment efforts. • Building a network of HR peers provides valuable support. 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode 00:33 -- Christy's passion for small business HR 01:48 -- Unique HR challenges in small businesses 02:21 -- Importance of addressing people problems quickly 04:27 -- Common myths about HR in small businesses 05:24 -- The need for HR even in small teams 06:02 -- Foundations for effective HR practices 07:10 -- Changing the narrative around HR policies 09:00 -- Automations for small HR teams 10:57 -- The role of brokers in HR support 12:23 -- Utilizing HR communities for resources 13:24 -- Common mistakes small businesses make 15:16 -- Competing for talent in small businesses 17:08 -- First steps for new HR leaders 19:00 -- Encouragement for HR professionals Guest(s): Christy Engler, Owner of New Day HR. She provides practical HR solutions for small and growing businesses. With over 20 years of experience in small business HR, she focuses on helping organizations protect their people and reduce risk. Keywords: HR practices, small business HR, employee engagement, HR foundations, outsourcing payroll, recruitment strategies, HR community support, small business challenges, compliance in HR, building workplace culture
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    20 mins
  • Improving Succession Planning: Why it Feels like a Fire Drill and How to Fix It

    Improving Succession Planning: Why it Feels like a Fire Drill and How to Fix It
    Apr 16 2026
    In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson talks with Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys, about the challenges of succession planning in organizations. They discuss how to shift the perception of succession planning from a reactive process to a proactive strategy that involves all levels of the organization. Listeners will learn practical steps to identify critical roles, engage employees in the process, and create a culture of shared responsibility for leadership development. Understand the difference between succession planning and replacement planning. Identify critical roles that impact organizational success. Implement a committee approach to succession planning. Normalize conversations about succession planning within teams. Develop a common language to discuss succession planning effectively. 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest 00:30 -- Importance of proactive succession planning 01:05 -- Personal story that sparked passion for succession planning 02:25 -- Difference between succession planning and replacement planning 04:03 -- Basketball analogy for succession planning 05:14 -- Limitations of focusing on high-level positions 07:03 -- Identifying critical roles in organizations 08:49 -- Committee approach to succession planning 10:29 -- Peer recognition in succession planning 11:24 -- Overcoming ego and turf wars in leadership 12:43 -- Common language for succession planning discussions 14:02 -- HR's role versus business leaders' responsibilities 15:02 -- Engaging employees in succession planning 16:20 -- Handling employees who are not interested in advancement 18:05 -- Ensuring fairness and equity in succession planning 20:04 -- Final thoughts and actionable question for leaders Guest: Megan Leasher, founder of Disruptive Journeys. She helps organizations strengthen leadership pipelines and develop intentional succession strategies. With extensive experience in leadership development, Megan focuses on creating proactive approaches to succession planning that involve all levels of an organization. Keywords: succession planning, leadership development, employee engagement, critical roles, committee approach, organizational culture, skills development, HR responsibilities, workforce planning, talent management
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    22 mins
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