Most companies do not have a people problem. They have a manager problem. The two look similar on the surface. Communication breaks down, good employees start going quiet, turnover creeps up, and senior leaders keep getting pulled back into situations they thought were resolved. The easy explanation is the team. The real one is usually the person running it.

In this episode of People-ing with Purpose, Mary Beth Meadows and Katie Saliba take on one of the most normalized problems in business: the accidental manager. The person who was great at the job, dependable, a high performer, and got promoted because of it. Nobody asked whether they knew how to coach someone through a bad quarter, hold a peer accountable without blowing up the relationship, or let another person take the credit. Those things were just assumed. The hope was that they would figure it out.

They usually do not. What this episode does is make the cost of that assumption visible, give leaders a useful lens for evaluating readiness before the promotion happens, and lay out what new managers actually need in their first weeks and months to have a real shot at leading well. The closing question is one that stings: are we building managers, or are we just naming them?

What You'll Learn:

Mary Beth and Katie discuss:

1. What an accidental manager actually looks like and why promotions based on performance alone are a setup for failure
2. The early warning signs that someone was promoted before they were ready: communication chaos, micromanagement, inconsistent standards, and rising client complaints
3. Why the most competitive high performers can be the worst managers, and what mission shift the role actually requires
4. What bad management costs a business in real terms: turnover, disengagement, litigation risk, and leadership time that never should have been spent there
5. What to evaluate before promoting someone beyond how well they do the job
6. What new managers need in their first weeks: real onboarding, clear expectations, HR basics, and a sounding board they can actually use
7. What senior leaders should be watching for in the first ninety days after a promotion
8. Two questions every leader should be asking about their organization right now
9. How to fix an accidental manager situation, and what to do when the team is large enough that the problem is bigger than one person

If this episode brought a specific manager or team to mind, that probably tells you something worth paying attention to. Share it with a business owner, HR lead, or senior leader in your network who is dealing with a management problem they have not fully named yet. And if your organization is at the point where you need outside support building the kind of people infrastructure that keeps these problems from compounding, visit PREmployerInc.com or PartnerWithExperts.com.

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  • Katie Saliba
  • Mary Beth Meadows

Most businesses are paying for HR. Fewer are getting a return on it. Not because of budget or headcount, but because of how they frame what HR is for. When it’s treated as compliance and administration, that’s what it becomes. When it’s treated as a people infrastructure that drives culture, speed, and decision-making, the whole organization moves differently.

Episode Summary

In this episode of People-ing with Purpose, Mary Beth Meadows and Katie Saliba sit down with Art Kimbrough—longtime CEO, Vistage Florida Chair, client of Personnel Resources for over a decade, and author of the new book Fit for the Fight. Art brings an unusual perspective: ten years as a senior HR executive inside a publicly held company, followed by two decades running his own business. He has lived both sides of the table. The conversation covers where people strategy shows up in business performance, why small and mid-sized business owners keep hitting the same growth ceiling, and the concept Art calls “care-frontation”—a way of building trust and accountability at the same time.

Art’s central argument is plain and direct: without a strong people structure, you don’t have a business. The episode makes the case that HR is not a cost center or an HR police department, but rather an “office of how can we.” When it operates that way, adaptability, execution, and resilience all follow.

Guest Bio

Art Kimbrough is a CEO advisor, Vistage chair, speaker, and author with more than two decades of experience as a business owner and operator. He serves as Group Chair for Vistage Florida's Central Panhandle, working with CEOs and business owners to make better decisions, grow faster, and improve profitability. He is also Chairman and CEO of Overstreet Funeral Group, an investment company that owns and manages funeral homes and cemeteries across the Southeast. His book, Fit for the Fight, focuses on adaptability and resilience under pressure, built around the framework (Acceptance + Action) × Attitude. He is based in the Panama City, Florida and Dothan, Alabama areas.

What You'll Learn

Mary Beth, Katie, and Art discuss:

1. How Art came to understand the real value of HR from both sides: as a senior executive and as a small business owner
2. The Jim Whaley Tires story and the question that reframes how leaders think about training
3. Why leaders ignore HR until they can’t and the ceiling they always hit when they do
4. The shift from HR as the “personnel office” to “HR police” to “office of how can we”
5. Art’s adaptability formula: (Acceptance + Action) × Attitude, and how it translates to business execution
6. What COVID revealed about the relationship between culture and survival
7. Control Data Corporation as a case study in what happens when HR stops enabling managers
8. Care-frontation: what it is, where it comes from, and why trust and accountability have to work together
9. Fit for the Fight: the book Art wrote after surviving throat cancer

If this episode made you think differently about whether HR is a cost center or a business driver at your organization, share it with a founder, operator, or leader in your network who is feeling that pressure right now. For more on HR outsourcing, payroll, compliance, and building people infrastructure that actually scales with your business, visit PREmployerInc.com or PartnerWithExperts.com.

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  • Katie Saliba
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AI is affecting HR by taking over repetitive administrative work, especially in recruiting, screening, scheduling, and basic benefits questions. Matt Barkley argues the real value is not replacing HR professionals. It is giving them more time for coaching, employee support, corrective action, culture, and decisions that still require human judgment.

Episode Summary

AI is getting plenty of attention in HR, but the most useful conversations are the practical ones: Where does it actually help? Where does it create risk? And where does the human side of HR still matter most?

In this episode of People-ing with Purpose, Mary Beth Meadows and Katie Saliba talk with Matt Barkley, Chief Human Resources Officer at Great Southern Wood Preserving, about how AI and HR technology are changing the way companies recruit, screen applicants, answer common questions, and reduce administrative drag.

Matt brings the conversation back to fit. Technology can help companies move faster, but it should be evaluated through the lens of the business, the culture, and the people who will use it. His advice is straightforward: take your time, ask better questions, and make sure the tool supports the way your company actually works.

Guest Bio

Matt Barkley is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Great Southern Wood Preserving, the largest wood-preserving company in the country, with approximately 2,400 team members across 13 states.

Matt has worked in HR for more than 30 years across public and privately held companies. His experience includes HR strategy, talent alignment, systems implementation, employee development, and organizational support. In this episode, he brings a practical operator’s view to the conversation around AI: where it can help, where it can’t, and why HR leaders should protect the human side of the work.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Mary Beth, Katie, and Matt discuss:

• How HR technology has moved the profession away from paper-heavy administrative work
• Why AI is most useful for repetitive and transactional HR tasks
• How AI can improve recruiting, screening, interview scheduling, and candidate experience
• Why leaders should be careful about using AI in employee relations, coaching, corrective action, and sensitive workplace issues
• How to think about bias, data quality, and legal risk when adopting HR technology
• Why company culture should guide technology decisions
• How Great Southern Wood Preserving is using HR technology to reduce time-to-hire
• Why moving fast with AI is less important than choosing tools that fit the business

If this episode made you think differently about AI, HR systems, or the tools your business is considering next, share it with your leadership team.

For more conversations about HR, staffing, leadership, and people strategy, listen to more episodes of People-ing with Purpose.

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• Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:
  • Katie Saliba
  • Mary Beth Meadows

Fulfilling Civic Duty: Servant Leadership with Mark Saliba

Join us for an inspiring episode of People-ing with Purpose, where we explore the concept of servant leadership with none other than Mark Saliba, the current mayor of Dothan, Alabama. With over four decades of business experience and three decades of involvement in local organizations, Mark has dedicated his life to fostering growth, hope, and unity within his community.

Through his unique approach to leadership, Mark shares what it truly means to serve a city, promote collaboration, and make lasting improvements that benefit not just Dothan, but the entire Wiregrass region.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• The Power of Compassionate Listening

Why listening to understand—not just respond—is key to meaningful leadership.

• Finding Common Ground

Discover how uniting people around shared goals drives consensus and collaboration.

• Building a Thriving Community

Learn about the initiatives transforming Dothan and their ripple effects on the region.

• Leadership Through Empowerment

Why great leaders focus on highlighting the success of others rather than the spotlight on themselves.

• Hope and Progress

Mark's insights into how servant leadership and strong community involvement can instill hope and create real change.

• The Role of Emotional Intelligence

How patience, empathy, and understanding lead to healthy consensus-building.

Who is Mark Saliba?

Mark Saliba is a life-long Dothan resident who has dedicated his personal and professional life to the betterment of his community. With an extensive background in business and service on numerous boards, Mark brings unparalleled experience in leadership and civic responsibility to his role as mayor. Whether through initiating regional improvements or guiding critical decisions at key moments, Mark exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is packed with actionable leadership insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice on how to balance civic duty with a vision for progress. Whether you're a community leader, business owner, or simply looking for ways to inspire change in your own neighborhood, Mark’s story will leave you motivated and empowered.

Can’t wait to start? Check out the full episode now and hear firsthand what it takes to fulfill your civic duty and lead with purpose.

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  • Katie Saliba
  • Mary Beth Meadows

Fostering IDEAs, Innovation, and Expansion in the Wiregrass with Lynne Firmin George

On this episode of People-ing with Purpose, we’re excited to welcome Lynne Firmin George, the Director of IDEA Bank at Troy University. Drawing from her extensive experience in sales, service, marketing, and operations, Lynne plays a pivotal role in nurturing student entrepreneurs and driving innovation within the Troy University community.

This episode dives into key insights about entrepreneurship, workplace culture, and the traits needed to thrive in today’s business landscape. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• The Realities of Building a Business

Lynne shares why adaptability, perseverance, and positivity are essential traits for entrepreneurs and how understanding the time investment helps students prepare for the challenges of running a business. Hear why she believes "failure is a data point" and how it drives growth.

• Work Culture and Gen Z in the Workforce

We explore what motivates young professionals, from their need to feel impactful to their desire for meaningful relationships at work. Learn what Gen Z looks for in employers, how they challenge the status quo, and why casual work environments resonate with them.

• The Evolving Definition of Networking

Lynne discusses how networking is less about formal handshakes and more about meaningful conversations and leveraging connections. Hear practical advice on how students and young professionals can build valuable networks through everyday interactions, like advising meetings.

• The Value of Hands-On Experience

Discover how the IDEA Bank connects students with real-world opportunities, particularly graphic design students working with businesses, and why these experiences are unmatched in preparing for future careers.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or curious about how work culture is evolving, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Lynne provides actionable advice for fostering innovation, creating meaningful connections, and building resilience in business.

🎧 Tune in now to learn, grow, and be inspired!

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  • Katie Saliba
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Recruiter’s Playbook: 10 Best Interview Questions to Earn Great Candidates

How much thought do you put into the questions you ask during interviews? For many recruiters and managers, interviewing is rarely something they’ve been formally trained for, even though it’s key to finding top talent. That’s why, in this episode of People-ing with Purpose, we’re sharing insights into how to master your interviews with a systematic approach and effective questions.

We’ll walk you through our top 10 interview questions that go beyond the surface to uncover the potential of every candidate. You’ll learn how to evaluate candidates accurately, identify cultural fit, and reduce costly turnover.

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

• A systematic approach to interviewing: Avoid the common mistake of doing all the talking during an interview. Learn how to structure your interviews to provide actionable insights into a candidate’s potential.
• Standout interview questions:
• “Tell me about yourself”: Uncover a candidate’s comfort level and professional focus while gaining deeper insight into their mindset.
• “Why do you want to leave your current role?”: Identify their ability to frame challenges positively and handle adversity.
• What to look for in answers:
• Reasonable, logical thinking and openness when discussing knowledge gaps.
• Positive framing of past challenges, which speaks to resilience and adaptability.
• Candidates who connect strengths with the role, showcasing alignment and fulfillment opportunities.
• Ensuring compliance: Learn how to craft questions that stay on the right side of the law to avoid violating regulations.
• Gauging cultural fit:
• Understand how a candidate aligns with your organization’s culture through their questions and responses.
• Learn ways to identify their motivation and long-term interest in the role.

Tune into People-ing with Purpose Today!

Whether you’re a recruiter, manager, or entrepreneur, this episode provides actionable strategies to refine your interviewing technique. By learning to ask the right questions, you’ll not only identify superstar talent but also reduce the risk of turnover before hiring even begins.

🎙️ Listen Now! Don’t miss these pro tips for elevating your interviews, finding cultural fits, and hiring exceptional candidates. Tune in to People-ing with Purpose on your favorite podcast platform!

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  • Katie Saliba
  • Mary Beth Meadows

In this engaging episode of People-ing with Purpose, hosts Katie Saliba and Mary Beth Meadows discuss effective strategies for enhancing recruitment processes. They share their professional insights on creating candidate profiles that align with your organization's values and needs while navigating the intricacies of recruiting.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to create an ideal candidate profile that resonates with your organizational culture and objectives.
• Why relying less on lengthy job descriptions can lead to more effective recruiting.
• Key actions to incorporate into your recruiting plan for optimal results.
• Identifying what's must-have, nice-to-have, and unnecessary when crafting job descriptions.
• Simplifying job descriptions to attract the right talent.
• The importance of incorporating behavioral-based questions in interviews to uncover candidate potential.
• Strategies for identifying detail-oriented candidates who can independently correct their own mistakes.
• Ensuring candidates' values align with your company to foster a harmonious work environment.
• Techniques to pinpoint the perfect candidate profile and discover where to find these individuals.

Join Katie and Mary Beth as they explore these crucial aspects of recruitment, equipping you with the tools to refine your hiring approach and identify top talent effectively.

Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:

• Katie Saliba
• Mary Beth Meadows

Resources

• Stephen Covey - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

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  • Katie Saliba
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In this episode of People-ing with Purpose, we explore the unique challenges and stressors employees face during the holiday season and effective strategies for addressing these issues. Our guest, Susie Kingry, Chief Operating Officer at SpectraCare, shares her extensive knowledge in behavioral healthcare, drawing from over 30 years of experience. With a master's degree in counseling and psychology from Troy University, Susie offers profound insights into how your company can enact policies that help manage employee mental health with proper time management and simply allowing some extra grace during the busy times of year.

In this episode, we cover:

• What typical challenges and stressors people face in the workplace during the holiday season and their impact on work performance.
• The critical role open communication plays in managing mental health and overall wellness.
• The concept of psychological safety and its significance in promoting open dialogue about personal challenges.
• Why it's important to review mental health coverage with your insurance provider proactively rather than waiting for a crisis to arise.
• Available resources for individuals seeking mental health assistance.
• An overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it protects employees' mental health rights.

Join us as we engage with Susie Kingry to equip you with the tools necessary for cultivating a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health.

Learn more about our guest:

• Susie Kingry LinkedIn
• Check out SpectraCare

Connect with PRemployer

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Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:

• Katie Saliba
• Mary Beth Meadows

Resources:

• SpectraCare Hotline: 1- 800-951-HELP (4357)
• Emergency Services:
  • Dial 211 to speak to someone regarding care and assistance
  • Suicide Hotline: 988

Connect with PRemployer

• Visit our website
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• Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:
  • Katie Saliba
  • Mary Beth Meadows