Shifting The Power Balance cover art

Shifting The Power Balance

Shifting The Power Balance

Written by: Dwayne Smith
Listen for free

About this listen

Shifting the Power Balance is a workplace law and HR strategy podcast hosted by Dwayne Smith, a leading legal authority and experienced workplace attorney focused on navigating workplace conflict, reducing risk, and strengthening employee-employer relationships.

Created for business owners, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, HR directors, and organizational thought leaders, this podcast addresses workplace harassment, HR violations, power dynamics, employee handbooks, and the real-world decisions that trigger legal exposure.

Each episode delivers practical guidance on:

  • Navigating workplace investigations and harassment claims
  • Managing employee relations before they escalate
  • Creating legally sound employee handbooks
  • Understanding power imbalances that lead to conflict
  • Reducing liability, insurance claims, and compliance risk
  • Creating productive and successful organizations by making each employee feel valuable

Clear insight. Real examples. Actionable leadership strategies for modern workplaces.

© 2026 Shifting The Power Balance
Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • KSU - Jerome Tang Update
    May 14 2026


    In this follow-up episode, co-host Rudy Davis and attorney/host Dwayne Smith break down the legal landscape since Jerome Tang's for-cause firing from Kansas State. Topics include Tang's return to Baylor and how it affects his damages claim, the duty-to-mitigate argument, the comparator coaches, K-State's strongest and weakest arguments, the settlement dynamics, and key takeaways for HR professionals and high-profile employees.

    Timestamps:

    0:30 – Introduction & episode overview

    1:33 – Jerome Tang lands at Baylor: what happened after the firing

    2:46 – The for-cause firing explained

    3:16 – Tang's legal team and the threat of a lawsuit

    3:52 – How Tang's new job affects his legal case

    4:22 – Duty to mitigate damages: the financial math

    5:44 – What Tang could allege against K-State

    6:19 – The comparator coach: a two-week suspension for worse conduct

    7:59 – The football coach comparator (Chris Kleiman)

    9:03 – Contract consistency and the disparate treatment argument

    9:39 – K-State's defense: the unilateral authority argument

    11:36 – K-State's weakest argument

    12:22 – What K-State should have done differently

    12:56 – Timeline to resolution — and what happens if they can't settle

    13:33 – The potential hammer letter and what it signals

    14:40 – The bigger picture: NIL and institutional power

    15:12 – Who has the power right now

    16:59 – Takeaway for HR professionals and executives

    17:30 – Closing

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Fractional HR Services - A Conversation with Scott Chase
    May 10 2026

    Overview

    In this episode, Scott Chase, a seasoned HR expert with 25 years of experience, discusses the importance of fractional HR for small and medium-sized businesses. He shares insights on HR strategies, common pitfalls, and practical steps to build a compliant and supportive workplace.

    Keywords

    HR, fractional HR, small business, HR policies, employee handbook, workplace culture, HR strategy, compliance, talent acquisition, employee relations

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to HR and Scott Chase's Journey

    03:05 Understanding the Role of HR in Organizations

    05:20 Defining Fractional HR and Its Importance

    07:58 Initial Steps in Client Engagement

    10:46 The Cost of Ignoring HR in Small Businesses

    13:04 The Importance of Employee Communication

    15:31 Talent Acquisition Mistakes in Small Businesses

    18:04 Adapting to New Generations in the Workforce

    20:47 The Essential Employee Handbook

    23:09 Valuing People Over Numbers in Business

    Resources

    Scott Chase on LinkedIn

    Chief of Staff


    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Choosing To Live
    Apr 26 2026

    Summary

    In this heartfelt interview, Amy Sharpe shares her journey through her husband's (Greg Sharpe) cancer diagnosis, their life in Nebraska, and the importance of living fully despite life's challenges. Discover insights on faith, resilience, and the power of living in the moment.

    Keywords

    Amy Sharpe, Greg Sharpe, cancer journey, faith, resilience, Nebraska, broadcasting, family, living fully

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Amy Sharp's Journey
    04:12 Transitioning to Nebraska: New Beginnings
    04:53 Navigating Career Changes and Family Life
    07:13 A Family Trip to Hong Kong: Joy and Reflection
    09:57 Facing the Cancer Diagnosis
    14:40 Living with Cancer: Emotions and Resilience
    18:52 Adjusting to Life After Loss
    23:17 The Role of Faith in Healing
    25:00 Lessons Learned and Messages to Share
    27:46 Final Thoughts and Legacy of Greg Sharpe

    Amy Sharpe LinkedIn

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet