Episodes

  • 063: Future-Ready by Design, Organizational Adaptability as a North Star

    063: Future-Ready by Design, Organizational Adaptability as a North Star
    Feb 23 2026
    Many organizations are chasing bold outcomes with systems built for a different era—leading to burnout, broken collaboration, and rising delivery risk. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Colledge explains why these aren’t people problems, but system signals. We explore how neuro-inclusive performance infrastructure helps organizations adapt—designing ways of working that unlock diverse thinking, strengthen collaboration, and deliver impact without relying on heroics. To learn more about her work, go to https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/
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    48 mins
  • 062: The 3 BIG Tools to Enhance Your Leadership!

    062: The 3 BIG Tools to Enhance Your Leadership!
    Feb 17 2026
    Great leadership isn’t about title—it’s about intentional action. In this episode of Top Shelf, I’m joined by Andre Young as he dives into three powerful leadership tools designed to elevate both your professional impact and personal fulfillment.Andre breaks down: The 5 Points of Your Day — Five key focus points to improve work/life harmony and help you live the life you want, both professionally and personally. The 5 Types of Leaders — Learn the five leadership styles, identify your own, and understand the strengths and potential challenges of each. The Leader’s Blueprint — Discover how you prefer to be approached, questioned, and challenged—and why sharing this with your team is a game-changer for trust and communication. This conversation is packed with practical insight, self-awareness, and actionable takeaways for leaders at every stage. If you’re looking to lead with clarity, intention, and impact, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. To learn more, go to https://www.youevolvingnow.com
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 061: Using Free AI Tools for Job Search & Interviews

    061: Using Free AI Tools for Job Search & Interviews
    Feb 9 2026
    In this episode, we sit down with Darryl Erby, a data-driven enterprise sales leader with an MBA in Data Analytics and more than a decade of experience helping AI and modern data stack companies drive real revenue growth.Darryl breaks down how job seekers can leverage free AI tools to level up every stage of the job search—from refining resumes and LinkedIn profiles to preparing for interviews, researching companies, and telling a compelling personal story. Drawing from his deep experience in enterprise sales, partnerships, and analytics, he shares practical, real-world strategies for standing out in a competitive, AI-driven market.We also dive into what today’s data-first companies are really looking for, how candidates can position themselves as builders—not just executors, and why understanding the modern data ecosystem (from Snowflake and Databricks to cloud security and analytics platforms) is becoming a must-have skill.This conversation is packed with actionable insights for professionals who want to work smarter, communicate their value more clearly, and approach their job search with confidence, clarity, and strategy.If you’re navigating a career transition, preparing for interviews, or curious how AI can become your personal career assistant—this episode is one you don’t want to miss.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 060: Why AI Won’t Fix Your People Problems

    060: Why AI Won’t Fix Your People Problems
    Feb 2 2026
    AI is everywhere in HR right now—but is it actually solving the problems leaders care about most?In this episode of the SpeakEasy HR Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Eubanks to cut through the hype and get real about where technology helps, where it falls short, and why people challenges still require human leadership, clarity, and trust.We explore why organizations often look to AI as a shortcut for engagement, performance, and retention—and what gets missed when leaders try to automate what should be understood. Ben shares insights from years of research across HR, talent, and learning technologies, helping us reframe AI as a tool that supports better decisions, not a replacement for relationships, purpose, or accountability.This conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders and executives who want to use AI wisely—without losing the human edge that actually drives results.About the Guest:Ben Eubanks is a bestselling author, researcher, and award-winning speaker with more than 13 years of experience analyzing HR and talent technology trends. He speaks with 300+ vendors annually and has conducted research with tens of thousands of employers and workers, shaping insights featured in his books Artificial Intelligence for HR and Talent Scarcity. Ben is also a passionate educator, longtime HR volunteer, dad of five, and advocate for global workforce development through his support of a ministry in Guatemala. To learn more about his FREE summer school for HR professionals, visit hrsummerschool.org
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    1 hr
  • 059: Building High-Performing Teams with Data

    059: Building High-Performing Teams with Data
    Jan 26 2026
    In this episode of Top Shelf Topic, we sit down with Damon Clark, Founder of Talent Optimizers, to explore how organizations can build high-performing teams by leveraging data, behavioral science, and sustainable development strategies.Damon shares his insights on how data-driven approaches can help leaders strategically prioritize focus areas, monitor progress, and maximize ROI. He explains why traditional development initiatives often fail and how Talent Optimizers’ programs are designed for sustained impact, integrating learning into daily practices to ensure long-term results.Listeners will also learn about the power of science-backed development, combining behavioral science and neuroscience insights to enhance outcomes, and how these programs can now train at scale, extending beyond leadership to every level of the organization to foster a shared language and culture.Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or executive, this episode offers actionable strategies for aligning talent, optimizing team performance, and driving organizational success with data-informed insights.Tune in to discover how to move from theory to practice and create teams that don’t just perform—but thrive. Check out the Free Talen Strategy Assessment offer! A $3000 value to SpeakEasy HR listeners. https://www.talentoptimizers.com/free-team-strategy-session
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    50 mins
  • 058: Focus Forward - HR’s Human Edge in 2026

    058: Focus Forward - HR’s Human Edge in 2026
    Jan 19 2026
    In this episode, I’m joined by Christie Engler, a passionate HR leader and champion of people-centric workplace culture, to explore why HR’s greatest advantage in 2026 won’t be technology — it will be humanity.With 20 years of hands-on HR experience across industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and nonprofit work, Christie brings real-world insight into what it truly takes to build strong teams and meaningful employee experiences. We talk about leading with intention, supporting people through change, and why putting employees first isn’t optional — it’s essential. Christie also shares her commitment to advancing the HR profession through mentoring, speaking, and her blog Living in the Gray, along with lessons learned from being a two-time small business owner — experience that gives her a deep appreciation for the realities leaders face every day. This conversation is honest, energizing, and forward-looking — a reminder that while tools and trends will evolve, HR’s human edge remains the differentiator. Catch Christie on the upcoming HR Cruise! https://hrcruise.com/2026/Cruise2/index.cfm
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    54 mins
  • 057: How Organizations & Employees Co-Create Career Growth

    057: How Organizations & Employees Co-Create Career Growth
    Jan 12 2026
    We kick off 2026 with a timely conversation on career growth—and why it can no longer be owned by leaders or employees alone.I’m joined by Lisa Fain, CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence, keynote speaker, and leadership coach, to explore how mentoring, inclusion, and shared accountability create workplaces where people don’t just survive—but thrive. Lisa brings real-world experience from building D&I strategy, advising leaders, and helping organizations turn mentoring into a competitive advantage. This episode challenges outdated expectations and reframes career growth as a true partnership between organizations and employees—setting the tone for a smarter, more human approach to work in 2026. To learn more and connect with Lisa, https://linktr.ee/centerformentoringexcellence
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    48 mins
  • 056: The 2026 TA Forecast - What Leaders Should Expect

    056: The 2026 TA Forecast - What Leaders Should Expect
    Dec 22 2025
    Mike Wood from HR.com joins to discuss Talent Acquisition in our Top Shelf Topic: The 2026 TA Forecast: What Leaders Should Expect. Mike provides a forward-looking analysis of the talent acquisition landscape, highlighting emerging trends and the challenges HR leaders will face in 2026.The conversation explores strategies for attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent in a highly competitive market, including how to leverage technology, employer branding, and data-driven insights. Mike also offers practical advice on preparing your organization for shifting workforce expectations and navigating uncertainty in hiring and recruitment. This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, talent acquisition leaders, and business executives who want to stay ahead of the curve, understand future workforce trends, and implement strategies that will drive long-term success in attracting and retaining top talent. Catch Mike on these podcasts: The Wrap: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7214056893361569792/ Totally Talent: https://www.hr.com/en/resources/podcasts/talent/
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    59 mins