HR Keeps Inheriting Everyone Else’s Problems

Host: Sabrina Baker

Summary

If no one owns it, HR gets it. That's not a bandwidth problem, it's an ownership boundary problem. And they require completely different solutions.

In this episode, Sabrina Baker breaks down why unowned work keeps landing on HR's plate and how HR's own greatest strength — operating in ambiguity — works against them. The more capable and willing you are to step in, the more the organization learns to route things your direction. Involvement and ownership are not the same thing. One of the most strategic things HR can do is understand the difference.

She shares three moves for stopping the pattern that you can start doing today. The sentence to hold onto: every problem HR solves without clarifying ownership becomes HR's problem to solve again later.

Key Topics

• Ownership boundaries in HR
• Delegation and offloading tasks
• Distinction between involvement and ownership
• Strategies to clarify responsibilities
• Impact of ambiguity on HR workload
• Building organizational accountability

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Why AI Transformation Requires a New People Strategy

Host: Steve Boese

Guest: Ravin Jesuthasan, Global Transformation Leader & Partner at Mercer

Summary

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese is joined by Ravin Jesuthasan to discuss why successful AI transformation requires more than simply deploying new technology. Drawing from Mercer’s Global Talent Trends 2026 research, Ravin explains how leading organizations are redesigning work, evolving HR’s role, and focusing on skills to unlock the full value of AI. The conversation also explores employee wellbeing, workforce readiness, and the choices leaders must make to balance productivity, growth, and human impact in an increasingly intelligent workplace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Transformation in Work

03:00 The Role of Technology in Work Redesign

05:54 Evolving HR's Role in Organizations

08:49 The Impact of AI on Workforce Dynamics

12:05 Understanding Employee Thriving in the Workplace

14:50 Navigating Skills and Workplace Development

18:01 The Choices Organizations Face with AI

21:06 Future Outlook on Work and AI Integration

Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

The Executive Athlete Mindset: Why Recovery Drives Better Performance

Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Nicole Elizabeth Ward, AON Executive Leader & Performance Strategist

Summary

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are joined by author, executive leader, and performance strategist Nicole Elizabeth Ward to explore why sustainable performance requires more than hard work and long hours.

Drawing from her book Biohacking for the Sales Athlete, Nicole shares the personal wake-up call that transformed her approach to health, leadership, and success. The conversation challenges the workplace culture that rewards exhaustion and constant availability, offering a new perspective on performance through the lens of recovery, sleep, movement, nutrition, and physiological well-being.

Together, they discuss why leaders should think of themselves as athletes, how stress impacts communication and decision-making, and practical ways individuals can improve performance without sacrificing their health. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to perform at their best while building a more sustainable relationship with work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Executive Athlete Mindset

03:30 A Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

07:51 Why Corporate Culture Rewards Burnout

11:39 Sleep, Recovery, and Sustainable Performance

20:28 Taking Control of Your Wellbeing at Work

24:12 Rethinking Workplace Performance and Rewards

28:36 The Leadership Impact of Physiological Health

31:30 Practical Biohacking Strategies for Everyday Success

Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

The World Cup of Business

Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer

Summary

Join this episode of The Play By Play, where hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer walk through an engaging and humorous simulation of the World Cup of Business, where major tech companies compete in a virtual tournament filled with strategic moves, AI-powered tactics, and industry insights. Discover how innovation, branding, and technology determine the ultimate champion in this lively, unpredictable event. Listen in!

Chapters

00:00 World Cup Excitement and Overview

03:05 Game Simulation Begins

12:24 Match Highlights and Analysis

18:54 Final Match and Tournament Wrap-Up

21:43 Semi-Final Round

30:20 The Final Showdown

35:08 Conclusion and Reflections on the Tournament

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Workplace Movie Hall of Fame - Devil Wears Prada 2

Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Summary

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are back with another workplace movie hall of fame episode! They explore the themes of the new 'Devil Wears Prada 2' movie, its reflection on the modern workplace, AI's impact, and gender dynamics in leadership. This is a thought-provoking analysis of how characters evolve and what it reveals about work culture today. Listen in!

Chapters

00:00 Home Again: Reflecting on Travel and Change

02:48 Workplace Dynamics: A Movie Review

05:49 Character Development Over Time

09:05 Leadership and Growth

12:00 AI in the Workplace

14:46 Gender Roles at Work and How They Evolve

17:43 The Role of Movies in Work Conversations

20:49 Lessons Learned from the Movie

Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Making AI Matter: Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Hiring

Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Matt Alder, Talent Acquisition Strategist

Summary

In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, Mervyn hosts Matt Alder to discuss the current state and future of AI in HR. The conversation focuses on recruitment, candidate experience, and organizational readiness. Listen in to discover practical insights, real-world examples, and strategic advice for leveraging AI effectively in HR practices.

Chapters

02:14 Current State of AI Adoption in Talent Acquisition

07:57 Balancing AI and Human Interaction in Recruitment

11:15 The Role of AI in Enhancing Candidate Experience

17:58 Ownership of AI Strategy in Organizations

21:50 Leadership and Culture in AI Adoption

25:08 Intergenerational Workforce and AI Adoption

30:24 Underappreciated Aspects of AI in Recruitment

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that.

Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Revolutionizing Women's Health in the Workplace

Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Susan Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Lucy Rx

Summary

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are joined by Susan Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Lucy Rx, to explore why women’s health is becoming a critical workforce and business conversation.

The discussion covers perimenopause, menopause, cardiovascular health, workplace support, and the hidden impact these challenges can have on productivity, leadership, and employee wellbeing. Susan shares how Lucy Rx is helping employers rethink benefits, education, and care navigation to better support women through every stage of their health journey, while improving outcomes for both employees and organizations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Health in the Workplace

03:00 Understanding Women's Health Needs

06:09 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Healthcare

08:52 The Role of Employers in Supporting Women's Health

15:02 Implementing Effective Health Strategies

17:52 The Importance of Data in Women's Health

24:05 The Future of Women's Health Initiatives

Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Every year, companies spin their wheels searching externally for senior leaders. Meanwhile, their next VP is already on their payroll. Recognized by peers, but overlooked on the org chart. Future Leaders™ by Workhuman fixes that. Using AI and real-time recognition data, Future Leaders identifies your highest-potential talent four years ahead of schedule — before they burn out, check out, or get picked up by someone who saw what you missed. Build smarter. Promote confidently. Keep your best people. Future Leaders. Only from Workhuman. Learn more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.

Global Hiring in 2026 : New Roles, New Technology, and New Challenges

Host: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Lauren Thomas, Labor Economist at Deel

Summary

On this episode of the HR Happy Hour, Steve Boese and Trish Steed are joined by Lauren Thomas to discuss into the evolving landscape of global labor markets. They explore the role of technology and the emerging opportunities in AI-related roles. Lauren shares insights from Deel's recent State of Global Hiring Report, revealing how companies are prioritizing talent over cost and the growing significance of local expertise in international expansion. Listen in!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Hiring and Labor Market Trends

04:08 Overview of Deel's Global Hiring Report and its Purpose

08:40 Capability Gaps as a Driver for Hiring in Tech

11:12 The Role of Soft Skills in Sales and Client Relation

18:22 Compensation Levels for AI Trainers

22:53 The Potential Influence of AI and Technology on Job Markets

29:28 Regional Hiring Trends and Diversity Across Different Markets

31:16 Opportunities for Small and Mid-Sized Companies to Leverage Global Talent

Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

Employees recognized for milestones are three times more likely to believe their company actually cares about them. Three times. So why are companies so bad at it? The stale bagels. The branded swag. The audacity. Workhuman believes milestones deserve their moment. A space for the people who know you best — your actual work circle — to reflect on your journey, your wins, your impact. The inside jokes. The big moments. All of it. It's called Service Milestones. AI finds the right people. Automation handles the rest. And employees choose their own reward — from millions of options, curated just for them. Milestone like you mean it with Workhuman, a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Find out more at workhuman.com. Thanks for joining us.