Épisodes

  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 055: Everboarding & Leadership 2.0 - The Future of People Development

    055: Everboarding & Leadership 2.0 - The Future of People Development
    Dec 15 2025
    In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of talent, leadership, and people development with Lilith Christiansen, Chief Consultant and Founder of HumanGenuity. Lilith brings years of expertise helping organizations reimagine how they onboard, engage, and continually grow their people.We unpack the concept of Everboarding—why the traditional “first 90 days” mindset is outdated, and how continuous development is becoming the new competitive advantage. Lilith shares insights on what Leadership 2.0 really looks like, how leaders can create cultures of ongoing learning, and what companies must do now to build workplaces where people thrive long-term.Whether you’re a leader, HR pro, or someone passionate about the future of work, this conversation offers fresh, practical ways to elevate your people strategy. As a special offering from Lilith, she a 30-minute Clarity & Momentum Session. Use the link: https://calendarbridge.com/book/human-genuity/speakeasyhr
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    52 min
  • 054: The Power of Visual Thinking

    054: The Power of Visual Thinking
    Dec 8 2025
    I’m joined by Todd Cherches, CEO & Co-Founder of Big Blue Gumball, for an eye-opening conversation on the true power of visual thinking. Todd breaks down how visuals, metaphors, and simple sketches can transform the way leaders communicate, engage their teams, and bring complex ideas to life. We explore why visual tools stick, how they boost clarity and creativity, and how anyone—no artistic talent required—can use them to become a more effective and memorable leader.
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    41 min
  • 053: Designing Culture That Works — And What to Do When It Doesn’t

    053: Designing Culture That Works — And What to Do When It Doesn’t
    Nov 17 2025
    In this episode, Jessica Noon joins us for a top-shelf conversation on what it really takes to build a workplace culture that thrives — and what leaders can do when it starts to fall apart. From intentional design to practical recovery strategies, Jessica shares her insights on aligning values, leadership, and everyday behavior to create a culture that truly works. Tune in for a dynamic discussion packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and a few lessons learned the hard way. To get a free strategy call with Jessica, use the link below. https://calendly.com/daybreak-ideas/founder-strategy-sesh
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    54 min
  • 052: The Culture Advantage - Building Workplaces People Love

    052: The Culture Advantage - Building Workplaces People Love
    Nov 12 2025
    SpeakEasy HR Hits the Road — Live from CincySHRM! We broadcasting straight from MadTree Brewing for a special live episode! I was joined by Melanie Booher, Engagement & Experience Officer at Talent Magnet Institute and Amazon Best-Selling Author, as we dive into what it really takes to build workplaces people love — from the inside out. Real talk. Real leaders. Real culture. To learn more about Melanie and her work at Talent Magnet Institute, visit www.talentmagnet.com
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    1 h et 3 min