Episodes

  • Unlocking Talent: Recruiting from Puerto Rico

    Unlocking Talent: Recruiting from Puerto Rico
    Jul 14 2025
    Summary In this episode of Drive Thru HR, hosts Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling welcome Clay Martin, the owner of Isla Talent, who specializes in recruiting from Puerto Rico. Clay shares his unique journey from the Peace Corps to establishing a recruiting firm that addresses labor shortages in the U.S. by connecting employers with skilled workers from Puerto Rico. The conversation delves into the challenges of traditional visa programs, the benefits of hiring from Puerto Rico, and the importance of building trust and communication with both employers and employees. Clay emphasizes the human aspect of recruitment and the need for genuine engagement in the hiring process. Takeaways Clay Martin has been recruiting from Puerto Rico for over 10 years. His company focuses on U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico, avoiding visa complications. The current political climate has increased demand for his services. Clay's passion for Spanish and culture led him to the Peace Corps. He has built a large network of job seekers in Puerto Rico. Recruiting from Puerto Rico offers a quick and reliable solution for employers. Clay emphasizes the importance of treating workers well and maintaining a good company culture. He is hands-on and personally involved in the recruitment process. His business took off after being featured in a podcast and news article. Clay believes failure is a key part of learning and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Drive Thru HR 02:25 Recruiting from Puerto Rico: A Unique Solution 04:54 Clay's Journey: From Peace Corps to Recruiting 07:28 Navigating the H-2B Visa Program 10:00 Recruiting at Scale: Meeting Diverse Needs 12:32 Logistics of Relocating Workers 15:23 Understanding Puerto Rico's Talent Pool 17:43 Building a Business: Clay's Origin Story 20:23 Long-term Relationships: Retention and Support 22:59 Final Thoughts and Advice
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    27 mins
  • NLRB in Crisis: Labor Relatedly

    NLRB in Crisis: Labor Relatedly
    Jul 13 2025
    In this conversation, Michael VanDervort and John Hyman discuss various topics related to labor relations, the current crisis within the NLRB, and the implications of political actions on workplace rights. They examine the challenges faced by unions, the significance of employee rights, and the necessity of thoughtful responses to workplace threats. The discussion also touches on the political landscape in the U.S. takeaways The NLRB is currently facing an authority crisis due to a lack of quorum. Political gridlock is hindering the appointment of new board members. Employers must be cautious about how they regulate employee communications regarding union organizing. Workplace investigations into threats should be taken seriously and handled with care. Overreacting to potential workplace violence is often safer than underreacting. Political issues, such as transgender rights, are becoming increasingly relevant in workplace discussions. The current political climate is seen as performative and troubling by many. There is a growing concern about authoritarianism in the U.S. and its impact on democracy. The importance of compassion and empathy in discussions about workplace rights is emphasized. The conversation highlights the need for vigilance in protecting employee rights amidst political changes.
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    33 mins
  • Unlocking Potential: The Power of Durable Skills

    Unlocking Potential: The Power of Durable Skills
    May 24 2025
    In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling engage with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, to discuss the importance of durable skills in the hiring process and organizational culture. Caitlin explains how durable skills, such as innovation and communication, are more predictive of job success than traditional skills. The conversation also covers the need for organizations to align their culture with strategy, the significance of cultural dexterity, and how companies can future-proof themselves in a rapidly changing world, particularly with the rise of AI. Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and Co-founder of Plum, is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. With Plum, business leaders gain access to vital talent data that aligns employees with roles where they’ll flourish, setting the stage for the entire business to thrive. She is a regular speaker at global events, including CES, the HR Executive HR Tech Conference & Exposition, the Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (ASUG) Women Connect, the HRCI Higher Standards Summit, and more. She is also a sought-after guest on podcasts, including Recruiting Daily, The Recruitment Flex Podcast, and 3Sixty Insights. In addition, she has been quoted in The New York Times, The Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, The Record, Global News, Human Resource Executive, and Benefits Pro. Caitlin was selected for the EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM and the Worthy 100. She is also a Bronze Stevie® Award winner for Best Female Entrepreneur in Canada and a Gold GLOBEE® Women World Awards winner for Achievement in Innovation. She was named an Inspiring Leader by InspiringTM Workplaces. Takeaways Durable skills are critical for long-term career success. Organizations should focus on behavioral fit over traditional experience. Cultural alignment is essential for effective strategy implementation. Measuring company culture can reveal gaps and areas for improvement. AI is changing the nature of job skills and hiring processes. Companies should prioritize employee development based on durable skills. High-volume hiring can benefit from assessing candidates' durable skills. Resumes should not be the primary tool for candidate evaluation. Change management requires understanding employee experiences and needs. Organizations must embrace innovative technologies to stay competitive. Michael VanDervort Robin Schooling Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Drive Thru HR 01:21 Caitlin McGregor and Plum Overview 03:19 Understanding Durable Skills 10:31 Case Study: High Volume Hiring Success 15:36 Aligning Culture with Business Strategy 20:48 Cultural Dexterity and Change Management 24:06 Future-Proofing Organizations in a Changing World
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    30 mins
  • Navigating the Future of Employee Relations

    Navigating the Future of Employee Relations
    May 16 2025
    In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael VanDervort and Robin Schooling engage with Rebecca Trotsky, Chief People Officer at HR Acuity, discussing the evolution of employee relations, the importance of talent development, and the role of technology in HR. They explore the significance of communities like empowER in improving HR practices, the necessity of continuous learning, how HR tech has changed employee relations, and the adaptability of HR professionals across various industries. The conversation ends with a fun speed round of HR-related questions, emphasizing the human aspect of HR and the employee experience. Takeaways Employee relations have evolved into a proactive partner in the employee experience. Developing talent requires more than just sending employees to training classes. Experience is the best teacher in talent development. Standardizing employee relations metrics is essential for measuring success. The Empower community provides a supportive network for HR professionals. Continuous learning is crucial for HR practitioners to stay effective. HR skills are transferable across different industries. Building relationships is key to effective leadership in HR. Daily interactions with management shape the employee experience. Community engagement helps alleviate the loneliness often felt in HR roles. Sound Bites "Experience itself is the teacher." "You learn by doing in HR." "We all need ongoing training to stay fresh."
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    28 mins
  • Real HR: Insights From Robin Schooling

    Real HR: Insights From Robin Schooling
    May 13 2025
    In this episode of DriveThruHR, Michael turns the mic on his longtime co-host, Robin Schooling, about her brand-new book, Real HR: What It Is, What It Can Be, and How to Get There. What unfolds is part interview, part therapy session, and part HR real-talk manifesto. Robin shares the behind-the-scenes journey of writing a book that doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of the HR trenches. From the lonely moments to the WTF ones, Real HR is about cutting through the corporate noise and saying the quiet parts out loud. Michael and Robin talk about why empathy matters (like, actually matters), how storytelling makes us better HR humans, and why HR pros must stop waiting for permission to lead with their values. Oh, and they also talk about burnout. (Because, duh, it’s HR.) TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) Takeaways: Real HR is messy, human, and long overdue. Writing a book is like doing HR: it’s hard, personal, and not for the faint of heart. Storytelling isn’t fluff - it’s how people learn and connect. Tech is a tool, not a substitute for empathy. Burnout is rampant; community and reflection are survival gear. Robin’s not done writing. Stay tuned. Grab your coffee, your sense of humor, and maybe a stress ball - this one’s for anyone who’s ever been “voluntold” to fix the unfixable
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    35 mins
  • Labor Relatedly on DTHR: The First 100 Days—WTF Just Happened?

    Labor Relatedly on DTHR: The First 100 Days—WTF Just Happened?
    May 4 2025
    Labor Relatedly: The First 100 Days—What Just Happened? Jon Hyman and Michael VanDervort are back with another episode of Labor Relatedly, and this time, they’re tackling the whirlwind of labor and employment changes in the first 100 days of the Trump administration. DEI? Shifting priorities. EEOC? New leadership, new direction. NLRB? Buckle up. Jon and Michael break down what’s happening, what’s coming next, and what it all means for employers trying to keep up. No fluff, no sugarcoating—just straight talk on the evolving world of labor policy.
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    29 mins
  • The Leader Shift Playbook: Transforming Leadership with Phil Wilson

    The Leader Shift Playbook: Transforming Leadership with Phil Wilson
    Mar 14 2025
    Phil Wilson joins Robin for a conversation on leadership, culture, and what it really takes to create high-performing teams. We’re talking about The Leader Shift Playbook, the hard lessons he learned running LRI Consulting, and why the right mindset shifts can make or break a workplace. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn or check out The Leader Shift Playbook at yourleadershift.com.
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    25 mins
  • Sr. Leaders Reimagined: A New Era with Mark Fogel

    Sr. Leaders Reimagined: A New Era with Mark Fogel
    Mar 10 2025
    In this episode of Drive Thru HR, hosts Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort welcome Mark Fogel, who describes himself as the last HR Jedi. We explore the challenges and opportunities for late career professionals in HR and discuss the importance of continuous learning, networking, and adapting to the changing workplace landscape. Mark shares insights on how to navigate ageism, the gig economy, and the need for agility in organizations as he encourages listeners to define their value proposition and leverage their networks to find new opportunities. Mark is a Director and national practice consultant for Clifton Larson Allen’s Talent Management consulting practice and a former CHRO for Leviton, Marcum, and Success Academy Charter Schools. He is a Senior Adjunct Professor of distinction at Adelphi University’s Business School leading HR classes for MBA and Undergrad students in Staffing, Selection, Compensation and Global disciplines. You can catch Mark leading a session at SHRM Talent (Nashville, March 24 – 26, 2025) or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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    27 mins