HR Connection - How Small Business HR Leads Change

Hosts: Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston

Summary

In this episode of the HR Connection, Marie and Sabrina dive into the day-to-day reality of HR in smaller organizations, where there’s no bench of specialists and no time for over-engineering solutions. They talk about juggling priorities, building structure on the fly, and focusing on what actually moves the business forward. They share why small, consistent improvements often matter more than big transformations, and how being closely connected to the business can turn HR into a true strategic partner.

Key Topics

• Why small business HR is a standalone discipline, not a subset of enterprise HR
• The lack of resources and specialization in small business HR teams
• The concept of breadth versus depth in small business HR roles
• The emotional and decision-making challenges of managing HR with limited support
• Moving away from enterprise standards and measuring success on small business realities

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.

The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.

HR Happy Hour Network - Introducing the HR Connection Podcast

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guests: Sabrina Baker, Founder and CEO of Acacia HR Solutions and Marie Rolston, HRBP with Acacia HR Solutions and host of The HR Connection podcast

Summary

In this episode of the The HR Happy Hour show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Sabrina Baker and Marie Rolston from Acacia HR Solutions to discuss the launch of their new podcast, HR Connection. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by small businesses in HR, the importance of providing actionable insights, and the need for a dedicated platform for small business HR practitioners. Sabrina and Marie share their backgrounds, the genesis of the HR Connection podcast, and the topics they plan to cover, emphasizing the importance of real-world applications and leadership connections in HR.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HR Connection Podcast

01:51 Sabrina Baker's Journey and Acacia HR Solutions

03:04 Marie Rolston's Role and Insights

04:52 The Importance of HR in Small Businesses

06:17 Genesis of HR Connection Podcast

09:07 Real-World Challenges in Small Business HR

11:30 Actionable Insights for Small Business Leaders

14:56 Upcoming Topics and Focus Areas for HR Connection

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.

The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.

Ultimate Business Efficiency: Marketing

Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer

Guest: Hailey McDonald, Global B2B SaaS Marketing Leader

Summary

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer welcome Hailey McDonald to discuss the theme of business efficiency in 2026, focusing on the impact of Gen Z and technology on marketing. They explore how Gen Z is reshaping marketing strategies through their use of social media and AI, the role of technology in enhancing marketing efficiency, the growing importance of augmented reality, and the potential of blockchain for verifying ad views. The conversation emphasizes the need for marketing departments to adapt to these changes to remain competitive and efficient. Listen in!

Chapters

0:57 Gen Z's Impact on Marketing Efficiency

04:28 The Shift to Social Media for Product Discovery

07:19 Cost Efficiency in Marketing with Short-Form Content

10:07 Engaging Gen Z

13:51 The Role of AI in Marketing Profitability

19:47 Transforming Customer Experience

23:33 Blockchain and Ensuring Authentic Engagement

27:26 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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.

The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you'll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust. It's why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before February 2/28 to save 20%. That's HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.