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.

From Personal Crisis to Corporate Solution: The Story Behind Caregiving Support Innovation

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Dave Jacobs, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at HomeThrive

Summary

In this episode of the At Work in America show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Dave Jacobs, co-founder and co-CEO of Home Thrive to explore the critical issue of employee caregiving support and how organizations can make a meaningful impact. Dave shares his inspiring journey from personal experience to building scalable solutions that aid caregivers at every stage. They also discuss strategies for HR and organizational leaders to advocate for caregiving benefits as well as how normalization of caregiving support helps broaden health and well-being initiatives.

Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Caregiving in the Workforce

05:45 Overview of Home Thrive's Services and Digital Tools

09:10 The Scale of Unpaid Family Caregiving in the US

14:00 How Caregiving Affects Employee Productivity and Mental Health

16:20 Strategies to get Executive Buy-in for Caregiving Programs

19:00 Supporting Multi-generational Families and Family-centered Care

23:45 Future Trends: Integrating Caregiving into Broader Health Initiatives

28:30 Connecting Caregiving Support with Mental Health and Chronic Disease Management

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.

The Hidden Power of Middle Management

Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Gary Cookson,

Summary

In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen speaks with Gary Cookson about the often-overlooked role of middle managers in organizations. They discuss the challenges faced by middle managers, including the emotional labor they perform, the invisible work that goes unrecognized, and the need for better preparation and support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of middle managers in navigating change, particularly in the context of AI and hybrid working environments. They also highlight the need for organizations to redefine the role of middle managers and empower them to create a positive impact on workplace culture and performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Middle Management Dynamics

05:15 The Emotional Reality of Middle Management

10:05 Invisible Work and Its Impact

13:21 Navigating Change and Uncertainty

21:18 Adapting to AI and Hybrid Work

25:18 Transforming Perspectives on Middle Management

27:21 The New Manager Bounce and Its Implications

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.

Connecting Operations and HR for the Frontline Workforce

Host: Steve Boese

Guest: Chris Kuntz, VP of Strategic Operations at Augmentir

Summary

In this conversation, Steve Boese engages with Chris Kuntz to discuss the critical role of AI in empowering frontline workers in manufacturing. They explore how Augmentir is addressing the needs of deskless workers, the importance of data-driven insights for management, and the balance between monitoring and worker empowerment. The discussion also highlights the future of AI agents in the workplace and the innovative approaches companies are taking to enhance worker experiences and operational efficiency.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of AI for Frontline Workers

03:05 Augmentir's Role in Empowering Workers

05:57 Use Cases for AI in Manufacturing

08:57 Data-Driven Insights for Management

14:46 The Future of AI Agents in the Workplace

17:59 Innovations in Worker Empowerment

20:56 The Human Element in AI Integration

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.

Polymorphism at Work: A Radical New Way to Think About Organizations

Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Perry Timms, Chief Energy Officer and Founder: People & Transformational HR Ltd

Summary

In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnen interviews Perry Timms, a thought leader in HR, about the concept of polymorphic organizations. Timms explains that polymorphism refers to the ability of organizations to adapt and change their structure and processes in response to varying demands and data. They discuss the importance of moving away from traditional, rigid organizational models to more fluid and adaptive approaches that can better meet the challenges of the modern business landscape. The conversation also touches on the role of leadership in fostering this adaptability, the implications for traditional industries, and the steps organizations can take to begin their transformation towards a polymorphic model.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Polymorphic Organisations

05:20 Understanding Polymorphism in Organisations

09:40 The Shift from Traditional to Adaptive Models

14:38 Leadership in a Polymorphic World

20:10 The Impact on Business Metrics and Shareholders

24:02 Implementing Change in SMEs

27:34 Resources for Further Learning

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.

Thanks for joining us.

The Manager Method: Practical Strategies to Lead with Empathy and Confidence

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Ashley Herd, Former Head of HR, Podcast Host and Author

Summary

In this episode of the At Work in America show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Ashley Herd, a former head of HR, podcast host, and author, to discuss the critical role of managers in the workplace. The conversation explores the challenges managers face, particularly regarding their mental health and the impact they have on employee experiences. Ashley shares insights from her book, "The Manager Method," emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and proactive leadership strategies to foster a positive work environment. They discuss the common pitfalls of management, such as the tendency to avoid difficult conversations and the pressure managers feel to have all the answers. The episode ends with practical advice for managers on how to navigate stress and burnout, both for themselves and their teams, while encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. This conversation serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their management skills and improve workplace culture.

Chapters

01:30 Welcome, updates, and introduction

04:13 The Importance of Managers

08:43 Communication Strategies for Managers

12:04 Empathy in Leadership

19:14 Managing Remote Teams

23:37 Addressing Burnout and Stress

36:23 Resources and Takeaways

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

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com