This season finale of HR Nightmares revisits the biggest topics of the year, including AI at work, ICE site visits, culture drift, fractional HR, and the high performer who creates more problems than they solve. Lisa and Amy break down what actually worked, what failed, and which decisions made the biggest difference for leaders navigating real-world people issues.

The team covers how to approach AI practically, from interview questions to tasks most likely to change at the entry level. They walk through clear, lawful steps for handling high-pressure situations like ICE arriving onsite, along with guidance on communication, manager training, and response planning. Listener questions spark conversations on micromanagement, support animals, Zoom etiquette, and workplace surveillance, all tied back to clear policy and consistent leadership.

The episode also explains when fractional HR makes sense for growing companies and how to protect culture when unofficial leaders or high-revenue employees start driving behavior. The season wraps with a focus on building HR that is steady, credible, and aligned with business outcomes. If you want fewer distractions and stronger teams, this recap delivers practical takeaways you can use immediately.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.

On this episode of HR Nightmares, the team sits down with Travis “The HR Dude” McCracken of Global Laser Enrichment to unpack how to scale fast without turning HR into the department of no. Travis shares what it took to grow from 15 to 110 employees, build an HR business partner model, and hire for highly specialized roles inside a heavily regulated environment where mistakes are not an option.

The conversation also tackles credibility in HR, including the ongoing debate around certifications like SHRM and SPHR, and why credentials only matter when paired with sound judgment and real problem-solving. The group digs into the role of AI in modern HR, where it adds value, where caution is required, and how teams can use it responsibly even in restricted environments. From avoiding unhelpful HR archetypes to measuring success by speed, quality, and trust, this episode offers clear, practical guidance for HR leaders navigating growth in complex organizations.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.

Ever worked with someone who hits every goal but leaves a trail of chaos behind? This episode of HR Nightmares digs into the tension between high performance and toxic behavior. Lisa, Amy, and Beth break down how gossip, manipulation, and emotional outbursts quietly drain teams, no matter how talented the person causing them may be. They explore the archetypes of workplace drama, from the nonstop talker who spreads tension to the polished leader who charms upward while stirring conflict below.

The team shares practical tools to bring calm back to the workplace. You’ll learn how to shut down gossip respectfully, set clear boundaries, and spot red flags before bringing drama into your team. They also challenge leaders to look in the mirror and stop rewarding chaos disguised as engagement. If you want a team that runs on trust instead of tension, this conversation will help you see the signs, make tough calls, and protect your culture.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.