When Laurie first stumbled into the HR world, what struck her was not just the depth of paperwork but the human stories behind each form and policy.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, fast forward several decades, and Laurie is sitting down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, an HR expert with an enviable three-decade portfolio, to share those very tales that have shaped our careers and the field of human resources. Together, we unwrap the evolution of HR from a back-office function to a strategic powerhouse, reflecting on the times we had to stand our ground and the moments that taught us the true value of our professional worth.

Workplace dynamics are never static, and this episode peels back the layers on wielding influence without the crutch of rank or authority – a nuanced art in HR. Angela and Laurie swap stories from the trenches, discussing confrontations with workplace bullying and the leaps of faith in self-advocacy that propelled our careers forward. We also delve into how we've seen HR evolve, moving from policy enforcers to holistic partners in business strategy and the critical role of mentoring up-and-coming HR champions.

Peering into the crystal ball, Angela and Laurie discuss the future of work, tackling the burning question of whether the traditional nine-to-five is on its last legs. We unravel the implications of a global talent pool, the urgency for flexible work solutions, and the importance of doubling down on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives in a world constantly reshaping its social contours.

This episode isn't just a walk down memory lane but a rallying cry for innovation in HR practices and an example of the irreplaceable human element in the workplace.

In this episode, you will hear:

• HR's transformation from administrative paperwork to strategic business partnership
• How HR professionals can exert influence without relying on hierarchical power
• Standing up against workplace bullying and advocating for self-worth
• Addressing generational differences in the workplace
• The urgency to enhance DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives amid shifting social dynamics
• The future of work, including the viability of the traditional nine-to-five workweek and the rise of remote work opportunities from a global talent pool
• The evolution of HR practices and the ongoing need for mentorship in developing strategic HR leaders
• Social media’s role in shaping employer branding, talent acquisition, and the challenges of fostering authentic dialogue in the digital age
• Committing to DEI efforts within organizations and “doubling down” despite potential societal and legislative backslides.

Resources from this Episode

• Connect with Angela Cheng-Cimini on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-cheng-cimini-160890a

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, discover the secrets to aligning your career with your personal values as Laurie chats with BlogHer co-founder Elisa Camahort Page.

We walk down memory lane, reminiscing about the early internet days that revolutionized communication and fostered female empowerment through blogging. Elisa and Laurie’s conversation is a goldmine for understanding the delicate balance between nurturing a company's growth and adhering to your original mission—even when boardroom battles and investor pressures loom large. Plus, we get the inside scoop on Optionality, Elisa's latest venture with Jory Des Jardines, which reimagines professional communities for those who want to weave their values seamlessly into their work lives.

Prepare to explore the evolution of workplace culture, where the gig economy and the Great Resignation have reshaped our expectations for flexibility and meaningful work. Through the lens of Elisa's extensive experience, we discuss the transformation from online arenas full of bots and trolls to intimate sanctuaries crafted within platforms like Substack and Slack. Learn how these digital spaces nurture a new breed of online communities—private, controlled, and rich with engagement.

Whether you're a corporate veteran, an HR aficionado, or a solopreneur, this episode is your gateway to understanding and shaping the digital workplace of tomorrow.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Elisa Camahort Page’s reflections on the early internet's role in female empowerment and community building through blogging
• The balance between company growth and staying true to original missions, even under investor pressures
• An introduction to Optionality, a venture aimed at redefining work-life integration and aligning careers with personal values
• Evolving workplace culture and the impact of the gig economy and the Great Resignation on expectations for work flexibility.
• The transition from public online platforms to private, controlled digital spaces like Substack and Slack
• The shift towards intimate, engagement-rich communities
• Elisa's path from corporate tech to media and her desire to build a product with intrinsic value
• Optionality and its aim to be a community-driven platform that fosters collaboration between workers seeking flexibility and companies adapting to the future of work

Resources from this Episode

• Visit the Optionality website: optionality.life
• Elisa Camahort Page’s website: elisacp.com
• Connect with Elisa on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/elisacamahortpage

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Imagine a world where leaders aren’t buried in spreadsheets and are fully present, creating a heartbeat within their organizations through genuine connections.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, that's the future Kevin Brady, a pharmaceutical industry veteran and founder of Performance Unlocked, envisions. Kevin and Laurie examine the inevitable revolution in leadership, where artificial intelligence offloads our analytical burdens, causing leaders to cultivate empathy and forge deeper relationships with their teams. It's a future where algorithms crunch the data, leaving us to master emotional intelligence—a skill set essential for any business to survive and thrive in the rapidly approaching 2030s landscape.

As Kevin shares stories from his path, we uncover the soft underbelly of leadership—a place where vulnerability meets strength and where creating a culture of open communication and innovation is paramount. We dissect the repercussions of inadequate leadership and celebrate heart-centric guidance to uncover creativity and drive organizational success. This conversation goes beyond industry boundaries and offers HR professionals and leaders a new perspective.

Join us for a session that will challenge your preconceptions of leadership and inspire you to engage with your workforce in a way that leaves a lasting imprint.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Kevin Brady’s thoughts on the evolving role of leadership and the importance of emotional connections in the workplace
• The impact of poor leadership on personal growth and organizational performance
• Leaders’ need to balance analytical skills with emotional intelligence post-pandemic
• Emotional intelligence in leadership as a way to unlock hidden potential and drive innovation
• The generational shift in workplace expectations, with a focus on the shared human need for purpose, belonging, and feeling valued at work
• Kevin Brady's new venture, Performance Unlocked, and how it aims to enhance individual and team performance using emotional intelligence and psychological safety
• The future of leadership where emotional connection with employees becomes the key differentiator

Resources from this Episode

• Visit Performance Unlocked’s website: performanceunlocked.ie
• Connect with Kevin Brady on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brady-80b42618

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.