Human Resources For Small Business

When it comes to workplace obstacles, awareness is the first step to overcoming them. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws talks with leadership author, expert and consultant, Errol Doebler, who provides thoughtful leadership anecdotes and guidance for listeners. From his time as a Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent to his current work as a leadership consultant, Errol shares commonalities in the path toward effective leadership, including recognition of challenges and changes to team behavior. Takeaways: Awareness is the first step toward cultivating effective leadership. Behavior, not ideas, drives performance. If we want to see a change in culture, we must first address the behaviors that hinder. Leaders must establish clear expectations before they can hold a team accountable for undesired behavior. A detailed process is critical for true transformation. GUEST AT A GLANCE This episode’s guest, Errol Doebler, is a man of many skills and much experience. From his time as a Na

In this episode of the “Transform Your Workplace” podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Brett Cooper and Evans Kerrigan, authors of Solving the People Problem, about how to build positive and effective workplace relationships. Co-founders of Integris Performance Advisors, a firm specializing in employee engagement and efficiency, Brett and Evan tackle the topics that all organizations grapple with daily. They also provide valuable insight and resources that help teams boost morale and increase productivity. Takeaways: The “people problem” is our struggle to work effectively with others in the workplace. We must first become self-aware, and then we can seek to understand our colleagues’ perspectives, approaches, strengths, and habits. Soft skills like empathy, resilience, and the ability to work with a team are critical in today’s changing workforce. Specific language is needed to effectively talk about emotional intelligence --- with common terminology, we can understand each other. When feedback becomes an expec

In this episode, Charlotte Wiseman recounts her experience with workplace burnout and her eventual path to mental fitness. After years of work and study on the topic of healthy work-life balance, Charlotte decided to make a career of helping others with their own similar struggles, eventually founding a consulting firm of her own. Through her discussion with Brandon Laws, Charlotte redefines self-care and provides insight for the “Transform Your Workplace” audience so that they can experience genuine, long-lasting fulfillment in their careers. Takeaways: Workplace burnout is classified by a sense of exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. The switch to remote work can increase your odds of burnout. Work can be a problem, but a healthy approach to work can be a part of the solution. Prioritizing self-care is critical to a healthy work-life balance.   GUEST AT A GLANCE  Charlotte Wiseman knows what it means to be exhausted by the intensity and expectations of her career. About 10 years ago, she found herself on

Want to bridge the communication gap between your team members? If so, join Brandon Laws as he and his guest dive into the critical topic of workplace communication, a key component to the success of any team. In this episode, Alissa Carpenter, multigenerational workplace expert and author, discusses tips and methods for open communication that will ultimately build a culture of inclusivity and the freedom to share ideas. A few takeaways: Identifying employee strengths can be the key to helping your team feel heard and valued. Diversity and inclusion are just words unless leaders make room for each voice at the table. Employees must feel safe in sharing their ideas.  Be cognizant of your go-to, knee-jerk responses, and be open to innovation even if it’s uncomfortable. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

We all just want to have fun… but is the workplace really the right setting? In this unique episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws gets the lowdown on the benefits of a playful workplace. His guest, Paul Lopushinsky, is a workplace play advocate and the founder of Playficient, a consulting company dedicated to helping companies invest in their employees. Even though it may have a bad wrap, Paul insists that when workplace play is implemented correctly, it can have a significant impact on productivity, morale, and the overall employee experience.  4 Takeaways: A bottom-up approach is ideal when it comes to creating a playful workplace environment. Play in the workplace leads to a boost in employee morale, productivity, and retention. Companies should be wary of implementing “forced fun” or “mandated play.” A buddy system can be an effective tool in facilitating playfulness at work. LEARN MORE If you want to learn more about Paul Lopushinsky’s ideas about play or learn about your play personality,

Have you ever felt that you, as an individual, your team, or the entire organization are working incredibly hard, but there's not much progress to show for it? Craig Lemasters calls this the "circle of stuck." In this episode with Craig Lemasters, author of Unstuck: How to Unlock and Activate the Wisdom of Others, you'll learn how to recognize when you're stuck and how to get out of the cycle of being stuck.  What we cover: What is the circle of stuck Examples of companies getting stuck Stuck vs. unstuck How meetings and email play a role in being stuck How to ask for what you need How to break the cycle of stuck About Craig Lemasters After leaving public company CEO life, Craig chose to dedicate his time to helping senior leaders get unstuck on tough challenges. He's passionate about sharing this process with other leaders because he has seen the success it can produce first hand. At GXG, they are committed to solving traditional consulting’s execution problem by curating intentional, focused conversation

Luis Gonzáles has been working remotely for many years, and he knows what it takes to bring teams together virtually. Tune in for an engaging discussion about breaking down silos in functional teams, how to create engaging discussions in virtual meetings, and how to make sure introverted contributors get their voice heard and feel included. More about Luis Gonzales Luis Gonzáles is a communications consultant, coach, and trainer, with more than 25 years’ experience in helping improve business outcomes for organizations. He has successfully driven learning initiatives incorporating effective communication, cross-cultural communication, customer satisfaction and soft-skills training. Currently, he works closely with CEOs, leaders, and individuals, positively impacting business outcomes through effective communication in global, multicultural, and remote work team settings. Learn more and connect with Luis Gonzáles   Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.

With good quality data, organizations can create effective strategies and make informed decisions. To better understand the data we have and the process of data analysis, econometrician, author, and speaker John Johnson joins us in this episode to talk about how to use data to make sound decisions regarding our employees. John H. Johnson is President and CEO of Edgeworth Economics and Edgeworth Analytics, and has his Ph.D. in economics from MIT. He is known internationally for his ability to explain highly sophisticated concepts in a simple, straightforward manner, and brings this skill to his consulting, writing, and speaking. In this episode, you will learn about: What data within organizations should HR professionals need to be paying attention to right now? The broader definition of data The first key to good data analysis The issue of bias with data analysis Correlation versus causation Data vs. people John’s thoughts on gut feeling and decision making Advice to people who are distracted by misinformati

In a bureaucratic organization, people are just hired to produce and produce… and produce more profits. When people are treated as instruments, they seldom give their best. How can people show up and bring their whole self to work if they don’t feel significant and aren’t given room to unleash their own genius? Bureaucracy is old-fashioned, and thus the age for organizations to be fully human is now!  To help organizations adapt to this change, I’m joined today by one of the world’s most influential iconoclastic business thinkers! In this episode, we’re bringing back humanity into the workplace with Gary Hamel! Gary Hamel is a world-renowned influential business thinker, consultant, and sought-after management speaker who has worked with leading companies worldwide and is dynamic. He is also the Director and co-founder of Management Lab and a visiting Professor at the London Business School.  Gary talks about his new book Humanocracy, which he co-wrote with Michele Zanini. He shares the principle of humanocra

Do you have any blind spots when it comes to your work and career? If your response is none, now you have one. Everyone has blindspots. As a leader, you need to be aware of your weaknesses as much as you are familiar with your strengths. Leadership blindspots can be a leaders’ Achilles heel. However, like any other weaknesses, when brought to attention, can turn into your greatest strength! Turn your leadership blindspots into fulfillment and growth today as Entrepreneurial and Executive Coach Malorie joins us to talk about growth mindset and leadership blindspots! Malorie Nicole is the host of the podcast, Abundantly Clear, where she talks to entrepreneurs about mindset and how leaders can achieve mental clarity, decrease stress, and achieve personal and business growth. Her podcast was listed on Forbes as the number one podcast for people that want to get unstuck that are feeling stuck in their career business.  Her work focuses on helping entrepreneurs and executives redesign their thought patterns for bet

Technology has completely taken over our lives. It’s everywhere, and we need it more than ever, especially right now that we’re in the midst of a pandemic.  You can immediately access any information you need in just a matter of seconds through click or voice command. It certainly makes our personal and business activities easier and more efficient. And I’m certain that you’re probably reading this and listening to this podcast right now through your smartphone or computer!  But we’re too dependent on it to the point that it has disrupted our flow, productivity, behavior, relationships, and health. Technology is not bad, but how we handle it is a problem. Technology is great, and all but being overly connected also has its adverse effects. Lack of sleep, stiff shoulders, eye strain, fatigue, social comparison... these are some of the causes of overusing/ misuse of tech devices and social media.  How can we avoid these pitfalls programmed into modern technology use? Join me in this episode as we learn how tech

Introverts and extroverts work differently. Their environment plays an important role in how they show up at work.  Most companies don’t really think about whether their workplace and culture are fit to cater to both extroverts and introverts. Mainstream company work culture tends to value extroversion over introversion. And this undermines the strengths of the quiet ones.  What if they have more to offer, but it doesn’t get into the table because leaders and employees don’t really understand how their introvert people operate? Join me in this episode, as we learn and understand the introverts' traits and how companies can bring out their true strength and talents! Jennifer Kahnweiler is an author and speaker hailed as a pioneer of the past decades' introvert revolution. Her books are focused on how introverts can lead and inspire others at work by tapping into their natural quiet strengths. She will talk about her book, Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces: How to Unleash Everyone’s Talent and Performance,

Despite the efforts of companies to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and Culture, many still fail to make a meaningful difference. Leaders and top management should understand that people need a reason to bring their whole selves to work, their true identity, and their most authentic selves. How can we elevate organizational Culture and encourage our people to show up? If you’re ready to commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and achieve collective success in your organization, this episode is for you! In this episode, we’re going to deep dive into the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion with inclusion strategist Katie Zink! Katie is Founder and Principal Consultant of Social Construct Consulting, where she helps leaders and individuals put an actional DE&I plan in place so they can create a positive and dynamic culture! Start walking the path to collective success together with your team as Katie talks about actionable DE&I plan and how we can make it work! Start Measuri

A bad culture can corrupt good people. — Siobhan Mchale Do you ever wonder why big companies like Enron failed to make it despite being a top energy company at its time? Why did Nokia lose over Apple even though they have the technology to compete with them? It's more than a technology or a product problem. These organizations and their downfall had something to do with their culture. Culture is a powerful force that can drive a company to its success. But a poor culture cripples any company or, worse, kills the future of the business. To avoid business failure, culture expert Siobhan Mchahale, author of The Insider's Guide to Culture Change, joins us to share her proven four-step process to demystifying culture transformation and starting down the path to positive change! She has worked with big companies and large organizations, helping leaders create a productive and culturally safe workplace. Siobhan led a low-performing Australian bank and over and over a seven-year change initiative, transformed it into

Uncertain times bring out the real quality of a leader. As we face a new reality with the COVID-19, a new type of leadership is needed. It is during these times that leaders need to be more empathic while instilling confidence, but how do they do that given the situation? Join me in this episode, as Kate Carney, an experienced business consultant, lawyer, and strategic advisor, provides the answer! Kate Carney is the founder of K8 Carney consulting, where she helps female founders scale businesses they love and make the money they deserve. She also serves as a general counsel for growth companies helping them manage risk and capture opportunities. Nobody wants to be in a tough spot. But when you're a leader, you'll be walking on tightropes most of the time. Find the courage to lead when everything is out of control as Kate talks about her ebook, Leadership & Culture In A Time Of Uncertainty, and how leaders can lead effectively in challenging times. Do you want to thrive during this time of uncertainty? D

It's no secret that the backbone of any organization is its people. Though they're the greatest asset of a company, employees are still treated indifferently.  The best investment you can make for your company is not automation, technology, nor data. It’s your people! Join me in this episode as Brittany and I will talk about culture and how to change toxic company systems from within so that you’re people are empowered, engaged, and fulfilled in their work! Brittany Hale is the founder and CEO of BND Consulting Group, a consulting firm with an emphasis on human-centered culture creation strategy. If you’re serious on building an inclusive culture for your people to work productively while feeling empowered, then make sure you listen to this episode, as Brittany shares why investing in your people is a great ROI for any employer, and how leaders and employers can build an inclusive culture and support their employees and propel the company forward! In this episode, you will learn about: Why diversity is a hug

“With the proper process, change is not hard.” — Pam Marmon, No One’s Listening and It’s Your Fault As the workplace embarks on a new phase due to the pandemic crisis, leaders are expected to step up their game and rethink their communications strategy if they want to strengthen connections with their people and build a better culture of trust and engagement within the workplace. Effective communications with employees have been particularly important, especially now; But how do you get your messages heard during challenging times? It’s not always easy, but our guest for today has some answers! In this episode, Pam Marmon joins us to share her take on change management! She is the CEO of Marmon Consulting, a change management consulting firm that provides strategy and execution services to help companies transform.  Pam is also the author of the newly released book, No One’s Listening and It’s Your Fault: Get Your Message Heard During Organizational Transformations, where she shares practical ways to implemen

Every single day, we make hundreds of decisions, consciously, and unconsciously. Some are small and some require more thinking. How we make those decisions will ultimately affect our lives and others. No one wants to be in a position where they have to make hard decisions. It’s not always easy to make the right choice. When time is of the essence, even if the knowledge we have at that time is scarce, we have to think quickly and act immediately. Otherwise, it’ll lead to unfavorable results that we might regret later on. Whether it’s something small and mundane or a matter of life-and-death situation, how do you make better decisions? How do you make choices that’ll positively affect your future and the people around you? You just made the right choice today! And that is to listen to this episode! Get empowered and achieve a higher level of decision-making, as business strategy expert, Robert Dilenscheider joins us to talk about making decisions better decisions and the choices of people who shaped the world w

Leaders must be intentional about the culture they create if they want their people to engage and feel connected. Sadly, not all leaders are equipped with the right tools and training to take on such a task. In today’s episode, Galen Emanuele, the founder of Shift Yes, joins us to talk on the concept of “Yes, And” to develop and transform leadership skills, intentional culture, productivity and play, and how to bring race conversation in the workplace. He is a highly-sought-after speaker and thought leader on business leadership and team culture. He is also a world-class improviser, having taught and performed improv for many years and toured with the cast from Whose Line Is It Anyway?. Galen also works with organizations around the globe including Fortune 500 companies, changing the way teams and leaders communicate, drive culture, and show up in business. Make sure you listen to this episode and gain valuable skills, mindset, and actionable tips you can apply to your team and organizations! In this episode,

Working more doesn't equate to more things getting done.  The average person spends about 70% of their waking hours looking at screens, commuting, or running errands, which doesn't leave much for living life. And when we do take breaks, what do we normally do? Stare at "screens" (again). It's no wonder people are stressed and burned out most of the time. Is it even possible to optimize our time, work less, and get more things done? According to Steve Glaveski, the author of Time-Rich: Do Your Best Work, Live Your Best Life, people who have more time to invest in their relationships, hobbies, physical, and mental health are the ones who are more productive in the office.  Find out what's wasting your time and learn how you can optimize it so that you're achieving more and spending your precious resources on things that matter most! In this episode, I'm joined by Steve Glaveski to talk about how you are wasting your time and the tools to optimize it! He is the CEO of Collective Campus, an innovation accelerator