HR Like a Boss by Willory

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Nicole Hall, the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development at TCT Federal Credit Union. Nicole shares her unique journey into HR, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and the human element in the workplace. She discusses her passion for teaching and how she balances the needs of employees and the organization. Nicole also reflects on the impact of mentorship and the significance of advocating for oneself in one's career.ABOUT NICHOL HALLBorn and raised in Upstate NY. Wife and mother of 2. BS in Psychology. Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 30 year career in Telecommunications, Marketing, L&D, Financial Wellness, Coaching, HR, Process Improvement and Strategy. Currently the VP | Director of HR & OD at TCT Federal Credit Union. My passion lies in empowering individuals and teams to achieve their full potential through thoughtful preparation and innovative solutions. I enjoy singing and playing my flute at church, reading, yoga, skiing, and spending quality time with friends and family

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John speaks with Dr. Scott J. Allen about the critical role of leadership in organizational culture. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the purpose of human resources, and the challenges faced in leadership development. Dr. Allen emphasizes the need for intentional training and alignment within organizations to foster effective leadership.ABOUT SCOTT J. ALLENScott J. Allen, Ph.D., is an award-winning educator passionate about working with people at all levels and across industries. He serves as an instructor in SMU’s Cox School of Business Executive Education and spent more than 18 years as a professor of management. Scott has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He’s the co-author of several books, and hosts Practical Wisdom for Leaders, ranked among the world's top 2.5% of podcasts. Along with the podcast, he publishes a weekly newsletter. Scott frequently serves as a keynote speaker. In addition, he consults, facilitates workshops, and leads retreats across industries.

In this milestone 200th episode of HR Like a Boss, John reflects on the journey that sparked a movement. Joined by Joe Szafraniec, Lauren Rudman, and George Sample, they each share how they first heard of HR Like a Boss and how they've seen it evolve. The group discusses authenticity in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and why HR professionals must understand the broader business landscape to truly lead “like a boss." From personal stories of resilience and family influence to practical insights on ownership, community engagement, and professional growth, this celebratory episode highlights one core truth: people matter in the people business.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews HR leader Tammy Luby, who shares her journey in human resources, her impactful experiences, and her unique presentation titled 'Stop Flicking Chickens.' Tammy discusses the purpose of HR, the importance of making a difference in people's lives, and her aspirations to turn her presentation into a book. The conversation emphasizes the need for positivity and mentorship in HR, as well as the importance of looking beyond daily challenges to create a meaningful impact.ABOUT TAMMY LUBYTammy Luby, MBA, SPHR, AI+HI, & SHRM-SCP Director of Human Resources, Riverhead Building Supply Adjunct Professor & Faculty Team lead, Southern New Hampshire University. Meet Tammy Luby, a dynamic HR professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. With an MBA and certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Tammy is a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise. She is fluent in the entire lifecycle of the employment process, including multi-state and union environments. Tammy is not just an HR generalist; she is a proactive agent of change, certified in AI+HI, and known for her support of HR initiatives on Long Island. Often referred to as the HR ambassador of the East End, Tammy is deeply involved in professional groups to advance the HR profession and ethics. She is passionate about building the workforce of the future by engaging students in high schools, colleges, and technical/trade schools through presentations, tours, and workshops. In addition to her role at Riverhead Building Supply, Tammy co-founded and chairs The HR East End Circle, a Human Resource round table based out of Eastern Long Island, NY. She is also a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors with the Long Island Chapter of The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Tammy's volunteer work includes contributions to the United Way, Cystic Fibrosis, American Heart Association, and The American Cancer Society. She is proud to be part of a company committed to a respectful workplace, honesty, and integrity. When she's not shaping the future of HR, you can find Tammy sharing her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University or leading the HR faculty.

In the world of Human Resources, the journey is often marked by continuous learning and community engagement. Join us on this episode of HR Like a Boss as Kimberly Smith and Cherish Holland from Central California discuss the upcoming Workplace Symposium on March 19th. They also share their insights on navigating a career in HR, the significance of volunteering, and how to truly make an impact in the workplace.ABOUT KIMBERLY SMITHHR & Payroll Manager for 13 Prime Steak, Yolked Kitchen, PC Solutions, and MP Consultants, President of Central California SHRM. Kimberly has been in the human resource and payroll field for over 27 years. She brings a deep understanding of both people and business operations. Kimberly is passionate about creating opportunities for HR professionals to connect, learn, and grow. During her time on the CCSHRM board, she has focused on strengthening partnerships within the Central California HR community and ensuring CCSHRM continues to be a trusted resource for members and employers alike. Kimberly is committed to building a strong, inclusive network where professionals can share best practices and support one another’s success.ABOUT CHERISH HOLLANDCherish has 20+ years in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by Tom Schin, an experienced HR professional and business owner. They discuss the importance of community in HR, the impact of human resources on people's lives, and the challenges faced by middle managers. Tom shares personal stories of making a difference in individuals' careers and emphasizes the need for ongoing support and training for managers. The conversation also touches on the significance of building relationships and the role of HR in fostering a positive workplace culture. ABOUT TOMTom Schin, Leadership Development Professional With over two decades of experience in HR, recruiting, and management, Tom Schin, owner of Build Better Culture, helps organizations improve company culture, increase employee engagement, through the development of leadership skills. His programs are designed to equip managers with tools to better engage employees, strengthen performance, and build upon your existing company culture. His coaching approach is customized to each client’s needs and goals, with a focus on areas including communication skills, strategic thinking, team engagement, accountability, delegation, and conflict resolution. His tailored Learning and Development solutions are built off his two+ decades of hands-on experience and his academic background (with a Masters in Education Theory and Practice). His content is aimed to bring a solutions focused, growth mindset approach to people managers at all levels. Tom has extensive experience working with companies of all sizes across various industries, including manufacturing, non-profit, technology, financial, logistics, education, professional services, scientific and healthcare. He is an experienced presenter, having delivered motivational keynotes and topical presentations. He is co-host of “This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast” and serves as President of the Capital Region Human Resource Association (CRHRA) Board of Directors, which provides learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities to over 600 members. Website: www.buildbetterculture.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/schinnn

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by Biz Williams, a seasoned professional in the HR tech space. Biz shares her journey through various roles in HR, her experiences with imposter syndrome, and her transition to entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the importance of financial acumen in HR, the role of HR in business success, and the impact of tax credits on hiring practices. Biz emphasizes the need for effective communication between HR and leadership and the value of understanding business operations to drive success.ABOUT BIZBiz has been in the HR Tech space for 14 years - supporting talent acquisition, applicant tracking, onboarding, flex shift work and now the compliance side with tax credits, I9, Unemployment Claims Management and Employment & Wage Verifications. She created Ryze, a tax credit mapping tool in December, 2024 and merged with HRlogics in June, 2025 coming on board as CRO.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John welcomes Jamie Lewis Smith, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group. They discuss the critical role of human resources in organizations, the importance of effective leadership, and the need for proper training and coaching for managers. Jamie shares insights on how our brains can hinder our performance and the significance of curiosity in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to take control of their roles and make impactful changes within their organizations.ABOUT JAMIEJamie Lewis Smith, PhD (aka the NeHRd Lady) is what happens when a psychologist escapes the therapy room and infiltrates Corporate America with one mission: make managers suck less. As CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, she transforms burnt-out bosses and mediocre managers into talent-boosting rockstars using simple, science-backed strategies. Her team of nerdy-but-fun executive coaches delivers no-fluff, evidence-based leadership development (no trust falls, kumbaya circles, or corporate jargon allowed). A published author, international speaker, and Forbes Coaches Council member, Jamie helps leaders level up and build kickass cultures so HR can finally get some sleep at night.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Jayma DuChene, a passionate HR professional and fellow podcast host. They discuss the importance of supporting employees and the need for HR professionals to take care of themselves. Jayma shares her journey in HR, her experiences with creating workflows, and her podcast 'What's in a Name?' which explores the significance of names and their meanings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal development and the impact of names on identity.ABOUT JAYMAJayma DuChene is a seasoned human resources professional and senior product owner at OneDigital, holding a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, SHRM-SCP certification, and SAFe® Practitioner certification. With deep expertise in project management and solutions architecture, Jayma excels at researching emerging technologies and designing CRM solutions that empower Sales, Implementation, and Service teams. She is dedicated to implementing process automation initiatives that streamline business operations and drive efficiency. Prior to joining OneDigital, Jayma held key leadership roles at Resourcing Edge, including director of training and development, lead corporate systems trainer, and senior applications specialist. Beyond her professional achievements, Jayma hosts the “What’s In a Name?” podcast, pursues her passion for photography, and actively volunteers with the HRACO Workforce Readiness Committee.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Ben Eden, an HR executive turned author and speaker. They discuss the importance of self-perception in HR, the purpose of aligning people with their organization's goals, and the journey of overcoming personal struggles. Ben shares his experiences of vulnerability, the impact of HR on individual lives, and the creation of his book, 'How We See Ourselves.' The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to own their value and the transformative power of understanding one's identity.ABOUT BEN EDENBen Eden is a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and author of How We See Ourselves—a groundbreaking book that helps high-performing leaders break free from burnout and self-doubt by shifting how they see themselves. As the creator of the Eden Model™, Ben equips individuals and teams with a framework for identity-based transformation, unlocking clarity, confidence, and fulfillment that lasts. With a background in HR and a passion for people development, Ben helps leaders do more than succeed—he helps them become who they were meant to be.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, host John Bernatovicz interviews leadership consultant Laurie Maddalena, author of 'The Elevated Leader.' They discuss the evolution of leadership and the need for modern leadership skills in today's workplace. Laurie shares transformative moments from her coaching experiences, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance and the shift from traditional work models to more flexible arrangements. Check out this insightful episode!ABOUT LAURIELaurie Maddalena is the founder and CEO of Envision Excellence, a leadership development consulting firm that provides engaging keynote speeches, leadership development programs for managers and executives, executive coaching, management training, and leadership assessments. Laurie has been personally mentored by Jack Canfield, author of The Success Principles, and is a certified Success Principles Trainer. Laurie is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation earned by less than 17% of speakers worldwide. She writes a monthly online column for next generation leaders for CUES, is a contributing writer for CUInsight, and has published articles in Credit Union Management. Laurie is the author of the book, The Elevated Leader: Boost Your Confidence and Transform Your Team by Mastering Coaching, Accountability, and Difficult Conversations. She is a contributing author to the international best-selling books, Women Who Empower and Women Who Shine. Prior to establishing her own coaching and consulting business, Laurie served as Vice President of Human Resources/Organizational Development at Montgomery County Teachers Federal Credit Union (MCT). Under Laurie’s leadership, MCT was awarded the “Excellent Place to Work” designation by the Maryland Work~Life Alliance for seven years in a row. Laurie started her credit union career as the assistant manager of the call center, and has been in the industry for over 26 years. Laurie earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Master of Science degree in human resources/organizational development from The University of Maryland Global Campus. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Syracuse University. Laurie is a certified executive coach through The Coaches Training Institute, and completed team and organizational coaching training through The Center for Right Relationship and Team Coaching International. Laurie lives in Maryland with her husband, Rino, and their three children, Olivia, Luca and Clara. She loves the outdoors and nature, good food and wine (especially Cabernet Sauvignon), enjoys playing tennis, and is an avid reader and cappuccino lover.

HR Like a Boss is back from the holidays! And for today's exciting episode, John interviews Paige Knott, the Cumberland Valley SHRM President and fellow podcaster from the Beyond HR Podcast. Hear Paige share her insights on the importance of community in HR, the power of coaching, and the role of mentorship in professional growth. She also emphasizes the need for HR professionals to make employees feel seen and valued, and discusses how coaching can transform workplace dynamics. Don't miss this episode!ABOUT PAIGE KNOTTPaige Knott is an experienced HR leader who’s spent nearly a decade helping organizations become healthier, more effective places to work. From strategic workforce planning to leadership coaching (and being the friendly, authentic HR face everyone counts on), she’s passionate about making workplaces work better—and more human. Her mission is to move HR beyond policies and into what really matters: people. By day, Paige works full-time for a genuinely caring organization that reignited her passion for HR and reminded her why this work matters. She’s also the co-host of The Beyond HR Podcast, where she brings her signature blend of humor, heart, and curiosity to real conversations about what it means to lead and grow in today’s workplace. Outside of work, Paige soaks up time with her husband and two adorable girls, plays volleyball, and chases sunshine at the beach whenever she can. She also tends to a small backyard menagerie—two dogs, a few pampered chickens, and a couple of bunnies—earning her the unofficial title of “leader of the flock.” 🐔🐇🐶 Known for her dry wit, thoughtful insight, and people-first perspective, Paige brings candor, warmth, and just the right spark to every conversation she’s part of.

In this episode of the HR Like A Boss podcast, John speaks with Katie Duarte, a business leader from Canada, about the importance of feedback in organizations. Katie shares her journey from a sales career to becoming an expert in feedback dynamics, emphasizing the need for connection and curiosity in feedback conversations. They discuss the subjective nature of feedback, the role of empathy, and the challenges of navigating difficult conversations in the workplace. Check it out!ABOUT KATIEKatie Duarte is on a mission to improve feedback at work by challenging traditional approaches. With a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and having conducted research in feedback dynamics, she brings insights to help organizations make impactful improvements to feedback by considering the parts that both the giver and the receiver play. While most organizations know the value of feedback, few have a clear shared approach to doing it well. Katie helps teams reframe feedback as a mutual process - one that builds connection, supports accountability, and improves effectiveness.

Let's talk about payroll! In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by fellow podcaster Pete A. Tiliakos to discuss the critical role of payroll in organizations. They explore the challenges faced by payroll professionals, the importance of engagement, and the future of payroll leadership. Hear Pete advocate for the elevation of payroll roles within organizations and emphasize the need for education and awareness in the payroll profession.ABOUT PETEPete leverages unique market expertise from over 30 years in HR and payroll technology, services, and transformation. Pete is globally recognized for his extensive knowledge, coverage, research, and strategic advisory of leading and emerging solution providers across the payroll, employer of record services, payments, and HCM technology marketplaces. Both practitioners and providers widely leverage his research and perspectives as he is a regular contributor to industry associations, podcasts, publications, and events and the co-host of the HR and Payroll 2.0 podcast, and host of The Source podcast by DailyPay.

In light of technical difficulties at the SHRM NY State Conference, on today's episode of HR Like a Boss, John shares his experiences and insights from attending multiple SHRM conferences across different states (and stay tuned till the end to hear from some of the people he got to speak to at NY State SHRM Conference). During the recap, John emphasizes the importance of human resources in transforming workplace culture and driving business results. John discusses key principles such as ownership, love, and the need for HR professionals to prioritize people while also understanding financial aspects of the business. He reflects on the significance of building relationships within the HR community and the impact of engaging employees in meaningful ways.Guests in order of appearance -Jill Dowling, Jennifer Massey, Mark Fogel

Join John on this episode of HR Like a Boss, where he takes the podcast to Stone Mountain, Georgia, for the 2025 SHRM Georgia Conference & Expo! John talks to attendees of the conference, keynote speakers, and people who helped put the conference together about all things HR. Check it out!Guests in order of appearance - Amanda Petroff-SmithJodie BranerStephanie ThompsonDr. Timothy Williams, Sr.Luke GoettingLisa HughesRon WilliamsKristal SwabyDavid SuarezAdriane Lockwood

John is continuing to take HR Like a Boss on the road and had the amazing opportunity to join this years Maryland SHRM conference to interview a variety of attendees. Hear from each of their unique perspectives about what the purpose of HR is, what they got from the conference, and, of course, what it means to do HR Like a Boss!Guests in order of appearance -Andy NielsenStephanie BidleShari ArendsMonica KennedyMarjorie BedjaminJennifer EylerTaylor CisnerosAntoinette (Toni) RobinsonRaghad MohamedKatherine FryElise Smith

On today's episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Jennifer Watson, a former Division 1 athlete turned HR leader and coach. They discuss the importance of leadership, the role of HR in bringing out the best in individuals, and the significance of wellness in the workplace. Jennifer shares her insights on the athlete's mindset, the value of individual coaching, and the necessity of feedback for personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to be aware of their own wellness and to implement strategies that foster a healthy work environment. Check it out!ABOUT JENNIFERJennifer Watson is a dynamic speaker, executive-performance strategist and wellness- practitioner with a gift for visionary, intuitive coaching. She helps CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigate growth, challenge, and high-stakes transitions with clarity and resilience. A former D1 collegiate track athlete and two-time All-American, she has been featured on the TEDx stage, NBC, FOX Radio, and top summits. With a clinical background in physical therapy and over 25 years of experience in behavioral science, mind-body performance, and leadership development, she guides top-tier professionals in mastering their internal ecosystem for elite results—without burnout. Her work blends neuroscience, performance psychology, intuitive leadership development, and strategic business alignment. She is a catalyst for visionary leaders ready to expand their legacy and impact from the inside out. Whether I’m facilitating a boardroom workshop, keynoting a leadership summit, or advising an executive in transition, she helps people unlock their next-level leadership through embodied strategy, powerful insight, and deeply human performance tools. She integrates science and energetics to elevate mind-body wellness, leadership expansion, and performance optimization through transition, growth, and change.

HR Like a Boss had the pleasure of going back to the Ohio SHRM conference to interview all kinds of amazingly awesome guests. From HR pros, to speakers, to college students, hear each of their perspectives about what the purpose of HR is, what they got from the conference, and, of course, what it means to do HR Like a Boss!Guests in order of appearanceJessica Beaver, Jon Antonucci, Tabatha Farmer, Jamie Amis, LeAnn Niederman, Jaclyn Hickman, Ava Heath, McKenna Godley, Sam Hamad, Katherine Allison, Stacey Corbin, Holly Colson, Tina Kramer, Samantha Kelly, Craig Gabel, Heather Malinowski, Katie Brown, Sarah Alessandro.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Kristi Stuetzer, a seasoned HR professional and CHRO. They discuss the evolving role of HR, the importance of ownership in HR leadership, and effective recruiting strategies in manufacturing. Kristi shares insights on visual communication and the significance of building relationships at work, emphasizing that trust and communication are foundational to a successful workplace. The conversation highlights the need for HR professionals to take ownership of their roles and foster a positive work environment.ABOUT KRISTIKristi Stuetzer is an accomplished human resources executive with deep expertise in building people strategies that fuel business growth and operational excellence. As Chief Human Resources Officer, she partners with senior leadership and boards to align talent, culture, and organizational design with business objectives. With a proven track record across manufacturing and multi-state operations, Kristi has led HR transformations that strengthened leadership pipelines, optimized workforce planning, and enhanced employee engagement. She brings particular skill in scaling organizations through periods of rapid growth, private equity ownership, and operational change. Kristi is passionate about cultivating inclusive, high-performance workplaces where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed. Her experience spans talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, labor law compliance, and building HR infrastructure from the ground up. As a trusted advisor to CEOs and executive teams, Kristi balances strategic vision with a hands-on approach, ensuring HR initiatives deliver measurable business impact.