The Employee Success Podcast

In this episode, Brian sits down with Meagan West, Senior Training & Development Specialist at the Employee Success Center, for an engaging conversation about extroversion in the workplace. They dive deep into how extroverted qualities such as strong communication, collaboration, and leadership can be powerful assets to teams and organizations. Meagan shares valuable insights on how to recognize and nurture these strengths, the impact of extroversion on team dynamics, and strategies for leveraging diverse personalities in the workplace. Whether you're an extrovert looking to refine your skills or a manager aiming to maximize team potential, this episode offers practical advice for thriving in a variety of work environments. Tune in to learn more about how extroversion can drive success in the workplace!Don’t forget to check outS2E6: Introverts at Work (with Dr. Katie Partin)!Take advantage of our Learning Opportunitieshere!

Join us in this insightful episode with guest Dr. Brittany Wildman as we delve into the art of supervising student employees. Wildman draws from her experience managing the Student Activities Center and her doctoral research to explore strategies to help student employees effectively balance the academic pursuits with work responsibilities, fostering a supportive environment for growth and success. From time management tips to understanding student priorities, learn how to empower and guide student employees towards achieving their academic and professional goals.

The university’s new HR database, WorkDay, includes the first-ever opportunity for faculty and staff to indicate their pronouns and store them in their profile, giving all of us a powerful new tool for inclusion and the spirit of belonging we are aspire to create.  But what does it mean to ask for and share pronouns in the workplace, and is it really important?  This week we talk with Lisa Gunterman from the LGBT Center about how we can use this new tool in WorkDay effectively and why getting good at pronouns can make such a profound difference to our co-workers and others.  Lisa shares some tips for getting more comfortable with pronouns, advice on how to recover when we make a mistake, and a ton of resources to use and share with others.Lisa Gunterman is the Director of the LGBT Center at the University of Louisville.Additional resources:LGBT Center info commercial, The Power of Pronounshttps://louisville.edu/lgbt/resources/the-power-of-pronouns-1GLSEN Pronoun Guidehttps://www.glsen.org/activity/pronouns-guide-glsen

Even though she has only been at the university since February 1, our new President Kim Schatzel has learned a lot about the faculty and staff who work here and what makes UofL a special place. In this new episode, we checked in with her to see what she is thinking about as a result of her listening tour, why inclusion and belonging are central to her leadership approach, and her advice for navigating career transitions.

In this episode, we sit down with UofL School of Nursing Program Manager and Mindset Coach Rebecca Barrett to explore what it truly means to cultivate joy at work—not as a fleeting feeling, but as a powerful, practical skill.Brian and Rebecca dive into how to intentionally tap into your mind and emotions in the workplace so you can navigate both challenging seasons and moments of success with clarity and resilience. Rebecca shares actionable insights on emotional awareness, mindset shifts, and the science behind sustainable joy at work. Listen in to learn about how to respond rather than react, reframe obstacles, and harness positive experiences to build momentum and engagement.Learn more about the School of Nursing here.Send a CARDGram!      Check out all the incredible opportunities offered by the Employee Success Center here.

In this episode of the Employee Success Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Anne Strickley—writer, professor, faculty editor of Miracle Monocle, and Director of Undergraduate Studies in English. Dr. Strickley shares how her own creative practice informs the way she teaches and mentors students, from helping them generate bold new work to introducing them to the worlds of editing and publishing. We talk craft, collaboration, and what it means to build literary communities inside and beyond the classroom—and she gives us a sneak peek at a new book on the horizon! -- Sarah Anne Strickley is the author of the short story collection, Incendiary Devices; the novella, Sister; the short story collection, Fall Together; and a collection of essays, Ode to Collapse, forthcoming in October 2026. She’s a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing fellowship, an Ohio Arts grant, a Glenn Schaeffer Award from the International Institute of Modern Letters, the Copper Nickel Editors’ Prize for Prose and other honors. Her stories and essays have appeared in Oxford American, A Public Space, Witness, Harvard Review, Gulf Coast, The Southeast Review, The Normal School, Ninth Letter, Hotel Amerika, Copper Nickel, storySouth and elsewhere. She’s a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and earned her PhD from the University of Cincinnati. She’s the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Louisville and serves as faculty editor of Miracle Monocle, UofL’s award-winning literary journal. --Visit the new Miracle Monocle site here. Keep up with Dr. Strickley on her website and that of Finishing Line Press. Learn more about UofL's English program here.Check out the Employee Success Center website!

What happens when the work you are asked to do conflicts with the values you hold most deeply? In this episode, we explore moral injury at work and examine how it shows up across the higher education workplace and beyond.Our guest, Dr. Meg Hancock, draws from her recent study, Changing Industry: A Qualitative Study on Moral Injury within Former Sport Employees, which uses college athletics as a powerful case example. Through conversations about NIL, the transfer portal, and increasing commercialization, the discussion opens up to a broader look at how organizational change, value misalignment, and institutional pressures can leave employees feeling disillusioned or morally compromised in many professional settings.Together, we unpack what moral injury looks like, why it is different from burnout, and what leaders and employees across industries can learn from these experiences. Dr. Hancock joins us to share her research, insights, and practical takeaways for navigating values-based conflict at work.Learn more about The Pipeline Project here.Send a CARDGram: https://tinyurl.com/CARDGramsCheck out the Employee Success Center website here. 

In this episode of The Employee Success Podcast, Brian is joined by Luke Button and Nandi Thomas as they pull back the curtain on the humans behind Human Resources. From demystifying the role of an HR Business Partner at the University of Louisville to exploring how HR strengthens connection, they spotlight how their work helps build culture and community across our campuses. Listen to learn how HRBPs can shape everyday experiences, support employees, and strengthen our Cardinal community.Visit the UofL Human Resources website here: https://louisville.edu/hrSend a CARDGram: https://my.louisville.edu/employee-success-center/recognition/send-cardgram Check out all the incredible opportunities offered by the Employee Success Center here: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess--Nandi Thomas is an experienced Human Resources professional with a career in the field since 2018. She currently serves as an HR Business Partner, where she provides strategic support and guidance to leaders and employees on organizational development, employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning. She currently supports all of HSC Campus and some of Belknap Campus including Kent School, School of Music, Law School, Arts and Sciences, Speed School and EVPRI. Outside of work, Nandi is committed to continuous growth and leadership development, reflecting her belief that HR is not only about policies and processes, but also about building environments where people thrive.Luke Button is an HR Business Partner for Operational and the majority of UofL Provost Based Units. He is a Human Resources professional with a focus in Human Resource Strategy consultation, People Analytics, Employee Relations, Compensation, and Total Rewards Administration. Luke consults with our Executive-level leaders in developing a People-Centered organization and developing empathetic and successful leaders and teams and creates data-driven solutions to enhance the employee experience and implement effective HR Strategy. 

In this episode, our host, Brian Buford, is joined by Dr. Tom Owen, longtime University of Louisville professor and archivist. Since 1975, Dr. Owen has been preserving and sharing the stories that shape both Louisville and UofL. A public historian, former Metro Council president, and historical tour guide, Dr. Owen brings a lifetime of knowledge about the university’s past and its place in our thriving community. From walking tours to published histories, Dr. Owen helps us see how UofL’s history is deeply connected to the city and its people—listen to learn more! Visit the UofL Libraries website here: https://library.louisville.edu/homeVisit the Employee Success Center website here: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess

In this episode of The Cardinal Spotlight, we sit down with Mani Vangalur—Director of Technology Solutions at the University of Louisville’s Speed School of Engineering, a UofL alum, and an avid ultramarathon runner. Mani is deeply involved in the culture of UofL, participating in various presidential commissions including the Commission on Climate, Culture and Well-being, Staff Senate, the Cardinal Leadership Institute, and other groups that support our quality of life and development as a university and community space. Mani shares what motivates him and how his passion for equity, innovation, and endurance feed into both his work and his running. Tune in to hear Mani illuminate some of what teaches us about purpose, resilience, and community at the University of Louisville and beyond.Check out the Speed School’s website here: https://engineering.louisville.edu/Learn more about the Employee Success Center at our website: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Employee Success Podcast! We’re kicking things off with a very special guest—Dr. Gerry Bradley, the 20th President of the University of Louisville—recorded just after his inauguration events. In this exclusive conversation, President Bradley reflects on his time in the role, shares what the inauguration means to him, and outlines his vision for the future of UofL. From championing student success to investing in the growth and development of our faculty and staff, President Bradley speaks candidly about his hopes for a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking university community. Stay connected with UofL employee development and learning opportunities by checking out the Employee Success Center website: louisville.edu/employeesuccess Learn more about President Bradley here: https://louisville.edu/president/meet-president 

In this episode of the Employee Success Podcast, we sit down with Gerard Rabalais, VP for HSC Professional and Educational Development at the University of Louisville, to explore how institutions can better support the development of staff and faculty—especially those approaching the later stages of their careers.Dr. Rabalais shares practical insights on how to engage and retain late-career employees, foster purpose, and help them navigate transitions with intention and dignity.Be sure to check out our earlier collaboration with Dr. Rabalais and Staci Saner on the Employee Success Center Podcast and Faculty Feed, where we dive deeper into the evolving definition of career success in higher education and engaging employees: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/uoflemployeesuccesscenter/episodes/Talking-about-Engaging-Employees-with-Faculty-Feed-Podcast-e25f8jo/a-a9vji2uListen and learn more about Faculty Feed here: https://louisville.edu/hsc/faculty-development/faculty-feed-the-podcastTake advantage of all the career development opportunities the Employee Success Center has to offer by visiting our website: www.louisville.edu/employeesuccess  

In this episode, Brian is joined by Emily Rasmussen, a member of the UofL Department of Political Science, a proud Kentuckian, and enthusiastic explorer of the Commonwealth. With a deep love for the state and a curiosity that drives her to understand its people, places, and traditions, and politics, Emily shares how she experiences Kentucky up close and how that perspective can open people to all the unique opportunities in the state. Tune in to hear about hidden KY gems and more!  The University of Louisville, rooted in the state’s largest city, helps students engage with Kentucky through experiential learning while amplifying the culture, connectedness, and energy of the Commonwealth. Learn more about the University of Louisville’s Department of Political Science here: https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/academics-programs/academic-departments/political-scienceCheck out the Employee Success Center website for learning opportunities, professional development, and more here: louisville.edu/employeesuccess For more historical information about Louisville and the state of Kentucky explore our University Libraries Archives & Special Collections: https://library.louisville.edu/archives/home 

The dedicated employees who work in our university libraries play a big role in supporting students, faculty, and staff every day. In this episode, we chat with Melissa Laning and Cecilia Durbin about how a group of those employees came together to support their own colleagues—creating thoughtful programs, practices, and resources that build a stronger sense of connection, well-being, and professional growth across the libraries.Check out the UofL Libraries website here: https://library.louisville.edu/homeDon't miss out on the opportunities available on the Employee Success Center website: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess

In this episode, Brian Buford sits down with Andrew Marsh—metal sculptor, founder of Lucky 7 Arts, and Assistant Director at the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research at the University of Louisville. Andrew shares how his creative practice, deeply rooted in explorations of the human body, emotions, and the physical world, shapes both his art and his professional journey. From building monumental sculptures to driving innovation in renewable energy, Andrew offers a compelling look at the intersection of artistic expression, academic research, and global impact. Check out more of Andrew's work on the Lucky 7 Arts website: https://www.lucky7arts.com/Don't miss the other sites Andrew's work is featured on:www.citymuseum.org     https://www.josephinesculpturepark.org/         https://sculpturetrails.com/

In this episode, Brian Buford welcomes back Kevin McClure, a leading voice in higher education leadership and workplace culture. Together, they dive deep into the evolving concept of employee success in the higher education workplace, exploring what it truly means to create environments where faculty and staff can thrive both personally and professionally.Kevin shares insights from his upcoming book, The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace After the Great Resignation, which addresses how colleges and universities can respond to the shifting expectations of employees in a post-pandemic world. The conversation touches on concepts like institutional care, burnout, workplace flexibility, and innovative practices that support well-being and retention. Listeners will also get a sneak peek into the chapter highlighting the impactful work of the Employee Success Center, showcasing real-world examples of how institutions are prioritizing care and connection in their organizational culture! The Caring University is available for pre-order now and will be released on July 1, 2025. Get your copy here!Check out our past episode with Kevin here.Visit the Employee Success Center website and take advantage of our opportunities to advance your career today! 

In this episode of The Cardinal Spotlight, we sit down with Charice Patterson from the University of Louisville's Career Center to explore the power of vision boards. Charice shares how visualizing your goals can fuel motivation, clarify direction, and support both personal and professional growth. She also discusses the inspiration behind some of her favorite pieces and how you, too, can do it at home! Tune in to learn practical tips for creating your own vision board and how it can become a meaningful tool for goal setting and development. Check out the University Career Center website here: https://louisville.edu/career Send a CardGRAM: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess/recognition/send-a-cardgram

In this episode, we explore the growing importance of emotional support in the workplace—through the eyes (and paws) of two special guests!Join us as we sit down with Officer Jacob Robinson of the University of Louisville Police Department and his four-legged partner, Comfort K-9 Lily. Together, they share how Lily is helping to create a more compassionate and supportive environment on campus. From reducing stress during high-pressure moments to simply offering a furry friend to lean on, Lily’s presence is making a big difference. Tune in to hear stories from the field, the process of getting a comfort animal, and how Lily is helping our community...one tail wag at a time!Follow Lily's instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lily_ulpdk9/Learn more about opportunities for growth and support in the workplace on our website: louisville.edu/employeesuccess

In a special turn of the mic, Laura McDaniels steps into the host’s seat to interview our usual host, Brian Buford. That’s right—Brian’s trading headphones for hiking boots as he prepares to embark on an exciting journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.Laura and Brian dig into what inspired this trek, what Brian’s hoping to discover along the way, and how he’s preparing for over 2,600 miles of mountains, deserts, and soul-searching. It's a conversation full of laughter, vulnerability, and insight into what it means to step away from the familiar. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a dreamer planning your own big leap, or just curious about the next adventure of one of UofL’s most beloved people, you won’t want to miss this one.Sign up for the PCT Wellness Challenge with the Employee Success Center and UofL’s Get Healthy Now here: https://forms.office.com/r/BgaenC5p5e Follow along Brian’s journey on our socials, @UofLEmployeeSuccess, and on Brian’s instagram: @bumbumhikes.  Listen to our previous episode, “Leadership Lessons from the Appalachian Trail (with Maggie Schneider)” here: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/l9w21j4uqSbSend a CARDGram today: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess/recognition/send-a-cardgram

In this episode of The Employee Success Podcast, we sit down with sustainability expert Dr. Justin Mog (Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives at the University of Louisville) to explore how we can integrate eco-friendly practices into workplace culture. From reducing waste to creating a more energy-efficient office, Justin shares practical strategies that not only benefit the planet but also boost employee engagement and organizational success. Tune in to learn how sustainability can drive innovation, improve workplace morale, and contribute to a thriving, responsible business. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on building a greener, more successful workplace! Check out Justin Mog’s podcast Sustainability Now! on Forward Radio here: https://www.forwardradio.org/sustainabilitynowLearn more about UofL’s efforts in sustainability and how you can help out here: https://louisville.edu/sustainability/