Up Next @ Work

In this episode of Up Next @ Work, Jeanne Achille talks to Phillip B. Wilson, labor lawyer turned leadership consultant and CEO of LRI Consulting Services. While there’s no shortage of leadership advice out there, it’s rare to find a proven framework that sticks. Drawing from his Amazon No. 1 bestseller, The Leader-Shift Playbook, Phil shares what he believes drives meaningful change in the workplace: approachable leadership. Phil also opens up about his own professional journey, including what’s worked, what failed, and how listeners can learn from it. Episode highlights include: Your impact matters—every time. Leaders leave every interaction either better or worse. There’s no neutral. Real relationships are a leadership superpower. It’s not about perks or policies—it’s about trust, vulnerability, and genuine interest in people’s lives. Feedback is a gift. Phil shares a candid moment when a team member told him, “I told your dad I’d never work for you.” That feedback became the turning point in his leadership evolution. Whether you're a rising manager, seasoned executive, or someone passionate about organizational culture, this conversation will leave you with tangible strategies to build a more human-centered, high-performing workplace. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn.

In this must-listen episode, host Jeanne Achille sits down with Beth White, the dynamic founder of MeBeBot, to explore how AI is transforming the employee experience—and why HR professionals must take the lead in this shift. Beth shares her fascinating journey from decades in HR to leading enterprise retail tech sales, where she learned firsthand how consumer experience principles can and should be applied to the workplace. Episode highlights include: AI isn’t new—but it is different now. Beth reminds us that AI has been around for decades. What’s new is the accessibility and mainstream application of tools like ChatGPT, which demands broader organizational understanding. The power trio: HR, IT, and Finance must collaborate to build AI strategy. HR should not be sidelined—if you’re not invited to the table, invite yourself. Responsible AI matters. With regulation catching up (EU AI Act, U.S. executive orders, state-by-state laws), HR leaders must be proactive in understanding AI governance, fairness, and vendor accountability. Jeanne and Beth also unpack the ethical, operational, and emotional challenges of AI adoption, from the organizational silos stifling innovation to the unexpected grief employees and leaders may experience as work evolves. This episode is packed with wisdom on change management, cross-functional collaboration, and governance frameworks that can help companies implement AI responsibly—and effectively. Follow Beth on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Up Next @ Work, Jeanne talks with Ranya Nehmeh, a senior HR strategist based in Vienna, about her latest book titled “In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work.” Co-authored with Peter Cappelli of the Wharton School, the book delivers a balanced, research-based approach to navigating the complex landscape of remote and hybrid work. Jeanne and Ranya explore when in-office works best, when fully remote is viable, and what’s required to make hybrid work. Episode highlights include: The hidden benefits of being in person The new employee journey, examined in the context of in-office What leaders need to know to navigate these conversations Leaders everywhere are grappling with this post-pandemic dilemma, and this episode provides a helpful framework for rethinking return-to-office conversations. Learn more about Ranya's research and follow her on LinkedIn.

Recent research from Gallup puts U.S. employee engagement at only 31 percent. That means for every one of your three employees sitting around the conference room table, two of the three might be looking for a new job or doing the minimal amount of work to get by. There’s a direct correlation between engagement and culture, and Jenni Catron, author of “Culture Matters,” joins host Jeanne Achille for this episode of Up Next @ Work to explore how to help your team grow and thrive. Episode highlights include: The intersection of culture and business goals What it takes to build teams in today's world Real-life stories of impactful leadership You’ll definitely enjoy this podcast episode on why planning and strategy need to be part of any organization’s culture-building journey. Learn more about Jenni's work at her website.

In this episode of Up Next @ Work, host Katie Achille sits down with Joey Price and Tami Nutt of Aspect43 to demystify the role of the HR tech analyst in 2025. What exactly is an analyst today, and how have their responsibilities evolved? Joey and Tami bring their decades of HR practitioner experience to the conversation – discussing how analysts serve as strategic advisors to both HR leaders and tech vendors alike. From decoding buyer sentiment and trends to helping HR teams make more informed business cases, Joey and Tami share what it really means to connect the dots between HR needs and tech innovation. Episode highlights include: The day-to-day life of an analyst (hint: it’s more than just writing reports) What ROI really looks like in 2025 How HR professionals and tech vendors can make the most of conferences like HR Tech Why analyst days are no longer just for the “big guys” in tech Upcoming research from Aspect43 Whether you're an HR leader, tech vendor, or getting ready to kick off the fall conference season, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the critical role analysts play. Connect with Joey and Tami on LinkedIn and follow their work at Aspect43.

In this powerful episode of Up Next @ Work, Katie Achille welcomes members of Labor Tech Research Network — a transnational, member-driven community examining the intersection of labor, technology, and social justice. Katie is joined by Steph Jordan (Board Member), Winnie Poster (Director), and Karina Ripley (Lead Organizer) for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the realities of visible and invisible labor reshaping both physical and digital landscapes. Episode highlights include: Background on the network’s 750+ members across 55 countries How the network collaborates on research, policy, and grassroots organizing Why “labor,” not just “work,” is the focus — highlighting global inequalities, power dynamics, and firsthand accounts of global labor challenges A look at how communities are beginning to respond — and where resistance and refusal are still possible. Whether you're in HR, HR Tech, academia, or simply interested in how the future of work is being built, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about the Labor Tech Research Network at labortechresearchnetwork.org or follow on BlueSky and LinkedIn.

In this thought-provoking episode, Katie Achille is joined by Mary Faulkner of IA. The two dive deep into the growing gap between AI excitement at the executive level and the real-world readiness of organizations able to implement it meaningfully. Looking at the first half of 2025, Kate and Mary unpack the disconnect between vision and execution in today's HR tech landscape. Episode highlights include: The myth of the "quick fix" AI Implementation vs. adoption Frontline workforce tech gaps Change management that actually works Decision-making chaos in executive teams The future of AI, hallucinations, and therapy bots Whether you're a tech vendor, HR leader, or just trying to stay afloat in a year of AI overwhelm, this episode delivers clarity and candor you won’t want to miss. Be sure to find Mary on LinkedIn and learn more about IA.

Up Next @ Work is back for season three! In episode one, Kate Achille sits down with Lisa Kaplowitz, co-founder and executive director of the Rutgers Center for Women in Business (CWIB), and Adam Feigenbaum, a seasoned executive and advocate for inclusion who works with CWIB. Together, they explore the evolving role of male allyship in the workplace, offering insights, personal stories, and actionable advice for anyone seeking to be a more effective partner in advancing equity. Episode highlights include: The current state of gender equity Common misconceptions and practical actions Allyship across identities Organizational support and leadership modeling The role of technology This episode serves as a reminder that anyone can be an ally, and small, conscious actions have the power to reshape workplace culture for the better. Connect with Lisa and Adam on LinkedIn and learn more about CWIB.

As we start the New Year, Jeanne Achille welcomes guest Robert Mattson of Intrigue Communications and Coaching to Up Next @ Work. Mattson helps us understand the importance of storytelling on a corporate level, leaning into the tried-and-true three-act structure: the introduction, the conflict, and persuasive conclusion. He discusses the curse of knowledge and why storytelling from the inside out doesn’t produce optimal results. Robert also gives us some gems from his workshops that can help all of us create the emotional connections with our target audiences through better storytelling. Bonus feature: We discuss favorite movies – the ultimate expression of storytelling – and why AI only makes you sound like everyone else. Learn more about Robert's work and follow him on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Up Next @ Work, Jeanne Achille speaks with Tracee Bowles, CPP, SHRM-SCP, Global Payroll & Workforce Management Advisory Practice Leader at The Hackett Group (R). Tracee’s expertise in payroll is unprecedented – whether discussing geo-fencing, mobile-based workforces, job costing in the construction industry or certified payrolls – she understands what’s complicating the inherent complexities of payroll and how to sort through them. Her career started as a practitioner, leading a team of 30 HR, payroll admin and ops, UE, IT, recordkeeping and reception professionals across 10 locations. With that strong foundation in place, she took her knowledge of how to streamline this business-critical function from lots of moving parts across shared services, PEO, direct, and partnership models. Oh, and did we mention she is also a tax and wage garnishment expert? Take a listen and learn about one of the toughest challenges faced by employers: paying their workforces accurately and on time. Learn more about Tracee's work at The Hackett Group and connect with her on LinkedIn.

What does it take to develop strong, adaptable leaders in today’s workplace? In this episode of Up Next at Work, host Jeanne Achille welcomes Al Dea, a renowned talent and leadership development consultant and founder of The Edge of Work. Al shares his expert insights on how organizations can effectively develop and grow their leaders, the evolving landscape of talent management, and what it takes to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing workplace. Episode highlights include: Why leadership development is more critical than ever The common mistakes companies make when growing their talent Actionable strategies to foster leadership at every level Al’s personal take on the future of work and learning If you’re looking to level up your leadership game or enhance your organization’s approach, this episode is for you! As Al shares, "Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about impact, influence, and adaptability." Find Al on LinkedIn, and don't miss The Edge of Work.

How can recruitment marketing stay effective in a rapidly changing world? Gina Alioto, VP and Head of Marketing at Shaker Recruitment Marketing—and mother of 18-month-old identical twins—joins host Jeanne Achille to share insights from her journey, from consumer marketing to talent acquisition, and how the best recruitment marketing feels effortless to its audience. As a leader at Shaker, a full-service recruitment marketing agency specializing in employer branding, media strategy, and talent engagement, Gina offers a fresh perspective on the evolving industry. Episode highlights include: Why subtle, natural messaging is the key to impactful recruitment marketing. The balance of "rigor vs. rigid"—setting clear goals while staying adaptable. How to market recruitment marketing internally to keep stakeholders engaged. Tune in for Gina’s expert take on recruitment marketing strategy, flexibility in dynamic environments, and the power of understanding your audience. Connect with Gina on LinkedIn or learn more at Shaker.com.

The rules of HR Tech marketing are being rewritten as companies navigate shifting priorities, faster news cycles, and new technologies like generative AI. In this episode, Michelle Meehan, founder of The Silver Thread, joins host Kate Achille to explore how marketers can keep up by adapting, taking smart risks, and standing out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. With deep experience in talent assessment and purpose-driven branding, Michelle shares why the old playbooks no longer work—and what to do instead. Episode highlights include: The risk of clinging to old marketing “rules” and getting lost in the noise. Balancing the fast-moving nature of modern marketing with the needs and behaviors of HR Tech buyers. Borrowing from the tech world: developing a "rules roadmap" to navigate shifting industry trends. Michelle shares her perspective on brands that take risks and push boundaries, emphasizing that marketing is both an art and a science—its impact goes beyond just numbers. Connect with her on LinkedIn and visit The Silver Thread at thesilverthread.com.

In this episode, host Jeanne Achille of The Devon Group joins Julie Pridham of Valimail to explore the growing threats businesses face from phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Jeanne and Julie discuss how cybercriminals exploit human error to gain access to sensitive information and why organizations must integrate security into their culture and business strategy. Julie shares insights on how businesses can strengthen their defenses, from technical controls like email authentication and password management to fostering a culture of trust and awareness among employees. The two also dive into the risks posed by disgruntled former employees, the importance of HR and IT collaboration, and how companies—regardless of industry—can scale their security measures effectively. Conversation highlights include: Cybersecurity as a Trust Issue – Protecting employee and customer data is critical for maintaining trust within an organization. A strong security culture reduces both internal and external threats. Human Error is the Weakest Link – About 68% of data breaches stem from unsuspecting employees clicking on malicious links or failing to follow security protocols, highlighting the need for better training and awareness. Technical Controls Strengthen Security – Businesses can implement measures like email authentication, password managers, and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access and minimize risks. Whether you're an HR professional, IT leader, or business owner, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to protect your organization and its people in an increasingly digital world. To learn more from Julie, connect with her on LinkedIn.

In this thought-provoking episode, Jeanne Achille and Susan LaMotte of exaqueo dive into the profound ways employers and candidates are reshaping the hiring landscape. Together, Jeanne and Susan explore the heightened emotions in the talent market—ranging from excitement to frustration—and how these feelings are redefining candidate experiences. What’s driving this shift? Economic pressures, remote work, and the changing dynamics of employment relationships all play a role. Episode highlights include: The rise of "deeply feeling" candidates and their impact on hiring. The breakdown of workplace culture and reciprocity in employment. Predictions for 2025: The emergence of Gen Alpha in the workforce and what it means for the future of talent acquisition. Join Jeanne and Susan for a candid discussion about the evolving expectations of employers and employees, the importance of fostering strong workplace relationships, and how to navigate a rapidly changing labor market. Follow Susan on LinkedIn to learn more about her work. Powered by the WRKdefined Network.

In this episode, Jeanne Achille and Lydia Wu dive deep into the intersection of HR technology, data-driven decision-making, and the critical role trust plays in successful tech partnerships. Lydia takes us through her journey from corporate HR to HR tech, shedding light on her experiences navigating the complex world of vendor relationships and data analytics. From the early realization that HR tech conversations often miss the mark, to the pivotal role trust plays in buying decisions, this conversation uncovers the untold dynamics of tech selection in enterprise environments. Jeanne and Lydia explore how data can drive impactful changes in workforce management, like reducing turnover and optimizing production lines. Their discussion also delves into the unique challenges faced by both large enterprises and smaller organizations when it comes to selecting the right tech solutions. Episode highlights include: Making tech purchasing decisions isn't just about ROI - buyers are investing their political capital and need to trust that vendors will deliver on their promises, not just secure a logo. HR tech is not just an HR function. To successfully implement solutions, collaboration with departments like legal and procurement is essential. Speak their language to get buy-in and move projects forward. Smaller organizations face a different set of challenges when selecting HR tech solutions, but with more effort and research, they can find alternatives that cater to their needs. From consulting at big names like Accenture and Deloitte to leading innovation at Panasonic and building HR tech solutions, Lydia Wu has been around the HR industry block a few times and can probably tell you where all the potholes are.  She is a true HR Swiss Army knife—strategist, translator, connector, and problem-solver extraordinaire. Lydia is passionate about demystifying all things HR and Tech and helping everyone in the HR tech ecosystem find their next “aha!” moment (preferably before their coffee gets cold or watery). Always keeping things refreshingly real, Lydia is your real-talk bff on all things HR and Tech. Don't miss her insights and engaging stories on her popular channel, Oops, Did I Think That Out Loud? and connect with her on LinkedIn. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.

Jeanette Leeds, talent acquisition tech expert and co-host of the High Volume Hiring podcast, joins Jeanne Achille for an insightful conversation on the nuances of recruitment. The former CEO of Hourly by AMS, Jeanette has deep expertise in Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) for high-volume scenarios such as campus recruiting and retail hiring. Drawing on Jeanette's rich background, this episode explores how processes and strategies can adapt across diverse hiring needs while maintaining efficiency and scalability. Episode highlights include: A breakdown of skillsets and personality types suited for campus recruiting, high-volume hiring, and executive recruiting. A comparison of high-volume hiring to sales churn, emphasizing compensation level, flexibility, and unique perks as top candidate attractors. Guidance on selecting the right talent acquisition platform, tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Predictions for 2025, including AI-powered voice agents and Interview Intelligence tools transforming recruitment workflows. To hear more about Jeanette's work, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit JeanetteLeeds.com. You can also tune in to the High Volume Hiring podcast, part of the WRKdefined network and available on all major platforms, for more valuable insights.

How are workplace culture and financial innovation shaping the future of inclusion and opportunity? On this week's episode of Up Next @ Work, Michele Bodda, President of Employer Services, Verification Solutions and Housing at Experian, joined host Jeanne Achille for an engaging discussion on Experian’s culture, innovation and the evolving role of credit in promoting financial inclusion. With 26 years at Experian, Michele shared insights from her journey, starting in a call center to becoming a senior leader driving transformative initiatives. Episode highlights include: How Experian’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) create supportive communities and influence product inclusivity. A groundbreaking program with HBCUs, challenging students to solve real-world problems for scholarships. Changes in credit processes driven by Experian’s Pride ERG to support transgender individuals navigating name changes. How Experian uses data to make financial services more inclusive, including unconventional credit-building opportunities for renters and new borrowers. Hear Michele’s unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Find her on LinkedIn and learn more about Experian at http://www.experian.com. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.

Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, joins Up Next @ Work host Jeanne Achille for an insightful conversation on the evolving HR landscape, the challenges professionals face, and innovative solutions for the future of work. With a passion for empowering HR leaders, Ben shares practical advice from his research, books, and transformative HR Summer School initiative. Episode highlights include: How HR Summer School fosters community, inspiration, and education for professionals juggling diverse responsibilities. Unconventional HR strategies like financial literacy training and transportation assistance to better support employees. Key takeaways from Talent Scarcity, Ben’s latest book on adapting to the hiring crisis and a shrinking workforce. Predictions for 2025, including AI’s growing influence, the rise of skills-based hiring, and why onboarding is now a top priority. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn, explore his research at LHRA.io, and find updates about HR Summer School at HRSummerSchool.org. Don’t miss the next event in June 2025! Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.

What if the secret to solving today’s hiring challenges lies not in resumes but in uncovering hidden skills and innate behaviors? In this episode, host Kate Achille sits down with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, to discuss how organizations can rethink their talent acquisition strategies. Caitlin introduces the concept of “gap-closers,” individuals driven to identify and fix inefficiencies in pursuit of better outcomes, and explains how adopting a skills-based hiring approach can unlock the potential of these transformative candidates. Episode highlights include: The unique traits of “gap-closers” and why they excel at solving problems across all areas of life. How generative AI tools help HR focus on skills and behaviors over outdated criteria like degrees. Why durable, transferable skills are key to long-term success, with a real-world example of skills-based hiring in Barbados, where transferable skills filled critical cybersecurity roles. Why leadership must drive innovation in hiring to adapt to a rapidly changing job market. Visit plum.io to complete your free Plum profile and learn how skills-based hiring can transform your organization. Be sure to listen to the full podcast episode for more insights and inspiration from Caitlin MacGregor. Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.