The HR Life Podcast

In this episode Tony and Steve welcome back Rachel Child in iambic pentameter and great hazas to talk about the intersection of HR education and real-world practice. Rachel shares how she found her way into the profession — and what she’s seeing from the next generation of HR professionals.  This episode touches on leadership accountability, HR education, culture vs. compliance, the realities of entering the HR profession, and why the success of HR often starts at the very top of an organization.This episode includes a new segment centered on a real world, short case study.  If you like or hate the segment, let us know.  thehrlifepodcast@gmail.com.  Quote of the episode: “A good HR person is a good business person.” – Rachel ChildLearn more about Rachel Child at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelm-child/ Learn more about Fantastic Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/ Learn more about Steven “Big Deal” Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Learn more about the books mentioned on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast Learn more about our sponsor MegastarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn more about Pucks for Autism at: https://www.pucksforautism.com/Rachel Child is a human resources professional, consultant, and full-time faculty member teaching HR at Weber State University. Before entering academia, she spent years working as an HR manager and HR generalist in industry, later running her own HR consultancy. Rachel now teaches the next generation of HR professionals while continuing to consult and serve in leadership roles within the HR community.

In this episode of The HR Life Podcast, Tony and Steve sit down with Shaina Burgoyne to talk about something many HR professionals quietly wrestle with: stepping away from your career — and finding the courage to come back.  From navigating an acquisition at Omniture/Adobe to leaving the workforce to raise her children, to re-entering HR during COVID and rising into leadership at Domo, Shaina’s story is honest, practical, and incredibly relevant.  This one is about career gaps, imposter syndrome, women in leadership, the HR Business Partner model, burnout, AI, and why HR doesn’t have to be the buzzkill.  Quote of the episode:  “If you don’t act like Michael Scott, I won’t have to act like Toby.” -Shaina BurgoyneLearn more about Shaina Burgoyne at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-burgoyne-6471ab13/ Learn more about Fantastic Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Learn more about the books mentioned on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor MegastarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/ Shaina is the Director of HR at Domo, leading a global team. She is also Mom to two boys and has enjoyed a successful return to the workforce after an extended break when she was focusing on full-time parenting. She tries to approach both of her roles with empathy, humor, and a focus on long-term growth. 

In this episode of The HR Life Podcast, Tony and Steve go from red couches and movie plot twists to one of the most important HR conversations happening right now: AI in hiring, reverse discrimination, and why the EEOC is very active.If you think AI tools are just making recruiting easier, think again. From insider panic in the AI world to federal subpoenas and a groundbreaking lawsuit against Eightfold AI, this episode dives into the legal and ethical risks HR leaders can’t afford to ignore.And yes… we still make time for dogs, Star Wars ornaments, and questionable hair decisions.Learn more about Fantastic Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steve "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about our Sponsor, MegaStarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn about books referenced on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about The Thrive Life Project at: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/

In this episode of The HR Life Podcast, "Fantastic" Tony Benjamin and Stephen “Big Deal” Smith tackle one of the biggest villains in today’s job market: the Applicant Tracking System.  The guys kick things off with a slightly terrifying (and mildly hilarious) detour into rogue AI bots that call you when you ignore them — because nothing says “future of work” like software that won’t let you ghost it. If you’ve ever blamed “the system” for your job search frustrations, this episode might change your perspective — or at least help you understand what the guys on the other side of the screen are really doing.  And no, the ATS isn’t calling your phone.  Probably.Learn more about "Fantastic" Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn More about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about the books mentioned in the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor MegaStarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn more about Pucks for Autism at: https://www.pucksforautism.com/  Watch the Trailer for Send Help here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4wiXj9NmEENo AI's or ATS's were injured during the recording of this episode.  (Or even maligned. We love AI, no, really.)  

In this episode the guys talk to Stacee Pedersen about everything from PEO's to groundhog day.  They talk about why PEO's don't work for many companies, why its harder sometimes for consultants to affect the daily operation of a company, and of course, Stacee's entrepreneurial rise to power.  The guys introduce a new segment called HR In Life.  What happens when your star performer runs off every supervisor she has? Why are the Baltimore Rat Birds... errrrr... Baltimore Ravens, headed to their doom?  Listen to the episode and find out.  Learn more about Stacee Pedersen at: https://www.momentumemployergroup.com/Find her Podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-the-why/id1832387848 on Apple Podcasts.  You can also find it on Youtube, Spotify and other platforms.  Learn more about Fantastic Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steve "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about our Sponsor, MegaStarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/ Learn about books referenced on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastStacee Pedersen was not hurt in the recording of this episode.  Stacee Pedersen is currently the Founder and President of Momentum Employer Group and COO of Winward Electric. Stacee has 25 years of experience in managing all aspects of Human Resources. Stacee was the VP of Human Resources for Zions Bancorporation and Director of Talent Management for PCC Structurals.Stacee earned her MBA from the University of Utah, completed her undergraduate degree in HR at Weber State University, and holds both a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) as well as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. Stacee is a certified coach, trainer, and speaker through the John Maxwell Team and is also certified in Lean Construction. Stacee loves competitive sports and finds joy with family at ball games. She enjoys playing piano, reading books on leadership and living a life filled with purpose.

The guys talk to Ben Eden about HR practitioners view of themselves, how to begin to build trust when you have a seat at the table, his partnership with SHRM around the PMQ+, and other brilliant things you'll have to listen to the podcast to learn.  Steve introduces listeners to Vinagaroons and what happens when they sting you as well as recounts his recruiting days on Tatooine. We want to thank the children who provided the fun background sounds.  (No children were hurt in the recording of this podcast.)  Learn more about Ben Eden at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedenspeaks/   or https://www.instagram.com/benedenspeaks/  and https://www.instagram.com/benedenspeaks/ Find Ben Eden's book on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVSGY2R9/?bestFormat=true&k=how%20we%20see%20ourselves&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_20_de&crid=1R7D4TTVM8S01&sprefix=how%20we%20see%20ourselves Learn more about the PMQ+ at: https://share.hsforms.com/1_IU4hQhwTfqRnr5SERjjhg2d0dt  Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/ Learn more about Steve "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Learn more about our sponsor MegaStar HR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn more about all of the books mentioned on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast Ben Eden is a leadership strategist, author of How We See Ourselves, and a key architect behind PMQ+ — a groundbreaking leadership development program built in partnership with SHRM and LifeGuides. With a career dedicated to helping people managers grow through mentorship, real-world application, and deep personal reflection, Ben brings both heart and rigor to the conversation on modern leadership. In this episode, they explore the insights behind their book and share how PMQ+ is transforming how organizations support frontline leaders.  

Amy Adler has the proof that she's the best resume writer in the world.  The guys talk to her about professional resume writers, the first resume ever written, pink jeeps, the scams that job hunters face, the state of HR, and a lot more.  What is the worst word you can use on your LinkedIn profile? Find out in this fantastic episode.   Learn More about Amy Adler at: https://fivestrengths.com Schedule a meeting with Amy at: https://fivestrengths.com/thehrlifeFind Amy on LinkedIn at: https://linkedin.com/in/amyladlerLearn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steve "Big Deal" Smith: at https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about the books mentioned on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor, MegaStarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Amy L. Adler is the president of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts, a firm specializing in resume writing for executives and their teams. She holds the Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) LinkedIn strategy certification, Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW), and Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM) designations. She has been a judge in Career Directors International’s Toast of the Resume Writing Industry (TORI) Awards since 2015, previously having won first and third places for Best Executive Resumes. She is the author of Courageous Career Change: Fearlessly Earn the Executive Role You Deserve. She holds an MBA from Boston College, a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College, and an Associate of Science in Computer Science from Salt Lake Community College. She is a committed volunteer with The National Résumé Writers’ Association and the 2025 winner of the association's Vivian Belen Volunteer Award.

In this episode the guys lay out SHRM's dirty laundry for everybody to see.  They discuss the $11.5M case specifics, the rumored toxic work environment at national SHRM, and how politics play into it all.  It needs to be said.  They mention the HR Besties podcast and critique their takes and the attempts of some to take down SHRM and its local affiliates.  Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about our sponsor MegastarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn more about the books referenced on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastThis podcast supports Pucks for Autism.  Learn more at: https://www.pucksforautism.com/The podcast notes that no parakeets were harmed in the recording of this podcast, they volunteered their voices to contribute to the sunny nature of the episode.  

The guys talk to Karisa Stahle about I9's, 1099 Employees, and how to do audits during an incredibly difficult time.  The guys check in with Karisa on the state HR, talk AI a little, and talk about how to go about an I9 audit.  Where to start and how to keep everybody calm when you let them know you need to redo some paperwork.  Learn more about Karisa Stahle at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisa-stahle-mba-shrm-cp-23395950/Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about our sponsor, MegaStarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn more about the books referenced on the Podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast

The guys talk to Tracie Kalmar about how tough it was to work with Steve (which she claims was great), building culture, cutesy stickers, interviewing for humility, and a lot more.  Listeners get an update on Steve's cat flooding his bathrooms and Tony gets exposed for saying the word fantastic too much.  The guys introduce a new charity you can work with and the word strategic gets said more often than you'd expect.  Learn more about Tracie Kalmar at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracie-kalmar-09b043121/Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about the books mentioned on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn more about Pucks for Autism at: https://www.pucksforautism.com/Tracie's goal is to create and maintain a culture that fosters growth and continual improvement, all while balancing the needs of employees and embracing that we are all humans serving humans. She recruits and finds the right position for the right people while delivering the most comfortable experience, and also strives to have active communication with the new hire for not only the onboarding and training process but building trust between all parties. 

The guys talk to Mark Tolman, a company side employment attorney, and the most common EEOC complaints, executive orders, and some legal updates.  Learn about Muldrow v. City of St. Louis and other cases.  Did you know that you can get a restraining order against former employees and others who make threats?  Who files more of those than anybody else in Utah? Oh... and the episode isn't boring!  Learn more about Mark Tolman at: https://parsonsbehle.com/people/mark-d-tolman or https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tolman-2b70a7a/Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin and The Grange Strategic HR Consulting at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn More about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/See a list of books mentioned on the podcast: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor MegaStar HR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/The HR Life Podcast supports the following Charities: https://www.pucksforautism.com/ and https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/

From our families to yours, Merry Christmas!  The guys give you an insight into their personal lives by having their wives on the podcast.  Does Steve sometimes leave off the true ending of the story?  Why does Tony respond slower now instead of just saying the first thing that pops into his head?  Listen to the podcast and find out.  Get an insight into the cardinal rule of the podcast and where it came from.  A special thank you to Alicia Smith and Rachel Benjamin for joining the podcast and your support.  We can't do this without you!  Get a ticket to see Steel Magnolias in Vernal, Jan 16 to 24 at: https://vernaltheatre.com/shows/steel-magnolias/ Learn more about Jack State at: https://www.jsu.edu/Learn more about Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven J. Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about Pucks for Autism at: https://www.pucksforautism.com/

This is the episode Steve's been teasing for more than a month!  Tony and Steve talk compassion with Andrea Hollingsworth.  Listen in as Andrea crowd surfs the "live studio audience" and dispels the idea that compassion is a lot of workplace hugs.  The guys talk to her about the difference between empathy and compassion, and discuss the fight or flight response generated when employees don't feel safe. Andrea's insights feed a deeper understanding of the workplace.  Learn more about Andrea Hollingsworth at: https://hollingsworthconsulting.com/ Get Andrea's book here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+compassion+advantage+book&crid=3IFCIXBF6LBEE&sprefix=the+compassion+advan%2Caps%2C158&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_1_20Learn more about Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal Smith" at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/See a list of all of the books referred to on the Podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor, MegaStar HR, at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Steve and Tony highly recommend supporting the Thrive Life Project.  Learn more at: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/Andrea Hollingsworth, Ph.D., is an acclaimed keynote speaker, bestselling and award winning author, and trusted consultant who’s spent years studying the transformative power of compassion. Since 2008, she has been speaking and writing about the science and spirituality of human emotions and relationships.

The guys talk to Weslie Porter, Director of People Analytics for the State of Utah, and he drops some amazing stats that have the ability to change how you view HR.  Wes gives some amazing insights into motivation, dissent, and the actual role of human resources.  From artillery specialists in the Army to private sector employees just onboarded, how do you gather data and build excellence?  Find out in this episode.  Learn More: Learn more about Weslie Porter at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslie-porter-mpa-20504612b/Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal Smith" at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Find all the books referred to in the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor at: https://www.megastarhr.com/ The guys recommend supporting The Thrive Life Project at: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/ Wes Porter Bio: Weslie M. Porter has more than 20 years of experience in public administration and currently serves as the Director of People Analytics for the State of Utah within the Department of Human Resource Management. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Utah Army National Guard, where he has held key leadership assignments including Battalion Commander, Battalion Operations Officer, Brigade HR Officer, Battery Commander, and multinational and interagency Liaison Officer, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.  In addition to his military career, Wes spent 10 years in higher education as Director of Business and Trades, instructor, and program developer, creating programs that advanced workforce readiness and strengthened community partnerships. His expertise spans human resources, organizational culture, leadership development, and workforce analytics, leading initiatives that improve employee engagement and organizational effectiveness across state agencies.  Wes co-founded multiple nonprofits, serves as Board Chair for a local charter school, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration from Southern Utah University. He and his wife, Emily, are raising six children in rural Utah. 

The guys talk to Desma and Elrona D'Souza, the "HR Sisters" and owners of S&K HR Consulting.  What is it like to live in a country where 80% of the population is imported?  What is similar between HR in Dubai and the US, what is different?  If you give somebody a bobblehead of Tony in Dubai is it a positive thing or not?  Desma D'Souza - After spending over 15 years building a successful corporate career, Desma D’Souza took a bold leap into entrepreneurship after a transformative sabbatical. Today, she serves as Managing Partner at S&K HR Consulting, the trusted HR consultancy for international businesses setting up or expanding to the UAE. Drawing from nearly two decades of HR experience across diverse industries, Desma brings a unique blend of operational insight and entrepreneurial energy to the table. At S&K, she leads Marketing and Business Development, serving as the first point of contact for global businesses entering the UAE. Desma is also the co-creator and co-host of The HR Sisters Podcast, the UAE’s first HR podcast designed for entrepreneurs. Through relatable conversations and real-world examples, the show simplifies UAE HR topics and supports the region’s growing business ecosystem with practical, actionable insights.  Her work is anchored in one belief: HR is a strategic advantage. With a focus on building compliant HR foundations, Desma’s mission is to help business owners thrive without compromising culture or employee experience.  A committed lifelong learner, she invests heavily in continuous development through coaching, reading, and staying ahead of global trends. As one of the UAE’s Top 1% HR Creators on LinkedIn, she shares insights with over 41,000 followers, inspiring better leadership and smarter people practices.  Desma is available for Keynotes, panels, and advisory roles where her expertise in HR, entrepreneurship, and business scaling can create lasting impact.Elrona Silba D'Souza - With over 24 years of deep HR expertise, Elrona Silba D’Souza serves as Managing Partner at S&K HR Consulting, the trusted HR consultancy for international businesses setting up or expanding to the UAE. She also helps start-ups and SMEs grow their profitability through simplified, scalable, and founder-friendly HR systems.  Having lived in the UAE for almost 44 years and consulted across 54+ industries, Elrona brings a rare GLOCAL perspective to her work blending global best practices with grounded, real-world understanding of the UAE market. This fusion of insight allows her to guide international founders with clarity while supporting homegrown businesses with proven, practical solutions.  Elrona’s approach is built on a simple belief: HR is the bridge between people and profit. Her work focuses on building strong HR foundations, improving decision-making for leaders, and creating workplace cultures where performance and well-being can co-exist.  As one of the region’s most respected HR voices as UAE’s Top 2% HR Creator on LinkedIn, Elrona is frequently invited to share her expertise at leading industry platforms, including the Middle East HR Summits and Nationalization Conferences. Her perspectives on HR, culture, and organizational design have also been featured in respected publications like the HR Observer, further solidifying her position as an industry thought leader.  Elrona is available for Keynotes, panels and advisory roles where her expertise in setting up businesses in the UAE, HR practices in UAE and cultural intelligence can create meaningful and lasting impact.Learn more about Elrona and Desma at: https://snk.ae/ Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/ Learn more about Steve "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Find books referred to on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor at: https://www.megastarhr.com/

This episode includes the long awaited announcement of the theme of the 2026 Work Elevated Conference.  JoyLynn Jeppson joins the guys to announce the theme (which is NOT Steve Smith), tell her story and remind of how sexist the '90's were.  The episode was delayed when Tony damaged the original recording and it had to be rerecorded.  JoyLynn shares data that came out of the 2025 conference, explains the shifting reasons people attend conferences, and asks for volunteers.  You can learn more about Joylynn Jeppson at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joylynn-jeppson-a87149142/Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Learn more about our sponsor at: https://www.megastarhr.com/ Get a list of all of the books referenced on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastA sincere thank you to JoyLynn for being willing to rerecord the podcast.  Her patience is as legendary as her advice.  

In this week's episode, the guys talk with Tami Bajema about the revolutionary idea that weaknesses are just strengths turned up a little too high.  Tami talks about helping people find their Super Powers (the intersection of what they're good at, what they like to do, and their perseverance/marketability) starting in elementary school and during interviews.  She talks about what happened when she discovered that there wasn't a labor pool for the kind of skills she needed and how an accredited tech school came out of it.  We also discover in this episode that Steve fought at the battle of Endor.  Trigger warning: People who had relatives on Endor may find some of the casual references to the cuteness of the Ewoks disturbing.  Tami Bajema is the Director of Staffing and Talent Development at Belt Power, where she leads with nearly 20 years of experience in Human Resources and a passion for ethical, people-centered strategy. With three HR degrees and a career spanning global and small businesses, her expertise covers the full HR spectrum—from performance management and succession planning to ATS algorithms and recruiting strategy. What sets Tami apart is her commitment to making career development accessible and meaningful for everyone—from 5th graders to seasoned professionals. She is the creator of the “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?” initiative, a program that helps people of all ages explore their strengths and align them with purposeful career paths. Whether she’s teaching students how to identify their Superpowers or coaching recruiters on hiring for retention through transparency and authenticity, Tami brings emotional intelligence, practical insight, and a deep belief in the power of human connection. Her mission is simple: to help people thrive in their work by simplifying professional development, promoting self-awareness, and building win-win hiring strategies that last. Learn more about Tami Bajema at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tami-bajema-phr-65a50130/Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/Find a list of all of the books referenced on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastLearn more about our sponsor at: https://www.megastarhr.com/Tony and Steve encourage you to support The Thrive Life Project at: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/

In this episode Tony and Steve attack how to take over a dysfunctional HR department or start a department of one.  They coin a new phrase, "Eat the Otterpops", discuss how to build recruiting on a solid foundation, and have a lot of fun along the way.  Steve gives some incredible new insights into what demotivates employees with some new research from iSolved, and explains why employees refer their friends to work for the company.  Nothing or nobody is out of bounds in this episode.  Link to the iSolved Research the guys discuss: https://www.isolvedhcm.com/resource-center/collateral/sapient-insights-group-survey-voice-of-the-customer-payroll-systems-2024-2025 Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks' Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/Learn more about Steve "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Learn more about our Sponsor at: https://www.megastarhr.com/A link to the books we've referenced on the podcast: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastThe guys encourage support of The Thrive Life Project: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/

Claire Lizear joins the podcast from 6 Mile to talk HR burnout, the trap that many HR professionals find themselves in, who HR should report to, how she screens applicants, and of course, horror stories.  All this with Claire's fiery sense of humor and incredible insight.  Tony shares a favorite harassment complaint.  Claire explains what 8 Mile, 6 Mile, and 5 Mile are near Detroit and we find out that Steve is a recording star. Viva La Kiss Cam: https://youtu.be/OW5WDT40-Ow Claire Lizear, SHRM-SCP, is an experienced HR leader with a passion for creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and set up to succeed. Known for her thoughtful approach to employee relations and her ability to bring clarity to complex situations, she’s helped leaders and teams grow through change with empathy and accountability. When she’s not in HR mode, Claire gives her time to Pucks for Autism, a volunteer effort that combines her love of hockey with her commitment to community and inclusion. Find out more about Claire at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clizear/Nobody cried during the recording of the episode.  Learn more about Pucks for Autism at: https://pucksforautism.com/ A link to our incredible sponsor: https://www.megastarhr.com/Learn more about Tony "Two Weeks Notice" Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/ Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/A list of the books mentioned on the podcast can be found here: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcastSteve and Tony encourage you to support The Thrive Life Project at: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/ 

Alison Avila joins the guys to test the theory that no matter what intro Tony gives about Steve, it will turn out to be true.  They also discuss perfectionism in HR Pro's, nicknamed horror stories, and why some staffing companies succeed when others don't.  Alison is the Director of Human Resources at Your Employment Solutions (YES), a Utah-based staffing agency where she has led HR strategy and growth since 2013. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Human Resources from Utah State University, she’s spent her entire professional career in the staffing industry, helping YES grow from a single office to a multi-state operation with over 60 staff and 8,000+ W2'd employees annually. A long-time SHRM volunteer and current Utah SHRM State Council Treasurer, Alison is passionate about compliance, human psychology, and the evolving intersection of law, leadership, and technology in the workplace.You can learn more about Alison at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-avila-mshr-shrm-scp-csp-2829062b/ and https://www.youremploymentsolutions.com/about-yes/corporate-leadership/Learn more about Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/ Learn more about Steven "Big Deal Smith" at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Links to books we discuss on the podcast: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast Thank you to our sponsor MegaStarHR: https://www.megastarhr.com/Please support The Thrive Life Project: https://www.thrivelifeproject.org/This podcast was recorded without the use of slave labor and microplastics added to food.