HR unConfidential

HR is one of the most visible functions at work and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Gina and Turiya are joined by Kim Zubrickas, Chief Human Resources Officer at Carl Buddig & Company, to explore how employees, leaders, and even other HR professionals perceive the function differently. We unpack why HR is often seen as enforcers or policy police, why leaders underutilize HR strategically, and where the profession sometimes holds itself back. Most importantly, we talk about how to close the gap and build more trust, clarity, and impact. Listen in for a candid conversation about the future of HR and the role we all play in shaping it. The countdown to our 100th episode is officially on! Follow HR unConfidential for updates about our in-person celebration coming in August 2026. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

Introverts make up a huge part of the workforce — yet most workplaces are still designed for extroverts. In this episode, we're joined by Jeri Bingham, founder of HushLoudly: Introverts Redefined, to unpack what introversion really is (and isn't), the extra labor introverts often carry at work, and how leaders and HR teams can create environments where both introverts and extroverts thrive. We also explore the intersection of introversion, identity, and equity — and why quiet power is anything but quiet. Listen to Jeri's podcast - Hush Loudly Follow Jeri on LinkedIn Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

In the last episode of 2025, Gina & Turiya reflect on 2025 and share what's on the horizon for HR unConfidential in 2026. Spoiler alert: we'll hit the amazing milestone of our 100th episode in August 2026 and are planning an in-person celebration in the Chicago area. Please let us know your episode ideas for 2026. We'd also love to know if you'd be excited to attend and hang out with us at a 100th episode celebration next year. Check out Gina's business website: HR Imprints Check out Turiya's recent article about our upcoming 100th episode. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

In this very special episode of HR unConfidential, Gina and Turiya sit down in person at a studio in Chicago for an intimate conversation about their recent career trajectory. This informative, sometimes humorous and sometimes rather vulnerable chat offers an insight into what happens when seasoned HR professionals find themselves Open to Work for longer than expected, and how they have been best managing their time in the interim. You won't want to miss this special episode of our podcast. Thank you to all of our listeners. Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/  Email - info@hrunconfidential.com

Facts & figures inform but stories inspire. In this episode, we chat with Jill Pollack, Chief Story Wrangler and founder of StoryStudio Chicago Words for Work, about why storytelling might be HR's most powerful and untapped skill. If you've ever struggled to get others to really understand your message or wondered why your beautifully written HR strategy deck just didn't land, this one's for you. StoryStudio Chicago Word for Work Click here to check out the classes Jill referenced in the episode Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

In this follow-up to our Private Equity 101 episode, we're joined by Sarah Purlee, Head of HR at S&S Truck Parts, to explore what it's really like to lead HR inside a PE-backed company. We dig into how HR creates value in private equity, what makes the environment unique, and what HR pros should know if they're working in — or curious about — the PE space. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

AI is moving fast and we can't afford to sit on the sidelines, especially in HR. In this episode, we're joined by Malvika Jethmalani, founder of Women Shaping AI, for a real talk on the ethical use of AI, how HR can be front & center of the integration of AI into the workplace, and what it means for jobs, skills, and the human side of work. We also discuss the urgency of ensuring women don't continue to be left behind in the AI revolution. Atvis Group (Malvika's Human Capital Consulting firm) Women Shaping AI Book recommendation: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

HR can be a lonely job — but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we're joined by Tim Schumm and Amy Dordek Dolinsky, co-founders of The People Collective (TPC), a growing community for senior HR professionals. We talk about the importance of connection in the HR world, what it takes to build and sustain a meaningful community, and how spaces like TPC are helping leaders learn, grow, and support one another. Whether you're looking to join a community or build one yourself, this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

Private equity... it's a phrase we hear a lot these days, but what does it really mean? Gina & Turiya are joined by Gregg Kaplan, CEO of Dentologie and founder/former CEO of Redbox to break it down. Listen as we define private equity and discuss key differences & similarities between private equity and other types of companies in areas like business strategy & goals, measures of success, and leadership attributes.   Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

Organizations are facing increasing risks of workplace violence, information security threats, and other factors that can destabilize their business as well as create safety concerns for employees. In this episode Gina & Turiya are joined by security expert, Ken Wheatley, Founder & Principal Advisor of Royal Security Group, LLC, to discuss the steps companies can take to de-risk their business. Listen in as they discuss recent trends and the risks they create for organizations, the role of leaders and HR professionals in proactively identifying risks and preparing their organizations to respond, and where companies can start to take the first steps in de-risking their business. Contact Ken - Royal Security Group Website Book referenced in episode - The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com.

How alike or different is the workplace across the globe? How do these similarities or differences influence HR strategies and practices? We're joined by two amazing global HR executives, Amrita Bhaumik and Martha Nelson Trott, to discuss all things global HR. Listen as we discuss the strategic, cultural, and operational considerations HR pros and leaders must consider to achive and sustain global success for people and the business. Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com. Don't forget to check out bamboohr.com/freedemo. HR is hard - BambooHR is easy! See for yourself with a free demo at http://bamboohr.com/freedemo Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential () LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/  Email - info@hrunconfidential.com

There's been a noticeable uptick in HR professionals transtioning to the world of fractional. Why is this the case? What is fractional and what are the pros & cons? When is fractional HR the best or worst fit for a company? Answers to these questions and more are discussed with special guest, Elles Skony, founder of Organized Chaos Consulting and the Fractional People People. Follow Fractional People People on LinkedIn or visit their website. Organized Chaos Consulting Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at info@hrunconfidential.com. And don't forget to check out BambooHR.  Click this link to get a free demo http://bamboohr.com/freedemo

In the first episode of 2025, Gina & Turiya dig into the world of Design Thinking. They are joined by two pioneers of Design Thinking in the HR space, Nicole Dessain, founder of talent.imperative and author of the Design Thinking for HR newsletter, and Nancy Harris of Restart Consulting and the Intersection podcast. Listen as they breakdown what design thinking is and ways it can be used in HR to make life easier and enhance the employee experience. Design Thinking for HR LinkedIn Newsletter HR.Hackathon Alliance talent.imperative inc Book: Designing Your Life Be sure to leave us a review and rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, connect with us via our LinkedIn group or email at infor@hrunconfidential.com.

Where is the best place to apply for a job? Should I have the open to work banner on my LinkedIn profile? What's the secret to standing out in a crowd when there are so many applicants? Join Gina & Turiya and their special guest as they discuss all these questions and more. We're joined by Cassie Sturdevant, AVP of Talent Acquisition at The Chartis Group, to chat about the challenging job market we're experiencing and practical, back to basics tips for job seekers. Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/ Email - hrunconfidential!@gmail.com

What first comes to mind when you hear we need more play at work? Gina and Turiya are joined by Jeff Harry, founder of Rediscover Your Play, to discuss the importance of play and psychological safety to make work suck less for humans while also enabling stronger business performance. Listen as we discuss what play at work actually means, ways companies can integrate play into the workplace, and the positive impact it has on the employee experience as well as innovation & creativity.  Jeff's Website - Rediscover Your Play Jeff on Socials - @jeffharryplays Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/ Email - hrunconfidential@gmail.com

Gina and Turiya first discussed burnout in a May 2019 episode titled "Burnout Intervention". Listen in as they revisit this very necessary and even more prevalent topic with special guest, Melissa Swift, VP, workforce and Organizational Change at Capgemini Invent. Melissa shares her research backed insights into what causes burnout and how organizations and individuals can recognize burnout and strategies to mitigate and address it. Melissa's Book - Work Here Now - Think Like A Human and Build A Powerhouse Workplace U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being NY Post Article referencing Lauri Ruettimann's book   Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential LinkedIn Email - hrunconfidential@gmail.com

What is AI? What are we excited and/or concerned about as it relates to AI & ChatGPT? What should companies and HR professionals be doing to support readiness of this evolving technology in their workplace? All this and more is discussed with our very special guest, Allyson Carter, SVP, Talent Management at The CARA Group and an early adopter of AI. Connect w/ Allyson on LinkedIn Learn more about The CARA Group on their websiteCheck out several of the AI resources Allyson mentioned in the episode: Allyson's Favorite AI Newsletter: The Neuron AI Newsletter Upskill Yourself on AI: 250 Free LinkedIn Learning Courses to Build Critical AI Skills Check out SHRM Resources: AI in the Workplace Playbook Brandon Hall: Human Capital Management Outlook 2024World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/  Email - hrunconfidential@gmail.com

Gina & Turiya are joined by Michelle Silverthorn, Founder & CEO of Inclusion Nation. Listen as they discuss the state of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) almost 4 years post the murder of George Floyd, the importance of staying the course to ensure everyone has a safe and fulfilling workplace, and the practical actions everyone can take to advance progress. Learn more about Michelle and Inclusion Nation here - Inclusion Nation Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/ Email - hrunconfidential@gmail.com

Gina and Turiya are joined by Candyce Penteado and Michelle Newman, authors of Finding Your Z: An A-Z Roadmap for Realizing Your Ideal Life. Listen as they discuss a different approach to navigating life & career choices through a framework and guided reflection on what might fulfill your whole self. They also discuss how companies and leaders should evolve their thinking and approach to career navigation and development to support employees in search of their "Z". Link to their book here - Finding Your Z Candyce's Website - The People Side Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/ Email - hrunconfidential@gmail.com

Gina and Turiya are joined by repeat guest, speaker, advisor, and author Christine Sandman Stone. Listen as they discuss Christine's newest book - The Modern Management Mentor - and dig into why such a book is needed, the key attributes of a successful manager, and what companies can do to modernize their approach to leadership & manager development. Christine's Web-site Please share with us! Facebook - @HRunConfidential LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12099710/  Email - hrunconfidential@gmail.com