About Patricia Tourigny Patricia Tourigny is a purpose-driven HR leader with over 25 years of progressive and innovative HR experience spanning Talent Acquisition, HR Service Delivery, HR Systems, Payroll, Project Management and Talent Management. Patricia started her career as a Recruiter for Aetna and then took some time away from corporate work to raise her family. When it was time to return to the corporate world, she leveraged her recruiting experience to head a small Talent Acquisition team at ING, now Voya Financial. Within 4 years, she was promoted to head up Talent Acquisition for North America. After that, Patricia moved to Magellan Health as VP, Talent Acquisition and eventually was promoted to Senior Vice President, HR Shared Services. Recently, Patricia decided it was time to make another shift and has transitioned to a more portfolio life that combines meaningful, part time HR work, coaching and mentoring with Untapped Potential and time to explore and enjoy hobbies and activities that have been neglected for too long. Patricia holds a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, from The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, is certified in both Hogan and 360 Feedback assessments, earned an Executive Green Belt, is a SPHR and a member of SHRM. About HR Like a Boss In late 2018, John began working on a presentation centered around the key concept that the best human resources professionals he knows have a unique understanding of the financial and business side of their organizations. In fact, some of the best are business people first and human resources professionals second. After delivering the fourth presentation to a local SHRM chapter the idea for writing a book was born. And everyone knows the best way to write a book about gaining expertise is to talk to the experts. These chats build the foundation for "HR Like a Boss" the book while providing game-changing advice from those conducting human resources "like a boss."
About Erick Miles As an HR Practitioner, and SHRM-SCP, Erick has nearly 20-yrs of Talent Management experience across a variety of industries. Currently working as a Manager, Human Resources for CoverMyMeds, he serves as the HRBP for their Patient Services Business Unit, where he helps to foster an environment and culture that leads and wins through their Core Values. Erick is a sought-after speaker, aspiring author and sits on the Board of Directors for the Level-Up Community Action, Kingdom Image Arts (formerly Kingdom Image Awards) and the I.D. Movement. He is passionate about family and developing the next generation of leaders. About HR Like a Boss In late 2018, John began working on a presentation centered around the key concept that the best human resources professionals he knows have a unique understanding of the financial and business side of their organizations. In fact, some of the best are business people first and human resources professionals second. After delivering the fourth presentation to a local SHRM chapter the idea for writing a book was born. And everyone knows the best way to write a book about gaining expertise is to talk to the experts. These chats build the foundation for "HR Like a Boss" the book while providing game-changing advice from those conducting human resources "like a boss."
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.
In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews keynote speaker Cameron Atlas, who shares his journey from a small town in Australia to becoming a renowned speaker and coach. They discuss the critical role of human resources in aligning personal and organizational purpose, the importance of resilience and adaptability in the workplace, and the transformative experiences that shape one's career. Cameron emphasizes the need for HR professionals to develop a purpose that transcends challenges and to create environments where employees can thrive.ABOUT CAMERONCameron delivers experiential keynotes, blending live music on stage with insights on high performance, leadership, creativity & innovation. His unique approach transforms audiences and empowers them to break through their limits and overcome their greatest challenges. With more than 300 songs written about topics including purpose, resilience, courage, and overcoming adversity, Cameron's music has been heard millions of times across 195 countries and is performed live by Cameron on a grand piano and acoustic guitar during his keynotes. When he's not on stage, Cameron enjoys coaching and training founders, leaders & family offices, helping them build high performing teams. He is also a National Geographic Explorer, TEDx Speaker and a proud uncle to 5 remarkable kids.
HR Like a Boss is back! And to kick off the sixth season, John welcomes fellow podcaster Laurie Ruettimann, a former HR professional turned writer and speaker. They discuss the evolving role of HR, the importance of individual accountability in the workplace, and the value of fostering animals as a metaphor for personal growth and development. Laurie shares her insights on how HR professionals can support themselves and their organizations by creating a culture of self-leadership and accountability. The conversation emphasizes the need for HR to adapt to modern challenges and the importance of professional detachment to avoid burnout. Don't miss this inspiring episode, and stay tuned for this exciting new season of HR Like a Boss!ABOUT LAURIE RUETTIMANNLaurie Ruettimann, a distinguished consultant and author with over two decades in leadership and HR, began as an HR leader before evolving into an influential writer and speaker. Recognized by CNN in 2009 as a top US career adviser, her insights have appeared on platforms like NPR, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. Globally renowned for her keynote addresses on leadership and technology in the workplace, her best-selling book, “Betting On You,” delves into modern HR dynamics. Laurie also shapes future leaders through LinkedIn Learning and sparks discussions on her podcast, Punk Rock HR. She’s a steadfast advocate for enhanced workplace experiences. Her forthcoming book is Corporate Drinker, based on stories and a podcast of the same name. She lives with her husband and cats in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Join us on the final episode of season 5 of the HR Like a Boss podcast! John welcomes Robert Palmer Jr. to discuss the upcoming Ohio SHRM Conference. They explore the purpose of human resources, the importance of networking, and the exciting events planned for the conference, including keynote speakers and social activities. Robert emphasizes the need for HR professionals to be advocates for people and shares insights on how the conference aims to inspire attendees while providing valuable educational opportunities and SHRM recertification credits.
In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John welcomes Mark Chaffey, co-founder and CEO of hackajob. They discuss Mark's journey from England to New York and the importance of creating a positive work culture. Mark shares insights on how hackajob addresses the challenges of tech hiring and the evolving role of AI in recruitment. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships in talent acquisition and the need for HR professionals to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a people-first approach.
In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John is joined by Laura Azzarella, HR leader and Co-Founder of Applied Potential Solutions. They discuss the evolving role of human resources as a strategic partner in organizations. Laura shares her journey from media production to HR, emphasizing the importance of data analytics and technology in HR practices. They explore how HR professionals can leverage data to improve workforce management and the significance of embracing technology to enhance HR functions. Check it out!ABOUT LAURALaura Azzarella is a data-driven HR leader and Co-Founder of Applied Potential Solutions, as well as the President-Elect of the Buffalo Niagara HR Association. With over 15 years of experience in strategic HR leadership, she has built a career transforming businesses through analytics, technology, and forward-thinking solutions. Laura specializes in leveraging technology to drive measurable results. She has led HRIS migrations, payroll and benefits system upgrades (KRONOS & ADP), and the development of HR analytics dashboards across multiple organizations. She believes HR should be more than just a compliance function—it should be a strategic force that drives business success. Her expertise spans leadership development, employee engagement, workforce analytics, and HR technology integration, with a focus on bringing enterprise-level best practices to startups and small businesses.
In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John speaks with Lyndsay Dowd, Chief Revenue Officer of Intry, about the evolving role of human resources in leadership, the challenges of layoffs, and the importance of resilience and power skills in the workplace. Lyndsay discusses the critical relationship between HR and sales, emphasizing the need for HR to take a proactive role in business. They also explore the significance of creating a safe environment for employees and the necessity of leading with heart to inspire and support others in the workplace.ABOUT LYNDSAY DOWDLyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host, and Disruptor. She was recognized as a Top 10 Business Coach by Apple News and was the recipient of the 2023 Award for Innovation and Excellence, also named Business Coach of the Year. Lyndsay was also a Featured Guest Lecturer at Harvard University. She is an accomplished leader, decorated seller and has successfully managed large, diverse, high-performing sales teams over the last 25 years. 23 of those years were spent climbing the ranks at IBM. In creating her company, Heartbeat for Hire, she has devoted her career to transforming leadership through building irresistible culture and modern leadership practices to get the best results from their teams. She is a thriving coach focused on sales, leadership, career, and culture. She has been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.Com, Authority Magazine, Business Management Daily, Valiant CEO and many other publications. Lyndsay is a 2 time author for both “Top Down Culture” and a contributing author to the anthology “Voices of Women.” She also hosts the top 5% globally ranked podcast, Heartbeat for Hire, and is a frequent guest speaker on live and recorded shows. Today she is the Chief Revenue Officer for Intry where they are merging the best of technology with the best of humanity to help job seekers and those in transition land the jobs of their dreams.
In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John interviews Clark Willcox, a seasoned recruiter and founder of Digital Recruiter. They discuss Clark's journey from sports management to recruiting, the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, and the importance of human resources in organizations. Clark emphasizes the need for HR to facilitate rather than dominate, the challenges of a noisy recruiting environment, and strategies for standing out in the digital space, particularly on LinkedIn. They discuss the importance of building a personal brand, maximizing recruitment strategies, and the challenges faced by HR professionals in the recruiting process. They emphasize the need for proactive recruiting methods, the value of personal content marketing, and the significance of authenticity in attracting the right candidates.ABOUT CLARKClark Willcox is a seasoned recruiter, entrepreneur, and the founder of Digital Recruiter, a coaching and consulting program that helps recruiting professionals master the art of LinkedIn marketing, content strategy, and automation. With over a decade of experience in the recruiting industry, Clark began his recruiting career at Aerotek after a stint in door to door B2B telecom sales, quickly hitting $10K in weekly spread within five months and earning a world-class Net Promoter Score (NPS) from his clients while selling recruiting services in the skilled trades and light industrial sectors. As an account manager, he also trained and led multiple recruiters who went on to earn promotions under his guidance, further solidifying his impact as both a high-performer and a mentor.Today, Clark channels that frontline recruiting experience into helping agencies and recruiters generate inbound leads, build magnetic LinkedIn brands, and close business through value-driven outreach. His framework blends niche positioning, authentic content, and smart automation to create marketing that builds trust before the first call. Through Digital Recruiter, his strategies have helped clients generate millions in new business pipelines while transforming how they attract and win high-quality clients in an increasingly digital-first world.
In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, host John speaks with Stephanie Hajducek, founder of the nonprofit 'This One's for the Gals.' They discuss the importance of workforce development, particularly for women in non-traditional careers such as construction and manufacturing. Stephanie shares her journey of creating opportunities for girls in K-12 education, highlighting success stories and the impact of mentorship. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the role of HR professionals in shaping the future workforce.ABOUT STEPHANIEStephanie Hajducek is a Project Specialist for Enbridge – Project YaREN. Project YaREN is a proposed low carbon ammonia production and export facility in Ingleside, Texas, being developed by Enbridge and Yara. Stephanie has also held positions with industry leading companies such as Bechtel, ChevronPhillips, Citgo, Steel Dynamics and The Chemours Company. In January 2022 Stephanie started a 501c3 nonprofit organization called This One’s for the Gals that helps girls with career exploration and workforce development. Focusing their efforts on the construction, energy, manufacturing and maritime industries, TOFTG likes to say that they talk to girls about career pathways that not a lot of people talk to girls about, from Skilled Trades to STEM and everything in between! After almost 20 years out of high school, and with the support of her husband and three children, Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from The University of Southern Mississippi while working full time. She hopes that by sharing her experiences and lessons learned she can help girls step out of their comfort zone and step into a world of endless possibilities in industry!
In this inspiring episode of HR Like a Boss, John welcomes HR leader and SHRM advocate Mary Williams to discuss the power of purpose and gratitude in the workplace. Mary shares her career journey, the role of HR in building meaningful connections, and how recognition and empathy can elevate employee engagement. Learn how people-first leadership and a culture of appreciation can transform your organization.ABOUT MARYMary Williams, SPHR, has brought a unique, common sense perspective to the business of HR. Mary inspires individuals to tap into their unique strengths, values, passion and purpose to create stronger, more fulfilling and effective careers & work teams. Mary has many years of progressive human resources management experience ranging from an HR Department of One for start-ups to larger organizations.She holds her Senior Professional Human Resources certification (SPHR) from HRCI. Named to The Most Inclusive HR Influencer List featuring the top 150 HR and HR-adjacent leaders, Mary enjoys giving back to the HR community. She is active in her local SHRM chapter, HRA Oakbrook, HR Hotseat community, HR Unite community and the HR Like a Boss community.Mary has been invited by the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition Blogger / Influencer Teams since 2018 and is a member of the WISHRM (Wisconsin SHRM annual conference) SMILE Team - Social Media Influencers Leading Engagement. Connect with Mary on Linked In or on Bluesky - user name Conmkw. (https://bsky.app/profile/conmkw.bsky.social)
In this enlightening episode of HR Like a Boss, John sits down with seasoned HR leader Jeffrey Watt to explore how HR can evolve from a traditional "department of no" into a powerful driver of business strategy and employee engagement. With over 20 years of experience, Jeff shares his journey and offers actionable insights on transforming HR into a proactive, curious, and people-centered function. Discover how HR professionals can shed outdated practices, listen more effectively, and align with organizational goals to foster a culture of innovation, advocacy, and success. Whether you're an HR pro or a business leader, this episode will inspire you to think differently about the role of HR in shaping the workplace.ABOUT JEFFJeffrey Watt, SPHR, is an accomplished Fractional Human Resources Executive with over 20 years expertise in negotiations, competence development, labor relations, and lean manufacturing. As a transformational leader, he has successfully led the entire life cycle of HR operations in small and large businesses both in manufacturing and corporate environments. Jeff is known for his ability to recognize opportunities for improvement, build strong consensus, and drive measurable improvements in efficiency and productivity. With extensive experience in the human resources, he has a proven track record of leveraging large, diverse leadership teams, driving succession planning, and fostering a culture of inclusion.
In this episode of HR Like a Boss, John Bernatovicz chats with Mike Stafiej, founder of Erin, an employee referral platform. Mike dives into the evolving world of talent acquisition, highlighting the power of employee referrals and the growing impact of automation in HR.From the shifting pace of hiring decisions to the importance of maintaining human connection in an increasingly tech-driven landscape, Mike offers a grounded perspective on where HR is heading. Whether you're rethinking your hiring strategy or exploring new HR tech, this episode is packed with insights for HR pros looking to innovate without losing what matters most—people.ABOUT MIKEMike Stafiej is the founder and CEO of ERIN, a Pittsburgh-based SaaS startup that streamlines employee referrals for enterprise businesses around the world. ERIN is a strategic recruiting tool for hundreds of businesses with over 3 million employees, in over 100 countries, and has automated over half a billion dollars in referral bonuses. . Mike is a Serial Entrepreneur with a Master's degree in I.T. Project Management from Robert Morris University and has over 15 years of experience in successful SaaS startups.
In this episode of HR Like a Boss, John talks with Sean Behr, CEO of Fountain, about the crucial role of frontline workers in business success. They explore how company culture, leadership, and tailored communication drive engagement, retention, and growth. Sean shares how HR can make a big impact by focusing on the unique needs of frontline employees and using technology to scale smarter.ABOUT SEAN BEHRSean Behr is the CEO at Fountain, the frontline workforce management platform that empowers companies to hire, manage, and retain their frontline workforce across the globe. Previously, Behr was the Co-Founder and CEO of STRATIM. Behr previously served in leadership roles at Adap.tv (acquired by AOL), most recently, as SVP, Global operations. Before Adap.tv, he held various management roles at Shopping.com (acquired by Ebay) including roles in HR, sales, product management and strategy development. Additionally, Behr advises, mentors, and invests in entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. He holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In this insightful episode of HR Like a Boss, John sits down with Erich Kurschat, owner of Harmony Insights LLC and passionate HR leader, to explore the human side of human resources. Eric shares his journey and dives into how emotional intelligence, effective communication, and tools like the DISC assessment can transform workplace relationships. Learn how conflict can catalyze growth, why intentional questions matter, and how HR professionals can lead with heart and strategy. ABOUT ERICErich Kurschat of Harmony Insights LLC helps companies and consultants build high-performing teams... and revenue streams... around the Everything DiSC and Five Behaviors assessments. A self-proclaimed "DiSC nerd" of 18+ years, Erich is especially passionate about equipping individuals to communicate meaningfully and productively with diverse stakeholders.
In this episode of HR Like a Boss, John sits down with Rita Kusi, a seasoned HR consultant and trailblazer who took her passion from corporate America to the heart of Africa. Rita opens up about her transformative journey to founding her own consultancy in Ghana, the unique challenges HR professionals face across the African continent, and the pivotal role of HR in shaping organizational success. From launching a global HR conference to empowering professionals to shine, Rita shares actionable strategies for navigating stakeholder demands, enhancing employee engagement, and making HR a data-driven powerhouse. Whether you're an HR leader, consultant, or practitioner, this episode offers fresh insights into balancing leadership, cultural context, and measurable impact.
Join us on this new episode of HR Like a Boss, where John sits down with Jocelyn King, CEO and founder of Virgil HR, to discuss her unique journey from HR generalist to tech entrepreneur. Jocelyn shares how her deep HR experience shaped the creation of a cutting-edge compliance platform and what it takes to scale both teams and technology in today’s fast-paced business world. The conversation dives into the evolving strategic role of HR, the power of mentorship, and how tech can be a game-changer for compliance and growth. Whether you're navigating a startup or building partnerships at the executive level, this episode offers a roadmap for making a bigger impact through innovation and relationships.ABOUT JOCELYNJocelyn King, SHRM-SCP is the CEO and Founder of VirgilHR, a SaaS solution that empowers HR professionals to make smart, compliant employment and labor law decisions in real-time. HR has been the passion and focus of Jocelyn’s entire career as she’s supported high-growth technology start-ups and public companies throughout her tenure. She defines herself as a true HR generalist and has touched on all aspects of HR in her more senior roles. Jocelyn has strong expertise in creating and executing HR strategy, managing employee relations for multi-state and global organizations, developing a diverse and high-performing work culture, owning organization development and change management, and crafting the total reward, talent development, and talent acquisition strategies. In addition to HR, what has also remained consistent in her career has been technology. Jocelyn has worked for technology companies most of her career and, as an HR executive, has had the privilege of supporting executives and departments in all functions across the organizations. In her role as CEO for VirgilHR, she’s displayed proven success in building a venture-backed technology company from the ground up. She has held previous roles as the Vice President of People, North America for Ocado Group, as well as Vice President of People for Cybrary, a Series-C start up. She’s spent a majority of her career working with a range of tech companies from Pre-Seed to Post-IPO. Jocelyn earned her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.