Ever worked with someone who hits every goal but leaves a trail of chaos behind? This episode of HR Nightmares digs into the tension between high performance and toxic behavior. Lisa, Amy, and Beth break down how gossip, manipulation, and emotional outbursts quietly drain teams, no matter how talented the person causing them may be. They explore the archetypes of workplace drama, from the nonstop talker who spreads tension to the polished leader who charms upward while stirring conflict below.The team shares practical tools to bring calm back to the workplace. You’ll learn how to shut down gossip respectfully, set clear boundaries, and spot red flags before bringing drama into your team. They also challenge leaders to look in the mirror and stop rewarding chaos disguised as engagement. If you want a team that runs on trust instead of tension, this conversation will help you see the signs, make tough calls, and protect your culture.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
If the real meeting happens after the meeting, you’re not alone. This week on HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney talk about what happens when culture drifts—when feedback goes quiet, side conversations take over, and the “inmates” start running the asylum. They share what it looks like to bring a team back to balance and rebuild trust before things fall apart. The group breaks down practical steps to reset culture: having direct, honest conversations that stay in the room; communicating clearly so decisions actually reach everyone; and giving employees a real voice through culture committees and open feedback. They also explore how to hire for culture add, not culture fit, and why protecting your best culture carriers keeps credibility intact. Through real client stories and lessons from the field, Lisa, Amy, and Beth show how leaders can replace fear and avoidance with healthy tension and accountability. Whether your workplace is too nice or too noisy, this episode will help you get your team back on track. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Harassment in the workplace isn’t just a headline issue—it’s a lived reality for far too many employees. On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney dig into high-profile cases and share real-world encounters from their own careers.From inappropriate comments to boundary-crossing behavior, the crew brings candid critiques and hard truths to each example. With one in five women experiencing gender-based harassment at work annually, the team takes on the culture of silence and complicity that allows bad behavior to thrive. From executives who scream and throw objects to the gray areas of compliments gone wrong, Lisa, Amy, and Beth make their stance clear: accountability isn’t optional. Packed with practical advice, humor, and a call for change, this episode gives listeners strategies for building safer, more respectful workplaces.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares.
Struggling to afford executive-level HR talent but need more than basic compliance? On this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney break down the power of fractional HR leadership. Unlike traditional consultants who make recommendations and move on, fractional leaders embed within organizations as true partners — drawing from diverse experience to solve people problems, build scalable HR systems, and create psychological safety for employees who may hesitate to approach internal HR.The team shares real-world transformations, from repairing toxic cultures to replacing ineffective practices with strategic talent systems. They also highlight the surprising financial upside: eliminating costly PEOs, negotiating better benefits, and implementing right-sized HR tech that often saves companies tens of thousands. What makes fractional HR unique is its adaptability — leaders scale their involvement to match business needs, diving in during growth or crisis and stepping back when stability returns.We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
The HR nightmares never stop coming — and in this episode of Leath HR, co-hosts Lisa, Amy,and Greg crack open the inbox to tackle more of your most head-scratching workplacedilemmas. From surveillance concerns to emotional outbursts, they share the stories that keepmanagers second-guessing and employees walking on eggshells.What happens when your CEO installs Alexa devices in every conference room? The crew talksabout the fine line between workplace convenience and perceived privacy invasion — and howto communicate tech policies in a way that builds trust instead of suspicion. From virtual happyhours that drift into too-casual territory, to political messages on clothing, to the surprisinglydivisive practice of taking Zoom calls from bed, Lisa, Amy, and Greg weigh in on where to drawthe line. They balance empathy with practicality, offering strategies that protect companyculture without killing morale.Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share thisconversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from thefrontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
Lisa Leath and the HR Nightmares team open up their inbox to tackle real-world workplace dilemmas ranging from micromanaging bosses to unconventional emotional support animals. The team provides practical advice for HR professionals and managers navigating these challenging situations.The conversation takes fascinating turns as the team unpacks how trust issues manifest in management styles, exploring why some leaders feel compelled to verify every sick day claim or monitor employees' social media activity. They provide practical guidance for addressing these behaviors without creating additional workplace tensions, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches and direct communication.Throughout the episode, the HR Nightmares team brings their combined decades of experience to these real-world scenarios, offering solutions that balance compliance with compassion. Whether you're an HR professional facing similar challenges, a manager looking to improve your leadership approach, or simply someone fascinated by workplace dynamics, you'll find valuable insights and practical takeaways to apply in your own professional life.Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
Workplace whiplash is real. Since the pandemic, companies have swung wildly between remote, hybrid, and return-to-office mandates—and employees are feeling the impact. In this episode of HR Nightmares, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney unpack the real reasons behind these shifts.Is it truly about collaboration and culture, or are deeper motives at play—like commercial real estate, poor management, or quiet downsizing?Drawing from their HR consulting work, the hosts share powerful client stories and challenge the logic of outdated office mandates—especially when workers are commuting just to sit on Zoom calls. They explore the human toll of sudden policy reversals, like employees being forced to relocate or leave jobs entirely. The takeaway? Rigid one-size-fits-all policies don’t work. Flexibility, performance-based decisions, and clear expectations are the future of work—and this episode offers actionable ideas to get there.Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
Is the entry-level job... extinct? In this episode of HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney dive into the AI-fueled shake-up that’s redefining what it means to “get your foot in the door.” As automation handles more of the repetitive and routine, many roles that once served as launchpads for new grads are either vanishing or morphing beyond recognition.The team explores which industries are still welcoming humans with open arms—think healthcare, construction, sales, and data science—and why some skills will always outmatch a machine. They also call out the frustrating trend of “entry-level” roles requiring 3–5 years of experience and unpack the growing disconnect between higher education and hiring realities.Whether you're a recent grad wondering where the jobs went, a parent trying to make sense of this new world, or an employer rethinking early-career hiring, this episode is packed with honest talk, sharp insights, and a few laughs along the way.Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcast. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
In this episode of HR Nightmares, Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney tackle one of the most challenging scenarios HR leaders face: immigration enforcement in the workplace. What do you do when ICE shows up unannounced? The team shares real-life stories, including the heartbreaking account of an employee deported after decades in the U.S., and breaks down actionable strategies for employers—from conducting regular I-9 audits to setting up clear front desk protocols.More than just compliance, the conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and support for remaining staff. Learn how to prepare your business legally while maintaining compassion for your workforce during these disruptive events.Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com. Subscribe and share this conversation wherever you get your podcast. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
Welcome to Season 4 of HR Nightmares. Today, Lisa Leath (Chief People Officer at Vantaca), Beth Looney (Senior Consultant at Leath HR Group), and Amy Conway (Senior Consultant at Leath HR Group) tackle artificial intelligence in the workplace. Is AI revolutionizing business or threatening jobs? Let's find out. Our hosts examine how differently businesses are adopting AI tools—from hesitant small companies to organizations seeing dramatic productivity gains. The conversation shifts to practical AI applications in HR and business operations, revealing how these tools are transforming everything from administrative tasks to complex assessments. Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com and follow us/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next time for more straight talk from the frontlines of HR on HR Nightmares!
Welcome back to HR Nightmares, where every "growth opportunity" is just one awkward coaching conversation away from a full-blown crisis. In this episode, hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, Beth Looney, and guest, Lakesha McDay tackle one of the spiciest HR hot potatoes — embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into workplace culture. Spoiler alert: It’s more than just a catchy LinkedIn post. HR isn't for the faint of heart, and neither is embedding DEI into your company’s DNA. But with intentionality, coaching, and a willingness to lead with hospitality (shoutout to Cameron Mitchell’s playbook), even the messiest workplace nightmares can have a happy ending. Lakesha stresses that DEI should be woven into the organization’s fabric, not treated as a side project. Building psychological safety is key, encouraging employees to share perspectives without fear of repercussions. The Leath HR Group ladies highlight the "Buddy to Boss" journey, showing how leaders can transition from peer to manager through coaching, self-awareness, and understanding human communication styles.They all explain how belonging in the workplace isn’t just "being on the team" but having a say in the plays being called. This requires intentional inclusion, not just surface-level gestures. Amy uses her Nordstrom experience to emphasize how frontline employees and customers often hold the answers leaders seek. Emotional intelligence, she notes, isn’t optional — it’s essential for effective leadership. Pro tip: skip "HR Jams Vol. 1" and ask your people what playlist makes them feel at home.
The latest episode of the HR Nightmares podcast took a deep dive into the role of workplace design in boosting employee well-being and productivity—because, as Lisa quipped, “If your office looks like a dungeon, don’t be surprised if morale’s in the basement.” HR Nightmares’ guest, Rick Snyder, a furniture design guru, shared how thoughtful office design can alleviate common HR headaches, from privacy issues in open spaces to the hybrid work puzzle. The episode spotlighted the rise of hybrid work—with 41% of U.S. companies operating hybrid, 34% fully remote, and 23% in-office only. The hosts, Lisa Leath, Beth Looney and Amy Conway emphasized that a “room with a view” isn’t just a perk; it’s a productivity driver. Creating spaces for collaboration, individual work, and community gathering is key to fostering connection and camaraderie. Their advice? Get employee input during design—because no one wants to be stuck in a "cubicle farm" nightmare. The conversation wrapped with a call to action to prioritize employee well-being—not just in spirit, but in seating. Ergonomic chairs are a must, since “if you’re going to have employees glued to their seats, at least make sure it’s a throne.” Companies were also urged to improve hybrid collaboration spaces, upgrade office furniture, and consider wellness areas to support mental health. As Lisa said in closing, “Design matters. It’s not just about where you work—it’s about how you feel while you’re there.”
In this episode of HR Nightmares, Lisa Leath and Beth Looney are diving into one of the most polarizing, yet unavoidable, challenges we face in the workplace: navigating sensitive situations around election season. As we get closer to election day, we see more political conversations, social media posts, and yes, even heated debates creeping into the workplace. So how do we as HR leaders manage this delicate balance? How do we protect our company culture, promote inclusivity, and support our employees—without letting politics divide us? Join us and explore everything from handling political tensions in the office to managing social media activism, and even the potential for unconscious bias creeping into our decision-making processes during these turbulent times. This episode covers the tough, real-world scenarios that HR leaders and companies can’t afford to ignore. #hrnightmares #2024election
This week, the HR Nightmares crew tackled the legal spaghetti bowl that is non-compete agreements and the proposed FTC ban, and they brought in the big legal guns—Katie Greene from Michael Best. Lisa dove into the hot topics keeping employment lawyers and HR leaders up at night—non-compete bans, overtime thresholds, and employee classifications. She managed to make compliance sound almost exciting! Katie Greene from Michael Best chimed in with the latest on how courts are treating non-competes and the non-exempt/ overtime rollercoaster. Fun times ahead when those 2nd round January FLSA salary floor exemption changes hit!In classic HR Nightmares style, the group offers some (semi-)comforting words to those recently canned. Lisa suggests turning your non-competes into "barely-competes" by keeping them specific and narrow—otherwise, see you in court. With remote work a norm, Katie and Lisa remind us that if your trade secrets are spilling out of Zoom calls, it's time to get serious about information security.Follow Leath HR Group on socials and tell your friends to tune in on YouTube or wherever audio podcasts are!
This episode of HR Nightmares was a ride through the choppy waters of HR. Joined by guest, attorney Geoff Losee, the Leath HR Group hosts navigated topics from open container laws to office romances with the grace of a seasoned sailor This episode of HR Nightmares dives into a whirlwind of workplace issues. From the complexities of maritime law to the everyday challenges of managing employees, pitfalls of open container laws and the importance of solid workplace policies, these four tackle an array of employment nightmares and how to navigate to calmer waters. It's a reminder that even the calmest workplace can unexpectedly turn into a hurricane.
Ever feel like HR is stuck in a filing cabinet from the dark ages? This week on HR Nightmares, the Leath HR Group crew – your friendly neighborhood HR exorcists – are here to slay those workplace woes!We're throwing down the gauntlet. We're talking clueless HR reps, policy-obsessed robots, and service levels that make the DMV look like Disneyland. Is your HR department more of a roadblock than a resource?But fear not! We'll also delve into the secrets of a kickass HR leader. Learn how to spot the good, the bad, and the downright scary when it comes to HR leadership. Hint: experience, grit, and a willingness to ditch the rulebook are key!Plus, we are serving up some serious HR philosophy. It's time to ditch the dusty policy manuals and embrace a more human-centered approach. Because let's face it, robots with hearts make way better HR reps than robots with red tape.We'll also hear war stories from the trenches of employee management. Learn how to deliver tough news with compassion (even if you have to fire someone who keeps bringing their pet ferret to work – yes, that's a real story!).And the episode wouldn't be complete without some laughs! Stick around for a lighthearted (and slightly embarrassing) moment with the ladies.So, tune in! Let's turn those HR nightmares into hilarious cautionary tales (and maybe some valuable takeaways).
Tired of team meetings that sound like a pack of hyenas arguing? This episode's all about unlocking the secret weapon of assessments!We delve into the Tracom Social Styles model, where Ashley breaks down the four basic human types: the charging Drivers, the lovable Amiables, the bubbly Expressives, and the meticulous Analyticals. Think of it as your guide to navigating the office jungle! Great assessment facilitators train you to speak fluent "people" by adapting your communication style to each type. Imagine a world where your colleagues actually understand what you're saying!Lisa throws down the "Don't Be a Quizmaster" gauntlet, reminding us that these assessments are tools, not fortune cookies. We dish on the misuse of assessments in hiring, like bombarding candidates with unpaid quizzes or letting unqualified managers decipher their deepest desires. Assessments are all about self-awareness and communication, not replacing good old-fashioned emotional intelligence. Let us know what your favorite assessments are and why!
Firefighter Jarvis Harris joins the Leath HR Group HR crew to share his journey through adversity to becoming a first responder. You’re sure to be inspired by Harris’ dream to become a firefighter since childhood, and how he overcame setbacks to achieve his goal. Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney talk to Harris about effective interview techniques (emphasizing the importance of authenticity and storytelling), expanding non-traditional talent pipelines (landing high school kids in full-time jobs after graduation), the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone to get what you want and even inspire others in the process of doing so. Don’t miss your chance to get FREE HR ADVICE by visiting www.leathhrgroup.com and submitting your anonymous questions to be answered by our team of senior HR experts on the next episode of HR Nightmares!
Struggling to build your dream team? Drowning in HR paperwork? This isn’t your father’s HR! Lisa Leath, Amy Conway & Beth are here to LEVEL UP your people game! Join them as they dish their favorite secrets for hiring rockstars, staying compliant, and keeping your crew happy. Legal & financial jargon got you stressed? Change got your team overwhelmed? We have you covered! Buckle up for Season 3 - it's going to be epic! #HR #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #GrowthMindset #BusinessUnusual #nccareercoast
In this episode of "HR Nightmares," Lisa, Beth and Amy dive deep into the heart of boomtown, Wilmington, North Carolina, unraveling the cutting-edge strategies that are redefining talent attraction and retention with special guest, Megan Mullins. Amidst the scenic backdrop of this burgeoning business hub, the discussion takes a turn into the future of workforce development, shining a spotlight on the innovative approaches to strategic recruitment and the crucial role of educational initiatives in building a highly skilled labor pool.With an eye on the looming shadow of baby boomer retirement, our HR experts dissect the urgent need for succession planning and the art of preserving institutional knowledge through a dynamic framework of individual development. The episode is a treasure trove of insights, featuring Lisa Leath's groundbreaking tactics for promoting internal career growth and the transformative impact of the NC Career Coast in knitting together the community of employers and job seekers in North Carolina and beyond.As we navigate the intricate dance of keeping talent thriving within local confines, especially in high-demand sectors like tech, "HR Nightmares" offers an unmissable blueprint for cities and companies alike aiming to stay at the forefront of the talent game. This episode is not just a podcast; it's a call to action for all forward-thinking leaders ready to harness the power of collaboration and innovation in securing the future of their workforce.