The Simplifiers Podcast

Raise your hand if you're currently looking for a job right now? You might be curious… How do I get more recruiters to notice me? How do I elevate my credibility in my sector? Or maybe you're wanting to speak at more industry conferences? How might you better achieve your professional goals this year? Well, it's time to rethink how you show up on LinkedIn... more specifically, how to stand out on this professional platform as a thought leader. My all-star special guest today is recruiter Haley ONeill and she's simplifying how to stand out on LinkedIn. With over 109k followers at the time of recording this episode, (now 150k+ as of Jan 2026!) Haley has solidified herself as one of LinkedIn's top voices in Recruiting, which I can imagine, keeps her talent pipeline quite full when she's hiring for new roles.*  If you're looking to take your career to the next level, learn from Haley the very best insider secrets to elevate your personal brand on LinkedIn, get connected with others, and become a thought leader in your industry.  *NOTE: Haley ONeill is now Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition Strategy & Process Innovation at Marriott International, as of January 2026. Here's how.  My all-star special guest today is Haley ONeill and she's simplifying how to stand out on LinkedIn. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Why it's important to have a personal brand presence on LinkedIn and how to define your WHY. What the first, practical steps are after you define why you want to stand out on LinkedIn. How to create content on LinkedIn that is simple and easy, helping to elevate your voice. What advice she gives to those that are afraid of coming off as "bragging or boasting" when they post about their own achievements. …and ultimately, how to measure your success with all the effort that will be necessary to stand out on LinkedIn. What metric matters the most? Q: Are you ready to learn how to stand out on LinkedIn? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/409-how-to-stand-out-on-linkedin---with-haley-oneill-all-star

HR teams are being asked to do more than ever before — move faster, support burned-out employees, and navigate constant change. And yet, many HR functions are still operating with a compliance-first mindset that slows innovation and limits impact. What if HR didn't function like a back-office department… but instead, like a startup inside the organization? My special guest today is John Bernatovicz, and he's simplifying how to build entrepreneurial culture within HR teams. John has built his career blending entrepreneurship and HR, and he believes the future of HR depends on autonomy, agility, ownership, and a problem-solving mindset — not just policies and procedures. Here's how. My special guest today is John Bernatovicz and he's simplifying how to build entrepreneurs culture within HR teams.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What it actually means for an HR team to have an entrepreneurial culture — and why it matters now more than ever. One practical shift leaders can make to move HR teams from enforcing rules to solving problems creatively. What the "20 things you MUST do first" really mean in his book HR Like a Boss — including 3–4 of the most impactful ones, like defining your purpose and practicing real self-care outside of work. What would change first if HR operated like a startup — from how we hire, to how we measure success, to how we experiment. …and ultimately, advice for CHROs who want to empower their teams to think like founders, not function owners — even when budgets, compliance, or legacy systems slow them down. Q: Are you ready to learn how to build entrepreneurial culture within HR teams? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/408-how-to-build-entrepreneurial-culture-within-hr-teams---with-john-bernatovicz

When leaders talk about workplace design, they often focus on the physical space. But the environments that shape how people think, collaborate, and perform are just as much about processes, expectations, and unspoken norms. If we want every brain to thrive at work, we have to examine the systems that quietly determine who gets supported — and who's left to adapt. My special guest today is Nikki Drader-Mazza, and she's simplifying how to design workspaces where every brain thrives. This conversation challenges how we think about neurodiversity, inclusion, and what it actually takes to build workplaces that work for more people — not just the non-neurodiverse majority. Here's how. My special guest today is Nikki Drader-Mazza and she's simplifying how to design workspaces where every brain thrives.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What we really mean by neurodiversity and the newer term "neurodistinct" — and why the language we use matters more than we might think. Why "workspace design" isn't just about the physical office, and which parts of the work ecosystem most influence whether every brain can thrive. Why it's critical to examine the assumptions baked into systems designed for the non-neurodistinct population — and the risk of leaving those systems unchallenged. Why stigma around accommodations still exists, and how leaders can begin to dismantle it in meaningful ways. …and ultimately, the first assumption or system leaders and HR teams should take a hard look at when designing workplaces where every brain can thrive. Q: Are you ready to learn how to design a workspace where every brain thrives? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/407-how-to-design-workspaces-where-every-brain-thrives---with-nikki-drader-mazza

Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to have an incredible year ahead. Not a year filled with overwhelm. But a year filled with simplicity and ease. A year where you go after your goals—using your vision board as your compass—guiding you toward what you truly want, need, and desire in your work and your life. This is about New Year, Same You… creating new opportunities that actually support your vision of an incredible life. One where you practice discernment. You say no to the things, people, and opportunities that don't fit your vision. And you stay committed to showing up for the ones that feel like a full-body hell yeah. You're being bold. You're asking for what you need—with your outside voice. You're pursuing what's already yours. And most importantly… you're learning to trust yourself. To listen to your intuition. To root down into your deep inner knowing—your deep wisdom and courage. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to have an incredible year ahead. I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you're accessing the deep inner wisdom. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it. You can do this, I believe in you. It's time to SIMPLIFY. Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b165-how-to-have-an-incredible-year-ahead-guided-visualization

Happy New Year, friends - to kick things off on the right foot, here's how to create a vision board to help guide you in the year ahead. This has been a tool I've used for the last decade and let me tell you, it works! I like to create mine during the last week of the year and it serves as a visual guide to help me remember what is most important in my life.  Let me explain… It's a visual representation of my core values, my desires, and my goals. Every single element I put on my vision board has been carefully picked and considered to ensure it feels right… and it's actually what I want to create in the year ahead. As such, I wanted to share my top 5 tips on creating a vision board, so if you want to make one for yourself this year, it'll be a simple process. I released a similar version of this episode a few years ago and wanted to give you an updated look to how this practice has evolved for me. Thus the 2.0!  Here goes… Keep your focus on the Light and your chin up, trusting and believing in the process.  Every artist goes through a "this sucks, this sucks, this is the worst, this is horrible, oh look it's pretty cool" cycle when creating art. Even if you don't identify as an artist yourself, you're still going to (likely) go through that cycle too when creating your vision board. It's a given… but it doesn't define you. Rise above. You can do this, I believe in you. It's time to SIMPLIFY. Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b164-how-to-create-a-vision-board-2-0

Gosh, that year went by FAST! Let's recap 2025 — Season 8 of The Simplifiers Podcast. The greatest things I've learned.  What stood out the most. And where we're headed next. ✨ What Season 8 Made Crystal Clear Before I wrap up, I just want to say thank you. To our incredible guests — for sharing real, honest insights. To our clients — for trusting us with meaningful work. And to you, our listeners — for believing that work can be better. Because the truth is… Work is broken for a lot of people. And here at The Simplifiers, we're on a mission to fix it. By simplifying the complex. Equipping HR professionals. And helping people fall back in love with their work again. As always friends, keep things simple.—--- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b163-what-i-learned-this-year-whats-next-in-2026  

Uncertainty has become the norm at work. Markets shift. Culture is shaky. Roles change mid-stride. And yet, many organizations are still trying to plan for the future using old assumptions that no longer hold. In today's environment, the question isn't how to create stability — it's how to build a talent strategy that can adapt when the ground keeps moving. My special guest today is Steve Cadigan, and he's simplifying how to build a talent strategy that thrives in uncertainty. Steve is known for challenging traditional workforce planning and helping leaders rethink how they attract, develop, and retain talent in a world where adaptability matters more than predictability. Here's how. My special guest today is Steve Cadigan and he's simplifying how to build a talent strategy that thrives in uncertainty.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What a resilient talent strategy actually looks like today — and why agile, scenario-based thinking is replacing traditional workforce planning. Why stability is no longer the goal, and how leaders can build cultures where uncertainty becomes an advantage instead of a threat. Which "old world" recruiting and retention practices organizations should stop using immediately — and what should replace them. How leaders can help their people grow when roles and skill needs are changing faster than ever. …and ultimately, one piece of advice for HR and business leaders navigating the volatile talent market ahead. Q: Are you ready to learn how to build a talent strategy that thrives in uncertainty? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/406-how-to-build-a-talent-strategy-that-thrives-in-uncertainty---with-steve-cadigan

In a world where deadlines move fast and business pressures run high, it's easy for leaders to default to strategy, metrics, and sheer efficiency. But the leaders who create real impact — the ones people trust, follow, and remember — are the ones who lead from the heart. Heart-centered leadership isn't soft. It's intentional. It's courageous. And it's one of the most powerful ways to build connection, accountability, and belonging on your team. My special guest today is Claude Silver, and she's simplifying how to lead from the heart. Claude is known for championing emotional optimism, bringing humanity back into leadership, and helping companies thrive by focusing on people first. If you want to lead with more courage, clarity, and compassion — while still driving results — this conversation is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Claude Silver and she's simplifying how to lead from the heart.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What leading from the heart really looks like day-to-day, especially when business pressures are high. How leaders can apply the three emotional pillars — optimism, bravery, and efficiency — when giving tough feedback or leading change. How to balance empathy and vulnerability without losing authority. A few simple ways leaders can build belonging and trust on their teams this week. …and ultimately, how to keep humanity at the center as AI and automation reshape the way we work. Q: Are you ready to learn how to lead from the heart? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/405-how-to-lead-from-the-heart---with-claude-silver

Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to protect your peace. Especially now, as the holiday season ramps up, calendars get full, emotions run high, and expectations (yours and everyone else's) can crowd your energy field. If you're craving calm, clarity, and boundaries that honor your whole self… today's episode is for you. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to protect your peace during the holidays. I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you're accessing the deep inner wisdom. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it. You can do this, I believe in you. It's time to SIMPLIFY. Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b162-how-to-protect-your-peace-guided-visualization

Empathy is one of the most important leadership skills we have — and yet, it's also one of the most misunderstood. Many leaders want to show care, compassion, and understanding… but worry they'll get drained, taken advantage of, or lose their authority in the process. The truth is: empathy isn't about absorbing everyone's emotions. It's about creating connection, safety, and clarity in a way that's sustainable for you and supportive for your team. My special guest today is Joseph Cope, and he's simplifying how to practice empathy without burning out. If you want to lead with more humanity — especially in moments of change, pressure, or high emotions — this conversation will give you a grounded, repeatable approach you can actually use. Here's how. My special guest today is Joseph Cope and he's simplifying how to practice empathy without burning out.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What healthy, sustainable empathy looks like in practice — without getting drained or taken advantage of. How to respond with empathy when emotions run high, while still holding a clear boundary or expectation. How to balance empathy with accountability when someone on your team keeps missing the mark. What empathy looks like for employees who survived a layoff and are now picking up the pieces and carrying more responsibility. …and ultimately, 2–3 small daily habits any leader can build to create a more trusted, connected team without adding more to an already overflowing plate. Q: Are you ready to learn how to practice empathy without burning out? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/404-how-to-practice-empathy-without-burning-out---with-joseph-cope

As you grow in your career, your technical skills matter—of course they do. But what people remember, respond to, and rally behind is your leadership identity. It's the way you show up, the presence you carry, the influence you have, and the story others tell about you when you're not in the room. And the leaders who thrive are the ones who shape that identity with intention, not by accident. My special guest today is Shayna Davis, and she's simplifying how to define your leadership identity. If you want to lead with more clarity, consistency, and confidence—while staying true to who you are—this conversation is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Shayna Davis and she's simplifying how to define your leadership identity.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: The real difference between executive presence and executive influence—and how both shape how others see your leadership. What a "leadership narrative" is, and why rising leaders must define theirs early. Where to begin when intentionally shaping your leadership identity—and how to clarify your unique POV, thought leadership, and personal narrative. The common missteps leaders make when trying to project authority or influence, and how to avoid coming across as inauthentic. …and ultimately, how to evolve your leadership identity over time without losing consistency or confusing your teams. Q: Are you ready to learn how to define your leadership identity? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/403-how-to-define-your-leadership-identity---with-shayna-davis

We all know great communication is more than just what you say—it's how you say it, how you show up, and how you make others feel. Whether you're leading a meeting, sending an email, or jumping on a Zoom call, your body language, tone, and presence send powerful signals. The good news? These skills can be learned, practiced, and mastered. My special guest today is Kristin Bock, and she's simplifying how to be a better communicator. If you want to enhance clarity, confidence, and connection in every interaction—both in person and online—this conversation is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Kristin Bock and she's simplifying how to be a better communicator.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: The most impactful body language cues anyone can use to become a more compelling communicator. What "digital charisma" really means—and how to project it through emails, video calls, and online communication. How to harness your vocal power to sound more confident and avoid habits like "upspeak" that can undermine credibility. Whether communication skills can be learned by anyone—or if they come more naturally to extroverts. …and ultimately, practical tips for communicating effectively with neurodivergent teammates who process cues differently. Q: Are you ready to learn how to be a better communicator at work? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/402-how-to-be-a-better-communicator---with-kristin-bock

Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to listen to be heard. Because right now, after a week of massive layoffs globally and so much change in the world of work, a lot of teams are feeling uncertain… and unheard. This episode is a reminder that deep listening — real, intentional listening — is the foundation of trust. It's also the quiet superpower of great leaders. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to listen to be heard. I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you're accessing the deep inner wisdom. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it. You can do this, I believe in you. It's time to SIMPLIFY. Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b161-how-to-listen-to-be-heard-guided-visualization      

Why do conversations about inclusion and belonging tend to feel so heavy? Used intentionally, my guest today makes the case that humor can actually break down walls, spark connection, and invite people into the dialogue—instead of pushing them away. It's a powerful way to open culture conversations without diminishing their importance. My special guest today is Aaron Fung, and he's simplifying how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging. If you want to spark culture conversations that are more real, more open, and more effective—without making light of the issues—this episode is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Aaron Fung and he's simplifying how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Why humor can play a powerful role in making conversations about inclusion and belonging more approachable and impactful. How to "read the room" and know when humor will land well—or when to choose a different approach. What boundaries leaders should set to avoid sarcasm or humor that alienates others, including neurodivergent colleagues who may interpret tone differently. How humor can strengthen credibility—not undermine it—especially when executives see DEI work as "too serious" to laugh about. …and ultimately, one practical way HR professionals and leaders can weave humor into everyday culture conversations while still honoring the importance of the work. Q: Are you ready to learn how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging at work? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/401-how-to-use-humor-to-drive-inclusion-belonging---with-aaron-fung

When you're in front of senior leaders or the board, you've got seconds—not minutes—to capture their attention and make your message land. Executives don't want a data dump, a 40-slide saga, or a meandering story that takes forever to get to the point. They want clarity, confidence, and a compelling narrative that tells them what matters right now. That's where executive storytelling becomes a powerful leadership skill—not just a presentation tactic. My special guest today is Libby Magliolo, and she's simplifying how to master the art of executive storytelling. If you want to elevate your executive presence, influence decisions, and deliver presentations that are memorable (for all the right reasons), this episode is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Libby Magliolo and she's simplifying how to master the art of executive storytelling.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What makes executive storytelling different from a standard business presentation—and why true executive presence requires you to drop the apology language. The three questions every leader must answer before they ever open a slide deck:  Who is in the room?  What do they care about?  And what is the objective of this communication? The one-sentence trick that creates a compelling executive presentation using the Minto Pyramid Principle:  Lead with the answer first. How to balance visuals and words so your message is engaging—without overwhelming your audience. …and ultimately, one simple shift any leader can make this week to improve their executive presence when presenting. Q: Are you ready to learn how to master the art of executive storytelling? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/400-how-to-master-the-art-of-executive-storytelling---with-libby-magliolo

In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, what sets great leaders apart? It's not just strategy, charisma, or experience—it's purpose. Purpose gives leaders the clarity to make tough decisions, the resilience to navigate challenge, and the courage to inspire others when times get hard. My special guest today is Dr. John Blakey, and he's simplifying how to thrive as a purpose-filled leader. John believes that leaders must be the beacon of hope in what he calls a "future-fragile world," and he's sharing how to ground your leadership in purpose to build trust, performance, and long-term impact. Here's how. My special guest today is Dr. John Blakey and he's simplifying how to thrive as a purpose-filled leader.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Why purpose matters so much for today's leaders—and how it directly connects to trust and performance. How executives can uncover and articulate their own leadership purpose using three dimensions: up, in, and out. Practical ways to translate purpose into daily decision-making and behavior—as a true "force for good." How to sustain purpose during times of pressure, uncertainty, or change using what he calls a "thrival kit." …and ultimately, one story of a leader who thrived by staying grounded in their purpose, no matter what challenges came their way. Q: Are you ready to learn how to thrive as a purpose-filled leader? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/399-how-to-thrive-as-a-purpose-filled-leader---with-dr-john-blakey

Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to communicate with confidence. This is an incredibly important skill to master, especially as it relates to how you show up at work. There's no doubt, those who understand how to connect with people, get their message across effectively, and have it received well will get more accomplished with less friction. This could be you. Let's practice that skill in a whole new way. By visualizing it. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to communicate with confidence. Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b160-how-to-communicate-with-confidence-guided-visualization

When it comes to hiring executives, the stakes couldn't be higher. One wrong move at the top can ripple across the entire organization, impacting culture, strategy, and results. That's why more and more Boards, recruiters, and HR leaders are turning to executive assessments to help them make smarter, data-informed decisions backed by science. But what should these assessments really reveal—and how do you use them effectively? My special guest today is Brandon Jordan of ForPsyte Talent Assessments and he's simplifying how to use executive assessments to hire smarter. Drawing on deep expertise in leadership selection and succession planning, Brandon helps organizations focus on the insights that truly matter when evaluating top executive talent. Here's how. My special guest today is Brandon Jordan and he's simplifying how to use executive assessments to hire smarter.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What an executive assessment should actually tell you—beyond the basics of behavioral traits, situational judgment, and cognitive ability. Which tools and frameworks he trusts most at this level, zooming in on the "3 C's" of content, construct, and criteria. How to separate "potential" from "performance" when evaluating leaders. When Boards and recruiters should use assessments—Is it better before or after interviews? …and ultimately, how HR can explain the assessment process clearly so every stakeholder understands the value. Q: Are you ready to learn how to use executive assessments to hire smarter? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/398-how-to-use-executive-assessments-to-hire-smarter---with-brandon-jordan

Developing future leaders isn't just about filling roles—it's about shaping people. The question is: how do you identify high-potentials on your team, and once you do, how do you nurture them so they grow instead of fizzle out? HiPos need more than a pat on the back; they need guidance, meaningful support, and a roadmap for growth from their people leader. My special guest today is Shawn Storer and he's simplifying how to turn high-potentials into leaders. If you're a people leader aiming to build a strong succession plan and invest wisely in your future leaders, this conversation is going to give you the clarity you need. Here's how. My special guest today is Shawn Storer and he's simplifying how to turn high-potentials into leaders. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: The one thing people leaders must be super clear on when developing high-potential talent. How to define "high-potential" beyond just performance reviews. The signals that indicate when someone is truly ready for the next level. Which smart stretch assignments accelerate growth the fastest. …and ultimately, how to keep HiPos engaged without burning them out—while still building a solid succession plan. Q: Are you ready to learn how to turn your high-potentials into leaders? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/397-how-to-turn-high-potentials-into-leaders---with-shawn-storer

Senior executives: When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your company's culture? If you're sitting in the executive seat, you already know—leading culture change is no small task. It can be challenging, complicated, and downright uncomfortable at times. But when it's done right? It transforms everything. My special guest today is Dr. Alise Cortez and she's simplifying how to lead culture change as an executive. She's spent years guiding senior leaders through the deep work of aligning values, behaviors, and vision—and she knows firsthand what makes a culture initiative succeed… or not. Here's how. My special guest today is Dr. Alise Cortez and she's simplifying how to lead culture change as an executive. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What makes or breaks a culture transformation at the executive level. How leaders can make values visible through their daily actions. Why it's critical for senior executives to get clear on who they are—and challenge any assumptions—before beginning the work. How to measure whether culture change is actually sticking or is it just fluff. …and ultimately, one story of a leader who got it right, and what we can all learn from their example. Q: Are you ready to learn how to lead culture change as an executive? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/396-how-to-lead-culture-change-as-an-executive---with-dr-alise-cortez