On this episode of HR Nightmares, the team sits down with Travis “The HR Dude” McCracken of Global Laser Enrichment to unpack how to scale fast without turning HR into the department of no. Travis shares what it took to grow from 15 to 110 employees, build an HR business partner model, and hire for highly specialized roles inside a heavily regulated environment where mistakes are not an option.

The conversation also tackles credibility in HR, including the ongoing debate around certifications like SHRM and SPHR, and why credentials only matter when paired with sound judgment and real problem-solving. The group digs into the role of AI in modern HR, where it adds value, where caution is required, and how teams can use it responsibly even in restricted environments. From avoiding unhelpful HR archetypes to measuring success by speed, quality, and trust, this episode offers clear, practical guidance for HR leaders navigating growth in complex organizations.

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.

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.