Épisodes

  • Employee Experience vs. Happiness: What Leaders Need to Know Post-COVID

    Employee Experience vs. Happiness: What Leaders Need to Know Post-COVID
    Sep 15 2025
    What does it really mean to create a brilliant employee experience? We sit down with Kalifa Oliver, executive advisor and author of I Think I Love My Job, to unpack how organizations can move beyond perks and buzzwords to deliver what employees actually need. In this episode we talk about the difference between employee experience and happiness, how communication breaks down inside organizations, and why leadership accountability matters more than ever in a post-COVID workplace. Khalifa also shares insights from her book, including the role of dissent in driving innovation and why organizations often reward toxic behavior without realizing it. Executives, HR leaders, and managers will walk away with practical takeaways on communication, accountability, and designing workplaces where people can truly thrive. Key Takeaways➡ Employee experience must be intentionally designed, not just “happiness.”➡ Leaders are responsible for setting employees up for success.➡ COVID-19 reshaped workplace expectations and culture permanently.➡ Listening is the most underrated leadership skill.➡ Dissent and disagreement fuel innovation when managed effectively.➡ Many organizations still reward toxic behaviors without realizing it.➡ Employees want clarity, support, and a chance to contribute meaningfully.➡ Everyone deserves a brilliant employee experience. Chapters00:00 – Who is Kalifa Oliver02:50 – The Importance of Employee Experience05:50 – Communication and Listening in Organizations08:54 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture12:00 – The Journey to Writing the Book14:47 – Understanding Employee Experience vs. Happiness17:52 – The Role of Leadership in Employee Experience20:58 – Dissent and Innovation in the Workplace23:58 – Creating a Positive Work Environment Connect with our Guest Kalifa Oliver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalifaoliver/Get the book: I Think I Love My Job – https://www.kalifaoliver.com/ Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Site: http://www.wrkdefined.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefinedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefinedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefinedSubstack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 min
  • Burnout, Bias, and Broken Trust: Employ's 2025 Jobseeker Nation Report

    Burnout, Bias, and Broken Trust: Employ's 2025 Jobseeker Nation Report
    Jul 16 2025
    Job seekers aren’t playing games in 2025. Between AI, inflation, and ghosted applications, candidates are demanding better. We sat down with Stephanie Manzelli to unpack the latest Job Seeker Nation Report and why it’s more than just stats—it’s a warning sign. From broken trust to burnout, this conversation dives deep into how recruitment is being redefined. In this episode we talk about how AI is changing the hiring experience, why transparency isn’t optional anymore, and what employers can do to rebuild trust before talent walks out the door. Key Takeaways ➡ 57% of job seekers expect to hear back within 3 days of applying—slow comms kill trust. ➡ Only 28% of candidates think salaries are keeping up with inflation. ➡ 77% are fine being recorded during interviews—privacy concerns are shifting. ➡ 85% are open to leaving even if they’re “happy.” Retention isn’t just about satisfaction. ➡ Loyalty is no longer a given—workers are prioritizing self-preservation. ➡ Compensation transparency is table stakes, not a perk. ➡ Burnout is fueling job searches even more than bad bosses. ➡ AI is becoming an accepted tool—especially when it improves fairness. ➡ Candidates would rather hear bad news than be ghosted. ➡ Employer branding means nothing without follow-through and clarity. ➡ Re-engaging past candidates isn’t just smart—it’s expected now. ➡ Technology is fine, but without a human element, it still falls flat. Chapters 00:00 – Who is Stephanie Manzelli? 04:57 – Candidate Expectations and the Role of Technology 08:04 – Compensation Trends and Perceptions 11:06 – The Impact of Inflation on Salary Expectations 14:07 – The Role of AI in Interviews and Candidate Experience 17:54 – The Value of Reconnecting with Past Candidates 20:15 – Setting Clear Expectations in Hiring 21:31 – The Importance of Transparency in Employer Branding 26:17 – Balancing Human Connection and Technology in Recruitment 30:38 – The Shift in Employee Loyalty and Job Satisfaction 33:59 – Understanding Burnout and Its Impact on Job Searches Connect with our guest: Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer at Employ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmanzelli/ Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/⁠ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/⁠ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: ⁠http://www.wrkdefined.com⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/⁠ Twitter (X): ⁠https://twitter.com/WRKdefined⁠ Substack: ⁠https://wrkdefined.substack.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 min
  • Is HR Dead Weight or Your Secret Weapon? Lila Nazef from Neocase on Leadership, and Why Onboarding Is Broken

    Is HR Dead Weight or Your Secret Weapon? Lila Nazef from Neocase on Leadership, and Why Onboarding Is Broken
    Jul 15 2025
    Long COVID might not be top of mind for execs, but its lingering effects tell us everything we need to know about experience in your organization. In this episode we speak with Lila Nazef, VP of Sales and Marketing at Neocase on why HR still isn’t working, how onboarding sets the tone for everything, and what leaders miss when they treat people ops like admin. There’s a real shift happening—from tactical HR to experience-first org design—and companies that miss it will lose the talent war. We dig in on HR experience design, the blurred lines between sales and marketing, leadership mindset shifts, and why technology isn’t the enemy—it’s the excuse. If you’re tired of reactive HR, this episode brings the fire (and a few hard truths). Key Takeaways ➡ ➡ HR still operates like a silo, disconnected from brand and revenue. ➡ Sales = the hunt. Marketing = the ecosystem. Most confuse the two. ➡ Poor onboarding breaks trust before it even starts. ➡ Tech should enhance—not replace—human connection. ➡ The Chief Experience Officer isn’t optional anymore. ➡ Most orgs don’t know how their people feel—that’s the real gap. ➡ Experience isn’t fluffy—it’s a measurable competitive advantage. ➡ Communication is still HR’s biggest blind spot. ➡ Mistakes fuel innovation if leaders stop punishing them. ➡ HR needs a rebrand—from policy enforcer to strategic driver. ➡ You can’t fix broken culture with a tech stack. Chapters 00:00 The Lingering Effects of COVID-19 02:56 Exploring the Value of Organs and Skin 05:57 The Importance of Employee Experience 08:57 Sales vs. Marketing: A Passion for the Hunt 11:57 The Broken HR Experience 14:55 Defining HR Experience and Its Impact 19:49 Seamless Employee Experience 22:02 The Role of Chief Experience Officer 25:48 Transforming HR from Cost Center to Revenue Driver 28:25 Balancing Technology and Human Touch 36:04 Creating Competitive Advantage through Employee Experience 43:41 Embracing Mistakes as a Path to Innovation Connect with our guest: Lila Nazef VP of Sales and Marketing at Neocase: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lila-nazef-hrtech/ Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 min
  • Skills vs. Potential: What Really Matters When Hiring with Randi Seran, VP of People, workrise

    Skills vs. Potential: What Really Matters When Hiring with Randi Seran, VP of People, workrise
    Jul 7 2025
    How do you spot and support high-potential talent before they burn out or walk out? Randi Seran, VP of People at workrise talks about the often-missed signals of employee appreciation, why recognition isn't one-size-fits-all, and how resilience is quietly replacing potential as the new hiring metric. We unpack her hiring playbook and explain why top performers aren’t always your future leaders. Key Takeaways ➡ High potential employees often feel invisible—despite outsized contributions ➡ Not all top performers are high potentials, and that distinction matters ➡ Recognition must be personalized—some want the spotlight, others want quiet acknowledgment ➡ Many high potentials don’t self-identify, making them easy to miss without career promoters ➡ Hiring for potential means looking for passion, curiosity, and discipline—not just a résumé ➡ Resilience is becoming the most valuable trait in today’s talent landscape ➡ Communication is the foundation of trust, especially during change ➡ Feeling undervalued can derail even your most committed employees ➡ Behavioral interview questions reveal more than credentials ever will ➡ A clear, consistent hiring process helps uncover what resumes can't Chapters 00:00 — Who is Randi Seran, VP of People at workrise 03:13 — Understanding High Potential Employees 05:54 — The Impact of Recognition and Appreciation 08:57 — Differentiating High Performers and High Potentials 12:09 — Hiring for Potential vs. Skills 15:00 — The Importance of Resilience in the Workplace 17:58 — Building Trust Through Communication 20:57 — Personal Experiences of Feeling Undervalued 23:56 — Randi's Ideal Hiring Process Connect with our guest: Randi Seran, VP of People at workrise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-seran-sphr-4239682 Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/⁠ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/⁠ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: ⁠http://www.wrkdefined.com⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/⁠ Twitter (X): ⁠https://twitter.com/WRKdefined⁠ Substack: ⁠https://wrkdefined.substack.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 min
  • Why Gen Z Thinks Your Feedback Sucks (and Boomers Are Still Confused)

    Why Gen Z Thinks Your Feedback Sucks (and Boomers Are Still Confused)
    May 20 2025
    Think Gen Z is lazy? Boomers are outdated? Millennials are just avocado toast addicts? Megan Grace joins the mic to demolish generational clichés and decode what actually matters in workplace culture. We dive into the mindset gaps that spark friction, miscommunication, and eye-rolls across generations—and how leaders can stop biffing the feedback game. In this episode we unpack Megan’s new book, “Generations in the World of Work,” with no-fluff takes on work-life balance, retirement myths, and why the 19-year-old brain is your HR wild card. If your idea of communication is still email only… buckle up. Key Takeaways: ➡ Megan Grace’s book was a year-and-a-half-long deep dive into workplace generations ➡ Gen Z wants flexibility, not just foosball tables and slogans ➡ Feedback needs a remix—tailor it or tank morale ➡ The 19-year-old brain is still baking—context matters ➡ Retirement is already on Gen Z’s radar (wild, right?) ➡ Boomers and Gen Z view work-life balance like two different planets ➡ Email ≠ communication—set expectations or brace for chaos ➡ Collaboration across generations = workplace gold ➡ Identity formation in young professionals is key to better management ➡ “It’s a sandbox”—test, play, iterate—don’t assume one-size-fits-all culture ➡ Workplace culture shifts fast—your old playbook is outdated Timestamps: 00:00 – Who is Meghan Grace? 01:16 – The Journey of Writing a Book 04:06 – Generational Dynamics in the Workplace 07:19 – Understanding Generational Mindsets 10:11 – The 19-Year-Old Brain and Identity Development 13:22 – Inter-Generational Relationships and Motivations 16:12 – Work-Life Balance Across Generations 16:48 – Generational Perspectives on Work Culture 18:53 – Understanding Workplace Dynamics Across Generations 20:18 – Bridging Communication Gaps Between Generations 23:33 – The Importance of Empathy in Workplace Relationships 26:54 – Navigating Job Expectations and Generational Differences 28:01 – Feedback: A Generational Divide 37:37 – Retirement Perspectives Across Generations Connect with Meghan Grace: Website: https://www.meghanmgrace.com/ #GenZ Podcast: https://www.meghanmgrace.com/podcast Connect with Us: William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with us on social: Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 min
  • Why Your Hiring Practices Are Costing You Top Talent with Heidi Barnett

    Why Your Hiring Practices Are Costing You Top Talent with Heidi Barnett
    May 5 2025
    Heidi helps organizations turn stagnant hiring funnels into dynamic talent pipelines. Get the lowdown on why outdated hiring processes are costing you talent, how integrating Applicant Pro and iSolve can turbocharge your workflow, and why internal mobility is the retention game‑changer. We dig into candidate experience trends, generational preferences, and the microcultures that define career progression—plus pro tips for managers to foster authentic employer branding. In this episode we explore hiring practices, candidate experience, internal mobility, HR technology, and employer branding. Key Takeaways ➡ Hiring practices are stuck in the past—and that means missed hires. ➡ Short, mobile‑friendly applications keep Gen Z and Millennials engaged. ➡ Lightning‑fast response times separate great employers from ghosters. ➡ Candidate experience is your secret weapon for employer branding. ➡ Scrolling during interviews? It’s a bias signal, not a deal breaker. ➡ Integration of Applicant Pro and iSolve slashes manual work in half. ➡ Internal mobility isn’t a perk—it’s your best retention strategy. ➡ Managers drive satisfaction; equip them to champion growth. ➡ Corporate culture lives in microcultures—get granular or get ghosted. ➡ Authentic employer branding demands real stories, not canned slogans. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds 03:02 Integrating Applicant Pro and iSolve 06:03 Outdated Hiring Practices 11:57 Candidate Experience and Response Times 18:04 Generational Differences in Hiring 20:59 Internal Mobility and Future Trends 21:31 The Importance of Internal Mobility 24:16 Managerial Influence on Employee Growth 28:11 Cultural Dynamics in Career Progression 30:46 Defining Corporate Culture 35:16 Microcultures and Their Impact 38:07 Employer Branding and Authenticity 45:37 Conclusion and Future Insights Guest Info Heidi Barnett https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidimbarnett/ Connect with Us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ WRKdefined Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 min
  • The 2025 Job Market Playbook: What Job Seekers Really Want

    The 2025 Job Market Playbook: What Job Seekers Really Want
    Apr 22 2025
    Career services aren’t what they used to be—and that’s a good thing. What do today’s candidates actually care about? From sales to veterinary medicine, the 2025 jobs report reveals what’s hot, what’s missing, and what employers need to fix in their hiring process. Spoiler: it starts with your job descriptions. In this episode we talk about career services, applicant tracking systems, transparency in job listings, generational values, healthcare careers, and how leadership and culture shape job seeker decisions in a tight labor market. Key Takeaways ➡ Gen Z is leading the charge for more flexibility, clarity, and cultural alignment ➡ The #1 job in 2025 is veterinarian—empathy is still a career superpower ➡ Salary transparency isn’t optional anymore ➡ Sales roles offer six-figure potential with no degree required ➡ Poor job descriptions waste time for both sides—clarity wins ➡ Candidates are prioritizing values and mission just as much as pay ➡ Healthcare and specialized roles are dominating future outlooks ➡ Leadership style has a measurable impact on retention and success Chapters 00:00 – The Report 03:10 – Shifts in Career Services and Job Seeking Trends 06:01 – Generational Perspectives on Work-Life Balance 09:08 – The Importance of Flexibility in the Workplace 12:07 – Insights from the Jobs Report for 2025 15:01 – Top Jobs and Their Implications 17:59 – Sales Roles and Career Pathways 20:46 – Exploring Career Opportunities and Self-Assessment 22:27 – Understanding Job Descriptions and Candidate Needs 24:41 – The Importance of Transparency in Job Listings 26:43 – Finding the Right Fit: Company Culture and Values 30:05 – Managing Expectations in Job Roles 33:32 – The Role of Leadership in Employee Success 34:17 – Insights from Job Seekers: Surprising Career Paths 39:39 – Future Job Trends: Specialization in Healthcare Guest Info Jenn Herrity: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/author/jennifer-herrity https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferherrity/ Connect with us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Website: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ X: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 min
  • Return-to-Office Is Failing - Here’s What HR Isn’t Saying...

    Return-to-Office Is Failing - Here’s What HR Isn’t Saying...
    Apr 8 2025
    People-first strategies are hitting roadblocks in most orgs — and the numbers prove it. HR leaders like Luck Dookchitra, VP of People & Culture at Leapsome, are on the front lines, navigating complex expectations from all sides while championing flexibility, inclusion, and a purpose behind policy. Leapsome’s 2025 HR Insights Report doesn’t just reveal the gap — it shows where HR needs to go next before talent walks out the door. In this episode we talk about HR insights, people-first strategies, return-to-office, workplace culture, and flexibility through the lens of Leapsome’s latest research. From broken DEI promises to the myth of productivity in the office, we unpack why HR is stuck — and what it’ll take to move forward. Key Takeaways ➡ 92% of HR leaders face internal resistance on people-first strategies ➡ 56% feel pressure from executives to enforce return-to-office mandates ➡ 79% of employees say they’re more productive when choosing where they work ➡ 58% believe RTO policies hurt employees with disabilities ➡ One in three HR leaders expect DEI budget cuts in the next year ➡ Flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s now table stakes for engagement ➡ People-first initiatives only succeed when tied to business outcomes ➡ Return-to-office needs a clear, transparent rationale to gain support ➡ Designing work for engagement creates better employee experiences ➡ The future of HR depends on adaptability, inclusivity, and trust Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to People-First Strategies 03:22 – Understanding Internal Barriers in HR 06:19 – The Pressure of Return to Office Policies 09:16 – Designing Work for Employee Engagement 11:35 – The Importance of Intentionality in HR Policies 13:13 – Exploring Creativity Through Choice 13:15 – The Impact of Remote Work on Productivity 16:27 – Disability Inclusion in the Workplace 19:31 – The Evolution of Work and Learning 21:38 – The Future of DEI Initiatives Connect with This Week’s Guest: Luck Doochitra, VP People & Culture at Leapsome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luck-dookchitra/ Learn more about Leapsome here: https://www.leapsome.com/ Get access to the report here: https://hubs.li/Q03dFX0N0 Connect with Us Here: William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with us on Social Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 min