The Manager Method: Practical Strategies to Lead with Empathy and Confidence

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Ashley Herd, Former Head of HR, Podcast Host and Author

Summary

In this episode of the At Work in America show, Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Ashley Herd, a former head of HR, podcast host, and author, to discuss the critical role of managers in the workplace. The conversation explores the challenges managers face, particularly regarding their mental health and the impact they have on employee experiences. Ashley shares insights from her book, "The Manager Method," emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and proactive leadership strategies to foster a positive work environment. They discuss the common pitfalls of management, such as the tendency to avoid difficult conversations and the pressure managers feel to have all the answers. The episode ends with practical advice for managers on how to navigate stress and burnout, both for themselves and their teams, while encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. This conversation serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their management skills and improve workplace culture.

Chapters

01:30 Welcome, updates, and introduction

04:13 The Importance of Managers

08:43 Communication Strategies for Managers

12:04 Empathy in Leadership

19:14 Managing Remote Teams

23:37 Addressing Burnout and Stress

36:23 Resources and Takeaways

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Improving Employee Engagement and Retention Through Analytics

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Curtis Forbes, Founder & CEO at MustardHub

Summary

In this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Curtis Forbes, founder and CEO of MustardHub, to discuss the critical issues of employee retention and engagement, particularly in small to mid-sized businesses. Curtis shares his unique journey from a music background to creating a workforce engagement platform aimed at reducing turnover and strengthening company culture. The conversation looks at the challenges of identifying turnover issues, the costs associated with employee disengagement, and the importance of predictive analytics in understanding employee behavior. They emphasize the role of technology in making company culture visible and the necessity of building habits that reinforce organizational values. The episode concludes with insights on MustardHub's freemium model, making it accessible for small businesses to enhance their employee engagement strategies.

Chapters

01:07 Understanding Employee Retention and Engagement

09:04 Identifying and Addressing Turnover Challenges

11:52 The Importance of Predictive Analytics in Retention

16:36 Building a Culture of Engagement

21:38 A Solution for Small Businesses

28:32 Freemium Model and Accessibility of MustardHub

33:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Enhancing Human Experience in the Digital Workplace

Hosts: Mervyn Dinnen

Guest: Martin Jackson, Future Experiences and Innovation Manager at Insights

Summary

In this episode of the HR Means Business podcast, host Mervyn Dinnon discusses the evolving landscape of HR technology with Martin Jackson, the Future Experiences and Innovation Manager at Insights. They explore how technology can enhance the human experience at work, the importance of personalization in AI, and the relevance of the Insights Discovery model in today's workplaces. The conversation delves into the challenges HR leaders face in maintaining engagement and communication amidst rapid technological changes, and how behavioral intelligence can inform better decision-making and employee experiences.

Chapters

00:00 The Future of Work and Technology

05:06 Understanding Insights Discovery Model

07:32 Digitizing Personality Insights with API

11:22 Enhancing Employee Experience through Technology

15:36 Addressing Engagement and Change Fatigue

20:32 Cultural Considerations in Tech Adoption

22:46 The Future of AI and Personalization

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

2025 in Review: The Conversations Shaping Work in 2026

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guests: Mervyn Dinnen, Jack McFarlane, & Nick Schlemmer

Summary

In this episode of the HR Happy Hour Show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed reflect on the past year and discuss their plans for 2026. They highlight the show's global reach, with listeners from 177 countries, and share insights from their favorite episodes of 2025. The conversation covers topics such as AI, hybrid work, leadership, and the importance of humanizing technology. They also discuss the impact of external factors on workplace wellbeing and the role of benefits in uniting a divided workforce. The episode concludes with a look ahead to new developments on the HR Happy Hour Network.

Takeaways

• The HR Happy Hour network reaches a global audience
• Wellbeing and mental health are crucial workplace discussions
• Hybrid and flexible work models are evolving
• Engagement with the audience is a priority for the network
• Memorable episodes and guests
• Collaboration and connection for the future
• New network developments coming...stay tuned!

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

2026: The Year of Ultimate Business Efficiency

Hosts: Jack McFarlane & Nick Schlemmer

Summary

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the transformative impact of AI on business efficiency as they enter 2026. They explore the financial implications of AI adoption, the role of Gen Z in integrating AI into workplaces, and how AI is reshaping corporate hierarchies. The conversation also touches on predictions for the future of work and pop culture, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements. Listen in!

Chapters

0:00 New Year Reflections

01:34 The Rise of AI in Business Efficiency

07:25 Financial Implications of AI Adoption

12:01 AI's Impact on Corporate Hierarchies

16:25 Gen Z's Role in AI Development

18:22 AI in the Workplace

21:24 AI as a Communication Coach

25:25 Predictions for 2026: Business and Beyond

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at Workhuman.com

Smart HR Solutions for Today’s Business Leadership Challenges

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Alison Stevens, Senior Director of HR Solutions, Paychex

Summary

In this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed welcome Alison Stevens from Paychex to unpack insights from the 2026 Business Leader Priorities Report. Together, they explore what’s top of mind for small business leaders right now - especially the growing HR challenges that come with running lean teams in a complex environment. The conversation dives into practical ways organizations can streamline onboarding, make smarter benefits decisions, and use automation to lift administrative weight off already stretched leaders. At the heart of it all is a clear focus on helping businesses stay agile, support their people, and keep growth and retention front and center, even when the landscape feels anything but simple.

Chapters

02:45 The Role of HR in Business Success

06:04 Insights from the Paychex 2026 Business Leader Priorities Report

08:56 Strategies for Growth in a Cost-Challenged Economy

15:58 The Importance of Efficient Onboarding

18:43 Selecting Strategic Benefits for Employee Retention

24:42 The Challenge of HR Administrative Tasks

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, an industry-leading human capital management (HCM) company that helps businesses of all sizes succeed with its award-winning combination of digital HR technology and advisory services.

Discover what 600 business leaders are prioritizing in 2026 — and how they're overcoming today's biggest obstacles. Uncovered insights and strategies from this year’s Paychex Priorities for Business Leaders survey results to:

• Reclaim time spent on admin tasks

• Reduce turnover costs and keep top talent

• Protect your data and defend against cyber threats

• Turn your biggest challenges into wins in 2026

Head to paychex.com/awia to read the full report. Don’t just guess your priorities — know them.

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The workplace is changing fast—and the leaders who understand what's coming will have the advantage.

Workhuman's annual Trends Webinar returns January 29th with research-backed insights on the hottest trends shaping 2026. Discover how top organizations are navigating AI, psychological safety, performance, and equity to outperform their competition—plus exclusive findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2026 report.

Featuring an expert panel from McKinsey and Workhuman, you'll get the intelligence you need to lead with confidence this year.

Join the Trends Webinar live January 29th at noon Eastern, or catch the replay on demand. Register for free at

AI and Cultural Values: A Unique Blend

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Kamwin Story, Senior Manager, System Support at Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Summary

In this episode of the HR Happy Hour show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed speak with Kamwin Story from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The conversation explores the transformative impact of AI on business operations, highlighting the integration of AI tools like Grow and Dynamic Skills into existing systems. They also discuss the importance of seamless functionality and collaboration with Oracle's innovation team to enhance efficiency in the workplace.

Chapters

• Introduction to Oracle AI World and Event Overview
• Choctaw Nation's Unique Governance
• Collaboration with Oracle
• AI Integration and Benefits
• Cultural Values and Vendor Relationships
• Reflections and Future Prospects

Learn about Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications HERE

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it. Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value. The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle. So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward. Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.

Human-Centered Development in a Data-Driven World

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Matthew Daniel, Senior Principal, Talent Strategy at Guild

Summary

In this episode of the At Work in America show, hosts Steve Boese and Trish Steed speak with Matthew Daniel from Guild to discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development in the workplace. They explore the importance of integrated talent strategies, the reimagining of tuition reimbursement into tuition assistance, and the value of degrees in today's job market. The conversation looks into skill acquisition, the role of AI in talent development, and the need for supportive learning environments to enhance employee retention and satisfaction. They also cover the importance of collaboration among HR leaders to tackle workforce challenges and improve talent pipelines.

Chapters

00:55 Exploring Learning and Development

03:47 The Importance of Integrated Talent Strategies

08:05 Reimagining Tuition Reimbursement

15:42 Aligning Skills with Job Opportunities

19:51 Managing Talent Development Effectively

25:35 Leveraging AI in Talent Development

29:02 Understanding Breaking Points in Learning

34:37 Innovative Approaches to Workforce Development

Thank you for your continued support of the show and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman. Business strategy is becoming less about what you do and more about who does it. Your people are your biggest differentiator–and Workhuman’s leading employee recognition platform is challenging leaders to rethink what they know about performance and what really drives value. The world’s first employee recognition AI harnesses daily appreciation flowing through your organization to see who’s really moving the needle. So orgs can find their next leaders, develop skills, and match talent to the projects that push humans and businesses forward. Workhuman is unlocking the next era of workplace potential – and they invite you to join the movement at Workhuman.com. A proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network.