Human Resources For Small Business

Does a fulfilling and meaningful career seem like a pipedream? Are you disengaged at work, desperately awaiting Friday and then dreading the next impending workweek? In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Carson Tate, business coach and consultant, about the topic of employee disengagement. As it turns out, it is possible for us to find fulfillment at work. Listen to find out how. Takeaways: To engage at work, we must know that we are being heard and understood and that our needs are being met.  We must “get clear” about what we need from our place of work. Those who love their jobs are self-aware — they know what their strengths are, what they need from their employer, and that they have the power to ask for it.  GUEST AT A GLANCE Carson Tate, a best-selling author, consultant, and business coach, is all about helping organizations develop leaders, engage teams, and elevate performance. Her latest book, Own It, Love It, Make It Work: How to Make Any Job Your Dream

In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, brand industry experts Bryan Adams and Charlotte Marshall discuss the topic of their new book, Give & Get Employer Branding: Repel the Many and Compel the Few with Impact, Purpose and Belonging. The two discuss their revolutionary approach that helps brands attract incredible talent while repelling candidates who aren’t the right fit. Takeaways: The premise of Give & Get branding is that you have to be comfortable and confident with the fact that your workplace isn't for everybody.  The traditional employer branding model is a one-way value exchange, but the Give & Get methodology places expectations on the candidate in exchange for employer offers like benefits, salary, and opportunities.  Storytelling is an essential aspect of your EVP. Candidates need to be able to envision themselves as a part of your story. There are three fundamental aspects of employer brand and EVP: purpose, impact, and belonging. GUEST AT A GLANCE Bryan Adams, CEO

Brandon Laws sits down with Victoria Dew, Founder of Dewpoint Communications, to discuss research findings detailed in the recent Insights Report, The New Rules of Employee Experience  and Communication in Late 2020 and Beyond. In this podcast episode, Victoria provides employers with a fresh perspective on how the pandemic has changed the working world, especially when it comes to employee communication and engagement. Victoria offers her report findings along with 15 years of internal communications experience across various industries, all so that she can help business leaders improve their employee experience. Takeaways: The global pandemic forced business leaders to realize the importance of employee engagement. The people stuff is critical to the success of any corporation, especially when the unexpected forces business leaders to depend on a remote team. The workplace is no longer a place, but rather a state. This forces corporations to rethink employee motivation and engagement. Businesses can expect

This episode contains simple strategies for finding peace and gratitude amidst the chaos of working from home. With the unexpected arrival of COVID-19, many of us were sent home to work, where we have to try to be productive despite challenges like homeschooling our kids, managing our work schedules, and navigating neverending remote work obstacles. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Cindy Baker, a career and small business coach, about how to approach your new normal as a work-from-home employee. The author of a new self-help book, Rockin’ Life From Home, Cindy is passionate about passing on the knowledge she’s gleaned over years of working from home to the Transform Your Workplace listeners. Takeaways: An approach of gratitude is cultivated by making choices, each and every day, to notice and appreciate the small things. Being intentional about journaling and list-making can bring clarity to your thoughts and your workday. Remaining flexible and being willing t

Andy Storch, a talent development connector, consultant, motivational speaker, podcast host, and recently published author, offers advice for how to stop operating in reaction mode and start taking ownership of your career. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws and Andy Storch dive into the topics discussed in Andy’s first book, Own Your Career, Own Your Life. Own Your Career, Own Your Life. Through his wide-ranging experience, challenges, and victories, Andy aspires to help others “get the absolute most” out of their personal and professional lives. Takeaways: To take ownership of your career, you must take responsibility and action despite challenges. Owning your career begins with genuine reflection on what you’ve been prioritizing and what you value. Change is inevitable, so you need to be flexible with your career plan and goals. A personal brand is critical to your future success. Comparing yourself to others is futile; we are all on our own unique journey. GUEST AT A G

It’s time to get proactive so that we can navigate these unprecedented times without drowning in fear, uncertainty, and negativity. After all, if we don’t prioritize mental health, we will struggle to lead and serve others effectively in every area of our lives. In this episode, Emily Elrod and Brandon Laws offer their go-to tips and techniques for self-care during the current health crisis. By prioritizing their own emotional health, listeners can find clarity and peace in their personal lives and better productivity in the workplace.  Takeaways: If we don’t get proactive, our negative thoughts will control our emotions and, ultimately, our behaviors. Prioritizing self-care is critical to our success and happiness not only in the workplace but in our personal lives as well. We can care for ourselves by reading, meditating, and finding what “fills up our cup.” Showing gratitude encourages others while also fulfilling the one who gives it away. GUEST AT A GLANCE   Emily Elrod is a corporate consultant for Wo

The thing about leadership is it's hard to explain, but when you're in the midst of good leadership, everyone in the room can see it and feel it. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, guest Chance Stewart defines effective servant leadership and gives real and raw advice about how to know whether you’re actually leading or you’re simply “in charge.” The goal of this podcast: to do away with our preconceived notions and learn how to lead with love. Takeaways: Just because one holds a position of authority, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is an effective leader. Authoritarian leaders may be missing the point by trying to manipulate teams into doing what they want instead of focusing on what the team needs. A genuine leader needs to be someone worth following. Leading with love means valuing relationships with those who follow you. Some of the best leaders don’t hold an “official” position of authority. GUEST AT A GLANCE Chance Stewart’s leading-with-love approach is informed by

When it comes to workplace obstacles, awareness is the first step to overcoming them. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws talks with leadership author, expert and consultant, Errol Doebler, who provides thoughtful leadership anecdotes and guidance for listeners. From his time as a Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent to his current work as a leadership consultant, Errol shares commonalities in the path toward effective leadership, including recognition of challenges and changes to team behavior. Takeaways: Awareness is the first step toward cultivating effective leadership. Behavior, not ideas, drives performance. If we want to see a change in culture, we must first address the behaviors that hinder. Leaders must establish clear expectations before they can hold a team accountable for undesired behavior. A detailed process is critical for true transformation. GUEST AT A GLANCE This episode’s guest, Errol Doebler, is a man of many skills and much experience. From his time as a Na

In this episode of the “Transform Your Workplace” podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Brett Cooper and Evans Kerrigan, authors of Solving the People Problem, about how to build positive and effective workplace relationships. Co-founders of Integris Performance Advisors, a firm specializing in employee engagement and efficiency, Brett and Evan tackle the topics that all organizations grapple with daily. They also provide valuable insight and resources that help teams boost morale and increase productivity. Takeaways: The “people problem” is our struggle to work effectively with others in the workplace. We must first become self-aware, and then we can seek to understand our colleagues’ perspectives, approaches, strengths, and habits. Soft skills like empathy, resilience, and the ability to work with a team are critical in today’s changing workforce. Specific language is needed to effectively talk about emotional intelligence --- with common terminology, we can understand each other. When feedback becomes an expec

In this episode, Charlotte Wiseman recounts her experience with workplace burnout and her eventual path to mental fitness. After years of work and study on the topic of healthy work-life balance, Charlotte decided to make a career of helping others with their own similar struggles, eventually founding a consulting firm of her own. Through her discussion with Brandon Laws, Charlotte redefines self-care and provides insight for the “Transform Your Workplace” audience so that they can experience genuine, long-lasting fulfillment in their careers. Takeaways: Workplace burnout is classified by a sense of exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. The switch to remote work can increase your odds of burnout. Work can be a problem, but a healthy approach to work can be a part of the solution. Prioritizing self-care is critical to a healthy work-life balance.   GUEST AT A GLANCE  Charlotte Wiseman knows what it means to be exhausted by the intensity and expectations of her career. About 10 years ago, she found herself on

Want to bridge the communication gap between your team members? If so, join Brandon Laws as he and his guest dive into the critical topic of workplace communication, a key component to the success of any team. In this episode, Alissa Carpenter, multigenerational workplace expert and author, discusses tips and methods for open communication that will ultimately build a culture of inclusivity and the freedom to share ideas. A few takeaways: Identifying employee strengths can be the key to helping your team feel heard and valued. Diversity and inclusion are just words unless leaders make room for each voice at the table. Employees must feel safe in sharing their ideas.  Be cognizant of your go-to, knee-jerk responses, and be open to innovation even if it’s uncomfortable. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

We all just want to have fun… but is the workplace really the right setting? In this unique episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws gets the lowdown on the benefits of a playful workplace. His guest, Paul Lopushinsky, is a workplace play advocate and the founder of Playficient, a consulting company dedicated to helping companies invest in their employees. Even though it may have a bad wrap, Paul insists that when workplace play is implemented correctly, it can have a significant impact on productivity, morale, and the overall employee experience.  4 Takeaways: A bottom-up approach is ideal when it comes to creating a playful workplace environment. Play in the workplace leads to a boost in employee morale, productivity, and retention. Companies should be wary of implementing “forced fun” or “mandated play.” A buddy system can be an effective tool in facilitating playfulness at work. LEARN MORE If you want to learn more about Paul Lopushinsky’s ideas about play or learn about your play personality,

Have you ever felt that you, as an individual, your team, or the entire organization are working incredibly hard, but there's not much progress to show for it? Craig Lemasters calls this the "circle of stuck." In this episode with Craig Lemasters, author of Unstuck: How to Unlock and Activate the Wisdom of Others, you'll learn how to recognize when you're stuck and how to get out of the cycle of being stuck.  What we cover: What is the circle of stuck Examples of companies getting stuck Stuck vs. unstuck How meetings and email play a role in being stuck How to ask for what you need How to break the cycle of stuck About Craig Lemasters After leaving public company CEO life, Craig chose to dedicate his time to helping senior leaders get unstuck on tough challenges. He's passionate about sharing this process with other leaders because he has seen the success it can produce first hand. At GXG, they are committed to solving traditional consulting’s execution problem by curating intentional, focused conversation

Luis Gonzáles has been working remotely for many years, and he knows what it takes to bring teams together virtually. Tune in for an engaging discussion about breaking down silos in functional teams, how to create engaging discussions in virtual meetings, and how to make sure introverted contributors get their voice heard and feel included. More about Luis Gonzales Luis Gonzáles is a communications consultant, coach, and trainer, with more than 25 years’ experience in helping improve business outcomes for organizations. He has successfully driven learning initiatives incorporating effective communication, cross-cultural communication, customer satisfaction and soft-skills training. Currently, he works closely with CEOs, leaders, and individuals, positively impacting business outcomes through effective communication in global, multicultural, and remote work team settings. Learn more and connect with Luis Gonzáles   Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.

With good quality data, organizations can create effective strategies and make informed decisions. To better understand the data we have and the process of data analysis, econometrician, author, and speaker John Johnson joins us in this episode to talk about how to use data to make sound decisions regarding our employees. John H. Johnson is President and CEO of Edgeworth Economics and Edgeworth Analytics, and has his Ph.D. in economics from MIT. He is known internationally for his ability to explain highly sophisticated concepts in a simple, straightforward manner, and brings this skill to his consulting, writing, and speaking. In this episode, you will learn about: What data within organizations should HR professionals need to be paying attention to right now? The broader definition of data The first key to good data analysis The issue of bias with data analysis Correlation versus causation Data vs. people John’s thoughts on gut feeling and decision making Advice to people who are distracted by misinformati

In a bureaucratic organization, people are just hired to produce and produce… and produce more profits. When people are treated as instruments, they seldom give their best. How can people show up and bring their whole self to work if they don’t feel significant and aren’t given room to unleash their own genius? Bureaucracy is old-fashioned, and thus the age for organizations to be fully human is now!  To help organizations adapt to this change, I’m joined today by one of the world’s most influential iconoclastic business thinkers! In this episode, we’re bringing back humanity into the workplace with Gary Hamel! Gary Hamel is a world-renowned influential business thinker, consultant, and sought-after management speaker who has worked with leading companies worldwide and is dynamic. He is also the Director and co-founder of Management Lab and a visiting Professor at the London Business School.  Gary talks about his new book Humanocracy, which he co-wrote with Michele Zanini. He shares the principle of humanocra

Do you have any blind spots when it comes to your work and career? If your response is none, now you have one. Everyone has blindspots. As a leader, you need to be aware of your weaknesses as much as you are familiar with your strengths. Leadership blindspots can be a leaders’ Achilles heel. However, like any other weaknesses, when brought to attention, can turn into your greatest strength! Turn your leadership blindspots into fulfillment and growth today as Entrepreneurial and Executive Coach Malorie joins us to talk about growth mindset and leadership blindspots! Malorie Nicole is the host of the podcast, Abundantly Clear, where she talks to entrepreneurs about mindset and how leaders can achieve mental clarity, decrease stress, and achieve personal and business growth. Her podcast was listed on Forbes as the number one podcast for people that want to get unstuck that are feeling stuck in their career business.  Her work focuses on helping entrepreneurs and executives redesign their thought patterns for bet

Technology has completely taken over our lives. It’s everywhere, and we need it more than ever, especially right now that we’re in the midst of a pandemic.  You can immediately access any information you need in just a matter of seconds through click or voice command. It certainly makes our personal and business activities easier and more efficient. And I’m certain that you’re probably reading this and listening to this podcast right now through your smartphone or computer!  But we’re too dependent on it to the point that it has disrupted our flow, productivity, behavior, relationships, and health. Technology is not bad, but how we handle it is a problem. Technology is great, and all but being overly connected also has its adverse effects. Lack of sleep, stiff shoulders, eye strain, fatigue, social comparison... these are some of the causes of overusing/ misuse of tech devices and social media.  How can we avoid these pitfalls programmed into modern technology use? Join me in this episode as we learn how tech

Introverts and extroverts work differently. Their environment plays an important role in how they show up at work.  Most companies don’t really think about whether their workplace and culture are fit to cater to both extroverts and introverts. Mainstream company work culture tends to value extroversion over introversion. And this undermines the strengths of the quiet ones.  What if they have more to offer, but it doesn’t get into the table because leaders and employees don’t really understand how their introvert people operate? Join me in this episode, as we learn and understand the introverts' traits and how companies can bring out their true strength and talents! Jennifer Kahnweiler is an author and speaker hailed as a pioneer of the past decades' introvert revolution. Her books are focused on how introverts can lead and inspire others at work by tapping into their natural quiet strengths. She will talk about her book, Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces: How to Unleash Everyone’s Talent and Performance,

Despite the efforts of companies to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and Culture, many still fail to make a meaningful difference. Leaders and top management should understand that people need a reason to bring their whole selves to work, their true identity, and their most authentic selves. How can we elevate organizational Culture and encourage our people to show up? If you’re ready to commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and achieve collective success in your organization, this episode is for you! In this episode, we’re going to deep dive into the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion with inclusion strategist Katie Zink! Katie is Founder and Principal Consultant of Social Construct Consulting, where she helps leaders and individuals put an actional DE&I plan in place so they can create a positive and dynamic culture! Start walking the path to collective success together with your team as Katie talks about actionable DE&I plan and how we can make it work! Start Measuri