Human Resources For Small Business

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Charles Feltman unpacks the dynamics of trust in the workplace, sharing insights from his book, The Thin Book of Trust. With decades of experience coaching leaders and teams, Charles discusses how trust is built through small actions, how to repair it when it’s broken, and why it’s essential for productivity and well-being. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with practical advice on building trust that lasts.   TAKEAWAYS Strong trust in workplaces boosts productivity and well-being, while a lack of trust can derail both. Trust involves vulnerability, as it gives others some control over things we value. Reliability means keeping commitments, showing up prepared, and following through on promises. Sincerity combines honesty and integrity, ensuring words align with actions. Caring means considering others' interests alongside your own and acting with good intentions. Competence includes being honest about what you can and can’t do and setting cl

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws speaks with WEX leaders Melanie Tinto and Karen Stroup about the transformative impact of AI on employee benefits. Melanie shares strategies for simplifying open enrollment and building employee confidence through accessible education, while Karen highlights WEX’s innovative AI tools, including the Benefits Admin AI Assistant and personalized advice features. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping benefits navigation, empowering employees, and driving a more efficient and engaging workplace experience.   TAKEAWAYS AI-powered tools, like WEX's Benefits Admin AI Assistant, simplify benefits navigation and provide real-time support for employees. Personalized advice from AI helps employees optimize decisions, such as leveraging HSAs and other benefit options. Simplifying complex processes and removing jargon empowers employees to feel confident in their benefits choices. AI innovations enhance employee experiences while aligning business go

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with James Lawrence, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy, about the game-changing role of AI in employee development. Lawrence breaks down how AI can help shift the focus from mundane tasks to creative work, making life easier for us all. He also shares how Happy uses behavioral science and AI to scale coaching, improve manager-employee relationships, and navigate healthy workplace conflict. Tune in to learn how AI-powered tools like Happy are transforming workplaces.  TAKEAWAYS AI tools reduce mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus more on creative and meaningful work. Coaching isn’t just for leaders — AI can provide scalable, personalized coaching to employees at every level. Tools like Happy offer insights that help employees understand their managers and improve workplace dynamics. AI makes it possible to offer coaching and growth opportunities to large workforces without overwhelming leaders. AI tools analyze behavioral patter

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws wraps up his conversation with Josh Durham, founder of Gamut Project Solutions, on the Foundational Five framework for leadership and growth. Josh reflects on lessons from his years in commercial construction and emphasizes the importance of “daring greatly” by embracing failure and taking thoughtful, measured risks. With insights on fostering psychological safety and building with purpose, this episode offers practical tools for anyone looking to lead boldly, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting impact.   TAKEAWAYS Embracing failure as a gift and learning opportunity is essential for growth. Taking thoughtful, measured risks can drive personal and professional transformation. Creating psychological safety is crucial for fostering high-performing teams in any organization. Leaders should act with purpose and intention, mapping out meaningful journeys for themselves and their teams. Mastering one’s craft requires continuous learning

This podcast episode discusses balancing workplace flexibility with accountability. HR expert Nicole Blevins addresses how managers can handle situations where employees use flexible work arrangements while maintaining performance standards. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, regular performance discussions, and addressing issues promptly rather than letting them fester.   TAKEAWAYS Regular performance conversations and clear expectations upfront prevent flexibility-related issues from becoming major problems later. For exempt employees, flexibility should be judged based on work completion and quality rather than specific hours worked. When cultural issues arise around flexibility, managers should focus on addressing individual employee concerns rather than comparing employees to each other A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Matt Norman, author of Lead with Influence: A Proven Process to Lead Without Authority, shares how influence is a skill — one that requires intention, practice, and vulnerability to master. Norman highlights the power of showing up deliberately in relationships, tackling root causes instead of symptoms, and making consistent "deposits" of trust. Tune in for insights on shifting from reactive habits to intentional influence, no matter your title or authority.    TAKEAWAYS Influence is a skill that can be intentionally practiced and developed over time. Understanding the root cause of challenges is more effective than addressing surface-level symptoms. Building trust requires consistent “deposits” through appreciation, generosity, and vulnerability. Intentionality in relationships can shift patterns and foster deeper connections. Small actions, like listening actively or staying engaged, can prevent others from going into “self-protect mode.” Vision and p

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws chats with Chris Laudadio, CEO of VersaDesk, about the company’s evolution from a $100 bootstrap startup in 2000 to a leader in ergonomic workspace solutions. The discussion covers the company's commitment to sustainability, innovative design, and creating healthier, more engaging work environments. Tune in for insights on the future of workspaces, including VersaDesk’s exciting new products for 2025.  TAKEAWAYS Chris Laudadio started VersaDesk in 2000 with just $100, growing it into a leader in ergonomic workspace solutions. The company has introduced innovative products like standing desks, flip-up monitor tables, and app-controlled desks. VersaDesk prioritizes sustainability by sourcing materials locally, using recycled components, and choosing eco-friendly paints and adhesives. Standing while working and open workplaces contribute to healthier work environments. Focusing on customer feedback has driven the company’s success, particul

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, bestselling author Moe Carrick explores how fostering purpose and belonging at work drives success for employees and organizations alike. With over 30 years of expertise, she shares actionable strategies for creating connection, building trust, and leading with courage. Tune in to learn how to transform your workplace into a thriving community.   TAKEAWAYS Thriving workplaces benefit everyone, creating positive ripples through organizations, families, and communities.  Belonging is essential, and work often fulfills this need for connection.  Leaders must balance goals with fostering purpose, keeping values like trust and empathy at the forefront.  A thriving team relies on self-care and team care, while courage and curiosity build trust and authenticity.  Consistently showing up, even imperfectly, fosters connection, and meaningful work helps employees find purpose and identity.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this special 500th episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, host Brandon Laws reconnects with longtime friend and colleague, Lacey Partipilo—the very first guest from episode one. Together, they reminisce about the podcast's humble beginnings back in 2012, discussing the challenges and triumphs that shaped its evolution. Dive into their personal growth stories, insights on how HR and leadership have transformed over the past decade, and what the future holds for workplaces everywhere. Plus, enjoy some fun rapid-fire questions as Brandon and Lacey share personal anecdotes and celebrate this incredible milestone. Join us for a heartfelt look back and an inspiring look forward! About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhan

In this Transform Your Workplace episode, Brandon Laws sits down with Sean Grace, author of The Art of the Question, to explore the transformative power of curiosity and the skill of asking meaningful questions. Grace emphasizes that curiosity isn’t just for kids — it’s a tool for leaders to foster connection, growth, and innovative thinking. He shares how letting go of the need to "know" and asking the right questions opens leaders up to new perspectives and unlocks team creativity. If you’re a leader looking to deepen your influence and inspire genuine engagement, tune in to learn how to master the art of the question.   TAKEAWAYS Curiosity helps leaders grow personally and professionally by fostering open-minded exploration. Leaders can create stronger connections and drive innovation by embracing questions over answers. Open-ended questions like "How might we...?" stimulate creative thinking and teamwork. Leaders focused on inquiry can unlock their team's wisdom and unique perspectives. Self-que

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws interviews Matt Beane, author of The Skill Code, to explore how skill development is being disrupted by modern productivity demands and technology. Beane highlights the timeless power of mentorship and hands-on learning, tracing its roots from ancient craftsmanship to today’s robotic surgeries. However, he also warns that prioritizing productivity over skill-building risks “de-skilling” the workforce. Leaders, if you’re serious about preserving expertise and fostering growth in your organization, this episode is a must-listen.   TAKEAWAYS Mentorship and hands-on learning have always been essential for skill development, from ancient craftsmanship to modern robotic surgery.  Effective learning happens when people are challenged to grow, explore broader systems, and build trust with others.  Many workers, called "shadow learners," find informal ways to learn, like using technology or online resources, but this can lead to both innovation and risks.

In this podcast episode, Sarah Touzani discusses Waggle, an AI-powered leadership coaching platform that provides real-time, personalized feedback for managers. Drawing from her background in finance and startups, she explains how the technology observes meeting interactions to help leaders improve their skills continuously. The platform aims to address traditional leadership training limitations by offering immediate, context-specific coaching insights while prioritizing individual data privacy.   TAKEAWAYS Sarah Touzani transitioned from banking to creating an AI-based leadership coaching tool that provides real-time, personalized feedback for managers. Waggle uses meeting transcripts and AI to analyze leadership behaviors, offering immediate insights on communication, empathy, and management skills. The platform emphasizes data privacy, allowing individual users to own their data while potentially providing aggregated, anonymized organizational insights.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In the latest episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws interviews economist Mallory Vachon, who shares her expertise on the current state of the labor market and what lies ahead. Vachon, a senior economist with LaborIQ, sheds light on key trends like the evolving expectations of Gen Z, the challenges with compensation amidst labor shortages, and the reality of hybrid work becoming a long-term staple. HR leaders, this episode is a must-listen to stay ahead in a changing workforce — tune in to better understand how you can adapt to these trends and meet the evolving demands of today's labor market.   TAKEAWAYS The labor market is stabilizing post-pandemic, with job additions slowing to meet steady workforce needs. Gen Z values purpose, quality of life, and mission-driven work over traditional motivators like pay and promotions. Wage growth will likely stay above pre-pandemic levels due to talent shortages and inflation pressures. Remote and hybrid work are likely here to stay as flexibilit

Emily Etherington, an HR business partner at Xenium, discusses managing substance abuse in the workplace. She explains that with substance abuse affecting one in ten people nationally, workplaces need structured approaches to support affected employees. The discussion covers two main support frameworks: company assistance programs for employees who self-disclose, and last chance agreements for cases involving policy violations or performance issues.   TAKEAWAYS Organizations should balance zero-tolerance policies with supportive resources and structures for employee recovery Success requires both employer willingness to support and employee commitment to engage in treatment Using third-party management for cases helps maintain professionalism and protect sensitive health information   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

Sit down for a timely conversation between host Brandon Laws and guest Mitch Warner, co-author of Leadership and Self-Deception. Warner reveals how self-deception is often the hidden root of workplace challenges, and leaders who help their teams shift from blame to accountability unleash creativity and collaboration. Sharing insights from the fourth edition of his book, Warner emphasizes that true transformation isn’t about implementing more tactics but about changing the way people see one another and themselves.   TAKEAWAYS Most team challenges come from people dynamics, not technical problems, and resolving these is crucial for progress. Team members often struggle to recognize their role in problems, which keeps conflicts unresolved. Lasting transformation happens when people change how they view themselves and others. Understanding others’ perspectives strengthens relationships and promotes growth within teams. The need to be “right” often leads people to ignore their own contributions to probl

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Chris Deaver, a people leader at Roblox and co-author of Brave Together, shares his experiences working with some of the most creative teams at Apple, Disney, and beyond. He dives into how co-creation and collaboration are key to overcoming the impossible. Chris also touches on the importance of humility, creativity, and empathy in leadership, offering insights on how to shape the future by co-creating with others. Tune in to hear about turning pain into power, reimagining the mundane, and building a culture that sparks creativity and connection.   TAKEAWAYS Collaboration and co-creation are crucial for achieving challenging goals, especially within innovative teams. Traditional, siloed work structures can lead to friction and burnout. Humility and empathy in leadership help to build stronger, more connected teams. By transforming meetings into collaborative, question-led experiences, leaders can increase engagement and creativity within their teams.

Shastina Young has been heavily envolved with Xenium HR's equity team since its inception in 2018, starting with external consultants and evolving into an internal volunteer-based equity team structure. The organization operates through three main pillars: "Invest in Our People," "Look Beyond Our Four Walls," and "Cultural Belonging and Career Support."   TAKEAWAYS Xenium HR created a volunteer-based equity team with three focused subcommittees, each with specific missions and action items. Success comes from leadership buy-in combined with employee passion and ownership over initiatives. Regular, accessible programs like Zen Connects help maintain ongoing engagement with EDIB topics through voluntary participation and educational resources.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws interviews Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, diving into the idea of "intelligent failure" and the importance of fostering psychological safety within teams. Edmondson, author of The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, shares insights on how stepping into unfamiliar territory often brings failure but also opens the door to critical learning experiences. Tune in to discover how leaders can cultivate an environment where employees feel empowered to take risks, address mistakes openly, and drive ongoing growth and innovation.   TAKEAWAYS Failure can lead to valuable insights if approached thoughtfully. Creating an environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns and admit mistakes is essential for fostering innovation and improvement. Teams that embrace failure as a learning opportunity are more likely to develop new ideas, improve processes, and grow from their experiences. Encouraging employees to take calculated risks withou

Annie Oxenfeld discusses disaster preparedness for companies with multi-state employees. She emphasizes the importance of having contingency plans, flexible work arrangements, and support systems in place. The conversation covers communication strategies, employee assistance programs, and ways to maintain operations while prioritizing employee safety and well-being during natural disasters.   TAKEAWAYS Develop and regularly update disaster preparedness plans. Offer flexible work arrangements and support resources for affected employees. Integrate safety and disaster preparedness into company culture.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Josh Durham, founder of Gamut Project Solutions, to explore his leadership philosophy and the importance of relationships in the workplace. Durham shares valuable insights on building trust and empathy while fostering psychological safety in the workplace and beyond. Listen in for practical advice on building meaningful relationships and leading with purpose.   TAKEAWAYS Relationships are the most important element of effective leadership. Self-awareness combined with personal development is essential to building meaningful connections. Without mastering key leadership principles such as communication, trust, agreements, and ownership, relationships within teams and organizations will struggle. Positive transformation can only occur when basic needs for survival and belonging are met. Adopting a positive mindset and spreading goodwill often results in building positive relationships. Successful negotiations go beyond fac