Ep. 5 - The Rebel HR Mindset: Why Challenging Convention Builds Engagement - with Debra Corey

Being a rebel in HR isn’t about breaking rules. It’s about having the courage to question them, and the wisdom to know when and how.In this episode, host James Weier sits down with Debra Corey, Chief Pay It Forward Officer at Step It Up HR and six-time best-selling author known for reimagining people practices with human-first thinking. Debra brings her “rebel cape” to the table and shares how listening deeply, co-creating with employees, and challenging outdated HR logic unlock genuine culture transformation. Her philosophy of learning from every experience, even the uncomfortable ones, helps leaders connect more authentically and build trust that lasts.You’ll hear how Debra turns surveys into real conversations, builds wellbeing programs that reflect people’s choices, and uses simple check-ins to keep trust alive. She shares what it means to “wear their color” when giving feedback, how to win over naysayers by uncovering their real why, and where AI can help managers spend more time with people, not paperwork. Her stories are a reminder that being human is still HR’s greatest advantage.You'll learn: 1. Why listening once isn’t enough and how to build ongoing feedback loops2. How to design HR programs with employees, not for them3. How to drive change by challenging convention with smart timing and intent4. What authentic generosity looks like when you lead from experience5. How vulnerability can become your most credible leadership tool___________Get in touch with Debra Corey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debracorey/___________About the host James Weier:James is Director, US at EGYM Wellpass and President of the Denver chapter of the Level Up HR Community. With 10 years of experience and a degree from the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, James brings a collaborative, community‑focused approach to his work. When he’s not elevating employee experience or strengthening HR leadership, James enjoys spending time with his wife and their two young boys in Colorado’s great outdoors.Get in touch with James Weier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesweier/