HR In Your Business with DeShawn Barrett

Send us Fan MailThis week on the Blackbridge Mindset Podcast, the hosts discuss Midwest weather and long TSA lines at Atlanta’s airport before welcoming Chicago-based people and talent leader Deshawn Barrett, Director of Talent Development at SpotHero, with 15+ years in HR and talent roles at ADP, PowerReviews, Victoria’s Secret/PINK, and more. Deshawn explains HR as a broad system beyond hiring and firing, covering benefits, fair pay, growth and development, compliance (including I-9s), policies, and balancing business needs with employee support. He shares guidance for entrepreneurs on when to use fractional HR or hybrid office manager roles, what to look for in a first HR hire, how culture is built through behaviors and feedback (not perks), and how leaders set the tone. He also advises addressing toxic high performers quickly, and emphasizes knowing your business and desired culture before hiring.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:27 Spring Weather Banter01:41 ATL Airport TSA Chaos04:01 Meet Deshawn Barrett06:24 Deshawn Origin Story10:18 What HR Really Does15:06 When to Hire HR15:51 Quick Like and Follow16:27 Fractional HR Options19:47 Hiring Your First HR33:01 Culture vs Perks35:27 Feedback Without Negativity36:48 Accountability and Listening38:54 Culture of Fear Warning40:07 Lead by Example41:12 Recognition and Rewards43:17 Preparing to Hire HR45:49 Templates and Shortcuts47:21 Like and Follow Break47:57 Retaining Your HR Leader53:08 Toxic High Performers57:17 Advice Before First Hire01:00:05 Contact and Closing RitualThank you for listening! Follow our socials! FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us: Email: [email protected]  Hosts:Mike CJKen