The PeoplePro Podcast

Candidate ghosting isn’t always intentional. Often it’s the result of unclear timelines, inconsistent follow-up, and too much silence. In this episode, we unpack the communication breakdowns that cause candidates to disengage and go quiet, and we outline a simple “keep them warm” communication rhythm you can use at every stage of hiring. If you want fewer drop-offs and a stronger employer brand, it starts with clarity and communication.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

If you’re getting applicants but not hires or candidates keep disappearing mid-process your hiring funnel may be leaking. In this episode, we break down each stage of the funnel (apply, screen, interview, offer) and pinpoint the bottlenecks that quietly cost you top talent. You’ll walk away with practical ways to measure drop-off, tighten timelines, and streamline decisions so great candidates don’t slip through the cracks.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

What does your hiring process feel like from the other side? In this episode, we walk through the candidate journey like a “secret shopper” from job posting to application portal to interviews and follow-up. You’ll learn where candidates lose confidence, what common friction points cause drop-off, and the simple fixes that make your process feel faster, clearer, and more human without lowering your standards.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Are you an HR Department of One drowning in interview scheduling? Do you think AI is a luxury reserved for the Fortune 500?Think again.In the second installment of our AI Without the Hype series, we debunk the myth that you need a million-dollar budget to leverage artificial intelligence. The truth is, AI is the ultimate equalizer for small businesses, startups, and non-profits. It doesn't just add efficiency; it gives you superpowers.Join us as we explore the practical, affordable, and immediate ways small teams can use AI to automate the robotic parts of the job—so you can get back to the human parts.In this episode, we cover:Escaping the "Email Ping-Pong" of Death: How affordable conversational AI agents can schedule interviews while you sleep.Solving the Blank Page Problem: The specific prompting strategy to turn ChatGPT into your best policy writer (and why "Context is King").The 24/7 Support Desk: How to use basic chatbots to answer "Where is my W2?" so you never have to answer that question again.Data Safety 101: Crucial rules for using free tools without leaking sensitive employee data.Stop working harder. Start working smarter. Tune in to find out how to punch above your weight class.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Is your new AI recruiting tool a productivity booster or a class-action lawsuit waiting to happen?Welcome to the kickoff of our February series: AI Without the Hype. In this episode, we strip away the marketing buzzwords to confront the uncomfortable reality of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace. We aren't talking about sci-fi scenarios; we are talking about the decisions being made right now that affect real people and company culture.Join us as we dive deep into the ethical minefield of modern HR tech, exploring how algorithms can inadvertently discriminate against older workers and caregivers through "proxy variables" and why the rise of productivity monitoring tools might be destroying your team's trust.In this episode, we cover:The "Bias In, Bias Out" Reality: How historical data corrupts future hiring decisions.Proxy Variables: Why filtering by "graduation year" or "employment gaps" is the new discrimination.The Surveillance Trap: The fine line between analyzing productivity and policing employee sentiment.The Regulatory Landscape: What you need to know about NYC Local Law 144 and the EU AI Act.The Human-in-the-Loop: Why "the computer said so" is never a valid legal defense.It’s time for HR to step up as the moral compass of the digital age. Tune in to learn how to optimize for efficiency without optimizing away your humanity.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Have you ever watched the energy in a boardroom shift the moment the conversation turns to finance? You have confident updates on engagement and culture, but when the CFO starts talking about EBITDA and margins, the disconnect is palpable.In this episode of The PeoplePro Podcast, we tackle the one skill that can single-handedly elevate your career and your high-level impact: Financial Fluency.We explore why the "language of empathy" isn't enough to secure budget approvals and why HR leaders must learn to speak the language of the business—finance. This isn't about becoming an accountant; it's about understanding how your organization makes money and how your people initiatives directly protect the bottom line.In this episode, we cover:Breaking the "Cost Center" Curse: How to stop reporting on activities and start reporting on value.The HR-to-CFO Translation Guide: A plain-English breakdown of essential terms like P&L, EBITDA, and the critical difference between CapEx and OpEx.From Metrics to Money: How to reframe "soft" HR stats (like turnover rates) into hard financial data (like cost of vacancy) that demands attention.Building the Bridge: A simple tactic to align yourself with the Finance team and become a formidable duo in organizational planning.If you are ready to move from the back office to the boardroom, this episode is your blueprint for mastering the financial side of Human Resources.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

You didn’t get into the People profession to reset passwords or manually update org charts. You got into it to build culture, develop talent, and shape the future of your organization.But if you look at your browser tabs right now, how many are open to spreadsheets?In this episode, we dismantle The Admin Trap—the seductive "safe harbor" of busy work that keeps capable HR leaders stuck in the weeds. We explore the psychology behind "Productive Procrastination," why we often choose being a Concierge over being an Architect, and the hidden cost of "Organizational Debt."Join host Misty as she lays out a ruthless, three-phase escape plan to reclaim your calendar.You’ll learn:The Psychology of "Busy": Why administrative work gives us a dopamine hit, while strategy feels scary.Concierge vs. Architect: How to stop fixing problems for people and start building systems so they can fix them themselves.The AAA Framework: A step-by-step guide to Audit, Automate, and Anchor your time.The "Manager Reliance" Fix: Exact scripts to use when managers try to offload their leadership responsibilities onto you.Stop letting the paperwork bury your potential. It’s time to close the tabs and start leading.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

As the year winds down, HR professionals and organizational leaders are balancing benefits updates, compliance checklists, and all the year-end tasks that demand attention—but there’s a powerful opportunity often overlooked: reflection. In this episode, we explore why pausing to reflect on the past year isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage.We’ll discuss how looking back helps you uncover patterns, pinpoint what worked, and use challenges as data—not failures. Then, we’ll walk through how to turn that reflection into a practical, priorities-first planning process that positions HR as a strategic partner to the organization. From aligning goals with business direction to building processes that streamline your workload, you'll learn how to plan with intention instead of simply adding more tasks.You’ll also discover how to guide your leaders and employees into the new year with clarity and confidence through transparency, training, communication, and culture reinforcement. And finally, we’ll focus on your personal leadership reset—setting boundaries, building habits, and identifying growth opportunities that strengthen you at the center of it all.If you’re ready to chart 2026 with purpose and confidence, this episode offers the clarity, encouragement, and direction you need to make it your strongest year yet. Tune in and start planning with impact.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

The best leaders don’t just fix performance problems — they prevent them.In this episode of The PeoplePro Podcast, Misty McCraw explores how proactive management builds strong teams and sustainable performance. Learn how setting clear expectations, giving consistent feedback, and recognizing effort can transform your workplace culture from reactive to resilient.In this episode, you’ll learn:What it means to lead proactively (and why it matters)Four leadership habits that naturally prevent underperformanceHow to spot early warning signs before they become major issuesPractical ways to build a culture of accountability and trustTakeaway: Proactive leadership isn’t about control — it’s about clarity. When leaders set the tone early and often, performance becomes part of the culture, not a crisis to solve.Resources Mentioned: ➡️ Register for our webinar: Performance Rx: Diagnosing and Solving Employee Underperformance Issues 📅 November 13 @ 12 PM CT 🔗 Register HereApproved for SHRM & HRCI credits.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

When an employee starts to struggle, it can test even the most experienced leader. Do you coach, correct, or take formal action? How do you address performance problems without creating tension or losing trust?In this episode of The PeoplePro Podcast, Misty breaks down how to handle performance challenges with clarity, consistency, and confidence. From understanding the real root causes of underperformance to having constructive, respectful conversations, you’ll learn the strategies HR professionals and people leaders need to turn problems into progress.In this episode, you’ll learn:The six most common causes of underperformance (and how to spot them early)How to have effective performance conversations using the SBI ModelThe difference between coaching and discipline — and when each is appropriateHow to balance accountability with empathy to build trust and resultsTakeaway:Managing performance isn’t about punishment — it’s about partnership. With the right mindset and process, you can help employees get back on track and strengthen your entire team.Resources Mentioned:➡️ Register for our upcoming webinar: Performance Rx: Diagnosing and Solving Employee Underperformance Issues📅 November 13 @ 12 PM CT🔗 Register HereApproved for SHRM & HRCI credits.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

What’s the secret to keeping your employees happy, motivated, and sticking around? In this episode of The PeoplePro Podcast, we’re diving into the practical strategies that actually move the needle on employee engagement and retention. From the first-day experience to long-term recognition and growth opportunities, we’ll uncover what really makes people feel valued—and why it matters more than ever in today’s workplace.You’ll walk away with actionable tips, fresh ideas, and real-world examples you can implement right away to build a culture that people don’t want to leave.Tune in and discover:The top drivers of employee happiness in 2025What actually works for engagement beyond free snacks and ping pong tablesHow great leaders build loyalty through intentional actionsQuick wins you can start today to boost retentionWhether you’re an HR professional or a people leader, this episode will help you engage your team and retain your best talent.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Preparing for career transitions is vital in today’s unpredictable job market, yet many organizations overlook the powerful tool of outplacement services. In this episode, we shed light on how these services not only facilitate smoother transitions for laid-off employees but also protect and enhance a company's reputation. Our guests, Tray Ross and Mark Lefevre of the Careers Launch Academy, delve into the intricacies of their comprehensive program designed to empower individuals at all career stages.Listeners will discover how the Careers Launch Academy's unique module-based approach equips employees with essential skills, such as resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and effective interview techniques. Tray and Mark share success stories that illustrate the program's impact, emphasizing the emotional and practical support it offers during difficult job transitions. Additionally, we explore the potential long-term benefits for organizations, including a reduction in legal risks and a boost to employee morale.This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals and leaders aiming to enhance their workforce's resilience amid layoffs and transitions. If you've ever wondered how to better support employees during career changes, this conversation will provide you with the insights and resources you need. Join us as we discuss the importance of outplacement services in fostering a supportive company culture, and don’t forget to visit careerslaunch.com to learn more and connect with our guests!Connect with Tray and Marc on social media or book a demo today!Tray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traycoross/Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-lefevre1/Career Launch: https://careerslaunch.com/Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

As Artificial Intelligence reshapes HR, leaders face a critical challenge: how to harness AI’s efficiency while maintaining fairness, transparency, and the human touch. In this episode of The People Leaders Playbook, we dive deep into AI’s growing role in HR, the ethical dilemmas it presents, and how leaders can ensure responsible implementation.🔹 What You'll Learn:✅ How AI is transforming recruitment, performance management, and workforce planning✅ The risks of AI-driven bias, privacy concerns, and loss of human judgment✅ Strategies for ethical AI use—auditing for bias, maintaining transparency, and protecting data privacy✅ The future of AI in HR and how to balance innovation with integrityJoin me as we explore how HR leaders can embrace AI without compromising ethics—because technology should serve people, not replace them.🎧 Listen now and let’s continue the conversation! Have you encountered AI in HR? Share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or social media.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

AI isn’t just for big corporations anymore! In this episode of The People Leaders Playbook, we’re diving into how small and medium-sized businesses can leverage Artificial Intelligence in HR to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance the employee experience.We’ll break down:✅ What AI in HR really means – From recruiting to compliance, discover how AI is transforming HR functions.✅ Practical ways small businesses can use AI – Learn how AI-powered tools can help with hiring, onboarding, engagement, and performance management without breaking the bank.✅ Challenges and ethical considerations – Explore AI bias, data privacy, and how to maintain employee trust while integrating AI into your HR strategy.✅ How to get started – Actionable steps to identify your HR pain points, choose the right AI tools, and implement them effectively.AI in HR isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer. But it’s crucial to use it thoughtfully and ethically to keep the human element at the heart of your HR strategy.🚀 Tune in now to learn how AI can elevate your HR game and help your business thrive!🔗 Subscribe to The People Leaders Playbook for more insights on leadership, HR trends, and workforce strategies. Got experience using AI in HR? Let’s connect on LinkedIn or social media—I’d love to hear your thoughts!Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

In this episode we’re kicking off the year with actionable strategies to set your team up for success in 2025. January is a time for fresh starts, and as a people leader, you have the unique opportunity to set the tone for a productive and fulfilling year.Join Misty as we cover:Reflecting on last year’s successes and lessons learned.Setting SMART goals that align with organizational priorities.Strengthening communication channels to enhance collaboration.Prioritizing employee development to boost engagement and retention.Fostering team well-being and creating a culture of recognition.This episode is packed with practical tips to help your team thrive in the months ahead. Don’t miss it—start the year strong and make 2025 your team’s best year yet!Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of 2025. In this episode of The People Leaders Playbook, we dive into what HR professionals need to prioritize to drive success in the new year.From leveraging AI and automation to refining policies, enhancing productivity, and building strategic workforce plans, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your HR impact. Whether you’re focusing on leadership development, employer branding, or navigating compliance, we’ll cover the trends and strategies that will define the HR landscape in 2025.Join me for this forward-looking episode and set your organization up for a strong and strategic year ahead.Feeling overwhelmed? PeoplePro HR Solutions can assist with your HR audit. We offer comprehensive audit services to help you identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, ensuring you’re set up for success. Schedule a free consultation today at www.peopleprohrsolutions.com!Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of HR? Join us on the latest episode of the People Leaders Playbook as we welcome Julie, a top HR influencer and Senior Partner at UKG, to discuss the pressing issue of HR burnout. Julie sheds light on how burnout can silently creep into our lives, manifesting as extreme fatigue, overwhelming workloads, and the relentless quest to prove our worth. With alarming statistics showing over 40% of HR professionals feel that burnout isn't adequately addressed, Julie's insights are more critical than ever. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout triggers and shares self-care strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance.Click here to connect with Julie on LinkedIn for more valuable insights and networking opportunities!Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Today we're diving into a crucial aspect of effective leadership—emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. It's a key factor that sets great leaders apart. In this episode, we'll explore what emotional intelligence is, why it's important, and practical exercises to enhance your EQ.We'll break down the five main components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Each component plays a vital role in how you lead and interact with your team. Discover why emotional intelligence is indispensable for leaders, helping them manage stress, make informed decisions, and foster a positive work environment. We’ll also share practical exercises like self-reflection journaling, mindfulness meditation, active listening, empathy mapping, and stress management techniques to help you enhance your EQ.Join me as we uncover how developing your emotional intelligence can transform your leadership style and create a more collaborative and trusting team dynamic. Remember, great leaders are made, not born, and honing your emotional intelligence is a key step on your leadership journey.Until next time, keep striving to elevate your leadership game and inspire your team.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

In this episode, we dive into the art of leading up within organizations. Leading up isn't just about managing those below you; it's about effectively influencing and collaborating with those above you in the hierarchy. Misty explores various strategies and principles that can help individuals navigate this dynamic and essential aspect of leadership.We begin by discussing the importance of understanding your superiors' preferences, communication styles, and priorities. By gaining insight into their perspective, you can tailor your approach to better meet their needs and foster productive working relationships.Effective communication is also key to leading up. We delve into the importance of being concise, clear, and confident in conveying ideas, as well as the significance of active listening and receptivity to feedback.Building trust with superiors is fundamental to effective leadership. We explore how consistency, honesty, transparency, and competence are essential components of trust-building, and how earning the trust and respect of those above you can pave the way for greater opportunities and success.Anticipating needs and proactively supporting superiors is another crucial aspect of leading up. By identifying opportunities to add value and offering creative solutions to problems, individuals can demonstrate initiative and commitment to the team's success.Furthermore, we discuss the importance of managing conflict with professionalism and diplomacy. Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but how you handle it can make all the difference. We explore strategies for finding common ground, maintaining open lines of communication, and preserving relationships when conflicts arise.Lastly, we emphasize the significance of continuous improvement in leading up. Leadership is an ongoing journey that requires constant self-reflection, growth, and development. By seeking feedback, embracing learning opportunities, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can enhance their leadership effectiveness and inspire others to do the same.Tune in to this insightful episode of to learn valuable tips and strategies for mastering influence and continuous growth in your leadership journey.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

On this episode, Misty shares an exciting announcement about her business!Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

This episode is an insightful guide on how to effectively lead and coach teams using the G.R.O.W. methodology, which stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. Misty emphasizes the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, conducting a reality check to assess the current situation accurately, exploring all possible options creatively, and committing to specific actions to ensure accountability and progress. She also introduces practical tools like SWOT analysis and the Five Whys technique to deepen understanding and enhance problem-solving skills. This episode is packed with actionable advice and aims to empower leaders and coaches to foster a supportive environment, encourage creative thinking, and drive their teams towards success. Misty's encouragement to apply the G.R.O.W. model underscores its potential to not only achieve goals but to build stronger, more resilient teams, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership and coaching skills.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

In today's fast-paced world, where everyone is eager to share their thoughts, Misty urges us to pause and truly understand the significance of listening. She explores the distinction between hearing and active listening, emphasizing that it's not about waiting for your turn to speak but absorbing, understanding, and responding with empathy.Misty introduces the transformative power of active listening, moving beyond transactional exchanges to create a shared journey of understanding and growth. She unpacks practical techniques like paraphrasing and clarifying questions that elevate communication from the mundane to the truly meaningful.The episode doesn't stop there. Misty addresses the barriers that hinder meaningful communication, from digital distractions to preconceived notions and the rush of our schedules. She provides actionable strategies to overcome these barriers and create spaces for more genuine connections.As Misty narrows in on the leadership landscape, she illustrates how mastering the art of listening as a leader profoundly impacts team dynamics. Morale rises, engagement soars, and leaders create environments where team members feel supported, understood, and motivated to contribute their best.Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Leadership is more than just management; it's about inspiring and motivating teams to reach their full potential. In this episode, we unravel the key skills and knowledge required for effective people leadership. From leading by example and fostering open communication to cultivating a positive work environment, we explore the fundamental aspects that set people leadership apart from traditional management.Discover the art of building strong relationships with your team members, understanding their unique abilities, and creating a collaborative work environment. We discuss practical tips on scheduling one-on-one meetings, encouraging open dialogue, and acknowledging your team's hard work and achievements.But why does people leadership matter? The episode uncovers research-backed insights, showcasing how effective people leaders drive higher employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and better financial performance for organizations.Finally, we compare people leadership with traditional management, highlighting the key characteristics that set them apart. While traditional management focuses on processes and goals, people leadership empowers individuals, prioritizing development, feedback, and recognition.Join me as we open the playbook to the intricacies of people leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to become one, this episode offers valuable insights to inspire, motivate, and guide you towards being the best people leader you can be. Register here to attend the UKG webinar on Thursday, January 25th @12:30PM! Don't forget - one attendee will win a Peloton!Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions

Send us Fan Mail Connect with Misty & PeoplePro HR Solutions: 🌐 PeopleProHRSolutions.com 📱 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram @PeopleProHRSolutions