HR Empowerment

PODCAST · business

HR Empowerment

Welcome to the HR Empowerment Podcast. Join our team of industry experts today as they share strategies, insights and regulatory updates that are designed to keep you ahead of the curve.

  1. 513

    Using Ethical AI to Evaluate People, Not Just Resumes

    In this episode, Stef Rivard explores what it takes to use AI responsibly in HR and hiring. The conversation covers soft skills assessment, fairness metrics, bias reduction, and why employers must get educated before relying on AI tools to make better hiring decisions.

  2. 512

    How HR Infrastructure Supports Compliance, Growth, and Smarter Leadership

    In this episode, Darcie Gregoire explains the compliance risks many companies overlook as they grow, especially when expanding across multiple states. She and Wendy discuss why leaders need to view HR as essential business infrastructure and how AI-powered self-service tools can support scalable people operations.

  3. 511

    From ERP to AI: How HR Can Lead the Technology Transformation

    In this episode, Wendy Sellers is joined by Chris Carter, a recognized industry influencer and four-time Amazon best-selling author, to break down complex enterprise technology into practical insights for HR leaders. Chris shares how systems like ERP, HRIS, and SAP - and now AI - are transforming HR operations and elevating HR’s role within organizations. Wendy and Chris also explore how HR professionals can step into the role of change leaders, rather than just technology users.

  4. 510

    Unlocking Team Productivity with Working Genius

    In this episode, Wendy Sellers talks with Traci Via, Vice President of Development and Alumni for Agriculture Future of America (AFA), about the Six Types of Working Genius Certification and why it is such a valuable tool for HR professionals and team leaders. Traci explains how Working Genius helps reduce friction, increase joy, and improve productivity by focusing on how people naturally contribute to work. Wendy and Traci also discuss mission alignment, building high-performing teams, and what leaders can do when an employee begins to drift from their sense of purpose.

  5. 509

    Why Retaliation Is Still the #1 Workplace Complaint

    Host Wendy Sellers talks with Derek T. Smith about why retaliation continues to be the most frequently reported workplace issue. They discuss the disconnect between company policies and real workplace behaviors, along with how microaggressions, leadership responses, and workplace relationships can create legal and cultural risk.

  6. 508

    Why Experienced Professionals Are Being Overlooked and How to Change the Story

    Host Wendy Sellers welcomes John Tarnoff to examine why many experienced professionals struggle to gain traction in modern hiring systems. They discuss the impact of age bias, automated recruiting filters, and shifting career expectations, along with strategies for reframing experience and creating new pathways for mid-career success.

  7. 507

    Beyond the AI Layoff Headlines: Leadership in a Time of Continuous Change

    Host Wendy Sellers welcomes Shawn Gibson to unpack the growing conversation around layoffs being blamed on AI. They discuss why these workforce shifts often reflect deeper organizational issues and how leaders can communicate transparently, rebuild trust, and guide teams through ongoing change.

  8. 506

    Designing Culture for Resilience During the Energy Transition

    Host Wendy Sellers welcomes Sandra Guerra to discuss how culture, leadership capability, and strategic HR systems support organizations navigating industry disruption. They examine how companies in energy and industrial sectors can strengthen resilience, align their workforce, and lead transformation during the global shift toward new energy models.

  9. 505

    Why Administrative Talent Is the New Competitive Advantage

    Host Wendy Sellers speaks with Bonnie C. Schutz about the growing value of administrative professionals in today’s fast-moving business world. They discuss how strategic delegation, remote workforce solutions, and elevated support roles are helping leaders improve efficiency, strengthen operations, and create lasting business success.

  10. 504

    From Director to VP: Shifting from High Performer to Strategic Leader

    Getting promoted to VP requires more than delivering strong results, it requires being seen differently. In this candid conversation, Wendy Sellers and Katy McFee examine the hidden dynamics that shape advancement decisions, including visibility, communication style, and leadership branding. Listeners will walk away with a sharper understanding of how to confidently claim their seat at the executive table.

  11. 503

    Skills, Not Titles: Helping Veterans Translate Experience into Opportunity

    Military professionals develop leadership, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills under pressure, yet those strengths often get lost in translation. In this episode, Wendy Sellers talks with Ben Read about breaking down hiring barriers and focusing on competencies rather than titles. The conversation highlights practical solutions that benefit both transitioning service members and forward-thinking employers.

  12. 502

    Redefining Success: Letting Go of Who You’re “Supposed” to Be

    Many high achievers spend years building a life that looks “right,” only to realize it doesn’t feel right. In this conversation, Wendy Sellers and Kristy Halvorsen dig into identity, career attachment, and the freedom that can come from simplifying how we define ourselves. Kristy offers a grounding perspective on choosing presence over performance and trusting what emerges next.

  13. 501

    AI That Actually Helps People Grow Instead of Replacing Them

    What if AI became your organization’s most powerful development tool instead of a way to reduce headcount? In this episode, Wendy Sellers and Ayana Carroll unpack how talent intelligence can strengthen mid-level development, improve hiring decisions, and create clearer pathways for internal growth. Tune in for actionable ideas to connect skills to strategy and build a workforce that keeps getting better.

  14. 500

    Empathy Isn’t Soft, It’s Strategic: Practical Tools for Leaders

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers is joined by Mimi Nicklin to explore how empathy drives leadership, engagement, inclusion, and psychological safety in the workplace. Focused on HR professionals and managers, Mimi outlines the critical role empathy plays in employee retention and culture and why many leaders struggle to demonstrate it effectively. Her solution? Start with active listening and build from there. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to turn empathy into a leadership superpower.

  15. 499

    From Entry-Level to Leadership: Building Culture in Hospitality

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers sits down with Alyssa Brown to explore how internal mobility can reshape company culture within the hospitality, restaurant, and retail industries. They dive into strategies for transitioning team members from entry-level positions into leadership roles through intentional training, development, and transparent feedback. Alyssa shares her insights on how businesses can reduce turnover, even in high-turnover environments, by investing in people and creating clear paths for growth.

  16. 498

    Breaking the Pay History Habit: Real-Time Data for Smarter Compensation

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers is joined by Cary Sparrow, Founder and CEO of WageScape, to discuss the pitfalls of relying on outdated compensation data. Cary shares insights into how many organizations still anchor their pay strategies in the past, exposing themselves to unnecessary risk in today's fast-moving labor market. Drawing on his unique background in engineering, military leadership, and tech entrepreneurship, Cary emphasizes the importance of using real-time wage intelligence to drive forward-thinking HR decisions.

  17. 497

    HR Meets Digital: Adapting to the New Norm

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers welcomes Chris Berta to explore the intersection of HR and digital transformation. They dive into lessons from the early days of digital marketing and how those experiences shaped modern recruiting strategies. Chris shares valuable insights for HR professionals and organizational leaders on adapting to constant change, especially with the rise of digital tools and technology in every aspect of business.

  18. 496

    Breaking the Cycle: Fear-Based Leadership with Kate Lowry

    In this insightful episode, host Wendy Sellers dives into the realities of fear-based leadership with Kate Lowry - a CEO coach, venture capitalist, author, and comedian. Drawing from her experiences growing up in a hierarchical family and her high-level roles at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners, Kate shares how fear manifests in leadership and how to overcome it. This conversation explores how leaders can identify fear-driven behavior and replace it with authentic, empowering leadership strategies.

  19. 495

    Unmasking Potential: Neurodiversity, ADHD & Addiction in the Workplace

    In this insightful episode, Wendy Sellers is joined by Serena Palmer to explore the intersection of neurodiversity, ADHD, and addiction in today’s workplace. With a focus on breaking stigmas and embracing unique strengths, Serena shares why neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD, can be a powerful asset to any organization. The conversation dives into how employers can move beyond awareness into action, building inclusive cultures that support and empower all employees.

  20. 494

    Personalized Benefits Shape Workplace Culture

    In this insightful episode, host Wendy Sellers talks with Stacy Edgar, CEO and Co-Founder of Venteur, about how personalized health benefits can directly influence workplace culture and employee retention. Stacy breaks down the power of consumer-centric health models and introduces ICHRAs (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) as a flexible, impactful benefits solution. If you’re rethinking your retention strategy or want to modernize employee offerings, this conversation is a must-listen.

  21. 493

    Where Should Learning & Development Sit On The Org Chart?

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers is joined by Andrew Scivally to tackle the ongoing question: where should Learning & Development sit within an organization? Whether under HR, Operations, or elsewhere, Andrew shares why the answer isn’t always one-size-fits-all. He dives into how L&D teams can elevate their role from support to strategy, shifting perceptions and proving their value as key drivers of business success.

  22. 492

    From Friction to Flow: Leading Across Cultures with Confidence

    Host Wendy Sellers welcomes keynote speaker and executive coach Neelu Kaur for a powerful conversation on navigating cultural dynamics in today’s hybrid and global workplaces. Neelu shares how leaders can transform workplace chaos into connection and turn cultural friction into productive flow. With real-world insights from her book Be Your Own Cheerleader, she explores the keys to trust, communication, and leadership effectiveness in cross-cultural environments.

  23. 491

    Strategic HR for Real Growth: Putting People First

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers sits down with Kelly Price to unpack the often underestimated power of HR in driving business success. Together, they challenge the perception of HR as a mere cost center, exploring how strategic HR practices can directly impact a company’s bottom line. Kelly shares valuable insights on leadership, building a people-first culture, and how investing in your workforce is one of the smartest business moves leaders can make.

  24. 490

    Overcoming Burnout, Overthinking, and Phone Addiction

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers sits down with Eddie Truong, founder of E.R.A Coaching, to explore how high performers can reclaim their energy and focus without sacrificing their careers. They dive into the roots of burnout, the subtle pull of tech addiction, and the power of mindset work to break free from overthinking. Eddie shares practical tools and strategies that help professionals create healthier relationships with their phones and their inner thoughts.

  25. 489

    Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence

    In this inspiring episode, host Wendy Sellers welcomes Dr. Tabatha Y. Russell, a powerhouse in business and personal development. Together, they dive into the internal barriers and mindset challenges that often hold women back from reaching their full potential in leadership roles. Dr. Russell shares how she empowers both entrepreneurs and corporate executives to step into their confidence, elevate their income, and embrace expansive visions for success.Dr. Russell’s insight reveals a transformative approach that combines financial strategy with personal empowerment—helping women across industries lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

  26. 488

    Prioritizing Holistic Support at Work

    Hosts Wendy Sellers and JC dive into why holistic employee support is essential in today’s workplace. From rising burnout to increasing mental health concerns, they explore what it takes to go beyond standard benefits and build a culture of genuine care, balance, and long-term engagement.

  27. 487

    Understanding and Managing Challenging Relationships

    Host Wendy Sellers sits down with Dr. Jessie Stern to explore how attachment theory can unlock a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics. Drawing from her new book An Attachment-Based Guide to Dealing with Challenging People, Dr. Stern explains why some relationships at work feel difficult—and how to approach them with empathy, insight, and strategy to build stronger, more effective connections.

  28. 486

    From Operations to Strategy: The Evolution of Credible HR

    Wendy Sellers chats with Justin Dorsey about how operational HR excellence lays the groundwork for strategic credibility. They explore the value of Fractional HR, the power of culture in retention, and how strong leadership fuels engagement from the top.

  29. 485

    From HR Support to Strategic Partner: Building Real Business Acumen

    Wendy Sellers talks with Andrew Bartlow about transforming HR from a support function to a strategic force in business. They dig into what actually works in leadership development and how HR pros can claim their influence, without waiting for permission.

  30. 484

    The Neglected Acts of Leadership

    Wendy Sellers talks with Caroline Taylor about the simple but powerful leadership behaviors we often leave behind - like taking time to think, building authentic relationships, and caring for ourselves. Caroline also introduces how music can help leaders reconnect with these forgotten practices.

  31. 483

    The Science & Strategy of Building Great Teams

    Wendy Sellers speaks with Patrick Veroneau about the neuroscience and strategy behind building a thriving team culture. From CABLES to celebration, they uncover what truly keeps teams engaged and growing. Learn how recognition isn't just nice to have—it's necessary for sustainable success.

  32. 482

    Smarter Leadership Decisions Through Principles, Not Policies

    Wendy Sellers sits down with Matthew Price to explore the concept of “How-to IQ” and why leading with principles instead of policies is key in today’s complex environment. They unpack decision-making strategies, leadership blind spots, and how to build more adaptable, effective teams—even in uncertain times.

  33. 481

    Employment & Income Verification: Compliance, Efficiency, and the Employee Experience

    Wendy Sellers and Donny Phillips explore how employment and income verification processes affect the employee experience in a digital-first world. They dive into compliance challenges, automation pitfalls, and how to handle sensitive data responsibly. Learn what HR can do to streamline verifications without compromising security or employee trust.

  34. 480

    Making Leave Plan Generation Easier via AI

    Wendy Sellers hosts Anant Agarwal and Rhiana Gademsky to explore how AI is transforming leave plan creation. They discuss Aidora’s Leave Plan Generator, a tool designed to simplify and personalize the process for both HR and employees. Learn how technology can reduce administrative headaches while boosting compliance and employee satisfaction.

  35. 479

    Building Courage for Growth at Work

    Wendy Sellers sits down with Jill Schulman to explore how bravery can transform the workplace into a culture of growth and high performance. From small acts of courage to bold leadership decisions, Jill provides actionable insights to help you rethink what it means to be brave at work

  36. 478

    Stretching Budgets & Supporting Employees with SUB Plans

    Wendy Sellers talks with Elizabeth Lutes about a little-known but powerful HR and finance tool: the Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Plan. Learn how companies can save money during workforce reductions while protecting employee goodwill and aligning with state unemployment systems.

  37. 477

    Burnout Intervention & Building Resilient Workplace Cultures

    Mental health in the workplace is no longer optional—it's essential. In this episode, Wendy Sellers and Michelle E. Dickinson dive into how organizations can recognize burnout early and take steps toward building a culture of resilience and mental well-being. Tune in for actionable advice from a leading voice in burnout intervention.

  38. 476

    Leading Through Discomfort: Emotional Agility in Action

    Wendy Sellers and Archana Mohan discuss why discomfort can be a catalyst for leadership growth. They explore the importance of emotional intelligence and the role of mindset in turning chaos into clarity.

  39. 475

    Designing Inclusive Workplaces for ADHD and Neurodivergent Talent

    Dr. Jennifer Dall joins Wendy Sellers to unpack how HR professionals and leaders can make their organizations more welcoming for neurodivergent employees. From understanding ADHD to offering meaningful accommodations, this conversation is a must-listen for building inclusive cultures.

  40. 474

    Unlocking Superpowers: Neurodiversity and the Employee-Customer Connection

    Peter Shankman joins Wendy Sellers to spotlight the strengths of neurodiverse employees, especially those with ADHD. They also examine how investing in your team translates to better customer experiences across the board.

  41. 473

    Recruiting Is a Project, Not Just a Job Opening

    Recruiting isn’t just about filling a seat, it’s about managing a process. Wendy Sellers and Donna Beckett dive into why upfront planning, clear evaluation tools, and attention to soft skills lead to better hires. Plus, hear the hiring misstep Donna sees time and time again.

  42. 472

    How to Lead When You're Not The Leader

    Wendy Sellers talks with Dr. Benjamin Ritter about how to take initiative and show leadership—even if you're not the one in charge. Learn why leadership is more about mindset and action than job titles, and how you can start influencing others today.

  43. 471

    Future-Proofing HR: Navigating 2025’s Workforce with Darcie Gregoire

    Wendy Sellers and Darcie Gregoire dive into the future of HR, highlighting how leaders can prepare for workforce changes in 2025. They discuss innovative engagement tactics and the importance of agility in a post-pandemic world.

  44. 470

    Breaking Barriers: Jeff Arseneaux on Championing Disability Inclusion

    In this inspiring episode, host Wendy Sellers talks with Jeff Arseneaux—author, speaker, and disability inclusion consultant—about the importance of embracing disability in the workplace. Drawing from his 49 years of lived experience with cerebral palsy, Jeff shares personal stories and practical advice for creating inclusive, supportive environments. This conversation challenges assumptions and highlights the value of authentic representation and advocacy in shaping equitable workplaces.

  45. 469

    AI and the Extended Workforce: A New Era with Colleen Tiner

    In this episode, host Wendy Sellers is joined by Colleen Tiner, Chief Product Officer at Beeline, to explore how AI is transforming the management of the extended workforce. Colleen shares her perspective on the evolving role of AI in optimizing talent strategies beyond traditional employment models. Together, they uncover common challenges businesses face in integrating AI and offer forward-thinking solutions to drive workforce efficiency and adaptability.

  46. 468

    Leading with Reputation: A Strategic Edge for Emerging Leaders

    Charlotte Otter joins Wendy Sellers to discuss how leaders can use reputation as a strategic asset. From visibility challenges to the importance of authentic storytelling, this episode provides actionable insights for HR professionals and aspiring executives navigating today's digital landscape.

  47. 467

    Cultivating Sustainable Energy in Life, Business & Leadership

    Join Wendy Sellers and guest Teany Hidalgo for an empowering discussion on overcoming burnout and reclaiming your energy. Learn how to foster resilience and lead with vitality in both your professional and personal life

  48. 466

    Coaching Cultures & Mindful Leadership: A Conversation with Melissa SeveranceMelissa Severance joins host Wendy Sellers to discuss how coaching cultures and mindfulness can reshape leadership and organizational success. Learn how strategic HR efforts can

    Melissa Severance joins host Wendy Sellers to discuss how coaching cultures and mindfulness can reshape leadership and organizational success. Learn how strategic HR efforts can lead to higher engagement and lasting impact in today’s evolving workplace.

  49. 465

    Climbing the Ladder: Smarter Pay Strategies for Skill Growth

    Wendy Sellers talks with Scott Trumpolt about why every HR leader needs a clear compensation strategy. They dive into how to build career ladders, reward skill growth, and avoid the most common mistakes that derail pay programs.

  50. 464

    Bridging Generational Gaps: A New Approach to Leadership

    Dr. Meghan M. Grace joins Wendy Sellers to unpack how generational dynamics shape workplace culture and leadership. From common misconceptions to the power of reverse mentoring, this conversation offers practical advice for building stronger, cross-generational teams.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to the HR Empowerment Podcast. Join our team of industry experts today as they share strategies, insights and regulatory updates that are designed to keep you ahead of the curve.

HOSTED BY

Aurora Training Advantage

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