Welcome to the TroopHR Podcast, where we bring you the best of HR and business thought-leadership in a casual coffee chat format. Our mission at TroopHR is to empower HR professionals to advance their careers, personal development and build better organizations. We promise fresh, actionable content from master practitioners, industry leaders, translating their seasoned experience into practical advice. Join us for insights, strategies and tactical take-aways to drive the HR profession forwar ...
…
continue reading

1
Ep 34. From HR to Founder: Leading with Conviction and Self-Awareness, Thach Nguyen, Managing Partner @ Plenty Search
24:02
24:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:02What makes a great founder, and how can HR leaders become one? In this candid and deeply personal conversation, Taylor Bradley sits down with Thach Nguyen, founder of executive search firm Plenty, to explore the evolving role of the founder-CEO and what it takes to lead with conviction, humility, and purpose. A self-described "accidental founder," …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 33. Rethinking the First 90 Days: A Startup Playbook with Cindy Gordon, Chief People Officer, Madison Energy Infrastructure
22:59
22:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:59What does successful onboarding really look like in a startup? In this candid and strategy-packed episode, TroopHR host Taylor Bradley sits down with Cindy Gordon, a seasoned Chief People Officer, to reframe how people leaders should approach their first 90 days—especially in high-growth, fast-paced environments. Cindy shares invaluable insights dr…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 32. Reimagining Leave: How Deborah Hanus, CEO of Sparrow Is Transforming Compliance and Compassion in HR
21:36
21:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:36In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with , CEO and founder of Sparrow, to uncover why employee leave remains one of the most complex, costly, and emotionally charged responsibilities in HR. From a background in reinforcement learning at MIT and Google Brain to building a leave management platform that’s already sav…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 31. Minisode: Lillian Gilbreth and the Radical Power of Empathy at Work
6:03
6:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:03In this miniepisode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley spotlights Lillian Gilbreth, an often-overlooked pioneer who quietly reshaped the future of work. Long before terms like “employee experience” or “ergonomics” existed, Lillian was asking questions that still challenge leaders today: Can efficiency and empathy coexist? How do we design …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 30. Behind the Curtain: Managing Burnout & Building HR on Broadway with Manny Bejarano
31:15
31:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:15Broadway may be dazzling under the lights, but what happens behind the curtain? In this episode, Taylor Bradley sits down with Manny Bejarano, a seasoned HR leader in the theater industry, to explore burnout in live performance, the evolving role of HR in arts organizations, and the unique challenges of managing talent both on and off stage. Manny …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 29. Reinventing Yourself: Career Growth, Confidence & The Power of Change with Lan Phan
27:11
27:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:11What does it really take to reinvent yourself, whether it’s a career pivot, a shift in workplace positioning, or embracing new challenges? In this powerful episode, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, transformation coach and author of Do This Daily, to explore how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change. Lan shares her deeply per…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 28.Hiring for Startup Growth: Finding Stage-Appropriate Talent with Natalie Ledbetter
21:30
21:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:30In this episode of The TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with startup talent expert Natalie Ledbetter to dive into one of the biggest challenges in high-growth companies—hiring the right people at the right time. Natalie, a seasoned Chief People Officer and startup advisor, shares her framework for identifying the ideal talent DNA for …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 27. Navigating Employment Law in 2025: Trends, DEI Backlash, and HR Challenges with Julie Werner, Partner at Lowenstein Sandler LLP
32:01
32:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:01Listener's Note: For context, this episode was recorded one week before President Trump assumed office, which is why he is referred to as President-elect. In this episode of The TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley sits down with Julie Werner, an experienced employment lawyer with over 27 years at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, to unpack the critical trends sh…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 26. 2025 HR Trends & Talent Outlook: A Conversation with Chief Talent Officer, Michelle Schreck at Flatiron Search Partners
33:53
33:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:53In this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Michelle Schreck, Chief Talent Officer at Flatiron Search Partners, to explore what's ahead for HR and talent acquisition in 2025. From the resurgence of leadership development programs to evolving remote work policies, Michelle shares valuable insights from both the employer and candidate p…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 25. Transforming Compensation Cycles with AI: Insights from Amee Parekh, CEO of Stello AI
29:22
29:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:22In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley explores the evolving landscape of compensation strategies with Amee Parekh, CEO of Stello AI. Amee, a tech-savvy HR leader with a software engineering background, shares her journey from HR leadership to leveraging AI to revolutionize how organizations approach pay planning. Discover actionabl…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 24. Redefining High Performance: Insights from Joy Sybesma, Founder of ScaleJoy, and Alli Trussell, SVP of People at Bilt Rewards
37:04
37:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:04Host Taylor Bradley sits down with Joy Sybesma, Founder of ScaleJoy, and SVP of People at Bilt Rewards Alli Trussell, to redefine what high performance looks like in today’s workplace. Together, they explore how clarity, self-awareness, and adaptability drive success at individual, team, and organizational levels. Joy and Alli share actionable insi…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 23. The Future of Recruiting: AI, Automation, and Human Connections with Anthony Onesto, Chief People Officer at Suzy
37:28
37:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:28In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley speaks with Anthony Onesto, a recruitment industry veteran, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing recruiting. Onesto explores the significant shifts technology has introduced to the recruiting landscape, from mobile advancements to LinkedIn, and emphasizes AI's potential to automate repetit…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 22. Navigating Politics in the Workplace with Jen Fox and Pete Turok
41:04
41:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:04In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, Taylor Bradley tackles the thorny issue of political discourse in today's workplace with HR veteran, Jen Fox, and conflict resolution expert, Pete Turok. The discussion challenges the traditional "no politics at work" rule, exploring why this approach may no longer be feasible in our hyper-connected world. Fo…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 21. Hot Takes on HR's Hottest Topics with The Huerta 'Brothers': Daniel and Stephen from Modern People Leader
41:57
41:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:57In this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Daniel and Stephen Huerta, the dynamic duo behind the Modern People Leader podcast. The often mistaken brothers are actually cousins-turned-business partners whuch share their unique journey into HR tech and offer a candid look at the industry's most pressing issues. The conversation spans a…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 20. Nurturing Leadership Through Mentorship: Luck Dookchitra,VP, People & Culture at Leapsome
32:20
32:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:20In this episode, Taylor Bradley engages in an insightful conversation with Luck Dookchitra, an experienced HR leader, about the transformative power of mentorship in career development and organizational growth. Luck shares her wealth of experience in both receiving and providing mentorship, offering valuable insights for HR professionals at all ca…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 19. Building Resilient Organizations: Rory Sacks on Transforming L&D for Business Impact
34:29
34:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:29In this episode of TroopHR, Taylor Bradley sits down with Rory Sacks, a seasoned Learning & Development leader, to explore the evolving landscape of talent development. Rory shares his unique perspective on building organizational resilience through strategic L&D initiatives, challenging traditional approaches to training and onboarding. Key topics…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 18. Labor Day Minisode: Sweeping Away Barriers, Anna Bissell, America's Trailblazing CEO
5:21
5:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:21In this mini-episode, host Taylor Bradley takes us on a journey back to the late 1800s, exploring the inspiring story of Anna Bissell. Widely recognized as America's first female CEO, Anna's tale is a testament to breaking barriers and redefining leadership in the face of systemic constraints. It's a great story of a legendary leader in workforce h…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 17. Unlocking the Power of Executive Storytelling: Featuring Jared Cozart and LeAnne Harper, Co-Founders of Unlock
41:00
41:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:00In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley dives deep into the art of storytelling with experts Jared Cozart and LeAnne Harper, co-founders of Unlock. Together, they explore how compelling narratives can transform HR leadership and set professionals apart in a competitive corporate landscape. Discover how to harness storytelling to…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 16. Transforming Employee Experience through Product Management Principles: A Conversation with Jessica Zwann, COO at Talentful
33:32
33:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:32In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley engages with Jessica Zwann, a former CHRO and current COO, to delve into the dynamic world of HR leadership. Jessica narrates her unique career transition from journalism and law to HR and operations, highlighting essential skills for HR leaders aspiring to broader roles. She discusses the…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 15. Bridging Venture Capital and HR Leadership in Startups with Rebecca Price, VC Partner at Primary Venture Partners
29:38
29:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:38In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley explores the intersection of venture capital and HR leadership with Rebecca Price, a seasoned HR executive turned VC partner at Primary Venture Partners. Rebecca offers a deep dive into the venture capital landscape, detailing the role of VC firms in nurturing startups and the various spec…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 14. From Macro to Micro: Navigating Labor Economics, HR Trends, and Compensation Strategies
59:29
59:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:29In this episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley takes listeners on a journey from broad labor market trends to granular compensation strategies. The episode features three distinguished guests, each offering unique insights into different aspects of the evolving workforce landscape. First, Ron Hetrick Vice President, Staffing Strategy a…
…
continue reading

1
Minisode 4th of July: James G Thompson & The Double V Campaign of WW2
6:22
6:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:22In this special 4th of July mini-episode of the TroopHR podcast, host Taylor Bradley shares an inspiring story of an unsung hero in the history of the American Workforce. Taylor recounts the courageous actions of James G. Thompson, who played a role in the development of the American workforce and laid groundwork for the civil rights movement. The …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 12. “Do This Daily” with Lan Phan, Author & Founder of Community of Seven
29:03
29:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:03Taylor Bradley sits down with Lan Phan, accomplished author of "Do This Daily" and founder of Community of Seven, to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. Lan shares her journey from corporate executive to purveyor of equitable talent development, emphasizing the critical need to democratize access to leadership training. S…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 11. Thriving in a multi-generational Workforce with Helen Dayen CEO of the Dayen Group
27:17
27:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:17Taylor Bradley sits down with Helen Dayen, the dynamic CEO of the Dayen Group, to dive deep into the intricacies of navigating a multigenerational workforce. With now up to five possible generations collaborating in workplaces, Helen illuminates the key differences between them, from their unique relationships with technology to their distinct comm…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 10. Reimagine Inclusion - Transform Your Workplace with Mita Mallick Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta
34:57
34:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:57Host Taylor is joined by Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta, an accomplished Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Mita shares the inspiration behind her book Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace. Mita and …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 9. Transforming the Workplace Insights from Zamena Ladak and Josh Saterman | TroopHR Retreat 2024
40:05
40:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:05In this powerful episode from the 2024 TroopHR retreat, host Taylor Bradley sits down with Zamena Ladak, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Business Development at Assemble, and Josh Saterman, CEO of Saterman Connect, to discuss the critical topics of transformation and inclusion in today's ever-changing workplace. Zamena and …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 8. Bridging the Gap Between HR and Business Operations: Insights from SkillCycle's Co-Founder, CCO Rebecca Taylor
31:35
31:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:35Taylor welcomes Rebecca Taylor, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at SkillCycle, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and its intersection with HR leadership. Drawing from her extensive experience in both HR and business operations, Rebecca shares valuable insights on how COOs and HR leaders can e…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 7. Cultivating High-Performing Teams with Charter's Massella Dukuly and Emily Goligoski
40:05
40:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:05In this episode, host Taylor speaks with Massella Dukuly, Head of Workplace Strategy + Innovation and Emily Goligoski, Head of Research, SVP from Charter about the practice of building and sustaining high-performing teams. They define key traits, share tips for attracting and retaining talent, and walk through a real case study. Masella and Emily p…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 6. Evolving the CHRO Role with Shari Chernak, Executive Consultant @ Mercer
26:00
26:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:00In this episode we sit down with Shari Chernak, an Executive Consultant with Mercer that specializes in HR leadership and organizational transformation. Drawing from her extensive career at top consulting firms and in-house roles, Sherry shares insights from leading the research of Mercer's "Voice of the CHRO" survey, highlighting the evolving chal…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 5. The Cost of Tolerating Underperformance with Melanie Naranjo, VP of People at Ethena
25:25
25:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:25Join us on The TroopHR Podcast as we explore the cost of tolerating underperformance with Melanie Naranjo, VP of People at Ethena. Melanie shares practical insights on defining and measuring performance, navigating tough conversations, and the significant impact tolerating underperformance can have on high performers. Discover valuable strategies f…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 4. A Team of One with Alicia Henriquez, Head of People LiveBlocks
23:42
23:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:42Join us for great practical takeaways in our conversation with Alicia Henriquez, Head of People at LiveBlocks, as she delves into the unique challenges and strategies for thriving as a team of one in HR. From wearing multiple hats to prioritizing effectively, Alicia shares valuable insights for "lone wolves" in the HR world. As an added bonus, Alic…
…
continue reading

1
Mini-sode The 2024 TroopHR Retreat with Tracy Avin, Founder of TroopHR
6:48
6:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:48Elevate your HR game when you join us at the 2024 TroopHR Retreat. Set in the stunning locale of Naples, Florida, the Retreat will be the perfect blend of professional development and social interaction. TroopHR Founder, Tracy Avin gives us an exclusive peek into what’s in store for attendees at this year’s annual event. Attendees will participate …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 3. The Human Aspect behind the Visa Process with Judy Husbands, Partnerships Manager at MobSquad
21:33
21:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:33In this insightful episode, we delve into the human side of the visa process with Judy Husbands, the Partnerships Manager at MobSquad, a valued TroopHR partner. Judy offers unique perspectives drawn from her own immigration journey, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity and seamless transitions for individuals relocating to Canada. B…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 2. 2024 Priorities - Beyond Business Insights with Jill Katz, Founder & Chief People Officer Assemble HR Consulting
25:28
25:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:28Jill Katz, the Founder and Chief People Officer at Assemble HR Consulting, sits at a unique intersection, working with clients in various industries and stages of growth. From this vantage point, Jill offers insights on the top-of-mind issues for her clients in 2024. Ranging from the office versus remote work debate to acknowledging the impact of w…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 1. Charting the HR Landscape: 2024 Insights with Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO at Harvard Business Publishing
24:05
24:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:05Join us for an illuminating conversation as Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO of Harvard Business Publishing, shares her expert insights and visionary perspectives into the HR landscape of 2024. In this episode, we delve into crucial HR topics such as workplace flexibility, the return to office, pay transparency, mental health support for employees, and th…
…
continue reading