In this episode of Unmute HR, Stephanie and Erin pull back the curtain on one of the biggest myths in business—that HR is simple. From payroll and compliance to culture and strategy, they unpack why HR looks easy from the outside but is, in reality, a complex, ever-shifting orchestra of moving parts.

They share real stories of business owners who underestimated HR, from “simple” payroll setups gone wrong to policies that spiraled into compliance nightmares. Stephanie and Erin also tackle the dangers of relying on accountants or general counsel for HR decisions, the burnout of the “HR department of one,” and why strong, team-based HR isn’t a luxury—it’s essential infrastructure.

If you’ve ever wondered why HR feels invisible until something breaks, this episode will change how you see it. Because when HR is done right, nobody notices—but when it fails, everyone does.

Key themes:

• The myth of “simple HR” and what’s really under the hood
• Why strategy, systems, and culture all live inside HR
• The risks of bad HR advice (and how to spot it)
• Why every growing business needs a team, not a solo act