In this episode, we welcome back Sean Luitjens, VP of Product Strategy and Partnerships at Salary.com. Drawing from his recent conversations with over 20 WorldatWork affiliates, Sean shares his insights on the most pressing challenges and consistent messages from compensation practitioners on the front lines. He also unpacks the “mass confusion” caused by data overload and new compliance demands, the strategic allocation of limited budgets, and future of merit increases.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Sean! Today’s Topic: The Consistent Messages from WorldatWork [5:07] What are the most consistent messages you've heard from WorldatWork affiliates? Practitioners are facing “mass confusion” from the sheer volume of data, technology options, and compliance requirements.  Despite increased demands, compensation budgets and headcount have not grown.  [17:47] Where are compensation departments focusing their time and budgets? Technology now allows for more sophisticated segmentation and pay philosophy execution than was possible with Excel.  The role of the compensation professional has expanded to include communications, as transparency makes it critical to explain the “why” behind pay decisions.  [28:17] Are merit increases going away? The effectiveness of traditional merit increases vs. paying for the role and offering performance-based bonuses that are not added to base pay.  The practical challenges of any model, whether it’s merit-based or role-based, often come down to inconsistent management and lack of buy-in.  [34:36] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “We don’t always put ourselves in the seats of the [compensation] practitioner . . . There’s so much information coming at them from data, and the one thing that seems to not have changed in the comp budget.”

In this episode, we welcome Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek, to discuss the critical need for developing speaker training programs for technical staff within an organization. Neil shares his personal story of struggling with public speaking as an engineer and how it inspired him to help other technical professionals improve their communication skills. He breaks down the common challenges technical experts face when presenting to non-technical audiences and offers practical strategies HR departments can implement to foster better communication across the organization.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Neil! Today’s Topic: Developing Speaker Training Programs for Technical Staff [6:59] Why is it so important for technical staff to be strong public speakers? How a lack of communication skills can lead to being overlooked for promotions and raises.  The benefit of having the person with the expertise communicate it directly, rather than risk information getting lost in translation.  [13:33] What are the biggest challenges for technical people presenting to non-technical audiences? The importance of remembering what it was like before becoming a technical expert and tailoring the presentation accordingly.  The challenge of making assumptions about what the audience already knows.  Strategies for understanding the audience before delivering a presentation.  [20:32] What role can HR play in developing presentation and communication skills for technical staff? Involving technical staff in the creation of the training or presentation to ensure it meets their needs.  Using feedback questionnaires to measure the effectiveness and improvement of the training over time.  [28:52] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “A lot of times, technical people, we think that us being excellent at our jobs is good enough, and unfortunately, that's not the case. If you're not good at advocating for yourself, you're not good at communicating your worth to an organization, you get overlooked.”

In this episode, we welcome Prem Kumar, the CEO and co-founder of Humanly, an AI-powered hiring platform. We discuss how AI is reshaping the world of recruiting by improving speed, enhancing the candidate experience, and allowing for greater scalability without losing the essential human touch. Prem also discusses the importance of building trust with candidates through empathetic AI interactions, and provides real-world examples of how companies are using these new tools to make their hiring processes more efficient and effective. [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Prem! Today’s Topic: How AI is Reshaping Recruiting [8:31] How is AI helping recruiters balance speed and candidate experience? AI can make bad processes happen faster just as easily as it can good ones; it's not a replacement for a sound strategy. The role of the recruiter will evolve into one of orchestration, strategically deciding where to implement AI in the hiring workflow. [16:10] How can you build an AI that earns candidate trust? Earning trust is about providing immediate value and setting clear expectations. The goal is not to trick a candidate into thinking an AI is human, but to be transparent about its role in assisting them. [24:57] What are some real-world examples of AI improving hiring efficiency? For AI to be effective, it must be integrated directly into a company’s primary workflow, such as its Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Chat agents are now handling candidate intake, answering questions, and initial screening. Companies are using AI to re-engage with the vast pools of candidates they already have in their databases. [35:23] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “AI, like any technology, has the ability to make this happen faster, more efficiently, and at a higher quality; but it also has the ability to make bad things happen faster, more efficiently bad, and at a higher quality of bad. It isn’t a way of getting around sound process.”

In this episode, we welcome Carlee Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Leadership Development and Organizational Effectiveness at Hyatt Hotels. We discuss how AI is reshaping leadership, growth, and coaching in the workplace. Carlee also explores the shift from generalized feedback to personalized, data-driven insights, and the importance of balancing AI tools with genuine human connection and empathy.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Carlee! Today’s Topic: How AI is Redefining Leadership and Growth [6:13] How is AI Changing People Analytics and What Does It Mean for Leaders? Parallels between AI-powered customer personalization and its potential to tailor employee development.  By handling data analysis, AI frees up time for leaders to focus on high-value, human-centric tasks like coaching and mentoring.  [18:05] How can Insights on Skills, Feedback, and Careers Help People Move Toward More Intentionality? AI creates the opportunity to democratize development tools, making them accessible to employees at all levels, not just senior leadership.  The ethics of programming AI with empathy versus fostering it as a critical human leadership skill.  [27:06] What Does It Look Like When We Pair Development With Insightful, Data-Driven, and Personalized Real-Time Coaching? AI coaching tools can help employees identify blind spots in their communication and daily work.  The ideal approach is using AI tools for curating content and insights while relying on human coaches for connection, reflection, and building relationships.  [34:03] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “Oftentimes [development tools] are just accessible [at] senior leadership levels. But now I think the question is like, can [AI] democratize that?”

In this episode, we welcome Stan Suchkov, Founder and CEO of Evolve, a next-gen learning platform. We discuss the transformative impact AI could have on the L&D sphere and explore the new opportunities generative AI created for everything from onboarding to employee assessments.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Stan! Today’s Topic: How AI is Transforming the HR and L&D Sphere [4:11] What New Opportunities has the Rise of AI Brought to L&D? How AI agents can autonomously generate courses, personalized employee training, and automate assessments.  Making sure AI agent are successfully integrated into existing workflows.  [13:32] What Potential do AI Agents Hold for the Workplace? Viewing AI as a tool for human augmentation, not human replacement, making jobs more efficient rather than eliminating them. How AI agents can gather and analyze data from various systems (like a CRM) to help HR measure the impact and ROI of training programs.  [21:21] How can HR Overcome the Barriers to AI Adoption? Focusing on low-hanging fruit, like creating personalized learning plans, to prove ROI.  The challenge of adoption is often a lack of awareness; many in HR don't yet know what is possible with modern AI.  Reimagining work processes is necessary to move beyond outdated, paper-based workflows.  [33:08] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “If any HR solution finds the opportunity to show ROI, they will become a unicorn in zero years, I have no doubt. It's a huge treasure every platform searches for.”

In this episode, we welcome Natalie Tincher, Founder of BU Style & Principal Style Strategist. We unpack the often-overlooked intersection of personal style, workplace culture, and inclusion. Natalie shares insights on how employee authenticity and appearance impact confidence and connection, how the shift to hybrid work is redefining professional norms, and how HR leaders can balance dress code policies with generational expectations and DEI commitments. [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Natalie! Today’s Topic: The impact of dress guidelines on workplace authenticity and inclusion. [5:55] The Impact of Personal Style on Employee Confidence and Connection How others perceive style, even if it’s not a personal priority.  Distinguishing between expression and perceived “work” norms. [14:32] How Hybrid Work is Redefining Professional Dress Guidelines How dress expectations have evolved since the pandemic.  The challenge for those accustomed to more rigid dress codes.  [22:35] HR’s Role in Balancing Dress Policy, DEI, and Generational Expectations The importance of open conversations about dress codes.  Supporting employee self-expression while respecting workplace values.  Finding ways for employees to bring more of their full selves to work.  [31:29] Closing Thanks for listening! To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

As Season 9 of the HR Data Labs podcast comes to a close, join David and Dwight for a reflective look back at the season’s episodes, guess, and key topics. They revisit their predictions from the Season 8 finale, evaluate hits and misses on trends like AI adoption and expected DEI shifts. Finally, they peer into the future, offering bold new predictions for what HR professionals can expect regarding financial strategies, AI integration, and the evolving landscape of HR data and analytics. [0:00] Introduction •   Welcome, David and Dwight! •   Today’s Topic: Season Recap and Future Predictions for HR Data   [4:43] Reflecting on Season 9 & announcing our new live podcast •   Expect a renewed focus on AI in HR in Season 10 •   Our new live podcast series: Brown Bag Lunch!   [15:25] Grading our Season 9 predictions •   Reviewing AI adoption trends in customer service •   Assessing DEI changes from the new administration’s policies   [20:55] Predictions for Season 10 •   Dwight’s prediction: Anticipating a slight loosening of organizations’ cautious financial strategies •   David’s prediction: Forecasting a widening gap between organizations embracing AI in HR and those delaying adoption   [28:14] Closing Thanks for listening and stay tuned for Season 10! Quick Quote “I’m predicting that people will start to adopt [AI], slowly at first, but then in a storm—and I’m talking in the next six months. People will see they can’t get away from [AI].” To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Amri B. Johnson, inclusion strategist and founder of Inclusion Wins, joins us this episode to discuss the tumultuous climate of DEI practices in today’s organizations and how companies can navigate toward more effective inclusion strategies.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Amri! Today’s Topic: Creating Anti-fragile Organizational Cultures [7:27] How to begin tackling DEI challenges Shifting current DEI practices built on outdated paradigms Understanding viewpoints of those with opposing opinions [16:39] Navigating DEI amidst anti-DEI rhetoric Recognizing that people are multi-dimensional, not two-dimensional Building trust within an organization to improve inclusion [30:55] Helping employees overcome fear of organizational change Recognizing the root cause of employee concern Focus on building relationships and engaging with colleagues [35:27] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote: “A lot of DEI practices in the US are based on paradigms of old. We need to think about what’s possible now . . .” To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Charlie Sull, Co-Founder of CultureX and Culture Researcher at MIT, joins us this episode to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we understand and measure corporate culture. He explains why traditional employee surveys fall short and how AI tools are providing new insights into what employees really think about their workplace culture. [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Charlie! Today’s Topic: Using AI to Understand and Improve Corporate Culture [5:30] Why should anyone care about cultural measurement? We know culture is important, but many still see it as an ethereal concept that’s difficult to manage Why so many people think corporate culture is marketing nonsense [13:22] How is culture actually measured? Why 1-to-5-point scale surveys fail to capture true sentiment Using LLMs to analyze and distill human sentiment from employee reviews [24:13] Why is AI a better way of measuring company culture? Why deciphering complex employee sentiments is nearly impossible with traditional surveys The newfound flexibility of gathering data for culture analysis using AI tools [35:08] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “[With traditional 1-to-5-point scale surveys] you’re not getting any information. If you’re trying to measure company culture with this robotic, repetitive low quality data, you just can’t understand . . . what your employees are saying.” To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Charlene Li, author and analyst, joins us this episode to discuss proven strategies for safely and successfully rolling out AI solutions to employees within an organization. She also compares the roles of generative AI and AI agents in the workplace.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Charlene! Today’s Topic: Proven Strategies for Integrating AI in the Workplace [5:43] What are the biggest challenges HR faces with moving Generative AI into the workplace? Developing a strategic, rolling 18 month plan for AI implementation How HR can avoid stumbling through an AI rollout with a proper governance plan [15:15] How can HR teams avoid stumbling with AI initiatives? Building a minimum viable team to champion the AI integration strategy The importance of training everyone in the organization [31:25] How does generative AI compare to AI agents? Managing a team of people and AI agents Understanding how AI agents are designed and how to best prompt them [42:47] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “Yes, humans need to be in the loop, but the real power of AI is when you take the human out of the loop because you trust it.” To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Susan LaMotte, the founder and CEO of exaqueo, joins us this episode to discuss the intricacies of acquiring custom data for your organization, how to pull the most impactful insights from that data, and how to secure support (financial and otherwise) for data collection.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Susan! Today’s Topic: The Importance of Custom Data for HR and the Future of Benchmarking [5:55] What are HR teams missing when working with large amounts of data? Data vs. insight Critical data analysis that many HR teams overlook [17:01] How to gain useful insights from HR data? Quantitative vs. qualitative insights How organizations can address and accommodate their employees’ personal needs [30:51] How can you get the data you need? Seeking data and insights from outside the digital norms like social media HR teams’ ability to secure necessary funding for data collection [41:46] Closing Thanks for listening! To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Michael Gomez, CHRO at Tasty Restaurant Group, joins us this episode to discuss what drives employee engagement and the steps organizations can take to boost their own employees’ engagement.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Michael! Today’s Topic: The Secret to Better Employee Engagement [3:21] What’s the “secret sauce” for better employee engagement? Understanding the interdependency of various systems within an organization How to build trust within an organization [8:30] How to create more engagement within an organization Why employee feedback is a powerful tool for driving engagement Offering employees meaningful benefits that won’t compromise their take-home pay [27:32] How can organizations begin boosting employee engagement? Letting your employees know that you want to understand their challenges How to garner leadership support [30:40] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “[Employee engagement] is about aligning from leadership through all levels of the organization on what’s important.” Connect with Mike: ·       LinkedIn Connect with David:  ·       LinkedIn ·       david.turetsky@salary.com Connect with Dwight: ·       LinkedIn ·       Dwight.brown@salary.com  Podcast Team ·       HRDataLabs@Salary.com To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Sarah Katherine Schmidt, Vice President at Peoplelogic, joins us this episode to discuss why performance management fails so many employees today and how improving performance management increases employee engagement and retention. [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Sarah! Today’s Topic: Revolutionizing Performance Management for Today's Workforce [4:27] Why Sarah advocates for agile performance reviews How regular feedback reduces recency bias and improves accuracy Why psychological safety should be built into an organization’s promise to its employees [13:24] How does agile performance management help improve engagement and retention? Addressing the needs of the varied generations in the modern workforce How to bring managers and employees onto the same page [24:42] How do organizations roll out agile performance management? Key mindset shifts leaders must make for successful implementation Letting the business set the norms for performance [32:37] Closing Thanks for listening! To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Desiree Goldey, Director of Marketing at ZRG Partners and Founder of Do Better Consulting, joins us this episode to discuss how the disconnect between talent and HR teams impacts an organization’s employees, both current and future.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Desiree! Today’s Topic: Fixing the Disconnect Between Talent and HR Teams [4:32] How do we know there’s a disconnect between talent and HR? Root causes of talent-HR miscommunications Challenges in transforming company cultures [10:53] How does the disconnect impact the recruiting process? How candidates experience a company’s confusion and mixed messaging Resume insights and advice, including why AI tools are essential in applicant-heavy job markets [24:30] How does the disconnect affect employee engagement? The toll on company culture and morale Challenges facing remaining employees after a significant layoff [36:10] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “When there’s a state of confusion [within a company], who suffers? It’s the employee.” To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Michael Ohata, leadership coach and former Big Four partner, joins us this episode to discuss building a resilient workforce through better talent management. He addresses the shortcomings of many organizations’ outdated talent management models, offers ideas for improvement, and speculates on how AI could enhance talent management. [0:00] Introduction ·       Welcome, Mike! ·       Today’s Topic: Leadership and Building a Resilient Workforce  [5:26] What are the primary shortcomings of traditional talent management frameworks? ·       Current talent management models are 25 years old ·       The pandemic highlighted an already outdated system  [14:11] How can organizations retain talent while cutting costs? ·       Why short-term cost cutting often sacrifices talent ·       How developing detailed career frameworks benefits employees  [23:52] Why do some companies stick with underperforming talent management systems? ·       Leaders’ tendency to rely on familiar processes ·       How AI might transform talent management  [32:20] Closing ·       Thanks for listening!  Connect with Mike: ·       LinkedIn Connect with David:  ·       LinkedIn ·       david.turetsky@salary.com Connect with Dwight: ·       LinkedIn ·       Dwight.brown@salary.com  Podcast Team ·       HRDataLabs@Salary.com For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST.  Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Afogato Media To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Christopher “CJ” Gross, CEO of Jabbar HR Solutions, CEO and Founder of Ascension Worldwide, and author, joins us this episode to discuss key takeaways from his book, What’s Your ZIP Code Story? CJ shares how our backgrounds shape workplace interactions, techniques for navigating difficult conversations, and practical approaches to addressing class bias in professional settings.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, CJ! Today’s Topic: Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace [6:55] What inspired CJ to write his book? Where to begin when discussing class in the workplace Understanding that it’s human to develop biases [19:26] Where did CJ start the journey to write his book? The power of conversations that stems from curiosity Exploring the dualities within people [31:39] How do you navigate difficult conversations with people who share opposing opinions? How to engage productively with people who hold opposing opinions Why face-to-face conversations build trust in ways digital communication cannot [41:18] Closing Thanks for listening! Connect with CJ:  LinkedIn   Connect with David:   LinkedIn  david.turetsky@salary.com  Connect with Dwight:  LinkedIn  Dwight.brown@salary.com    Podcast Team  HRDataLabs@Salary.com   Produced by Afogato Media  Quick Quote “If we’re not able to share [our stories] without fear of retaliation, then we don’t have an environment where we can have dialogue. When that happens, people will use power to protect themselves.” For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST.  Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Danielle Bushen, Global Head of People & Culture Technology Strategy at Sanofi, joins us this episode to discuss HR data governance. She explains what “data governance” actually means, outlines common data governance challenges HR teams face, and offers practical first steps toward better governance practices.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Danielle! Today’s Topic: Demystifying HR Data Governance [5:54] What does “data governance” actually mean? Understanding transactional vs. analytical HR data Why cross-team interoperability and collaboration are key [16:58] What are common HR data governance challenges? Navigating the complexity of balancing multiple jurisdictions How the lack of standardized practices creates governance headaches [27:15] Where do you start your data governance journey? Establishing clear data ownership When to address urgent issues before tackling comprehensive data cleanup [36:28] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “[Data governance] is owned by people, enabled by processes, and supported by technology.” Contacts:  Danielle's LinkedInDavid's LinkedInDwight's LinkedInEmail us! For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST.  Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Production by Affogato Media To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Isaac Cheifetz, Managing Principal at Catalytic1 Executive Search and Chief Mentor Recruiter at Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory, joins us this episode to discuss applying lean methodologies to talent acquisition.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Isaac! Today’s Topic: Applying Lean Methodology to Talent Acquisition [9:14] Is talent acquisition really broken? Examining pain points for hiring managers, job seekers, CEOs, and HR teams Challenges in the online job application process [18:05] How can we change talent acquisition to improve it? Importance of reviewing and improving job descriptions Integrating lean methodologies into talent acquisition processes Pros and cons of AI in talent acquisition [40:08] Is formalized training required for good talent acquisition system design? Strategic benefits to formal training in talent acquisition system design [41:51] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote “All you have to do [when you’re designing quality job descriptions] is start with the funded business case. The role you’re hiring for is the result of a funded business initiative.” Resources:  Catalytic1  Hiring Secrets of the NFL  How to assess & improve AI competencies for Executives & BOD  Contacts:  Isaac's LinkedInDavid's LinkedInDwight's LinkedInPodcast Manager: Karissa HarrisEmail us!Production by Affogato Media To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Ron Hetrick, Vice President of Staffing Strategy and Sr. Labor Economist at Lightcast, joins us in this episode to discuss the current labor shortage and its relation to shifting demographics in the workforce. He explores which industries are being hit hardest by labor shortages (and why), and he answers the question on many of our minds: can AI help solve this issue?  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Ron! Today’s Topic: Finding a Solution to Current Labor Shortages [7:24] An overview of the current labor shortage The economic impact of retiring Baby Boomers becoming consumers rather than producers How immigrant workers fill essential roles in sectors facing critical staffing challenges [25:40] Which industries are being hit the hardest with labor shortages? Using classification systems to identify the most vulnerable industries How automation and remote work are reshaping job markets [38:30] Is AI a potential solution to the labor shortage? Japan’s pioneering approach to AI workforce integration amid population decline Why successful B2B AI implementation must precede B2C applications [45:55] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote: “Right now all the AI investment is going to B2B, . . . which are also in-office, professional jobs. So a problem we don’t have is getting solutions, while all the [labor shortage] problems we do have have no solutions.” Resources:  The Rising Storm Contacts:  Ron's LinkedInDavid's LinkedInDwight's LinkedInPodcast Manager: Karissa HarrisEmail us!Production by Affogato Media To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media

Send us a text Stefanie Krievins, President of The Change Architects, joins us to pick up topics that were left on the cutting room floor when she last guested on the show. In this episode, she discusses how executive upskilling and reskilling has changed in recent years, the true impact of executive coaching, and why change management doesn’t get the attention and investment it deserves.  [0:00] Introduction Welcome, Stefanie! Today’s Topic: The Holistic Impact of Change Management [5:00] How has executive upskilling and reskilling evolved? Contrasting upskilling vs. reskilling How to spread autonomy throughout an organization so leaders can lead [13:26] How do organizations give their leaders opportunities to grow? The impact and ROI of executive coaching How succession plans help mitigate unknown risks [25:23] Why does change management often lack the investment it needs? Why to avoid implementing change management too late How much time and money organizations should allocate to change management [35:29] Closing Thanks for listening! Quick Quote: “Leaders should be leverage makers. Your right leaders turn the output of one person into the seeming output of five people—that’s leverage.” Resource: The Change Architects  Contact:Stefanie's LinkedInDavid's LinkedInPodcast Manager: Karissa HarrisEmail us!Production by Affogato Media To schedule a meeting with us: https://salary.com/hrdlconsulting For more HR Data Labs®, enjoy the HR Data Labs Brown Bag Lunch Hours every Friday at 2:00PM-2:30PM EST. Check it out here: https://hrdatalabs.com/brown-bag-lunch/ Produced by Affogato Media