Why are fast-moving teams moving away from full-time hires? In this episode, we speak with Yakov Filippenko, founder of Intch, a platform connecting professionals through intent-based, AI-powered networking. Yakov shares how part-time and project-based work is no longer a fallback option — it’s becoming the smart, strategic choice for startups, lean teams, and even big companies looking to stay flexible. We talk about the shift in mindset post-layoffs, the rise of global talent through nomad visas, and how hiring today is less about résumés and more about solving real business problems. From AI bias in recruitment to the hidden value of “non-traditional” candidates, this episode explores what hiring looks like when we stop playing by outdated rules.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle chats with Dr. Meesha Dogan, CEO of Cardio Diagnostics, to explore how AI and epigenetics are transforming cardiovascular health in the workplace. They discuss the ripple effects of heart disease on productivity, benefits costs, and team dynamics—and how employers can take a proactive role through technology-driven prevention and wellness strategies. With a focus on actionable insights and employee well-being, this episode offers HR leaders new ways to support health and retention across their organizations.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle chats with Carmen Amador, organizational psychologist and community lead at Oyster, about the evolving world of work. They explore the rise of fractional leadership roles, the value of flexibility, and how companies can strategically leverage part-time experts. As a bonus topic, Carmen offers a fresh perspective on women’s well-being and human centered leadership through an informed conversation on women’s menstrual cycles and alignment with work.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle talks with Jessica Wright, Founder and CEO of Wright Workforce Solutions, about redefining what HR looks like for small and growing businesses. Jessica shares her journey from nonprofit leadership to building a thriving minority- and woman-owned firm that offers hands-on HR, payroll, recruiting, and strategy support to small businesses. Together, they explore how businesses can overcome challenges like delegation, resource access, and talent management—while staying mission-driven and prioritizing strategy and growth.

In this episode, host Cindi Koetzle is joined by Sara Taylor, Founder of deepSEE Consulting, to explore our competency around unconscious bias and how it shapes our actions, decisions, and workplace conflicts. Sara breaks down the concept of “filters” and shares practical strategies to recognize and shift them. With timely insights on conflict, communication, and polarization, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for leaders and HR professionals striving to create more inclusive and aware workplaces.

Heidi Barnett, President, Talent Acquisition Solutions at isolved, joins Nine to Thrive HR for a deep dive into the future of hiring and employee experience. Heidi shares how ApplicantPro’s full integration into isolved is helping organizations streamline recruiting, enhance employer branding and create more engaging candidate journeys. She also unpacks the critical balance between AI-powered efficiency and the human elements that make a workplace thrive. Tune in for actionable insights on how HR leaders can attract top talent, improve retention and build people-first cultures in today’s competitive landscape.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle chats with Dr. Steven Stein, renowned clinical psychologist and founder of Multi-Health Systems (MHS). Steve was an early adopter of the power of emotional intelligence and has since been involved in the conversation about the intersection of emotional intelligence and psychological hardiness in the workplace. As they explore hardiness, the level of mental resilience when faced with stress, they discuss the learnable ability to manage emotions and grow through stress — using the "3 Cs" of Challenge, Control, and Commitment — leads to stronger leadership and healthier teams. A fascinating listen for HR practitioners, leaders, and team members looking to build healthy resilience.

As big brands pull back on DEI&B, small and midsize businesses are stepping up. In this episode, Opal Wagnac shares why DEI&B is more than a trend — it’s a business necessity. She explores how SMBs are uniquely positioned to lead with inclusion, close the gender gap, and create workplaces where everyone belongs. From allyship to the bottom-line benefits of belonging, this conversation offers real insights for HR leaders navigating today’s evolving workforce.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle is joined by Seth Turner, Founder and Senior Advisor at AbsenceSoft, to explore the growing complexities of leave and accommodation in the workplace. They break down the biggest insights from our 2025 State of Leave and Accommodations Report, based on a survey of 2,400 employees and HR managers. Leave requests are rising, increased demand for mental health support is a growing factor, and compliance remains a challenge—so what does this mean for HR? We’ll share findings leading to why leave and accommodations requests are increasing, how employers can balance compliance with employee support, and the biggest FMLA mistakes to avoid. Plus, we’ll explore the importance of manager training and how technology can streamline processes while preserving a positive employee experience.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle welcomes back Dr. Steve Yacovelli, also known as "The Gay Leadership Dude," for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. With insights backed by data and real-world examples, Steve and Cindi explore the backlash against DEI efforts including potential challenges organizations will face and the unexpected impact of performative allyship. They further the conversation with the business case for inclusive leadership, the shifting generational perspective on workplace belonging and how leaders and allies can continue the drive for meaningful change.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle sits down with William Warren, Founder and CEO of The Sketch Effect, to explore the power of visual communication in the workplace. From graphic recording to video animation, William discusses how HR professionals and business leaders can revolutionize meetings, training, and collaboration with the art of sketching. He shares how these “doodles” enhance learning, boost engagement and bridge generational gaps. Tune in to discover why visuals are not just about art but about making ideas more memorable, actionable, and emotionally impactful.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle sits down with Jenni Kovach, Chief People Officer at IGS Energy, and Alissa Durbin, VP of HR, to discuss the evolution of their HR function. They explore how IGS Energy’s "People Are Why" (PAW) team has transformed HR from a reactive function into a true strategic partner, leveraging people analytics, holistic employee well-being initiatives, and skills-based hiring. Jenni and Alissa share insights on leadership, compensation transparency, and fostering a culture of conscious capitalism. Don’t miss this compelling story of how a well-known energy organization turned their focus on employee engagement into a thriving HR business model and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

In this must listen episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle explores the power of inclusive language with linguistic anthropologist Dr. Suzanne Wertheim. Together, they dive into the hidden biases within everyday speech, the impact of language in workplace culture, and practical strategies for HR professionals to foster more inclusive communication. Dr. Wertheim shares insights from her book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide, shedding light on how small language shifts can lead to big changes in employee experience and organizational success. Tune in for a mind-opening conversation on creating a more respectful and inclusive workplace!

Link to survey report - https://eightfold.ai/2024-talent-survey/ In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle welcomes Sachit Kamat, Chief Product Officer at Eightfold AI, to discuss the evolving role of HR in business strategy, talent management, and the integration of AI. They explore insights from Eightfold’s recent global survey highlighting challenges such as HR's alignment with business goals and employee perceptions of growth tools. Sachit shares examples of the transformative potential of AI in HR processes, emphasizing responsible implementation and its role in enabling strategic HR partnerships. The episode provides actionable takeaways for HR professionals navigating AI and the future of talent strategies in 2025

In this episode of "Nine to Thrive HR," host Cindi Koetzle welcomes Benjamin McCall, Principal of Focus Consulting, sharing insights from his lifetime career, highlighting the integration of strategic business thinking into Human Resource (HR) practice. The conversation covers key topics such as workforce challenges post-pandemic, the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, and the future of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They dive into the evolving drift of flexible work arrangements, reskilling, and empathy in leadership. Benjamin concludes the episode by reflecting on the lessons learned in 2024, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, strategic planning in organizational growth.

This episode of Nine to Thrive HR features guest Sarah Devereaux, an HCI faculty, a leadership coach and HR expert, exploring the themes of communication, conflict resolution, and organizational culture. We get real as she discusses the year ahead and a mission to lead with respect and open mindedness, if we should choose to accept it. The discussion highlights the need for clear, respectful conversations, adaptive change management, and fostering environments that prioritize collaboration and innovation. Lastly, Sarah reflects on her experiences moderating HCI’s first return to in-person conference in 2024, emphasizing the importance of building lasting connections.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle discusses menopause in the workplace with guests Cassandra Pratt, CHRO, and Cynthia McEwen, VP of People and DEI at Progyny. The conversation addresses the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause, including physical, emotional, and professional impacts. The two highlight innovative approaches such as tailored benefits, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and cultural initiatives designed to normalize discussions about midlife health and foster inclusivity. The episode underscores the importance of compassion, breaking taboos, and enhancing workplace productivity and morale.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle interviews Kevin Ring, COO and lead workers' compensation analyst at the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. The discussion centers on strategies for developing effective workers' compensation (WC) programs and the critical role of human resources (HR) in fostering a culture of safety and employee well-being. Ring emphasizes the importance of proactive education, clear communication, and integrating safety culture into broader workplace values. He also outlines best practices, including conditional hiring protocols and post-offer medical evaluations, to mitigate risks and enhance program success. The conversation highlights how HR practitioners can align WC strategies with organizational goals, ultimately improving employee engagement, safety, and profitability. More information from Kevin Ring: IWCP's primary website is WorkCompProfessionals.com and the site for the program we've built specifically for employers is at LockedAndLoadedTraining.com.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle speaks with retired Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz, founder of Vanguard Veteran LLC. This episode is a guide for HR leaders seeking to build inclusive environments that champion veteran talent, strengthening both the workforce and community. Kathy shares her mission to help civilian employers recognize the value of veterans’ unique skill sets, including adaptability, leadership, and teamwork. She outlines strategies to attract and retain veteran talent, from robust onboarding and mentoring to establishing veteran Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Kathy also dispels common myths about veterans in the workplace, emphasizing that veteran employees can greatly enhance organizational culture when properly supported.

In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, host Cindi Koetzle interviews Dr. Mohamed Lazzouni, Chief Technology Officer at Aware, about the integration of biometric technology in HR practices. Dr. Lazzouni provides an accessible breakdown of biometrics, addressing both its applications and ethical considerations, such as consent and privacy. He discusses how biometric data like facial and voice recognition can enhance security and streamline processes like identity verification, onboarding, and credentialing in remote work environments. Emphasizing the technology’s accessibility and affordability, Dr. Lazzouni highlights the potential for companies, even smaller or evolving HR departments, to adopt these tools for operational efficiency and to foster employee trust and data security. The conversation wraps up with practical insights on how companies can implement these biometric solutions with ease, thus enhancing security, operational speed, and employee retention.